Design Binder - What is it? Why use it?

During CATI’s recent Design Summits, I did a presentation
about File Management. During those presentations, I found that not many SolidWorks
users knew about the Design Binder feature that SolidWorks provides with each
file. This is mostly because visibility of the Design Binder in the Feature Tree is off as a default.

This blog will show you where it’s located and how it works.

If you haven’t seen the Design Binder in your Feature Tree,
it probably is set on ‘Hide’ or ‘Automatic’. 
In order to see it, ‘Show’ is the selection you need to set in
Tools/Options/System Options/FeatureManager.

The Design Binder is a folder within the part file that is
used to store data. The default is a Word Document embedded within the Design
Binder that is internal to the part file. This is not an external document that
has to be managed. This is extremely helpful because anytime this file is sent to someone, all the information needed is within the part file. 

Open up the "+" sign to show the Design Journal. Left Double Click on the Design Journal and a default template will open up in Microsoft Word. (Note: Users have to have Microsoft Word on their systme to view the Design Journal)  By default, the document displays the File Name, Description and Material. This information is inserted
from the Part or Asembly File name and the ‘Properties’ of the part or assembly file.

In past jobs, we used this Design Journal by adding information that
was helpful within my engineering department. We added information like design
intent, design changes or even the design process. 
This is very helpful in situations where multiple users are
collaborating on a project. Other items that might be helpful to keep
within this document would mass properties information and revision information. The user can also use Windows cut and paste capabilities and add pictures or data to the Word Document.  

Along with the Design Journal, users can also attach external documents to the file by Right
Mouse Clicking on the Design Binder and clicking Add Attachment. 

The "Add Attachment' window appears. 

Browse for the files you want to attach and they will be
embedded within your part file. If you would like to keep the file external and
linked, check the Link checkbox. Your Attachement will be visible under the Design Binder Folder as shown below.  We often attached test data and vendor quotes to the part file. 

I hope you find the Design Binder Feature useful!

Judy Marlo

CATI Support

www.cati.com

 

FeatureManager Design Tree "Favorites" Folder - New for SolidWorks 2013

SolidWorks 2013 has 2 new FeatureManager Design Tree features. One of those features is the Feature Manager Design Tree Favorites.

The FeatureManager Design Tree Favorites feature allows the user to add features to a new folder called "Favorites" to a part document. This is helpful for users to organize specific features in the design. This is especially useful when team members are collaborating on a design. Features can be added to the "Favorites" Folder located at the top of the FeatureManager Tree. Team members can easily locate specific features instead of searching the entire tree for those features. The "Favorites" folder is easily added and deleted when the design is complete.

In this example, we are going to save a sketch to our favorites folder:

 

  

 

It's just that simple!!!!

Check back on June 3, 2013 for another new FeatureManager Design Tree feature called Feature Manager Design TreeFlat Views.

Thanks!

Judy Marlo

Application Engineer

CATI St. Louis

 

Sheet-Metal Multibody Parts: A new look in SolidWorks 2013

For SolidWorks 2013, the display of multibody
parts in the FeatureManager Tree has been enhanced. The FeatureManager design tree structure now contains separate parent folders for Sheet-Metal bodies and their associated Flat-Patterns. These are the icons displayed.

The FeatureManager Tree creates a new parent folder which contains each sheet metal body within the sheet metal part. The FeatureManager tree looks like this:

 

        SolidWorks 2013                                             SolidWorks 2012 

If a new sheet metal body is created from an existing sheet metal body, only 1 sheet-metal feature appears in the parent sheet metal folder as shown below. If you pattern a sheet metal body so there are 3 sheet metal bodies instead of 1, only 1 sheet metal node appears controlling the patterned number of sheet metal bodies. Notice that the flat patterns act differently; Flat Patterns are listed individually in the appropriate Flat-Pattern parent folder.

 Patterned body in 2013                              Patterned body in 2012

 

If 2 existing bodies are attached to create one sheet metal body, 2 Sheet-Metal features appear in the parent folder in the FeatuerManager design tree. Although there is only 1 body, the second body retains its own sheet metal parameters. In those cases, this is how the bodies are displayed. Notice the second body is indented under the sheet metal feature that corresponds to the first body.

  

(The first body only controls the thickness and bend radius of the second body geometry.)

Gauge Tables

Only 1 Gauge Table is allowed per multibody sheet metal part. The gauge table is determined by the first sheet metal body created in the part. To control gauge table settings, right-mouse click on the Sheet-Metal parent folder in the FeatuerManager Tree and click Edit Feature.  In the PropertyManager, under Sheet-Metal Gauges, set Options.

 

Tools > Options >  Document Properties > Sheet Metal

When you display sheet metal properties, the option Create multiple patterns whenever a feature created multiple sheet metal bodies applies to parts created prior to SolidWorks 2013. In SolidWorks 2013, each body in a multibody sheet metal part has its own flat pattern.

 

Parent Sheet Metal Parameters

All bodies in a multibody sheet metal part inherit the thickness value and bend radius from the sheet metal parent folder. The values in the sheet metal parent folder are determined by the first sheet metal body created in the part. The inherited values can be overridden but bend allowance and auto relief values are not affected.

In the Feature design tree, right mouse click on the Sheet-Metal feature below its parent folder (as indicated by the red arrow) and click Edit Feature.  In the PropertyManager, under Bend Parameters, clear or select Override default parameters. 

 

 Thanks!

Judy Marlo

Application Engineer

CATI St. Louis

 

Why are there green checks or minus signs in the configuration manager?

SolidWorks has done some updating for 2013 in how part and assembly data is saved.  In previous versions everytime a part/assembly is saved, SolidWorks asks if you want to rebuild the document.  The best practice for that was to hit yes and then WAIT.  Saving the 3d image and updating all equations (if there are any) takes time and increases file size.  You now have the option of just saving all of the data of just one configuration and saving basic information about the rest of the configurations. 

Every time there is a green check next to the configuration, it means that the configuration has been updated and the 3d information is part of the file.  This is ok if you are working with all the configurations and need to switch between them quickly.  However this may not be the case for every file. 

When you do not want to save the information from every configuration you have the Rebuild/Save Mark option.  Simple right click on the configuration name and it should be in the drop down.  This option will save and load specific configurations quickly.

If in fact you do not want any of the information saved, then you must use the "Remove Mark and Purge Data from All Configuration".  This can be found by right clicking the name of the part in the configuration manager (Rebuild/Save Mark>Remove Mark and Purge Data from All Configuration). Once you select this all the configurations will have a minus sign except for the active one.  

Ketul

How to Replace and Resequence Balloons in SolidWorks

A lot of projects will go through revisions. When revisions occur, it can be a task to change out balloons in drawings.  In 2013, SolidWorks added a couple of buttons to make this easier. 

When you add more components to your assembly, the drawing usually updates to show the new parts. You can use the Balloon feature to add more ballons. This will create them out of order.  If you right click on the drawing view and go to Auto Balloon, you will get the window as shown above.  The Resequence Existing Balloons button will rearrange the new balloons that you created in clockwise order.
This is great but it still requires you to create the balloons manually.  

The next two pictures show the Replace Balloons option.  This creates the new balloons automatically. Then you can use Order Sequentially to reorder the balloons appropriately. 

 

Ketul

New Bend Note Controls for SolidWorks 2013

One enhancement SolidWorks offers in
2013 is more control over text and display of bend notes in drawings. This option is only available in the flat pattern view of a sheet metal part.

In the Drawing VIew Property Manager, you are now able to:

• Show or Hide Bend Notes


• Set the bend direction, bend radius, bend order, and bend allowance


• Remove the "R" for the bend radius


• Edit text


• Display complementary and supplementary bend angles

There are 6 Bend Notes options (in order left to right):

1. Bend direction


2. Supplementary angle


3. Complimentary angle


4. Bend Radius


5. Bend order


6. Bend allowance

Also available:

We can control the bend note precision per drawing view. Click OPTIONS (Standard toolbar) or go to Tools > Options. On the Document Properties tab, expand the Tables and click Bend to set the options (shown below).

Collinear bend notes can now be merged and unmerged.  To merge bend notes into a single note, select multiple notes, right-click and select Merge Bend Notes. To unmerge bend notes, right-click and select Unmerge Bend Notes.

Thanks!

Judy Marlo

CATI St. Louis

SolidWorks World 2013 Update - CATI to Deliver 11 Presentations

Well it's that time again - time for SolidWorks World!  With over 200 technical presentations to choose from, this year looks to be even better than last year.

The CATI team will be busy with 11 technical presentations.  Check back here after the conference to download the presentations or visit http://www.cati.com/sww2013/. 

SolidWorks World 2013 will be held January 20-23, 2013 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in Orlando, Florida.  We hope to see you there!

CATI Presentation Schedule - SolidWorks World 2013

Presentation	Presenter	Day/Time
30+ Things That YOU Definitely Missed From Essentials	Todd Werginz	Monday Jan. 21 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM Room - Southern II
Allowing SolidWorks to Perform	Adrian Fanjoy Josh Altergott	Monday Jan. 21 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Room - Swan 6
How to Build and Maintain Effective Design Tables	Josh Altergott	Tuesday Jan. 22 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Room - Southern I
DriveWorks® Express Essentials Hands-on Lab	Ryan Dally	Tuesday Jan. 22 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Room - Northern A-2
SolidWorks Enterprise PDM Integration Best Practices	Justin Webster	Tuesday Jan. 22 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Room - Swan 9 & 10
File Management for Beginners: Tips for Small Companies	Jordan Nardick	Tuesday Jan 22 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Room - Swan 6
Kaos vs. Control: The Use of Folder Templates in EPDM	Jeff Barker	Tuesday Jan 22 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Room - Northern E-3
Product Marketing Communication with SolidWorks Tools	Bob McGaughey	Tuesday Jan 22 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Room - Swan 1 & 2
Admin Image for Everything – A One-Click Install	Bryan Pawlak	Tuesday Jan 22 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Room - Swan 9 & 10
3DVIA Composer: It's As Easy As Putting Together LEGOs®	Bob McGaughey	Wednesday Jan. 23 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Room - Northern A-4
Upgrading to the New Style Toolbox	John Van Engen	Wednesday Jan. 23 2:45 PM- 3:45 PM Room - Swan 3 & 4

 

Jim TeDesco

Marketing Manager

Computer Aided Technology, Inc.

How to Open SolidWorks 2013 Files in SolidWorks 2012 SP5

Throughout the years, almost all of our customers have asked at one time or another, "Can I open files from the newest version of SolidWorks into a previous version?" The answer has always been, "No. The latest version of SolidWorks uses newer technology that is not compatible with the older technology of previous versions of SolidWorks." As a result, customers have had to be careful when they upgrade to make sure that they stay compatible with their customers, suppliers, and internal teams. Well, the most asked for enhancement is finally here!

Starting with SolidWorks 2013, SolidWorks files are backwards compatible! With previous release interoperability, you can collaborate using a mix of SolidWorks 2013 and SolidWorks 2012 (SP5). Files can be opened directly and associativity is maintained. That's right. You do not have to export and import files!

HOWEVER... You Always Have to Read the Fine Print

Future version files appear in read-only mode when opened in the previous release. However, once you upgrade to the next version of SolidWorks, all the FeatureManager design tree data is available. SolidWorks 2013 files have reduced functionality in SolidWorks 2012 Service Pack 5. SolidWorks 2013 files will not have most FeatureManager design tree data when opened in SolidWorks 2012 Service Pack 5. Any actions that require FeatureManager design tree data cannot be performed with a SolidWorks 2013 document open in SolidWorks 2012 Service Pack 5.

You can open SolidWorks 2013 parts and assemblies using SolidWorks 2012 Service Pack 5. Although this is a great step forward, there are some limitations to be aware of. Starting with SolidWorks 2012 SP5, you will be able to open a future version file. This will be the same for future releases as well. For example, you will be able to open SolidWorks 2014 files in SolidWorks 2013 Service Pack 5. But... Backwards compatibility is only supported between consecutive releases. So, you will not be able to a SolidWorks 2014 file in SolidWorks 2012 SP5.

Further, here are some things that YOU CAN and CANNOT do in SolidWorks 2012 SP5:

1. Once a SolidWorks 2013 part or assembly file is open in SolidWorks 2012 SP5, YOU CAN view configurations, use the Measure tool, view Mass Properties and Custom Properties, and view Materials. YOU CANNOT edit the SolidWorks 2013 part or assembly in SolidWorks 2012.

2. YOU CAN work with SolidWorks 2013 parts and subassemblies in a SolidWorks 2012 assembly. YOU CANNOT edit mates or components in the SolidWorks 2013 subassembly.

But, in a SolidWorks 2012 assembly, YOU CAN:

• Mate the SolidWorks 2013 component or subassembly to SolidWorks 2012 or SolidWorks 2013 components.

• Add a Bill of Materials that includes SolidWorks 2012 and SolidWorks 2013 components.

• Suppress and unsuppress SolidWorks 2013 components.

• Create a drawing of the SolidWorks 2012 assembly that includes both SolidWorks 2012 and SolidWorks 2013 components.

• Use interference detection when mating SolidWorks 2013 and SolidWorks 2012 parts.

• Mirror and pattern components from SolidWorks 2013.

• See and reference default planes and origins of the SolidWorks 2013 part or subassembly.

There are new options in SolidWorks 2013 for part and assembly models that contain configurations. Because of these new options, you must rebuild and save data for each configuration that you want to be available in SolidWorks 2012 SP5.

3. YOU CANNOT open SolidWorks 2013 drawings in SolidWorks 2012 SP5.

YOU CAN create drawings of SolidWorks 2013 parts and assemblies in SolidWorks 2012 with some limitations. YOU CANNOT insert model items or access FeatureManager design tree data such as weldment cut lists and weld beads.

In conclusion, SolidWorks has tried very hard to provide the functionality that its customers request. SolidWorks 2013 does allow backwards compatibility with SolidWorks 2012. Because this new feature certainly has its limitations, it is still going to be up to the individual user and company to decide when the best time to upgrade is. Hopefully, though, this will help everyone decide to upgrade much sooner and take advantage of the latest and greatest version of SolidWorks.

Neil Bucalo

Technical Analyst

Computer Aided Technology, Inc.

Design Innovation Summit Update: Guest Speakers Announced

Our 2nd Annual Design Innovation Summit is just around the corner.  We are proud to announce the addition of several special guest speakers including:

• Gian Paolo Bassi, Vice President of R&D, SolidWorks, Dassault Systèmes will be delivering the Keynote Speech at both our Wisconsin and Illinois events. Learn More


• Ian Baxter, VP of WorldWide Technical Services, SolidWorks, Dassault Systèmes will be delivering the Keynote Speech at the St. Louis, MO Event. Learn More


• Rich Allen, Director, Product Management, Works, Dassault Systèmes will be delivering the Keynote Speech at the Kansas City, MO Event.  Learn More

In addition, Mark Lyons, DraftSight Training Specialist, SolidWorks, Dassault Systèmes, will be on hand at all events to present DraftSight For SolidWorks Users. Last but certainly not least, we are joined again by our friend Ed Eaton, Senior Industrial Designer, DiMonte Group.  Ed will be presenting Gaming the System: Tricky Tricks For Modeling and Editing at the Illinois and Milwaukee events.

Dates	Location	Time
October 2, 2012	Milwaukee, WI BMO Harris Bradley Center	8 am - 5 pm	Register
October 4, 2012	Indianapolis, IN Bankers Life Fieldhouse	8 am - 5 pm	Register
October 9, 2012	St. Louis, MO Edward Jones Dome	8 am - 5 pm	Register
October 11, 2012	Kansas City, MO Arrowhead Stadium	8 am - 5 pm	Register
October 18, 2012	Hoffman Estates, IL Sears Centre Arena	8 am - 5 pm	Register

We hope to see you there.  Registration is filling fast and seeting is limited.  There is no cost to attend the Design Innovation Summit.  Visit the Design Innovation Summit page of the CATI website for complete event information.

Thank you to our sponsors:

 

SolidWorks 2013 Product Information Released Today

SolidWorks announced the official release of SolidWorks 2013.

SolidWorks 2013 includes over 200 new features and enhancements covering the entire range of SolidWorks solutions for 3D design, simulation, technical communication, product data management, and sustainable design to maximize your productivity.

Learn more about Solidworks 2013 at the CATI Design Innovation. 

SolidWorks 2013 Highlights:

• SolidWorks Costing – Allows customers to automatically cost more types of parts, create more accurate quotations, and stay in budget with improved cost data and new APIs.


• SolidWorks Sustainability – Quickly compares the financial impact of raw materials and the environmental impact of a design decision during the development process due to new raw material impact tools.


• SolidWorks Flow Simulation – Takes the complexity out of flow designs by allowing users to visualize fluid flow around multifaceted geometries and more easily compare analysis results between multiple design configurations.


• Conics in Sketcher – Full control over shapes for smooth transitions between existing geometries.


• Intersect Feature – Quickly add or remove geometry without sketching.


• Varying Dimension Patterns – Allows users to save time creating patterns, increase design flexibility, and reduce the number of features needed for models.


• Section View Assist – Speed the creation of production drawings for faster and more consistent section views.


• CAD Administrator Dashboard – Simplify management and troubleshooting of multiple SolidWorks users within a company from a single aggregated view.


• Simulation Sub-Modeling and Incremental Meshing – More accurately perform precise simulation analysis for specific areas of large and complex models faster and more efficiently.


• Network Rendering for PhotoView 360 – Save time with faster rendering of photorealistic images by networking multiple computers to share the computational load.


• Previous Release Interoperability - Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and internal teams with the ability to open SolidWorks 2013 files directly with SolidWorks 2012 (SP5). Users can work more efficiently and improve collaboration and file exchange, reducing delays and easing the transition to the latest release.


• SolidWorks Enterprise Product Data Management Workflow – Route documents and contact users more efficiently to reduce delays and accelerate time-to-market.


• DraftSight/SolidWorks Enterprise PDM Integration – Access DWG files within SolidWorks EPM from the DraftSight user interface, and leverage 2D into the design process. 


• eDrawings - users can measure, select and markup designs from anywhere using a mobile device

Jim TeDesco
Marketing
Computer Aided Technology, Inc. 

Windows 8 & Solidworks 2012 Test Drive

 

   I just had to. With the Release to Manufacturing of Windows 8 already here I had to take it for a test drive. It is available as an evaluation copy from the MS website. It was a 2.5gb downloaded .iso file which when put onto a bootable USB stick, (because really who uses a DVD player anymore?) installed with out any issues on an older Dell M6300 in less than 10 minutes.

The thing that is striking about the interface is the massive overhaul by Microsoft. It is definetely a bold move and in my opininon a good one. You can definetely tell that it is aimed at a multi-platform arena. Tablets, touchcreens, phones, and desktops will all get a taste of it. All of the usual driver issues that have usually have plageued MS for quite some time seem to be absent. The OS was actually pretty lightweight and nimble. The one thing that will get everybody upset is the new "Metro" style interface.

I have been a Xbox live subscriber for quite some time because I have teenagers that like to game. The interface has actually been on the Xbox for quite some time, so it really wasnt a shock and I was already used to it. SolidWorks ran very well with no crashes in my testing and I did no tweaking whatsoever. I couldnt even tell you what video driver was running. With the majority of businesses all converted over to Windows 7 now and the official retirement of XP immenent, Windows 8 will be quite a large task to sell the corporations on as far as an upgrade is considered.

The price point is going to be a reported $40 for the upgrade to Windows 8. That is now sounding like Microsft is really starting to listen to there customer base. Now give me a Microsoft Surface tablet to run the full-blown Windows 8 and SolidWorks and we will be talking game changer. Gauranteed.

 

 

Todd Werginz

CATI

SolidWorks World 2012 Recap

This year's SolidWorks World was attended by over 5600 SolidWorks Users, Resellers, and Partners.

We were joined by Mike Rowe of the Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs.  Mike discussed his experience traveling the country in search of America's Dirtiest Jobs.

SolidWorks World 2012 - Day 1 General Session Update #sww12

Also, we were introduced to a variety of SolidWorks Customers that are doing extraordinary things.  There was a great presentation from the Howe Brothers of Howe & Howe Tech (AKA The Black OPS Brothers).  We saw how SolidWorks Customers Neptune Canada and Quirky(Objet Owner and Enthusiast) are introducing crowd sourcing to help solve their industry challenges.

SolidWorks World 2012 - Day 2 General Session Update #sww12

The week ended with a sneak peak at what is to come in SolidWorks 2013.  Here is a list of the new features and enhancements in the next release of SolidWorks. 

• Snapshots in any doc


• Simulation Sub-modeling


• Bounding box cut-list properties


• Additional 3DVIA Composer Cameras


• Quick Pick Document Type


• Envelope Enhancements


• Insert Multiple Parts


• Multiple Exploded Views


• Rotate Exploded Parts


• Favorites folder


• Plastic Boss Mount Control


• Cosmetic Thread and Dowel Holes


• Surfaces Intersect


• Extrude Multiple Thin Contours


• Equation Entry Everywhere


• Vary Pattern Dimensions


• EPDM Collaboration


• DrafSight and EPDM Integration


• Previous Release Interoperability

SolidWorks World 2012 - Day 3 General Session Update #sww12

Keep an eye out later this year for information regarding SolidWorks 2013 and the 2013 Beta Program.