Understanding Feature-Based Modeling

You need to be familiar with some terminology before diving into building models with SolidWorks. Notice that I talk about “modeling” rather than “drawing,” or even “design.” This is because SolidWorks is virtual prototyping software. Whether you are building an assembly line for automotive parts or designing decorative perfume bottles, SolidWorks can help you visualize your geometrical production data in the most realistic way possible without actually having it in your hand. This is more akin to making a physical model in the shop than drawing on paper. “Feature-based” modeling means that you build the model by incrementally identifying functional shapes and applying processes to create the shapes. For example, you can create a simple box by using the Extrude process, and you can create a sphere using the Revolve process. However, you can make a cylinder using either process, by revolving a rectangle or extruding a circle. You start by visualizing the 3D shape, and then apply a 3D process to a 2D sketch to create that shape. This concept on its own is half of what you need to know to create models with SolidWorks. Figure 1.15 shows images of simple feature types along with the 2D sketches from which they were created. 

SolidWorks® 2010 Bible

Matt Lombard 

Read more........

Share :