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SolidWorks Video Tip: 2009 Title Block & Custom Properties
I’m sure if you have read any of the SolidWorks Blogs in the past couple of weeks, you have probably heard of the new Custom Properties Task Pane window in SolidWorks 2009. The interface for this window is completely customizable. SolidWorks includes an application called Property Tab Builder that allows you to design the interface…
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SolidWorks Video Tip: 2009 Sketch Slot
New in SolidWorks 2009 is the Sketch Slot feature. This sketch entity allows you to quickly create both Straight Slots and Arc Slots in a variety of creation methods. When you use this type of sketch entity and an Extrude Boss or Cut is created from it, a temporary axis is created not only at…
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First Look: PhotoView 360
Yesterday I posted a Sneak Peek of PhotoView 360 and today I am posting a First Look of PhotoView 360. PhotoView 360 Beta is now available for download at the Customer Portal so the rest of the NDA has been lifted. I can now talk about all aspects of the program. I honestly didn’t think…
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SolidWorks 2009: Weldments
The Weldment functionality received some significant upgrades in SolidWorks 2009. The general result of these enhancements will be less time spent by the user generating Structural Members and less time needed to trim/extend components. The first change we will take a look at is the ability to create multiple Groups within a single Structural Member. …
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SolidWorks 2009: Split Feature
If you have used various commands to split parts in previous versions of SolidWorks you will especially appreciate the enhancements to the Split Feature in SolidWorks 2009. When you split a solid body into multiple solid bodies using the split feature, the software requires that you use a Trim Tool to direct how the parts…
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SolidWorks 2009: Instant3D
Instant3D was introduced to the SolidWorks community in SolidWorks 2008. Naturally in the first revision since then there are a few new enhancements which are sure to come in handy. Instant3D can now be utilized in Assemblies! Using Instant3D you can modify assemblies sketches, features, & mates! It works pretty much the same as it…
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SolidWorks 2009: CommandManager & PropertyManager
Some welcome options have been added to SolidWorks 2009 in the areas of the CommandManager & PropertyManager. First lets start off with the CommandManager. SolidWorks has added the capability to dock the CommandManger on the left and right sides of the screen. (You can still dock it across the top as before.) You can also…
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SolidWorks 2009: Goodbye Colors. Hello Appearances!
One of the WELCOME changes in SolidWorks 2009 is the “consolidation” of Colors and Appearances. Colors/Optics have actually been removed from the software with Appearances left behind to manage it all. As I pointed out a few weeks ago, in SolidWorks 2008 you needed to be mindful of how you apply Colors and Appearances. Appearances…
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SolidWorks Video Tip: Generic PCB Component
In the coming weeks you will see some changes to Ricky Jordan’s Blog. The first of these changes comes with this post: The SolidWorks Video Tip. Just like the name suggests, all the content is in the video. Click on the image below and enjoy!
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SolidWorks 2008: Colors and Appearances
If you frequent any of the SolidWorks forums around the web you have probably seen discussions relating the differences and nuances of Colors and Appearances in SolidWorks 2008. This is a subject that does have a few users up in arms. To their defense, it can be a bit hard to get your arms around…
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SolidWorks Tip: Combine Isolate and Show Hidden Components
Here is a quick little video tip for you. You can combine the Isolate command with the Show Hidden Components command. This powerful combination gives you more ability to select components for view directly in the graphics window without having to search through the FeatureManager Design Tree. The Show Hidden Components command is new in…
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SolidWorks Tip: Holes in a Formed Cylinder
Here’s a SolidWorks Tip geared a little more towards the less experienced SolidWorks users out there. I based this tip on a question I received from a student in the UK. The question asked was if it was possible to extrude-cut a pattern of holes on a flat sheet then roll the sheet into a…
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SolidWorks Tip: Connectors Anyone??
Here is a quick little video tip on connectors which can be found in Boundary Surfaces, Sweeps, and Lofts. Most users that utilize these features often are aware of the connector options available which can help you shape the surface (in particular the UV flow). This tip shows how to utilize a single surface edge…
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SolidWorks Tip: Context Toolbar in Sketches
SolidWorks 2008 brought about many changes in the user interface. One of the additions to the UI that has spurred some comments from users (both positive and negative) has been the Context Toolbar. The Context Toolbar appears when you right click OR left click on certain entities within the software. (The right click options consists…