New tols for CAD system in latest Service Pack

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 21, 2001

SolidWorks has introduced its 2001 Super Service Pack, a software upgrade package that streamlines the design process in conjunction with SolidWorks software.

SolidWorks has introduced its 2001 Super Service Pack, a software upgrade package that streamlines the design process in conjunction with SolidWorks software.

The Super Service Pack includes new tools such as Smart Fasteners (automated inclusion of fasteners such as nuts and bolts), break-out section views, cam follower mate functionality (moving parts that create motion within a mechanical assembly), and Pro/E file export capabilities.

These capabilities let users reduce design time and costly production errors and accelerate product to market.

The SolidWorks 2001 Super Service Pack incorporates several key enhancements including: *Smart Fasteners - enable engineers and designers to automatically insert, orient, and size a series of bolts, screws, washers, or nuts correctly into holes located in a 3D model with just one command.

If the holes change size during design review, SolidWorks immediately notifies users of this change.

Smart Fasteners enable users to save time and money by eliminating the need to look up standards in engineering manuals and find and place parts in the 3D model.

Smart Fasteners operate in conjunction with the SolidWorks Toolbox application.

*Breakout section view - allows users to cut away specific sections of a model to expose hidden components and features.

Breakout section views help engineers view, document, and understand how a model's components fit together.

*Cam follower mate - lets engineers and designers quickly and easily mate cams (variously shaped moving parts whose rotation causes motion within a machine) to other parts within a mechanical assembly.

Engineers can also use this function to visualize the motion of the cam and its follower parts (parts that when mated with cams, rotate with the cam's movement and cause motion).

This view allows engineers to see how moving parts within a model will work together and how one component's action affects others.

*Pro/E File Export - enables SolidWorks users to save all parts and assemblies in the Pro/E file format.

This eases the design collaboration and communication process between companies using different CAD software tools, and simplifies the transition process for those users converting from Pro/E to SolidWorks software.

"We are constantly striving to improve the overall design and engineering process for our customers by adding new features and functionality to SolidWorks software," said Dave Corcoran, executive vice president of research and development for SolidWorks Corporation.

"Instead of saving our innovations for major software releases, we provide new tools to our subscription service customers as soon as we integrate them into SolidWorks.

This Super Service Pack lets engineers get their jobs done and get products to market faster and more efficiently than before.".