DimXpert and TolAnalyst training course
It’s often necessary to use 3D CAD data for manufacturing purposes when creating parts and assemblies in SOLIDWORKS. However, unlike in a 3D model, actual manufactured components will almost always vary from the “as modeled” or intended geometry to some degree. As a designer, it’s important to fully define the size, positioning, and allowable variance or tolerance for all individual features on a component before sending it out for manufacturing. Fully dimensioning and applying tolerances to a component ensures that the manufactured part will match the original design intent and only vary from the 3D model within the allowable amount. This practice is called Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, or GD&T. In this course, you’ll learn how to use DimXpert to fully define parts and assemblies with geometric dimensions and tolerances, and how to use TolAnalyst to perform a tolerance analysis on an assembly.
Dimensioning with DimXpert
DimXpert understands your part from a manufacturing perspective in order to apply dimensions and tolerances. Manufacturable features are slightly different from the features in the SOLIDWORKS FeatureManager tree. For example, a cutout that you create in SOLIDWORKS as an Extruded Cut feature might be seen by DimXpert as a Pocket. This recognition of your model takes place as you add DimXpert dimensions. You can establish how your design will behave when dimensions are adjusted within specified constraints by fully dimensioning and applying tolerances to a component.
Optimize manufacturing tolerances with TolAnalyst
TolAnalyst lets you set up and run a study of an assembly to show the possible effects that manufacturing tolerances will have on a finished assembly. TolAnalyst helps you optimize the manufacturing tolerances on your parts to keep manufacturing costs low, while making sure the part’s form, fit, and functional requirements are still met. The studies from running TolAnalyst allow you to identify the worst case scenario tolerance stack ups, identify tolerances that are contributing to the stackup, and use these results to optimize the tolerances before sending parts out for manufacturing.
Fully define parts and assemblies with geometric dimensions and tolerances with DimXpert, and perform a tolerance analysis on an assembly with TolAnalyst. Earn SolidProfessor Technical Certificates by completing all of the lessons in a course and scoring an 80% or higher on the course review test.
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