Lab Report #01

Submitted By

Name: M Asim Iqbal

Roll No: MEEN221101087

Class: BS-MEEN-5A

Submitted To

Engr. Adnan Rasheed

Institute of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering &

Information Technology

Rahim Yar Khan

 Lab Report 01
Objective:
Introduction to SolidWorks CAD software, its components and interface and to learn the
utilization of different orientation/ views in the interface and SolidWorks Explorer.

Introduction to SolidWorks:
SolidWorks is a widely used computer-aided design (CAD) software that provides a range of
tools and features for designing and modeling precise and accurate mechanical and industrial
components. In this report, we will explore the key components and features of SolidWorks
and how it is used by engineers, designers, and manufacturers.

Figure 1.1: SolidWorks

Uses of SolidWorks:
➢ Design: SolidWorks is used to create virtual prototypes of products and machines,
allowing users to visualize and test their designs before manufacturing.
 ➢ Simulation: SolidWorks offers simulation tools that allow users to test the
performance of their designs under different conditions, such as stress, vibration,
and heat.
➢ Documentation: SolidWorks is used to create engineering documentation,
including drawings, bills of materials, and assembly instructions.

Advantages of SolidWorks:
➢ User-friendly interface: SolidWorks provides a user-friendly interface with menus
and toolbars that allow users to access different features and tools quickly.
➢ Integration with other software: SolidWorks can integrate with other software,
including CAM and CAE software, to provide a complete solution for product
design and development.
➢ Collaboration: SolidWorks offers collaboration tools that allow multiple users to
work on the same design simultaneously, improving productivity and efficiency.
➢ Cost-effective: SolidWorks is a cost-effective solution for product design and
development, allowing businesses to reduce costs and increase profits.
➢ Faster time-to-market: SolidWorks helps to reduce time-to-market by allowing
designers and engineers to create and test their designs quickly and accurately.

Starting the SolidWorks:

There are different ways to start SolidWorks depending on your needs and preferences. Here
are some of the ways to start SolidWorks:

1. Start SolidWorks from the desktop shortcut: If you have installed SolidWorks on
your computer, you can start the software by double-clicking on the desktop shortcut
icon. The shortcut icon is usually created during the installation process.

Figure 1.2: SolidWorks Icon

2. Start SolidWorks from the Start menu: You can also start SolidWorks by clicking on
the Start menu button on your computer and searching for "SolidWorks" in the search
bar. It will display the SolidWorks icon, and you can click on it to start software.

Figure 1.3: SolidWorks Start Menu Icon

 3. Start SolidWorks from the taskbar: If you have pinned SolidWorks to your taskbar,
you can start the software by clicking on the SolidWorks icon on the taskbar. This is a
quick and easy way to access SolidWorks, especially if you use the software frequently.

4. Start SolidWorks from a file: You can start SolidWorks by opening a file in the
software. Double-click on a SolidWorks file (.sldprt for parts, .sldasm for assemblies,
.slddrw for drawings), and SolidWorks will automatically launch and open the file.

Components of SolidWorks:
SolidWorks is composed of various components that allow users to create complex 2D and 3D
models. Some of the key components of SolidWorks include:

➢ Sketch: The sketch is the fundamental building block of SolidWorks, and it is used
to create 2D geometry that forms the basis for 3D models. Users can create sketches
using different shapes and tools, including lines, arcs, circles, and polygons.
➢ Part: A part is a 3D model created using sketches that define its geometry. Users
can create parts using various features and tools, including extrude, revolve, sweep,
and loft.
➢ Assembly: An assembly is a collection of parts and sub-assemblies that make up a
complete product or machine. Users can create assemblies using different tools and
features, including mate, align, and distance.
➢ Drawing: A drawing is a 2D representation of a 3D model that is used to create
engineering documentation. Users can create drawings using various views,
including front, top, right, isometric, and section.

Figure 1.4: Components of SolidWorks

Start New Document:

To start a new document in SolidWorks, follow these steps:
 ➢ Launch SolidWorks: Start SolidWorks by double-clicking on the desktop shortcut
icon, the Start menu icon, or the taskbar icon, depending on how you have set up
SolidWorks on your computer.
➢ Select a template: When SolidWorks opens, click on the icon on the title bat, the
New Document dialog box appears. This dialog box allows you to select a template
for your new document. Choose the template that best suits your project needs. If
you are unsure, you can choose the "Default Templates" option, which provides
several standard templates for parts, assemblies, and drawings.

Figure 1.5: SolidWorks New Document Dialog

➢ Configure the document settings: After you have selected a template, configure
the document settings according to your requirements. You can adjust settings such
as units, dimensions, and appearance.
➢ Save the document: Once you have configured the document settings, save the
document by going to File > Save or by pressing Ctrl + S on your keyboard. Give
the document a descriptive name and choose the folder where you want to save it.
➢ Start designing: With the new document created and saved, you are ready to start
designing. Use the various tools and features provided by SolidWorks to create
precise and accurate 2D and 3D models.

SolidWorks Explorer:
SolidWorks Explorer is a file management tool that is included with SolidWorks software. It
provides users with an interface to manage and organize their SolidWorks files and folders
more efficiently. Some of the key features of SolidWorks Explorer are:

➢ File search: SolidWorks Explorer allows users to search for specific files or folders
based on different criteria, including file name, date created, and file type. This
makes it easy to locate files quickly and efficiently.
 ➢ File properties: SolidWorks Explorer displays file properties, such as the file type,
size, and location. Users can also add custom properties to their files and use them
to organize and filter their files.
➢ Version control: SolidWorks Explorer offers version control features that allow
users to manage and track different versions of their files. Users can create versions
of their files, check out files for editing, and check in the files when editing is
complete.
➢ Batch operations: SolidWorks Explorer allows users to perform batch operations
on their files, such as renaming, copying, and moving files. This saves time and
reduces errors that can occur when performing these operations manually.
➢ File previews: SolidWorks Explorer provides users with file previews that allow
them to view their files without opening them in SolidWorks. This makes it easier
to identify and locate files.

SolidWorks Interface:
Once the new part document has been opened, the interface will look like the figure shown
below. There are six unique areas of the user interface which every new user should be familiar
with, and are labeled in the image below.

Figure 1.6: SolidWorks User Interface

Standard Toolbar:
The Standard Toolbar contains basic commands including New Document, Open Document
and Save Document. Additionally, at the right end of this toolbar, a gear icon is available which
will open a System Options dialog, where a variety of settings can be changed. Hovering the
cursor over the SOLIDWORKS icon will reveal several drop-down menus that contain all
available commands, including a Help drop down menu where tutorials may be accessed.

Remember, hovering the cursor over any icon in SOLIDWORKS will also display a tool-tip
explaining the command or tool.

Figure 1.7: Standard Toolbar of SolidWorks

Command Manager:
The Command Manager is a toolbar that changes based on the selected tab (e.g., Features,
Sketch) and provides users with various commands to perform different functions such as
sketching, adding/removing material, or evaluating models. SOLIDWORKS may
automatically switch between tabs when changing modes, but manual switching is also
possible.

Figure 1.8: Command Manager

Not all tabs are shown under the Command Manager by default, but users can add desired tabs
permanently by right-clicking on an existing tab and selecting from the list. Furthermore, not
all commands are available in the Command Manager tabs by default. Users can customize the
Command Manager by following the Command Manager tutorial, and alternatively, all
commands can be accessed through the file drop-down windows.

To search for a command, users can use the search bar located at the top-right of the interface
and select "Commands" to enable command search. Users can click on the search results to
execute a command, or select the eyeball icon to show the command's location in the user
interface. Additionally, users can drag and drop commands directly onto the Command
Manager from the results list.
 Figure 1.9: Searching for Commands

Feature Manager Design Tree:

The Feature Manager Design Tree is a chronological hierarchy of all the sketches and features
that have been created or applied to the model, located just after the Origin in the SolidWorks
interface. This section is crucial where many editing operations originate. The Design Tree also
contains three default planes that serve as the base geometry for at least the first feature.

When creating a new feature or performing other operations, the Design Tree will temporarily
change to a Property Manager, which is the default behavior of SolidWorks. Once the feature
is completed, the Design Tree will return.

The tabs located at the top of the Design Tree allow users to navigate to other interfaces that
use the same space. If another interface is accidentally shown, users can click on the first tab
to return to the Design Tree. If the interface is completely hidden, users can look for a small
tab on the left side of the screen and click it to bring the Design Tree back into view.
 Figure 1.10: Feature Manager Design Tree

Heads Up View Toolbar:

The toolbar located at the top of the graphics area is a transparent toolbar that provides users
with controls to manipulate the colors and appearances of their designs, as well as their
perspective of them. This toolbar is also known as the Heads-Up Display Toolbar.

Users can perform common functions here such as fitting the model to the screen, changing the
view orientation, changing the display style (e.g., shaded with edges, wireframe), and applying
colors/appearances to designs. Tool tips explaining each command can be viewed by hovering
the cursor over the command.

Figure 1.11: Heads Up View Toolbar

Task Pane:
The Task Pane in SolidWorks consists of several tabs that serve different purposes. The number
of tabs displayed may vary based on any additional applications that have been installed
alongside SolidWorks. Although the Task Pane provides useful tools, they are not essential for
basic use of SolidWorks, and will not be covered here.

Figure 1.12: Task Pane

Graphics Area:
The graphics area is the main area of the SolidWorks screen where models and drawings are
viewed, controlled, and selected. To effectively design with SolidWorks, it is essential to learn
how to control model orientation/zoom and how to select entities properly.

To select an entity, users can left-click on it, or left-click and drag the cursor to create a selection
window. Right-clicking on an entity displays a shortcut menu and a context menu containing a
variety of applicable commands. The context menu is a smaller menu that appears with only
icons, while the shortcut menu is a larger menu that contains both icons and text.

To rotate a model, users can click down on the Centre mouse wheel (or Centre mouse button)
and drag the cursor. This rotates the view freely in space but does not change the coordinates
of any geometry. If the rotation is activated while hovering the cursor over existing geometry,
that point will be fixed in space during rotation. To pan the view, users can hold the Ctrl key
and follow the same steps.
Users can scroll the Centre mouse wheel to adjust the level of zoom in the model. By default,
scrolling forward will zoom out, while scrolling backward will zoom in. Users can reverse this
behavior by changing the settings available in the View category of the System Options.
Alternatively, if the user does not have a center mouse wheel, they can hold the shift key and
click and drag the center mouse button to zoom. This method also works with a center mouse
wheel. It is important to note that when using the mouse wheel to zoom, the model will be
zoomed in/out with respect to where the cursor is on the screen for optimal zoom performance.

Figure 1.13: Graphics Area of SolidWorks

Orientation in SolidWorks:
Orientation in SolidWorks refers to the way the user views and interacts with a 3D model in
the graphics area. Proper orientation is crucial to effectively designing in SolidWorks. Here are
some key aspects of orientation in SolidWorks:

➢ Standard views: SolidWorks provides six standard views of a model, including

front, top, right, back, bottom, and left. These views can be accessed by selecting

the appropriate button in the Heads-up Display Toolbar or by using the keyboard
shortcuts.
➢ Custom views: Users can save custom views of a model that they frequently use.
This allows for quick and easy access to specific views of the model.
 ➢ Zoom: Users can zoom in and out of the model by scrolling the mouse wheel or by
using the Zoom command in the Heads-up Display Toolbar. This allows users to see
the model up close or from a distance.
➢ Pan: Users can move the model left, right, up, or down by holding down the Ctrl
key and clicking and dragging the middle mouse button.
➢ Rotate: Users can rotate the model by holding down the middle mouse button and
moving the mouse in any direction. This allows users to see the model from different
angles and perspectives.
➢ As

Conclusion:
In conclusion, SolidWorks is a powerful computer-aided design software used in various
industries to create detailed 3D models and drawings. The SolidWorks interface is user-friendly
and customizable, making it easy for users to access the necessary tools and functions.
Understanding the SolidWorks interface, including the Command Manager, Feature Manager,
Property Manager, Graphics area, status bar, HUD, context toolbar, and customizable toolbars,
is crucial to designing effectively.

Overall, learning to use SolidWorks effectively requires practice and a willingness to learn. By
utilizing the various tools and functions available in SolidWorks, users can create detailed 3D
models and drawings efficiently and effectively, making it a valuable tool for designers and
engineers alike.