Approach to Modeling
2D CAD systems and the SolidWorks application have fundamentally different approaches. In 2D CAD systems, you design in a 2D environment. In SolidWorks, you design in a 3D environment, and you create 2D drawings based on the 3D model. The first three lessons of the SolidWorks Tutorials cover basic part, assembly, and drawing concepts.
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2D CAD Systems
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SolidWorks
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Types of Models
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2D drawings
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3D solid parts and assemblies, from which you generate 2D drawings
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Sketching versus Drawing
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drawings
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sketching is the basis for features, which are the basis for parts; drawings are generated from part and assembly models
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Feature-based Models
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models are viewed as a set of lines in 2D
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parts are made up of features, as assemblies are made up of parts
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Types of files
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.dwg files
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.sldprt (parts)
.sldasm (assemblies)
.slddrw (drawings)
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Glass Box Visualization
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visualize 3D models into 2D drawings
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visualize (and convert) 2D drawings into 3D models
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Templates
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drawing templates
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part, assembly, and drawing templates
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Dimensions
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geometry drives dimensions
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dimensions define the geometry
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Design Intent
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accurate lines describe objects
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design intent is captured by dimensions, relations, and equations
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Configurations
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configurations drawn manually
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configurations of part or assembly models created in the model document
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Exploded Views
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exploded views drawn manually
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exploded views are created as configurations in assembly documents
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