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Modeling steps, checklist

Modeling steps, checklist

Modeling steps, checklist

(OP)
Has anyone created a form that describes standard steps from beginning to end how your product is created within SolidWorks?
I need to create a form, but I'm looking for ideas from others.
It will be in Excel and a form with a checklist so similar products will follow the same steps.
If anyone here has such a form, would you be willing to share it?

Chris
SolidWorks 09 SP4.1
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

Sorry Chris, I'm not sure what you are after.

Are you looking for a full Flow Management chart/list for creating a complete product, or a solid model part/sub-assy?

Or just steps like;
Open New Part
Create 2D sketch of base feature
Extrude/Revolve
Etc

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

I made one a few years back, but do not have a copy now.  It defined that all isometric explosions are "pointing" left, and models should be completed with this orientation in mind.  It had a short introductory paragraph about how you need to think about the part's function before setting out to model it.

If it is a part that might control width then it would be better to place the starting sketches on the L/R planes and do a mid-extrude.

If the part controls height, the T/B mid-extrudes.

All cyclindrical parts should be sketch revolves with the origin being at a mating face.

All fillets should be added last.

Is this what you had in mind?

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies to make the best use of these Forums?

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

(OP)
I knew I wasn't clear when I hit 'post'.

If you have a certain product, what steps do you do in SolidWorks to create the product.
Not which commands, but do you create 'X' part first, make a mold from it, then the assy 'Y'?

It's a bit confusing to me, it's what the boss wants. ;)

Just curious if anyone created a form in the past that follows the steps for your product. Something that you can give to the next guy and he/she can follow the exact steps for the same product.

Chris
SolidWorks 09 SP4.1
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

Oh, so you're talking workflow more than anything?  Never seen anything like that.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies to make the best use of these Forums?

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

This is extremely complex and very specific to each specific part.  If you asking about general philosophies, there are several, and no "one-size-fits-all" solutions.  Top-down, bottom-up, skeleton, horizontal, function driven, etc are basic names given to general concepts.

I would start with asking about your documentation needs.  What kind of product?  What kind of PDM do you use (if any).  How many SolidWorks users in your operation?  Will the files be shared with others up and/or down your supply chain?  How much of your data do you want to share? etc etc etc

Matt Lorono
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources & SolidWorks Legion

&

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

I have to agree with Matt, there are just too many variables in methods, let alone types of products to create a generic one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one company, may not be at all suitable for another.

Best you can do is just pick one of your company's standard products, and create the documentation for it. Then try to adapt that for other products.

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

ctopher,

   A list of procedures is how you train a semi-literate teenager to make Big Macs.  You might succeed in training the teenager to generate a SolidWorks model that can be used, but it will be a grossly low performance process.  

   Is your boss being reasonable?

               JHG

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

(OP)
I agree...I know there are too many variables.
I'm basically looking for a form example that someone may have developed for their own use. Something to give me a start.

Chris
SolidWorks 09 SP4.1
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

I've set up general advice for modelling, like making the most effective use of features (to make a ball, use revolve extrude instead of making a cube and then applying max radius).  For assmemblies, avoid circular mates, don't fully constrain screws, etc.  My document is a few pages long with general modelling advice....but it is not a road map or workflow.

Matt Lorono
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources & SolidWorks Legion

&

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

(OP)
Thanks Matt.
The 'road map' or 'workflow' is more what I'm looking for.

Not sure why this is needed, but it's needed.

I'll make up something and turn it in. I may be lucky.

Chris
SolidWorks 09 SP4.1
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

Are you looking for something like this?

Quote:

    New Product Tasks
1    Obtain requirements from PO and supporting documentation
2    Perform R and D to demonstrate feasability
3    Conceptual Design Device to meet Requirements
       Generate Prototype drawings and parts list
       Generate Specifications and test outline
4    Detailed Design Device to meet Requirements
       Generate production drawings and parts list
5    Order and receive Parts
6    Fabricate and surface-finish machined parts
7    Build subassemblies
8    Test subassemblies
9    Build whole assembly
10    Functional Test assembly
11    Peformance Test assembly
12    Evaulate Test data
13    Create Documentation package including manual
14    Package Instrument plus Documentation manual and fill out shipping check list
15    Ship

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

(OP)
CBL,
Yes, thank you.
But, with some SolidWorks steps thrown in.
Your list will get me started, I need to come up with a form.

Chris
SolidWorks 09 SP4.1
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

Ah, that's more like Product Development processes.  I personally would not mix this with SolidWorks steps, as one is a systems process an the other is the use of an authoring tool.

Matt Lorono
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources & SolidWorks Legion

&

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

(OP)
I agree Matt.
But, the boss wants the SW steps part of it.

He's the boss...

Chris
SolidWorks 09 SP4.1
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

ctopher,

   Somewhere in Eng-Tips, there is a rant, possibly by MikeHalloran, to the effect that a good design procedure is to hire a qualified engineer/designer, and tell them to design the thing.  

   I can't find it.  Perhaps someone else remembers it.

   This may be bad politics.   

               JHG

RE: Modeling steps, checklist

Your low-paid young replacement will greatly appreciate having detailed procedures to follow.

If you don't believe that's what is happening, start working on a checklist/procedure for what your boss is doing, based solely on his behavior as you observe it, not what he says.

 

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

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