SolidWorks: Automotive & Industrial | Beginner to CSWA-CSWP

Open and save a new SolidWorks part, locate the origin and datum planes, and create your first sketch in sketcher mode on a datum plane, then exit and save.

Learn how to define sketches by removing degrees of freedom with dimensions and constraints in SolidWorks, using points, lines, and circles to achieve a fully defined sketch.

Explore basic sketch profiles in SolidWorks, from lines and center lines to rectangles, parallelograms, slots, circles, arcs, polygons, splines, and ellipses, with future coverage on dimensions.

Learn to apply various SolidWorks sketch dimensions, including smart, horizontal, vertical, baseline, chain, and ordinate, plus angle, diameter, and arc dimensions for precise sketches.

Explore SolidWorks dimension properties and tolerance types, including none, basic, bilateral, and limits, with decimals and symbols, then save, load, and reuse dimension styles.

Learn to create sketch fillets and chamfers in SolidWorks, set radii or distances, and apply equal or independent dimensions for 5 mm, 10 mm, or 45 degrees.

Begin by getting comfortable with the SolidWorks interface and smart tools in the first exercise, using the contextual menu for fast diameter and smart dimensions on circles and squares.

Master curve relations—tangent, concentric, and co-radial constraints. Apply size and control relations such as equal, symmetric, and fix to build fully defined sketches.

Learn to convert four lines into a fully defined sketch by applying merge points, parallel and perpendicular relations, adding dimensions, and managing degrees of freedom to avoid underdefined or overdefined.

Explore driving and driven dimensions in SolidWorks sketches, learn how to resolve overdefinition by making one dimension driven, and monitor length sums between entities.

control solidworks instant 2D in sketch mode by keeping it off initially, then turning it on to quickly modify dimensions, delete dimensions, and edit values with ease.

Master the basic SolidWorks interface and core sketch tools to build a solid foundation for complex profiles, including ellipse, slot, arc slot, polygon, and spline with proper constraints.

Master trim entities in SolidWorks by applying power trim, trimming inside or outside with boundaries, and using trim to closest to shape sketches, while using construction geometry options.

Recreate complex profiles in SolidWorks by building center rectangle and parallelogram shapes, applying center lines, coincident relations, and straight and arc slots with practical tips.

Move, copy, rotate, scale, and stretch sketch entities in SolidWorks using from-to references and keep-relations to position and duplicate geometry with XY coordinates and center or base points.

Master the linear sketch pattern command in SolidWorks to create pattern rows on a sketch, control direction 1 and 2, distance, instances, angle, and skip unwanted objects.

Master circular sketch patterns in SolidWorks by selecting pattern entities, setting the center point, and adjusting the number of instances, spacing, center coordinates, radius, and arc angle.

Learn how the extend entities command extends lines, arcs, splines, and circles to meet existing geometry, adding a coincident constraint and a point.

Learn to use convert entities and silhouette entities to project edges, holes, and faces from 3D parts into sketches, mark construction elements, and manage internal and external silhouettes.

Repair sketch detects hidden errors, such as small entities, overlapping lines, or three-way junctions, and guides you to remove extra lines or close contours before building 3d features.

Learn to create reference geometry points in solidworks using the point command, including arc center, center of face, line intersections, and projection onto surfaces from 3d sketches.

Explore axis as a reference geometry in SolidWorks. Create axes from edges, plane intersections, two vertices, cylindrical faces, or a point and face to support advanced 3d modeling.

Explore coordinate systems in SolidWorks by defining the part origin with three datum planes, creating and orienting coordinate systems for positioning, analysis, and assembly placement.

Discover how to create reference planes in SolidWorks using basic methods—existing plane, two lines, three points, and line with point—plus options for tangent, mid-plane, parallel, perpendicular, and angled planes.

Learn how the center of mass is calculated for analysis in a 3D model. Explore the bounding box and its keep out zone, and made reference types to align features.

Master extruded boss/base from 2D sketches, and learn direction options (blind, up to vertex/surface, mid-plane), drafting, and thin features, plus building on 3D faces with additional sketches.

Enable rapid sketch to sketch on multiple faces of a solid, with the plane inferred from available faces. Turn on instant 3D to transform those sketches into solids.

Learn how construction elements in SolidWorks act as sketch scaffolds, being ignored by three-dimensional features, and how using them prevents rebuild errors and clarifies extrusion and cut operations.

Create multiple bodies in SolidWorks by using extrude boss base features and unchecking merge result to keep features as separate bodies rather than merging into one.

Create a revolved boss base by sketching on a plane and rotating around an axis, using blind, midplane, surface or vertex options, and thin feature to control direction.

practice revolved shaft design with a part-first workflow, building 3D parts from requirements before drawings; learn diameter constraints, symmetric dimensions, and a three-cutout milling feature.

Learn the SolidWorks fillet command, from basic constant-size to advanced variable-size, face, and chordal fillets. Master edge selection, tangent propagation, and partial fillets with offsets.

Explore the SolidWorks linear pattern tool to duplicate features, bodies, or reference geometry along one or two directions, adjusting spacing, instances, and seed patterns for efficient design.

Master circular pattern in SolidWorks by extruding a circle and polygon cut, define direction 1 (and direction 2), set instance spacing, and use previews to arrange features.

Master the mirror command in SolidWorks to duplicate features from an extruded base, using patterns, fully defined sketches, symmetric fillets, and mirrored holes across planes.

Demonstrate the rib command on a solid built from extruded boss base, with a plane offset and rib defined by 50 mm from edges, thickness 20 mm, and 5° draft.

Learn to create hollow shells in SolidWorks using the shell command, starting from a center square, with 10 mm walls, outward shell, multi-face options, and added fillets and curvature.

Master the SolidWorks draft command using a neutral plane and selected faces to draft at a chosen angle with a live preview, covering inner and outer faces and tangent considerations.

Learn to create a 3d curve by selecting reference points in a 3d sketch, producing a 3d spline that can serve as a wireframe or reference geometry for 3d constructions.

Master the basic swept boss/base in SolidWorks by using a path sketch and a perpendicular profile sketch (default circular) to form a solid along the path.

Master the swept cut in SolidWorks by defining a path on faces with a sketch profile such as an ellipse or circle and ensuring tangent continuous motion.

Master the hole wizard in SolidWorks to insert customized holes in solids. Position holes using faces, 2D or 3D sketches, and configure counterbore, countersink, and slot types.

Learn to use the project curve command in SolidWorks to project sketches onto faces or combine two sketches into a projected curve, with control over direction and planes.

Create a curve through xyz points by uploading a millimeter coordinates file and editing the first two points to form a 3D spline. Save and adjust the origin.

Discover how to create helix and spiral features in SolidWorks. Use pitch and revolution, height and revolution, or height and pitch, with options like start angle, taper, and variable pitch.

Master the split line command in SolidWorks, using silhouette, projection, and intersection to project curves onto curved faces and surfaces, and control direction and draft angle.

Learn the lofted boss base command in SolidWorks by using three sketches on offset reference planes, connected by guide curves and 3D sketches for a symmetrical, parametric loft.

Learn to create lofted cuts on a boss extrude using constrained sketches, symmetry, and guide curves. Refine the loft with tangency, normal to profile, and boundary boss base.

Master the boundary cut in SolidWorks by using mid planes, sketches, reference geometry, and guides to control edges with curve points and 3D splines.

Create a full round fillet by selecting three faces in the fillet command, with automatic dimension calculation, tangent propagation, and full preview.

Learn to use the fillet expert to create faster, more complex fillets in SolidWorks, compare it with the standard fillet, and adjust edges using through faces and previews.

Create a sketch on the face to define a step draft, set direction of pull and parting lines, and preview perpendicular and tapered drafts to refine the geometry.

Master the draft expert to manage neutral plane drafts, analyze results with colors, and apply or adjust faces across multiple planes for mold design.

Learn how to create curve driven patterns in SolidWorks, including selecting curves, reference points, direction, instance spacing, and alignment options to pattern features along a curve.

Learn to use the advanced hole command in SolidWorks, an improved version of the hole wizard. Create near and far side holes, counterbores, countersinks, taps, dowel holes, with precise callouts.

Learn to create internal and external threads in SolidWorks using the thread tool, including selecting edges, setting end conditions, metric taps, dies, and multiple start options.

Learn to use the stud wizard in SolidWorks to create studs on cylindrical bodies or surfaces, set metric M8 by 125 threads, define shaft and thread lengths, and apply undercuts.

Learn to use the wrap command to project a sketch onto a curved surface and emboss, deboss, or scribe, selecting a plane and defining wrap type and pull direction.

Learn how to insert components into a SolidWorks assembly, including creating new parts, renaming parts, fixing components, and using speedpack and catalog inserts from 3D experience.

Create and manage SolidWorks assemblies by inserting components, fixing and floating parts, renaming and saving files, and rebuilding to keep all references synchronized.

Delete previous mates to start fresh, then create a parallel mate by selecting two faces or axes to stay parallel at distance, verify with the temporary axis, and click ok.

Learn how to use the standard perpendicular mate to constrain surfaces or edges. Delete old mates, address rotation with additional perpendicularities, and understand how faces and edges become perpendicular.

Learn how to apply the concentric mate in SolidWorks to fix a part into a hole by axis-to-axis alignment, compare concentric with coincident, and use lock rotation to prevent rotation.

Explore SolidWorks standard and advanced mates by constraining assemblies with angle mates and limits, using concentric, coincidence, fixed, and float, and learn to combine commands through practical exercises.

Learn how to create and manage linear component patterns in SolidWorks assemblies, including setting direction, spacing, instances, and using the seed part.

Learn to create a circular component pattern in SolidWorks by selecting an axis, adjusting angle and instances, applying equal spacing across a 360-degree circle, and customizing direction and overrides.

Learn how to rotate components in SolidWorks using the rotate component command from the drop-down menu, including free drag, rotate around an edge, and move along entity options.

Edit component in an assembly enables editing a part in place, shows blue when active, and lets you modify features or extrudes via the features tab without a separate window.

Activate the component preview window from an assembly to preview a selected component in a second window, switch display modes (visible, wireframe, transparent, hidden), and synchronize view orientation.

Use the show hidden components command to reveal hidden parts in an assembly, toggle with a temporary switch, and quickly return to the full view for fast selection.

Use instant 3d in assembly mode to view sketch dimensions, enable large assembly settings to hide edges for faster performance, and take snapshots with named comments in the display manager.

Learn how to create and animate exploded views of assemblies in SolidWorks, including regular and radial steps, axis and rings, autospace components, and saving exploded views for drawings.

Master the hinge mate in SolidWorks to constrain parts with concentric and coincident surfaces, fix one part, and set minimum and maximum angles for controlled motion.

Learn to set up gear mates in SolidWorks by selecting two pitch circles, applying tangency and axis constraints, and using gear parameters like pitch circle and addendum.

Learn how to use the screw mate in SolidWorks to assemble a fixed block with a floating bolt, configuring revolutions per millimeter or distance per revolution.

master the advanced width mate in SolidWorks by positioning a part between two faces or planes using selections one and two, then constrain it to move only up and down.

Learn to set up an advanced path mate in SolidWorks using a spline path, construction geometry, and up vector controls to guide a bolt along a path with constrained rotation.

Explore the distance mate in the advanced tab to constrain a moving part between two faces with maximum and minimum distances. Pair with standard mates to lock within 15–70 millimeters.

Learn advanced angle mates in SolidWorks for automotive and industrial applications, including minimum and maximum angle constraints, concentric and coincidence mates, and rotation control.

Learn to use the pattern driven component pattern to create instances in an assembly from a part design pattern, including seed position, skipped instances, and driving features.

Explore the sketch-driven component pattern in SolidWorks, using 3D sketches to position and pattern parts by points, with options for reference points, component origin, or a selected point.

Master curve driven component pattern in SolidWorks by placing a curve, selecting a seed, and patterning components along the curve with spacing, alignment, and tangency options.

Learn to create a chain of components in SolidWorks using the chain component pattern, exploring distance, distance linkage, and connected linkage methods, plus path setup and dynamic versus static options.

Explore the chain component pattern's distance linkage in SolidWorks by selecting a loop path, aligning with a path alignment plane, and adjusting dynamic or static settings and distances.

Learn to create a chain component pattern using connected linkage in SolidWorks, including inserting parts, creating planes, selecting axes, and adjusting link length and path.

Use the smart fasteners tool in solidworks to automatically add bolts from the toolbox library, enabling add-ins, and create four M8 holes with the hole wizard.

Learn to use the SolidWorks configuration manager to create and manage part configurations, set active configurations, tailor the bill of materials, and support automotive variant assemblies.

Create a new drawing file in SolidWorks, select a standard sheet size (A0–A4) or a custom size, and set up title blocks for accurate print quality.

Open a valve 3D part and create a new drawing, then use the model view command to place standard and projected views with adjustable scale and display options.

Master the auxiliary view in SolidWorks by selecting a reference edge to create a custom angle projection, flip direction, and apply hidden lines removed with the parent scale.

Explore creating and adjusting section views in SolidWorks, including vertical, horizontal, auxiliary, and aligned cuts, with auto hatch, scale hatch, partial and sliced sections, and emphasis options.

Learn to create a detail view in a SolidWorks drawing by adding projected views (right, top, left), sketching a circle to define the detail, and adjusting style, scale, and outlines.

Demonstrate using the broken-out section in SolidWorks drawings: create a front view, sketch a closed spline profile, set depth, and preview the cut to reveal the bolt.

Learn to create a break view in a SolidWorks drawing to fit a long shaft by choosing break line style, cut direction, and gap size while preserving dimensions.

Use the crop view command to isolate a hole detail by sketching a closed profile in the drawing view and selecting boundary lines to crop the view.

Create an empty view in a SolidWorks drawing to add sketches, annotations, dimensions, and area hatches without a model, then draw and place text inside the view.

Learn to use predefined views in SolidWorks to position standard or isometric views, then insert 3D models to populate each view in a drawing.

Import dimensions from a SolidWorks 3D part into a drawing using model items, selecting the whole model or specific features, and choose tolerances, annotations, and reference geometry to include.

Create and format notes in SolidWorks drawings using the notes toolbar to adjust font, size, color, alignment, and styles, including geometric tolerance and surface finish symbols.

Explore creating linear note patterns and circular note patterns in SolidWorks, adjusting axis, item count, distance, angle, and direction, then apply to sketches and entities.

Use the blocks command to group entities and move them together as a single block. Save, insert, edit, or explode blocks to reuse symbols across drawings.

Master the center mark tool in SolidWorks by adding center marks to holes, slots, and fillets, using circular, linear, radial, and slot-specific options to enable precise dimensioning.

Learn to add centerlines between two edges in SolidWorks, including circular edges, by manual selection or auto-insert across views; customize color and thickness and delete unused centerlines.

Apply area hatch fills in SolidWorks by selecting planar faces, choosing hatch styles, adjusting distance and angle, and adding or deleting hatch or solid using drawing tools.

Master the design engineer's toolkit and workflow from sketch to release part, including creating 3D models, 2D drawings, and design reviews that drive CAD-enabled collaboration.

Evaluate material choices for parts and assemblies using a clear selection process. Compare steel families, aluminum alloys, engineering plastics, rubbers, and composites by weight, cost, and function.

Explore geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) as a precise symbolic language for form, orientation, location, and runout. Learn datums, datum reference frames, and the feature control frame for clear inspection.

Explore fasteners and joining methods, evaluating permanent versus non-permanent options, and analyzing threaded fasteners, dowel pins, welds, adhesive and press-fit joints for strong, cost-effective assemblies.

Tackle CSWA drafting questions on SolidWorks. Identify correct drawing view types using the drafting workbench, including crop and broken-out section views.

model a SolidWorks part for a part modeling exam using exact dimensions and mmgs units; set material to IEC 1020 steel and verify mass via mass properties.

Modify a pre-existing SolidWorks part by adding a single pocket on one side. Use two extruded cuts with 1 mm wall thickness and confirm mass as 432.58 g for Q6.

Build a chainlink assembly in solidworks from a downloaded zip, applying concentric and coincident mates to pins and holes. Determine the assembly center of mass using mass properties.

Modify a chain-link assembly in SolidWorks by adjusting angles A, B, C to 30°, 115°, 135°, then instant 3D verifies mass properties and a missing parallel mate constrains it.

Explore real CSWA drafting questions, identify VOB and VO types, section and alternate position views, and apply elimination and remembering techniques under time pressure in SolidWorks.

Solve a real exam question in SolidWorks by sketching a symmetric profile, mirroring it, and revolving to form a part, then determine the aluminum alloy mass properties.

Modify the assembly in SolidWorks to set the angle to 17 degrees, measure the distance between two faces as 14.58 millimeters, and verify and save for exam q9.

Execute advanced part modeling in SolidWorks by constructing a two-sketch, three-feature part with an extruded boss base, draft, mirror, hull, and analyzing mass properties in cast stainless steel.

Execute a part modification by removing material in areas, apply an R15 fillet, an R35 blind hole depth 10 mm, and a mirror cut extrude; record mass properties 2250.42 g.

Real exam q14 shows adding a pocket to the bar with a 3 mm thickness and an R5 radius, including extruded boss, 5 mm fillet, and 45-degree slot pockets mirrored.