Usage Tips/ Best Practices with Solidworks

3D Design Volume Model
1

Hello

 

I have been using Solidworks for a little over 2 years to design industrial machines.

Our projects rarely involve more than 500 parts per machine.

 

Today I come to seek advice from experienced users because I have a few questions about the following points:

 

- Export of 3D and 2D files to different formats

For example: If I want to have parts cut with a laser cutter, then I have to send the subcontractor a step file and a pdf file.

For the step I save a "copy of the part" directly in step format and for the pdf I print my drawing and I use a software that simulates a virtual printer that will itself generate a pdf for me.

The operation is repeated for each part. It's very long and tedious.

I would like to know how you proceed on your side to perform this kind of tasks and if you use additional modules, which ones do you use?

 

- The name of the parts

For those who work on many projects, what methods do you use to identify your parts? for example, a letter followed by a number that increases for each piece.

 

- Bolts

Currently I only have the standard version of solidwokrs, so I don't have toolbox. I wanted to know if there is a free and relatively complete library of bolts that can be downloaded on the net.

 

- Make movements: 

The last design I made had several moving parts independent of each other.

To generate the different positions, I made several configurations on the cylinders (with outlet or retract rod and movable rod).

Once on the first level assembly file, I have to right-click on my subassemblies, go to property and choose the configuration I want each time.,

I do this because I have too many possible combinations to make configurations on the first level assembly.

It's not a great method. Again, I am turning to you to find out how you are proceeding.

 

That's about it for now.

Thank you in advance to those who will take the time to answer.

 

Happy birthday to all.

 

 

2

Hello

 

for the first part 2D/3D: if you have axemble as a reseller, you have mycatools/batchconverter to directly generate your files in step, dxf and pdf (and other formats) by choosing the directory or file(s) to be converted.

This is faster than opening the files one by one.

 

I just looked, and the utility is for sale in apps.

http://www.lynkoa.com/store/fr/tools-et-macros/utilitaires/utilitaire-batchconverter.html

 

Or if you have epdm, this can be auto-generated as well.

 

For the other parts, we'll see next year!

 

Have a good New Year's Eve!

 

 

3

Hello

Have you looked to see if there are any questions already being asked on the various subjects you mention?

I think that many have been discussed and even dealt with ;)

4

Hello 

What version of solidworks standard 2007/2010/.....?

5

Hello

 

For the export of files to subcontractors, we use macros that generate PDF and STEP automatically when our parts are validated.

On the other hand, we manage everything under EPDM so a simple "change of status" automatically generates the plans.

It's more tedious when we need a DXF.

 

For the naming, we use "001236" type names that increment, followed by the index in A, B, C, etc... Except that once again, we use EPDM which avoids duplication.

 

There are several STD bolt libraries, including at MyCAD Service if you are an Axemble customer. However, the interest of the toolbox lies elsewhere since the utility, in addition to having its configurable library, automatically generates the related machining  . That's what makes it interesting.

 

Finally, I think that configs are still the best solution.

It is possible to put the components in flexible to move them manually, but on a large assembly, it is the door open to stress errors...

 

Good luck

 

 

6

Hello

 

Thank you to everyone who responded.

 

First, in response to SEPM's question. Gerald, the version of SOLIDWORKS I'm using is the 2013 standard version.

I'm thinking as soon as possible to upgrade the pro version to have the toolbox and consequently the 2014 version during the year.

 

I understand that the best way to automate exports is either to use macros or to have a utility and that it is advisable to have database management to avoid errors or duplicates.

On the other hand, as far as the files created are concerned, can the recording be extended to a separate folder (e.g. .../prototype/manufacture/cutting/...) or macros/utilities save them next to the .sldprt file.

 

Thanks in advance

7

It is possible to specify a folder other than the basic folder of the part since this is the case with us.

For the method, not being a macro specialist, could someone give a little help?

8

Hello

I think it would be interesting to turn to the axemble utility vehicles. Especially for generating drawing files in separate folders.

See : http://www.lynkoa.com/store/fr/tools-et-macros/utilitaires/utilitaire-batchconverter.html

 

With a Mycad subscription, access to the various libraries is allowed.

9

Hello

 

Several remarks:

 

Why the step for laser cutting and not the DXF for unfolding?

Why not use the PDF backup from SolidWorks directly?

 

Concerning the bakery I know that some reseller provides free libraries on the ISO standard otherwise on sites like Cadenas and TraceParts it exists.

 

For the numbering there are so many possible choices...

 

And for the movements, concerning the project in question I would have worked in the same way.

 

@+

 

10

@Coyote: The STEP as some cutters/folders handle the cutting directly via a STEP file in CAM and only need a PDF/DXF to control the sides and scale.

1 Like
11

@Jose-accessa: thanks for the info, as they say "I would go to bed less c.. tonight".

 

@+

1 Like
12

Exporting Parts:

Using BATCHCONVERTER, mass work started every evening, we export pdf, dxf and edrw.

 

The denomination of the parts:

See attached file.

 

Bolts and commercial parts:

We only have standard SolidWorks, so the library we built from scratch over the years. We relied heavily on Tracepart and padena via http://www.mycadservices.com/bibliotheques

 

For the kinematics:

We do the same thing as you.

for example, all cylinders in the library are set up with configurations every mm.

 

 

PS: today we use EPDM (technical data management software), so our methods have evolved a bit.


bdm_struture_fichier_databem_avant_epdm.xls
2 Likes
13

Thanks to Flegendre for his answer and the explanation of his working methods. 

It's really nice to have attached your excel with your way of proceeding.

 

Thank you to all those who took the time to answer and happy new year to all!