SolidWorks 2010 Preview by Jeff Brausen
Here we go, it's September and I am reviewing all the great new functionality
SolidWorks 2010 offers. Below are several of my favorites but in general
SolidWorks 2010 appears to be yet another great release. From enhancing the most common tasks (Hole Wizard) to add new functionality (Mouse Gestures) SolidWorks once again is proving why it is the best 3D CAD software in the world.
Hole Wizard
Hole Wizard in 2010 is simpler and easier to use for less experienced users, which has been a challenging feature in the past. Previously, the user needed to pre-select the face before going into the Hole Wizard command because SolidWorks would automatically create a 3D sketch, which was not usually intended. Another confusing issue was the lack of horizontal or vertical relations. This can be very confusing for a new user or user with out 3D sketching experience. In 2010 there is no longer a need to "pre-select a face". Just go into the feature, select your size then SW2010 lets you chose a 2D sketch or 3D sketch.
For those of us that use a 3D sketch to create water line parts (holes that need to line up) or more complex hole features (on round surfaces), SW still provides an easy way to enter a 3D sketch. This feature, like most of the new enhancements, are to make things easier and simpler.
Mouse Gestures
When Shortcut Menus (the S key) were introduced a few years back, most of the Support Engineers here at Alignex wrinkled their nose a bit and wondered how useful they could be. Within a short time, we couldn't image a world without them. Shortcut keys allow the user to customize their environment to bring up their most used task items as quickly as possible. With SolidWorks 2010, Shortcuts have gotten even faster with Mouse Gestures.
Out of the box, SolidWorks 2010 offers 4 standard gestures for sketch, part, assembly and drawing (similar to the shortcut key). However you can add up to 8 gestures per environment, so all of your favorite tasks will be a right-mouse click away in no time.
Multibody Sheet Metal Parts
This is by far my favorite new enhancement to SolidWorks 2010. You can now create more then one sheet metal part with in one SolidWorks CAD file. SolidWorks treats Multiboby Sheet Metal Parts the same as Weldments, now. Using cut lists you may create a sheet metal part within another part, or create them on the fly. You get all the flat information needed for both drawings and DXF or DWG file creation. This feature further enhances the ability create a DXF or DWG right from the part itself without the need for the drawing. All you have to do is right click on the flat pattern and select "export to DXF / DWG". Once again SolidWorks gives you the right tools at the right time.
Sketching Enhancements:
Sketch Fillet, gets a complete makeover in SolidWorks 2010. First, you can now window select the edges, this makes for easier selection. Also included with this makeover is a preview feature with the ability to add dimensions for each fillet; providing for easier change and control.
Convert Entities
Convert Entities now includes a property manager. Everything is better with a property manager, and now Convert Entities has one. Just select on the tool and you will get prompted to select what to convert. In addition to a property manager you now have the ability to select the chain as well which makes the selection of edges even easier.
SolidWorks Installation:
Activation for SNL (SolidNetWork License Manger):
Many of our customers over the years struggle with upgrading their network installations. SolidWorks relies on the VAR (Value Added Reseller) for installation instructions and procedures. That might be why you are looking at this blog entry now. Later this Fall, after SolidWorks 2010 ships, Alignex will update our support documents with instructions for an upgrade process. http://www.alignex.com/mech/support-docs.aspx
In SolidWorks 2010 all SNL installations are now going to be activation based. There are some very good reasons of this; my favorite is the need for a dongle. Many of our customers, as they get into the cutting edge of technology, have been using virtual machines (not that these are cutting edge anymore) and the need for a dongle might have prohibited the use of VM for there license manager. Although this is "not supported" by SolidWorks many of our customers have been using VM for testing etc. Weather you use VM for your SNL or not, this will simplify your upgrade a bit.
No longer will you need to get a new license file. These needed be obtained either from the SolidWorks web page or thru your VAR. This is no longer the case. All you have to do is install the new license manager and the activation based serial number will look for your seat quantity and feature bundle and then adjust itself.
After purchasing a new seat, or upgrading a current one, all you will have to do is re-activated and SolidWorks will add the newly purchased or changed seat(s). Again, this will negate the need for a new license file as well as the need for Alignex as the intermediary.
Installation Tips:
1. Make sure you are using the whole serial number (24 digits).
2. Before moving your license server, be sure to transfer your license (accessed using the modify tab at the server administration).
3. If your server fails, you will need to contact your VAR to remove the activation, similar to activation issues with standalone installs.
SolidWorks RX:
SolidWorks RX is a common tool Application Engineers use for troubleshooting issues and systems. With the release of SolidWorks 2009, questions related to graphic card drivers was the #1 issue with users. Graphical issues, crashing etc, could all be linked to a non-current graphic card driver. SolidWorks RX now provides the option to just go get the approved driver. In previous version of RX you had a link to the supported graphic cards and drivers. In 2010, there is a "Go get it" button. This simplifies the need for searching for your card driver. Also, please see our tech document regarding re-installing graphic card drivers. http://www.alignex.com/mech/support-docs.aspx
Virtual Components:
New in 2010 there is an option to set the default for virtual components to be external. SolidWorks introduced internal components in 2008. While this was a great idea, it was not optional. Users were forced to use them. Options are always a good thing. So now, in SolidWorks 2010 you can default Virtual Component files to be external.
Let's review what virtual components do. Virtual Components allowed the user to create an assembly that does not have external files to manage. There are some benefits, not to have to manage files. A good example is an assembly that is still a concept, but falls thru. You don't have to go searching for external files in Windows Explorer to clean them up. Simply delete the assembly and you are all finished. Some draw backs were missing files, or trying to incorporate these into a data management tool, like Enterprise PDM or Workgroup PDM. In the case for Workgroup these are not supported.
SolidWorks 2010 gives YOU the option to start with a virtual or external file. Options with a CAD system are always a good thing.
Conclusion:
Overall, I have been excited to work with SolidWorks 2010 in its Beta form. As we move towards production, I look forward to taking advantage of all of the new enhancements and features SolidWorks has diligently added for the benefit of all users. Be sure to check out our SolidWorks 2010 Launch Events for Prospects and new users along with our SolidWorks 2010 What's New Events for customers throughout the upper Midwest this fall.