Creating a Model in Solid Works

[sgisomag]

I work at ISOMAG Corp. and I have been assigned to model and create the seals/parts that we make with the Solid Works program. I need to create the seal for the inside of a bearing house pump. We previously used AutoCad for all of our drawings; I've never used AutoCad before and I am the only one who will be learning the Solidworks program.

I've been teaching myself some of the basics within the program for the last week or so but I seriously need help.
I have no idea how to start on making a model of the product in order for me to get the drawing so it can be made by our machinist's. ISOMAG BEARING ISOLATORS is the website where someone can view just what I am trying to create.

I would seriously appreciate ANYONE'S help if they can.

Please and Thank you.

[Atael]

Solidworks is a 3D object oriented software which you normally use for a variety of things, one of them is creating models out of 2D drawings (blueprints) and if required performing some tests on these parts or check if they will fit other parts or assembly's.

To start on the model you first need a sketch of what you will be creating, there's either one supplied to you in an autocad format or likewise, or if they want you specifically to create a part yourself, you'll have to do things from scratch, if you have an already constructed part somewhere near you then you grab a pair of calipers, start measuring and start sketching on a piece of paper.

There isn't anything complicated in creating models in SolidWorks, the proccess goes from a sketch draft (you basically draw how your part will look in 2D) after that you extrude the drawing and giving it vollume, material type and alot of other specifics, by looking at what's inside your link it will probably require that you make an assembly out of more than one parts in order to get your final product.

The best advice I could give you other than going for some paid training is to open your SolidWorks, click on the "Help" menu and go trough the various tutorials they have stored in, nobody can really teach you to do well with it but with sufficient practice you will know how to create things without problems, the only thing left is for you to know what you're gonna be creating and that's the hardest part of all.

[Brian-Gilliam]

From the looks of the parts on the link you put up, there are what like 4 or 5 parts per assembly? All of them being cylindrical I would revolve everything and extrude any cuts or holes after that. I assume you have all the dimensions for these parts?

[jupdyke]

I have been using SolidWorks for going on 8 years now. I know that it can seem a little daunting to get stated. But SolidWorks is very user friendly, the tutorials section under help will get you started and give you a basic idea of what to do. There are also several good books that I used to use when I taught engineering students to use SolidWorks.

They are not overly expensive, but as all text books are not cheap either. I agree that taking a training class would be a great way to save time. If your company was willing to pay for it I would highly recommend it. The VAR (value added reseller) will be able to tell you when / where / cost of one. They have several throughout the year. I would check with whoever purchased SolidWorks because the VARs sometimes throw in some training for free.

If a live training session is not an option, SolidProfessor is an online company that has online classes for all sorts of CAD related software and they are great people. I have talked with them several times.

Another thing I would recommend is that if you are planning on using SolidWorks regularly take a look at their certification stuff. They offer a 'Certified Associate' and 'Certified Professional' which give you a nice resume bullet. A ton of people can say they have used a CAD package, but being certified really makes you stand out. Also, the tests are online and my undergraduate students could pass the associate exam after a single semester of using SolidWorks. Not to mention that half of the class was hand drafting. So If you use it for a 2-3 months regularly you could pass the exam. They also have practice exams on their website to show you exactly what the test is like.

Finally, if you still need some more help feel free to send me a PM. I still get emails from my students asking for some help. If you just need a few models made quickly I could also help with that.

Good Luck. It really is not as hard as it seems.
Josh