SolidWorks 2010 Bible

CHAPTER

Using Visualization

Techniques

IN THIS CHAPTER

Customizing the view

Using View tools to view parts

and assemblies

Making the best use of

RealView

Using Display States in parts

and assemblies

Apply Edge setting to create

boundaries

Sorting or displaying in an

assembly

Applying Visualization

techniques tutorial

Using Assembly Visualization

tutorial

I

n SolidWorks software, visualizing geometry is part of the overall
mission of the software. Visualizing 3D CAD data is more than seeing
shaded solids or shiny surfaces; it includes being able to see the interior
and exterior at the same time and using sections, transparency, wireframe,
and other tools. In AutoCAD, the visualization is entirely in your head. You
have to imagine what the 3D looks like given the 2D views. SolidWorks
takes it so much further than just being able to see things in 3D; you can
look at some parts of an assembly in wireframe while others are transparent
and others are opaque. You can see a part with a reflective appearance. You
can create section views in parts and assemblies to visualize internal details.

My aim with this chapter is to show you important capabilities that will
expand your SolidWorks knowledge, at the same time, provide some of the
awe and wonder we sometimes experience while using incredible 3D tools to
do actual work. I start with visualization tools and pass through to some more
advanced visualizations tools and techniques. If I sound a little enthusiastic
about this topic, it is because visualization is the part of this software that really
brings your imagination to life. It can be the source of real inspiration and
allows you to communicate geometrical ideas with other people.

Manipulating the View

One of the most important skills in SolidWorks is manipulating the view.

This is something you’ll do more frequently than any other function in

SolidWorks; therefore, learning to do it efficiently and effectively is very

important, whether you look at it as rotating the model or rotating the point

of view around the model. The easiest way to rotate the part is to hold down