Having Fun With Solidworks

[gizmo]

I have been designing my quick attach forks in Solidworks. In addition to being able to create solid models and fabrication drawings, it also does pretty good renders. I have already purchased the forks, hooks and pins. Now I just need to get the rectangular tube and flat stock. This is really a cool piece of software.

 

[Rgillard]

I use Pro-Engineer to model up my projects. The beauty of it is that you can model mechanisms. In this project I was trying to find the optimum position for the hydraulic cylinder so I could get the most from the cylinder. It is a very useful package. Have never used solid works but hear its a great programme too. All we need is CNC machines attached to the computers and there is nothing that we couldnt make. If only!!!!

I was trying to attach an MPEG file to show the trailer tipping but I cant at this minute. My webpage is down too. is there any other way of doing it??

 

[PineRidge]

How long did it take you getting comfortable with the software? Were you able to draw what you needed right off the bat?

 

[Rgillard]

I used Pro/E while I was at college and use it now for working so I would be very proficient. I have attached screenshots of the trailer. Think that took me about 35-40 mins to model and mechanism. It spits out an MPEG file into Windows media player. It is definitely a handy method of working because you can see your mistakes and make improvements before you actually walk out into the workshop.

 

[mathey]

once you've used SolidWorks, you'll never go back to Pro again!

*ducking for cover*

 

[gizmo]

Rgillard:
In a previous life I ran an engineering department where we used Solidworks in conjunction with our CNC machines. Our group developed systems for scientific research, so we were able to dream up some really neat stuff. Lots of fun. Solidworks will also do mechanisms with animation.

PineRidge:
Obviously how long it takes to get comfortable with something is dependent as much on the person as what the something is. However, having dealt with a lot of software of an engineering nature I would say that Solidworks and other similar parametric modeling systems are really easy to get value out of quickly. I was able to make basic objects and assemblies literally within minutes of my first encounter with the package. My experience with Autocad, for example, was not the same.

 

[MadReferee]

Cheapest license I could find for SolidWorks was $3995. A full function license with the useful options will run about $8000. It ain't cheap.

 

[3RRL]

In a previous life I ran an engineering department where we used Solidworks in conjunction with our CNC machines. Our group developed systems for scientific research, so we were able to dream up some really neat stuff. Lots of fun. Solidworks will also do mechanisms with animation.

Me too.
We had both (several seats of each) along with MasterCam, CadKey and AutoCad. Back then each seat was extremely expensive, Pro-E being the most expensive. I was gonna say you guys must have some big bucks to blow on you home systems...or some generous employers? I still have those programs but they are licensed to my corporation along with myself as the named individual.

 

[gizmo]

The Solidworks license allows an additional personal use install on a portable or home system for each seat purchased. If I were engaged in commercial use I would have to purchase another license.

 

[have_blue]

If anyone wants to try CAD and 3D modeling for free, try "Blender". It isn't as good as the big 3, but it's free. Check out the "art gallery" for some amazingly realistic renderings.

http://www.blender.org/cms/Home.2.0.html

For laying out your simple mechanicals, any free CAD program will usually suffice.

 

[bamatoolmaker]

I personally use Mastercam and have been since the dos days.If you are looking for cheap modeling packages check out the free demos for Rhino or Bobcad

 

[jmc]

I just finished a Solidworks course at the vocational school and it seems like magic to me. I've been limping along with an old version of Cadkey for many years and didn't know what I was missing as far as how much Solidworks will do with just a short learning curve. Your forks look good.

John

 

[Pooh_Bear]

I have been using AutoDesk Inventor 9 Pro.
I'm wondering if it does animation.
I love looking at parts in 3D but would like to animate them.

Pooh Bear

 

[Renze]

Pooh bear 3 years ago i have drawn a Roots blower in inventor 5.3 as a graduation project at technical engineering school. I had the most ambitious project of the class, scored 8 out of 10 mostly for the concept and the animated introduction because the actual production drawings were crap.
Since then i've never used it again and stick to AutoCad, for hobby as well as professional use.
I work at a small company that didnt have production drawings at all.. the welder used to just make something that fits between the outer dimensions the customer ordered... They have more trouble getting used to detailed production drawings and saw lists, than i have to the change of industrial kitchens to truck trailers...

Anyways it is possible to render animations in SolidWorks. Cant tell you how to, i all forgot that...

 

[jimmysisson]

Any of you guys ever try SketchUp? It looks real simple, works easy, and can draw up very complex objects. You actually build each part from scratch, from lines, curves, and solids. It shows shadows, so for a building ( my use for it) you can show a customer the shadow lines on (and in!) a building during a day, at different times of year.
You could model that dump mechanism, watch it dump in 3-D and stay in perspective too! 8 hours free use to hook you in, then $500. It's NOT mechanical engineering software, though, but you can model almost anything. Takes a bit of getting used to isolating one part of an object from another, as they naturally stick together and stretch together. Once past that, you're in good shape. Good help, tech support, and a very helpful forum that rivals this one in enthusiasm.
Jim

 

[mathey]

I was on the SolidWorks website today...they have a student version available for $99...my guess is the limitation is that the files would be unreadable by the "real" version

 

[stroker_ace]

After using Pro/E for more than 6 years and demoing most other 3-D packages, I would have to say that Pro/E is far more advanced in the complex surface modeling aspect. However, if you are not modeling complex objects, any of them will do. Solidworks is a lot easier to learn how to use than Pro/E. The Wildfire versions of Pro/E have become a lot more user friendly since they are now Windows compatible. The only difference I have found with the student version of Pro/E is that when you create a drawing and print it out, it writes "For Educational Use Only" several times across the page. Otherwise, it is a full blown version of the software.

 

[jmc]

I was on the SolidWorks website today...they have a student version available for $99...my guess is the limitation is that the files would be unreadable by the "real" version

I think you have to document that you are taking at least 6 credit hours at a vocational school, university, etc.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Another product very similiar to Solid Works is Solid Edge. I teach it along with AutoCad at the local community college. We also use NC AutoCode, Art Cam Pro 7.0, and Nester Wood in conjunction with our CNC routers.

We looked at Pro E but the cost of the software and the learning curve was prohibitive. We have 80 contact hours in a semester for our cad classes. Solid Edge allows us to get our students to a somewhat profecient level in that amount of time.

These parametric modlers are very powerful tools for design and manufacturing. FWIW, the educational yearly subscriiption to Edge is $1500 per year for 20 seats. AutoCad cost us $283 per seat per upgrade. We have 68 seats of AutoCad and 20 seats of Solid Edge.

 

[Renze]

I think 3D modelling is only usefull in the CNC manufacturing route. 3D models arent easier to read for the welder or fabricator.

Though, the X-steel program does have advantages in designing steel structures as it also generates good welding drawings, but personally i am not a fan of any 3D modelling program at all... With 2D like autocad, the drawer (me) can decide what to show and what not, how much detail should be shown on a single sheet etcetera. With 3d the drawing is too elaborated and it usually needs lots of paper because many details you dont even need, are on the drawing.