In these situations, creating a custom lathe tool into SolidCAM can significantly improve simulation accuracy and help ensure the programmed setup matches the real-world machine configuration. By creating a custom tool assembly, you can accurately represent your holder, shank, insert, and cutting geometry, giving you greater confidence during programming, verification, and post-processing.

Why Use a Custom Lathe Tool in SolidCAM?

A custom lathe tool provides a more accurate digital representation of the tooling being used, helping eliminate uncertainty before a program reaches the machine.

Finished custom lathe tool in SolidCAM

• More accurate machine simulation through realistic holder, shank, and insert geometry.
• Improved collision detection between tooling, turrets, spindles, and workholding.
• Correct tool orientation for proper stock removal and toolpath calculation.
• Better offset alignment between CAM programming and machine setup.
• More accurate threading and grooving operations through precise insert geometry.
• Reduced programming guesswork with manufacturer-specific tool models.

For shops running advanced turning applications, custom tooling is often the safest and most reliable way to validate operations before machining begins.

How to Prepare the Holder

Setting up the holder is a critical first step and will define the rest of the process. The coordinate system orientation can differ from typical holder shapes such as square and round.

To set up the holder:

1. Import or model the holder geometry.
2. Create an assembly in SOLIDWORKS containing all required tool components.
3. Remove any unnecessary bodies or hardware that do not affect the tool shape.
   

   Creating a coordinate system in SOLIDWORKS

4. Create a coordinate system using Reference Geometry > Coordinate System.

For square holders, place the coordinate system at the back of the shank and furthest from the insert tip with a clear, descriptive name.

A custom tool with a square holder

For round holders, place the coordinate system at the center of the back face of the shank and aligned with the holder’s centerline.

A custom tool with a round holder

It is important to give the coordinate system a name that makes sense, as well as be mindful of the direction of the axes for future operations.

How to Prepare the Insert

The setup of a custom lathe tool in SolidCAM involves making coordinate systems, converting entities, and aligning the shank.

To set up the insert:

1. Start a sketch on the insert face.
2. Use Convert Entities to create a point at the center of the insert corner radius.
   

   Using Convert Entities on the insert’s face

3. Sketch a construction line that defines the positive X-axis direction.
4. Sketch the line that will represent the X-axis.
   

   Sketching the line for the X-axis

5. Create a new coordinate system and name it Insert Mounting Point.
6. Locate it at the center point of the corner radius and align it with the previously created sketch.

Locating the insert coordinate system

Once complete, save the assembly to a folder that will serve as your custom SolidCAM tool library.

How to Create a Tool Assembly in SolidCAM

With the holder and insert coordinate systems defined, you’re ready to create the custom tool inside SolidCAM.

To import the tool assembly:

1. In the SolidCAM tab of the SOLIDWORKS Task Pane, either create a new tool library or edit an existing library.
   

   Create or edit a tool library

2. Select the Import Tool Assembly From CAD option.
   

   Import Tool Assembly From CAD command

3. Select OK to use the active SOLIDWORKS assembly as the tool assembly.
   

   Using the active assembly for tool creation

4. In the Import Wizard, select the option to generate a turning tool.
   

   Generating a custom turning tool

5. In the assembly tree, right-click on the holder part and change it to a shank.
   
6. If your tool has a separate shim in the assembly, right-click the insert and shim or head, and select Union to cutter.
   

   Examples of shim and removable head

7. In the assembly tree, right-click on the holder part and change the reference coordinate system to the one created previously.
   

   Selecting the shank coordinate system

8. In the assembly tree, right-click on the insert part and change the reference coordinate system to the one created previously.
   

   Setting the insert mounting location

9. Select OK to complete the tool assembly creation.

Once you are back in the SolidCAM Toolkit, drag the tool from the import menu into the Storage section for the opened Toolkit. Before using the new turning tool, be sure to select Cutting Point and define the origin so that SolidCAM knows where to compensate from.

How to Use a Custom Turning Tool

Before using the custom lathe tool in a SolidCAM program, you have to add it into the tool crib you are using.

After opening the part or assembly you are machining:

1. Open the SolidCAM tree, double-click on the Toolkit to open it.
2. On the left-hand side, select Import from Tool Assemblies Library.
   

   Opening the tool assembly library

3. Select the newly created tool assembly.
   

   Selecting the created library

4. Drag the tool into the appropriate station in the tool crib.
   

   Moving the tool into a tool crib position

5. Select the blue checkmark to accept the operation.

At this point, you are ready to use your custom lathe tool in future programs and machine with confidence.

Machine Smarter with SolidCAM

Learning how to import a custom lathe tool in SolidCAM is a valuable skill, especially when standard tooling may not fully represent the real setup. Doing this can help you create a true digital twin of your manufacturing environment to ensure that programs work one-to-one with the real world.

Take this integration further, creating a custom post processor can directly translate machine moves in SolidCAM to accurate G-code for machines across the shop floor. A well-configured SolidCAM post processor ensures that your CAM operations are fully associative with your CAD model, automatically updating toolpaths when design changes occur.

To learn more about creating a custom SolidCAM post processor, contact us here.

The post How to Set Up a Custom Lathe Tool in SolidCAM appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

There are a few settings turned off by default that does not allow for FIPS security in SOLIDWORKS PDM. However, these settings are easily turned on for administrators to make your vault communication encrypted and compliant.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Behavior and FIPS 140-2 Requirements

In supported configurations, FIPS enforcement generally works without disruption when everything is set up correctly. However, there are important technical considerations that should be reviewed before enabling it, as FIPS can introduce compatibility problems in certain scenarios.

Supported SOLIDWORKS PDM Versions

SOLIDWORKS PDM 2025 and later use AES‑128 encryption, which is compliant with FIPS 140-2 standards for communication between the client and the archive server. These versions were specifically updated to replace older, non‑compliant cryptographic algorithms, such as MD5, which are blocked when FIPS mode is enforced.

The SOLIDWORKS PDM 2025 add-in for SOLIDWORKS Design

Due to these updates, newer SOLIDWORKS PDM versions have significantly lower risk when FIPS is enabled. In properly supported SOLIDWORKS PDM releases, security enforcement is largely transparent to end users, and standard vault operations continue to function normally.

Supported Operating Systems

Modern Windows Server releases that support FIPS mode and use FIPS‑validated cryptographic modules are compatible with SOLIDWORKS PDM when configured correctly. When both the operating system and SOLIDWORKS PDM version are aligned, FIPS enforcement typically does not interfere with vault connectivity or authentication.

In this scenario, enabling FIPS 140-2 is usually safe, predictable, and compliant with corporate or regulatory security requirements.

What SOLIDWORKS PDM FIPS Errors Occur?

Most problems are environmental, not inherent SOLIDWORKS PDM defects, and are typically related to operating system enforcement, Microsoft SQL encryption, or custom integrations.

Older SOLIDWORKS PDM Versions

SOLIDWORKS PDM versions prior to 2025 may still rely on cryptographic algorithms that are not approved under FIPS 140-2.

Viewing the SOLIDWORKS PDM version and serial number

When Windows enforces FIPS restrictions, these algorithms are blocked by the operating system.

This can result in several common problems, including:

• User login failures
• Vault connection errors
• SOLIDWORKS PDM services are failing to start
• Add‑ins or integrations failing to load

These issues are not defects in Windows or the operating system configuration. They occur because SOLIDWORKS PDM attempts to use cryptography that Windows disallows under FIPS enforcement.

Microsoft SQL Server Communication

By default, Microsoft SQL communication in SOLIDWORKS PDM is not encrypted. While this may function normally in non‑FIPS environments, security‑hardened environments require database connections to meet encryption standards.

When FIPS enforcement policies require encrypted SQL traffic, administrators may need to:

• Explicitly configure secure sockets layer and transport layer security (SSL and TLS) on SQL Server
  

  Enabling SSL in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration Tool

• Install a trusted certificate

Failure to do so can result in connection warnings, policy violations, or potential compliance gaps, even if SOLIDWORKS PDM itself continues to function.

Add-ins, Custom Tools, and Integrations

Custom SOLIDWORKS PDM add‑ins, third‑party utilities, and in‑house integrations are a frequent source of unexpected issues after enabling FIPS. If these tools use non‑FIPS‑approved cryptographic methods, they may fail silently or prevent SOLIDWORKS PDM components from loading.

Even in environments running supported SOLIDWORKS PDM versions, integrations that have not been validated for FIPS compliance can cause operational disruptions.

Considerations Before You Enable FIPS Security in SOLIDWORKS PDM

Before making your SOLIDWORKS PDM client FIPS compliant, you need to make sure your current infrastructure can support the encryption methods. The biggest prerequisite is that you are using SOLIDWORKS 2025 or newer, as previous releases do not support FIPS 140-2.

Other factors to consider:

• Verify Windows Server version support.
• Confirm that your server operating system supports FIPS mode and uses validated cryptographic modules.
• Review Microsoft SQL Server configuration guidelines.
• Determine whether your security policies require encrypted SQL communication and, if so, configure TLS accordingly.
• Test in a non‑production environment.
• Validate SOLIDWORKS PDM functionality, add‑ins, background tasks, and integrations before enabling FIPS in production.

Expert Help for SOLIDWORKS PDM Customization

Before making any changes to your SOLIDWORKS PDM infrastructure it is important to verify that your system can support the customizations. With each release and support for operating systems change, its challenging to stay on top of what works.

Our team of SOLIDWORKS PDM experts have decades of experience reviewing, implementing, and customizing vaults to meet client-specific needs for workflows and security. Rather than risking your production data in the hope of advanced security, rely on our team to make the changes right the first time.

Before making any changes, get in touch with our team of SOLIDWORKS PDM experts to review your infrastructure and verify that it can support the changes.

The post How to Enable FIPS Security in SOLIDWORKS PDM appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

Typically, they include revision information for the drawing to identify who changed the schematic and when in an ascending order. However, changing the revision attribute order in SOLIDWORKS Electrical will flip the order and allow you to choose how revisions are listed.

What Does Revision Attribute Order Do?

The revision attribute shows a historical listing of when a new revision was created in a SOLIDWORKS Electrical schematic. On the sheet template, even though the attributes are listed from the first revision to the last, the first revision will be placed on the bottom most row.

Revision attributes in SOLIDWORKS Electrical

This is the default setting in SOLIDWORKS Electrical and can be changed to see the revisions in ascending or descending order.

How to Change the Revision Attribute Order in SOLIDWORKS Electrical

Although the default behavior is to list the electrical project revision on the bottom most row, this can be changed in the SOLIDWORKS Electrical Configuration Manager.

To change the revision attribute order:

1. Open the Configuration Manager from the Electrical Project tab of the SOLIDWORKS Electrical CommandManager.
2. Select the General tab in the Configuration Manager.
3. In the Revision numbering section, choose between the two options for revision attribute ordering.

Changing the revision order in SOLIDWORKS Electrical

The attribute options allow you to toggle between the two methods for filling the title block. Depending on your project requirements, you can swap between options.

• Always fill lower index attributes: This option forces the display of the revision index on the bottom of the revision grid, without taking account of the index number of the attributes.

Always fill lower index result

• Fill attributes from index: This option allows you to insert the revision index into the corresponding attributes. For example, if the attribute with the index number 0 is inserted on the top of the revision grid, the current revision index will be inserted on the top of the revision grid.

Fill attributes from index result

How to Add Revisions in SOLIDWORKS Electrical

Revisions can be entered on a book and drawing basis, but it is important to note that a revision must first be present in a book. The Revision management tool allows you to view existing revisions, as well as add and validate new revisions.

To add a revision in SOLIDWORKS Electrical:

1. Right-click on a book within your project and select Revisions.
   

   Opening the SOLIDWORKS Electrical Revision window

2. In the Revision management window, select New revision in the top left corner.
3. Complete any work that you want to add to this specific revision.
4. Reopen the Revision management window.
5. Select both Validate and Verify, updating drawings and tables as required to show the revision everywhere.
   

   Updating all drawings and reports with the new revision

You can add additional information with revisions, such as description and user data, to be included in the title block if required. Be sure to add the corresponding description or user data attributes along with your name, data, and revision number attributes while editing your title block.

Keep in mind that if you right-click on a drawing and select the option for revisions, it will only allow you to add revisions that already exist in your book.

Improving Governance with SOLIDWORKS Electrical

The revision attribute order in SOLIDWORKS Electrical is a great way to properly properly document revisions that take place within projects and customize the way revisions are presented to suit the needs and standards used.

The SOLIDWORKS PDM Connector for SOLIDWORKS Electrical lets your team use the same integrated vault system with your electrical schematics. Rather than managing revisions and workflows separately, the connector gives your team a single source of truth for all of your electro-mechanical data.

To learn more about how we can help integrate SOLIDWORKS Electrical with your SOLIDWORKS PDM workflows, click here.

The post How to Change the Revision Attribute Order in SOLIDWORKS Electrical appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

Without them, you are stuck using traditional extrudes and cuts which lack the ability to create organic-like geometry. SOLIDWORKS sweeps are one of the best tools that you can learn to take your modeling to the next level.

What is a Swept Feature?

The sweep feature is an essential CAD modeling tool that allows you to model complex geometries that follow a specified two- or three-dimensional paths. By moving a two-dimensional profile cross section along a desired patch, you can produce intricate geometrics for both artistic and mechanical applications.

Swept features in SOLIDWORKS

You must use guide curves and sketch profiles, and an intersection of both must be present in order to perform the sweep.

Types of Swept Features in SOLIDWORKS

In SOLIDWORKS, there is either a Swept Boss/Base or a Swept Cut.

The Swept Boss/Base consists of two main components:

• Profile: The cross-sectional shape to be moved.
• Path: The direction or curve along which the profile travels.

A sweep is created by taking cross section profile and moving the profile along a specified path and generating geometry based on that. This allows you to create geometry ranging from a simple curved rod to a highly contoured three-dimensional shape.

A Swept Cut can perform the same operation as the Swept Boss, but it will take away the material instead of adding it.

There are three sweep profiles to be used:

• Sketch profile: A sketch profile is a 2D drawing of the cross section you wish to use for your sweep operation.
• Solid profile: You can reference faces and edges directly from 3D geometry to create a sweep profile.
• Circular profile: You may specify a round or circular profile based on a diameter value directly in the property manager on the left. This eliminates the need creating a profile sketch when trying to create a rod or tube along a path.

You can select profiles directly from model faces, single edges or reference curves if they form a closed loop, and edge or curve groups.

Best Practices for Swept Features

While swept features are relatively straight forward to use with their PropertyManager, it is important to keep a few things in mind.

• The profile must be closed for the swept feature to be successful.
• A path for the sweep can be open or closed. You may use sketched curves or reference geometry taken from a model.
• The path for the sweep must intersect the plane that the sweep profile is on. Use a Pierce relation if necessary.
• Self-intersections of profiles or paths are not allowed.
• Guide curves must connect to the profile sketch or a point on the profile sketch.

How to Create a Sweep in SOLIDWORKS

When creating a swept feature, you must first sketch the profile and path. Then you may select Extrude Boss/Base or Cut.

To create a swept feature:

1. Create a sketch profile of the shape you wish to use for the sweep. Ensure it is closed and not self-intersecting.
2. Create the path that the profile with follow. Paths may be lines, splines, curves, or any two- or three-dimensional entity.
3. Verify that the path is intersecting the profile sketch plane.
4. If desired, add guide curves that intersect the sweep profile to ensure a higher degree of control in the sweep result.
   

   Guide curve selection

5. In the Feature tab of the CommandManager, select the Swept Boss/Base command.
6. In the Sweep PropertyManager, select the sketch profile then the path.
   

   The preview of the swept feature

7. If you have done things correctly you should see a preview of what the sweep will look like on the graphics area.
8. Click the green check to accept the sweep.

If the sweep does not result as intended, always refer back to the best practices checklist to see if changes can be made.

Learning Additional SOLIDWORKS Techniques

The Features tab of the CommandManager holds some of the most essential SOLIDWORKS commands that you can learn. A novice SOLIDWORKS user can extend their knowledge and turn into a power user by mastering the available SOLIDWORKS features.

Our team of dedicated experts instill knowledge through live, instructor-led training courses where many techniques like these are shared. There’s no reason to learn on your own when you can lean on our expertise.

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

The post How to Use Swept Features in SOLIDWORKS appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

This is important in electronics, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors where components are subjected to simultaneous electrical currents and temperature variations. 3DEXPERIENCE SIMULIA can help analysts and teams evaluate the combined thermal-electrical effects impact their designed systems before a prototype is created.

What is Coupled Thermal-Electrical Stress?

Thermal-electrical stress occurs in situations with excessive current such as spot welding. Thermal and electrical loads affect the material properties of the components and induce stress that leads to deformation and fatigue.

The Structural Mechanics Engineer role on 3DEXPERIENCE offers analysis tools that capture the effects of temperature, electrical potential, and stress distributions on each other.

• Coupling between the temperature and electrical degrees of freedom arises from temperature-dependent electrical conductivity and internal heat generation.
• Coupling between the temperature and stress degrees of freedom arises from temperature-dependent material properties, thermal expansion, and internal heat generation.
• Coupling between the electrical and stress degrees of freedom arises in problems where electricity flows between contact surfaces.

This type of analysis can model a steady-state or transient response, but inertia effects are neglected. In transient analyses, time increments determine how a coupled thermal-electrical-stress analysis moves.

How to Perform a Thermal-Electrical Analysis with 3DEXPERIENCE SIMULIA

To illustrate analysis, a lantern model is used where electric potential is applied to the inlet and the current flow creates a Joule heating effect causing non-uniform heat flow per cross sectional area and material properties. The heat induced thermal stresses are then evaluated using structural simulation.

To set up a coupled thermal-electric-stress analysis, using Structural Mechanics engineer role:

1. Initiate a General type of simulation.
2. In the Procedure tab, select the Coupled Thermal-Electrical-Stress analysis option.
   

   Starting a Thermal-Electrical-Stress analysis

3. Select a material that includes thermal conductivity, specific heat, thermal expansion coefficient, electrical conductivity, and Joule heating fraction.
   

   Defining a new material in 3DEXPERIENCE SIMULIA

4. Apply an electric potential at the base of the model so that the current will go through a tube inside the lantern to the top surface.
   

   Defining an electrical potential to the model

5. Use two different film coefficients to define convection coefficients. The first is for the lantern surfaces exposed to air and the second is for the inner tube inside the lantern.
   

   Defining the film coefficient

6. Define an initial temperature for all components.
7. Mesh the model using linear order tetrahedral elements with an appropriate resolution.
   

   The final meshed model

8. Define a clamp at the base to restrain all degrees of freedom for structural analysis in the simulation.
9. Define output requests for electrical current density, voltage distribution, and heat flux.
10. Run the simulation to see the structural deformation on the components due to thermal loads generated from Joule heating effect.

By leveraging Structural Mechanics Engineer, product designers and engineers can enhance product reliability, reduce prototyping costs, and accelerate innovation across MODSIM domains.

Reviewing Study Results

The Mechanical Scenario Creation app on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform empowers users to perform sophisticated coupled thermal-electrical stress analyses with precision and provides users with efficient ways to display simulation data.

• Heat flux plots visualize the direction and magnitude of heat transfer throughout the model, helping engineers identify thermal concentrations and evaluate cooling performance.
  

  Heat Flux Vector plot

• Current density plots reveal how electrical current flows through components, making it easier to detect high-current regions that could lead to overheating or performance issues.
  

  Current density plot

• Voltage distribution plots display electrical potential across the model, allowing engineers to verify proper conductivity and identify voltage drops throughout the design.
  

  Distribution of the voltage through the lantern and internal tube

• Thermal stress plots show stresses caused by temperature changes and electrical loading, helping engineers predict areas susceptible to deformation or failure.
  

  Thermal stress plot created by the current

• Deformation and displacement plots illustrate how the structure responds to thermal and electrical effects, enabling validation of dimensional stability and overall design integrity.
  

  Deformation of the lantern

These plots guide design engineers towards more safe designs and prevent possible mistakes during prototyping.

Leveraging 3DEXPERIENCE SIMULIA

3DEXPERIENCE SIMULIA is a useful tool for engineers looking to validate and optimize designs while saving time and money. With FEA, CFD, electromagnetic simulation, and more, the roles in product packages provide you with the applications needed to keep designing.

With nearly 30 years of experience, our team is ready to help you in any way possible so you can reach your goals. Our simulation experts can answer any question you might have.

To learn more about how SIMULIA can transform your MODSIM workflows, download our whitepaper here.

The post How to Use Coupled Thermal-Electrical Stress Analysis with 3DEXPERIENCE SIMULIA appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

While it may seem simple on the surface, many clients are missing a few techniques to bring the tool to the top of their SOLIDWORKS arsenal. Depending on which direction you drag the box, different items would be selected, making it immensely powerful in certain situations.

How to Use SOLIDWORKS Box Selection

When using the box selection in SOLIDWORKS, the direction you drag will change the color and what items are selected.

• Dragging left to right only selects the items that are completely within the selection box. This is denoted by a blue box.
• Dragging right to left selects every item that is inside or touching the selection box. This is denoted by a green box.

Each document type has a default geometry type that the box selection will highlight. If you need to select a different geometry type in your document than edges, components, sketch entities, dimensions, or annotations, then you must use selection filters.

Left to Right SOLIDWORKS Box Selection

Left to right selection has solid lines as the edges of the box and is blue in color. In the example below, you must drag the box to fully cover the jack top and pins to select them.

Dragging left to right with SOLIDWORKS box selection

When the box is let go, the green upper arms of the jack stand are not selected as they were not fully covered by the selection box.

Left to right box selected components

You can see the jack top and pins highlighted in blue to indicate that they have been selected.

Right to Left SOLIDWORKS Box Selection

Right to left selection has dashed lines as the edges of the box and is green in color. In the example below, the selection box is dragged over the same area as before, which fully covers the jack top and pins but also touches other components in the assembly.

Right to left box selection

Unlike the selection from earlier, the green upper arms of the jack stand, the screw, one side pin, and one lower arm are selected since they were touching the green box.

Outcome of right to left dragging

All items selected by the green box are highlighted in blue. Depending on what you want to select and where it is on the model, you can use either the left to right or right to left selection to pick the components you need.

How to Modify Existing Box Selections

There are two additional tools you can use alongside the box selection tool to modify existing box selections.

• Holding the Shift key while using the box tool on an existing selection, everything within the new selection is added to your original selection.
• Holding the Control key while using the box tool on an existing selection, the selections are inverted inside the box.

When using either key to modify a box selection, any prior selections outside the box don’t change. You can also enable or disable the selection of hidden edges in your System Options in the Selection section.

More Time Saving SOLIDWORKS Tips

The SOLIDWORKS box selection is an essential tool to efficient part, assembly, and drawing design. While tools like these are covered in formal instructor-led training courses, clients often require refreshers every once in a while to remember some of the best SOLIDWORKS tools.

Fortunately, we’ve made it easy to get the best Tech Tips delivered right to your inbox.

To sign up for our bi-weekly Tech Tip Newsletter, click here.

The post How to Use SOLIDWORKS Box Selection appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

You must be able to choose conduction between solids, convection with fluids, and radiation emissions into the system. Accurately modeling this interaction to validate designs requires you to know how materials, air flow, thermal loads, and thermal resistances affect results.

Solver Options for Heat Transfer Studies

When conducting heat transfer simulation, you’ll find that using SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver, will give you the closest representation to real-life scenarios.

However, in the case of purely conductive studies where there are no or minimal convective mechanisms that need to be spoken for, SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional, a finite element analysis (FEA) solver, will suffice. 

Using thermal solvers for an electrical component

Conjugate heat transfer is the simultaneous modeling of heat conduction in solids and heat convection in fluids, so temperatures are solved together across both domains. Radiation can also be added and coupled into this process.

It is important to understand when it is safe to make assumptions and simplifications versus when the use of a true conjugate heat transfer tool is necessary.

Understanding Conductive Heat Transfer in SOLIDWORKS Simulation

As one of the most basic forms of heat transfer in both solids and fluids, conduction occurs when there is a temperature difference within a material. Heat energy moves from the hotter region to the cooler region through the materials’ internal structure.  

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional solves conductive heat problems similarly to how the software solves linear structural analysis problems. In structural analysis, the program solves displacement and then derives strain and stress afterward. FEA handles physics cleanly and efficiently, so the software is well-suited for simple conduction heat transfer problems.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional results

When you run a thermal study, you need to see more than where a part heats up. You need to know is why it’s heating and how to remove that heat. Answering those questions often requires modeling convection and radiation, so conduction only studies work when those effects can be safely ignored or simplified. 

Comparing the SOLIDWORKS Thermal Solvers 

To compare how each solver handles a conduction-dominant problem, you will see an LED light assembly complete with a printed circuit board (PCB), fasteners, and a heat sink.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional and SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation materials

As expected, the temperature results from the two software were fairly identical, but the differences that did appear were mainly due to the slight material property variation and meshing methodology. The material database for SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional is shared with your SOLIDWORKS models material library which boosts consistency.

SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation

With SOLIDWORKS Flow simulation, you have greater control over the material library with temperature-dependent material properties. This gives finer control over electrical components, like PCBs, interfaced materials, and the silicon included with LED lights.

You also get access to electronics specific tools to account for electrical resistance properties and metal layers inside of a PCB.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation

In SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional, there are a few assumptions that need to be made which impact the validity of the heat transfer study.

• Assign a convective coefficient to the different surfaces of the model to pivot towards natural convection (less airflow variability and ambient fluid temperature).
• Coefficient values are found through hand calculations and common defaults for the given material. 

Heat transfer results using SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional

While FEA cannot solve flow patterns like velocity or turbulence due to the strict meshing of the solid geometry, it allows for a deep visualization of conduction within solids.

When to Use FEA for Thermal Analysis 

There are numerous occasions where you should use SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional to complete your analysis.

• Systems in vacuum where convection can be largely ignored. 

• Systems where there is no forced convection from things like fans, wind, or internal fluid flow. 

• Systems early in the design stage where a series of approximative studies to do checks on different iterations is sufficient. 

• Systems where, through physical testing, you have more granular data for convective coefficients.  

• Systems where convection is minimal, and structural thermal stress testing is the primary concern. 

While this list does not cover every nuance in applications, it is a great starting point to understand whether an FEA approach to your thermal analysis using SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional will be sufficient.

Simulating Beyond Conductive Heat Transfer

While many clients find that SOLIDWORKS Simulation gives them the results they are looking for, there are often edge cases or deeper analysis required to properly validate a system. Verifying advanced electronic cooling or human comfort parameters fall outside of SOLIDWORKS Simulation’s capabilities.

In these instances, it is important to use the right tool paired with proper training. SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation has additional add on packages to accurately simulate even the most complex system setups.

To learn more about the best tools for your application, contact us here.

The post How to Choose a SOLIDWORKS Thermal Solver Based for Heat Transfer appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

Classifications in SOLIDWORKS Electrical is a fantastic tool to maintain consistency across your component library. With the Classification Manager, your company’s standards can be used to organize and locate key components without risk.

What are Classifications in SOLIDWORKS Electrical?

Classification Management in SOLIDWORKS Electrical is a feature that organizes manufacturer parts into customizable categories, with shared characteristics. Instead of memorizing a long list of hundreds or even thousands of components, classifications groups library elements based on assignment.

The feature can be found inside of the Library tab in SOLIDWORKS Electrical. From there, click on the Classification button to open up the Classification Manager.

Opening the Classification Manager

The software comes with many default classifications already build in, such as Connectors, Contacts, Drives, Fuses, and Motors. When creating or unarchiving data like symbols and manufacturer parts, you can assign them to an existing classification as well as create your own.

How to Create New Classifications

When creating a new classification, you must be careful in your selections.

To create a new classification:

1. Select New class in the upper left-hand corner of the Classification Management window. If you have an existing classification selected, selecting new class will create a subclass within it.
   

   Creating a new classification in SOLIDWORKS Electrical

2. Populate the  description, component type, and manufacturer data, as well as information such as root.

Any user created classifications will show a small green user icon within the classifications list, making it easy to identify user created classes, as opposed to the default, system created classes.

Green user icon to show it is not system default

The root determines the prefix that will automatically be assigned to the mark of a component from this classification. It is important to note that this can be changed anytime.

How to Use Classifications

When creating or unarchiving new manufacturer parts or symbols, you can assign them to the necessary classification. It’s worth noting that this assignment isn’t permanent and can be changed within the properties menu of that item at any point.

The root that is assigned to a classification will come into play when it comes to component marks.

To assign a component to a specified classification:

1. Open the component properties and select Class.
2. Once this is opened, all component classes will be available for assignment.
   

   Accessing the component class in the Component properties menu

3. Select the Classification tab on the left of the screen and select the desired class or use filters to find classes easier.
   

   Selecting a component class

Classifications in SOLIDWORKS Electrical can be backed up by using the Archive function. While there isn’t an Archive option within the Classification management, you can navigate to Home, then Archive Environment, and perform an environmental backup that contains your classifications.

You can see Class within the data list of the Environment Archive menu. This will be particularly helpful when employing custom classifications that you would like to continue using in the future.

Classification Management rules:

1. Existing classes will remain, and descriptions cannot be modified.
2. New classes and sub-classes can be added to the existing top level of the database/classification tree.
3. Each classification will have seven manufacturer specific data fields that can be configured.
4. Archive your classification environment before any upgrades or new installs.

With these tips on Classification management and usage within SOLIDWORKS Electrical Schematic, you have a useful method of data organization.

SOLIDWORKS Electrical Packages

We offer three different packages for SOLIDWORKS Electrical. These include SOLIDWORKS Electrical Schematic Standard, Schematic Professional, and Electrical 3D.

Benefits include consistent manufacturing, increased innovation, and time-savings. You may even choose to take a training course to get familiar with the software and begin learning advanced design techniques.

For help from our experts to decide which software package is best for you, click here.

The post How to Use Classifications in SOLIDWORKS Electrical appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

Backing up SOLIDWORKS PDM requires copying all the existing CAD files along with the individual components that make up the vault environment.

Starting a Complete Backup for SOLIDWORKS PDM

Before starting a complete backup for SOLIDWORKS PDM, ensure you have all the components required for the backup. Missing any one of these components may prevent a successful vault restoration.

A complete SOLIDWORKS PDM backup includes four primary components:

1. Vault database: Stores metadata, file references, workflows, users, and permissions.
2. ConisioMasterDb: Stores global SOLIDWORKS PDM configuration information.
3. Archive server files: Contains the actual vault files and all versions.
4. Archive server settings: Stores the archive server configuration and vault settings.

You must open the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio and locate the vault database and ConisioMasterDb which contain all vault metadata but not the actual files.

How to Manually Backup SOLIDWORKS PDM

Performing a backup procedure is critical to protect your engineering data from possible disasters or migrations.

To manually backup SOLIDWORKS PDM:

1. Launch Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Connect to your SQL Server instance.
   

   Check server name and input information to connect

3. Expand the Databases folder.
   

   Object Explorer Databases folder

4. Right-click the required vault database, navigate to Tasks, and select Backup.
   

   Accessing the backup options in Microsoft SQL Studio

5. On the General tab, find the Destination category to choose a backup location.
   

   Choosing a database backup location

6. Click OK to create the backup.

Repeat these steps for every vault database to manually back them up.

How to Backup the SOLIDWORKS PDM Archive

The SOLIDWORKS PDM archive server contains actual CAD files, drawings, documents, historical versions, and revision data. This is often the largest component of the backup located on SOLIDWORKS PDM server machine.

SOLIDWORKS PDM archive server folders

You can verify the location of the SOLIDWORKS PDM archive folders by viewing the Windows Registry. The SOLIDWORKS PDM archive server can be backed up manually or automatically.

Manually Backup the SOLIDWORKS PDM Archive

The post How to Perform a Complete Backup for SOLIDWORKS PDM appeared first on The Javelin Blog.

Administrators can undo a check out performed by other users in SOLIDWORKS PDM. This can be useful when you need access to a file that is currently in the hands of another user and they are out of the office.

What is SOLIDWORKS PDM?

SOLIDWORKS PDM is an integrated data management tool that uses a secure vault to store files, track revisions, and control access. It enables teams to securely share data and collaborate without having to working about version conflicts or corrupted files on a network drive.

Who Can Undo a Check Out in SOLIDWORKS PDM?

The ability to undo a check out is controlled by administrative permissions in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration tool. Any user with the option to “undo check out files checked out by other users” can perform this action.

This specific permission can be assigned at the User or Group level.

The setting to undo a check out in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration tool

The ability to undo a check out for files that are checked out by another user is essential when a SOLIDWORKS PDM user has files checked out and is out of office for an extended period or you do not have access to the user’s machine to check in the files.

By undoing a check out, the administrator can revert the file to its last checked-in version, discarding any changes made by the user since the checkout.

How to Undo a Check Out

Before you begin the process to undo a check out, you must ensure you have the required permissions in SOLIDWORKS PDM.

To undo a check out in SOLIDWORKS PDM, do the following:

1. Open the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration tool and check that you have the necessary permissions.
   

   SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration tool

2. Navigate to the vault from another machine.
3. Right-click on the file that is checked out by another user.
   

   The menu option to undo a check out

4. Select the Undo Check Out option.

This action will discard any changes made by the user and revert the file to the last checked-in version. Undoing a check out helps maintain workflow continuity when a user is unavailable for a long time, files are locked due to machine inaccessibility, or projects need to move forward without waiting for the original user.

Additional Administration Tool Capabilities

The SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration tool allows you to configure and manage the archive servers, vault settings, permissions, data cards, and workflows. The tool can transfigure the original, unorganized structure into a protected and well-managed engineering environment.

The core capabilities include:

• Users and Group Management: Delegate file access, create accounts, and restrict folders or files.
• Automated Workflows: Assign automatic tasks, set up approval stages, and designate transition conditions.
• Variable and Data Card Creation: Design custom data cards that can link to file properties.

Expand Your Horizons with SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional

The ability to undo a check out in SOLIDWORKS PDM gives the best of both worlds with data management. Your team gets the structure and security of a dedicated system and the flexibility of being able to work collaboratively, even when someone goes on leave.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional offers additional capabilities to help streamline your workflow and better manage the infrastructure beyond the complimentary SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard.

To learn more about upgrading to SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, click here.

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