Charles builds two simple surface models. These two models are meant to show many different surface modeling features. The presentation covers when to use each, and why certain features are better at making specific shapes. The presentation with attached files is available for download, but if you haven’t seen the presentation, the powerpoint file won’t be worth much. The SolidWorks models are useful as references.

Download the presentation and accompanying SolidWorks files: Surfacing Walk-thru

Anna and Charles discuss which computer components are best for SolidWorks. Ever wonder if that expensive video card is worth it? Do you need 8GB of RAM, or 32? Are SSD’s reliable? All of these topics are discussed, and Anna and Charles focus on the underlying patterns so you can make purchasing decisions today, and well into the future.

Benchmarks used in this presentation:
CPU Benchmark:
•http://www.solidmuse.com/benchmarks/solidworks-benchmark-punch-holder/

FEA Benchmark (V1):
•https://forum.solidworks.com/message/330823

Rendering Benchmark:
•Speakers for Render Benchmark

Download the presentation:
SW-WORLD_2013_BuildingorSpecifyingComputersForSolidWorks

This preface to PhotoView Friday #3 discusses the difference between a background image and an environment background.

Ron continues in this series by discussing how to better place a model into an environment by using a great background image. He talks about how to pick a background image and mesh that with the environment.

This video also covers depth of field and how to apply it successfully.

You can post any comments below, or follow the discussion on the SolidWorks forum: SolidWorks forum for PhotoView Friday #3

In this second video of the PhotoView Friday series, Ron discusses how to align the camera with the background to get your part where you want it. This first video is a quick primer into how this works.

Ron also dives into a discussion about why you need to switch to a perspective view, and how that is different than an orthographic view. His video goes into the nitty-gritty physics of how interacting with your model and environment really works.

If you have any comments add them below or follow the thread on the SolidWorks forum: SolidWorks Forum on PhotoView Friday #2

In the first video of the PhotoView Friday series, Ron discusses physical lighting, and how it differs from environmental lighting. Ron shows how to interact with environmental and physical lights using RealView, and how different appearances look. He also overviews area lights and lighting appearances, and how to be successful when using them.

If you would like to discuss this further you can comment below or see the posting on the SolidWorks forum: PhotoView Friday #1 on the SolidWorks forum.

Presented at SolidWorks World 2012.

Keith Rice (CSWP, CSWI, CSWST) is the creator of CADSharp.com, a beginner-friendly SolidWorks API training resource for the CAD community.

Ready to begin your journey into automation using the SolidWorks API? In this hour-long presentation, you’ll get your hands dirty using the macro recorder, basic programming in the macro editor, the API Help, and more.

Download the notes: Notes – Taking Macros to the People.pdf

Download the accompanying macro: create extrude_final.zip

Ever find yourself re-typing general notes, or re-creating that weld symbol that you just used last week? You’re not alone. I find that many SolidWorks users take for granted a simple tool available to them to store commonly used notes and symbols – the Design Library.

In this simple walk through tutorial I will show you how to setup the Design Library so that you can re-use standard notes and symbols the same way you re-use standard vendor parts or hardware in your models.

Download the PDF: Setting up the Design Library to Handle Standard Notes

Mark provides a video showing how to use the flex tool. This quick four-minute video covers the basics of flex, specifically with the bend and twist options. Watch the video here:

Or download a copy: Introduction to Flex

Mark gave a presentation covering general tips and tricks for advanced modeling. His tips include how to repeat a command, using the search bar, quickly creating an offset Ref Plane, repairing dangling dimensions, toggling between driven and driving dimensions, thumbwheel control, move, replace, and delete face, 3D sketch extrude, boundary connectors, normal to view orientation, intersection curve, selecting hidden edges, using instant 3D, and tricky fillet intersections.

You can download the accompanying SolidWorks files here: NHSWUG – Tips and Tricks SolidWorks Files

You can watch his presentation video here. Click on the word “vimeo” to watch in HD in a new window:

SolidWorks Tips and Tricks, NHSWUG – 8/4-2011

Or download the video here: NHSWUG – 8/4/2011 – Tips and Tricks

Presented at SolidWorks World 2011.

Jeremy provides an outstanding discussion on how splines can make for better engineering. Fan blades, Venturi tubes, hoppers, optics, sheet metal, streamlining, ergonomics, springs, load-bearing spans, wire paths, cams, and aerodynamics. All the spline tools are demonstrated, with tips on the trickier ones.

This is best watched as a video, as the slides mostly provide the background for his discussions.

Watch the video from the SolidWorks proceedings site here: Explaining Splines Video
Download the accompanying slides: Explaining Splines