In this tutorial, we will learn how to toggle the exploded view in SolidWorks. The exploded view is a powerful feature that allows us to disassemble our assembly model and clearly visualize the individual components.
Step 1: Open the Assembly
To begin, open your assembly model in SolidWorks. Make sure you have all the necessary components loaded into your assembly.
Step 2: Activate the Exploded View Configuration
To toggle the exploded view, we need to activate the exploded view configuration. To do this:
- Right-click on the Configuration Tab located at the top of your SolidWorks window.
- Select Add Configuration from the context menu that appears.
- In the Add Configuration PropertyManager, give your new configuration a suitable name, such as “Exploded View”.
- Check the box next to Create Exploded View From Current Position.
- Click OK to create the new exploded view configuration.
Step 3: Toggle Exploded View
Now that we have created our exploded view configuration, we can easily toggle it on and off:
- Navigate to the newly created “Exploded View” configuration in the Configuration Tab.
- Select it with a single left-click.
- The assembly model will now display in its exploded state, with each component moved apart according to your defined explode steps and distances.
- To revert back to the original assembly state, simply select a different configuration or deactivate the exploded view.
Step 4: Customize Exploded View
SolidWorks provides several tools to customize and fine-tune your exploded view:
- Drag components: In the exploded view, you can click and drag individual components to adjust their positions.
- Add explode steps: To add additional explode steps, right-click on a component and select Add Explode Step. This allows you to move components in stages rather than all at once.
- Edit explode distances: To modify the distance that a component moves during explosion, right-click on a component and select Edit Explode Distance. Enter the desired value in the dialog box that appears.
- Rearrange component order: To change the order in which components explode, simply drag them up or down in the FeatureManager Design Tree.
Tips and Tricks:
- If you want to add more complex movements to your exploded view, consider using SolidWorks’ animation tools. These tools allow you to create dynamic exploded views with precise timing and motion.
- If your assembly contains subassemblies, you can also create exploded views for individual subassemblies. This can help visualize complex assemblies more effectively.
Congratulations! You have now learned how to toggle the exploded view in SolidWorks. By utilizing this feature, you can easily communicate assembly instructions or analyze intricate designs with ease.
Note: The appearance and functionality of SolidWorks may vary depending on the version you are using. The steps outlined in this tutorial are based on SolidWorks 2021.