SolidWorks 2012 Essential Training with Gabriel Corbett

In this course, author Gabriel Corbett shows how to create manufacturing-ready parts and assemblies in SolidWorks 2012. Beginning with simple 2D sketching and the software’s sketch-editing tools, the course provides step-by-step instruction on building 3D geometry from 2D sketches. The course covers creating complex 3D objects with the Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, and Loft tools and shows building complex assemblies by mating individual parts together into robust assemblies and structures.

The course shows how to cut and revolve holes into parts and use the Hole Wizard tool to generate industry standard holes like counter bores, counter sinks, and taps. Best practice for designing parts is emphasized throughout the course as well as methods for creating parts faster and easier using equations, mirroring, and patterning tools. The course wraps up with generating manufacturing-ready drawings complete with an itemized Bill of Materials. As a bonus feature, Gabriel shows how to photo render a final design. Exercise files are included with the course. Topics include:

Starting a new sketch
Adding and removing relationships
Dimensioning a sketch for specific size attributes
Setting system options, units, and templates
Drawing polygons
Drawing circles, arcs, and splines
Creating offset geometry
Moving, copying, and rotating elements
Working with planes, axes, and the coordinate system
Using Revolve and Loft to create 3D objects
Trimming with the Revolve, Loft, and Sweep cuts
Creating smooth and angled corners with fillets and chamfers
Designing with sketch blocks
Working with subassemblies
Creating threaded parts
Integrating Excel to manage design tables
Adding dimension notations to a drawing
Rendering an image of a part or assembly