View Full Version : Do you need help with Solidworks?
I've been mulling over how to contribute to this forum, since I'm not a seasoned welder. I'm a mechanical engineering tech, and use Solidworks everyday for equipment design (oilfield related). So I'm quite well versed there, and I would most likely be able to help folks if they have troubles. If I don't know the answer to the question, I'll just make something up:angel:
I understand there most likely won't be much need for this due to the costly nature of the software, but what the heck, I thought I'd give it a shot.
Jason
emagray
10-17-2010, 02:06 PM
I actually just received a copy of Solidworks that I would like to learn how to use. I am fluent with a few 2D CAD programs and the free Google Sketchup program. Basically I want to learn how to use Solidworks as a way to visualize my projects with precision instead of sketching them on paper and hoping I didn't miss anything. My first project I would like to do with the program is make a tubular space frame for a race car project. I have looked on the internet for tutorials but haven't found anything that could really help. Any information you can give would be very much appreciated =)
Well, you're going to enjoy it for sure. There weren't any specific questions in your post, so I can't give specific answers, but the project you mentioned sounds like it is perfectly suited for a "weldment". Start with a 3d sketch (they take a little getting used to if you're used to 2d). Each line is chosen to be a structural member (use the default library or create your own). You can choose your end conditions, or use the trim / extend if they aren't created automatically.
Search youtube for solidworks weldment tutorials (or basic, part, assembly, simulation, etc.) There are hundreds (too many, I know), but you will spend lots and lots of hours on this space frame project (especially fea - there are lots of concepts to understand). The solidprofessor (below) does an awesome job and is easy to follow. He has some short basic videos on youtube, or you can purchase complete courses (part, assembly, sheetmetal, weldment, simulation, and more). I beleive he is an approved instructor by solidworks.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SolidProfessor
Enjoy,
Jason
PS If you have specific questions, feel free to ask here. There are resources that cover everything from a to z - hey that reminds me, look for the "Solidworks Bible" I had the 2009 edition, and it too was awesome. That cover everything. Hope this helps.:drinkup:
duffman1278
10-17-2010, 09:06 PM
That project will definitely require the use of the weldment feature in solidworks. If not, GOOD LUCK!
This video should help you out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN_00HcEPls
emagray
10-17-2010, 10:59 PM
I didn't have a specific question because I wasn't sure where to start. That video definitely helped though, I feel like creating a model for the frame is going to be simpler than I thought. I think I just need to watch more videos and tinker with the program to learn what I need to know. I am definitely going to have some questions when it comes to FEA though haha.
socoj2
10-18-2010, 07:20 AM
I suck at it. Could i mail you a Styrofoam model and have you draw it to given dimensions? =)
I didn't have a specific question because I wasn't sure where to start. That video definitely helped though, I feel like creating a model for the frame is going to be simpler than I thought. I think I just need to watch more videos and tinker with the program to learn what I need to know. I am definitely going to have some questions when it comes to FEA though haha.
The video showed it well. Start with a 3d sketch, and plot your critical points (using xyz coordinates). draw your lines from there.
If you are absolutely lost, PM me. We may be able to set up a screen sharing conference, where I can help you out real time for a bit.
Later,
Jason
I suck at it. Could i mail you a Styrofoam model and have you draw it to given dimensions? =)
Um, maybe. If it's simple and easy to measure, we may be able work something out. If it has curved surfaces (freeform), It is a candidate for 3d scanning (which I do not have available, yet). If it has a zillion planes / points / lines to measure, I don't have that kind of free time. Unless of course you would like to hire me by the hour. Then I have all the time in the world:)
Post a picture (or PM me) and we'll see what happens.
Jason
duffman1278
10-19-2010, 04:05 AM
I didn't have a specific question because I wasn't sure where to start. That video definitely helped though, I feel like creating a model for the frame is going to be simpler than I thought. I think I just need to watch more videos and tinker with the program to learn what I need to know. I am definitely going to have some questions when it comes to FEA though haha.
Eeeep, FEA is a whole other ball park. You'll have to do your reading there. It's not as simple as clicking and clicking then telling solidworks to do it all for you. Also, if you only have cosmos express, you're only allowed to check static loads on individual parts. NO assemblies.
socoj2
10-19-2010, 07:53 AM
Um, maybe. If it's simple and easy to measure, we may be able work something out. If it has curved surfaces (freeform), It is a candidate for 3d scanning (which I do not have available, yet). If it has a zillion planes / points / lines to measure, I don't have that kind of free time. Unless of course you would like to hire me by the hour. Then I have all the time in the world:)
Post a picture (or PM me) and we'll see what happens.
Jason
dont actually have to measure it. i would have to cut the foam with a knife just because its freaking hard to explain what it does.
emagray
10-19-2010, 08:11 AM
The video showed it well. Start with a 3d sketch, and plot your critical points (using xyz coordinates). draw your lines from there.
If you are absolutely lost, PM me. We may be able to set up a screen sharing conference, where I can help you out real time for a bit.
Later,
Jason
Thanks so much! I am pretty capable when it comes to computers so I should be able to learn the program without too much difficulty. I appreciate your offer though I'm hoping that I won't be so lost that I need to take you up on it.
Eeeep, FEA is a whole other ball park. You'll have to do your reading there. It's not as simple as clicking and clicking then telling solidworks to do it all for you. Also, if you only have cosmos express, you're only allowed to check static loads on individual parts. NO assemblies.
Yes FEA is much more in the mechanical engineering field. I will most likely just have someone else do the analysis. Ideally I would want to learn how to do it myself, but that could be a big undertaking and just end up distracting me from the project.
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