parametrics

Ok, let me get this right.

Parametrics is just a term used for the capabilities of SW, that is:
being parametric, so the whole model changes accordingly to whatever
parameter I change the definition for?

And it is not a seperate function i need to learn to use, and apply to
each part befor I start?

Charlotte

 

Good job! You're on your way to making superb parts....have fun.

WT

 

Tip. Fully define all sketches before making solids or surfaces from them by
using the auto dimension function, then add a relationship to the sketch
origin. This will help later in any parametric changes.
This is good practice for all construction geometry.

 

Pevans

Autodimension/constrain is a handy tool. I use it to constrain complex
imported sketches so I can move them around.

I don't think it would be a good idea for a newbie to start relying on it
though, because it's very arbitrary. It almost never works in a way that
conveys "intent"

It's better for her to learn how to dimension and constrain manually. This
way she will learn how to apply predictable intelligence to her models.

Regards

Mark

 

Not only will it lead to sketches which do not change, it will keep
assemblies of objects to their assigned mates, without strange "red"
mates appearing seemingly for no reason.

I design plastic parts mostly, and their tools and have a few starting
point rules:

1. My stationary has XX, YY, & ZZ axes included (to complement the 3
planes), so that axes are readily available to create & other angled
planes.

2. I pick one plane thru the origin for the parting line when possible
(or move it there later, if I start a part in-context in an assembly).

3. Before creating any solid, I immediately create new planes and axes
that I know I will need to define specific limits and constraints I
know my solid will need, and I name them appropriately (Rt click object
in Feature Manager Tree in the Preferences).

4. I build any solid parts from planes and axes where possible, as it
makes it extremely easy to recognize & change the size or position of a
feature later (as opposed to finding the right sketch) and understand
the file later. If not, you sometimes wind up changing one sketch
which deletes or modifies another sketch which references the deleted
one, and can be a bigger mess to cleanup later (like a year later when
the person who drew it forgot how he did it).

5. I use equations to equate specific planes whose angles &/or
distances must remain in agreement for the design to remain consistent.

6. I frequently use Save As with a new suffix in the initial
development of a complex part, so I can always return to a prior part
if I go down a dead end road and bog myself into a Bagdad mess.

7. I sometimes use a technique to construct detail which SolidWorks
otherwise will not allow easily: I Cut my part and get rid of a
portion of it when it is symmetrical about a plane, and I need to
construct an internal detail which is difficult to "get to". Sometimes
this works fine, and other times when I suppress the Removal Cut, I
have to re-work a sketch, but not often.

8. Working in assemblies, I often just cut a symmetrical assembly "in
half" so that I can easily measure & work with actual surfaces in
examining a complex multi-part assembly.

Matt Lombard and others have posted very good references for how to
work in SolidWorks, and I appologize if I have repeated what they have
said here, but this is just from memory quickly.

Bo

 

Good tips Bo - thanks

 

Thanks for the tips all. I'm not a complete newbie though, but just
started my first job after graduating, and was in the jobinterview
asked if I was able to work with parametrics in SW. Since English is
not my native language, I thought that it was a separate feature in
the program, and not just a term describing the bare essentials of SW.
he he
Think I have to refreshen my knownledge with an advanced course
though.

Thanks Charlotte

 

Let me guess . . . the person who posed the question to you was a "human
resources" type -- correct? That is to say, that person has no actual
knowledge of SolidWorks!! That's why they phrased the question that
way, and that's why you were misled into thinking that "parametrics" was
some particular function instead of being a descriptive attribute of CAD
software. Blame the dummy interviewer -- that's just how useful most HR
personnel are. The world would be better of without them and without
lawyers.

'Sporky'