SolidWorks Assemblies

Force Design

SolidWorks Assemblies

Performance Options

Automatically load Lightweight

Always Resolve sub-assemblies

Assemblies Options

Prompt before changing mate alignments on edit Pitfalls of MateXpert

Large Assembly mode Reduces file size when

saving May be easier to

Manually activate

Things to Do…Always

Minimize mates and components in top level assembly

Resolve Warnings and especially Errors Each rebuild SolidWorks tries to resolve the

problem

Top Down Design What’s Good

Components Interrelated External Relations Changes Propagate Design intent more explicit…

What’s Bad Lots of External References

More difficult file management Decreased Performance

Sloppier design Insert New Part

Parts not orientated well

MAYBE

What’s Good Easier to control Model, Diagnose Problems Fewer External References

Easier File Management Better Performance

Works Better with PDM What’s Bad

Design Intent not as clear… More “Manual” Not as Quick & Easy

Or Bottom Up

MAYBE

So Which is It?

Top Down or Bottom Up? Reasoning to Support either Method Each has its Place Neither is Right or Wrong

Combination of each Method Recommend Starting with Bottom Up and

adding External References

Planes & Axis

Establish a “Datum” or important location such as a Locating Pin, Axis of a Shaft etc. Place the Locating Pin at the Origin Create Planes and Axis at other Critical locations

with External References Centered and Balanced

Mates

Start with one Fixed component Automatically Suppresses mates (f)

Mate each component to only one component 3 Mates Preferred

Two Opinions on Cylindrical components 1) Eliminate all Degrees of Freedom 2) Minimize Mates You Decide!

Use Reference Geometry Macros to Speed Mating

Where are they for Assemblies? Workaround

Create a Patterned Feature in a Component Hole Wizard Feature with Multiple Holes Or Pattern Bodies (Surface or Solids)

Insert the component Pattern Assembly Component(s) using Feature

Driven Pattern Example Using Solid Bodies

Sketch Driven Patterns

Product Files Imported Geometry Subject to Change during Design Build assembly around Product

Use Reference Geometry for Mating ‘Master’ Assembly allows quick change to revised

parts

Managing External References External References are wonderful, But…

Can get Out of Control Increase Rebuild time

There are Bugs….WHAT?!? Revealing the Bugs

Questions/Discussion

Layouts Configurations Display States Assembly Features Belts/Chains

Thank You