3D Engineer - Exploring the world of 3D CAD

3dEngr Post Solidworks World Questionaire

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:52:00 +0000

There was a spike in traffic on the site during Solidworks world, looks like the CSWP test was top of mind for some people. If any reader recently took the CSWP exam it would be great to hear from you. Loading...

CSWP Event at Solidworks 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:05:00 +0000

Most often people are viewing 3DEngr to visit one of the CSWP test pages. If you happen to have passed the CSWP and have some designs to submit you may be able to win some prizes in the coming weeks.

Registration for Solidworks World, on Feb 10th, includes a test voucher to take one of the certification tests. Tests include the Certified Solidwoks Associate(CSWA), Certified Solidworks Professional (CSWP), and for advanced users the Certified Solidworks Expert (CSWE). If you are studying, good luck and leave a note if you pass.

If you want the chance to win free stuff you can submit designs to the CSWP Event competition. All that is requested is: "A rendered image of a product designed in SolidWorks and rendered in PhotoView 360"

CSWP Raffle

CSWP Preparation

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:18:00 +0000

Becoming a proficient user of any CAD software can be helpful professionally and personally fun. Showing proficiency with a certification lets people know that you are capable of completing tasks accurately and in a timely manner. A true understanding of Solidworks allows you to seamlessly pass designs to customers and suppliers and have confidence they will be able to easily understand and work with the files.

So how do you pass the Solidworks CSWP?

Passing the Solidworks CSWP exam.
Take a look at the explanation of what the CSWP is straight from Solidworks.

Grab the sample test from Solidworks.

Write up of CSWP Part I
Write up of CSWP Part II
Write up of CSWP Part III

Tips on how to pass:
Tip to remember: Use all parts of the Software
Top Ten Tips for Taking the CSWP

Take a look at the complete list of CSWP posts.

Before starting make sure to review the Beginning Prep:
Table of Contents
CSWP Overview
   A-1. Built in Tutorials
   A-2. Help Menus
   A-3. Other Resources: Google, Youtube, Blogs, Forums
   A-4. User Groups
   A-5. Tangix Tester Pro
   A-6. Setup Layout, Files, and Equations to Save Time
    A-7. Look over the entire test

If the CSWP-Core isn't enough for you there are more certification exams.

How to pass the CSWP Advanced Sheet Metal Specialist

The advanced exams all require slightly more in depth knowledge of the corresponding features. Additionally many advanced exams require knowledge that is covered in the core CSWP. To review the features covered in the sheet metal exam check out CSWP Sheet Metal Study.

How to pass the CSWP Advanced Mold Tools Specialist

3dEngr.com review of the CSWP Mold tools exam.

All of the above will help you understand the tests, but tutorials, training and others users are also important.

There are loads of other resources available, books, videos, blogs, but focusing on one portion at a time and developing a learning plan makes things much easier. Feel free to add any advice/tips/thoughts in the comments.

CSWP - Sketching

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 05:25:00 +0000

B-2. Sketching

Sketching is the primary function and basis of nearly all Solidworks files. When creating a model from side views it is also one of the most intuitive ways to begin a model. Best practices for where to begin sketching (Top Plane, Right side view etc) will vary from modeler to modeler and company to company but a good rule of thumb is to start with the largest sketch with an eye for the most static elements (those that will not change). How to define and dimension a sketch is also important.

Solidworks is good at having features automatically snap to relations. Horizontal and vertical lines, edges and points snap to coincident. This can be both misleading and wrong given the inaccuracy of the pictures in the CSWP. Sides that look to be co-planar in the exam question figure may be just that, but they may change in future questions. Having a grid available helps lay things out with proper relations while still making sure the realtions do not overdefine or improperly define certain edges. Remember that for most CSWP questions the placement of the origin is critical in determining the center of mass so locating the part correctly about the origin in sketches also becomes a critical concern.

To turn on the grid check the box at(Tools>Options>Document Properties&gt>Grid/Snap> Display Grid)
To enable snap to grid check the box at (Tools>Options>System options>Sketch Relations/Snaps> Grid).

S key and RMB in-context menus: The single biggest time saver in newer version of Solidworks is the addition of in context menus. The RMB (right mouse button) brings up an in context menu that can be customized from a limited list. This is very helpful in flying through a quick sketch and eliminates the need to get the mouse back up to the tool bars. Even more powerful is the S key which brings up a shortcut menu of actions typically used in the current state and it can be customized with anything. Not only can the S key access all the sketch features needed it can also be customized to add such items as Extrude and Cut, the two most commonly used features following the sketch tool. Although the movement of the mouse to the top of the screen might seem like a small thing to eliminate over time this lightning quick access to any needed feature can significantly reduce the time spent looking for items. Setting up hot keys is useful not only for the CSWP exam but is a good practice in everyday use

Fully define all sketches. Making sure a sketch is fully defined is simply good practice. Under defined sketches cause major problems when changes must be made, arcs over extend, lines cross, dimensions loose defining edges, and features fail. It is much easier to go back and remove definition that it is to painstakingly correct each error caused by an under defined sketch. For visual purposes a fully defined sketch or sketch entity will appear black while under defined entities will appear blue. Once a sketch is complete click the RMB and get the in context menu. This will include an option for "Fully define sketch". A property manager appears and allows the user to select the entities and relations to be defined. Sketches are known to be fully defined when they appear in the feature manager without a (-) in the sketch name. When updating values to manage multiple questions for the CSWP exam having a sketch fully defined will eliminate the need to trouble shoot problems and save a lot of time.

CSWP Prep: Look Over the Entire Test

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:20:00 +0000

A-7. Look over the entire test

For anyone who has ever taken a test prep course, or taken other exams this tip is probably nothing new. Look through the test and check to see what specific values change. Recently the CSWP exam has added a balloon feature to drawings to show what values have changed or will change in future questions. If possible placing these features near the end of the feature tree will eliminate a few potential rebuild errors. Going through the ENTIRE test will also present a final screen that shows the full list of questions and their point value. A passing grade is 75% and although no single question is worth 25% the weighting of questions does vary, if time is a concern answering some questions may not be as critical. This is only for extreme cases, typically question that are worth less are also quicker and easier to answer as they are based on only a few minor changes to other more critical questions.

CSWP Prep: Setup files and equations

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 02:20:00 +0000

A-6. Setup Layout, Files, and Equations to Save Time

Before actually beginning the CSWP exam there are a few things that can be done to help save time and avoid problems during the test. The first step should be to setup a working layout to take the exam. As mentioned in earlier sections the testing client can take up some space, and if possible locating it on a dual monitor allows for viewing of the questions while still viewing the Solidworks software. Sometimes this means it will be easiest to take the exam on a new workstation, if this is the case it is important to maintain the normal settings and menu layout. Settings can be saved or imported using the "Copy Settings Wizard" which can be found in through the Start Menu>Solidworks>Solidworks Tools. Make sure to try out a few simple tasks, or even run through a sample test question on the setup prior to beginning the exam.

A tip that will be mentioned more than once in this review is to SAVE MODELS FOR EACH QUESTION. Doing so allows for post-test trouble shooting and study and provides a backup in case of a crash. Saving each question separately to a CSWP Exam folder is easiest. Create a folder, on the desktop or elsewhere, and name it CSWP Exam. While working through the test do a File>Save As and name each question. Remember to check the "Save as Copy" for questions that utilize the same model, but may contain dimensional changes. If there is a dispute over a question after testing, providing the saved models may help to clear up confusion and facilitate a retake.

Opening a file and setting it up in anticipation for the exam is also a good idea. This ensures that there is no time lost loading the program or recreating some settings. For Section 1 of the CSWP, when all models are user created rather than suppleid through the Tangix client, another time saver is to create equations. Typically questions contain a single component that is fully defined but has a few variable dimensions (denoted as A, B, C, D etc). Creating equations A="1", B="2" can save a few moments, but more importantly provides a framework for the exam and can help to structure the first few steps is a good reminder to utilize the equation or linked dimension options.

CSWP Prep: Tangix Tester

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:20:00 +0000

The testing client is a stand alone software that must be downloaded to the testing computer. It is available online and is a small application, total download time is usually less than a minute. Initially a user must setup an account, or login to an existing account. Users who have taken other exams (such as the CSWA) or who have already taken the CSWP should login using the same account. Each account will be linked to an individual and can contain all future certifications (Mold Tools, Surfacing, CSWE, etc.).

Once logged in the exam selection screen will show test for which a user is eligible along with a green arrow for "Start Exam" for those tests which have been paid for and a voucher entered. Also available is the Event ID/Voucher field. Remember that for every seat on subscription a voucher is provided for a test, this is where the voucher code should be entered.

Fig. 1- Tangix Testing Client Layout

Tangix will be used to display the questions and download the associated models. Models views and images displayed in the testing client can be zoomed in by simply clicking the image. To activate additional images click the thumbnail in the small filmstrip. The window will appear behind Solidworks if inactive and it is suggested, if possible, to utilize dual monitors to allow for concurrent viewing of Solidworks and the Tangix client. If windows must be stacked, and even if using dual monitors, realize the the Tangix client is SINGLE CLICK ACTIVATED. When clicking to activate the client it is thus very easy to accidentally change an answer on a multiple choice question.

CSWP Prep: User Groups

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 02:20:00 +0000

A growing network of Solidworks users and Administrators can be found all across the United States, and the world. User group meet on a varying schedule, presenting topics, product rollouts, and providing a forum for networking. The group meetings are free and tend to have free food for all attendees. To find a local user group check the SWUGN website, http://www.swugn.org/.

CSWP Prep: Other Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 02:19:00 +0000

A-3. Other Resources: VARs, Forums, Google, Youtube, Blogs

In addition to the material included with the Solidworks Software there are countless other resources available for training purposes. This is just a short list of the options:

VARs (Value Added Resellers): Most resellers offer training courses for new customers as well as regular events and training session. To get the most out of these it is important to contact your VAR and inquire about the options available. If you are consdiering changing resellers most will also offer a free session or event to show their worth. In some places resellers are even offering discount training programs to unemployed and under employed workers as part of government programs. To locate a nearby resller or Solidworks office check the Solidworks Site (http://www.solidworks.com/sw/SolidWorksOfficeWorldwide.htm).

Forums: The Solidworks Forums are an online community that are available to all subscription customers (and anyone else who manages to get an account). The Forums are filled with knowledgeable users as well as Solidworks employees that are overly helpful. Many enhancement requests and bugs have been found through forum posts. Users can upload .zip files or screen shots of models along with a question and typically receive an answer within a few hours. Questions range from basic feature functions to deep rooted coding and API issues. For basic learning there are better resources than the forums but when trouble shooting a specific problem the Forums are unparalleled in the ability and speed in providing a workable solution. (https://forum.solidworks.com/)

Google/Yahoo/Bing: Solidworks is no different a than any other computer software. If there is a tip, tutorial, solution or problem documented somewhere on the web it can likely be found with the right set of keywords. Keywords may point to the help files (hosted online) or other resources listed here but a few minutes of searching can easily provide the equivalent of hundreds of dollars and hours of training.

Youtube: Type in "Solidworks" and any other keyword and watch as HOURS of videos pour out onto the screen. Plenty of users have organized videos into play lists that can easily supplement VAR training. Additionally some of the training sites have released content to youtube videos to help grow business. Video quality ranges from poor screen captures of modeling tasks to high definition professional productions and training sessions. It may take some time to wade through but these videos are some of the most helpful resources for learning ANY software.

Blogs: Many power users of Solidworks have dedicated there knowledge to the community, including those listed above, but even more material can be found at the personal blogs of these users. Published authors, Solidworks employees, VAR employees and even casual users all can be found posting information on the CAD world, tips, tricks, tutorials, interviews and exposes on a wide variety of topics. This guide was first established as a series of less comprehensive posts at www.3dEngr.com. To help find these blogs, check the "blogroll" in the sidebar of www.3dEngr.com and continue checking the blogroll of each linked blog.

CSWP Help Menus

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:18:00 +0000

A-2. Help Menus

The help files and documentation provided with Solidworks are useful for determining theory and capabilities that are not covered in tutorials. While preparing for the exam any uncertainties on proper use of a tool should be reconciled with the documentation. There are portions of the documentation that are incomplete and portions that are overly verbose, but on the whole the Help Files provide a through explanation of software features and capabilities. It is also important to note that the Help files are a part of the software and therefore it is acceptable to reference the help files during the exam!

CSWP Beginning Prep

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 02:18:00 +0000

A. Beginning Prep

A-1. Built in Tutorials

One of the most useful tools in learning Solidworks are the built in tutorials. These can be accessed through the "Help" Menu. If the files are were not included on the initial install of the software they can be downloaded from the Solidworks website (http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/training-learning-resources-materials.htm). Each of these 29 tutorials covers a different aspect of the software. For the purposes of the CSWP a user should be familiar with all of the "Getting Started", "Building Models" and "Working with Models". Advanced tutorials such as "Weldments" and "Routings" go beyond the scope of the CSWP Core but will be useful none the less for professionals looking to understand the various ways a model can be created.

CSWP Overview

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:16:00 +0000

The CSWP is designed to show a users "ability to design and analyze parametric parts and movable assemblies using a variety of complex features". The context of the exam is limited to Solidworks software and a users ability to navigate the program for drafting and design tasks. Certification can be used to leverage a promotion or raise, boost a resume, or measure the results of ongoing training.

This book is intended to serve as a guide when studying for the Certified Solidworks Professional Exam (CSWP). It is assumed that the reader will have basic knowledge of the software, including how to open or create new files, add new sketches and basic features, access or find tools. This guide will point out exam structure, common mistakes, and tips while highlighting critical areas. A focus is placed on proper setup and modeling approach to ensure accurate results and the ability to easily edit parts and troubleshoot problem areas. For the basics of some topics the review will occasionally refer to other resources including the standard tutorials included with Solidworks. If for some reason a reader does not have the referenced tutorials they are available from the Solidworks training website (http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/807_ENU_HTML.htm).

The exam is structured in three distinct sections. Each section has a time limit that varies between 40 minutes and 90 minutes and costs $30. Sections can be taken and passed separately and retakes can also be done in a segmented fashion. Full certification is only granted after a passing grade of 75% is reached on each of the three sections.

Once a user completes the exam a certificate and completion package is available for download at the online testing center. The package contains an exam certification and a variety of logos for use on business cards, resumes, or websites. Carrying the CSWP logo shows an advanced competency in the software. There are over 10,000 Certified Solidworks Professionals worldwide, and although this is a large number it correlates to about 1% of the total seats of Solidworks that have been sold (Over 1 Million). A complete listing of CSWP's can be found at the online directory (https://www.virtualtester.com/solidworks/user.php). In addition to the official listing CSWP's are free to join in professional groups, including the CSWP group on LinkedIn.com, and events, such as the CSWP Special Event hosted every year at Solidworks World.

In addition to the CSWP Core exam Solidworks offers a selection of advanced certification exams; Sheet Metal, Weldments, Mold Tools, Sufracing, FEA and Expert. Although the CSWP is only a prerequisite for one of the advanced exams (CSWE-Expert) it is suggested as the starting point for all. Users who are not yet ready for the CSWP are also offered the CSWA-Associate which is intended for new users and students. Exact details for all of the certification advanced exams can be found at the http://www.solidworks.com/cswp.

Banksy

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 17:32:00 +0000

I recently had the chance to experience an interesting piece of art by a renowned artist. That work now is gone, it lasted less than a fortnight. It was unsigned, untitled, and even the artist it is credited to is unknown except by a nickname.

"Banksy" added the primary piece of vandalism in this image. The commentary was a different vandal and it appears the colorful flowers and green were yet another. It is hard to tell exactly who created what, as again there are no signatures and the work has already been painted over. It first appeared a few days before the Oscars (Feb 27 2011) and less than two weeks later I saw the wall again, back to the same bland green back wall of an Urban Outfitters in Westwood village it has always been. Below is a screen grab from Google Street View.

Supposedly "Banksy" was in town for the Oscars. His film was nominated in the Documentary category and while here he managed to tag a number of places with his traditional stencil style graffiti. I find it interesting that such a simple concept can launch an artist to a point where he can sell some works for hundreds of thousands while others are eliminated in a few days by maintenance workers.

View Banksy in a larger map

Solidworks 2011: Certification and learning

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:12:00 +0000

The early bird registration date has already passed for the upcoming Solidworks World in San Antonio, but there is still time to get there. Just as they did last year the good folks at Solidworks are running a number of competitions where the winner gets a free Solidworks 2011 conference pass. The competitions are easy to enter, but with registration fees at $895, things can get serious. Simple blog post comments can earn a prize worth way more than your average morning radio station gives away.

With 4 days of products showcases, break out sessions, networking events (read: free food and beer) the event is the conference is an all around great event. Last year I was lucky enough to participate in and win one of these contests. The award was a flip mini camera, a conference pass, and nifty "Press" badge that allowed me to meet a number of great people while learning about new segments of the software I never knew existed.

Even if a conference entry is not free, the experience is worth shelling out a few dollars (or writing out an expense proposal). Certified users even get a deal, if you are not a CSWP yet check out some of the CSWP preparation posts and save $100 on registration, or use the posts to help pass the test that is proctored on site.

Watching 3D TV: Are glasses required?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:48:00 +0000

Bringing out another dimension from a television has recently become a popular topic. The question is, how good is the 3D, and how much of a hassle is it to watch? At this point a lot of people have seen 3D in theaters (where they use passive glasses). But will the home experience be the same? Looking at the form of 3D TV, here are a few different technologies that are used for 3D TV effects with varying benefits and drawbacks.

This Christmas season there will be over 2 dozen 3D movie titles available, and some carriers are even starting to provide dedicated 3D channels (DirectTv claims to have 3).So what else is required to view a 3d image.

Stereo picture: This technology shows two images side by side, each from a slightly different angle that is nearly imperceptible at first glance. Glasses with lenses are used to allow a watcher to focus the images into one three dimensional image by tricking the brain. Although a lens is required these glasses can be very inexpensive. Without the glasses both images look fine, but of course having duplicates on a TV means only 50% of the pixel can be used per image. Still, it's possible to broadcast or view on any television since there is nothing special about the image itself. Creating content for stereo picture simple involves taking a second image. A crude stereo picture can be created using a single camera but there are also tutorials for creating a dual camera system. The basic principle is simple, mount two cameras about eye distant apart and hook up some device to take a picture (or video) with both at the same time, then display them side by side. Precision control of this style setup is what James Cameron helped invent to film the movie Avatar, although it is not shown in stereo the dual perspective is used in all proper 3d. Stereo Image Sample.

Passive glasses anaglyph: Anaglyph images have been common in the past but are mostly a gimmick. The colored lenses required to properly view anaglyph work as filters. Each eye will only see one of the color layers, and the brain naturally fuses the two. Images like this are fairly easy to create, however to do make it properly two images are still required (one for the perspective of each eye). Instructions on how to alter the images and add the color layers can be found around the web, the same principles can be applied to an entire movie or show. Because the glasses work as a color filter it's nearly impossible to represent some hues of colors and transitions between two colors are have a vastly different look than those of normal images. Also, color blind people are usually unable to view the 3D as the filter effect is lost. Anaglyph image sample.

Passive glasses polarized (Currently available for TVs, computers, popular at movie theaters): Polarization is sometimes compared to window blinds where horizontal light waves can fit through horizontal slits and vertical through vertical. This analogy is not accurate for a number of reasons. Not only do light waves not work like that the glasses are circularly polarized, which means the glasses still work even if a viewers head is tilted. With directly horizontal or vertical polarization this would be a problem. With circular polarization the right and left eye will view different images, one polarized counter clockwise, the other clockwise. Projectors or TV's put out two unique images and the glasses filter them for each eye. This is the technology that is used in many movie theaters because the glasses are relatively inexpensive.

Shake Stereoscopy: The common theme among all 3d technologies is that when two slightly different images are viewed the brain can interpret them as unique perspectives, giving a 3d effect. Shake stereoscopy takes this to a very basic level. Shake stereo will not work in print, only animation, because it flashes each perspective one after the other. In a 24 frame/second video 12 images will correspond to the right eye perspective and 12 will be left eye. By showing every other frame from a different perspective (1Left, 2Right, 3Left, 4Right, etc) shake stereo again tries to trick the brain into thinking it is seeing one image. However because the location of objects and visibility of items can clearly be seen by both eyes, the result is a very shaky image. The 3D does show through somewhat but this option is easily the least effective of the group (except to color blind watchers, where anaglyph may take the title). An example of this is below

Active Shutter Glasses (Currently available in TVs and for computers): The current cutting edge technology, active shutter glasses combine imagery on screen with external devices to deliver a unique image to each eye, again tricking the brain. Active shutter combine the alternating image theory of shake stereoscopy, with the filtering theory of polarization. The video source puts out a signal that refreshes the screen faster than the human eye can detect, only TV's with high refresh capabilities are candidates but many current market TV's already refresh at this rate. The glasses then use liquid crystal to block each lens at the same rate, turning one lens black while the other is clear and then switching. A radio signal then synchronizes the lens flickering with the TV refresh so that each eye only views the image from that perspective. Because of all the technology in the glasses and TV this method can become costly with glasses running upwards of $250/pair.

Taking apart a direct TV remote

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:06:00 +0000

The top switch slider is broken, it feels like it does not engage, to fix the thing the remote must be opened. The front of the remote says RC32, there are 6 screws that need to be removed to take it apart. Two screws are located in the battery compartment, they can be accessed by removing the slide-on battery cover piece. Additional screws are located behind the dark gray oval panel on the front of the remote.

and go

Front panel removal for the remote involves prying the gray insert out. Behind it are the 4 screws that need to be removed. The gray panel is held on by three molded snap latches. (Solvay has a nice .pdf regarding basic designs. More detailed information is found in textbooks, they're boring but effective.) The size and shape of each snap fit can be altered to control how difficult removal will be. The three here require only a small amount of pressure (upward).

There are 3 snap latches on the RC32 , they can be pryed open using a small flat head screw driver. Insert it into the gap between the light gray oval piece and the whiteish front panel. Slowly run the flat edge around the oval lifting gently, each snap fit should disengage and the oval piece will rest higher in the recess. After releasing each snap fit turn the remote over and the oval piece should fall out. Once removed the 4 screws behind the panel can also be removed, a small phillips head screw driver will do the trick.

Once these 4 screws are removed (and the two in the battery compartment are removed) the remote is easily pulled apart, giving access to all the goods inside.

Google Sketchup Initial Review

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 19 May 2010 14:20:00 +0000

It would be nice to have a free, lightweight, platform independent, user friendly, powerful CAD software that works for everything. Unfortunately most CAD packages only deliver on a few of these criterion. In an attempt to broaden my knowledge, and to find out what is out there I started looking at a variety of 3d modeling and design software. This post is only one in a series and is intended to give my initial reaction when researching, downloading, installing, and the first use of each. For a compiled list of reviewed software check the overview post.

Google Sketchup

There was a time when Google was making acquisitions of major companies (and thus new technologies) at more than one a month. In 2006 they picked up nine companies, the most visible of which was the video behemoth Youtube. Other smaller ventures were also added; in March of that year they snatched up @Last and their flagship product Sketchup. Sketchup was then, and still is, the primary source of 3D models for Google Earth. A month later they rolled out the first free version of Sketchup to encourage even more development for Earth. The Pro version of the software is still available but the cost is significantly north of free.

Since the roll out of the free version Sketchup has been used to design and model a huge array of products, scenes, and buildings, many of which can still be found while flying around Google Earth. The direct editing push/pull technology along with the dead simple UI allow users to easily and quickly get up to speed in creating a host of everyday items. Add in the easy texture tools and it's no wonder Google choose this software to help populate the virtual 3D Earth they are creating. I had poked around in Sketchup a while ago at the suggestion of a friend (a then developer for Google Calendar) but for this review I grabbed the latest version 7.1.6860. Let's take a look.

Installing Sketchup and System Requirements

Download and install of Sketchup is easy and fast, which should be expected as a part of Google. A short 15 minutes after navigating to the Sketchup page the software was open and running on my computer. Tutorial files were open shortly thereafter. For anyone hoping to simply view a Sketchup model a viewer is also available. Also, though none are reviewed here (future posts maybe?!?) there is a long list of plug-ins available from third parties that do everything from .dwg import to Photo-realistic renders.

Sketchup works on XP, Vista, Windows 7, and the ever elusive in the CAD world, Mac. No native Linux version, though they do point out the use of Wine will allow it to function (side note: Wine is great, for a few simple programs I run this on my Mac to avoid having to restart over into bootcamp). Each OS has it's own specific requirements but the basics are as follows.

Software
- SketchUp Pro 7: Microsoft Service Pack 2+.
- Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher.
- Google SketchUp Pro requires .NET Framework version 2.0. For more information about the .NET framework, click here.
Recommended hardware
- 2+ GHz processor.
- 2+ GB RAM.
- 500 MB of available hard-disk space.
- 3D class Video Card with 512+ MB of memory or higher. Please ensure that the video card driver supports OpenGL version 1.5 or higher and up to date.
  
  SketchUp's performance relies heavily the graphics card driver and it's ability to support OpenGL 1.5 or higher. Historically, people have seen problems with ATI Radeon cards and Intel based cards with SketchUp. We don't recommend using these graphics cards with SketchUp at this time.
- 3 button, scroll-wheel mouse.
Minimum hardware
- 600 MHz processor.
- 128 MB RAM.
- 128 MB of available hard-disk space.
- 3D class Video Card with 128 MB of memory or higher. Please ensure that the video card driver supports OpenGL version 1.5 or higher and up to date.

Tutorials and Learning

Google has their own site with training videos for users who are new to Sketchup. Also available are a few sample files in the Google 3dWarehouse that are actually tutorials. The "scenes" options of Sketchup are setup so that each scene is a different step in the tutorial. Each of the tutorials shows the methodology used to create a different type of component. Running through the tutorials can be frustrating for the "free" users. When one of the selections, the next step in the tutorial, was grayed out it took a few minutes for me to realize that the option was only available to "Pro" users. Pro of course comes with a $500 price tag (though you can get it free for 8 hours).

Youtube also has loads of videos found under the search "SketchUp Tutorials". The work flow for most of Sketchup can also be picked up from other direct modeling software, such as 3dVia Shape. In general the direct modeling approach is great for artists or designers who are concerned about the aesthetics of a design. Modeling exact dimensions, though possible, is difficult and locking in design intent can also be problematic. It is hard to imagine Sketchup being used in a manufacturing environment that relies on engineering prints, but for earlier stage designs and modeling it seems to be a robust tool

Certified Solidworks Porfessional and Advanced Exam Tutorials

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:05:00 +0000

The CSWP (Certified Solidworks Professional) exam is designed to show a users "ability to design and analyze parametric parts and movable assemblies using a variety of complex features". The context of the exam is limited to Solidworks software and a users ability to navigate the program for drafting and design tasks. Certification can be used to leverage a promotion or raise, boost a resume, or measure the results of ongoing training.

3dEngr.com has taken an intensive look at all of the exams and provides a list of study guides and tutorials for each exam. These guide cover tips and tricks for passing the exam, an overview of the material and walk through tutorials of content covered on each exam.

CSWP Sheet Metal

Exam Length: 2 hours

Minimum Passing grade: 75%
All candidates receive electronic certificates and a personal listing on the CSWP directory* when they pass.
Exam features hands-on challenges in many of these areas of SolidWorks Sheet Metal functionality:
Linear Edge Flange

Curved Edge Flange

Miter Flange

Closed Corner

Gauge Tables

Bending calculation options:

Bend Allowance

Bend Deduction

K-Factor

Hem

Jog

Sketched Bend

Forming Tool

Unfold and Fold

Flatten

CSWP Mold Tools

Exam Length: 90 minutes
Minimum Passing grade: 80%
All candidates receive electronic certificates and personal listing on the CSWP directory* when they pass.
Note: You must use at least SolidWorks 2008 for this exam. Any use of a previous version will result in the inability to open some of the testing files.

Exam features hands-on challenges in many of these areas of the SolidWorks Mold Tools functionality:

Parting Line Creation

Parting Line Surface Creation

Draft Analysis

Shut-off Surface Creation

Imported Part Repair

Cavity Tool

Parting Line Split Face

CSWP Weldments

Exam Length: 2 hours
Minimum Passing grade: 75%
All candidates receive electronic certificates and a personal listing on the CSWP directory* when they pass.
Note: You must use at least SolidWorks 2009 sp4 for this exam. Any use of a previous version will result in the inability to open some of the testing files.

Exam features hands-on challenges in many of these areas of SolidWorks Weldment functionality:
Weldment profile creation

Placing the Weldment profile in the Weldment profile library

Basic and Advanced Weldment Part creation

Weldment corner modification

Placing gaps at corners and segment intersections

End Caps

Gussets

Weldment Part modification

Trim/Extend Command

3D Sketch Creation

Cut List Folder management in the Weldment Part

Cut List creation in the Weldment Drawing

Solidworks Certification Training: Table of Contents

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:32:00 +0000

Below is a table of content for CSWP Core Exam review. Some sections have been posted here, the full compilation will be available as an ebook shortly.

B. Section 1 of the CSWP

    B-1. Interpreting the Drawing
    B-2. Sketching
    B-3. Boss and Cuts and End Conditions
    B-4. Draft, Fillet, Chamfer
    B-5. Pattern and Mirror
    B-6. Hole Wizard
    B-7. Dimensioning and Linked Dimensions
    B-8. Equation
    B-9. Updating Values and Equations
    B-10. Setting Materials
    B-11. Measuring a Mass
    B-12. Check answers AS YOU GO.

C. Section II of the CSWP

    C-1. Accessing Configurations, Create, Copy
    C-2. Suppressing Features
    C-3. Changing Configuration Values

D. Section III of the CSWP

    D-1. Creating an assembly
    D-2. Adding Components to an assembly
    D-3. Sub Assemblies - Flexible
    D-4. Adding mates to an assembly component
        D-4i. Basic Mates
        D-4ii. Advanced Mates
        D-4iii. Float/Fix
    D-5. Creating a custom Coordinate System for Center of mass

CSWP Sample Exam Intrepretation

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:30:00 +0000

B. Section 1 of the CSWP

The first section of the CSWP covers sketching and feature creation. It is typically 5 questions requiring the creation of two unique models. The first model created will be used to answer questions 1-3. Each question asks for the mass, or sometimes the center of mass, of the model. Slight variations and features are added between each question and major dimensions are also changed. The second model is associated with the final 2 questions, again the mass is required and answers are in multiple choice and free form. On the second set of questions there are few functional changes to the model required, instead dimensional changes will be required and can be handled by Equations. There is a 90 minute time limit and a passing grade is 75%.

B-1. Interpreting the Drawing

Drawings and figures for the CSWP are not created in any standard format (ASME) instead they are given as a generic isometric view with dimensions noted. All available views will appear in the filmstrip below the display area. Dimensions that appear in Ballons are subject to change in future models, this is in contrast to the dimensions that are designated by variables (A,B,C,D,Y,X etc). Detail view areas are noted as they would be in engineering drawings, with a circle and label (AA, BB, CC) and the detail view will generally be broken out as a separate view in the film strip.

In the description for the question the values of each variable will are provided. These values are generated from a master configuration table controlled by the certification specialists at Solidworks Corp. There are literally hundreds of variations of each model that can be randomly generated. Even if the question looks similar or identical to that of other exams the values of the answers can vary widely. For multiple choice questions though the available answer options should be exactly or very near to exact (single digit rounding error).

Cut List Folder management in the Weldment Part - CSWP Weldments

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:12:00 +0000

To properly utilize the weldments features for Solidworks an understanding of the cut list structure is required. Once the Weldment feature is added to a part a few changes are made, including a change from "Solid bodies" to "Cut-List" in the feature manager. This cut list can be linked to drawings and passed to a machinist to facilitate the cutting of proper profile lengths. Consolidating items for the cut list is important, a weldment that requires 40 structural components may only contain 3 or four distinct parts. Grouping of identical items and specifications is done through a folder structure as a part of the "Cut-List" feature.

A new weldment part will contain a cut list with all of the items. Each is named and numbered according to the last feature to modify the part . Before a cut-list can be used in a drawing the folder structure must be added. This can be done by right clicking and checking the "Automatic" or "Update", for the purposes of the CSWP it is most likely that the "Automatic" feature should be used.

Once the "Automatic" feature is click the Cut-List will be organized into folders. A folder is created for each unique part, with a quantity noted in parenthesis. My simple example was a rectangular box with a single cross member which created 4 folders, one each for the length/width/height members and another for the cross member.

If more members are added they will not necessarily get their own folder automatically, despite the name "automatic". Each item will be added after the folders and items that are not contained in a folder will not propogate out to the drawing Cut-List or BOM. This can be useful if a body which will not require a cut, such as a rivet or weld bead, is added for visual purposes.

Clicking update again will add a new folder to the cut list for any new items. If it matches other items it will be included in that folder. If not it will create a new folder. Folders are named in order and the number of items in each folder is clearly noted in the folder name.

Folders Can be renamed to help orgainze things. The name of the FOLDER will be the "Cutlist Item Name", this is a field that can be easily added to a Cut List table on a drawing. The name of the actual cut list item (or body) is not as easy to add to a table.

All items in the folder are named based upon the last feature to modify that body (Structrual Member 1). The order within that feature [1] denotes the first item created in the feature, [2] the second and so on. Items can be manually added to folders by dragging and dropping them. For most applications though the drag/drop feature should be avoided as the software does a fairly nice job of grouping items together correctly.

It is important to note that it is not just the profile and length that will create a new folder, a new material will as well. The overall material can be assigned to the part in the normal fashion, by right clicking the material feature in the feature manager, but some items may be a different material.

When a weldment part has bodies that are made of different materials it will be noted below each body. Each body is treated uniquely and the material is one of the fields that is compared before grouping items for the cut list. In the below image two of the members are called out as Aluminum alloy (although welding steel to aluminum in this configuration is not advised). Because each of these items is a different material from the part material an added notation is made in the Cut List and Cut List Folder. This material field can also be used to populate a field for a Cut List BOM on a drawing.

Check the overview post for more items that are tested on the CSWP Weldment exam.

Photoview 360: Where to start learning

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:12:00 +0000

The box and marketing material for Solidworks have always had shiny renderings plastered all over them. Unfortunately the software that created them (Photoworks and then Photoview 360) was always a part of the Professional package. Then, last summer, they allowed all beta testers access to the professional suite. During that time I poked around a bit with Photoview 360 but the beta testing ended before I could delve too deeply. With a new job in the fall I finally got access to the Pro Version, and with it Photoworks (until they drop it next year) and Photoview 360. After completing a few other projects, and while I wait for the trial version of TurboCad to show up, I decided to try my hand at rendering.

Before beginning the first thing to do was get a model that would keep me motivated to render. This is a chair concept I created, it is made of wood. The design is based around a similar style chair that is in the lobby of a local yoga studio. The yoga studio one is super comfortable but has no back to it, I sit on it to put shoes on but always want to just lie down and go to sleep. Mine has a back to it of course.

All of the above image was done by trial and error of poking around. Running on a mac with bootcamp means there is a ton of lag even just positioning a model and the render of course takes a few minutes. The only lighting setting that was changed here was the aspect ration, set to match the background image. Trial and error, my normal method of first learning new software, also takes a bunch of time due to the lag. Hopefully I can find some good material (free) to describe the theory behind each of the lighting options. More posts will follow as I find out details.

The second image here is just a screen capture taken during the render, top left the total rendering time can be seen. Settings are previewed beforehand and the final image does not look too much different from the preview, so again I'm going have to figure out the theory and see what I am missing. More to come soon.

Placing gaps at corners and segment intersections - CSWP Weldments

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Weldments are a part of the Solidworks software that are intended to be used for parts that will require welding. It leads to reason then that small details, such as welding gaps in lengths, should be handled in an easy and intuitive fashion. Sure enough, one of the built in options when inserting weldment members is the option to include a gap between the components.

In this first image the feature manger can be seen with a value input for G1. This value inserts a gap between all member in the same group. Because it is intended to be a weld gap there is an upper limit on the value of this field which is set to one inch. If a member needs a larger gap one can be created manually with the cut tool.

In addition to a gap between members of the same group there is an option for a gap between differing groups. This box will only be editable when the it is potentially applicable. For example the option will always be grayed out when editing "Group1" or the first group of weldments.

The values of intra and inter group members do not have to be equal but the feature manger values will effect all edges in the grouping. If a single joint requires a larger or smaller gap it must be addressed separately. This can be done by clicking the purple dot located at the joint vertex. Once clicked a separate window will appear in the graphics area. Marking the "set corner specific weld gaps" option will allow editing of the gap value field

The methods above work primarily for weldment members created in the same feature. Where a joint is made from members of differing profiles, or otherwise created in different features it is not always possible to control the gap during the member creation. Sometimes when joints leave overlaps or comlicated corners a trim is required to properly model the component. When using the trim tool and option again exists to control the weld gap.

This option is only available when the cut type is a "Simple Cut", when the "Coped" cut option is selected the filed will not appear. To create a gap for a Coped end part there are other options, specifically the "Move Face" tool tend to work (Insert>Face> Move). Other manual cuts will also work to place a gap in the weldment.

These small gap details will surely be a part of any CSWP exam and knowing how to quickly alter each joint and value will help pass the exam. For more review see the main CSWP Exam review post.

3D Sketch Creation - CSWP Weldments

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:31:00 +0000

To start creating a weldment a path for each member must be present. This means a sketch must be created to represent the members paths. For simple boxes and very basic weldment parts sketches can be laid out in a traditional 2d fashion, but to really control things it is typically easier to create a 3d sketch. With the ability to locate a point anywhere in space, sketching in 3d is sometimes difficult. There are some tricks to help simplify the process.

First to start a 3D sketch select it from the drop down below sketches (seen below) or Insert>3dSketch. Note that because the 3dsketch is a drop down, if you use the toolbar to exit sketches it will take an extra mouse click to get out of a 3dsketch. Instead to when it comes time to exit the sketch

All the same sketch tools will apply for 3dsketching, but how to constrain the points of each entity is key. Initially a triad will appear with two red axis and one black axis. The two red axis are the plane on which you will be sketching. Hit the Tab key and the plane will change.

This allows a rough sketch to be created at first, but even with the two red axis highlighted it is possible to put a point on another plane. When doing so a box will be drawn with yellow build lines. This is only for visual purposes and shows a user where the cursor is in 3d space. All of this becomes a bit confusing, and there are times when even in a 3d sketch it is important to say on the same plane. 3dSketch planes help accomplish this. Similar to reference planes, 3d sketch planes can be inserted for referencing purposes. Right mouse button click while in a 3d sketch and select the "Plane" option (image below).

After selecting this option a feature manager will appear allowing for the creation of a 3dsketch plane (image above). This is NOT a reference plane. 3dsketch planes are contained within a 3d sketch and will not appear as a feature in the feature tree. In the image below three 3dSketch planes have been added but it is clear in the feature tree that only one feature is present, the 3dsketch

You can sketch on the 3dsketch plane by selecting that option from the original sketch drop down icon (3d Sketch on Plane) and then selecting the plane. Once this has occurred the sketch tools will lock onto that plane until another action is taken, no more 3 dimensional dashed yellow build lines.

Dimensinoing is also imporatant for 3d sketches. Nothing is different about dimensioning, the smart dimension tool still works like a charm.

The one thing that may be difficult when dimensioning is figuring out what exactly is being dimensioned. Because an entity is in 3d space it is conceivable that it could be dimensioned in all three as well as a length dimension that spans all three. If a dimension is selected and not placed moving the cursor around may toggle these option. For tight spaces the placement of the dimension may be difficult so lock in which plane the dimension references by clicking the right mouse button.

Another handy option when creating 3d sketches is the ability to put a point on a plane. Ctrl select a point and plane (it can even be a 3d sketch plane) and the add relation option will include an "On Plane" option. This reference does exactly what is expected.

Using all of the above will help to create a clean, fully dimensioned 3d sketch that. With so much power it is possible to create a massively complex weldment structure with only a few features.

3d Sketches are just one of the suggested study topics for the CSWP Weldment exam. To review for other portions of the CSWP Weldment check out the main post.

Novedge Reprinting Content in full

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:10:00 +0000

Edit: Franco Folini of Novedge has addressed this issue with a much more acceptable approach. Now the "read more" opens the article while maintaining a Novedge banner on top. Much like StumbleUpon and other aggregators, comparing the previous Pulse to Reader and other RSS readers (that require a single user to add their own feeds) still seems like a stretch. Just because an RSS is "Public" does not mean you can up and take it. I am satisfied with the resolution as it displays the content along with everything else (3dEngr blogroll, ads, sidebar etc) and makes it clear that the article was not written for Novedge. This post will remain here though my outlook on Novedge has brightened due to the prompt response and resolution.

I have known the Novedge "Pulse" to regularly print synopsis of articles I write for this blog www.3dEngr.com. In the past I thought the extent of their coverage was a small synopsis, and it didn't seem like they were getting much coverage as the incoming visitors from their site were minor blips on my analytics account. Low and behold their is probably a reason for that. Today I realized that entire articles were being reprinted. I found this out when I clicked on a Twitter link (offending Tweet http://twitter.com/_Pulse_/status/9984318337). Not only are they reposting entire articles, they are actively marketing and driving traffic to the reposted article.

I was hoping that this was a one time error. It's not. This seems to be a trend for Novedge. Pulling content and reprinting it. The articles appear next to a picture of me, the picture is ONLY used one place on the internet, that being a Solidworks Forum account. I recently signed up for another of their services, Space Claiming, a forum that centers around the Space Claim product and features Novedge's namely prominently. As soon as I signed up they had already filled in my profile picture with an image that again only appears one place on the web, this time a virtual copy of my personal resume.To their credit, two of the above sources include no form of copyright (the Solidworks Forums may somehow, but my resume has no specific mention).

NOT TO THEIR CREDIT, this blog does include a fun little Copyright tag at the bottom. It should seem both explicitly and implicitly than that reproducing articles is not allowed. They didn't do this just once either, there are 27 blog posts that are blatantly reposted with no omissions at all. Not quoted, just reposted. A complete list of them is under my own name, clicking more gets to the complete post.

My Alibre Review got reposted http://www.novedge.com/pulse.item/66690
The CSWP Weldment Gussets post also got reposted. http://www.novedge.com/pulse.item/66760

Even if it is not explicitly laid out, this seems like a terrible breach of ethics. I also recognize this is not the case for other authors that are picked up in the Pulse section. Some authors only get a synopsis so that a reader who is teased must click the slightly hidden link to get to the original site and read the rest of the article. Others it seems have been stolen from as well (or gave permission) and there is no noticeable pattern.

Deelip Menezes of Deelip.com. Your safe, only synopsis for Deelip. Readers actually have to head over to his site.
Jon Pickup of ArchonCad.com. Reprinted in entirety. http://www.novedge.com/Pulse.asp?IID=66647
Carlos Perez of blog.rhino3d.com/. Reprinted in entirety. http://www.novedge.com/pulse.item/66753
Robin Capper of rcd.typepad.com/rcd/. Reprinted in entirety. http://www.novedge.com/pulse.item/66187
Gregory Arkin of Revitclinic.typepad.com Reprinted in entirety. http://www.novedge.com/pulse.item/66462
Josh Mings of Solidsmack.com fame. Safe, again a reader must be redirected.

I'm not sure if this is some sort of shakedown or I am somehow required to "opt out" of novedge to keep them from stealing my content. Either way it is unsettling.

What makes this all so bad is that Noevedge is NOT a news aggregator. They are a storefront. Everyone of the stolen articles appears with an ad next to it. In addition to the add the page also has a few tabs across the top, one clearly being their "Store". Also on the page is a phone number for novedge, call the number and get an automated response "Thank you for calling Novedge, if you know your parties extension please dial it now for SALES PRESS 1". And what do they sell? Training materials, including for Solidworks and CAD Programs including Alibre (which appears often in my own adwords on 3dEngr) and a few others which I have drafts to review as part of the CAD Programs series of posts.

I do not make a living from this blog so I will not claim that they have somehow stolen my livelihood, but by doing this to a variety of content providers they have built a nice collection of useful information which no doubt helps there store. I am not one to stir things up but this sort of shady business practice really irks me. I have requested via the novedge "contact us" form that they correct this issue and only post synopsis of my articles but removing my stolen content is not enough. Novedge is still clearly profiting from stealing content of others and re-purposing it next to their products. There business plan does not appear to include any proprietary products, rather they are just a reseller. Hope business has been good novedge, I'll surely never be purchasing anything from you.

For those skeptics I took a quick screen capture video showing what is happening. Here you can see the list of post they've taken along with the picture. Also visible are there ads. Near the end of the video it shows a post by Deelip and just a summary rather than the whole post.