Mechanical Minutes Blog

2009-09-30T13:41:00.004-04:00

TECH TIP

TOPIC: Using Save As with References

If a drawing or an assembly is needed which is similar to another but uses a few different components; using the save as command and changing the references, the components that need to be renamed can be before any changes are made.

Procedure:
A small assembly is shown to the right in Figure 1. The bracket needs to be different. Rather than recreating the entire assembly from scratch, the Save As command will be used to change the assembly name as well as the bracket name.

1. Open the assembly that is similar to the desired result.

2. Go to File, Save As and select the References icon under the Cancel icon. See Figure 2.

3. Double click the names of the files that need to be different. In this case the assembly and bracket will receive new names. New files are shown in green. See Figure 3.

4. Select Save All.

Notes:
The More Options icon in Figure 3 enables adding a prefix or suffix to multiple files when selected.
The Name or Folder column can be selected to change all file names or location.
A different drawing can be saved using the same procedure.

2009-09-30T13:34:00.004-04:00

TECH TIP

TOPIC: Text Borders

Borders can be placed around text in a drawing to manually create items
such as revision symbols or balloons.

Procedure: Use the note command.
Select the border box in the property manager.

Select the type of border Select the spacing around the text

Examples:

2009-09-30T13:31:00.004-04:00

TECH TIP

TOPIC: Numbered or bulleted text

How is the spacing controlled between the numbers or bullets and text on a drawing?

Procedure: When editing the text, RMB and select “Bullets and Numbering . . .”

“First Line Indent” sets the space between the number or bullet and the text.

Notes: Lines can be controlled separately if so desired.

2009-09-30T13:15:00.003-04:00

TECH TIP

TOPIC: Inspection Documents using eDrawings

SolidWorks enables the user to mark specific dimensions on drawings as inspection dimensions by placing an oval around the specific dimension value. eDrawings Professional offers a means to create an electronic version of this document for inspection purposes. This provides a means to document the measured values of these critical dimensions, maintain any notes related to the measurement method and securely store this information in an electronic format separate from the original SolidWorks source drawing.

Procedure:
From within eDrawings the native SolidWorks drawing file is opened and saved as an eDrawing document. Using the mark up functionality and associated comments the inspection document can be created, edited, and reviewed by others who can also reply to existing comments or add their own.

1. In eDrawings open the native SolidWorks drawing, detached drawings are supported as well, and save the file as an eDrawing file type. (.edrw)

2. Select the mark up icon from the left side of the screen to open the markup dialog panel. Each inspection can be listed here with comments that will appear in the bottom half of the panel. Also the various shapes for the inspection data can be selected from this panel as well a general notes.

3. Placing a rectangle in the graphics area and using text to record the measured value will generate a comment in the Markup Panel. A descriptive name can be applied and any text such as the measuring device used for this inspection can be added. The current “User Name” is applied automatically.

4. Selecting the comment will enable the Reply function. The current user can respond to individual inspection comments.

Notes:

1. The filename of the inspection document can be identical to the original native SolidWorks document.
2. PDM Enterprise can automate this creation process and also allow a specific workflow for the inspection document.
3. eDrawings also has “stamps” such as APPROVED which can be permanently applied to the file.
4. Markups can also be saved in external files separate from the .edrw file, where they can be imported at any time.

2009-09-15T14:46:00.014-04:00

TECH TIP

TOPIC: Schedule a Defrag on multiple drives

One of the most over looked and easiest things to fix for system performance is defragmenting your disks. The problem is making the time to run it and if you have several disks then you have to wait for one to finish before starting the next. There are fee based software’s out there that can do this, but why spend the money. I found this tip on the Microsoft website and it works great.

Procedure:
Use the Window’s task scheduler with some minor task editing to add a drive letter. Not as obvious as you might think…

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel

2. Click Performance and Maintenance

3. Under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Sheduled Tasks.

4. In the Scheduled Tasks window, double-click Add Scheduled Task.

5. In the Scheduled Task Wizard, click Next.

6. Click Browse

7. In the File name box, type %systemroot%\system32\defrag.exe and then click Open.

8. Under Perform this task, click Weekly. Then, click Next.

9. Set the time and day of the week you would like to defragment your hard drive. For best results, choose a time when your computer will be on but you will be away from it. Click Next.

10. Type your password in both the Enter the password and Confirm password boxes. Then, click Next.

11. Select the Open advanced properties for this task when I click Finish check box, and then click Finish.

12. In the Run box, add C: to the existing command. Make sure you include a space before the “C:”. Then, click OK.

13. In the Set Account Information dialog box, type your password in both the Password and Confirm password boxes. Then, click OK.

Windows XP will defragment your hard drive at the time you have scheduled. During defragmentation, a black window will open. If you happen to be working at your computer when the window opens, you can ignore it. The window will automatically disappear when defragmentation is complete. You can use other programs during defragmentation, but you may prefer to schedule defragmentation at a time when you won’t be using your computer.
Defragmentation works best when you have plenty of free space on your hard drive.

Notes:

Link to procedure from Microsoft (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/tips/defrag.mspx)

2009-09-15T14:31:00.004-04:00

TECH TIP

TOPIC: 3D Drawing View Mode

3D drawing view mode will dynamically manipulate the model in a drawing view. It’s typically used to select items that are behind other entities.

Procedure: The command can be accessed from the heads-up view toolbar.

After selecting a view you can pan, zoom, or rotate. When you Exit, the view returns to its original orientation.Notes: It’s possible to save the orientation to be used in this or another view. The prerequisite for this functionality is that the view must be a named view.

To save the orientation press Spacebar before exiting the command and create a new view.

The new view will then be available to use in this or any other named view.

2009-09-15T14:26:00.002-04:00

TECH TIP

TOPIC: Locking your dimension style with the right mouse button.

Sometimes one may want a dimension placed in an odd position other than horizontal or vertical, but maintain either the horizontal or vertical dimension orientation. This can be achieved easily if you watch your mouse feedback when placing the dimension.

Procedure:
During Sketching, the user can lock a dimension orientation when needed. This can be achieved by looking for the right click option symbol when placing a dimension.

1.Select the Smart Dimension Icon, and then select the items to be dimensioned then move to the desired location.

2. Look for the right click option symbol (shown below). When the dimension is in the desired orientation, hit the Right mouse button and lock this orientation.

a. Linear Dimensions:
b. Angular Dimensions:

3. The dimension can now be moved to any location, but will maintain the current orientation.

Notes: With many commands the user should watch the feedback options available.

1. When extruding a feature look for the green check mark option with the right mouse click. It’s faster than hitting the return key or selecting it from the confirmation corner.

2. If you go to tool, Sketch Tools, Modify

2009-09-15T14:22:00.003-04:00

TECH TIP

TOPIC: Indent as In Context cut

Using in-context cuts to provide clearance for interfering parts in an assembly is a useful technique. However there are times when finding a sketch plane and creating the sketch can be problematic. In these cases consider using the Indent command with its “cut” option enabled.

Procedure:
Open an assembly that has parts interfering. In this case we have a square structural member protruding through a sheet metal safety guard.

1. Edit the part that will be modified with the cut. In this case the Sheet Metal Guard.

2. Select the Indent command and select the Target Body (sheet metal guard) and the tool body (square tube). Optionally a clearance or “gap” can be specified. In this case a .125 inch space is created around the square tube.

3. Because the tool body was a tube this command produced a left over remnant in the guard. Using delete body removes this unwanted material. If the tool body (square tube) had been solid this would not have happened.

2009-08-27T13:46:00.006-04:00

Join ModernTech Mechanical for a no-cost "What's New in SolidWorks 2010" event in your area! Enjoy a complimentary breakfast while we cover topics including an overview of SolidWorks 2010 updates and capability enhancements for the following software solutions:

SolidWorks Design
SolidWorks Simulation
Enterprise PDM
3DVIA Composer
SolidWorks Sustainability

To register, click HERE. Once you register, you will receive further details on event location, including directions!

All events run from 8a.m. - 12:15p.m.

Oct. 5
Nashville, TN
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Oct. 6
Tampa, FL
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Oct. 7
Orlando, FL- Featuring Rick Chin of SolidWorks
Memphis, TN
Mobile, AL - Z Corp 3D Printing/Scanning Showcase 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Oct. 8
Jacksonville, FL- Featuring Rick Chin of SolidWorks
Fort Walton, FL - Z Corp 3D Printing/Scanning Showcase 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Oct. 13
Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Atlanta, GA
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Lawerenceville, GA
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Oct. 20
Peachtree City, GA
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Oct. 21
Ashville, NC

Oct. 22
Charleston, SC

Oct. 27
Winston-Salem, NC

Oct 28
Panama City, FL

2009-08-12T16:46:00.003-04:00

SolidCAM 2009 Boot Camp Seminar

ModernTech Mechanical invites you to attend SolidCAMP 2009, a FREE seminar on the release of the Newest and Best Version EVER - SolidCAM 2009!

Learn survival techniques with SolidCAM Professor Sidney Eisner while enjoying the world's largest private collection of vintage and modern motorcycles and Lotus racecars - the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

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Seminar Agenda

Seminar Agenda

Find out what’s new in SolidCAM 2009, the most powerful version ever – with over 100 improvements!
Get through the obstacle course with Tips and Tricks from SolidCAM Professor Sidney Eisner.
Sneak preview on the upcoming version SolidCAM 2010.
\Crack the code of SolidCAM’s I-Machining, HSM and HSS Modules.

Join us for this free seminar to get the jump on your competitors and be eligible to win free SolidCAM 2.5D Mill Professional with 3 years Maintenance and unlimited SolidCAM Professor access, $7100 value

WIN Door Prizes such as High-Performance Cutting Tools from GW Schultz and Gift Certificates from the Bass Pro Shop next door to the museum.

MEET personally with local SolidCAM reseller CAMcad Technologies personnel and learn what they offer in terms of support, training, and consulting services.

2009-07-30T15:34:00.002-04:00

TECH TIP

TOPIC: Applying legacy textures in SolidWorks 2009

In SolidWorks 2008, there were textures like knurl and crust, as well as threads that could be applied to faces. In SolidWorks 2009, textures have been replaced with appearances for editing. However, what if you still want the legacy textures? They are still available for use with a couple of extra steps!

Procedure:

With SolidWorks open > expand the task pane > pick the appearance tab icon (looks like a beach ball)
Pick the 'Appearances' icon at the top of the list and then the 'Add File Location' above it on the title menu
Browse to data\images\textures
A list of all the SolidWorks textures should be in the tree view on the right. To apply them to a model drag and drop them in the graphics area and pick one of the references from the popup menu (part, feature, etc.) to apply.

2009-07-09T15:30:00.008-04:00

Beta Testing Tips

So, you have signed-up to be a SolidWorks 2010 Beta Tester. Here are some tips to get you off to a great start!

There are some considerations/best practices to keep in mind when testing for a beta release. First, do not run a beta release synchronous to a production release on a computer. Once files are converted to the newer version they cannot be taken backwards to the production version. Work only on copied files in directories created specifically for beta testing, and be sure to backup all toolbox and data locations before beginning. While testing the interface and the ‘new functionality’ is important, first focus on the areas that are important to your business and everyday usage of the application. These are the areas that bugs will affect your business the most and submitting these bugs early in a beta release will help insure that they are addressed in a timely manner and prevent down time or loss of functionality.

2009-07-09T14:18:00.002-04:00

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2009-07-08T07:58:00.003-04:00

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2009-06-30T15:54:00.003-04:00

Tech Tip

Topic: Tongue and Groove

The lip/groove command can be used to generate a tongue and groove feature.

Procedure: Use the lip/groove command twice, once on each side.

Notes: The lip/groove command controls all of the dimensions including taper angles and gaps.

2009-06-04T12:10:00.002-04:00

Join us for this no-cost event to learn advanced techniques in

3D design, analysis, printing and scanning.

There are 4 educational sessions available to attend including:

Advanced SolidWorks functionality
Advanced SolidWorks Simulation techniques
Using Z Corporation 3D Printing for manufacturing real world parts
Turning Scan Data into a parametric model using Z Corporation RapidFormand Z Scanner

Attend 1 or all 4. It’s up to you!

Also joining us for a special Show ‘N Tell session, are local firms who design in 3D. These firms will share with you their favorite designs, some challenges they face, and most importantly why they love SolidWorks.

This is a no-cost event and includes food, fun and giveaways.This is not a sales event! No sales pitches will be heard- welcome to an anxiety-free educational event!

If you design in SolidWorks, perform analysis with SolidWorks Simulation, or outsource your prototypes - don’t miss this event! Don’t use SolidWorks or Z Corporation products but are considering a transition? This event is for you too!

Huntsville Museum of Art, Huntsville, AL

June 25, 2009 4pm - 8pm

2009-05-28T09:20:00.003-04:00

TECH TIP

TOPIC: SolidWorks Explorer Windows Sidebar Gadget

With the introduction of the Windows Sidebar in Vista, SolidWorks wanted to get their piece of the action. They accomplished this in the form of the SolidWorks Explorer Gadget. This gadget installs just as quickly and easily as any other Windows Sidebar Gadget and allows the user to quickly search all SolidWorks files and display the results in SolidWorks Explorer.

Procedure:
In order to use the gadget, it must first be installed, but once installed is very easy to use.

1.)
Installing the gadget is done using the Gadget interface, activated quickly by right clicking on the desktop and selecting “Gadgets”.

2.)
Once the gadgets screen is brought up, right click on the SolidWorks Explorer gadget and select “Add”.

3.)
After adding this gadget, it is ready to use by typing in a search name and pressing enter. The search results will come up in SolidWorks Explorer.

Notes:

In order to limit the search range, SolidWorks Explorer only searches the items listed in the Search Folders option of SolidWorks Explorer. These folders are added automatically by adding items to the Windows Desktop Search in Vista and to the Library in Windows 7.
This functionality will also search a Workgroup PDM vault, but requires login to the vault that is to be searched.

2009-05-28T09:11:00.006-04:00

TECH TIP

TOPIC: Not sure how to design for manufacturing?

SolidWorks is amazing software, however it can still design parts that cannot be built or are very costly to build. Are you costing your company more money by designing expensive parts? Here is an example where the part contained sharp internal corners. This can be costly and unnecessary. Here is a tip to help you design better products for manufacturing. You already have it; it’s called DFM Xpress Analysis Wizard (DFM stands for Design for manufacturing).

Procedure:
Once you have modeled your part and would like to see if it can be improved follow these steps:

1.)
Just open a part file and go to: Tools/DFMXpress or select the Evaluate Tab in the Command Manager and select the DFMXpress Analysis Wizard Icon.

2.
SolidWorks does the validation, however the user must dictate some of the test criteria. “..Enter your test criteria, such as “minimum corner radius”. This tool also checks for other criteria as shown below:

3.
Just open a part file and go to: Tools/DFMXpress or select the Evaluate Tab in the Command Manager and select the DFMXpress Analysis Wizard Icon.

Notes:

It is never a bad idea to run your designs by an experienced machinist for tips on dimension technique that will save him time and make his job easier.
Try to design parts with standard holes and chamfers where possible.
Avoid extra smooth surfaces if not necessary and tight tolerances. Use 2 place tolerances where applicable.
Other features that can be verified are: minimum angular tolerance zone, linear tolerance zone, corner radius (turned part), and tool depth to diameter ratio etc.

2009-04-30T09:40:00.004-04:00

TECH TIP: Selecting edges for surface sweep path

Using model edges for the path on a surface sweep saves time by eliminating the need to create another sketch. However sometimes the entire edge is not desired, only a small portion is required for the sweep. In this situation using “Selection Manager” enables the ability to use only a portion of the edge.

Procedure:

These two images show the creation of a surface sweep along the edge of an existing surface. The standard selection of an edge as the path is shown on the left, and the Selection Manager method on the right.

Start the surface sweep command and select the profile as usual.
Right mouse click to invoke the Selection Manager option. Using the Select Group option, select the edge.
Prior to acceptiong the Selection Manager, drag the end of the path along the edge.
OK the Selection Manager and the Sweep command.

Notes:

Only drags along the selected edge are supported in this technique
The endpoint that is coincident with the profile must remain so.
Object snaps can be used to specify the endpoint of the dragged profile.

2009-04-30T09:29:00.005-04:00

TECH TIP: Using Trim Entities sketch tool to extend sketched lines

CATEGORY: Part

The Trim Entities sketch tool can also be used to extend sketch lines.

Procedure:
When using the Trim Entities sketch tool pictured below,

there are five trim options as shown on the right. When using the Power trim option, the trim tool can be also be used to extend a line to the next entity.

The sketch below has its entities labeled to be trimmed or extended. This can be accomplished easily using the Power trim option with extend capability.

The first step is to start the Trim Entities tool and select the Power trim option. To trim entities using this option, press and hold the left mouse button and drag the cursor over the entities to be trimmed. Every line the cursor crosses over will be trimmed to the next intersecting entity. See sketch below.

After the trimming is done, continue to hold the left mouse button down, press and hold the Shift key, and drag the cursor over the line to be extended. The line will be extended until it hits the next sketch entity. See sketch below.

2009-04-29T13:48:00.006-04:00

Tech Tip: Dimensioning to an arc-shaped cut of a cylinder

A warning may appear when trying to add a dimension in the drawing to an arc-shaped cut of a cylinder.

The feature was made by extruding a cut with the following sketch.

Procedure: One way to dimension the drawing is to expand the drawing view in the feature manager and show the sketch. A dimension can be added to the sketch entities and afterwards the sketch can be hidden.

Notes: Another solution is to create a section view. The section view can be dimensioned without a warning.

2009-04-28T08:32:00.004-04:00

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2009-04-27T14:06:00.000-04:00

Webinar: Beat the Recession with DriveWorks Express

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

ModernTech Mechanical is pleased to announce our Beat the Recession with DriveWorks Webinar- Making the most of the tools you have in SolidWorks.

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2009-04-27T14:00:00.005-04:00

Tech Tip: Removing Tangent Edges from Sweeps with “Fit Spline”.

CATEGORY: Part

Have you ever created sweeps, but did not want tangent edges reflected throughout your sweep at every tangent point? You can remove tangent edges through this process:

Before - Sweep reflects tangent edges.

After – Sweep reflect no Tangent Edges

Procedure:
1. Edit the path of an existing sweep or when creating a path for a sweep, “right click” on the sketch and choose, “Select Chain”.
2. Go to the pull down menu and select: Tools, Spline Tools, Fit Spline (or add to short cut menu).
3. Exit the sketch or create your sweep with the new Spline.
4. The resulting “Swept feature” will no longer have tangent edges at each tangent point.

Notes:
Using a Spline initially would have worked also; however, you would not have standard radius dimensions, for arcs and curves if needed for manufacturing or 2D drawings.3D sketches are also very useful when creating sweeps. When creating a surface, a Spline also creates one continuous surface.

2009-04-24T16:12:00.004-04:00

Making Data Management Simple with SolidWorks Enterprise PDM

MANAGE YOUR 3D DATA EASILY

Join us for this FREE seminar and explore how SolidWorks Enterprise PDM can help your company manage and share all the data related to your designs more effectively.

Patrick Brochu and Sylvain Trudel of SolidWorks will be joining us to provide valuable insight and answer any of your specific SolidWorks Enterprise PDM questions.

Learn about the benefits of implementing data management into your design process and how your design team can:

Manage product data effectively
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Automate workflows
Improve collaboration between engineering and manufacturing

Attend and receive the free white paper, "PDM vs. PLM: It all Starts with PDM"

2009-04-16T11:23:00.002-04:00

ModernTech Mechanical Announces 3DVIA Composer Hands-On Test Drives

Attend a 3DVIA Composer Hands-On Test Drive to learn how to seamlessly incorporate design changes directly into your product documentation, and create up-to-date, accurate, printed and interactive materials. With 3DVIA Composer, your entire organization can automate and integrate the documentation process.

Using 3DVIA Composer you can:

Eliminate expensive errors and quickly update all product documentation through automation.
Get new products to market faster and gain a competitive advantage.
Leverage existing 3D designs in multiple CAD formats to produce accurate, up-to-date product documentation.
Enable technical and nontechnical staff to collaborate effectively during documentation production.
Improve customer service.

Easily create documents such as:

Assembly instructions.
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2009-04-06T09:58:00.004-04:00

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2009-03-31T11:11:00.005-04:00

Tech Tip: Using ‘Select Other’ to select hidden faces, edges, or vertices.

Category: Productivity

It is often necessary to select a face, edge, or vertex that is hidden by other geometry. The Select Other tool allows us to quickly and easily hide any faces that are in front of the geometry we want to select.

Procedure:
A section view has been applied to the part shown at the right. The face we want to select is shown in blue. The procedure for selecting this face without using section view is as follows.

Hover over the portion of the model that covers the desired face, RMC and choose Select Other. The face that was initially right clicked on will be hidden first. Other faces will remain visible.

With the Select Other tool open, any face the user right clicks on will be hidden from view. The user can continue hiding faces with right clicks until the desired selection face, edge, or vertex comes into view.

Once the desired selection face, edge, or vertex comes into view the user can left click on the entity to select it.

Notes:

The selection box that appears when using the Select Other tool can be used to select the faces as well. To use this box the user must make sure that the desired selection entity is directly behind the first entity that is selected when the tool is started. This will ensure that the entity will be listed in the selection box.

2009-03-31T11:05:00.004-04:00

Tech Tip: Simple ways to control a 3D Spline

Category: 3D Splines

Many times during sketching, we have to create splines. If the spline follows along a pre-defined plane it is not too difficult, however there are times when you may want it to move in other directions. Additionally, we tend to create splines with too many points. Next time keep the points to a minimum and adjust the position with multiple view ports.

Procedure:

Start a 3DSketch, select spline and proceed to sketch. Remember to keep the qty of point to a minimum.

Split your screen into 4 view ports, and adjust as needed. You can use the triad to reposition your spline for greater control.

Notes:

There are many other tools to help you adjust your splines, just click on it.
Remember to practice often, and try to use 3d sketching more frequently.

2009-03-31T10:33:00.004-04:00

Tech Tip: Renaming Referenced Configurations

Category: It’s About Time

Ever try to rename a configuration and get this error?

New in SolidWorks 2009 Service Pack 2.0 (and higher) is the ability to rename referenced configurations.

Procedure:

With the part or assembly open, as well as the document referencing the configuration to be renamed, highlight the configuration and either slow double click, or press <F2> to rename it.
Navigate to the referencing document so that the drawing view or assembly component can read the new name.
Click OK to the following warning message:

Notes:

This has been tested with parts and assemblies being referenced by drawings and higher level assemblies.
This is not known to be available prior to Service Pack 2.0.
This enhancement is not documented in the Fixed SPR’s.

2009-03-31T10:25:00.007-04:00

Tech Tip: Assembly Starter File with Virtual Parts

Category: Assembly

Creating an assembly starter file including virtual parts can makes for a quick and easy way to create derivative designs. With virtual parts, only a single assembly file is needed for the starter file which will create all the individual part files when using the references option of “save as”.

Procedure:

Create an assembly file with only Virtual parts. In context features are optional but using them with assembly sketches can add to the functionality. Save this file with a generic name, for this example Book Shelf will be used.

Open the Basic assembly and select File/Save As. In the Save As dialog box, select References and check the Include Virtual Components box.

Select all the files by selecting the column header Name. Under More Options, add a suffix such as _Customer A. Optionally a destination folder for the new parts can be specified. Select Apply to see a preview of the new filenames and paths listed in green. Select Save All to complete the process.

The new assembly and individual part files are created with the new names. The original starter file is left unchanged.

2009-03-31T09:42:00.003-04:00

Tech Tip: Equations and Custom Properties

Category: Parts

Custom properties can be used in equations and equation variables can be accessed in custom properties.

Procedure:

Example: We know the cost per pound of the material we’re using. We would like a custom property for the total cost of the part which can be determined by multiplying the cost per pound, times the weight of the part. First, we should create the custom properties “cost per pound” and “weight”.

We can calculate the total cost by creating an equation and accessing the custom properties from the drop-down at the bottom of the equation dialog box.

Then we can create a new custom property “cost” and set it equal to the equation variable.

2009-03-30T13:31:00.002-04:00

Service Pack 3.0

Weldments
When two structural members intersect with a butt corner type, you can use options in the Structural Member and Trim/Extend PropertyManagers to make a:

Simple Cut: Makes the structural members flush with the planar contact faces (helpful for manufacturing)
Coped Cut: Trims the structural member to the contact body

Focal Length Support in PhotoView 360
A new control, Set Camera Focal Length in the Settings dialog, lets you control the focal length of the camera, resulting in different levels of perspective.

Print Selection and Scaling Options
The missing print selection workflow from SolidWorks 2008 has been restored. To print drawing selections at the desired scale:

Click File, Print.
In the Print dialog box, under Print range, select: Current screen image, Selection
Click OK.
In the Print Selection dialog box, set the print scale and click Apply Scale.
Move the selection frame that appears in the graphics area as desired.
Click OK to print.

Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 4.0 Support
You can open Pro/ENGINEER® Wildfire 4.0 files in SolidWorks.

New SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation Tutorials
SolidWorks

DimXpert
Electrical Routing
TolAnalyst

SolidWorks API

C#
VB.NET

SolidWorks Simulation

Design Check for Assembly with Mixed Mesh
Design Check for Connectors

Click Help, SolidWorks Tutorials to access the SolidWorks and SolidWorks API tutorials. Click Simulation, Help, Simulation Online Tutorial to access the SolidWorks Simulation tutorials. The new tutorials are not localized. The English version is accessible from all localized versions of SolidWorks. Updated tutorials and documentation are available in complete installations of SolidWorks 2009 Service Pack 3.0.

Renaming Configurations
You can rename a configuration in a part or subassembly even when another open document is referencing the configuration. Previously, you had to close the parent document before renaming the configuration. This functionality was introduced in SP 1.0.

Making Analysis Simple Seminar

2009-03-25T09:59:00.004-04:00

ModernTech Mechanical will launch a seminar series, “Making Analysis Simple” in April 2009. Attendees will learn how SolidWorks Simulation products are used for analyzing real world operating conditions, reducing the time and costs associated with building and testing prototypes. All attendees will receive the white paper, “Managing Design Simulation,” compliments of ModernTech Mechanical. Those interested in attending a “Making Analysis Simple” seminar can register at http://www.moderntechmech.com/seminars/simple_analysis.html

2009 Upgrade Tips

2008-09-29T09:22:00.019-04:00

It's that time again!!!

SolidWorks 2009 has officially been released for download and the questions are starting to poor into ModernTech Mechanical support asking for "best practices", "recommend steps" and overall "how to" for upgrading to 2009. I figured this was a perfect time to provide some basic recommendations for performing a upgrade to the newest version.

Network users:

Acquire the new 2009 license file: SolidWorks is releasing "any" files for 2009 SNL usage that are valid until 10/31/08. These files are for temporary usage until SolidWorks gets all the license files updated.
Uninstall 2008 SNL manager & install 2009 SNL Manager: First things first. Uninstall the old license manager and then reinstall the new 2009 license manager. The 2009 SNL will work for 2007-2009 versions of SolidWorks. Be sure to install DIRECTLY on the hosting machine as the Dongle driver does not install via Remote Desktop or Terminal Services.

General Procedures:

Verify your systems graphics driver: It is important to always be running a certified card/system with the certified driver for SolidWorks. You can get a list of available certified cards/systems with their associated drivers at the following link: http://www.solidworks.com/sw/videocardtesting.html
Backup File Sets: Be sure to backup the desired file sets before upgrading. These include (but are not limited to) Toolbox, Solidworks Files, PDM Vault and Template files.
Backup User Settings: If upgrading from 2008, backup your user interface settings. You can do this by launching the Copy Settings Wizard located in SolidWorks Tools under the Start Menu or by Exporting the follow registry key from the registry: HKEY_Current_User\Software\Solidworks. (to restore settings after 2009 install open the above Key and rename the SolidWorks 2008 Key to SolidWorks 2009; contact ModernTech support for more information)
Perform Clean Uninstall: We recommend that you perform a clean uninstall before going to any new major version. Contact ModernTech Support for more infromation (solidworks.support@moderntechmech.com)
Turn Off Anti-Virus: Make sure to turn off ALL Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware during the install of SolidWorks.

Install Options:

Determine Install Method: ModernTech recommends an Admin Image installation for 3 seats of SolidWorks or more. DVD installation for 1 or 2 seats.
Serial Numbers: During the installation be sure to select all products in the installation manager that you wish to install. PDMWorks, SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Motion and Solidworks Flow have their own serial numbers

Upgrade PDM System: The last step in any upgrade is the PDM system. Upgrade the PDM server to the latest version and determine your file update method. This can be either "On Demand" at check out or "Bulk" via Task Scheduler.

ModernTech Mechanical offers a NEW service called the "Quick Start" for SolidWorks that will assist new and existing customers in the upgrade (initial install) process. This is a one day service where an Application Engineer assists in all of the above information (plus more!). You can find out more information at the following link: http://www.moderntechmech.com/services/solidworks_quickstart.html

BOM's in Assembly Documents

2008-09-15T07:53:00.005-04:00

A long sought after functionality is being added to Solidworks with the release of 2009. For some time the ModernTech Technical team has been asked about creating BOM's inside of parts and assemblies without the need for a drawing.

Solidworks has stepped up its efforts to help the world go paperless, a move long overlooked by many companies in my opinion, by adding the ability to create assembly and multibody part BOM's without a drawing.

BOM's are inserted by selecting "Insert -> Tables -> Bill of Materials".

Once the BOM is inserted you have the ability to export it in several useful formats (shown below).

This new functionality looks to provide a useful alternative to creating drawings; allow for easy collaboration with the use of eDrawings between customers/clients.

ModernTech Blog Now Live!

2008-09-11T12:57:00.000-04:00

With the release of Solidworks 2009 just around the corner, ModernTech Mechanical has decided to join the world of blogging! We hope to develop and provide an environment for our current and future customer base to come for technical tips, tricks and all around knowledge of Solidworks and Engineering related solutions.

In the coming weeks look for “What’s New” information, tips and tricks for upgrading to 2009 along with many other useful posts.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions/comments regarding our blog at: chris.sonon@moderntech.com

Bloggy

2008-07-24T13:38:00.001-04:00

Blog coming soon

Launch

2008-07-24T13:17:00.000-04:00

A Blog is Coming soon ....