Solidworks 2013 Bible

A comprehensive resource packed with information for both beginners and advanced users

SolidWorks is the leading 3D solid modeling software used in computer-aided design. It’s powerful but not simple. This complete guide introduces beginners to the software but then goes far beyond, covering numerous details that advanced users have requested. Beginners will learn not only how the software works but why, while more experienced users will learn all about search criteria, Pack-and-Go, other file management concepts, and much more. A valuable companion website contains before and after real-world parts and assemblies along with many example files used in the text. Additionally, the text of the book is augmented by video tutorials with author voice-over which can be found on the website.

• SolidWorks is the leading 3D CAD program, and previous editions of this book have sold more than 33,000 copies
• Covers necessary information to give beginners a solid foundation in the software, including part and assembly modeling and 2D drawing techniques
• Addresses a wide range of advanced topics not treated in other books, including best practices, search criteria, Pack-and-Go, and other file management concepts
• Includes tutorials on both beginning and advanced topics, with videos; sample part, assembly, and drawing files; and before-and-after example files available on the companion website

SolidWorks 2013 Bible is the ultimate resource on SolidWorks 2013, the book beginners can start with and advanced users will want to keep close at hand.

Table of Contents

Part I: Introducing SolidWorks Basics  1
Chapter 1: Introducing SolidWorks  3
Chapter 2: Navigating the SolidWorks Interface  27
Chapter 3: Working with Sketches  69
Chapter 4: Creating Simple Parts and Drawings 121
Chapter 5: Using Visualization Techniques 157

Part II: Building Intelligence into Your Parts  197
Chapter 6: Getting More from Your Sketches 199
Chapter 7 Modeling with Primary Features 235
Chapter 8: Selecting Secondary Features 297
Chapter 9: Patterning and Mirroring 325
Chapter 10: Using Equations 357
Chapter 11: Working with Part Configurations 375
Chapter 12: Editing, Evaluating, and Troubleshooting 415

Part III: Working with Assemblies   457
Chapter 13: Building Efficient Assemblies 459
Chapter 14: Getting More from Mates 495
Chapter 15: Patterning and Mirroring Components 525
Chapter 16: Working with Assembly Sketches and Layouts 539
Chapter 17: Using Assembly Tools 557
Chapter 18: Using Libraries, Assembly Features, and Hole Wizard 581
Chapter 19: Controlling Assembly Configurations and Display States 637
Chapter 20: Modeling in Context 655
Chapter 21: Editing, Evaluating, and Troubleshooting Assemblies 691
Chapter 22: Working with Large Scale Design 711
Chapter 23: Animating with the MotionManager 725

Part IV: Creating Drawings 761
Chapter 24: Automating Drawings: The Basics 763
Chapter 25: Working with Drawing Views 789
Chapter 26: Using Annotations and Symbols 827
Chapter 27: Dimensioning and Tolerancing 847
Chapter 28: Using Layers, Line Fonts, and Colors 873
Chapter 29: Working with Tables and Drawings 885
Chapter 30: Creating Assembly Drawings 911

Part V: Using Advanced and Specialized Techniques 935
Chapter 31: Modeling Multi-Bodies 937
Chapter 32: Working with Surfaces 973
Chapter 33: Employing Master Model Techniques 1001
Chapter 34: Using SolidWorks Sheet Metal Tools 1015
Chapter 35: Creating Sheet Metal Drawings 1069
Chapter 36: Creating Weldments and Weldment Drawings 1081
Chapter 37: Using Imported Geometry and Direct Editing Techniques 1115
Chapter 38: Using Plastic Features 1141
Chapter 39: Using Mold Tools 1173

Appendix A: Finding Help  1195
Appendix B: What’s on the Website 1201
Index  1205