Creating an exploded assembly drawing in SolidWorks can be a great way to showcase the individual components of your design and how they fit together. This type of drawing provides a clear visual representation of the assembly process, making it easier for others to understand and follow.
Step 1: Open your assembly
Start by opening your assembly in SolidWorks. Make sure that all the necessary components are properly positioned and mated.
Step 2: Activate the Explode tool
To begin creating the exploded view, go to the “Assembly” tab in the menu bar and click on “Exploded View”. This will activate the Explode tool, allowing you to manipulate the position of each component.
Step 3: Select components to explode
Next, select the components you want to include in your exploded view. You can do this by clicking on each component individually or by using the “Ctrl” key to select multiple components at once.
Step 4: Drag and position the selected components
Once you have selected the desired components, click on one of them and drag it away from its original position. As you move it, other selected components will move along with it. Position each component according to your desired exploded layout.
Tips:
- Bold text: Use bold text to highlight important tips or key instructions.
- Underlined text: Use underlined text for emphasis or to draw attention to specific details.
- Bold and underlined text: Combine bold and underlined text for crucial tips or warnings.
Step 5: Add explode lines
To enhance clarity in your exploded view, you can add explode lines. These lines visually connect each component to its original location. To add an explode line, simply select a component and click on the “Add Explode Line” button in the Explode tool menu.
Step 6: Customize explode lines
You can customize the appearance of your explode lines by right-clicking on them and selecting “Properties”. This allows you to change the line style, thickness, and color to suit your preferences.
Step 7: Fine-tune exploded positions
If you need to make further adjustments to the position of your exploded components, simply click and drag them as needed. SolidWorks provides precise control over positioning, making it easy to achieve the desired exploded view.
Note:
Remember to save your assembly regularly as you work on creating the exploded view. This will prevent any accidental loss of progress.
In conclusion, creating an exploded assembly drawing in SolidWorks is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance the understanding of complex designs. By following these steps and utilizing SolidWorks’ powerful tools for positioning and customization, you can create visually engaging exploded assembly drawings that effectively communicate your design intent.