How do you know???

[bloodclot]

When creating features in SW, there are many ways to achieve the same result with different modeling processes. My question is, how do you know if you are using the "correct" modeling methods to create your parts? Is the method you are using the fastest, most efficient, and most importantly the "correct" way of doing it. Example, many features that can be done with a revolve could also be done with a loft. If you choose loft, it may or may not have guide curves, etc. I know with some things it simply does not matter but I am just looking for your thoughts.

Also, when it comes time to start a new model do you use a "checklist" to help you create the design intent. Or maybe a "flowchart" that helps you to determine the best way to model the part? I would like to find something that will help us to standardize the design process across the department. I guess I'm looking for a chart, form, etc that some people may be currently using that they find useful for streamlining the design process.

Thanks,
Bloodclot

***** Fear not those who argue but those who dodge *****

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[MadMango]

How do you know? I would say trial and error. We all work with such diverse problems, I doubt there is a defacto guideline or rule set you can apply. What works for some will not work for others.

Try looking at Tools> Feature Statistics for parts you have modeled. Then try to remodel the same part, using different methods until you find a combination that yields the quickest times.

One rule we have where I work, the Z axis is the "top" of all parts, in relation to how they are added to the final assembly. The doesn't always work, as most parts are reused in different projects, the orientation changes.

Another is components that affect width or length of the final assembly, these are modeled with the default planes in the middle, and the whole is mid-plane extruded.

[green]"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."[/green]
Steven K. Roberts, Technomad
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[ctopher]

By experience. If you have training in SW, you are taught the basics. You get more efficient and learn the better ways of modeling. As you know there are a few ways to do each command.
It also depends on which profession you are in. Each discipline will model differently.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

 

[fcsuper]

Use the shortest most obvious methods first. Generally, this is the method with the fewest features. If those fail you in some way that cannot be worked around, then use more complex methods (more steps).

For example, you can make a part as a sphere by two methods:

1. A single Revolve feature with a half-circle sketch

2. Or, creating a cube and then filleting all edges with a radius equal to half the length of the cube.

Choice one is more stable and has the fewest number of features (1), and also involves a fewer number of defined sketch entities.

 

[Heckler]

I often model my parts how they're going to be manufactured. For example, a bicycle hub would have a revolved base feature since it would most likely be manufactured on a turning center of some sort. Depending on internal and external geometry complexity I would do that in one or two features.

As a rule of thumb I try to use as fewer feature as possible.

Best Regards,

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SW2005 SP 5.0 & Pro/E 2001
Dell Precision 370
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NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
o
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Never argue with an idiot. They'll bring you down to their level and beat you with experience every time.

 

[cadman1997]

bloodclot

Everyone has their own way of designing. You could give 10 Designers a project and you could get 10 different methods. The basics are generally the same but, some things will be different. You will learn different methods as you gain more and more experience.

Cheers,

Ralph Wright, CSWP
SolidWorks 2005, SP5.0
P4, 2.53Ghz
1.5 Gb RAM
ATI Fire GL8800 Card
Windows 2000 Pro

 

[TheTick]

Some of my rules...

Simpler is better...

...but don't be too lazy to do the right thing.

Think ahead to what might change.

Choose your references carefully.

Never use a loft when a sweep will do.

 

[bloodclot]

Tick - Why do you say "Never use a loft when a sweep will work"? Having reasons behind the thought is good info.

Thanks,
BC

***** Fear not those who argue but those who dodge *****

Dell Precision 670
3.0 Ghz Xeon Processor
Nvidia FX3450
3 gig of RAM
Dual 19" Viewsonics