Datasheet

35
Chapter 1: Introducing SolidWorks
FIGURE 1.34
Creating an angle dimension
FIGURE 1.35
Using arrows or scroll wheel to change dimension values
Summary
While product development is about design, it is even more about change. You design something once,
but you may modify it endlessly (or it may seem that way sometimes). Similarly, SolidWorks is about
design, but it really enables change. Think of SolidWorks as virtual prototyping software that enables
you to change your prototype rather than having to make a new one. Virtual prototypes will never
completely replace physical models, but they may reduce your dependence on them to some extent.
SolidWorks is also about reusing data. Associativity enables you to model a part once and use it for
Finite Element Analysis (FEA), creating 2D drawings, building assemblies, creating photorealistic ren-
derings, and so on. When you make changes to the model, your drawing is automatically updated, and
you don’t have to reapply FEA materials and conditions or redo the rendering setup. Associativity
saves you time by reusing your data. Associativity and change driven by feature-based and history-
based modeling can take some getting used to if you have had limited exposure to it, but with some
practice it becomes intuitive, and you will see the many benefits for enabling change. Parametric
sketching and feature creation help you to maintain Design Intent as well as adjust it as necessary.
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