Master SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD using real-world examples

This video introduces the Solidworks Interface and View Controls.

Sketches are the basis of almost all Solidworks models.

This video explains how to start a Sketch, basic Sketch commands and how to use the Line Tool.

It also covers the three different types of Solidworks files.

Rectangles are a very common Sketch Entity that can be used to create more complex shapes. This video shows how to sketch a rectangle using the Line Tool and how to set the size of this using the Smart Dimension Tool.

It also introduces Sketch Relations and explains how to change units within models.

When modelling it is important to ensure that your Sketches are Fully Defined. This video explains what this actually means, how to do it and why this is important. It also gives more information on Sketch Relations.

In this video the rectangle in the first Sketch is used to create a solid Feature, using the Extruded Boss/Base tool. The video explains Blind Extrudes, as well as introducing Mid Plane Extrudes. It also shows how to edit Features and Sketches, and how to rebuild models in order to apply new changes.

This video introduces the Circle Tool and shows how to create Centrepoint Circles. It also explains the use of more Sketch Relations, including the Equal and Concentric Relations.

This video shows how to use more Sketch Entities - the Ellipse and (Corner) Rectangle Tool. It also introduces the Collinear Relation.

This video explains how angled lines can be added using the Line Tool and defined using Smart Dimension. It also covers the concept of Driven and Driving Dimensions, and how these might affect your Solidworks modelling.

In this video the Trim Tool is introduced and the Power Trim option is explained. This allows the Sketch to be finished and half of the Surface Chips items to be Extruded. The lesson also shows how to rename Features.

In this video Centrelines/Construction Lines are introduced. In this case a Centreline is used with the Mirror Sketch Entities Tool to mirror the existing Sketch Entities to the opposite side and so complete the Chips Sketch. The video also shows how to hide Sketch Relations to reduce clutter within Sketches.

As well as Sketch Entities, entire Features can also be Mirrored. This video shows how to do this by mirroring the Chips Feature and explains how to fix a common error that might occur.

In this video the PCB Slots are cut using an Extruded Cut Feature. This is created using the new tools; the Arc Tool and Slot Tool, and with new Tangent and Symmetric Relations.

This video introduces Hole Wizard which can be used to easily create a hige variety of hole types. It also shows how to adjust these holes once they have been added.

In this video the Fillet and Chamfer Tools are explained. These allow rounded or angled edges to be added to models. Sketch Fillets and Chamfers can also be added at the Sketch level.

This video explains how to use Linear Patterns to create the Contact Features. Linear Patterns can be created either within Sketches or as Pattern Features and this video covers both options.

This video explains how to use the Design Tree (Feature Manager) in more detail, including covering renaming and reordering items, suppressing and unsuppressing, the Rollback Bar and Parent & Child relationships.

This video explains the concept of Design Intent, giving a simple example. It also discusses simplifying models and shows how to Rebuild models when needed.

This video shows how to adjust a model's appearances by using the Appearances, Scenes & Decals tab and the Display Manager. It also shows how to create renderings using PhotoView 360.

This video shows how to check if the Render Tools option is available with your license type. If not then other options for exporting images are shown, including screenshots, saving out images and using third-party rendering programs. This video also explains basic view settings.

This video covers saving files in more detail and explains things like different file types for different uses, saving options and saving parts as copies.

This video recaps the entire PCB section by rebuilding the model.  It covers:

• Solidworks Document Types

• Solidworks Interface

• View Controls

• Planes, the Origin and Sketches

• Starting Sketching

• Sketch Entities

• Dimensions and Relations

• Extruded Boss/Base Feature

• Trim Tool

• Mirroring

• Extruded Cut Feature

• Hole Wizard

• Linear Patterns

• Fillets and Chamfers

• The Design Tree and Rollback Bar

• Design Intent

• Appearances and Renderings

• Saving and File Types

In this video the Pencil model is introduced and started. The Wooden Casing is made using an Extruded Polygon, then the Lead is added using another Extrude. Multi-Body Parts are introduced and explained.

This video introduces the Up To Surface End Condition and shows how to use this to link Features together. It also expands on the idea of Multi-Body Parts.

This video shows how to use the Cross-Section View and covers sketching the Ferrule profile. It contains topics like Linear Patterning and Mirroring, as well as introducing the Sketch Xpert and showing how this can be used to fix Over Defined Sketches.

In this video the previous profile Sketch is used to create a Revolved Boss/Base. Common Revolve errors - and their solutions - are also discussed.

This video shows how to speed up adding Fillets by using the Edge Selection Toolbar.

This video shows how to use the Text Tool to add text to models and how this can then be used to create Features such as debossed lettering.

In this video appearances are added to the Pencil model. It shows how appearances can be added at different levels, including to bodies, faces, features or entire parts.

In this video a Revolved Cut is used to sharpen the Pencil model. This is created using a closed Sketch profile that is revolved around a centreline.

In this video two common Revolved Cut errors are explained - Zero Thickness errors and errors which involve the Revolve profile intersecting (crossing) the centreline.

This video covers more rendering details including rounding sharp edges in order to improve rendering realism. It also shows how to use the rendering Preview window.

This video recaps the entire Pencil section, and covers:

• Polygon Tool

• Coradial Relations

• Up to Surface End Conditions

• Multi-Body Parts

• Revolved Boss/Base

• Common Errors

• SketchXpert

• Fillets - Edge Selection Toolbar

• Adding Text

• Revolved Cut

• More Rendering Options

This video introduces the Pencil Sharpener section and briefly explains Assemblies.

In this video the Pencil Sharpener Body is created by extruding a profile. The video explains more about automatically resizing Sketches, different ways to dimension lines, automatic Relations and more about fixing Over Defined Sketches either manually or using the Sketch Xpert.

This video introduces the Measure Tool and explains how to customise the Solidworks keyboard shortcuts in order to access tools more easily. It also shows how to turn on Mouse Gestures and how to use these to speed up your workflow.

In this video the Finger Grips are cut using Cut Extrude Features. The video explains how to dimension accross centrelines in order to get doubled dimensions and also how to use the Through All End Conditon.

This video shows how to cut the Pencil Hole using a Revolved Cut. First a new Plane is added, then the Revolve Profile is sketched. The video shows how a Zero Thickness error might occur and how this can be avoided by offsetting the Revolve lines by using the Offset Entities Tool. It also shows how to use Points to add tricky dimensions.

In this video the cavity for the Sharpener Blade is cut. The video shows how to autotransition from line to arcs and explains more about adding Tangent Relations to make arcs join straight lines correctly.

It also shows how to use the Hole Wizard to add tapped holes and it explains a little about these holes, as well as finishing the Sharpener Body by adding Fillets using edge selection toolbar.

This video explains what Materials are in Solidworks and how to use these. It also shows that Mass Properties can be used to find it more information about the modelled part.

In this video the Blade Part is created by using the Line Tool and autotransitioning to the Arc Tool. It shows how the selected contours of a profile can be Extruded (or Cut), giving more flexibility with Sketching. The cutting edge of the Blade is also added using a Distance-Distance Chamfer and the custom screw hole is added using the Hole Wizard. Finally a Material is assigned to the model and this is used to discover the Part's Mass.

This video shows how to create a basic Assembly using the Blade and Sharpener Body Parts that have been created earlier in this section. It introduces the Mate Tool. which is used to define how Parts relate to each other within Assemblies.

This video expands on the basic Assembly options covered in the previous lecture. It explains more Assembly details including the Parts Tree, unsuppressing and hiding Parts as well as changing transparency. It also details opening and editing Parts from within Assemblies, and switching between open documents. Finally, it covers saving Assemblies, how Assembly files work and how to use the Pack-and-Go option.

This video shows how to use the Solidworks Toolbox to insert Design Library components into Assemblies. In this case a screw is added to finish the Sharpener Assembly.

The video also shows how to automatically mate Toolbox components into place and how to lock the rotation of Concentric Mates.

This video shows how to add a screw to the Sharpener Assembly as STEP file, if the Solidworks Toolbox isn't available. It shows how to import the STEP file format and how to manually mate the Part in position.

This video shows how to assign Materials to Parts from within an Assembly. With these Materials added the Mass Properties option can then be used to obtain information for the entire Assembly.

The video also introduces the Interference Detection tool, which allows clashes between Parts to be found, and it shows how to suppress Mates. Finally, the Pencil model is added, to complete the Assembly.

This video shows how to create Exploded Views within Assemblies and how to adjust these.

This video recaps the Pencil Sharpener Model - specifically building the Body and Blade Parts.

It includes:

• Customizing the Solidworks Interface

• Mouse Gestures

• Symmetrical Dimensions

• Through All End Condition

• Adding New Planes

• Offset Entities

• Autotransitioning

• Tapped Holes

• Materials

• Using Selected Contours

• Distance-Distance Chamfers

• Custom Holes

This video recaps the Pencil Sharpener Model - specifically creating the Assembly and Assembly Details.

It includes:

• Creating Assemblies

• Adding Components

• Using Mates

• Solidworks Toolbox

• Smart Mates

• Suppressing and Hiding Parts

• How Assemblies Work

• Exploded Views

• Assembly Mass Properties

• Interference Detection 

In this video the Headphones section is introduced and the Jack section is made using a Revolved Boss/Base. The Zero Thickness Error is also explained further.

In this video the Strain Relief Features are added. The initial Extrude is created using a Centrepoint Slot and the ability to add Draft to Extruded Features is demonstrated. The Strain Relief Extrude is created as a separate Body so that the Feature Scope can be used to apply the next Feature - an Extruded Cut - to the selected Body only.

During the creation of the Extruded Cut a number of techniques are used, including Select Chain, Linear Sketch Patterning and Mirroring. Then a Through All End Condition is used.

Once the Cut has been made, the Combine Feature is then introduced and used to merge the two Bodies back together. The Search Commands option is also introduced and it is shown how this can be used to locate less-common Features that aren't found on the Command Manager.

In this video the Swept Boss/Base Feature is introduced. First a new Plane is added by dragging out from an existing Plane. The Convert Entities and Spline Tools are also detailed.

This video shows how to improve Sweep and Spline transitions by using Tangent Relations. It also demonstrates the Fully Define Sketch option and more Sweep options. It explains how to unabsorb Sketches and Features for editing and shows how to fix a common Sweep Error.

In this video the Ear Bud part of the model is created using a Revolved Boss/Base, Fillet, Cut and a Drafted Extrude.

This video introduces 3D Sketches and shows how a 3D Spline can be used to create a 3D Swept Boss/Base for the Ear Bud Cable. The start and end points of this Sweep are also improved by making the 3D Spline Tangent, similar to the 2D Spline used for the first Sweep.

This video covers adding the second Ear Bud using a variety of options starting with Mirroring. For this, a new Plane is added and it is shown how to select line Mid Points and add more Plane References. Mirroring Bodies is demonstrated.

The Mirroring options don't give a good solution to the model's requirements so instead the Move/Copy Body tool is used. It is shown how to use this to add a new body and how to translate and rotate that body.

This video shows how to create the cable for the second Ear Bud by using a 3D Spline and Swept Boss/Base, similar to the first Ear Bud cable. It also shows how to define the length of Splines.

This video finishes off the Headphones model by adding appearances and making an Assembly for the Headphones.

The silicone Ear Bud Covers are modelled up using a Revolve and added to the Assembly. The video then shows how to copy Parts within Assemblies and how existing models can be used to augment user-created models. It shows how to find these models online and import them into Assemblies, and explains a little about imported parts.

This video recaps the Headphone section, and covers making the Headphones model up to the first Ear Bud. Topics include:

• More on Zero Thickness Errors

• Adding Draft to Features

• Using Bodies during Modelling

• Through All Both End Condition

• Combine

• Commands Search Bar

• Swept Boss/Base

• Convert Entities

• Spline Tool

• Fully Define Sketch Tool

• 3D Sketches

This video recaps the Headphone section, and covers finishing the Headphones model, making the new Parts and creating the Assembly.  Topics include:

• Defining New Planes

• More on Mirroring

• Moving Features

• Move/Copy Body

• Copying Parts Within an Assembly

• Using Online Resources

• Importing Existing Parts

This video introduces the Coke Bottle model and creates the main Bottle shape using a Revolved Boss/Base. This profile is sketched using Lines and Splines, as well as using the Point Tool and Sketch Fillets.

A Revolved Cut is also created for the Bottle's label area and Fillets are added. The video shows that sometimes Fillets interfere with each other, meaning that they can't be added properly as a single Feature, but that they will work correctly as two separate Features.

This video introduces the Swept Cut Feature and uses this to cut the Bottle ribs. The Path Sketch for this is made using a Converted line, the Trim Tool and Tangent Relations. After the Ribs are cut the edges are Filleted (and the Tangent Propagation option is shown), then more Ribs are added to the model using a Circular Pattern.

In this video the larger Ridges at the bottom of the Bottle are added using another Swept Cut. Fillets are also added to round the sharp edges and some limitations of the Fillet Tool are discussed. The Circular Pattern Feature is also shown again and the Geometry Pattern sub-option is briefly explained.

This video shows how to make the solid Bottle shape hollow using the Shell Feature. It also shows how to remove certain faces when Shelling.

This video shows how to create a thread manually by using a Helix to make a Swept Boss/Base Feature. It also shows a simplified way of starting and ending the threads by making Revolve Features that only revolve a certain portion, instead of a full revolution. The manual thread is finished off by adding Fillets.

This video shows how to use the Thread Tool to create threads more quickly than using a Helix and Sweep. It also discusses thread specifications and thread tables, 3d printing tolerances and reverse threads.

This video shows that sometimes the Convert Entities Tool can't create what is needed, so instead the Intersection Curve Tool can be used. This tool is used to create closed profiles inside the problem areas in the Bottle neck. These are then Revolved to fix these issues.

In this video the appearance of the Bottle is adjusted using a transparent Plastic. Decals are also introduced. These allow labels and other artwork to be added to models.

In this video the Bottle Cap is made using a Revolve. More details are added to the model using Extrudes, Fillets and a Circular Pattern. It is also shown how to insert an Axis for use with Features like Circular Patterns.

Next, the thread is created using a Helix and Sweep, Partial Revolves and Fillets. The Select Other option is introduced and this allows troublesome items to be selected more easily.

Finally, Appearances and Decals (with PNG transparency) are added to the model and some more Decal details are discussed.

In this video the Cap Part is added to an Assembly with the Bottle Part. The video shows how to refresh Section Views and select items that have a transparent Appearance. It also explains a little more about threads.

In this video different ways to add the Liquid Part are discussed. A new Part is inserted directly into the Assembly (an 'In Context' Part). Top Down Design and Virtual Parts are then covered.

The Liquid Part is created using a Cavity Feature and External References are explained. Finally, the Appearances are adjusted and a Rendering is created.

This video recaps the Coke Bottle section, and covers making the Bottle Part. This includes:

• Swept Cut

• Circular Pattern

• Shell Feature

• Helixes

• Creating Threads

• Partial Revolves

• Thread Feature

• Intersection Curve

• Decals

This video recaps the Coke Bottle section, and covers making the Cap Part, creating the Assembly, and adding the Coke Part as an In-Context Part. This includes:

• Axes

• In-Context Parts

• Cavity

• External References 

This video introduces the Computer Mouse model and the Loft Feature. Two closed profiles are sketched and these are used to create a basic Loft. The Zebra Stripes Tool is also shown and it is explained how this can be used with Lofted shapes.

In this video the more profiles are added to the Loft Feature. The video shows how to reorder profiles and edit the Loft. It also shows how to unabsorb Sketches.

This video introduces Guide Curves, that can be used to control Loft Shapes more closely. It shows how to create and use Guide Curves, using Splines.

In this video the Mouse shape is finished off using Fillets. These can be adjusted to suit the specific Loft shape. The body is then hollowed out using the Shell Feature.

This video shows how to split Parts using the Split Tool. This can be used to create multi-body Parts or entirely new Split Parts. The video shows how to save out as new Parts and explains how Split Parts work.

This video explains more about Split Parts and how their Parent and Child links work. It introduces the Extrude Up To Next, Up To Surface and Up To Body End Conditions. The Mouse Assembly is also created.

In this video the PCB Part is inserted directly into the new Assembly. A Centre Rectangle and Converted holes are used to make the basic PCB shape, then the Virtual Part is saved externally.

In this video the Mouse PCB is completed by using Extrudes, Fillets and adding Appearances.

In this video the Mouse Top Part is adjusted and finished off by cutting areas for the buttons and wheel. The video shows how to work in an Assembly, in 3D, in order to create In-Context changes. The PCB Part is also adjusted, In-Context, to suit the Mouse Body shape more closely. 

In this video the Mouse Bottom Part is finished off by cutting the Sensor Hole and adding Fillets and Appearances. The Assembly is then completed by adding screws, adjusting the final Appearances and creating a Render.

This video recaps the Computer Mouse section, and covers making the main shape and splitting it into two new Parts. It includes:

• Lofted Boss/Base

• Multiple Loft Profiles

• Guide Curves

• Split Feature

• Splitting Parts into Derived Parts

• Up to Surface/Body/Next End Conditions

This video recaps the Computer Mouse section, and covers adding the PCB Part and finishing the Assembly. It includes:

• More In-Context Parts

• Toolbox

• Assemblies

• Renderings and Appearances

  
  

This video introduces the Keyfob section and shows how to use the Sketch Picture option.

In this video the basic Keyfob shape is created using the photographs as a reference. A different way of sketching Splines is demonstrated and the overall profile is Trimmed and fixed. The profile is Extruded Mid Plane, then cut from the side using a second, similar profile. The Extruded Cut is created using the Flip Side to Cut option, which allows the outside of Profiles to be used for Features. Finally, the shape is refined with Fillets.

In this video the photograph is used to create a Sketch containing more of the Keyfob details. The Sketch will be shared across multiple Features over the upcoming videos. The Select Chain option is also briefly introduced.

In this video the Offset option is introduced. This allows the start point of a Feature to be offset. The Offset from Surface End Condition is also shown, and the ability to share Sketches is explained.

This video shows how to use the Dome Feature and then continues adding detail to the model, using the Shared Sketch and the Fillet Tool. When the modelling of the Keyfob Part is finished Appearances are then added.

In this video a new Assembly for the Keyfob Cover is created. The Cover Part is then added directly to the Assembly as an In-Context Part and 3D printing of Parts is briefly discussed. The new Part is linked to the original via Offset or Converted lines and is created using Extrudes, Cuts and Fillets.

In this video more details are added to the Cover Part by Converting the original detail Sketch, then Offsetting only selected entities using Select Chain option. The Midpoint Line is also introduced and it is shown how to extend lines using the Trim Tool.

The area around the Lanyard is cut out and rounded, then the Cover is hollowed out, initially using a Cavity Feature (with various scales), then using the more suitable Shell Feature instead.

This video adds more details to the cover including the Lanyard and Button Holes. This is done by using Offset Entities and the Construction Geometry options, as well as the Select Chain option.

In this video the new Cover Part is split into two new Parts. These new Split Parts are then inserted into the Assembly and the Parent Part is hidden.

In this video some extra details are added to help the two halves join together. This is done by adding a lip and groove feature to each half. The Select Tangency and Offset Entities are used to make a profile that is Cut from one half. On the other half a similar process is used, along with the Convert Entities Tool, to add material using an Extruded Boss/Base. Split Parts are also discussed again.

In this video the Keyfob Cover is finished off by cutting a logo using a Solidworks Block. More details regarding Blocks are also covered. Some future development options are also shown. 

This video recaps the Key Fob section, and covers making the Keyfob Part. It includes:

• Sketch Picture

• Flip Side to Cut

• Shared Sketches

• Offsetting Features

• Offset From Surface End Condition

• Dome

  
  

This video recaps the Key Fob section, and covers making the Cover Part and finishing the Assembly. It includes:

• Mid Point Line

• Extending Lines

• Scaling Cavity Features

• Offset Entities - Construction Geometry Options

• Select Tangency/Chain

• Blocks 

In this video the Lego Figure model is introduced, and the Head Part is made using Features and Tools including Revolve, Convert and Offset Entities, Trim Tool, Extruded Cut, Circular Pattern and Split Line.

In this video the Lego Hands are created using a variety of previously-taught techniques. New concepts include the Tangent Arc and adding Planes that are tangent to a line.

In this video the Lego Arm Part is started, using a variety of techniques. The Draft and Lofted Cut Features are introduced, and Lofting to a single Point and Lofting to a Face are also shown.

This video shows how to finish off the Arm Part using a Revolve (with a Three Point Arc), an Extruded Cut (with Three Point Centre Rectangle) and Fillets.

In this video the Torso is created using Extrudes, Cuts, Mirroring, Shelling and Fillets.

This video shows how to make a new Assembly for the upper half of the figure's body. It demonstrates how to Mirror Parts and how to create Opposite Hand Parts. It also explains some details regarding Mirrored and Opposite Hand Parts.

In this video the Lego Hips Part is made using a combination of Features including Extrudes, Offsets, Trimming, Patterning, Cuts and Mirroring.

In this video the Leg Part is made using a combination of Extrudes and Cuts, including the the Offset From Surface and Up to Next End Conditions, and Convert Entities.

This video shows how to use the Hip and Legs Parts to make the Legs Subassembly. Opposite Hand Parts are used again and more Advanced Mates - Angle Limit Mates - are used.

In this video the Lego Figure Assembly is created, using the Legs and Torso Subassemblies, plus the Hand and Head Parts. The file selection Quick Filters are shown. Details about Subassemblies and Parts are explained, including Lightweight Parts, Flexible/Rigid Assemblies. The Width Mate is also introduced.

This video recaps the Lego Figure section, and covers making the Head, Hand, Arm and Torso Parts. It includes:

• Split Line

• Centerpoint Arc Slot

• Tangent Arc

• Draft

• Lofted Cut

• Lofting to a Point/Face

• 3 Point Center Rectangle

  
  

This video recaps the Lego Figure section, and covers making the Leg and Hip Parts, as well as making the Subassemblies and Main Assembly.. It includes:

• Opposite Hand Versions

• Limit Mates

• Width Mate

• Subassemblies

• Rigid and Flexible Assemblies

This video introduces the Configuration and Drawing section. A basic Drawer model is created and in future videos this is used to explain Configurations.

This video shows how to create Configurations using the Configuration Manger. It shows how to adjust these new Configurations by changing parameters and how this can be used to create Parts that can be linked together to make Assemblies that largely update automatically.

This video shows how to adjust Configurations in the second way - by suppressing or unsuppressing Features. Using this method the Back Part is split into two Configurations, to give the Assembly both a Front and a Back Part.

This video shows how to make a Drawing from an Assembly and how to set the Sheet Format,. Then it shows how to add views using the View Palette or Standard Three View options. It shows how to Save Drawings and explains Drawing File details. It also shows how to add and break View Alignment, and change View details like Orientation, Display Style and Scale.

This video shows how to add Dimensions and Notes to Drawings and how to change Units. Centrelines and Centremarks are introduced and it is shown how to adjust the Title Block and Sheet Format, and how to add new Sheets. More details are also given about Drawing Files and exporting Drawings, as well as how Parts, Assemblies and Drawings are linked.

This video shows how to create Section, Detail, Model and Custom Views

This video shows how create Exploded Views and use these to add Bills of Material (BOMs) to Drawings. It also shows how to adjust how Configurations are displayed in BOMs.

This video recaps the Box Drawer section, and covers:

• Adding Configurations

• Adjusting Configurations

• Using Configurations in Assemblies

• Creating Drawings

• Adding Views

• Standard 3 View

• Dimensions and Annotations

• Display Styles

• Changing Scale

• Editing Sheet Format

• Drawing File Details

• Adding Sheets

• Section View

• Detail View

• Custom Views

• Exploded View

• Bill of Material

• Balloons

• Configuration Names

• Exporting Drawings