With everyday revolved around the 3D world it is kind of funny that when it comes down to actually manufacturing these 3D goodness we still hand out a detailed 2D drawing to the craftsman. A true detailed manufacturing drawing is a true piece of art, and yes it is all about the details. But less face it, these days when we have finished our 3D models the time portfolio is pretty much used up for our projects, and the time to make that fabulous detailed 2D print comes down to overtime. SolidWorks have added a couple of nice drawing features in there latest version of there CAD package.
I think this is important! Not because users most likely are happy to pay maintenance for 2D drawing tools, but because that these tools might actually be the one’s that helps an upgrade being worthwhile, when it comes down to get all the necessary information to the manufacturing floor.
Dimension Palette
With an extra line added to this little magic box, you just recieved some handy buttons to line up and organize your dimensions in your drawings.
Cosmetic Threads callouts are now editable
Any improvement to Cosmetic Threads is pure enjoyable, and I am not trying to put the screw in motion to trash SolidWorks work on this subject. The fact is that our models works a lot better with this feature than of it was modeled up. So it is defiantly cool that we now can added these functions in a design table.
How about pattern a note…
This feature might not make you jump out of the chair in joy, but being able to pattern a note in drawings is a nice feature. I can only talk for myself here, but I know that trying to place more than a couple of notes straight or in a circular pattern before 10am is impossible even after a few cups of coffee unless you are looking for a zig-zag pattern.
Best for last?…3D Drawing Views
I have to say this one is a favorite of mine, why? Having the task of sending 2D prints to the manufacturing floor you awesly want to make sure the guy’s gets the information they need. A picture is worth a thousand words, and the standard views does not always display your fabulous 3D creation best. View-> Modify-> 3D Drawing view is a 120% enhanced feature for you to get that rotated perspective that will result in a clear vision of you part.
Conclusion… The 2D art is still a necessary tool, and I am glad that SolidWorks is continuing adding new features inside the .slddrw