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Tutorial - Learn SOLIDWORKS Lesson 1: Parts - SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS
Overview
This tutorial introduces the fundamental concepts of part modeling in SOLIDWORKS. It guides users through creating a new part, sketching basic shapes like rectangles and circles, and using extrusion to add or remove material. The lesson covers defining sketch geometry with dimensions, applying features like fillets and shells to refine the model, and utilizing different view orientations and section views for better visualization. The goal is to equip beginners with the foundational skills to start building 3D models.
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Chapters
- Initiate SOLIDWORKS and access the tutorial section to begin the 'Getting Started' lesson.
- Create a new part file by selecting the 'Part' option from the tutorial tab.
- Save the new part with a designated file name (e.g., 'tutor one') to preserve your work.
Understanding how to start a new part and save your progress is the essential first step in any 3D modeling workflow, ensuring you can begin creating and retaining your designs.
Clicking the 'New' button, then selecting the 'Part' icon from the tutorial tab and clicking 'OK'.
- Begin by creating a sketch on a selected plane (e.g., the front plane).
- Use the 'Center Rectangle' tool, starting from the origin, to draw a square.
- Apply 'Smart Dimension' to define the sides of the square to 120 units, fully defining the sketch.
- Utilize the 'Extruded Boss Base' feature to give the sketch depth, entering 30 units for the extrusion.
Learning to sketch and extrude basic shapes is the foundation of solid modeling, allowing you to create the initial 3D forms of your parts.
Drawing a 120x120 unit square on the front plane and then extruding it by 30 units to create a rectangular block.
- Create a new sketch on the front face of the existing extruded part.
- Draw a circle centered on the origin and use 'Smart Dimension' to set its diameter to 70 units.
- Exit the sketch and use the 'Extruded Boss Base' feature with a depth of 25 units to add a cylindrical feature.
- Subsequently, use the 'Extrude Cut' feature on the circular face, offsetting entities inwards by 5 units to create a hole that goes 'through all'.
This step introduces how to add and subtract material using different sketch profiles and extrusion types, enabling the creation of more complex geometries and features.
Adding a 70mm diameter circle to the front face and extruding it, then cutting a smaller concentric hole through the entire part.
- Apply 'Fillet' features to round sharp edges, using a radius of 5 units on the four corners of the base and 1.5 units on a narrow circular face.
- Use the 'Shell' feature to hollow out the part, specifying a thickness of 1 unit and previewing the result.
- Employ 'Section View' to inspect the internal structure of the shelled part, using the top plane for the cut.
Features like fillets, shells, and section views are crucial for creating realistic and manufacturable parts, allowing you to smooth transitions, reduce material, and inspect internal details.
Rounding the sharp edges of the block with a 5mm fillet and then hollowing out the inside of the part to a 1mm wall thickness using the shell feature.
Key takeaways
- Part modeling in SOLIDWORKS begins with creating and saving a new part file.
- Sketches define the 2D profile of features, and dimensions are used to control their size and position.
- Extruded Boss Base adds material, while Extrude Cut removes material, forming the 3D shape.
- Features like fillets round edges, improving aesthetics and structural integrity.
- The Shell feature is used to create hollow parts with a uniform wall thickness.
- Section views are essential for visualizing and analyzing the internal geometry of a model.
- Understanding sketch planes and view orientations is key to effective modeling.
Key terms
Part ModelingSketch PlaneCenter RectangleSmart DimensionExtruded Boss BaseExtrude CutFilletShellSection ViewFully Defined Sketch
Test your understanding
- What is the purpose of the 'Smart Dimension' tool in SOLIDWORKS?
- How does the 'Extruded Boss Base' feature differ from the 'Extrude Cut' feature?
- Why is it important to fully define a sketch before extruding it?
- Explain the function of the 'Shell' feature and what parameters are needed to use it.
- How can you inspect the internal structure of a SOLIDWORKS part without removing features?