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What’s new in Solidworks 2020.

Dassault Systemes, Solidworks 2020 what are the key features, enhanced tools, how to streamline your workflow, new capabilities and core features that will boost your productivity.

October 31, 2019

Posted in

Blog, Design, Resources, Solidworks

Geometry-Based Boundary Conditions

Assign boundary conditions such as Injection Locations, Control Valves, and Mould Wall Temperatures directly on geometry entities. In addition to the mesh-based assignment of boundary conditions, you can assign boundary conditions directly on geometry. This will let you position Injection Locations or Control Valves more accurately and associate boundary conditions assignment directly to geometry when changes to the part geometry occur. The boundary conditions are directly saved to your .sldprt file.

Geometry based boundary conditions in Solidworks are going to significantly improve your workflow, help you make Solidworks Plastics 2020 analysis more accurate and more importantly save you time.

Searching For Materials

One other great feature of Solidworks 2020 is the ability to search for materials. This might be self-explanatory but it’s here so that you know it exists. This feature can save you a lot of time when trying to figure out the material you need from the Solidworks database.

Adding a Selection to a Selection Set

A new feature in Solidworks 2020 allows you to add to an existing selection set.

On your 3D model select multiple items in the FeatureManager design tree or graph area, right-click the selection and save selection. To add an item to a new set, New Selection Set – To add an item to an existing set Selection-set#(##) where # indicates the order of creation and ## indicates the number of items in the set. Clicking Selection Sets will show the selection set.

Adding Reference Axes and Reference Planes to Mesh Bodies

3D scanning and 3D printing technologies continue to be more accessible and affordable, design workflows can take advantage of 3D CAD software. Solidworks solutions allow you to create reference geometry based on this imported scanned data. Scanned geometry can be imported into Solidworks as a Mesh Body, the 3D model is broken down into triangular faces (one issue is that these triangular faces are planar, this poses a problem where non-planar geometry is represented incorrectly Rounded geometry, fillets, circular holes are going to be broken down to thousands of triangular faces. This greatly increased the file size and rebuild times due to the number of planar faces)

User Interface Markups

Solidworks 2020 features a new Markup functionality ability for non-touch devices to use your mouse for creating markups and markups for drawings. This was originally known as the “ink Markup toolbar” it has now been renamed as the “Markup toolbar” in Solidworks 2020. There are minor differences to the Markup toolbar depending on the type of device you are using.

Custom Scales for Drawing Sheets and Views

In SOLIDWORKS 2020 it’s possible to quickly define custom drawing scales AND save them for future use for quick access. This is a faster way of choosing your new sheet scale & setting them a default location.

Warning Users when transitioning Files

Displays a warning if you try to transition a file through a workflow transition without selecting a recipient. SOLIDWORKS workflows can be used to notify team members when a file changes state. This is particularly useful when you need a team member to review a file or engineering drawing and approve the design.

Simulation Evaluator

The purpose of this CAD software tool is to check the setup of a simulation study, prior to solving, to determine if the setup is correct for a successful simulation. Simulation Evaluator performs a number of system checks prior to running the study which aids the user in the successful setup of the study. It first checks conditions related to the results folder, including the storage capacity of the results-driven. This provides helpful information to the user of where the results are being saved and the disk space available. The next check that Simulation Evaluator performs is related to the materials used in the simulation. If any parts or bodies in the study have not been assigned a material, a warning message will appear alerting the user to this oversight. The last check that Simulation Evaluator performs is a comparison between the volume of the mesh and the volume of the CAD geometry. If there is a large difference between mesh and CAD volume this will get flagged and could be the result of a gap in the mesh. If there are any conditions in the study that would prevent a successful simulation run, the Simulation Evaluator dialog box provides information for corrective action.

Pattern and Mirror Support

In 2020, you can pattern the entire Structure System using a linear or circular or mirror patterns. You keep the intelligence integrity for all your members and any additional Structure Systems that are added while referencing the patterned members. When patterning bodies, this is not possible. After exiting the Structure System, the Corner Management tool determines the corners between the new members. This is based on the first Structure System and its patterned members, which then determines the proper Trim Tool Member and Trim order. You have the ability to create and modify structural members of different profiles in a single feature.

Body Compare

With SOLIDWORKS 2020, bodies can now be any type for body comparison not only solid bodies: classic BREP bodies, mesh BREP bodies, or graphics bodies. Classic BREP and mesh BREP can be solid or surface bodies. You can take your mesh data and compare it to your SOLIDWORKS 3D model. This is not a metrology application by any means, but you can scan your manufactured part and compare it to your design data.

Visualize

SOLIDWORKS Visualize now supports AxF™ measured materials. The .axf file format from X-Rite stores digital material representations, most notably measured materials, from their BTF scanning technology. To add .axf files to a project, drag from Windows Explorer into your scene, or add them from the pallet. You can now export *.gltf and *.glb file formats of your SOLIDWORKS Visualize project data for use in augmented and virtual reality viewers. SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2020 can now handle duplicate geometry, such as patterned components from SOLIDWORKS assemblies, more efficiently. Typically, for larger SOLIDWORKS assemblies, the use of duplicated geometry requires less GPU memory and reduces the likelihood of running out of GPU memory. However, appearance part-grouping mode does not support this functionality, so you’ll want to use the advanced mode when exporting to Visualize. Now, SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2020 supports full editing capabilities of vMaterials. You can adjust bump heights, texture scaling, colors, and even add additional textures for things like fingerprints or dust on glossy surfaces. The materials now accurately show up in preview modes when you want to quickly adjust textures without ray-tracing.

Flexible Components

Flexible components allow features, driven by external references, to update effortlessly as the externally referenced entities move within the assembly. Some practical applications include; springs, bellows, and hinges to name a few, as well as many impractical applications.To create a flexible component there must be a single degree of freedom that is not in-context of the component itself.

This guide will help you with solidworks, draftsight & every other solidworks product which is part of the dassault systèmes family of products. Solidworks is a design 3D CAD Software which enhances the 3dexperience traditional Computer-aided-design process. This 3dexperience platform will enable you with designing, testing, simulating & with product data management.

Learn more about new features on www.solidworks.com

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Geomiq. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world analytic products as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of any Geomiq Employee.

Automotive Manufacturing Technologies

Techniques used in the automotive sector are sophisticated and more engaging. There has been an improvement in the technology used over decades, such as automation of the manufacturing process. The application of new technologies has resulted in faster construction, reduction in cost, and improvement inefficiency.

October 22, 2019

Posted in

Blog, Design, Manufacturing, Technology

The automotive industry is an economic sector that involves designing, construction, supply, and trading of motor vehicles. It provides a mode of transportation in many countries like the use of commercial vehicles and collects huge revenue. The best and high automotive producer countries in the world enjoy a good income from this venture as compared to low-volume production or non-producing countries. Manufacturing is cost-effective and requires high levels of machinery. It is defined as the process of transforming raw material to construct motor vehicles and their construction parts.

Automotive companies

Automotive companies refer to groups or organizations that are involved in the automotive manufacturing sector. The creation of these companies can be described as progress for the companies to cope up with better advancements. There is a massive competition among the companies resulting in improvement in efficiency and the rise of new technologies to outdo each other. Better producers who come up with automobiles that are more advanced and more comfortable are going to compete better in business and make more sells. Besides producing the best automotive producers, the best companies entail the best framework to ensure they have the best marketing and even branding techniques an essential tool for marketing.

These companies have slogans to market their products and gain unique identification in the market. For instance, Volkswagen AG Company has a slogan that identifies its products. Volkswagen’s marque has helped the company to achieve the market globally. Some of these companies include ford that originated in the United States, Nissan, and Toyota that originated in Japan and the Jaguar Land Rover. These producers are known to be among the world’s best producers and remain relevant in the market. They always come up with new productions or make even better advancements in their creations.

Automotive manufacturing techniques

Injection Molding

Injection moulding is a process that is useful in the formation of parts of motor vehicles by inserting molten material into a cavity. The equipment takes shape, size, and configurations of the mold after cooling. The molten material is injected into metal cavities or steel depending on the preferences in the construction material of the parts. Currently, it’s applied in the construction of plastic parts of motor vehicles. This can be molded to any required shape as the shape depends on the shape and size of material you are going to pour the hot mold into.

3D Printing

3D printing is a technology that involves the use of 3D printers to apply layers to products. The process is computer-controlled. It has enabled the production of finished products with complex shapes and improved accuracy. The application of this technology in the manufacturing sector has led to the creation of digital models on finished products. Most of the automotive in recent times digitalized. This helps to make their operation less complicated, comfortable, and updated; hence, technology plays a part and is very helpful.

CNC Machining

Computer numerical control machining is a technology that uses computers to control machines such as drills and lathes automatically. It involves feeding a computer numerical control machine with coded information that it uses to execute its functions without being handled manually. CNC is an automated technology and has enabled faster production of products as compared to the non-computerized machining. A computer numerical control machine is a free tool that is controlled by a computer. CNC is cost-effective and more convenient. This technology has helped in the production of more beautiful and more precise productions as it is more accurate as compared to manual handling.

Sheet Metal Fabrication

This technology is automated and applied in car modification sustaining and satisfying customer needs. Sheet metal is used because of its plasticity and elasticity. Sheet metal fabrication is also involved in the construction of unibody parts, car restoration, and roll cage work, thus improving the performance and safety of these components. The best producers also focus on the best ways of improving safety, whereby sheet metal can also play a role.

New technology

Advancement in the use of computer systems in this industry has resulted in rising of better techniques in the manufacturing of motor vehicles. The transition from old technology to new technology has posed a lot of benefits. Some of the advantages include faster production of products; they are efficient, convenient, and allow customization of products according to specifications. The technologies that are advancing include:

Digital Manufacturing

Digital manufacturing is a computer-based technique of manufacturing products that are currently used. It has enabled engineers to establish convenient manufacturing techniques to improve the finished product. The producers can give accurate information on the production period, and even durability as this type of manufacturing is entirely very reliable. On-demand is the following technologies

Addictive Manufacturing

It’s an automated process that applies a layer after a layer on the finished products. It has enabled the use of fewer workforces, and therefore the manufacturing cost is reduced. It has also resulted in the production of products at a faster rate, saving time, and a lower price. Every manufacturer aims to make profits after the sale of output. It means coming up with technologies that will save a lot in terms of production costs to make the difference, which is the profits.

Rapid Manufacturing

Rapid manufacturing has enabled the production of a large number of products over a short period. It’s also an automated process hence quicker. This has helped to match the demand in the market with the supply hence a stable economic state.

Cloud-based Manufacturing

Cloud-based manufacturing enables access to information from various sources used in the production of the products. It’s open to social networks and helps to improve efficiency, reduce cost, and facilitates good response to customers.

Three-dimensional Modeling

Three-dimensional modeling is a technology that enables engineers to modify tools to be used in the manufacturing process, thus reducing cost and improving efficiency.

Rapid prototyping

Rapid prototyping has accelerated the development of products, minimized errors, and led to higher accuracy in product manufacturing. It involves CNC applied in construction and soft tooling silicon modeling. Its a more efficient technology in manufacturing.

Advancement in technology has resulted in a reduction in the cost of manufacturing, improved accuracy of many processes, and minimum value used. It has also enabled autonomous driving. The independent driving of autonomous vehicles has improved safety on the roads, welfare, and reduced traffic congestion. Advanced technology has also enabled the construction of more sophisticated cars such as BMW, electric vehicles, and ford.

Automotive sector

This sector involves a lot of activities ranging from construction, supply, and marketing the products. It’s one of the leading industries in revenue earnings in many economies like the UK economy. The supply chain in this sector includes many relationships between the sales channel, suppliers, manufacturers, and the transportation sector. In the industry, low volume production occurs when there is a need for prototyping, manufacturing of niche vehicles, and initial production of new models.

Current six automotive trends in the automotive Industry

Acceptance of autonomous vehicles in most parts of the world with less concern about safety.
The use of internet in the sector enables the vehicle to vehicle communication, thereby enhancing efficiency in this sector.
Sharing of automotive vehicles hence there’s a decline in ownership of cars, and this has helped reduce traffic congestion inroads.
Digitization and automation of automotive products that have resulted in better efficiency and quicker action in production
The improved requirement for social skills and is helping to reduce the unemployment rate in the economy.
The emergency of hardware and software updates.