Basic Solidworks Part

When I first started learning about 3D modeling software and Solidworks, it seemed very difficult to get the hang of. If you are like me and looking for a simple way to learn the basics of Solidworks, this is the instructable for you. This demonstration will teach you basic sketch commands, extruding commands, and cuts, while also learning core concepts of 3D modeling such as dimensioning. This demonstration is a great way to learn the basics to open up opportunities to expand your learning in the future. This instructable is meant for beginners to 3D modeling with the hope that it will spark your interest. The lesson consists of four main sections, with substeps listed under each section. Make sure to follow along in order to maintain the best end product.

Contexts: Automation, Computation, Artificial Intelligence, and Communication

Practices: Making and Doing, Communication, Systems Thinking

Standards: Applying, Maintaining, and Assessing Technological Products and Systems, Design in TDE, and Integration of Knowledge, Technology, and Practices.

Learning Objectives

1. Students will be able to understand the basic functions of Solidworks.
2. Students will be able to perform the basic functions of Solidworks.
3. Students will be able to apply basic vocabulary about Solidworks and 3D modeling.

Target audience

1. Middle School or High School students or working professionals looking to get into Solidworks

The materials you need to complete this instructable:

• A laptop or desktop computer - if provided by the school, use a school-issued computer
• A mouse (especially if using a laptop)
• Solidworks (version doesn't matter, whichever one you are able to download. If using in school, whatever version is provided by the school)
• Internet Connection

1. Students should open Solidworks (current edition - whatever is provided) on a personal computer, if applicable, or computers in METRC.
2. For this tutorial, students can use the default document settings for mass and units, as it should be set to inches by default. In other projects, different materials and units may be required for accurate measurements. For more information on changing these document properties refer to this tutorial: 03 System Options, Document Properties, and Templates.
3. Once Solidworks is open, student should open the Sketch tab and select the “Sketch” command.
4. When the “Sketch” command is selected, a graphic of the different profile planes appears on the screen. Students should select “Top Plane” to begin a new sketch from the top view. At this point, students can choose one of the following two methods to create your sketch:

1. Starting at the origin point, students should select the line tool from the Sketch tab and draw a horizontal line. 
2. From one of the endpoints of that line, draw a vertical line using the line tool.
3. Once the two lines are drawn, students should select the “Smart Dimension” tool, located to the right of the Sketch command button. 
4. Once the tool is enabled, students should select the horizontal line and a length dimension will appear.
5. When the Modify dialog box appears, students can change the dimension value to 6” and press enter.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 for the Vertical line.
7. Once the two lines are set to 6”, students can draw the other two lines following the smart guides that appear to form a square.
8. Make sure the figure is Fully Defined by checking that each line is black before continuing.

1. Using the corner rectangle tool from the Sketch tab (default rectangle sketch setting), students should start at the origin point and drag outwards to create a rectangle.
2. Once the rectangle has been sketched, the Rectangle dialog box should appear on the left side of the screen. Under the Parameters section, students should change each of the previously defined parameters to 6”.
3. If the Rectangle is not fully defined, students can use the Smart Dimension tool to dimension the undefined sides.

1. Once your 6” x 6” square is sketched, select “Exit Sketch” from the Sketch tab.
2. After exiting the Sketch command, students should switch to the “Features” tab.
3. In the Features tab, students should select the “Extrude Boss/Base” tool.
4. Students should select one of the sides of their square to open the Boss-Extrude dialog box.
5. The settings in the Boss-Extrude dialog box should be set to:
6. From: Sketch Plane
7. Direction 1: Blind
8. D1: 6 inches
9. After the settings are set as mentioned above, students should hit the checkmark in the top left corner of the dialog box to create their cube.

1. After the square has been extruded into a cube, students should move back to the Sketch tab and select the “Sketch” tool.
2. Students should select the front-facing side of the cube as the Sketch plane.
3. Select the Circle Tool from the Sketch tab.
4. Starting at the center point of the square, students should drag outward from the midpoint to create a circle with a radius of 2. (Ensure the radius is equal to 2 by entering 2 in the radius parameter under the parameters section of the Circle dialog box that appears once the circle is drawn.)
5. Use the Smart Dimension tool to define the radius/diameter of the circle, ensuring the student’s circle is fully defined. 
6. If the student’s sketch is still not fully defined after dimensioning, right click on your sketch and choose “Fully Define Sketch” from the pop-up menu. When the Fully Define Dialog box appears, students should make sure both boxes are checked and hit calculate and the check mark to fully define the sketch.
7. After the circle sketch is fully defined, students should switch back to the Features tab and select the “Extrude Cut” tool.
8. When the Cut-Extrude dialog box opens, students should change the settings as needed to say (also pictured below):
9. From: Sketch Plane
10. Direction 1: Open the Drop-down menu and select “Through All”
11. After ensuring the dimensions are set correctly, students can hit the Check Mark, and the circle should be cut through the cube. 

1. Once the student’s part looks like the one above, students should open the Evaluate tab.
2. Once in the Evaluate tab, students should select the Mass Properties tool
3. The part’s mass properties should be equal to:
4. Density: 0.036 pounds per cubic inch
5. Mass: 5.080 pounds
6. Volume: 140.602 cubic inches
7. Surface area: 266.265 square inches

If the mass properties are not exactly the same, it is likely due to a difference in document settings. In this case, it is okay, but in future modeling, students should ensure that their units and document setup meet the criteria of the modeling project.

Thank you for following this instructable on using the basics of Solidworks and 3D modeling to create a cube with a circle cut through. I hope that this inspires you to continue learning and developing your 3D modeling skills.

For more information or additional help resources, refer to the training modules provided by the Solidworks website.