Datasheet

Part I: Introducing SolidWorks Basics

One of the most common questions new users ask is how they can change the default so that new

documents come up with a certain type of units every time. Units in new documents are set within

the templates. To create a part with inch units, use a template with inch units. You can have as many

templates as you want, and can have a different template for each type of units you might use.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and ANSI (American National Standards

Institute) standards use different methods of projecting views, and these standards are controlled by

templates. ISO is typically a European standard and uses First Angle Projection, while ANSI is an

American standard and uses Third Angle Projection. The standard projection used throughout this

book is Third Angle.

The difference between Third and First angle projections can cause parts to be manufactured incor-

rectly if those reading the prints (or making the prints) do not catch the difference or see that there is

some discrepancy. Figure 1.7 demonstrates the difference between the two projection types. Make

sure to get the option correct. If someone else, such as a computer specialist who is not familiar with

mechanical drafting standards, initially sets up SolidWorks on your computer, you will want to verify

that the default templates use the correct standards, units, and projection method.

FIGURE 1.7

Differences between First (left) and Third (right) angle projections

First angle projection Third angle projection

Another setting affecting projections that you will want to check can be accessed by choosing

Tools ➪ Options ➪ Display/Selection ➪ Projection type for four-view viewport. This does not follow

the dimensioning standard selected for the default templates or the country in which the software is

installed.

Exploring SolidWorks documentation

Several types of documentation are available to help SolidWorks learners along their path. A great

place to start is the SolidWorks Resources tab in the Task Pane (on the right side of the screen). This

is the first tab in the list and has the Home icon. The Getting Started option in the SolidWorks

Resources tab is shown in Figure 1.8.

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