7 Habits of Highly Effective SolidWorks Users
J. Pancoast
So, first up we’ll hear some talk about HABITS. *ShreeeK!* Don’t worry, these may actually be helpful.
Highlights:
Based on book by Steven Covey – 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
1. Be Proactive -Customized User Interface
Take control of how you interact with SolidWorks. What do you use most often?
- Use the ‘S’ key (Shortcut Bar to gather your favorite functions. Break your mold and try it out. (I totally agree) Turn off the Command manager. Hit ‘S’ and right click on the Shortcut Bar to Customize.
- If you use Command Manager, add custom tab via Tools, Options, Customize
Set up Hotkeys – recommended – Measure, dimension, view planes, most commonly used commands. - Try a 3D Mouse – Using Alternative Human Interface Devices to increase productivity
2. Begin with the end in mind – Implement Corporate Standards
Making sure there are conditions set for your company that uses SolidWorks functionality
- Focus on File Properties, Document Templates, File Locations, Configurations
- Save sheet formats to use on subsequent sheets and reload if formats update.
- Save Drafting Standards (SLDSTD) and apply document templates
- Set up common File Locations are on network drive so everyone can access them.
3. Take time to do the important stuff – Don’t Skimp on Hardware
Looking at Long-range planning
- Plan regular upgrades – workstation 2-3 yrs, Video Cards 1-2 yrs, Monitors 3-5 yrs, Network and Servers 3-5 yrs.
- Engineers should get special treatment – Firepower is cheaper than manpower.
- A good desktop system should last about 3 years.
- Laptops are good, more upgrade possibilities with workstation
- Video Cards – look at Best Cost-Benefit Ratio
- Monitors – Widescreen is a Must
4. Search for solutions that help solve problems – Buy and Use Partner Products
- Third-party software solve variety of engineering problems.
- Look at SolidWorks bundles to see if any software in those could help.
- Many Using API to integrate with SolidWorks
Hmmm. Looks like Jason lost a few people on this one.
5. Get Ideas out to Others – Capture and Communicate Design Intent
What’s important in communicating your design and how things are going to change? FeatureManager Usage, Editing, Design Intent Dividends, Animations and Rendering
- Use ‘name feature on creation’ – click feature hit F2 to go into rename mode.
- Use comments in features – right-click, add comment
- Use folders to organize FeatureManager
- Use automation via configurations – pays back on effort
- Use eDrawings to help collaborate
6. Synergize – Manage data and Collaborate
Working in a team environment with creative cooperation.
- PDM should be looked at as a freedom, not restriction
- Use Libraries of reusable data
- Link Features
- Reuse sketches as features
- Check out 3DContentCentral (261 companies)
7. Sharpen the Saw – Get Training
- Take time out and away
- Educate yourself
- Network with others
- Web-based training (solidProfessor, Igetit, Inspirtech)
- One-on-One can be most effective, but expensive
- Go to SolidWorks Users Groups
