Saturday, August 13, 2011

3D Model New SolidWorks User

3D Model New SolidWorks User

A new client requires that I supply all CAD files in SolidWorks with intact feature trees. The project is large enough that it warranted purchasing a seat. The project's schedule is fairly aggressive and I had to come up to speed with the new software as quickly as possible.

I plowed through a couple of tutorials and went to work on my client's project. Although certainly not a power user, I am able create relatively complex geometry and assembly constraints with little fumbling.

The interface and workflow are very similar to Rapidform XOR, which is my primary CAD modeling tool. Rapidform has extensive tools for working with meshes and point clouds and for reverse engineering. And it will continue to be Reverse Austin's primary CAD package, but I'm very impressed with the functionality and ease of use of SolidWorks.