Weldments <it's an option>

For most of us using weldments you may have noticed that there is a <as welded> or <as machined> description behind your configuration names. Although it's nice to see, sometimes we don't want it. Like in the case we want to use the configuration name as a drawing name or part number.

Well we will just get rid of it then right? Attempt #1 - edit configuration properties and delete it from description... failed. Attempt #2 - edit configuration name directly, hmmm it's not there. I can see it but when I try to edit the name it is not in the edit text box. This should be easy right? Now it is.

SolidWorks has added an option to allow this to be removed from the configuration name by turning on this option check box.

Tools > Options > System Options > General > Disable additional weldment configuration description strings

 

This option needs to be turned on to permit the ability to rename the 'as welded' and 'as machined' text from the configuration names.

1. If the option is set and the user inserts a weldment (weldment feature or a structural member feature) into a non-weldment part the original configuration ('as machined') will retain its old name. A suffix '-welded’ will be added to the new derived configuration

2. Setting the option will allow users to edit the full name of existing weldment configurations and to remove the <As Machined> <As welded> suffixes manually.

3. When the option is turned off, names of weldment configurations will be created as edited the old way.

Please note that the default setting of the option in the registry file is off.

Let's go design!

John Van Engen

CATI Tech Support

How to size welds using SolidWorks Simulation?

The edge weld connector estimates the appropriate size of a weld needed to attach two metal components. SolidWorks Simulation calculates the appropriate weld size at each mesh node location along the weld seam.

   
 

 
 

 

 

 

select face of sheetmetal body

 

select face of sheetmetal or solid body

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

reduces allowable shear strenght for calculation of weld strength

 

 

 

 

 

Results list the min, max and mean values along weld seam and they are given per unit weld length. The values listed are

- weld size

- weld throat size

- Joint normal force

- shear weld force

- shear surface normal force

- bending moment

 

 

This is a great feature to make sure the welds work .

Rajat  Trehan

Product Manager- Design Validation

Computer Aided Technology Inc.

Save body from deformed shape

You can save the true deformed shape of a part or assembly resulting from running a static or nonlinear study. You can save the deformed geometry as a new configuration or a new document. Use the generated geometry for simulation or manufacturing purposes. This functionality works for solid, shell, and mixed meshes with solids and shells.

For linear static studies, you can use this functionality to control the shape of the deformed model. For example, consider a planar plate subjected to a uniform pressure p. If you save and manufacture the deformed shape of the plate under a uniform pressure -p, the plate will be planar when the pressure p is applied.

 

User can create deformed shape of a part or assembly file and save it as a configuration to existing file or create a new part.

Rajat Trehan

Product Manager - Design Validation

Computer Aided Technology Inc.

CATI SolidWorks 2011 St. Louis Launch at the Kemp Auto Museum

Join us for our 2011 SolidWorks Launch event in St. Louis, MO and be inspired by one of the country’s finest collections of vintage and classic automobiles.  Many of the cars on display in the Museum’s Benz Gallery are luxury vehicles that pushed the envelope in terms of what a car could be.  Attendees will be treated to a guided tour of these engineering masterpieces. 

Event Registration Link
http://www.cati.com/catiphp/events/event-register.php?CourseID=11143

This year's event includes a look at What's New in SolidWorks 2011, a demonstration of 3D Printing Solutions by Objet Geometries, complimentary lunch, raffle prizes, and more.  Complimentary cocktail reception to immediately follow the event. 

Jim TeDesco

CATI, Marketing