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Introduction to SOLIDWORKS

Justin Flett

4.6

Based on 1,752 ratings

, see reviews

Justin Flett

In this course we will learn the fundamental tools and concepts for the

This course will run through the core concepts and tools available within

We will start by getting comfortable with the user interface and work-space of Once we have learned a number of the core part design tools we will introduce drawing tools to generate technical or engineering drawings required to manufacture our parts. Finally, we will learn assembly tools to help us design and build our assembly projects that contain multiple components.

By the end of this course, you will have a strong foundation of the

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn the fundamentals of solidworks
Design products confidently using solidworks
Generate engineering drawings

Learn the fundamentals of solidworks assemblies
Understand the fundamentals of product development and design

Learn the fundamentals of solidworks
Design products confidently using solidworks
Generate engineering drawings
Learn the fundamentals of solidworks assemblies
Understand the fundamentals of product development and design

Syllabus

Introduction to the SOLIDWORKS Software and Exercise files

Welcome

What you should know

Using the exercise files

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation for beginners on the fundamentals of SOLIDWORKS, including concepts and tools for product design and development

Taught by certified SOLIDWORKS Professional, Justin Flett, respected for their expertise in engineering design and product development

Provides hands-on practice with real-world examples and exercises, allowing learners to apply their knowledge in a practical context

Covers essential concepts and tools used in the industry, making it highly relevant for professionals in engineering and product design

Requires access to SOLIDWORKS software, which may not be readily available to all learners and can be costly to purchase

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Reviews summary

Essential solidworks for beginners

According to students, this Introduction to SOLIDWORKS course is widely regarded as a highly effective starting point for those new to CAD software. Learners particularly praise the instructor's clear explanations and patient approach, which helps in understanding complex topics like sketching and extrusions. The course is lauded for its hands-on exercises and practical demonstrations, which are instrumental in building confidence and foundational skills. While some learners with prior CAD experience found the content too basic, and a few older reviews noted pacing inconsistencies, more recent feedback indicates consistent satisfaction, making it an excellent choice for absolute beginners to master SOLIDWORKS essentials.

Earlier issues with lecture pace have been addressed in recent reviews.

"Found some of the lectures a bit dry and hard to follow, especially when the instructor moved too quickly without explaining..."

"Honestly, quite disappointed. The instructor's voice was monotonous, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged."

"The instructor explains everything clearly and patiently, breaking down complex topics like sketching and extrusions into easy-to-understand steps."

Effectively covers essential SOLIDWORKS tools from UI to assemblies.

"A very solid introduction. I appreciated the step-by-step approach to the user interface and basic part design."

"The sections on assemblies were particularly useful. My only minor critique is that some parts felt a bit rushed..."

"Covers the basics well. I especially liked the modules on sketching and part modeling. The assembly section was also good..."

Serves as an excellent starting point for those new to CAD.

"This course is absolutely fantastic for beginners! ... Highly recommend for anyone starting out."

"Excellent course for getting familiar with SOLIDWORKS. ... truly builds a strong foundation as advertised."

"This course is a gem for anyone looking to learn SOLIDWORKS from scratch. The structure is logical..."

Offers valuable hands-on exercises and demos to reinforce learning.

"The hands-on exercises are really helpful and reinforce the concepts. I feel much more confident in using SOLIDWORKS now."

"I loved the practical applications demonstrated, especially the final assembly project. It truly builds a strong foundation..."

"The hands-on practice is invaluable. This course genuinely delivers on its promise of a strong foundation."

Instructor provides clear, patient, and easy-to-follow explanations.

"The instructor explains everything clearly and patiently, breaking down complex topics like sketching and extrusions into easy-to-understand steps."

"The instructor's demos were very clear and the pace was just right for someone with no prior CAD experience."

"I came into this with zero CAD knowledge and now I feel confident... The instructor makes it easy to follow along."

Content may be too fundamental for those with prior CAD experience.

"It's an okay course, but I felt it was too basic for my needs. I already had some CAD experience and was hoping for more challenging content."

"Might be good for absolute beginners, but not for intermediate users."

"Not enough depth for practical application in a professional setting. Felt like a rushed overview rather than a true foundation."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to SOLIDWORKS with these activities:

Review the course materials before starting

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Refresh your memory on the basics of SOLIDWORKS before diving into the course.

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Read the course syllabus.
Skim the first few chapters of the textbook.
Watch a few introductory videos on SOLIDWORKS.

Read The Design of Everyday Things

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Understand the fundamental principles of product design and how they apply to SOLIDWORKS.

View Things That Make Us Smart: Defending Human... on Amazon

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Read the introduction and first three chapters of the book.
Identify the key principles of product design.
Consider how these principles apply to the design of products you use every day.

Follow SOLIDWORKS tutorials on the official website

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Gain practical experience with SOLIDWORKS by following guided tutorials.

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Visit the SOLIDWORKS website and browse the available tutorials.
Choose a tutorial that covers a topic you are interested in.
Follow the steps in the tutorial carefully.

Five other activities

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Practice sketching and extruding in SOLIDWORKS

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Sharpen your foundational SOLIDWORKS skills through repetitive exercises.

Browse courses on Sketching

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Open a new sketch in SOLIDWORKS.
Draw a simple shape, such as a rectangle or a circle.
Extrude the shape to create a 3D model.

Attend a study group for SOLIDWORKS

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Connect with other students and collaborate on SOLIDWORKS projects.

Browse courses on SolidWorks

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Find a study group or create your own.
Meet regularly to discuss course material and work on projects together.
Share knowledge and resources with your group members.

Create a 3D model of a simple object in SOLIDWORKS

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Apply your SOLIDWORKS skills to create a tangible product.

Browse courses on 3D Modeling

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Choose an object to model.
Sketch the object in SOLIDWORKS.
Extrude the sketch to create a 3D model.

Teach SOLIDWORKS to a beginner

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Solidify your understanding of SOLIDWORKS by teaching it to someone else.

Browse courses on SolidWorks

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Find a beginner who is interested in learning SOLIDWORKS.
Create a lesson plan.
Teach the beginner the basics of SOLIDWORKS.

Design and build a simple product using SOLIDWORKS

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Put your SOLIDWORKS skills to the test by designing and building a real-world product.

Browse courses on Product Design

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Come up with an idea for a product.
Design the product in SOLIDWORKS.
Build the product using a 3D printer or other manufacturing method.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to SOLIDWORKS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Assistant Mechanical Engineer

Assistant Mechanical Engineers aid in the design and development of machinery and mechanical systems. To be an effective Assistant Mechanical Engineer, a deep working knowledge of mechanical engineering principles is vital. This includes how different mechanical components function, and how to integrate them into complex systems. This SOLIDWORKS course offers a solid basis in these principles, helping you develop the foundation you need to succeed in this role. Through a balanced combination of theoretical lessons and practical exercises, the course will help build your confidence in using Mechanical Design Software, which is a valuable asset to have for an Assistant Mechanical Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Assistant Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Drafter

Mechanical Drafters create technical drawings used to make detailed plans for machines, components, and systems. This often involves creating 2D and 3D drawings, and thus requires proficiency in design software such as SOLIDWORKS. This course can help you cultivate these proficiencies, giving you a head start on a career as a Mechanical Drafter. It offers a solid grounding in the fundamentals of SOLIDWORKS, enabling you to become proficient in creating accurate and detailed technical drawings. Furthermore, the course covers generating engineering drawings, a critical skill for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Drafter

Product Designer

Product Designers create and develop new products, working with marketing and engineering teams to ensure the product meets both customer needs and manufacturing requirements. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Product Designer by teaching the basics of product development and design. It also provides hands-on experience with SOLIDWORKS, a leading product design software that is widely used in industry. Having proficiency in SOLIDWORKS is a major advantage for Product Designers, and this course can help you stand out in the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

CAD Technician

CAD Technicians create computer-aided designs (CAD) of parts and products. They use CAD software such as SOLIDWORKS to create 2D and 3D models of objects, which are then used in manufacturing and engineering. This course provides a strong introduction to the basic tools and concepts used in SOLIDWORKS, which can help enable you to succeed in the role of a CAD Technician. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises, the course will help you develop foundational skills in SOLIDWORKS, making you a more competitive candidate for entry-level CAD Technician positions.

See salaries and explore the career path for CAD Technician

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers apply engineering principles to the design and operation of production systems. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of manufacturing equipment is key to this role, as is the ability to use CAD software such as SOLIDWORKS to design and optimize production processes. By taking this course, you will develop a better understanding of SOLIDWORKS, which can be a valuable asset for a Manufacturing Engineer. You will learn how to use SOLIDWORKS to design and simulate manufacturing processes, which can help you make more efficient and effective use of manufacturing resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Designer

Designers conceive, plan, and create products. Their work involves the application of artistic and technical expertise to the creation of new products, alongside close collaboration with marketing and engineering teams. This course may be beneficial to Designers and those pursuing this career path by providing a solid foundation in SOLIDWORKS, a leading product design software. With this training, you can strengthen your ability to create and develop innovative product designs, enhancing your value as a Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Designer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and build mechanical systems. Their responsibilities may involve product design, analysis, and testing. This course can help provide budding Mechanical Engineers with core knowledge in SOLIDWORKS, a key design software, which can be hugely beneficial for a career in the field. The course will help you develop proficiency in SOLIDWORKS, enabling you to create complex designs and simulations. With this enhanced skill set, you can increase your competitiveness as a Mechanical Engineer and bring greater value to potential employers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Architect

Architects design and create buildings and other structures. They work with clients to determine their needs and desires, and then develop plans and specifications for the project. This course may assist you in developing skills relevant to Architecture, particularly in the area of design and visualization. The course provides a foundation in SOLIDWORKS, a 3D design software widely used in architectural design. Understanding how to use SOLIDWORKS can enhance your ability to create detailed models and visualizations of architectural projects, which can greatly benefit your work as an Architect.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers combine art and engineering to create functional, aesthetically pleasing products. They work closely with marketing and engineering teams to ensure that products meet both consumer needs and manufacturing requirements. This course can benefit Industrial Designers and those aspiring for this career path by providing a strong foundation in SOLIDWORKS, a leading product design software. Gaining proficiency in SOLIDWORKS can strengthen your ability to create innovative product designs that combine form and function, enhancing your prospects as an Industrial Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain the physical and naturally built environment, including roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. This course may be useful for Civil Engineers by providing a foundational understanding of SOLIDWORKS, a software commonly used for 3D modeling and design in civil engineering. Developing proficiency in SOLIDWORKS can enhance your ability to create detailed designs and simulations of infrastructure projects, which can be valuable for your work as a Civil Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They work on a wide range of projects, from small unmanned aerial vehicles to large commercial airliners. This course may be beneficial to Aerospace Engineers by providing foundational knowledge of SOLIDWORKS, a software commonly used for 3D modeling and design in aerospace engineering. By developing proficiency in SOLIDWORKS, you can enhance your ability to create detailed designs and simulations of aircraft and spacecraft components, which can be valuable for your work as an Aerospace Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Automotive Engineer

Automotive Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain automobiles and related systems. They work on a wide range of projects, from small cars to large trucks and buses. This course may be useful for Automotive Engineers by providing a foundational understanding of SOLIDWORKS, a software commonly used for 3D modeling and design in automotive engineering. Developing proficiency in SOLIDWORKS can enhance your ability to create detailed designs and simulations of automotive components and systems, which can be valuable for your work as an Automotive Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers apply engineering principles to the design and development of medical devices and systems. They work on a wide range of projects, from artificial organs to medical imaging systems. This course may be beneficial to Biomedical Engineers by providing a foundational understanding of SOLIDWORKS, a software commonly used for 3D modeling and design in biomedical engineering. Developing proficiency in SOLIDWORKS can enhance your ability to create detailed designs and simulations of medical devices and systems, which can be valuable for your work as a Biomedical Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain electrical systems and components. They work on a wide range of projects, from small electronic devices to large power grids. This course may be useful for Electrical Engineers by providing a foundational understanding of SOLIDWORKS, a software commonly used for 3D modeling and design in electrical engineering. Developing proficiency in SOLIDWORKS can enhance your ability to create detailed designs and simulations of electrical systems and components, which can be valuable for your work as an Electrical Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to SOLIDWORKS.

Engineering Design with SOLIDWORKS 2023

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A comprehensive textbook that provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of SOLIDWORKS. It covers a wide range of topics, including sketching, part modeling, assembly modeling, and drawing creation. is highly recommended for beginners who want to learn SOLIDWORKS from the ground up.

Engineering Design with SOLIDWORKS 2023

Paperback

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Engineering Design with SOLIDWORKS 2023

Kindle Edition

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SOLIDWORKS 2024 Basic Tools

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A conceptual guide to SOLIDWORKS. provides a high-level overview of the SOLIDWORKS software and its capabilities. It is recommended for beginners who want to gain a basic understanding of SOLIDWORKS before diving into more advanced topics.

SOLIDWORKS 2024 Basic Tools

Paperback

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SOLIDWORKS 2024 Basic Tools

Kindle Edition

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Mastering SolidWorks

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An advanced guide to SOLIDWORKS that covers advanced topics such as surface modeling, sheet metal design, and simulation. is recommended for experienced users who want to take their SOLIDWORKS skills to the next level.

Solidworks 2013 Bible

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A specialized guide to SOLIDWORKS sheet metal design. covers advanced topics such as钣金展开,曲率控制, and nesting.

Solidworks 2013 Bible

Paperback

Check price

Solidworks 2013 Bible

Kindle Edition

Check price

Mastering SolidWorks

Save

A comprehensive guide to SOLIDWORKS simulation. covers advanced topics such as finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and thermal analysis.