SOLIDWORKS Assembly Modelling

Lesson 1: Advanced Mate Techniques - The first lesson of this course introduces the user to the SOLIDWORKS assembly structure and how they reference other files. The user will learn how to use various mate types and how to utilize shortcuts for mating components.

Lesson 2: Top-Down Assembly Modelling - In lesson 2, the user will learn how to build and edit a new part within the context of an assembly by employing Top-Down assembly modelling techniques. The user will be taught how to create component features in the assembly context by referencing geometry in existing neighbouring parts, and then how to remove these external references so that the part becomes completely independent from the Assembly File.

Lesson 3: Assembly Features, Smart Fasteners and Smart Components - Upon completion of lesson 3 the user will be able to create features that represent post-assembly machining operations. They will learn how to insert hardware using Smart Fasteners as well as how to create and use Smart Components.

Lesson 4: Assembly Editing - Lesson 4 teaches the user how to replace components in an assembly and how to diagnose and fix any mating errors when the assembly becomes over-defined. This lesson also introduces some of the mirroring and patterning features that are available within an assembly such as creating opposite-hand versions of existing components.

Lesson 5: Using Configurations with Assemblies - Lesson 5 focuses on creating different variations of your assembly by switching components on and off via the use of configurations. The user will firstly learn how to create a configuration of an assembly and then how to automate the creation using a table approach. Secondly, the user will be taught how to link and build mathematical equations between component dimensions. Lastly, the lesson moves on to using sensors to define design requirements such as minimum acceptable clearance and using the mate controller to animate varying positions of an assembly with the use of distance and angle mates.

Lesson 6: Display States and Appearances - In Lesson 6, the user will learn how to create display states to create visual representations of the assembly and learn how to apply appearances and materials to components and modify the mapping of textures to create a more realistic visual. The user will also be taught methods of selecting multiple components using the selection manager.

Lesson 7: Large Assemblies - Lesson 7 teaches the user how to configure large assembly settings, and take advantage of lightweight components to improve performance when working with large assemblies. The user will learn how to use advanced selection techniques, create graphical representations of sub-assemblies (SpeedPak), and simplify assembly components by replacing them with less detailed part versions. Finally, the user will be taught how to use the Assembly Visualisation tool to sort the assembly components in a list based on various properties such as Mass.

Lesson 8: Facility Layout - In Lesson 8, the user will learn how to setup & make use of Magnetic Mates to automate the mating and positioning between components. The user will start by creating various connection points on each component, which can then be snapped together within the top-level assembly.