SolidWorks For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)) [Paperback]

Greg Jankowski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 26, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0764595555 | ISBN-13: 978-0764595554

SolidWorks 2006 is a solid modeling program that goes beyond 3D capabilities. Since its initial release over a decade ago, it has transformed the way its users create, express, and document a design. But with so many functions to remember, it can be hard to design an image exactly the way you want it to look.

SolidWorks 2006 For Dummies shows you how easy it is to create precision 3D drawings and utilize its other functions. This straightforward, plain-English guide provides all you need to know to take advantage of SolidWorks 2006’s cool functions and controls. You’ll discover how to:

• Create sound, robust 2D sketches
• Examine design intent
• Design and model a part and the virtual prototype
• Design drawings using basic controls
• Create drawings automatically
• Edit your design’s visual properties, dimensions, and features
• Maintain old drawing files
• Print and plot your designs
• Improve your project by working with others
• Extend and reuse your design information

The bonus CD-ROM features product demonstrations that show you how to use key parts of the program, examples of various add-on products that can help you get the most from SolidWorks, and case studies that show how other companies in different industries work with SolidWorks. Packed with tips and tricks on becoming more proficient with this program, as well as resources for further referencing and inspiration, SolidWorks 2006 For Dummies is the ultimate guide that will get you familiar with the program and start building!

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Get familiar with SolidWorks and begin building

See where to use 3D, capture design intent, and create drawings the easy way

SolidWorks 2006 is a program with a lot of depth, and we're talking about more than its cool 3D capabilities. Thank goodness for this plain-English guide! Here's where you find out how SolidWorks works, plan your design, and create parts and assemblies. Discover the secrets of automating drawings, tips for collaboration, and a whole lot more.

Discover how to

• Work with SolidWorks templates
• Capture and document design intent
• Create robust parts
• Reuse model dimensions and annotations
• Automate drawing creation
• Create virtual prototypes

About the Author

Greg Jankowski is the Customer Satisfaction Manager at SolidWorks Corporation. Greg is a veteran (translation—been doing this longer than he cares to admit) in the CAD industry with experience using SolidWorks, ProEngineer, and Computervision CAD systems in a variety of mechanical design and developmental positions. Greg was the Principal at CIMCo, a SolidWorks Solution Partner since SolidWorks 95.
Greg is the author of the book SolidWorks for AutoCAD Users and the e-book Exploring SolidWorks. In addition, he authored and developed the SolidWorks Workstation benchmark. Greg is also the author of the Cadalyst magazine column “Solid Thinking” and is a regular columnist in the SolidWorks Express newsletter.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies (August 26, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764595555
• ISBN-13: 978-0764595554
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #110,282 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Computers & Technology > Programming > Graphics & Multimedia > Solid Works
  • #72 in Books > Computers & Technology > Graphic Design > CAD

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good Sales tool for SW, poor book, November 30, 2005

By 

R. Halter (TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: SolidWorks For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)) (Paperback)

The book spends the first 52 out of 322 pages explaining to the reader how to establish and setup a SW session. It is not until page 81 that it addresses the Feature toolbar. There are a few areas in this book that provides sound engineering design principles for any user, using any 2D or 3D software package. The book is very disappointing with the lack of specific usefully information on using SW and sounds more like a marketing and sales pitch / tool for purchasing SW.

Chapter 10 informs the reader on 10 places to go, to learn SW. I wanted the book to do this!

The enclosed CD includes Case Studies, Customer testimonials and Sales and Marketing hoopla. The CD is totally worthless for someone who purchased the book to learn SW. If I wanted Sales literature, I would have obtained free literature through a VAR.

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Do not recommend, January 13, 2006

By 

A. Brayyen (Duluth, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: SolidWorks For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)) (Paperback)

I wanted a book that would provide a high level of overall understanding of SW quickly. I am new to SW. I've been teaching AutoCAD for over 4 years. I purchased this book with an understanding of the Dummy series. I was very disappointed with the lack of information for the new user. It seems that the book is targeted towards a user which has a basic understanding of the Software and that needs to understand the changes between the last version and now. I was not amused or informed.

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book if You Already Know SolidWorks, November 16, 2005

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: SolidWorks For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers)) (Paperback)

I have a project that I need to design. It's a simple assembly of a handful of pieces of sheetmetal combined with a few purchased components. It appears that SolidWorks would be a good software package to use in producing the drawings that I need. But I've never used it before so decided to start with this book to see if this was the software package I wanted to buy.

I think this book is aimed, not for the Dummy, but for someone who is already using the product. For instance in Chapter 1 he spends a couple of pages on What's New in SolidWorks 2006. Among the new things is 3D Annotations Views (ASME 14.41-2003). That's good (I guess), but pretty useless for us Dummies. In Chapter 2 he starts by describing eight different types of documents that SolidWorks uses. One of these is 'Macro.' I'm a long ways from needing macros.

In Chapter 3 he starts out saying to sketch out what you need first. Now I'm beginning to understand. But a little more tutorial on taking this sketch and putting it on screen would be good.

Conclusion. Good Book is you already know SolidWorks and want to move on to be a better designer. As for the software, it looks pretty complex to me.