SolidWorks® 2009 Bible

Chapter 1. Introducing SolidWorks

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Starting SolidWorks for the first time

• Identifying different types of SolidWorks documents

• Understanding feature-based Modeling

• Understanding history-based Modeling

• Sketching with parametrics

• Understanding Design Intent

• Editing Design Intent

• Working with associativity

• Tutorial: Creating a part template

If you are coming to SolidWorks from Inventor, Solid Edge, or another program in that class, you will find SolidWorks to be very familiar territory, with a similar if not identical design philosophy. SolidWorks also shares a lot of underlying structure with Pro/ENGINEER, and if you are coming from that product, there will be some relearning, but much of your training will be transferable.

If you are coming from 2D AutoCAD, CADKEY, or MicroStation, SolidWorks may at first cause a bit of culture shock for you. However, once you embrace feature-based modeling, things will go more easily. As you will see, SolidWorks, and in fact most solid modeling in general, is very process-based.

Regardless of how you arrived here with this SolidWorks Bible in your hand, here you are. Together we will progress through basic concepts to advanced techniques, everyday settings, and subtle nuances. This book will serve as your tutor and desk reference for learning about SolidWorks software.

This chapter will familiarize beginners with some of the tools available to make the transition, and with some of the basic facts and concepts that you need to know to get the most ...