SolidWorks 2011 Assemblies Bible - Matt Lombard [15]
Summary
If you have taken the SolidWorks training classes, even the advanced training classes, you may not have seen the entire range of what you can do with SolidWorks assemblies. Keep an open mind about being able to accomplish more by using assemblies that are built for different purposes.
External references in assemblies tend to intimidate a lot of users, but if you know where to find the necessary information, and how to handle the data, you can have complete control over your assembly models, and you don't have to be afraid of techniques such as in-context or master model.
Chapter 2: Navigating the Assembly Interface
In This Chapter
Discovering elements of the SolidWorks interface
Exploring the interface
The SolidWorks interface for working with assemblies offers a wide range of tools. You will often find more than one way to do almost everything. Most of the tools are the same as those found in the general parts interface, but this chapter will show you special techniques for using these tools to make your job easier with assemblies.
Once you have mastered the various interface elements and customized your SolidWorks installation, working with assemblies becomes much more efficient and satisfying. Your command of the interface will come with practice and experience. Many existing users may discover features in this book of which they were not aware, even though they have used the software for years.
Each interface element identified in Figure 2.1 is explained in detail within this chapter. You won't see all of the elements shown in Figure 2.1 at the same time; the figure was assembled to show as many interface elements as possible.
FIGURE 2.1
Elements of the SolidWorks assembly interface
Identifying Elements of the SolidWorks Assembly Interface
Most of the elements of the assembly interface are the same as the part interface. (You can find a complete description in the SolidWorks 2011 Parts Bible.) This chapter describes the elements of the SolidWorks interface that are either unique to assemblies or vital to the assemblies' functionality.
Using the CommandManager and toolbars
Remember that the CommandManager saves settings for parts, assemblies, and drawings. This means that it may have different tabs when you are in each of these document types, and you can set each type to have the features and functions that you need.
The CommandManager is less useful in assemblies than it is in parts. Of course, everything depends on what you plan to do in assemblies, but most users generally use fewer tools in assemblies than they do in part documents. In parts, it is common to use the Features tab as well as Sheet Metal, Weldments, possibly Surfaces, and some other CommandManager tabs. In assemblies, the Assembly and Evaluate tabs are the most relevant.
When you edit a part in the context of the assembly, the assembly CommandManager turns into the part CommandManager with some additional tools. Figure 2.2 shows the CommandManager in an assembly when editing a part (with large icons and text removed).
FIGURE 2.2
The CommandManager when editing a part in the context of an assembly
One of the most common mistakes when editing parts in an assembly is to forget which mode you are in — Edit Part or Edit Assembly. Notice the ghosted Edit Part icon where the sketch Confirmation Corner goes (upper-right corner). Also notice that the Edit Part icon in the Assembly toolbar appears depressed. If you have room in your interface, the name of the assembly or the part shows on the title bar. Figure 2.2 shows the interface at a low resolution (1024 x 768), and only part of the height. At this resolution and with the menus pinned along with the title bar toolbar, there is little room for the filename.
Notice that the first five icons on the left side of