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Your Complete SOLIDWORKS 2024 Updates and Tutorials

What's New in SOLIDWORKS 2024 and Beyond - Webinar

The challenges you face in Product Design and Engineering are constantly evolving. Are you keeping up with the latest technologies, trends, and solutions available on the market? We can help with a comprehensive presentation on What’s New in SOLIDWORKS 2024 featuring a realistic product development scenario. Learn how our Experts solve a range of problems involved in bringing a real product to market. We’ll cover challenges that will be familiar to members of your Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and even Marketing teams. Learn how to stay ahead of the market and blow away your competition with the latest SOLIDWORKS technology.

 

We’ll go beyond the digital design to demonstrate powerful manufacturing and prototyping solutions that work with SOLIDWORKS to streamline your entire operation.

 

      • Reduce costs in prototyping, tooling, and low-volume production with industrial-grade 3D Printers that won’t break the bank.
      • Analyze your designs across a range of performance metrics and failure criteria.
      • Communicate clearly with your team and all your stakeholders with the latest in 3D collaboration and data management.
      • Explore the very best enhancements in SOLIDWORKS 2024 to help you get your work done faster and with less effort than ever before!

 

Below you’ll find the chapters for each enhancement with a link to watch the video!

Table of Contents

3DEXPERIENCE Simulation Tools - ABAQUS Cloud

When it comes to simulations that go beyond the capabilities of SOLIDWORKS, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform offers a seamless solution. With the integration of Abaqus multiphysics materials, engineers can now tackle nonlinear, explicit dynamic, and various other study types. Let’s explore the powerful simulation tools available in SOLIDWORKS 2024, specifically focusing on the ABAQUS cloud tools. 

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Introducing ABAQUS on 3DEXPERIENCE 

ABAQUS provides access to advanced meshers and solvers for analyzing complex situations such as random vibration and dynamic loading. One of the standout features of ABAQUS on 3DEXPERIENCE is its user-friendly interface that eliminates the need for extensive simulation expertise. You don’t need a PhD to set up and review results in 3DEXPERIENCE. 

SOLIWORKS 2024 offers flexible computing options for solving simulations. You can choose to solve simulations locally or on the cloud, with the cloud option allowing for up to 144 CPU cores. This ensures that you have the processing power needed to handle even the most computationally demanding simulations. 

Seamless Design Updates: 

One of the key advantages of the SOLIDWORKS-3DEXPERIENCE integration is the ability to seamlessly update designs. Suppose you need to analyze a component for low cycle, high-stress fatigue, a simulation that falls beyond the capabilities of SOLIDWORKS simulation. In that case, you no longer have to disconnect the process and switch to another tool. Simply update the design in SOLIDWORKS, resave the file, and rerun the simulation. All data translation and processing are automatically handled in the cloud. 

Collaboration Made Easy: 

With 3DEXPERIENCE on the cloud, collaboration becomes effortless. Anyone with an internet connection can log in and review the simulation results. This feature is particularly useful when working with distributed teams or when seeking input from different stakeholders. Gone are the days of cumbersome file transfers and compatibility issues. With SOLIDWORKS and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, collaboration is seamless. 

Expanding Simulation Capabilities: 

The power of 3DEXPERIENCE extends beyond SOLIDWORKS and ABAQUS. If your product design involves internet connectivity, Bluetooth, or antennas, you can leverage the same processes to access CST Studio Suite. CST Studio Suite is an industry-standard electromagnetics tool that simulates electric fields and radiation emitted by these devices. With this integration, you can optimize signal integrity and shielding using your actual SOLIDWORKS files. No more switching between disconnected high-level simulation tools like ANSYS. 3DEXPERIENCE enables you to connect SOLIDWORKS to virtually any other DS software, providing a comprehensive and connected ecosystem for all your engineering needs. 

The new simulation tools in SOLIDWORKS 2024, integrated with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, bring unprecedented capabilities to engineers. With ABAQUS Cloud, flexible computing options, seamless design updates, and easy collaboration, engineers can tackle complex simulations with ease. By extending the simulation capabilities to include CST Studio Suite, SOLIDWORKS users can optimize their designs for signal integrity and electromagnetic performance. The 3DEXPERIENCE ecosystem truly connects all aspects of engineering, empowering engineers to achieve their best work. 

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Drawings

SOLIDWORKS Drawings 2024 introduces new features like aligned colinear dimensions, improved dimension clarity, highlighted overridden dimensions, saving drawings in prior versions, and reattaching dangling dimensions.

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Model-Based Design (MBD) & DimXpert

SOLIDWORKS Model-based definition is a workflow that eliminates the need for detailed drawings to communicate design geometry and the corresponding manufacturing information for production.  By adding dimensions, annotations, and defined views to the 3D model, the information is often easier to view, measure, and understand by the end user.

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SOLIDWORKS 2024 introduces a new option to hide leader lines in a model which can help to differentiate which side of a thin component the annotation is attached to.  Hole tables are now fully supported in parts and assemblies and they behave the same way as hole tables do in the drawings environment.  Selecting a row in the table will highlight the hole instance it is referencing for clarity.  Custom property information can be included with STEP 242 files to provide information that would otherwise be called out in a title block. 

 

GTOL blocks support dual dimension display.  Conical face angles can be displayed as a half angle to represent more accurately what a lathe operator would need to know to create the geometry accurately.  Dangling dimxpert features and dimensions can be re-defined to new references so they are in-context without having to recreate it.  Thickness dimensions between two concentric cylinders can also be dimensioned, again creating an intuitive value for the end user from 3D geometry.

 

A completely new command called “Make Multibody Part” saves an assembly as a multi-body part with geometry that remains linked to the assembly.  This can replace top-down assembly modeling techniques and is a streamlined version of master-model techniques to build new components based on existing assembly positions.  The new part updates only when opened directly, so it will not slow down the parent assembly at all.  In this example a 3D Printed fixture can be designed with removable supports that can be re-printed if the design changes or there are multiple design variants to fabricate.  Manufacturing aids like jigs and fixtures are perfect for this workflow.

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Visualize

SOLIDWORKS Visualize 2024 contains several enhancements to make rendering setup and exports faster and easier than ever.

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The Enterprise PBR Shading Model is an industry-standard format for defining appearances using standard attribute sliders and graphical maps to customize every aspect of a model appearance. The cloud library has been updated to this new model and appearances in this format can be easily imported into Visualize.

A new graphical manipulator simplifies the process of translating, rotating, or scaling components for operations like creating exploded views. Keyboard shortcuts are also available to simplify the operations and make selection of direction and movement type easier. Pressing G will select the translation mode, and then selecting X, Y, or Z will lock in the movement direction. Shift + G enables planar movement in the plane normal to the direction selected. Full documentation is available here.

The output wizard has been redesigned to make it easier to use, including a new interactive view output format that creates custom animations using a series of images in HTML format for viewing on a web page with no plugins required.

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Simulation - Bearing Connectors & Default Options

SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2024 introduces new features such as saving mesh and simulation progress, excluding meshing results when copying studies, and more realistic properties for bearing connectors.

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The new global options in SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2024 provide fail-safe measures and time-saving capabilities, ensuring that valuable setup data is automatically saved and preventing the loss of progress in case of unexpected system crashes or power outages.

 

The ability to exclude meshing results when copying studies can significantly reduce the time required for copying, especially for large simulations, and also helps save disk space, providing more efficient workflow and resource management.

 

The enhanced features for bearing connectors in SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2024 allow for more accurate representation of their behavior, with options to specify distributed connection types and stiffness properties. This enables engineers to obtain more detailed and realistic simulation results, leading to better design insights and optimization opportunities. 

 

The simulation results demonstrate that the chain roller guide is effectively performing its function, with mild deflection and stress primarily concentrated on the bolted shaft. This validates the design and highlights the importance of accurate simulation in ensuring the desired performance and reliability of mechanical components.

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Product Data Management (PDM)

SOLIDWORKS PDM 2024 has enhancements like direct check out from transition dialogue, assembly visualization with PDM variables, improved file history, enhanced version tab, and administrative tool updates.

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Cloud Services - Share, Markup, Manage Revisions and Tasks

SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services is a PDM system that offers serverless access, automatic backup security, and out-of-the-box configuration. It provides the performance of locally cached files Check out the benefits of cloud storage, making it convenient for CAD users. The 3DEXPERIENCE Platform allows for file sharing, collaboration, revision management, data search, and visualization, all accessible from anywhere.

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      •  SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services offers a serverless PDM solution with cloud storage, providing accessibility and convenience for CAD users. It eliminates the need for servers and IT support, making it a hassle-free option. 
      • The automatic backup security and out-of-the-box configuration ensure data safety and a seamless setup experience. Users can focus on their work without worrying about data loss or complex configurations.
      • Collaboration features like file sharing, markup tools, revision management, and task assignment enhance teamwork and streamline design processes. It allows for efficient communication and collaboration among team members.
      • The comprehensive search functionality and immediate access to metadata make data retrieval quick and easy. Users can quickly find the information they need, improving productivity and efficiency.
      • The cloud-based nature of SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services enables accessibility for non-CAD users and product managers. They can participate in project management, data visualization, and team coordination, enhancing cross-functional collaboration.
      • The web browser interface provides a user-friendly way to explore, filter, and compare designs without relying on the SOLIDWORKS software. It allows users to analyze and review designs without extensive software knowledge quickly.
      • The route feature simplifies the release process by offering customizable approval tasks and sign-off history. It ensures a smooth workflow and keeps track of the design status, promoting transparency and accountability.
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Plastics

Have you ever wondered how engineers are able to predict the injection molding process of their parts with incredible accuracy? The answer lies in SOLIDWORKS Plastics, enhanced with new features for 2024. Design molds and make part design changes without the need for expensive mold prototypes. 

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One of the key features of SOLIDWORKS Plastics 2024 is its automation capabilities. With this software, you can set up multiple studies to run simultaneously, saving you time and effort. Imagine having the ability to test different scenarios and materials for your plastic parts with just a few clicks. Thanks to the new Batch Manager overhaul, queuing up studies and running them with one click is now a seamless process. 

 

 

      • The new Injection Location Advisor: When designing a thin plastic part like the one that supports the rider’s calves in the Bowhead RX, it’s crucial to ensure proper mold cavity filling and reduce cycle time. With Injection Location Advisor, you no longer have to manually determine gate locations. This feature automatically suggests multiple gates and their optimal locations, saving you time and ensuring the best possible outcome for your design.  SOLIDWORKS Plastics 2024 also allows you to define the number of gates you want to use. The advisor will then place those gates in optimal locations, giving you complete control over the injection molding process and further streamlining your design workflow. 
      • Effortless Simulation Management: Managing multiple simulations for different scenarios and materials has never been easier. The new Batch Manager overhaul makes it simple to queue up studies and run them with one click. You can choose the study you want to run, select the simulation type and number of CPUs, and add the task to the queue. Whether you want to run the simulations immediately or schedule them for a specific time, the process is now more streamlined than ever. 
      • Expanding Material Database: SOLIDWORKS Plastics 2024 is continuously updated with the latest materials from plastic manufacturers. This means you’ll always have access to an extensive database of materials for your designs. The software comes with thousands of built-in materials, allowing you to stay up to date with the rapidly evolving plastics industry. 

 

With its advanced automation and logic, SOLIDWORKS Plastics 2024 empowers you to gain deeper insights into the injection molding process of your plastic parts. By harnessing the power of this software, engineers can make better design decisions, reduce cost and time associated with prototyping, and ultimately deliver high-quality plastic parts. 

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Parts and Features

SOLIDWORKS 2024 is packed with enhancements to help you get your job done faster. This video highlights the most impactful changes to how features and parts function in the newest release, including:

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      • Parts can be saved back up to 2 versions to native SOLIDWORKS files with features and sketches intact. If a feature is created using new options or behaviors that don’t exist in the target version, the features will be displayed clearly in a dialog so they can be removed or redefined in a compatible way. The Save As dialog will show the versions that are eligible to save back to.
      • Revolved cuts can now “flip side to cut” making it easier to sketch the shape you want and cut away the rest. This eliminates the need to create a closed sketch outside the shape.
      • A cylindrical bounding box can be automatically generated to produce stock material sizes needed to make the part. Cylindrical bounding boxes can automatically solve the orientation but a custom plane is also available if the part is an odd shape that doesn’t get captured correctly.
      • Linear feature patterns have a new option for Symmetric that repeats the spacing and instances defined in direction one and keeps them linked so it is easy to make sure they are always updated in both directions.
      • Untrim surface adds an option to exclude the parent surface, making it easy to quickly build surface bodies where any holes exist without requiring extra steps.
      • Sketch entities can now show a preview measurement based on the selections. The preview can be used for reference, or click on it to activate it and create a dimension without running the Smart Dimension command. Selecting multiple entities will preview dimensions between entities. This behaves similarly to adding sketch relations but allows for dimensions too.
      • The Hole Wizard command has additional functionality in the positions tab. An existing 2D sketch can be selected to define the hole locations, meaning it can be generated ahead of time and used as usual.
      • New options in Hole Wizard make it possible use end-points of lines and splines instead of requiring a sketch point to define each hole location. Optionally, construction geometry can be used to define hole locations.
      • The hole wizard now supports “Instances to Skip” to make it easier to skip a single hole without modifying the sketch or deleting any information needed elsewhere.
      • Parts created in the context of an assembly can now use a new workflow that does not add any overhead to the rebuild time of the assembly. In an assembly, go to Tools.
      • Make Multibody Part to save the assembly file and any requested features to a multi-body part that retains its parametric relation back to the original assembly. Changes to the assembly will rebuild the multi-body part only when the multi-body part is opened, but all changes will be reflected as expected. This new option is perfect for creating fixtures and other related manufacturing supports that need to derive from the assembly design but do not need to update in real-time with the assembly.
      • Using additive manufacturing technology from Markforged, we designed a fixture that uses embedded magnets and other hardware to build a snap-together weld fixture. The fixture holds three components securely and allows plenty of room for a welder to get into the weld region. The material is strong and resistant to high temperatures. Integrated channels allow a fitting to be installed for purge gas for welding materials that require it. If changes are made to the design, the individual components can be rebuilt to quickly adapt to the new design.
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xShape - Organic Modeling Tools

xShape is a purpose-built tool for creating complex shapes and curved surfaces that unlock creativity while maintaining a connection to manufacturability and traditional design tools. The latest release of xShape and SOLIDWORKS 2024 provide even more capabilities to make part design fast and simple.

 

xGenerative Design is a complementary app that provides artificial intelligence-powered design capabilities to your models, reducing or even eliminating tedious detail work such as textures on complex shapes.

 

If you have a complex design challenge, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform probably has the perfect solution for you. Contact us today and we’ll help you understand what is available and how it can help you design great products!

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Sheet Metal and Structure Systems

Sheet Metal and Structure Systems have several useful upgrades to make design and documentation faster and easier than ever. Our expert demonstrates these new features along with some helpful tips and tricks to improve your workflow.

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Structure Systems is an advanced structural frame builder that utilizes sketches, surfaces, planes and more to define profile shapes and intersecting secondary members to connect everything together. To quickly display hidden planes temporarily so they can be selected in your feature definition, the Q key quickly displays them until they are either selected or another selection is made. Trimming corners is automatic and has a new Open Corner option to provide space for a connector such as an elbow.

Units can now be displayed in both Cut Lists and Bills of Materials for measurements such as length or weight. The units are derived from the document properties units setting and update dynamically if the unit system changes at any time.

Tab and Slot features in sheet metal allow for integrated features to make alignment and assembly easier and to make stronger welded interfaces. Slots can be propagated from a sheet metal part in an assembly to intersecting parts automatically with the existing slot settings applied to corresponding components.

A new Stamp feature in Sheet Metal makes it possible to build a forming tool indentation without defining the forming tool geometry. Simply sketch the shape and add depth, angle, and radius values to define the shape of the stamp on the fly.

Cylindrical components require a seam to flatten the cylindrical shape out to a flat pattern. The Rip feature now supports ripping a cylinder at a reference point. The rip can be defined as a minimum distance or an angle, making it easier to build the geometry and then add the rip to a consistent size.

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Assemblies and STEP Import

Tons of helpful enhancements will make working with assemblies faster and more efficient in SOLIDWORKS 2024. Our expert runs through several examples with examples, including:

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      • The Insert Components dialog includes the Configuration Description when selecting which version of a file to import.
      • Inserted components can all be fixed, floated, or maintain the legacy behavior of fixing only the first part on placement
      • Width mates do not need to follow an order of operations, with two width selection groups instead of a width and tab option.
      • Mate references can utilize the Lock Rotation option for concentric mates
      • Named mate references can be forced to only connect to mate references with the same name. Previously this worked in most cases but the behavior has been improved.
      • Circular Component Patterns with a missing axis reference can be repaired automatically, with a suitable replacement axis automatically substituted to resolve the rebuild error.
      • Component References can now be added quickly in a single dialog. Edit Component References applies information to a specific instance that does not propagate to the component, helpful for understanding more about how that instance is being used beyond it’s part number.
      • Defeature now supports defining and re-using rule sets that use selection criteria and logic to decide how each component is simplified or maintained in the final output. This granular control makes it easier to handle complex assemblies to a company standard and save time adjusting settings for the desired output.
      • STEP (.stp, .step) files can now be imported using a filter and a lightweight graphical preview. The filter function creates a list of the bodies included in the file without opening the geometry, making it possible to open only the needed parts or bodies. The graphical preview loads a lightweight preview of the geometry to allow you to confirm if the model is correct and if there are items that can be excluded prior to converting the file.
      • Extended Reality formats can be saved out directly inside SOLIDWORKS (.gltf, .glb)
      • Save As and Pack and Go support saving files backwards up to two versions. For an assembly, this means all assemblies and reference components will be saved together, so name them appropriately to avoid creating duplicate files.
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Technical Support

Get help from our team by Calling us at (800)364-1652 → Press 1 (Support)
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