This is a tough question, one in which no particular answer will satisfy all that is encompassed in that question. But donÆt fear, for you are not treading down an unfamiliar path. Many designers and engineers have come before you, and many more will follow. IÆm hoping to shed some light on this topic, in the hopes of making this transition easier for you.
The first thing you should do is to approach using SolidWorks with a fresh perspective. The easiest way to do this is to ignore everything you learned about the last CAD program you used. DonÆt try to force ôold workflowö mentality onto SolidWorks. You have to work within the capabilities of the software in order to reap its benefits.
Hopefully you have looked at the minimum system requirements for SolidWorks and have a capable machine (always keeping in mind that ôminimumö means ônot nearly enoughö when it comes to daily, production-level use). Keep in mind that SolidWorks, or any 3D CAD system, is going to be more resource intensive than the 2D CAD program you have left behind. If you havenÆt had a chance to upgrade your system, donÆt worry. What you have will probably hold you over for the first 6-9 months of SolidWorks use.
To make your computer budget stretch farther (I know not everyone can upgrade to the latest and fastest computers), try investing your money into upgrading memory and your graphics card. Stay away from gaming cards, as they just donÆt have the proper performance you need when working with CAD. If you didnÆt know, SolidWorks and nVidia have a very close working relationship, to the point where nVidia has optimized their cards to work specifically with SolidWorks (FX570 recommended minimum, ~$200USD). If you are thinking about purchasing a graphics card, visit the SolidWorks website (http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/VideoCardTesting.html) to see if your card is acceptable for use with SolidWorks. Many fatal errors can be attributed to sub-standard graphic cards. All IÆll say about memory is 1) use the fastest memory your motherboard can handle, 2) you can never have enough memory (at least 2gb, more if you enable the 3gb Switch or run a 64-bit OS).
If you have the budget for a new computer, look for one that has a fast Core 2 Duo in the 3 Ghz range, and does not have integrated video (see previous paragraph). There is no need to spend money on quad-processors because SolidWorks wonÆt make use of it. Though, there have been a few users that say they get use of both processors during FEA analysis. Your selection of hard drive doesn't matter much, as in any production environment you should be working across your network. I think I covered the basics of transitioning from 2D to 3D, at least on the hardware front. LetÆs delve a bit deeper into actual use and planning.
Remember a few paragraphs back, I said donÆt try to force old workflow habits onto SolidWorks? I want to stress this the most. Many CAD programs will do the same things, but do them in a different order or use a different method. What one CAD package might call an Array, another will call a Pattern. Look through the Help and Tutorial files of SolidWorks and get to know the vocabulary associated with the program. ItÆs amazing how much you will learn just by browsing the Help Index.
SolidWorks uses sketches to define part geometry, and then extrudes these sketches to make solid bodies. To remove material from a solid body, you have to create more sketches and cut-extrude these shapes to create features on the solid body. You can also create more sketches and extrude features. Once you understand this basic concept, using SolidWorks will become very easy to make simple prismatic" parts. More involved parts will use other methods, such as Sweeps, Lofts, and Surfaces. This is beyond the scope of this FAQ, so IÆll end this discussion here.
When it comes to drawings, you were probably excited to use all the automated drafting features the salesman showed you. Back in your office, you quickly found that things don't look as good as you were shown. Don't worry, you did not get ripped off. Nothing is free, and there is a little work up-front that you need to do to reap benefits. The simplest example is imported dimensions. SolidWorks will import dimensions based on the way you applied your dimensioning scheme in the model. Keep this in mind when you are defining your sketches, and those imported automatic dimension will work well.
When working with assemblies, take some time to think through to what the final assembly will be, and how versatile or flexible it will need to be. Having a clear design in your head will go a long way into making usable assemblies. Try to get into the habit of creating layout sketches to drive your assemblies, at least in the design phase. Once you have your layout sketch, you can associate parts and other sketch geometry to it to help keep your designs stay on track.
Learn to utilize Design Tables and Component Patterns in your assemblies as well. These are powerful tools that will help automate some design changes, and reduce the overall file size of your top-level assemblies.
Preparation Checklist
Here's a suggested checklist you should use during the implementation phase to 3D.
1. Develop realistic target dates to implement key aspects of the new software early and actively enforce them.
2. Develop modeling and operational standards up front and modify them as needed until they work for your company.
3. Implement modeling and drafting (and how manufacturing will use this information) in a progressive manner that works with your companies culture until users understand the basics of the whole package.
4. Software and documentation (electronic and hard copy) should be kept up-to-date to ensure full support from your VAR.
5. Model standard common components as soon as possible to test your design standards and to give your designers a level of confidence with the new software before tackling more complicated models.
6. Hold periodic meetings with key solid modelers to get their ideas to enhance productivity and workflow.
7. Consider having a CAD manager (or system administrator) who is someone who communicates well with the systemÆs daily users and your VAR.
8. Hold regular performance reviews to keep your 3D users moving in a positive direction.
ThatÆs it for now, as time permits (and as the feedback pours in) IÆll update this FAQ with more information.
