Best Practices for DriveWorks Project Structures

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Best Practices for DriveWorks Project Structures

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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.

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Whether you’re ready to get started or just have a few more questions, you can contact us toll-free:

    Down and Dirty with Additive Manufacturing – Think twice before slamming that toilet seat!

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    Down and Dirty with Additive Manufacturing – Think twice before slamming that toilet seat!

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    Written by Steven Murphy – SolidXperience Applications Engineer

     

    We are always striving to find new ways to leverage the flexibility of additive manufacturing, so when a toilet seat hinge decided it had been slammed for the last time there was only one thing to do!  

    After modeling up the bracket in SOLIDWORKS, I couldn’t stop thinking if there was a good way to know if a 3D printed component was going to be strong enough? Conventionally, 3D printed components have a bad reputation for being brittle. So with nothing to lose, I dove into SOLIDWORKS Simulation: The Results?

    The first thing I looked at was comparing a conventional 3D printing material such as ABS to the Markforged Nylon White materialand the results are pretty straightforward (let’s just say if I don’t want to be remaking this part again in the near future – I used the Nylon White!) 

     

    also approximately simulated using the Markforged continuous fiber material with the chopped carbon fiber thermoplastic Onyx– but it was frankly overengineered. Once I realized that I was designing the bracket for a professional weightlifter to “clean and jerk” lift with the seat at 8,000N of force, I decided it was time to move on to printing the original Nylon White design 

    Drop the STL model into the MARKFORGED Cloud EIGER software, and it is ready to be printed! And even though I simplified the simulation process with assumptions, the worst-case scenario is I have to reprint the part for a couple of hours!

     

     

    And just like that, I replaced a household component in no time. Take a look at the end result: 

     

     

    Additive manufacturing is reshaping the way that conventional device repair works- by decreasing the time waiting for parts, you can get back to the truly important tasks in life. And that applies to machines and fixtures just as much as it applies to a toilet.

     

    For more information on our Simulation software solutions or our wide range of 3D printers and materials, contact an Xpert today!

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      The CAD Leader – SOLIDWORKS

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      The CAD Leader – SOLIDWORKS

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      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.

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      Whether you’re ready to get started or just have a few more questions, you can contact us toll-free:

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