Are you looking to learn how to explode parts in SolidWorks? Look no further!
In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process step by step. So, let’s get started!
What is Exploding Parts?
Exploding parts is a useful feature in SolidWorks that allows you to visually separate components of an assembly for better understanding and presentation. It helps to showcase how different parts fit together and how they interact with each other.
Step 1: Open the Assembly
The first step is to open the assembly in which you want to explode the parts. You can do this by going to File > Open or by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + O.
Step 2: Access the Explode PropertyManager
To explode the parts, we need to access the Explode PropertyManager. There are two ways to do this:
- Method 1:
- Select the assembly in the FeatureManager Design Tree.
- Go to Assembly > Exploded View > Create/Modify.
- Method 2:
- Right-click on the assembly in the FeatureManager Design Tree.
- Select New Exploded View.
Step 3: Add Components
In the Explode PropertyManager, you will find two main sections – ‘Components’ and ‘Explode Steps’. To add components:
- Select a component from the ‘Components’ section.
- Click on the Add Component button.
- Repeat this process for all the components you want to explode.
Step 4: Define Explode Steps
In the ‘Explode Steps’ section, you can define how the components move in relation to each other. Here’s how:
- Select a component from the ‘Components’ section.
- Use the triad or drag handles to move and rotate the component as desired.
- You can also specify numeric values for precise control over the explosion.
- Repeat this process for all the components in your exploded view.
Step 5: Customize Appearance (Optional)
If you want to customize the appearance of your exploded view, SolidWorks provides several options:
- Balloons: You can add balloons to label each exploded part. This helps in identifying individual components easily. To add a balloon, select a component and click on the Add Balloon button in the ‘Explode Steps’ section.
- Motion Trail: You can enable motion trails to show path lines of how parts move during an explosion.
To enable motion trails, go to Edit > Motion Trail > Enable Motion Trail.
- Show Hidden Components: By default, hidden components are not shown in an exploded view. If you want to display hidden components, go to Edit > Show Hidden Components.
- Capture Current View (Camera Icon): You can capture the current view of your exploded view by clicking on the camera icon in the ‘Explode Steps’ section. This is useful if you want to save or export the exploded view as an image.
Step 6: Save and Close
Once you are satisfied with your exploded view, click on OK in the Explode PropertyManager to save and close it. You can always reopen and modify the exploded view later if needed.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to explode parts in SolidWorks. With this knowledge, you can now create impressive exploded views to enhance your designs and presentations.
Keep exploring and experimenting with different options to make your exploded views more visually engaging!