Have You Visually Experienced the 3DEXPERIENCE Works Design Tools?

One of the things people love about YouTube is its amount of rich instructional content. You can learn how to fix something around the house or how others review a product before you make a purchase, or you can find the most up-to-date information on most anything. Most people hate reading instructions and even if they do, they still may be unclear as to how to fix something or operate a product. A video tends to clear any confusion immediately. Many homeowners who once considered themselves “not handy” with typical home or car fixes have changed their tune since the introduction of YouTube.

That’s why it might be worth your time to check out the new 3DEXPERIENCE Works design tools video. You won’t learn how to fix things, but you will see the very latest information and can review in detail how the browser-based design apps work (be sure to enlarge the video to full screen). You will see how the software enables specific design tasks. There is no voiceover or selling: We let the products and the functionality speak for themselves.

Recently, the 3DEXPERIENCE Works design tools were significantly updated and enhanced. A few tools that may interest you are listed below; however, be sure to check out the video, too. You’ll see mold design, subdivision modeling, sheet metal, and much more. Again, be sure to expand the video to full screen. After that, you may want to check out the previous posts to see all the additions and improvements throughout 2021 by visiting www.solidworks.com/xwhatsnew.

No more modeling a helix and then doing a sweep to create threads with this new “super feature” for creating threads. The thread command is capable of either 3D thread creation or annotation-based cosmetic thread and can be toggled back and forth at any time. Create fully detailed designs more quickly with a purpose-built feature for thread creation.

Additive Manufacturing Checks

Digital models always look great when they are finished, but sometimes you need to scale down your model before printing which can lead to features being too small for the resolution of the printer. This new range of 3D printing checks ensures that your designs can be built successfully on your printer. Check for undesirable features such as thin walls, small gaps, overhangs, and fully enclosed cavities. Save time and materials by reducing 3D print build failures by checking that designs are suitable before sending them to print.

Shortcut Rings [New!]

Power users love Mouse Gestures in SOLIDWORKS. In 3DEXPERIENCE Works, Shortcut Rings are similar in that they streamline the workflows for activating features—this saves a ton of mouse travel, meaning you can focus on the task and not hunting for buttons. The Rings host the most commonly used commands in that particular mode or app, and appear when you click/hold your right mouse button and drag, but you can also use them on touch devices. This enables you to use a mouse or touch gesture as a shortcut to execute commands quickly, similar to a keyboard shortcut.

Sketch and Feature Equations for Sheet Metal

Sketch and feature equations now drive modeling parameters for sheet metal features. If you change a dimension in a sketch or a feature that it is related to, the entire model automatically updates based on the equations you program in. This allows you to build in your design intent, and it is great for quick iterations or variations of different parts. Fully utilize the power of parametric modeling with the ability to create mathematical relationships between parameters to drive model geometry.

Loft Feature

Now you can quickly create smooth, curve continuous (C2) transitions between any other existing model geometry and SubD geometry. The loft feature is parametric, making it fast and easy to investigate design alternatives, which can help speed designs to production.

Collaboration Made Easy

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform makes it easy to work with people inside and outside your company, including customers, suppliers, and manufacturers. You can simplify your communication workflow and improve productivity because everyone works from a common platform. And because data management is built-in, design data audit trails and communication audit trails all accessible in one easy-to-access location.

Also, check out some of the companies that are using SOLIDWORKS and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to create innovative new products, such as: a flying-exoskeleton maker, a 3D printer manufacturer, and a water treatment innovator.


Originally posted in the SOLIDWORKS Blog.

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