Creating drawings in SolidWorks is an essential part of the design process. It allows you to communicate your ideas and designs effectively with others. In this tutorial, we will explore the step-by-step process of creating a drawing in SolidWorks.
Step 1: Open a Part or Assembly
To start creating a drawing, you need to open the part or assembly file that you want to create a drawing for. This can be done by either opening an existing file or creating a new one from scratch.
Step 2: Set the Drawing Template
Once you have the part or assembly open, you need to set the drawing template. The drawing template contains all the necessary information such as title block, sheet size, and other annotations that will be included in your drawing.
- Go to File > New > Drawing
- Select a template from the list or click “Browse” to find a custom template
- Click “OK” to create a new drawing using the selected template
Step 3: Place Views on the Drawing Sheet
Once your drawing is created, it’s time to place views on the sheet. Views are representations of your part or assembly from different angles.
- Click on “Model View” in the Command Manager
- Select the desired views (e.g., front, top, right) from the pop-up menu
- Click on the sheet where you want to place each view
Tips:
If you want to create an isometric view, you can select the “Isometric” option from the pop-up menu. You can also adjust the scale of each view by right-clicking on it and selecting “Properties.”
Step 4: Add Dimensions and Annotations
Now that you have your views placed on the drawing sheet, it’s time to add dimensions and annotations. Dimensions provide measurements and annotations offer additional information about your design.
- Click on “Smart Dimension” in the Command Manager
- Select an edge or feature to dimension
- Place the dimension by clicking on two points
Tips:
You can customize the appearance of dimensions and annotations by right-clicking on them and selecting “Properties.” This allows you to change text size, font, color, and other formatting options.
Step 5: Add Balloons and Bill of Materials (BOM)
If you are working with an assembly drawing, it’s crucial to include balloons and a bill of materials (BOM). Balloons are used to call out specific parts or components, while a BOM lists all the parts used in the assembly.
- Click on “Balloons” in the Command Manager
- Select the parts you want to balloon
- Place the balloons next to each part
Tips:
To create a BOM, go to “Tables” in the Command Manager and select “Bill of Materials.” You can customize its appearance by right-clicking on it and selecting “Properties.”
Step 6: Save and Export
Once you have finished creating your drawing, it’s important to save your work. You can save it as a SolidWorks Drawing file (.slddrw) or export it to other formats such as PDF or DWG for sharing with others.
- Go to File > Save As
- Select the desired file format
- Choose the destination folder and click “Save”
Tips:
If you want to export your drawing as a PDF, select “Adobe Portable Document Format (*.pdf)” from the file format options. This ensures that your drawing retains its formatting when viewed by others.
With these steps, you can create professional drawings in SolidWorks. Remember to regularly save your work and make use of the various customization options available to enhance the appearance of your drawings.