SolidWorks 2011 Parts Bible - Matt Lombard [42]
7. In the Search For text box, type rectangle.
8. Click in the Shortcut column next to the listing with the Category of Macros, and press R.
9. Click OK to exit the Customize dialog box.
10. Press R. The rectangle macro runs and draws a sketch rectangle on the Front plane, centered on the origin.
11. Press Ctrl+S to access the Windows standard hotkey for the Save command. Name the part rectangle.sldprt and save it to a workspace directory.
12. Press Alt+F and then click Close to exit SolidWorks.
The use of Alt-keys and hotkeys is somewhat exaggerated in this tutorial, but it is intended to get you used to working with them.
Summary
The SolidWorks interface has many elements because SolidWorks has so much functionality. You can access most elements multiple ways, which can be liberating because it offers options, but it also can add to the confusion because there is so much to know. You do not need to know every way to do everything; you only need to know the best way for you. After using this chapter to find the various ways of using the interface, you can develop the way that is most comfortable for you and stick with it.
Be aware that every couple of releases, SolidWorks changes the interface, and often, they use the most radical options available as the new defaults. Keep a copy of your settings file with you, so you can restore settings or take your settings to another computer quickly if you need to re-set up.
Chapter 3: Working with Sketches
In This Chapter
Beginning a sketch
Distinguishing sketch entities
Creating relationships in sketches
Examining sketch settings
Using sketch blocks in parts, assemblies, and drawings
Using reference geometry
Learning to use sketch relations tutorial
Using blocks and belts tutorial
Referencing geometry tutorial
The workflow for most SolidWorks features goes like this:
1. Create a sketch
2. Use the sketch to create a feature
3. Repeat
So the first step to leaning how to create models in SolidWorks is to learn how to sketch. If you are coming from another parametric 3D modeler, many of your skills will be transferable to SolidWorks. If you are coming from a 2D application, sketching is just like drawing except that you do it in smaller chunks and on planes in 3D space. If you have never used CAD before, think of the sketch-feature relationship as creating a simplified 2D drawing that represents a portion of the part that you can make with some sort of process such as extruding the shape in the 2D drawing, or revolving it.
So far, in this book, you have looked mainly at concepts, settings, and setup, which is necessary but mundane business. In this chapter, you begin to learn how to control parametric relationships in sketches. Then in later chapters, you begin to build models, simple at first, but gaining in complexity and always demonstrating new techniques and features that build your modeling vocabulary. Beyond this, you use the parts to create drawings.
This chapter deals entirely with sketches in parts. However, you will be able to apply many of the topics I cover here to assemblies. Some related topics, such as layout sketches, have functionality that is exclusive to assemblies, and these topics are covered in the assemblies' book, SolidWorks 2011 Assemblies Bible (Wiley, 2011).
When you open a sketch, several tools become available, specifically all the sketch entities and tools. Conversely, you cannot do several things until you open a sketch. For example, you cannot apply a Fillet feature while a sketch is open. Open sketches and selection filters are two very common sources of frustration for new users. Several indicators exist to let you know when you are in Sketch mode:
• The title bar of the SolidWorks window displays the text Sketch X of Part Y.
• The lower-right corner of the status bar displays the text Editing Sketch X.
• The Confirmation Corner displays a sketch icon in the upper-right corner of the graphics window.
• The Sketch toolbar button displays the text Exit Sketch.
• The red sketch Origin