By Frédéric Jacques – Application Specialist – SolidXperts

Do you want to avoid designing sheet metal parts beyond the dimensional limits available? Add an alert (sensor) to your SOLIDWORKS model.

How to Add a Dimension Sensor in SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal

Step 1: Display the View Orientation Cube

Display the flattening of your sheet metal part. Make sure the sketch of the viewing cube is not in hidden mode.

Step 2: Hide the Volume Body

Hide the solid body to show only the fold lines and the viewing cube of the unfolded part. To do so, unfold the display status bar in the creation tree (Feature Manager). Right-click on the body displayed in the open tab and select hide volume body.

Step 3: Place a Reference Dimension

Now you can see the sketch of the viewing cube automatically created by a sheet metal part in SOLIDWORKS.  This represents the overall volume of the part and you can place a reference dimension on the length, width, or thickness. Be careful not to select sketches that represent bend lines.

Step 4: Create a Dimension Sensor

Include a sensor. Right-click on the sensor icon in the creation tree and select “Add a sensor”. Select a dimension sensor and submit the desired conditions.

Sensor type = Dimension
Properties = Select the reference dimension that has been added (13.37″)
Alert = Check the box “Warn me if the value = …”
Select “is greater than” and write the value not to be exceeded. (15″ in the example)

Step 5: Check Sensor Operation

Finally, display the volume body again, and apply any modifications to your part in the folded state. A warning message is then displayed in the shaft if you are no longer within the defined values of the sensor.

Optimize Your SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal Designs

By adding a dimension sensor to your SOLIDWORKS sheet metal model, you can quickly identify when a part exceeds your manufacturing size limits. This simple check helps prevent design errors, reduces rework, and ensures your parts remain compatible with available equipment.

 

Need help optimizing your sheet metal workflow in SOLIDWORKS? Contact the Solidxperts team for personalized support and expert guidance.

Here is a new visualization tool for your SOLIDWORKS assemblies related to values from your PDM. As an example, rapidly visualize the parts that are “for approval”. Identify the parts “suppliers” vs “fabricated” parts. See in a glimpse the parts that are specific to a PDM category. All this is in the SOLIDWORKS graphic window.

 

This tool allows the selection of a categories list, workflow, and variables present in the vault and visualizes the parts that correspond to those criteria in SOLIDWORKS. It is also possible to assign colors to the components that contain those criteria.

Here are two ways to identify the parts in an assembly:

1. Assign a color to a component based on a category, a workflow status, or a variable in an assembly.
2. Show Parts of an assembly based on the PDM search window

Display State Creation

When you will define your search criteria and visualization in the tool panel it will create the display states in SOLIDWORKS.

In the SOLIDWORKS file, a display state will be created for each category, workflow, and variables for which at least one value and one color has been pre-assigned in the Administration window. The color will appear in the selected assembly parts.

 

Example: The colors have been assigned in the image below based on values and colors assigned by supplier name.

Administration Window

The administrator assigns a color to different items based on the requirements in the administration window by clicking on the variable name or in the “Color” field for “Categories”, “Workflow” or “Color by default”. When the tool is used, this tool creates different display states depending on which item(s) such as “Categories”, “Workflow” or “Variables” had a modification performed upon. The association between a value associated with the component will assign different colors to the parts as predefined in the administration window. The yellow color appears in the “Variable” window when a line had a value and color assigned.

Here is the window that opens to allow you to key in the value and select the “Color” cell.

By clicking in the “Color” cell you obtain the following window to be able to select the desired color. Click on “Define Custom Colors“ to see the right end side of the window below.

Search PDM

You key in the information in one or many fields of the PDM search window to create the selection criteria of the parts. Those parts will therefore be selected and visible in the SOLIDWORKS environment.

 

NOTE: THE SEARCH FIELDS IN THE TABS “NAME AND LOCATION”, “CHECKED IN/OUT”, “VERSION DATA” AND  “WORKFLOW” ARE THE ONES AVAILABLE TO DEFINE A SEARCH CRITERIA.

Search Window

Simplify Assembly Reviews with the SOLIDWORKS Visualization Tool

The SOLIDWORKS Visualization Tool makes it easier to identify and review assembly components using information stored in SOLIDWORKS PDM. By applying colors based on categories, workflow states, variables, or search criteria, users can quickly understand the status and classification of each part directly in the graphics window.

 

This visual approach helps teams save time, improve consistency, and make faster decisions when reviewing complex assemblies. To learn more about implementing this tool in your SOLIDWORKS PDM environment, contact our team.

Written by Senior Technical Representative – Chung Ping Lu

Make way for the new Simulation Evaluator feature. Predators that made you lose your simulation results will be hunted down!

 

Did you lose your simulation results by doing something accidental, such as moving a file or folder? To remedy this situation, use the Simulation Evaluator which will allow you to securely re-link a results file (.CWR) to your analysis knowing that the link has been broken.

This new feature introduced in SOLIDWORKS 2020 for SOLIDWORKS Simulation will also allow you to check if your analysis is optimally configured. You can access it from the Simulation CommandManager or by right-clicking on the study from its tree.

 

Then, click on the link “Edit the study properties to change the result folder”, then in the next window, click on the folder icon in the Results Folder line at the bottom, and finally select the folder where the results file (.CWR) is stored and click on “Select Folder” to choose it.

 

Once the correction has been made, you will be able to display the desired results without any problem.

 

 

The Simulation Evaluator also lets you know how much space is available so that you can be warned if you are likely to run out of space if you work in that location.

Additionally, you can find out if there are still parts or bodies that require a material application. Also, a comparison between the mesh volume for each part or body and the volume obtained by the mass properties is available in order to evaluate whether a better mesh may be needed to better represent the 3D model.

 

The Simulation Evaluator will enable you to ensure certain essential functions are defined correctly before you run a calculation, to avoid surprises. Reconnecting results files separate from your analyses has never been easier.

SolidXperts, a certified team at all levels of SOLIDWORKS solutions, is a value-added solution provider that will take you by the hand and offer you the best service to optimize your work performance.

Do not hesitate to contact us for more information on our solutions. Our technical team is always pleased to assist you in your daily work.

So, you are starting a new DriveWorks project using DriveWorks Administrator and would like help structuring your folders, transferring your data, and managing the sustainability of your projects. Here is a guide from your DriveWorks specialists at SolidXperts.

 

1. Group Creation

A DriveWorks Group is an environment where you store information that you will use in your Configurator. You need to create and name your group. The group (xxxxx.drivegroup) should be stored on the network. Depending on the criteria describe below you can create an individual or shared group.

 

Individual group
• For one user only
• Project duration: ± 0 to 6 months

 

Shared group
• For more than 3 users ±
• Project duration: long-term projects
• Required SQL Server installation + DW Administrator + DW Autopilot
(Can be stored on a WorkStation for one user only, or a server for multiple)

 

2. Environments

Create two groups. One for development (R&D) and one for production.
Group name example:
• …\Compagnie name_Prod
• …\Compagnie name_Dev

 

3. Project File Creation

The project file (xxxxxx.driveprojx) should be stored on the network.

 

4. Folder Structure

We recommend this folder structure for each environment. Folders could be stored on the network or on SolidWorks PDM.

 

 

 

5. Documents Folder

 

 

 

• Excel files (.xls; .xlsx etc…)
• Images files (Jpeg, .PNG etc..)
• Word files (.dox; .doc etc…)
• Can have sub-folder

 

6. Drive3d Folder

 

• .Drive3d Files
• Can have sub-folder

 

7. Model3d Folder

 

SolidWorks files: .sldprt ; .slddrw ; .sldAsm ; pdf ; etc…
• Can have sub-folder

 

8. Projects Folder

 

• .Driveprojx files
• Could have sub-folder

 

9. Specifications Folder

 

• Generated specifications

 

10. Common and Dynamic Path

a. When transferring and sharing your project data it is important to use a common path.
Choose a path for the group content folder. This path must be the parent of all data in the DriveWorks project.

\\Titan\ : Server name or if it is a computer it could be C: \ , etc.

Methode3\ : Parent Files.

 

Example Parent Files.

 

b. Creation of a table group containing the folder paths:

Add a Group Table file location.

 

Get information from the Group Table.

 

c. Using the function FsGetFullPathGroupContent().

 

d. Example:

 

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our DriveWorks specialists.

SOLIDWORKS has dominated as a staple software for engineering and design across the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries for over 2 decades by making 3D CAD affordable and accessible without sacrificing utility or power. Let’s take a closer look at what SOLIDWORKS really is, why it has been the strongest industry-standard in digital product design and engineering, and how its massive community supports you through your entire design cycle, no matter the size of your business.

“It is clear that SOLIDWORKS is focused on empowering customers to innovate and design, without software getting in the way.”

—Michelle Boucher, Tech-Clarity

 

What SOLIDWORKS Does and Why It Works

Conceptualize, create, validate, communicate, and manage your ideas into innovative products with an intuitive user experience for design, simulation, publishing, data management, and environmental impact assessment. All in one place.

Also, with a legacy of dedication to training and supporting its users, SOLIDWORKS helps customers develop market-leading products while continuing to invest 80% of revenue back into its development. Did you know? Each annual update release for SOLIDWORKS has 200+ new enhancements with over 90% directly resulting from actual user feedback!

How SOLIDWORKS Supports You and Your Business

With SOLIDWORKS you’re never alone. With millions of users across the globe in every industry imaginable, we’ve seen it all and there is no problem that the passionate SOLIDWORKS community can’t tackle together. As a SOLIDWORKS user you get access to an extensive network of benefits and resources, at no additional cost:

• A centralized hub to get answers and connect with the community
• Access to an online knowledgebase of tips and tricks
• The support of 6 million users, across more than 80 countries
• Hundreds of integrated Partner Solutions
• A massive international SOLIDWORKS Users Group Network
• A growing community of 500,000+ certified SOLIDWORKS users (as of February 2021)

Fun fact:  Over 2 million students graduate with SOLIDWORKS training every year!

The Total CAD Package

Enjoy a competitive edge with the right tools built-in to help you make better decisions that lead to greater ROIs. As a product design solution, SOLIDWORKS does more than a 3D model with precision and speed. Take your investment even further with the capability to:

• Assess product cost and sustainability impact
• Leverage a full suite of extended applications including data management, electrical design, simulation, and technical communications
• Optimize front-end innovation with concept and industrial design tools that take advantage of the latest technologies and infrastructures

 

Download our SOLIDWORKS: The CAD Leader white paper for a snapshot of the statistics that make SOLIDWORKS the go-to solution for the world’s 3D CAD needs. You can even reach out to our experts for more information or to request a free demo.