Engineering Graphics with SolidWorks 2011 is written to assist technical school, two year college, four year university instructor/student or industry professional that is a beginner or intermediate SolidWorks user. The book combines the fundamentals of engineering graphics and dimensioning practices with a step-by-step project based approach to learning SolidWorks with an enclosed 1.5 hour Multi-media CD. Learn by doing, not just by reading!

The book is divided into two parts: Engineering Graphics and SolidWorks 3D CAD software. In Chapter 1 through Chapter 3, you explore the history of engineering graphics, manual sketching techniques, orthographic projection, isometric projection, multi-view drawings, dimensioning practices and the history of CAD leading to the development of SolidWorks.

In Chapter 4 through Chapter 8, you apply engineering graphics fundamentals and learn the SolidWorks User Interface, Document and System properties, simple parts, simple and complex assemblies, design tables, configurations, multi-sheet, multi-view drawings, Bill of Materials, Revision tables, basic and advanced features. Follow the step-by-step instructions in over 70 activities to develop eight parts, four sub-assemblies, three drawings, and six document templates. Formulate the skills to create and modify solid features to model a 3D FLASHLIGHT assembly. Chapter 9 provides a bonus section on the Certified SolidWorks Associate CSWA program with sample exam questions and initial and final SolidWorks models. Passing the CSWA exam proves to employers that you have the necessary fundamental engineering graphics and SolidWorks competencies.

Review individual features, commands, and tools for each project with the book’s 1.5 hour Multi-media CD and SolidWorks Help. The chapter exercises analyze and examine usage competencies based on the project objectives. The book is designed to compliment the SolidWorks Tutorials located in the SolidWorks Help menu. Each section explores the SolidWorks Online User’s Guide to build your working knowledge of SolidWorks. Desired outcomes and usage competencies are listed for each project. Know your objectives up front. Follow the step-by step procedures to achieve your design goals. Work between multiple documents, features, commands, and properties that represent how engineers and designers utilize SolidWorks in industry. The authors developed the industry scenarios by combining their own industry experience with the knowledge of engineers, department managers, vendors, and manufacturers. These professionals are directly involved with SolidWorks everyday. Their responsibilities go far beyond the creation of just a 3D model.