Like the other browser-based modeling tools available through the SOLIDWORKS xDesign bundle, the xDesign app enables users to design and collaborate with their team anywhere and anytime. Whether you have been modeling for years or are new to 3D CAD environments, xDesign provides intuitive tools to help your designs come to life. This is part two of our six-part series to walk you through the fundamentals of using xDesign to create parts, assemblies, and drawings using the powerful cloud-based interface. Part one of the SOLIDWORKS xDesign Beginner Guide saw us learn all about the user interface of the cloud-based modeling apps. In part two of our SOLIDWORKS xDesign Beginner Guide, we’ll deep dive into the 2D sketching tools and see how familiar xDesign will feel to even the most veteran SOLIDWORKS user.
Mastering the essentials of 2D sketching is paramount to ensure you are getting the most out of the cloud-based modeling apps. Without locking down the basics, you are destined to work inefficiently and waste time you could otherwise spend producing models and documentation. Keep reading to learn the fundamentals of working with 2D sketches and to see how quickly you can get started with xDesign.
Types of Features in xDesign
Like many other parametric modeling tools, the features in xDesign are broken into two major types: Sketch Features and Applied Features. Applied Features are something that can just be added to the model without an underlying sketch, such as applying a chamfer or a fillet to an edge. Sketch Features require a 2D sketch to create, such as an extrusion or sweep. Later parts of our SOLIDWORKS xDesign Beginner Guide talk deeper about Applied Features, so let’s dig into the essentials of 2D sketching we need to model on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
Adding Parameters
The first of the essentials of 2D sketching with xDesign is adding parameters to your sketches. We can create 2D sketches inside of xDesign by choosing a plane or flat surface and using the flyout menu to “Create New Sketch”. The icon for this is the same as the one in SOLIDWORKS so you should feel right at home. Once we are in a 2D sketch, we can choose what type of line we want to create and get to sketching. Dimensions can be added directly as we start adding geometry by typing in a number or we can go back and add Sketch Dimensions to our geometry later. Just like in SOLIDWORKS, items that are under-defined are shown as blue, whereas items that have all degrees of freedom taken away are black, so pay attention to make sure you’re fully defining your sketches.
Fully defined xDesign sketch
Defining Sketch Relations
Fully defining sketches can be done in two different ways: either by dimensions as mentioned above or with sketch relations. Sketch relations create geometric relationships for our sketched lines. Examples of sketch relations are parallel, perpendicular, and coincident much like typical mates in an assembly.
xDesign sketch with dimensions and relations
xDesign will try to intuitively add certain sketch relations for you automatically. For example, drawing a straight line up, down, left, or right from the origin will create a virtual or horizontal relation on the line. You can also manually add relations when creating a line based on where you click your mouse. If you select the line command and then hover over another line’s midpoint, you will see a pink square which means xDesign will automatically add a midpoint relation for you. You can add relations after creating lines in a few ways as well. One is by dragging and dropping endpoints while another is using the control key and selecting both items you want to add the relation to. Understanding how to add relations to your 2D sketches can help you lock down the design intent and understand the state of your sketches.
Shortcut Keys
If you are anything like me, I love using my keyboard for everything when I am modeling. The more hot keys I have memorized, the faster I feel like I can model. xDesign brings that mentality over with many different shortcuts to use. Some shortcuts to become familiar with are the L key which will start the line command, the D key starting the dimension tool, the R key selects the rectangle tool, and Control + S will save. Another quick tip is using the A key to cycle through different types of “pencils”, like switching a standard rectangle to a center rectangle. Finally, if you hover over a feature on the Features tab of the Action Bar, it will tell you if it has a shortcut key!
Hovering over a command to show the shortcut
Other Essentials of 2D Sketching
The two final tips to help master the essentials of 2D sketching are learning the display options in xDesign and creating reference datums. Depending on what we are doing with our model, we may have to change the way our view looks. In any of the xApps, we have a View tab on the Action Bar that allows us to manipulate several different display options.
One of the options turns on touch mode if we are using the app on a device like a tablet or other touch-enabled devices. This option changes the icon size and locations to make navigating your features easier when not on a traditional computer. Another area where we can change our display options is in the View Mode. This is where change our model’s display to objects and toggle modes like Hidden Lines, Hidden Lines removed, Wire Frame, and more. The visibility of other objects in our models, like points, axes, and planes can also be toggled here. Make sure to keep an eye on these settings to make sure you are displaying what you need.
View Mode command on the Action Bar
When modeling parts and assemblies, sometimes we need to create reference geometry. There are plenty of reasons you might have to create a reference plane during the design process. You may need to create a sketch on an angle or use a reference datum that will be used later as a mating plane in an assembly. Whatever the need, we can do it in xDesign.
To create a reference plane in xDesign, go to the Features tab of the Action Bar and select the Plane command. You can then choose what references you need to create this reference plane. Depending on your selections, it will give you many options to choose from to create the plane. For example, if you choose two perpendicular planes, xDesign will assume you want to make a plane rotated 45 degrees through the center of the selections. Just like in SOLIDWORKS the amount, location, and type of references you choose will give you options to make whatever type of plane you need.
Creating a 45 degree reference plane
xDesign is a powerful browser-based CAD system that will help you get your designs to market. Like most tools, the most important starting point is learning how to navigate and customize your user interface. We hope this guide has provided you with the foundational knowledge and inspiration to explore further and innovate within the versatile world of 3DEXPERIENCE. Be sure to tune in for part three of our SOLIDWORKS xDesign Beginner Guide to learn how to create a simple part in xDesign.
To learn about other powerful uses for the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, read our other articles here.
