Creating an engineering drawing in SolidWorks is an essential skill for any mechanical designer or engineer. With its powerful features and user-friendly interface, SolidWorks allows you to accurately represent your design ideas on paper. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating an engineering drawing in SolidWorks.
Step 1: Opening a New Drawing
To begin, open SolidWorks and create a new drawing file. Go to the “File” menu, select “New,” and then choose “Drawing.” This will open a blank drawing sheet where you can start creating your engineering drawing.
Step 2: Setting Up Sheet Format
Before we start adding our design elements, it’s important to set up the sheet format. The sheet format includes information such as the title block, border, and company logo. To set up the sheet format:
a) Inserting Title Block
To insert a title block, go to the “Insert” menu and select “Sheet.” Choose from the available templates or customize your own title block. Make sure to include important details like part number, revision number, and date.
b) Adding Border
Add a border around your drawing by going to the “Format” menu and selecting “Sheet.” Choose from different border styles or create your own custom border.
c) Incorporating Company Logo
If you have a company logo that you want to include in your drawing, go to the “Format” menu and select “Sheet Properties.” In the Sheet Properties dialog box, click on the “Title/Logo” tab and browse for your logo file.
Step 3: Adding Views
Now that we have set up our sheet format, it’s time to add views of our model to the drawing. The views will show different angles and dimensions of the part. To add views:
a) Selecting Model
In the drawing sheet, go to the “View” menu and select “Model.” Choose the desired part or assembly from your SolidWorks model.
b) Positioning Views
Click on the drawing sheet to place the view. You can adjust its size and orientation by dragging its corners or using the toolbar options.
Step 4: Adding Dimensions
Dimensions are crucial in engineering drawings as they provide accurate measurements for manufacturing and assembly. To add dimensions:
a) Activating Dimension Tool
In the “Annotations” tab, click on the “Smart Dimension” tool or press “D” on your keyboard. This will activate the dimension tool.
b) Selecting Entities
Select lines, edges, or points that you want to dimension. SolidWorks will automatically place dimensions based on your selection.
Step 5: Adding Annotations
In addition to dimensions, annotations such as notes, symbols, and surface finishes are used to convey additional information about the design. To add annotations:
a) Using Note Tool
In the “Annotations” tab, click on “Note.” Place the note where you want it and type in your text.
b) Inserting Symbols
If you need to insert symbols like diameter or degree symbols, go to the “Annotations” tab and select “Symbols.” Choose from a wide range of symbols available.
Step 6: Finalizing Your Drawing
Once you have added all necessary views, dimensions, and annotations, it’s time to finalize your drawing. Ensure that all elements are properly aligned and legible. Double-check the dimensions for accuracy.
Finally, save your drawing file by going to the “File” menu and selecting “Save As.” Choose the desired file format and location to save your drawing.
Conclusion
Creating an engineering drawing in SolidWorks is a straightforward process that requires careful attention to detail. By following these steps, you can accurately represent your design ideas and communicate them effectively to manufacturers and colleagues. Remember to utilize the powerful features of SolidWorks, such as views, dimensions, and annotations, to create professional-looking drawings.