How Do You Save an Exploded View in SolidWorks?

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Have you ever created an exploded view in SolidWorks and wondered how to save it for future use? In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps of saving an exploded view in SolidWorks. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Create an Exploded View

To save an exploded view, you first need to create one. An exploded view shows how different components of an assembly fit together by separating them spatially. To create an exploded view, follow these steps:

  1. Select the Explode tool: Go to the Assembly tab and click on the Explode tool in the Exploded Views group.
  2. Choose components: Select the components you want to include in your exploded view. You can use the Ctrl key to select multiple components.
  3. Drag and position: Drag the selected components away from their original positions to create a clear separation between them.
  4. Add explode lines: Use the Smart Explode Lines tool to add explode lines that indicate how the components are separated. You can also customize the appearance of these lines using different styles and colors.

Step 2: Save the Exploded View

Once you have created your exploded view, it’s time to save it for future use. Follow these steps:

  1. Select Configuration Manager: In the FeatureManager Design Tree, click on the Configuration Manager tab.
  2. Create a new configuration: Right-click on the default configuration and select “Add Configuration” from the context menu. Give your new configuration a descriptive name.
  3. Saving views: With the new configuration selected, go to the View Orientation drop-down menu and select “New View”. This will save the current view as part of the exploded configuration.

Step 3: Accessing Saved Exploded Views

Now that you have saved your exploded view, you can easily access it at any time. Here’s how:

  1. Select Configuration Manager: In the FeatureManager Design Tree, click on the Configuration Manager tab.
  2. Select saved configuration: Choose the saved configuration that contains your exploded view from the list.
  3. Activate the view: Double-click on the saved view under Orientation to activate it. The components will now be displayed in their exploded positions.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to enhance your experience with saving exploded views in SolidWorks:

  • Naming conventions: Use descriptive names for your configurations and views to easily identify them later.
  • Capturing multiple views: You can save multiple views within a single configuration by repeating step 2 and creating additional new views.
  • Edit existing exploded views: To edit an existing exploded view, activate it and make any necessary changes. Then, go to the Configuration Manager, right-click on the activated view, and select “Update Standard Views” to update it in all configurations.

Congratulations! You now know how to save an exploded view in SolidWorks.

By following these steps, you can create and access exploded views whenever you need them. Happy designing!