Dimensions are used to define the geometry of sketches or some feature commands. The key purpose of dimensions within the modeling phase of a project is to fully define the part. Relations within the sketching phase do the same thing as dimensions without all the hassle of clicking each individual line. SolidWorks at times will include relations automatically if the sketch was done properly. Continue reading on for a How to on display and deleting these relations.

Creating sketches on an existing surface is as simple as a one-two click within the SolidWorks interface, but the team here at Perception Engineering sometimes needs to create sketches based off surfaces and in other cases sketches based off sketches. To do this the sketch commands Convert Entities and Offset Entities are used on a consistent basis. Continue reading to learn the commands Convert/Offset Entities within SolidWorks.

Sketches tend to move just enough to be irritating if not fully defined: features or even assemblies may change without the designer’s knowledge at times. The initial stages of a model derive off the sketch, so properly defining a sketch is important in the professional world of engineering.

The initial stages of creating sketches can be intimidating with all the tools SolidWorks throws at you. This blog will describe the basics and most important tools to create sketches to get the job done. Creating basic geometry and trimming excess lines will be the main focus.  Sketches are the base of every model for every model is created with some form of sketches. Properly laying out a sketch will allow for ease of manipulation later on if the model needs to be changed. Continue on if you would like to learn the basics to creating sketches.