What is Multi-Material Overmolding?

In the multi-shot or multi-material overmolding process, two different polymer materials are injected within the same cycle. Separate injection nozzles introduce materials sequentially into the cavities.

There are two popular approaches used for multi-material injection molding:

• Inject resin into the mold, then remove a section of the mold wall and form a second cavity against the first. Inject the second material into the cavity so the two materials form a single part.
• Rotate a special mold between the cycles. After the part is ejected from the first cavity, rotate the mold the mold of a second cavity.

Injection molding is inherently sensitive to process variables such as temperature, pressure, material behavior, and geometry.

SOLIDWORKS Plastics allows engineers to do the following before tooling is built:

• Identify defect such as short shots, weld lines, and air traps
• Predict fill time
• Optimize gate locations
• Determine runner system layout and cooling times
• Evaluate warpage and shrinkage

Without simulation, designers and engineers often rely on trial-and-error approaches, which can lead to costly mold rework and production delays.

How to Simulate Multi-Material Overmolding

In the actual mold, a rotary disk is typically used to connect the cavities with their respective gates that are filled with melted polymer through separate injection units. In the simulation process, you design both parts in their final positions and specify the gates (injection locations) on the cavity domains.

A typical overmolding simulation workflow in SOLIDWORKS Plastics includes:

1. Geometry Preparation: Define the substrate and overmold as separate solid bodies within a multi-body part.
2. Plastic Study setup: Define a plastics study and select Multi-Material Overmolding as the type of process. Two injections units can be selected, and material properties can be set in the Injection Units dialog box. The domain lets users assign each cavity to the appropriate injection unit.
   

   Define the study

3. Boundary Condition: This simulation example model consists of two solid bodies, the Grip and a solid part. Once the cavity definition is given to both bodies, define gate positions (injection locations) on the cavity domains.
   

   Make the bodies cavities and set injection locations

4. Mesh Generation: Use a solid mesh to simulate overmolding injection molding. This model is meshed using solid elements of type tetrahedral hybrid.
   

   Set the mesh

5. Process Definition: Set melt temperatures, material, fill properties, and cycle parameters.
   

   Set parameters here

6. Result Evaluation: Analyze fill time, pressure distribution, weld lines, and temperature variation.
7. Design Iteration: Modify geometry or process inputs to optimize performance and re-run the SOLIDWORKS Plastics study.

Tools to Analyze Results

Hybrid mesh topology provides an efficient discretization of analysis domain that accurately captures important features of the flow, thermal and stress fields.

A fill, pack and warp analysis can be performed to evaluate fill time and shrinkage. The solver automatically runs a Fill and Pack analysis for the first cavity, followed by another Fill and Pack analysis for the second cavity. After both analyses are complete, a warp analysis is solved.

Fill time and Total deformation of the part after molded part cools to room temperature

An X-Y plot can be used to examine time-dependent analysis results, for example variation of injection pressure and temperature can be evaluated for entire model or specific locations.

Injection pressure vs time plot

To evaluate linear shrinkage in a specific direction, the Measurement tool can be used.

Use of the Measurement tool

As overmolded plastic product designs continue to demand higher performance and integration, simulation-driven workflows are essential for staying competitive in the field of injection molding. This CAD-embedded workflow in SOLIDWORKS Plastics enables rapid design iterations, accelerating design decisions and reducing time to market.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation

If SOLIDWORKS Plastics is useful to you, take a look at other SOLIDWORKS Simulation offerings. With applications in electromagnetics, HVAC, frequency, electronics, and flow, SOLIDWORKS Simulation can help you design and test your models to save costs and improve efficiency.

Services are included with packages and consist of technical support, upgrades, resources, and trainings. Take a closer look at the capabilities of each package to determine the best fit software.

To watch webinars about SOLIDWORKS Simulation and what it can offer, click here.

The post How to Simulate Multi-Material Overmolding with SOLIDWORKS Plastics appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

This alignment helps to make sure that drawings remain professional and clean looking. This extends further to let users center notes in drawing title blocks to keep information easy to read.

Tools to Center Notes in SOLIDWORKS Drawings

SOLIDWORKS provides a variety of snap and alignment tools that assist users in creating clean and consistent drawings.

Alignment options in SOLIDWORKS drawings

These tools within SOLIDWORKS allow for dimensions, notes, annotations, balloons, and drawing views to be automatic positioned and organized.

Selections that SOLIDWORKS allows include:

• Align Top
• Align Bottom
• Space Evenly Across
• Space Tightly Down
• Auto Arrange
• Stagger
• Align Collinear

SOLIDWORKS also contains a drawing specific feature that is catered to align drawing notes within a rectangle. This is particularly useful for populating a title block.

How To Center the Notes in SOLIDWORKS

You can leverage the Snap to Rectangle Center option to center notes in SOLIDWORKS drawing title block.

To center notes in title blocks:

1. Right-click on a SOLIDWORKS drawing sheet and select Edit Sheet Format from the shortcut menu.
2. Select the note that you want to align in the title box in the bottom left corner of the drawing sheet.

An uncentered title block note

3. Right-click on the note and under Selected Entity, choose Snap to Rectangle Center from the shortcut menu.

Select to center notes in SOLIDWORKS Drawing Title Block

4. In the bottom-left of the SOLIDWORKS window, the prompt should state “Select 4 sides of rectangle.”
5. Pick four lines that enclose the title block or of the block you’d like to center the note in. The order of selection does not matter.
   

   Final centered note

The Snap to Rectangle Center option is a small but useful feature that allows you to quickly locate and reference the center of a rectangle without having to create additional construction geometry.

Other Ways to Position Notes

You can position notes from the Note PropertyManager or by navigating to Parameters and selecting Display on the screen. You may also use Move Entities and use the Quick Snaps or drag the notes.

Quick Snap options

In the Note PropertyManager, you can specify the corrdinates in the X and Y direction. By using Move Entities, you can select methods from the Move PropertyManager.

Placing Notes in Drawings

To place a note, navigate to the Annotations tab in the CommandManager, click on the Note tool, and then select the drawing view or sheet in the place where you want to create the note. Type the note text in the box that appears and link it to any custom properties that are required.

Learning SOLIDWORKS Drawing Fundamentals

Centering notes in a title block is a fundamental drawing skill that can take your engineering prints from novice to pro. However, this is just one of the many tools in SOLIDWORKS that assist with dimensioning and detailing.

To register for an upcoming SOLIDWORKS Drawing training, click here.

The post How to Center Notes in SOLIDWORKS Drawing Title Blocks appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

Local vs Server Setup

For a local setup, the electrical projects are saved on the local machine, and the SQL instance is also installed locally. However, for the server setup, all the electrical users save their projects on the server machine, and they use the SQL instance that is installed on the server. Server setup is used in case of larger companies with large number of electrical users.

Changing SOLIDWORKS Electrical Application Settings

In some cases, changing the application settings on the client machine from the local to server always reverts back to local when the end user machine is restarted or the SOLIDWORKS electrical schematic window is relaunched. While this may not happen all the time, it is important to know how to fix it when it does occur.

Resolving SOLIDWORKS Electrical Application Settings Issues

If one electrical user already has their machine connected to the server, the SOLIDWORKS Electrical Application Settings Windows registry key from the working machine can be exported and run on another client machine.

To fix the setting issues:

1. Open the Registry Editor window through Windows search.
2. Type Regedit, right-click, and select run as an administrator.
3. On the working machine, browse to the registry based on the version of SOLIDWORKS Electrical that you are using. Pre-2023 will correspond to Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Trace Software while versions 2023 or later will show Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Solidworks\Solidworks Electrical.
4. Right click on the respective folder, hit export and save it as a .reg file.
   

   Inside the Registry Editor, save the folder as a .reg file

5. Save the .reg file on the desktop of the non-working machine.
6. Double click and run the registry file.
7. Click yes to the warning message.
   

   Acknowledge to continue the process

8. Launch SOLIDWORKS Electrical Schematic, navigate to Tools and select Application Settings.

The settings will be permanently set to the server setup.

Connection Blockages

Issues can be found in some instances of installations that have been converted from local to client/server. In these cases, the connection to the SOLIDWORKS Electrical Collaborative Server, hosted on the server machine, is blocked by the local service.

The connection error is caused by the SOLIDWORKS Electrical Collaborative Server service’s presence on the local machine. The program prioritizes local software components, so this remaining service can block the connection to the server machine.

To resolve this issue:

1. Type “Services” into the search menu on your local machine.
2. Once in Services, find the SOLIDWORKS Electrical Collaborative Server service. Right-click on it and select Properties.
   
3. In the Properties menu, change the Startup type of the service to Disabled.

With the local Electrical Collaborative Server disabled, the program will attempt to connect to the service on the server machine. This is particularly useful in cases where an error message is encountered involving the connection to the collaborative server. It is best to try this before advancing into more troubleshooting options.

Another connection blocker could be a firewall. Ensure that any firewalls and anti-malware programs are set to allow the connection. With these ports are open within the firewall on both the client and server machines, the schematic program should run perfectly.

Foundations of SOLIDWORKS Electrical

While SOLIDWORKS Electrical carries the same intuitiveness as all SOLIDWORKS products do, it is still important to understand the basics to efficiently navigate and model. Javelin provides a number of SOLIDWORKS Electrical courses to help you gain the knowledge needed to show schematics, routing, and flow.

Training methods include online or in person classes with the choice of half or full day sessions. All learning is led by an experienced instructor who will guide you through case studies and examples as well as answer any questions you may have. If you are more interested in a flexible custom training, we can provide a tailored course to fit your needs.

To learn more about custom trainings, click here.

The post How to Fix Errors While Changing SOLIDWORKS Electrical Application Settings appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Task Properties

Reasons for a SOLIDWORKS PDM Tasks Failure

Typical reasons for a task to fail are slow network connections (if the PDM Task is being sent across a network), as well as insufficient resources on the Task Host (the computer where the task is being executed), can lead to crashing. In some situations, a previous SOLIDWORKS crash, can cause a PDM Task to fail.

When SOLIDWORKS crashes, sometimes the SOLIDWORKS executable remains running. You may have experienced this when you launch SOLIDWORKS and get the message shown below.

Journal File Warning

SOLIDWORKS Journal File Issue

SOLIDWORKS creates a Journal file whenever SOLIDWORKS is launched, There can only be one Journal file active, at any time for each major version of SOLIDWORKS installed (i.e. one for SOLIDWORKS 2020, one for 2021 etc.); if after a crash occurs the SOLIDWORKS executable continues to run. A new Journal file cannot be created when SOLIDWORKS is relaunched. This Journal file warning is what can prevent the PDM Task from running. This is because the Journal file warning must be manually dismissed, before a new session SOLIDWORKS can be launched.

To resolve this issue, start the Windows Task Manager and look for the Process called SLDWORKS.exe. Then right-click on the executable and select End Task. Do this for all SLDWORKS.exe you find. If you have any open files, you should save them first, before ending the SLDWORKS.exe Processes.

Ending SLDWORKS.exe Process

The post Why did my SOLIDWORKS PDM Task Fail? appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

SOLIDWORKS vs SOLIDWORKS PDM

When you install SOLIDWORKS, you have only obtained the 3D design software (CAD). With it, you can model parts, assemble them, and create drawings. SOLIDWORKS PDM is a companion tool to manage files. It keeps track of revisions, stores and organizes files, and manages who can access each file.

Not only is the software different, but the licensing requirements differ as well. SOLIDWORKS PDM, requiring a database and server, needs client licenses with tiers while SOLIDWORKS is installed on a workstation and uses standalone or network licenses.

SOLIDWORKS is also generally for individual use as on designer is creating the part while SOLIDWORKS PDM is a home for shared files. SOLIDWORKS PDM ensures that revisions are tracked to avoid lost work and promote collaboration.

When looking at licensing, it is important to note the different levels of capability that each will provide. For a guide to choosing a SOLIDWORKS license, click here. Additionally, visit this webinar to fully understand SOLIDWORKS PDM licensing types.

Adding SOLIDWORKS PDM | Step-By-Step

A proven quick way to add SOLIDWORKS PDM is to utilize the already installed SOLIDWORKS application. You will need to modify the installation. If the modify choice is greyed out, this could be a sign of your installation being an Admin Image. Reach out to your IT or SOLIDWORKS/PDM Administrator to get the correct applications installed on your machine.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the Installed Apps via Windows.
2. Search for your SOLIDWORKS installation.
3. Click the ellipses on the right side of the screen and choose to modify your installation.
   

   Modify the SOLIDWORKS installation from Installed Apps

4. A welcome page to the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager will appear. Click next at the bottom of the window.
   

   Welcome page of the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager

5. The next window will be in relation to the serial number. Click next to this one as well.
   

   Serial Number page in the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager

6. On the Product Selection page, scroll down to the bottom. Select the checkbox that will add SOLIDWORKS PDM Client, and then click next.
   

   Add SOLIDWORKS PDM Client on the Product Selection page

7. On the Summary page, scroll down to the bottom and choose to change the SOLIDWORKS PDM Options.
   

   Change the SOLIDWORKS PDM Options

8. Ensure you accept the terms of SOLIDWORKS. Before clicking, read the license agreement linked below the checkbox to understand your restrictions.
9. Configure the SOLIDWORKS PDM Client options, click the Back to Summary button, and then hit Modify Now.
   

   Configure SOLIDWORKS PDM Client Options

10. The Installation manager will then ask for the license server information. Click ok to this message.
    

    License server confirmation dialog box

When it is finished installing, click finish and the process of adding SOLIDWORKS PDM is complete. You can now navigate to the Start Menu, scroll down, and locate the SOLIDWORKS PDM folder. You should see all of the applications needed to finish setting up your SOLIDWORKS PDM vault view.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Training

If you need further assistance with installing SOLIDWORKS PDM or with setting up your SOLIDWORKS PDM Vault View, view the Javelin Blog for related articles or reach out to your VAR and they will be able to assist with any further troubleshooting.

With SOLIDWORKS PDM successfully installed, it is important to gain the foundational skills to take full advantage of the capabilities it grants. Consider taking a SOLIDWORKS PDM training course to learn how to navigate the interface, utilize the tools, and manage other users.

To get more information about a specialized training, click here.

The post How to Add SOLIDWORKS PDM to Your Installation appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

A typical example is filling a Word document with information but it is also possible to populate cells in Microsoft Excel. Pushing data from SOLIDWORKS PDM variables into the cells of a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet helps analyze and interpret the data.

What are SOLIDWORKS PDM Variables?

SOLIDWORKS PDM variables can save data to be used when populating data cards. They can have any name or purpose, similar to custom properties.

SOLIDWORKS PDM variable list

SOLIDWORKS PDM variables can be found in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration tool in the Variables section. By right-clicking on the drop-down menu, you will find the option to create a new variable which can be text, dates, yes or no, decimal numbers, or integer numbers.

How to Use Variables

You can use variables by adding attributes to allow for blocks with custom properties. Multiple attributes can be added to one variable, and special properties attached to drawing templates can be added as well.

If you want the information to go to the data card, ensure that you have Version Free checked so the data card will be changed without being checked out.

How to Populate Cells in Microsoft Excel with SOLIDWORKS PDM Variables

In order to populate the cells of an Excel sheet, you must already have the variable created. The variables needs to have .xlsx and .xls as file extensions inside the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration tool for this to work.

Follow the steps below to populate cells:

1. Create a named cell in Microsoft Excel that relates to your variable navigating to Formulas and selecting Name Manager
   

   Name Manager in the Microsoft Excel ribbon

2. Add a new name using the Name Manager.
   

   Name Manager dialog box

3. Ensure the cell name matches the attribute defined for the SOLIDWORKS PDM variable.
4. Click OK.
   

   Linking to the SOLIDWORKS PDM Variable

5. Navigate to File > Info.
6. Select the dropdown on the Properties button and then choose Advanced Properties. The worksheet must not be protected for this to appear.
   

   Accessing Advanced Properties

7. On the Custom tab, type in the name of your custom property and select Text as the Type.
8. Select the Link to content checkbox and then select the source you created in Step 3.
   

   The Custom tab to populate cells in Microsoft Excel

9. Click OK to confirm the link.

The cells in the Excel sheet should now be populating with the variables from SOLIDWORKS PDM. This process can also be used to populate content in Microsoft Word.

Extending Automation with SOLIDWORKS PDM

SOLIDWORKS PDM has an incredible amount of automation built in with approval workflows, history tracking, and creating derivative files from vaulted components. However, there are times when you need to connect your vault to external systems and let information flow back and forth.

TriMech’s Power Suite for SOLIDWORKS PDM takes this automation to a new level. With the Power Suite, you can add custom-built functionality to connect your vault to MRP and ERP systems.

To learn more about the Power Suite, contact us here.

The post How to Populate Cells in Microsoft Excel with SOLIDWORKS PDM Variables appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

As a seamless add-in to SOLIDWORKS, SolidCAM enables users to create, manage, and optimize CNC machining operations directly from their CAD models, eliminating the need to switch between separate design and manufacturing platforms.

Before You Begin

Before you install SolidCAM, you must verify two critical pieces of information.

• The machine that SolidCAM is installed on must meet the SOLIDWORKS System Requirements to make sure that SolidCAM runs smoothly.
• You must be logged in as a user with administrative permissions to ensure that SolidCAM installs properly.

Without double-checking system hardware and permissions, SolidCAM may not install properly or could fail to install alltogether.

How to Install SolidCAM

1. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software. Windows Defender does not require disabling.
2. Double-click the SolidCAM installation executable file.
3. Once the Installation Wizard appears, click OK and then Next.
   

   Starting the SolidCAM Installation Wizard

4. Review and accept the SolidCAM End User License Agreement.
5. Confirm the installation directory.
6. Select your default machining units. These can be changed later.
   

   Selecting the SolidCAM default unit

7. Confirm the SolidCAM products you want to install.
   

   Confirming the installed SolidCAM products

8. Confirm the default program folder name.
   

   Specifying the program folder name

9. Wait for the SolidCAM installation process to complete.
   

   The final SolidCAM installation

Once the SolidCAM installation finishes, you will be prompted to launch SOLIDWORKS with the SolidCAM add-in. Afterward, the SolidCAM license will need to be activated.

This process differs depending on whether you are using a network or standalone license.

• For network SolidCAM licenses, follow our guide here.
• For standalone SolidCAM licenses, follow our guide here.

Installing SolidCAM is the first step toward leveraging powerful, fully integrated CAM programming within your SOLIDWORKS environment. With SolidCAM successfully installed and activated, you can take advantage of a seamless design-to-manufacturing workflow that allows you to create, manage, and optimize CNC machining operations directly from your CAD models.

Additional Support for Installing SolidCAM

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should now have a fully functional SolidCAM installation and be ready to begin programming parts, generating toolpaths, and maximizing the efficiency of your manufacturing process.

However, if issues appear or you are encountering errors while installing SolidCAM, contact our dedicated Technical Support team for further assistance. Our team is standing by to ensure SolidCAM is installed properly and running smoothly.

To report a problem with your SolidCAM installation, contact us here.

The post How to Install SolidCAM appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

Fortunately, SOLIDWORKS has dedicated tools to fix these sketch errors. For instances where a sketch is overdefined, has missing geometry, or other errors, these tools will get you back on track in no time.

Tools to Fix Sketch Errors in SOLIDWORKS

The three main tools at your disposal include Repair Sketch, Check Sketch for Feature, and SketchXpert.

Using these tools can help you avoid redrawing the sketch entirely or spending an unnecessary amount of time trying to fix it. Fixing sketch errors early in the modeling process will also save you from improper feature creation.

Repair Sketch

The SOLIDWORKS Repair Sketch tool allows you to fix a broken or open sketch. It essentially puts the sketch under a magnifying glass to identify small gaps as well as overlapping sketch entities not visible to your eyes.

To use Repair Sketch:

1. Inside an open sketch, navigate to Tools > Sketch Tools > Repair Sketch.
   

   Accessing the Repair Sketch command

2. In the dialog box that opens, set a maximum gap distance to check for and click Refresh.
3. SOLIDWORKS will highlight errors with a magnifying glass.
   

   The magnifying glass will highlight the sketch errors in SOLIDWORKS

4. Drag the endpoints together to ensure the sketch is closed.

A closed sketch is visually defined by a light blue or grey interior shading. If the interior coloring is still the same as the SOLIDWORKS background, be sure to save and exit the sketch to refresh the coloring.

Check Sketch for Feature

This tool allows you to check your sketch for errors when your desired feature fails. SOLIDWORKS will tell you what needs to be fixed for the feature to work.

To use Check Sketch for Feature:

1. Navigate to Tools > Sketch Tools > Check Sketch for Feature.
   

   Accessing the Check Sketch for Feature command

2. In the dialog box that opens, use the drop-down to select the feature you are trying to create.
3. Click Check, and a message box will pop up explaining the issue.
   

   A warning message for why the feature is failing

If a gap in your sketch is the problem, SOLIDWORKS will pull up Repair Sketch once you select OK in the error message.

SketchXpert

SketchXpert is used to diagnose errors by cycling through potential solutions.

If one of the solutions is what you intended, SketchXpert can be used to repair the issue. The tool is available when your sketch turns red from being overdefined.

To use SketchXpert:

1. In an overdefined sketch, select No Solution Found at the bottom of the screen.
   

   An overdefined sketch in SOLIDWORKS

2. Select Diagnose to have SOLIDWORKS show you potential solutions that you can cycle through.
3. Use Manual Repair to show the conflicting relations and decide on your own what to remove.
   

   Manual Repair vs Diagnose

4.  To fix the sketch, filter through the diagnose solutions or delete conflicting relations.

If none of the solutions preserve your design intent, then it may be better to redraw the problem area with no relations to start with a clean slate.

Improving Your Diagnostic Skills

Fixing errors and troubleshooting are one of the many topics touched on by the SOLIDWORKS Essentials course. Join experienced instructors in the online or in-person courses to learn design intent, basic modeling and sketching, drawings, assemblies, and advanced features such as patterning.

Choose between the four- or eight-day course, where the hands-on learning will allow you to see case studies, practice examples, and ask any questions. With SOLIDWORKS Essentials, you will master the SOLIDWORKS environment and be better equipped to take on design projects.

To learn more about our training classes and to register for an upcoming course, click here.

The post How to Fix Sketch Errors in SOLIDWORKS appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

Corrupted files can’t easily be spotted at a glance but become very apparent when the error message appears when it tries to open. The most typical error message is “An unknown error occurred while accessing the unnamed file”.

What Causes Corrupt Files?

Usually, a user will receive an indication that the file is corrupt when they try to open it, but if the corrupted file is in an open top-level document, such as an assembly, there may not be any indication of corruption until the top-level document tries to be saved.

Corrupt SOLIDWORKS component error

This error can be caused by either a file being truncated during the save process or being copied to or from a network drive. Both happen when the drive becomes unavailable or the system crashes.

How to Find a Corrupt SOLIDWORKS Component

Finding the corrupt SOLIDWORKS component is the hardest part of the process, as you have to access the top-level file and sort through the document to find which component is causing the issue.

To find the corrupted component:

1. Navigate to File > Open to access File Explorer
2. Select the affected top-level assembly to highlight it.
3. Change the referenced configuration to <Advanced>.
   

   Selecting the configuration

4. In the dialog box that appears, select New configuration showing assembly structure only.
5. Enter a name for the new configuration.
   

   Creating the new suppressed configuration

6. Click OK to open the assembly with every component suppressed.
7. Starting from the top of the tree, unsuppress each component until you receive the error message again.

By unsuppressing each component one at a time, you can quickly identify the corrupted file. If the issue is with a subassembly, you may need to open each subassembly from the dialog box using the Advanced mode and repeat the steps above.

How to Repair a Corrupt SOLIDWORKS Component

Once a corrupted component is found, you’ll need to repair it to be able to use the assembly. There are a few different options to fix this issue.

1. Use the Replace Component command or delete the component while suppressed. This typically fixes any issues with the original component.
2. Make a copy of the corrupted file by renaming it and moving it into a different directory. Often, this refreshes the component’s data, and it can be added back to the assembly.
3. For simple parts, recreate the component from scratch. This is the fastest way to fix corrupted files if the other methods do not work.
4. Create a SOLIDWORKS Pack and Go to send to our Technical Support team to investigate. Our team of experts can find workarounds or other solutions.

Sometimes file corruption doesn’t affect the part or assembly. If you are experiencing corrupted drawing views, review our guide to fix them here.

Avoiding File Corruption with SOLIDWORKS PDM

The best way to avoid file corruption is to be proactive with backups and recovery paths before disaster strikes. Rather than relying on workarounds or hoping you have a copy of a file stored away somewhere, you should have a dedicated system for managing your data.

SOLIDWORKS PDM enables file security, history tracking, and automatic snapshot taking for your CAD and non-CAD files. It also allows for cross-network collaboration without the traditional risks of working on files from a server, adding an extra layer of protection against file corruption.

To learn more about SOLIDWORKS PDM and see a demo, contact us here.

The post How to Fix Corrupt SOLIDWORKS Components in an Assembly appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

There are several standard and derived views to communicate even the most intricate details to the viewer so they can model your part.

What are SOLIDWORKS Drawing Views?

SOLIDWORKS drawing views allow you to look at a model from different angles. Once annotated with dimensions, text, and callouts, they contain all information for the model on a sheet.

Example SOLIDWORKS drawing with multiple views

The SOLIDWORKS drawing views include standard views, derived views, and empty views. To import a view, click Model View found in the Drawing tab of the CommandManager, select the part or assembly to insert, and then choose the views you want to insert.

Creating a standard drawing view

There is also an option to change the scale, dimension type, thread display, and display style. If you have more than one configuration, you can change it in the Reference Configuration section.

Standard Views

Standard views include the typical drawing views, various model views, and relative views created from the model automatically.

Standard 3 View, found under Insert and Drawing View, automatically inserts three orthographic views. The view orientations are based on the part and are fixed.

Standard 3 View tool

The top and side view alignment is fixed in relation to the front view, but the top view can be adjusted vertically and the side view horizontally.

Examples of model views are:

• Orthographic: Includes front, top, right, back, bottom, and left views. Found in the boxes under standard views and must be inserted individually. Add dimensions or callouts to the views for modelling purposes using Smart Dimension in the Annotation tab.
  

  A part with standard orthogonal views

• 3D: Includes isometric, trimetric, and dimetric views. Isometric is found with the orthographic views in the boxes while trimetric and dimetric are found in the more views section. These views differ by the angles between their axes.
  

  3D views available in SOLIDWORKS

A Relative View is defined by two orthogonal faces and their orientations. The command can be found in the Drawing tab of the CommandManager. When clicked, it will bring you to a view of your model where you can choose the orientation.

Selecting the relative view orientation

The Relative View tool is ideal for creating custom drawing views based on the model faces or planes and capturing unusual views.

Derived Views

Derived views are created from a parent view and are used to show important details that might be hidden or hard to see.

The following commands are derived views:

• Projected View: Creates a view off of the parent view that appears folded. You can create a projected view by selecting the option from the CommandManager, clicking on the parent view, dragging the created view, and clicking to drop.
  

  Projected view from Isometric parent view

• Auxiliary View: Creates an unfolded view that is normal to the reference edge in a selected view. To create an auxiliary view, select an edge of the model view, click Auxiliary View, drag the view, and click to place.
  

  Auxiliary view in SOLIDWORKS

• Section View: Uses a cutting line to slice the part and projects a view of that slice. To create a section view, select the option from the CommandManager, pick a location for the cutting line to intersect, and drag the view.
  

  Example of section view

• Detail View: used to isolate and magnify parts of the model view to show clear dimensions. To create a detail, select Detail View in the CommandManager, click the area you want to isolate, expand the circle, and place the view.
  

  Detail view of model edge

• Crop View: Used to eliminate the rest of the model and highlight only the remaining section. To use this view, create a closed sketch on the drawing view on the part that is to be kept, then click Crop View while the sketch is selected.
  

  A final crop view

• Break View: Used to shorten long, uniform parts to allow it to fit on the drawing sheet while keeping model dimensions the same. To create this view, click Break View, select the positioning of the break lines, and pick a break gap. The section between the lines will follow the break gap dimension, and what was originally there will be hidden.
  

  Break view example

• Broken-Out Section: Used to cut away a part of the existing view to show internal details such as holes or shells. To create a section, select the command from the CommandManager, draw the section you would like to cut out, and define a depth.
  

  Hole in the back is now visible with this view

• Alternate Position View: Used to display alternate versions of the model, configurations, in the same drawing view. For example, a claw that is closed and a claw that is opened.

Modifications can be made to each of these SOLIDWORKS model views to make them more unique or standardized. Things like hatching, line direction, and the amount of model shown are among the options.

SOLIDWORKS Drawing Training

If you are looking to become more comfortable with SOLIDWORKS drawing, consider taking the formal training course. This course covers advanced topics such as BOMS, cut lists, data tables, assembly layouts, and assembly performance, along with a review of the basics across three or five days.

You have the option to take the class online or in person, but either way, our instructors will provide guidance, case studies, and examples to help you master drawings.

For more information or to inquire about a customized training course, click here.

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