SolidWorks 2011 Parts Bible - Matt Lombard [11]
The difference between Third and First angle projections can cause parts to be manufactured incorrectly if those reading the prints (or making the prints) do not catch the difference or see that there is some discrepancy. Figure 1.7 demonstrates the difference between the two projection types. Make sure to get the option correct. If someone else, such as a computer specialist who is not familiar with mechanical drafting standards, initially sets up SolidWorks on your computer, you will want to verify that the default templates use the correct standards, units, and projection method.
FIGURE 1.7
Differences between First (left) and Third (right) angle projections
Another setting affecting projections that you will want to check can be accessed by choosing Tools⇒Options⇒Display/Selection⇒Projection type for four-view viewport. This does not follow the dimensioning standard selected for the default templates or the country in which the software is installed.
Exploring SolidWorks documentation
Several types of documentation are available to help SolidWorks learners along their path. A great place to start is the SolidWorks Resources tab in the Task Pane (on the right side of the screen). This is the first tab in the list and has the Home icon. The Getting Started option in the SolidWorks Resources tab is shown in Figure 1.8.
FIGURE 1.8
The Getting Started option on the SolidWorks Resources tab of the Task Manager
The terminology SolidWorks has used over the past several releases has changed and may seem confusing to some of you. In 2007, SolidWorks changed the name Online User's Guide to SolidWorks Help. This is a help file on the local computer; it is not online in that it is not on the Internet. In 2010, the SolidWorks Web Help option was added to the Help menu. This option is online in that it is on the Internet.
Accessing tutorials
You can access several tutorials by selecting the SolidWorks Tutorials option from the Help menu. There you will find a list of tutorials on subjects from sheet metal to macros in parts, assemblies, and drawings. These tutorials are certainly worth your time and will build your skills and knowledge of basic functionality. This SolidWorks Bible distinguishes itself from the tutorials by going into far more detail and depth about each function, adding information such as best practices, performance considerations, and cautionary data, acting as a thorough desk reference. The purpose of this book is not to duplicate all the resources for beginners, but to take the information into far more depth and detail and answer the “why” questions instead of just the “how” questions.
Keeping up with what's new
With every release, SolidWorks publishes a What's New document to help you keep up to speed with the changes. This is typically a PDF file with accompanying example files. If you have missed a version or two, reading through the What's New files can help get you back on track. (You can find every What's New document on Ricky Jordan's blog, at http://rickyjordan.com.) Again, don't expect many details or interface screen shots; it introduces you to the basic changes.
Moving from 2D to 3D
The Help menu contains a selection called Moving from 2D to 3D. It is intended to help transitioning users acclimate to their new surroundings. Terminology is a big part of the equation when making this switch and figures prominently in the Moving from 2D to 3D help file.
Likely, the most helpful sections in Moving from 2D to 3D are Approach to Modeling and Imported AutoCAD Data. The information in these categories is useful whether you are coming to SolidWorks from AutoCAD or from another CAD package.
Exploring SolidWorks Help
SolidWorks Help (formerly The Online User's Guide) is the new Help file. There are two formats: