The size of this rectangle is not important, but it should approximately measure to the average size of a back plate of our amps. To create our dummy part, we simply begin a new part file and sketch a rectangle. In our example, we will create a dummy part as a rectangular extrusion, and when we drag and drop our library feature (the slots), the dummy part will be replaced by the rear plate of the amp. The purpose of the dummy part is to act as a place holder that will eventually be replaced by the actual production part. The first step in creating a design library feature is to create a “dummy part.” This part is typically a simple extrusion. We will now create a new design library feature representing these slots.
#Solidworks 2019 modeling ice cream series#
Most of our amps require a series of slots on the back panel to promote ventilation and airflow.
#Solidworks 2019 modeling ice cream how to#
Now that we have shown how to use an existing design library feature, let’s show how to create a new design library feature. Each amp has a common feature (a power port) and we now have a library feature that we can use on all 20 of these amps. In our example, we have a line of 20 different guitar amps. The great thing about design library features is that once you have created the library feature and added it to your design library, you can apply it over and over again. We have now successfully added a design library feature to our model. The dimensions controlling the location of the library feature will be defined to the horizontal and vertical edges we selected earlier, and these dimensions can be adjusted as desired. The library feature will now appear in the feature tree and the three sub features will appear nested, under the library feature. The tree now shows the library feature and nested features. Once the design library feature has been dropped onto the back plate and these edges have been defined, we can hit the green checkmark to finish adding the library feature to our model.įigure 7. Defining the edges for the library feature.
This is due to how we defined the library feature when it was created, and we will examine this concept in more detail in just a few moments.įigure 6. Once we complete the drag and drop, we will be asked to select a horizontal edge and vertical edge to define the location of the library feature, as shown in Figure 6. Dragging and dropping the design library feature. In our example, we will edit the back plate of the amp and drag and drop the library feature, as shown in Figure 5.įigure 5. Once we have built this design library feature, we can drag and drop it from our library onto the desired part. The three features of our design library feature. In the example below we have constructed a design library feature which consists of three features: a rectangular cut extrude, the corner fillets, and a cut extrude for the mounting holes.įigure 4. A Design Library FeatureĪ SOLIDWORKS Design Library feature is a library element that consists of one or more features which can be dragged and dropped onto a new part. This would be a great opportunity to use a design library feature. However, we would have to do this for every amp we design which would amount to a lot of repetitive work. When we examine the back of our amp and we see that we do not yet have these features, we could begin a new sketch and cut extrude a rectangle, then add fillets in the corners, then add the two holes for the mounting screws. The back of our amp which does not yet have the required features for the power port. The power port shown in Figure 2 will require a rectangular cutout, some fillets on the corners, and two holes for the mounting screws.įigure 3. A typical power port found on the back of an amp. A typical power supply for these amps comes in the form of a 3-prong power port on the back of the amp, as shown in Figure 2.įigure 2. Let’s say we work for a company that designs guitar amps.Įach guitar amp is a little different, but they all have one thing in common: they all need power. Let’s say we work for a company that designs guitar amplifiers.įigure 1. This cut extrude can be saved as a “design library feature” and stored in a library so that it can be easily accessed and applied again in future designs. Let’s say there’s a cut extrude you need to use over and over again on different models. One of the greatest ways to save time in SOLIDWORKS is to create and manage a design library of features.