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SolidWorks Rx 2008
One of the enhancements of SolidWorks 2008 that you might have overlooked is the revamping of SolidWorks Rx. The UI has now gone to a multiple tab interface that groups different features that can be used to maintain your system. When you open SolidWorks Rx (Start->All Programs->SolidWorks 2008->SolidWorks 2008 SPX.X->SolidWorks Tools->SolidWorks Rx) the Home tab…
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SolidWorks 2008: “FINALLY!” Features
With every release of SolidWorks there are always a few features that automatically invoke the user to shout “FINALLY!” when they see it for the first time. These features are often very simple changes which can save the user time or features that may have been long overdue making it into the software. I’ve identified…
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CB Model Pro – First Cut
Yesterday I posted some news about a new program that had been added to the SolidWorks Labs website called CB Model Pro. Tonight I had my first chance to sit down a play with it a bit. I must say I’m pretty impressed with what I see so far! First and foremost, you REALLY have…
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SolidWorks 2008: FilletXpert
With vacations over with and some due dates met, I’m finally getting some time now to post more reviews of the new features in SolidWorks 2008. One of the requested subjects from my earlier post looking for feature review ideas was FilletXpert. FilletXpert is not itself new in SolidWorks 2008, but there has been some…
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SolidWorks 2008: Configurations
Enhancements to Configurations don’t often get much press when it comes to new releases, so I thought I would highlight two new features of SolidWorks 2008 in the area of Configuration functionality. I’ll include a brief description of both, but as they say, seeing is believing, so I have included a link to a video…
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What Enhancements in SolidWorks 2008 do YOU want to see?
I asked this question last year and got a few responses, so I thought I would do the same this year. I have some particular subjects and features in mind to review here, but I would like some input from you, the readers, on what new features or areas of concentration you would like to…
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SolidWorks 2008: Inserting and Mirroring Parts
One of the REALLY handy new items in SolidWorks 2008 is the added options to the Insert Part/Insert Mirror Part commands. Here is the quick synopsis of what has been added: When you use the Insert-> Part command, you now have the added ability to transfer unabsorbed sketches, absorbed sketches, custom properties, and coordinate systems…
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SolidWorks 2008: The New UI
Unless you have been living under a rock or haven’t been keeping up with the latest SolidWorks News, you have probably heard that with SolidWorks 2008 comes a new User Interface. I choose my words carefully here because it is not a COMPLETE overhaul, but there has been some significant change nonetheless. Lets talk about…
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All New 3D ContentCentral
Just prior to SolidWorks World 2007, an all new 3D ContentCentral was announced. The website has been updated to include many new enhancements in content and navigation. Just in case you haven’t ever visited the site, 3D ContentCentral is an online 3D parts catalog containing thousands of supplier and user contributed models. All content on…
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SolidWorks 2007: Relative View
For those of you that use the Weldment functionality in SolidWorks, there is a nice little enhancement that has been included in SolidWorks 2007. The Structural Member functionality in Weldments allows you quickly create weldment frames using a multi-body approach. If you need to detail a specific body in a drawing the drawing view creation…
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SolidWorks 2007: PDMWorks Workgroup
With the release of SolidWorks 2007, the entire PDM product offering is undergoing some pretty major changes. One of the most noticeable changes has been the renaming of the classic PDMWorks product to PDMWorks Workgroup. This was made necessary with the acquisition of the Conisio PDM product which has now been re-named PDMWorks Enterprise. One…
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SolidWorks 2007: SolidWorks Explorer
If you haven’t seen or heard about it yet, SolidWorks Explorer has been given a complete overhaul with the release of SolidWorks 2007. The entire user interface has been redesigned and has been integrated with the PDMWorks Workgroup Standalone Client. Also included is the new SolidWorks Search capability and the Pack and Go option. The…
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SolidWorks 2007: ScanTo3D Part 2
In Part 1 of my review of ScanTo3D, we covered importing point cloud data and converting that data into mesh data using the Mesh Preparation Wizard. In this second installment we will take a look at some surface creation functionality that is also part of the ScanTo3D product. Once you have existing mesh data, you…
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SolidWorks 2007: ScanTo3D Part 1
From time to time, SolidWorks seems to have a knack for pulling off a real surprise with the introduction of a particular feature or product add-in. The addition of ScanTo3D was to me another great new feature that seemed to come from no where. ScanTo3D is a new add-in available in SolidWorks Office Premium 2007…