In SolidWorks, exploding a drawing refers to the process of breaking down an assembly or part into its individual components or features. This can be useful when you want to create detailed views or perform modifications on specific elements. In this tutorial, we will explore how to explode a drawing in SolidWorks using step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Open the Assembly
To begin, open the assembly file in SolidWorks where you want to explode the drawing. Ensure that all the necessary components are present and correctly positioned.
Step 2: Access the Explode PropertyManager
To access the Explode PropertyManager, go to the “Assembly” tab in the main menu and click on “Exploded View”. Alternatively, you can also right-click on the assembly name in the feature manager tree and select “Exploded View”.
Step 3: Create a New Exploded View
In the Explode PropertyManager, click on “New Exploded View” to create a new exploded view of your assembly. Give it a descriptive name that relates to your specific purpose for exploding the drawing.
Step 3.1: Select Components
In this step, you will select which components you want to include in your exploded view. To do this:
- Select each component by clicking on it individually or by using selection tools such as box select.
- Deselect any components that you do not wish to include by clicking on them again.
- Note: You can also use various selection filters available in SolidWorks for more precise component selection.
Step 3.2: Define Explode Steps
Once you have selected the components, you need to define the explode steps. This determines how the components move or rotate relative to each other. To define the explode steps:
- Click and drag on the selected component(s) to move them in desired directions.
- Rotate components by clicking on their rotation handles and dragging them.
- Note: You can use the “Undo” and “Redo” buttons in SolidWorks to modify or revert any changes made during this step.
Step 4: Customize Explode Lines (Optional)
If desired, you can customize the explode lines to enhance clarity and visual appeal. To customize the explode lines:
- Select an explode line by clicking on it.
- Edit its properties such as color, style, thickness, etc., using options available in SolidWorks.
- Note: Customizing explode lines is purely optional but can help improve the presentation of your exploded view.
Step 5: Save and Use the Exploded View
Once you are satisfied with your exploded view, click on “Save” in the Explode PropertyManager to save it. The exploded view will now be added to your feature manager tree under “ExplView”. You can use this exploded view for creating detailed drawings, animations, or performing further edits as needed.
Congratulations! You have successfully exploded a drawing in SolidWorks using simple yet powerful tools provided by the software. By following these steps and experimenting with different configurations, you can create compelling and informative exploded views for your assemblies.
Remember to save your work periodically to avoid any accidental loss of data. Happy exploring!