​🛠️ SOLIDWORKS Course Overview

​A SOLIDWORKS course is structured around the three core document types: Parts, Assemblies, and Drawings. The goal is to teach the design intent and parametric modeling techniques necessary to create manufacturable 3D models.

​Course Content

​The training is generally broken down into sequential modules:

​1. Part Modeling Fundamentals (The Building Blocks)

• ​User Interface: Navigating the CommandManager, FeatureManager Design Tree, and View Controls.
• ​Sketching: Creating 2D sketches (lines, circles, arcs, splines) and mastering Geometric Relations (e.g., tangent, parallel, concentric) and Dimensions to fully define the sketch.
• ​Basic Features: Converting 2D sketches into 3D models using fundamental features like Extrude Boss/Base, Extrude Cut, Revolve, and Hole Wizard.
• ​Applied Features: Adding details like Fillets, Chamfers, Shells, Ribs, and using Drafts for manufacturability.
• ​Reference Geometry: Creating custom planes, axes, and points for complex features.
• ​Patterning: Using Linear, Circular, and Sketch-Driven Patterns to efficiently duplicate features.

​2. Assembly Modeling (Putting it Together)

• ​Inserting Components: Adding parts to an assembly file.
• ​Mates: Defining how parts fit together using various Mates (e.g., Concentric, Coincident, Parallel, Distance, Angle) to simulate real-world motion.
• ​Advanced Mates: Utilizing mechanical mates (e.g., gear, cam, slot) and defining limits for movement.
• ​In-Context Design: Creating or modifying parts based on their relationship to other parts within the assembly.
• ​Configuration Management: Creating multiple variations of a single part or assembly within one file.

​3. Generating Drawings (Documentation)

• ​Creating Drawing Views: Generating standard views (front, top, side) and auxiliary, section, and detail views from the 3D model.
• ​Annotation: Applying dimensions, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), surface finish symbols, and weld symbols.
• ​Bills of Materials (BOM): Automatically generating and linking a BOM table and Balloons to the assembly drawing.
• ​Templates: Setting up custom sheet formats and title blocks.

​4. Advanced Topics (Intermediate/Expert)

• ​Surface Modeling: Creating complex, aesthetic, or organic shapes using surfaces (often for consumer products).
• ​Sheet Metal: Designing parts specifically for bending and manufacturing, including creating flat patterns.
• ​Weldments: Designing welded structures using standard profiles and automatically creating cut lists.
• ​Simulation/FEA (Finite Element Analysis): Performing basic stress, thermal, or motion analysis on parts and assemblies.

​✅ Learning Outcomes

​Upon completing a comprehensive SOLIDWORKS course, a user will be able to:

• ​Model Parametric Parts: Create professional, stable 3D models whose geometry is fully defined by sketches, features, and design intent, allowing for easy, predictable modifications.
• ​Design Functional Assemblies: Assemble multiple parts using appropriate Mates to ensure all components fit and move as intended.
• ​Generate Production-Ready Documentation: Create professional 2D drawings from 3D models that include all necessary dimensions, views, and annotations for manufacturing.
• ​Apply Design Intent: Use the software’s tools to build models in a way that captures the designer’s intent, so that when a dimension is changed, the rest of the model updates logically.
• ​Prepare for Certification: Have the foundational knowledge required to attempt the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) or Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) exams.

​👨‍🏭 SOLIDWORKS is Ideal For:

​SOLIDWORKS is the industry-standard for any field dealing with the design and manufacture of tangible products.

• ​Mechanical Engineers: Designing machinery, tools, industrial equipment, and mechanical components.
• ​Product Designers/Industrial Designers: Creating prototypes and final designs for consumer electronics, furniture, automotive parts, and appliances.
• ​Drafting & Design Technicians: Translating engineering concepts and prototypes into manufacturable drawings and models.
• ​Manufacturing Engineers: Designing jigs, fixtures, and tooling used on the shop floor.
• ​Hobbyists/Inventors: Developing and prototyping parts for 3D printing or personal projects.
• ​Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs focused on design and analysis.

​In summary, if the goal is to design something that needs to be built, assembled, and function in the real world, SOLIDWORKS is the ideal tool.