In SolidWorks, the default projection is an essential concept to understand as it plays a significant role in creating and visualizing 3D models. The default projection determines how the 3D model is projected onto a 2D plane, allowing us to view and manipulate the object from different angles.
What is Projection?
Projection refers to the method of representing a three-dimensional object onto a two-dimensional surface. In SolidWorks, projections are commonly used to create technical drawings, illustrations, and visualizations.
The Default Projection in SolidWorks
By default, when you create a new drawing in SolidWorks, the system uses the ‘Third Angle Projection’ method for projecting 3D models onto a 2D plane. Third Angle Projection is widely used in engineering and technical fields.
Third Angle Projection
In Third Angle Projection, the object is positioned in front of four quadrants. The observer looks towards the object from behind its projection plane. The three orthographic views (front view, top view, and right-side view) are projected onto three adjacent planes forming an L-shape.
The front view is projected onto the plane closest to the observer (the one that lies directly opposite to it). The top view is projected onto the plane above the front view plane, while the right-side view is projected onto the plane on its right side.
To visualize this better:
- The Front View: Shows an object as it would be seen from directly in front of it.
- The Top View: Provides a bird’s eye view of an object by looking down on it from above.
- The Right-Side View: Displays an object as it would be seen from the right side.
The combination of these three orthographic views gives a complete representation of the 3D model in 2D space, allowing for accurate measurements, annotations, and further analysis.
Changing the Default Projection
While SolidWorks uses Third Angle Projection as the default method, you can change it to First Angle Projection if desired. To change the default projection:
- Go to Tools: In the main menu, navigate to Tools > Options.
- Select Document Properties: In the Options dialog box, select Document Properties tab from the left-hand panel.
- Access Drawing Views: Under Document Properties, expand Views and select Drawing Views.
- Change Projection Type: In the Drawing Views section, you can select either Third Angle Projection or First Angle Projection from the ‘Projection type’ drop-down menu.
- Apply Changes: Click OK to apply the changes and set your preferred projection method as default.
Note that changing the default projection will affect all future drawings created in SolidWorks unless specified otherwise for individual drawings.
In Conclusion
The default projection in SolidWorks determines how a 3D model is projected onto a 2D plane. The Third Angle Projection is used by default and provides three orthographic views (front view, top view, and right-side view) to represent objects accurately for technical drawings.
However, you have the flexibility to switch between Third Angle Projection and First Angle Projection based on your requirements. Understanding and utilizing these projection methods is crucial for creating precise engineering drawings and designs using SolidWorks.