SolidWorks design can be challenging, especially if you’re a beginner. The software is complex, and one must have a strong understanding of 3D modeling to get things done the way it’s asked.
However, while learning and improving your understanding of the tool, you can rely on specific tips and tricks to make the design process easier.
For example, you can start by thinking about the model before designing it. Arrange and organize the features, create a design tree and reference sketches. Here are five tips for beginners who are working with SolidWorks.
5 Tips Beginners Must Know to Design with SolidWorks
Aside from focusing on the basics, here are five tips you must use if you are learning SOLIDWORKS in 2025.
1: Think before Modelling
SolidWorks can be difficult if you don’t think the design through. When you get into the design without having an idea for the final product, you can’t make some inevitable changes.
It’s best to create a proper mockup design of the thing we want to make on SolidWorks. Or a quick rundown of the product also works.
Ensure to design it in a way to help the next person understand what your mind was just by looking at it.
This test will also help you understand the feasibility of the model you’re trying to create. Walk through the process when you create something out of that.
2: Organize your Features
Organize the whole thing after you have planned out or sketched the model you’re going to design. It’s fine if your company has enough money to spend on trials and errors with you as the only resource handling this.
But, if you’re collaborating with a team, you’ll have to make changes to specific features. When working with other designers and engineers, you’ll have to name the features accordingly. Here are the main reasons why you must organize the features before you name them –
Start by identifying features that are important and distinct. When you create multiple bodies to merge them together, start by identifying the pieces you’ll need for the modeling.
It’s like writing comments inside a software code while designing the thing. As you outline different features of the design, it’ll help the other people in the team.
3: Model from the Origin
Model from the start. This is one of the best tips you can give yourself as a SolidWorks designer. The CAD modelling programs create the XYZ planes. Whenever it’s possible, use the core of those to build parts.
With this process, it gets easier to assemble the whole design. Whenever there’s a need for cutting out the port openings in plastic and metal, the center of the component is the best reference to use for opening.
It’s the best way to modify for mating connector openings and tolerances. However, this isn’t always the case when you use the top-down method for modelling where the modelling is done in the assembly directly.
This way, the point of origin stays in the master assembly and not inside the part itself. However, it has its pros and cons as well.
- Manufacturing Process
The process is much more difficult than how it looks on the outside. It takes experience to understand the manufacturing process of a part to model it properly. That’s why it’s important to train your visual library and influence your way of modeling.
It’s best to go and visit the injection molding facility to have a proper understanding of the process and make plastic parts. It would help to make notes of things to do and avoid.
It also helps to visit CNC cutting suppliers and have an understanding of how metal gets formed. See how they bend, cut, and weld metal. You can even ask them how you can make their work easier. You won’t run out of constructive criticism when you ask people who are working on those parts directly.
- Reference Sketches
It’s quite easy to align two holes on different parts. But, when the hole sizes are multiple and come in varying sizes, you’ll have to choose the most convenient ones.
However, there’s a trick to making it easier. You can edit the parts inside the assembly and make it easier.
When you are in an assembly, you can right click/edit parts to draw on that and reference other portions within that assembly.
It makes it quite easier to align different sized holes inside the assembly without needing to go back and forth between parts.
Conclusion
While using these tips and implementing them at your own design, make a habit to create an understandable learning path. It helps to start with simple sketches and easily manageable design trees. Utilize tools and resources needed for SolidWorks design.
Continue with your practice and experiments to keep learning about SolidWorks designs and find ways to refine them.