Most people are well aware of SolidWorks up front capabilities, i.e. creating 3D models. However, there are nuggets within the basic package of SolidWorks that some are aware of. Things like SimulationXpress, FloXpress or DriveWorksXpress. You can find these tools under, strangely enough, the ‘Tools’ drop down or on the ‘Evaluate’ tab on your Command Manager.
All of the ‘Xpress’ tools are scaled down versions of the actual versions and, with the exception of DriveWorksXpress, are only for analyzing parts. What they do provide, though, is a great first-pass test of your designs. While the results shouldn’t be used exclusively to determine a part’s final version, you’ll at least be able to know that you’re headed in the right direction.
In addition to the ‘Xpress’ tools, the Evaluate tab also has in it:
- Measure Tool – Just what it sounds like; it measures stuff.
- Mass Properties – Need to know the CG? Weight? Click this.
- Sensor Tool – You can use this tool to monitor weight or a particular dimension or simulation data.
- Statistics – Want to know how long it takes your model, or a feature within the model, to rebuild? This’ll tell ya.
- Check – Quick way to find geometry errors.
- Import Diagnostics – This will be greyed out unless you’re dealing with an imported part.
- Heal Edges – Merges short faces.
- Deviation Analysis – Calculate the angle between faces.
- Zebra Stripes – Graphically shows small changes in a face.
- Curvature – Color visual of the radius of curvature (great tool if you’re not colorblind…)
- Draft Analysis – Pretty self-explanatory.
- Undercut Analysis – See above.
- Parting Line Analysis – Ditto.
These are just some of the more not-so-hidden nuggets that are in SolidWorks. Often times, tools like these are stumbled upon as they aren’t generally taught (outside of the ‘Xpress’ tools) in any of the training courses. What tools have you stumbled across?
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