Designers and engineers have several computer-aided design (CAD) software programs at their disposal. One of those CAD choices is SolidWorks, which can be used in mechanical engineering, aerospace and defense, consumer products, the building and architectural fields, in a myriad of engineering fields, and many other applications such as in the fields of medicine, energy, electronics, manufacturing and industry. CAD software lets users design in three dimensions instead of the usual two. It is a parasolid-based system and utilizes parametric feature-based solid modeling where solid objects can be represented in a computer system and manipulated. SolidWorks and any other CAD software having the parasolid geometric modeling kernel, allow for modeling to be done within the software. A design will start in two dimensions such as a photo or a drawing and will be developed into a three dimensional solid. Special tools are available in SolidWorks for the design of sheet metal. A component library of pre-designed components allows for a designer to choose from a design and not have to start a design at step one. One thing that can be done that is effective in SolidWorks is the ability to produce animated instructions for assembly of a manufactured product. Software for managing data is also available so that versions of product design releases can easily be kept track of.
Tools for Sheet Metal Design
Smart Fasteners Technology is a tool specific for sheet metal design. SolidWorks also allows users to work with weights and materials regarding their designs so that they can reduce costs. It also has tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software that allows for structural analysis of designs to be conducted. Manufacturing testing in the software environment is possible by using the DFMXpress tool to look for design flaws. Flaws can be found before a product goes to production and money can be saved by using the DFMXpress tool. Imagine if a design went to production and the costs incurred if the product had to be pulled and was unsaleable. Modeling from customer specifications can be done more effectively by being able to import data directly. Users needs to know how to use the product they purchased and SolidWorks offers 3DVIA Composer to produce this instructional documentation. Finally, SolidWorks allows for the design to be checked against the client’s specifications for total compliance.
Training for SolidWorks
Certifications in SolidWorks can be earned in sheet metal by taking the Certified SolidWorks Professional Sheet Metal exam and getting at least a score of 75%. SolidWorks recommends first taking the course SolidWorks Essentials and Sheet Metal and then taking the exam. An example of an exam question could be to give the mass of a certain part or the elongation of a bent metal part with a given K-Factor.
Sample Use of SolidWorks
Maloya is a company that specializes in the manufacturing of metal. Maloya produces metal for many fields such as process machinery, scientific, architectural, and many more. They have employed SolidWorks for reverse engineered products that were already manufactured as well as for programming to print and for digitizing as well as scanning for flat patterns. Through using IT resources and SolidWorks parametric modeling, they can work with virtual clients as well. The type of laser they use for cutting is a CO2 laser and some of the metals they work with are nickel, carbon steel, aluminum, titanium, and more.
Three dimensional modeling software is a popular tool used to design products in the manufacturing industry among other industries. There are many options, with SolidWorks being at the forefront of a myriad of software tools for the designer and engineer.
Reto Hug is the President of Maloya Laser which focuses on laser cutting technologies and complex metal manufacturing using advanced laser technologies servicing aerospace, medical, machinery, scientific and transportation requirements.
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