SolidWorks Training Course, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

SolidWorks Training: Comprehensive Project-Based Course Outline

This intensive, project-based SolidWorks training course is designed to equip you with a robust understanding of 3D CAD modeling, advanced design principles, engineering analysis, and specialized applications in Building Services. Through hands-on projects, you will gain practical skills essential for various engineering disciplines.

Module 1: SolidWorks Fundamentals & Basic Part Design

• Navigate the SolidWorks user interface effectively.
• Understand the fundamental concepts of parametric modeling.
• Create accurate 2D sketches using various tools and relations.
• Generate basic 3D features (extrude, cut, hole wizard).
• Apply basic material properties and appearances.

Topics:

1. Introduction to SolidWorks:
   • Understanding CAD, CAE, CAM.
   • SolidWorks Interface: Command Manager, FeatureManager Design Tree, Graphics Area, Status Bar.
   • Document Types: Part, Assembly, Drawing.
   • Mouse and Keyboard Controls for Navigation.
2. Sketching Fundamentals:
   • Sketch Planes and Origin.
   • Sketching Tools: Line, Circle, Rectangle, Arc, Spline, Polygon.
   • Adding Geometric Relations (Coincident, Parallel, Perpendicular, Tangent, Concentric, etc.).
   • Smart Dimensioning.
   • Fully Defining Sketches.
   • Trim and Extend Entities.
   • Convert Entities, Offset Entities.
3. Basic Part Features:
   • Extruded Boss/Base.
   • Extruded Cut.
   • Revolved Boss/Base.
   • Revolved Cut.
   • Fillets and Chamfers.
   • Hole Wizard (Simple, Tapped, Counterbore, Countersink).
   • Shell Feature.
   • Linear and Circular Patterns.
   • Mirror Feature.
4. Feature Editing and Management:
   • Editing Features and Sketches.
   • Rollback Bar.
   • Suppressing Features.
   • Understanding Feature Dependencies.
5. Basic Part Properties:
   • Applying Materials from the SolidWorks Database.
   • Checking Mass Properties (Mass, Volume, Center of Mass).
   • Applying Appearances and Scenes.

Hands-on Projects:

• Project 1.1: Simple Bracket: Design a basic L-bracket, including holes and fillets.
• Project 1.2: Custom Washer: Create a washer with specific inner and outer diameters, and thickness.
• Project 1.3: Revolving Door Handle: Design a door handle using revolve feature.
• Project 1.4: Lego Brick: Model a standard Lego brick, incorporating patterns and cuts.

Module 2: Intermediate Part Design & Advanced Features

• Master advanced sketching techniques.
• Utilize complex 3D features like Sweeps, Lofts, and Boundaries.
• Create and manage configurations for different design variations.
• Understand and apply design tables for automated variations.

Topics:

1. Advanced Sketching Techniques:
   • Spline Tools (Control Polygon, Style Spline).
   • Equation-Driven Curves.
   • Text on Path.
   • Sketch Blocks.
2. Advanced Part Features:
   • Swept Boss/Base and Swept Cut (Profile and Path).
   • Lofted Boss/Base and Lofted Cut (Multiple Profiles).
   • Boundary Boss/Base.
   • Rib Feature.
   • Dome Feature.
   • Wrap Feature.
   • Draft Feature.
3. Reference Geometry:
   • Creating Planes, Axes, and Coordinate Systems.
   • Creating Points.
4. Configurations:
   • Creating Configurations manually.
   • Using Design Tables (Excel integration) for automated variations.
   • Suppressing features and changing dimensions/parameters per configuration.
5. Multi-body Parts:
   • Creating multiple solid bodies within a single part file.
   • Combine Feature (Add, Subtract, Common).
   • Split Feature.

Hands-on Projects:

• Project 2.1: Water Bottle: Design a water bottle using a combination of revolve and loft features. Create configurations for different bottle sizes.
• Project 2.2: Spring Coil: Model a spring using the helix and sweep features.
• Project 2.3: Ergonomic Mouse: Design an ergonomic mouse body using loft and boundary features.
• Project 2.4: Adjustable Clamp Jaw: Design a clamp jaw with configurations for different opening sizes controlled by a design table.

Module 3: Assembly Design & Management

• Assemble multiple parts into a functional assembly.
• Apply various types of mates (standard, advanced, mechanical).
• Create sub-assemblies for complex designs.
• Generate exploded views and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Understand top-down and bottom-up assembly design approaches.

Topics:

1. Introduction to Assemblies:
   • Inserting Components.
   • Fixing Components.
   • Moving and Rotating Components.
2. Standard Mates:
   • Coincident, Concentric, Parallel, Perpendicular, Tangent, Distance, Angle.
3. Advanced Mates:
   • Width, Path Mate, Linear/Linear Coupler, Symmetric.
4. Mechanical Mates:
   • Cam, Slot, Gear, Rack and Pinion, Screw, Universal Joint.
5. Sub-Assemblies:
   • Creating and managing sub-assemblies.
   • Inserting sub-assemblies into a main assembly.
6. Exploded Views:
   • Creating and animating exploded views.
   • Explode Lines.
7. Bill of Materials (BOM):
   • Generating BOMs in assemblies.
   • Customizing BOM templates.
   • Ballooning components.
8. Assembly Features:
   • Assembly-level features (cuts, holes).
   • Smart Fasteners.
9. Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Design:
   • Understanding the methodologies.
   • Creating in-context features (Top-Down).

Hands-on Projects:

• Project 3.1: Simple Vise Assembly: Assemble a basic vise with moving jaws, using standard and advanced mates.
• Project 3.2: Gearbox Assembly: Assemble a two-stage gearbox, demonstrating gear mates.
• Project 3.3: Desk Lamp: Assemble a multi-joint desk lamp, including an exploded view and BOM.
• Project 3.4: Engine Piston Assembly: Assemble a piston, connecting rod, and crankshaft, demonstrating mechanical mates for motion.

Module 4: 2D Working Drawings & Detailing

• Create professional 2D engineering drawings from 3D models.
• Generate standard orthographic, isometric, and section views.
• Apply accurate dimensions and annotations.
• Understand and apply basic Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Create drawing templates and title blocks.

Topics:

1. Introduction to Drawings:
   • Drawing Templates and Sheet Formats.
   • Inserting Model Views (Standard 3 View, Projected, Isometric).
2. Drawing Views:
   • Section Views (Full, Half, Aligned).
   • Detail Views.
   • Broken-out Section Views.
   • Auxiliary Views.
   • Crop Views.
3. Dimensioning:
   • Smart Dimensioning in Drawings.
   • Ordinate Dimensioning.
   • Baseline Dimensioning.
   • Adding Tolerances (General, Limit, Symmetric).
4. Annotations:
   • Notes, Balloons, Surface Finish Symbols.
   • Weld Symbols.
   • Hole Callouts.
   • Center Marks, Centerlines.
   • Revision Clouds and Tables.
5. Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) Basics:
   • Understanding GD&T Symbols (Flatness, Perpendicularity, Position, etc.).
   • Feature Control Frames.
   • Datums.
6. Sheet Format and Title Block:
   • Editing and customizing sheet formats.
   • Linking properties to the title block.
7. Printing and Exporting Drawings:
   • Printing to scale.
   • Exporting to PDF, DWG/DXF.

Hands-on Projects:

• Project 4.1: Part Drawing: Create a detailed 2D drawing of a complex part from Module 2, including all necessary views, dimensions, and annotations.
• Project 4.2: Assembly Drawing: Generate an assembly drawing with an exploded view, BOM, and ballooning for a project from Module 3.
• Project 4.3: GD&T Application: Create a drawing for a precision machined part, applying basic GD&T symbols and feature control frames.
• Project 4.4: Custom Template: Design a personalized drawing template with your company logo and custom properties in the title block.

Module 5: Advanced Modeling & Specialized Environments

• Explore advanced modeling techniques like surfacing.
• Understand the basics of Sheet Metal design.
• Learn about Weldment structures.
• Utilize the SolidWorks Toolbox for standard components.

Topics:

1. Introduction to Surfacing:
   • Surface Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, Loft.
   • Boundary Surface.
   • Filled Surface.
   • Trim Surface, Untrim Surface.
   • Knit Surface, Thicken Feature.
   • Repairing Surfaces.
2. Sheet Metal Design Basics:
   • Base Flange, Edge Flange, Miter Flange.
   • Hem, Jog, Lofted Bend.
   • Forming Tools.
   • Flattening Sheet Metal Parts.
3. Weldments Basics:
   • Creating Structural Members from Sketches.
   • Trim/Extend.
   • Gussets and End Caps.
   • Cut List Properties.
4. SolidWorks Toolbox:
   • Inserting standard fasteners and components.
   • Customizing Toolbox settings.

Hands-on Projects:

• Project 5.1: Car Bumper (Surfacing): Model a car bumper using advanced surfacing techniques to achieve complex curvature.
• Project 5.2: Sheet Metal Enclosure: Design a sheet metal enclosure for an electronic device, including bends, cuts, and a flattened pattern.
• Project 5.3: Simple Steel Frame (Weldments): Create a basic steel frame structure using the weldments feature, including corner treatments and gussets.
• Project 5.4: Custom Toolbox Component: Add a custom fastener or component to your SolidWorks Toolbox.

Module 6: Design Analysis & Simulation (SolidWorks Simulation)

• Understand the fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Perform static stress analysis on parts and assemblies.
• Conduct basic motion studies.
• Explore fundamental concepts of Fluid Flow (CFD) and Thermal Analysis.
• Interpret simulation results and generate reports.

Topics:

1. Introduction to SolidWorks Simulation:
   • FEA Concepts: Meshing, Nodes, Elements.
   • Simulation Workflow: Pre-processing, Solving, Post-processing.
   • Simulation Study Types.
2. Static Stress Analysis:
   • Applying Fixtures (Fixed, Roller, Hinge, etc.).
   • Applying Loads (Force, Pressure, Torque, Gravity).
   • Material Properties for Simulation.
   • Meshing (Standard, Curvature-based, Mesh Control).
   • Running the Study.
   • Interpreting Results: Stress (Von Mises), Displacement, Strain, Factor of Safety.
   • Generating Reports.
3. Motion Study:
   • Adding Motors (Rotary, Linear).
   • Applying Gravity.
   • Contact between Components.
   • Calculating Motion and Viewing Results (Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration).
   • Exporting Animations.
4. Basic Concepts of Thermal Analysis (Introduction):
   • Understanding Heat Transfer Modes (Conduction, Convection, Radiation).
   • Applying Thermal Loads and Boundary Conditions.
   • Interpreting Temperature and Heat Flux Results.
5. Basic Concepts of Fluid Flow (CFD – Introduction):
   • Understanding Fluid Dynamics.
   • Defining Fluid Domains and Boundary Conditions.
   • Interpreting Pressure and Velocity Results (Qualitative).
6. Optimization Studies (Introduction):
   • Setting up Design Study goals and variables.
   • Running optimization.

Hands-on Projects:

• Project 6.1: Bracket Stress Analysis: Perform a static stress analysis on the bracket from Module 1, optimizing its design for reduced stress and weight.
• Project 6.2: Cantilever Beam Deflection: Analyze the deflection of a cantilever beam under various loads.
• Project 6.3: Cam and Follower Motion: Simulate the motion of a cam and follower mechanism, analyzing displacement and velocity.
• Project 6.4: Heat Sink Thermal Analysis (Conceptual): Set up a basic thermal analysis on a simple heat sink to understand temperature distribution.
• Project 6.5: Flow through a Pipe (Conceptual): Simulate fluid flow through a pipe bend to visualize pressure and velocity changes.

Module 7: 3D Machine Design & Prototype Design

 

• Apply SolidWorks skills to design functional machine components.
• Understand design principles for manufacturability (DFM).
• Develop a prototype design workflow.
• Integrate standard machine elements into designs.

Topics:

1. Principles of Machine Design in SolidWorks:
   • Designing for Functionality, Strength, and Durability.
   • Material Selection Considerations.
   • Tolerances and Fits for Assemblies.
2. Designing Common Machine Elements:
   • Shafts, Bearings (using Toolbox), Gears (manual modeling or Toolbox).
   • Couplings, Fasteners.
   • Cams, Levers.
3. Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Assembly (DFA):
   • Considerations for Machining, Casting, Welding, 3D Printing.
   • Minimizing part count, simplifying assembly.
4. Prototype Design Workflow:
   • From Concept Sketch to Detailed 3D Model.
   • Iterative Design Process.
   • Preparing models for 3D Printing (STL export, basic checks).
5. Reverse Engineering (Introduction):
   • Basic concepts of scanning and importing mesh data.
   • Converting mesh to solid (brief overview).

Hands-on Projects:

• Project 7.1: Simple Gear Pump Design: Design the casing and internal gears for a basic gear pump.
• Project 7.2: Conveyor Roller Assembly: Design a roller assembly for a conveyor belt, including shaft, bearings, and housing.
• Project 7.3: Custom Fixture Design: Design a fixture for holding a specific part during a manufacturing process.
• Project 7.4: 3D-Printable Toy Part: Design a small, interlocking toy part optimized for 3D printing, considering clearances and tolerances.

Module 8: Building Services Design & Analysis

• Apply SolidWorks for 3D layout and visualization of building services.
• Understand the principles and components of Fresh Water Supply systems.
• Design Soil/Waste Drainage layouts.
• Plan AC/Ventilation ducting and equipment layouts.
• Design Firefighting system layouts.
• Perform AC Load Estimation using relevant methodologies.

Topics:

1. Introduction to Building Services & SolidWorks Application:
   • Overview of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems.
   • Benefits of 3D modeling for clash detection and visualization.
   • Introduction to SolidWorks Routing (Piping and Tubing, Electrical Conduit/Cable Tray).
2. Fresh Water Supply Layout:
   • Components: Pipes, fittings (elbows, tees, reducers), valves, pumps, tanks.
   • SolidWorks Routing for pipe runs.
   • Schematic representation vs. 3D layout.
   • Basic sizing considerations (conceptual).
   • Pressure loss concepts (conceptual).
3. Soil/Waste Drainage Layout:
   • Components: Drainage pipes, traps, vents, cleanouts, manholes.
   • Gravity flow principles.
   • Slope requirements.
   • SolidWorks for visualizing drainage networks and clash detection.
4. AC/Ventilation Layout (HVAC):
   • Components: Air Handling Units (AHUs), Fan Coil Units (FCUs), ducts (rectangular, round), diffusers, grilles.
   • SolidWorks Routing for ductwork.
   • Airflow principles and duct sizing (conceptual).
   • Placement of HVAC equipment.
5. Firefighting System Layout:
   • Components: Sprinklers, pipes, valves, fire pumps, hydrants, fire hose reels.
   • Types of sprinkler systems.
   • SolidWorks for laying out sprinkler networks and pipe routing.
   • Basic code considerations (conceptual).
6. AC Load Estimation:
   • Fundamentals: Understanding heat gains (sensible, latent) from various sources (occupants, lighting, equipment, walls, windows, infiltration).
   • Methodologies: Manual calculation methods (e.g., using heat gain factors).
   • Software Application (Conceptual): Introduction to specialized software for load estimation (e.g., HAP, Elite RHVAC – Note: Actual software not included, focus on principles).
   • Calculating cooling capacity (BTU/hr, Tons of Refrigeration).
   • Selecting appropriate AC units based on load.
   • Project-based Calculation: Applying load estimation to a small building plan.

Hands-on Projects:

• Project 8.1: Residential Water Supply Layout: Model a fresh water supply system for a small house, including main lines, branches, and fixtures, using SolidWorks Routing.
• Project 8.2: Bathroom Drainage System: Design the soil and waste drainage layout for a bathroom, ensuring proper slopes and trap placement.
• Project 8.3: Office HVAC Ducting: Lay out a basic HVAC ducting system for a small office space, including an AHU, main ducts, and diffusers.
• Project 8.4: Fire Sprinkler System: Model a simple fire sprinkler system for a room, including pipe runs and sprinkler head placement.
• Project 8.5: AC Load Estimation for a Room: Given a room’s dimensions, orientation, occupancy, and equipment, calculate the sensible and latent heat gains and determine the required cooling capacity. (This will involve external calculations and then potentially modeling the chosen AC unit in SolidWorks).

Module 9: 2D Working Drawings for Building Services

• Generate professional 2D working drawings for building services layouts.
• Apply specific symbols and annotations for MEP drawings.
• Create detailed installation drawings.

Topics:

1. MEP Drawing Standards:
   • Understanding industry-specific symbols for plumbing, HVAC, and firefighting.
   • Layer management for clarity.
2. Generating 2D Views from 3D MEP Models:
   • Creating plan views, section views, and isometric views of service layouts.
   • Using hidden lines and line weights effectively.
3. Dimensioning and Annotation for MEP:
   • Dimensioning pipe and duct runs.
   • Annotating components (valves, diffusers, sprinklers).
   • Adding notes for installation instructions.
4. Creating Legends and Schedules:
   • Developing symbol legends.
   • Generating pipe schedules, duct schedules, and equipment schedules.
5. Plotting and Sharing MEP Drawings:
   • Preparing drawings for plotting.
   • Exporting to PDF for sharing with contractors and clients.

Hands-on Projects:

• Project 9.1: Water Supply Installation Drawing: Create a detailed 2D installation drawing for the fresh water supply system from Module 8, including dimensions, pipe sizes, and valve locations.
• Project 9.2: HVAC Ducting Shop Drawing: Generate a shop drawing for a section of the HVAC ducting, showing dimensions, connections, and material specifications.
• Project 9.3: Firefighting System Schematic: Create a simplified schematic diagram of the firefighting system, alongside a detailed plan view.

Module 10: Capstone Project & Portfolio Development

• Integrate all learned SolidWorks skills into a comprehensive design project.
• Apply design analysis and simulation where appropriate.
• Develop a professional portfolio of SolidWorks projects.
• Present and defend design choices.

Topics:

1. Project Planning & Scope Definition:
   • Breaking down a complex project into manageable tasks.
   • Setting design goals and constraints.
2. Integrated Design Process:
   • From conceptual design to detailed modeling.
   • Assembly, drawing, and simulation integration.
3. Design Review & Refinement:
   • Peer review and feedback incorporation.
   • Iterative improvements.
4. Portfolio Development:
   • Best practices for showcasing SolidWorks projects.
   • Creating high-quality renderings and animations.
   • Documenting design process and analysis results.
5. Presentation Skills:
   • Effectively communicating design intent and solutions.

Hands-on Capstone Project

Assessment

Prerequisites:

• Basic computer literacy.
• Familiarity with engineering drawing concepts is beneficial but not strictly required.

Software Used:

• SolidWorks (latest version recommended)
• Microsoft Excel (for Design Tables and AC Load Estimation calculations)