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SolidWorks - 3D Computer aided design (CAD) program
SolidWorks is a product of the SolidWorks Corporation. This program is a 3D Computer-aided
design (CAD) program, which operates on Microsoft Windows platforms. In 1993, the newly founded SolidWorks Corporation introduced SolidWorks as a competitor
for products such as Autodesk Inventor, Unigraphics NX formally SDRC I-DEAS, and
Pro/ENGINEER just to name a few. The main focus of SolidWorks was to provide its
users with the power of 3D, but at a price closer to 2D CAD software packages. In the SolidWorks 3D modeling environment the creation of a solid or surface characteristically
starts with the definition of topology in a 2D or 3D sketch. Topology is the study
of the properties of geometric figures or solids, which are not changed by homeomorphisms,
such as stretching or bending. Examples of topologically equivalent are donuts
and picture frame. Topology are added dimensions that decides the lengths and sizes
for the curves and locations of the vertices in concurrence with topological restrictions.
The dimensions that are added are parameters due to the fact that they can be altered
independently or by parameters that were set prior to their creation. These are
limited parameters because they cannot be altered by subsequent actions on the sketch
in which they are defined. To create volume and modifications, SolidWorks utilizes
a feature-based system, which can be rolled back to earlier states in case something
must be changed or multiple configurations of the same part must be handled. To
assemble components, mates are created, which define the relative positions of the
components to each other. SolidWorks has an order in which things are put together that can be traced as follows: Parts are geometry created according to the main design methodology and interact
with each other when placed in an assembly. For archiving or manufacturing purposes,
drawings and assemblies can be created out of either parts or assemblies at any
time. Drawings can be created from parts or assemblies. They are automatically drawn,
just by clicking on the window that contains the part or assembly to draw. The
drawing module includes most paper sizes and standards (ISO, DIN, GOST, JIS). SolidWorks is available in three additions: SolidWorks Core: This product includes modeling, assembly, and drawing creation.
It also includes tools for 3D modeling, sheet metal, weldments, and limited freeform
surfacing. SolidWorks Core can import countless file types, some from other 2D
and 3D CAD programs. It also has an API for custom programming. Also included
in SolidWorks Core are CosmosXpress, which is a very limited finite element program,
and a program called Moldflow Xpress, which is a mold-filling program. SolidWorks Professional: This program includes the SolidWorks core plus the following
add-in programs:
Animator (Allows the user to create AVI animations of a model in motion)
Design Checker (Checks notes, dimensions and other settings in drawings to ensure
they adhere to company standards)
eDrawings Professional (Adds markup and measuring capabilities to the free eDrawings
viewer)
FeatureWorks (Adds editable features to "dumb" imported geometry)
PDM/Works (A workgroup level document management program to manage SolidWorks files
as well as other filetypes)
PhotoWorks (Realistic Photorendering)
Task Scheduler (Schedule SolidWorks to bulk print, import/export files, and create
eDrawings)
Toolbox (A collection of common fasteners and hardware, Screws, Nuts, Washers, etc.)
Utilities (Additional tools for selecting features and comparing features and geometry)
3D Instant Website (Publishing an HTML document of SolidWorks documents, uses eDrawings
for viewing) SolidWorks Premium: This program includes SolidWorks core and Professional add-ins
plus the following add-in programs: CosmosWorks Designer (Finite Element Analysis)
CosmosMotion (Motion analysis)
Routing (Piping, Tubing, plus Wiring and Harness layout)
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