May 1, 2024
Updated June 30, 2025
15 minute read
SolidWorks is a computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software used for product design and development. It is one of the most popular CAD software in the world and is used by engineers, designers, and manufacturers in a wide range of industries.
Why Learn SolidWorks?
There are many reasons to learn SolidWorks, the most common of which include being able to satisfy curiosity, meeting academic requirements, and professional development.
If you are curious about product design and development, learning SolidWorks can be a great way to explore this field. With SolidWorks, you can create 3D models of products, simulate their performance, and generate technical drawings. This can be a great way to learn about the design process and how products are made.
If you are a student, learning SolidWorks can be a great way to meet academic requirements. Many engineering and design programs require students to take courses in CAD. Learning SolidWorks can help you to succeed in these courses and prepare you for a career in engineering or design.
If you are a professional, learning SolidWorks can be a great way to develop your career. SolidWorks is a valuable skill that can help you to be more productive and efficient in your work. It can also help you to develop new skills and take on new responsibilities.
How Online Courses Can Help
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Find a path to becoming a SolidWorks. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/wum49x/solidwork
Reading list
We've selected 28 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
SolidWorks.
Offers a tutorial-based approach covering essential SOLIDWORKS commands and options. It's suitable for both beginners and experienced users and includes CSWA and CSWP sample questions, making it valuable for certification preparation. It provides a strong foundation in mechanical design principles using SOLIDWORKS.
Introduces the fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) concurrently with the use of SOLIDWORKS Simulation. It uses hands-on exercises with common parts to illustrate analysis features, building skills progressively. It's essential for those looking to perform simulations and analyze designs within SOLIDWORKS.
This hands-on guide helps users become accomplished SOLIDWORKS Associate and Professionals. It covers key concepts and tools and is supplemented by downloadable files for practice. It is valuable for those preparing for both CSWA and CSWP exams.
Specifically written for users new to SOLIDWORKS, this book guides learners through the basics to more in-depth capabilities using real-life parts and assemblies. It's ideal for a freshman design class or as a companion to an engineering graphics textbook. The book includes video instruction and a CSWA practice exam.
Focuses on advanced techniques in SOLIDWORKS, including complex part modeling, advanced surfacing, sheet metal, SimulationXpress, top-down assembly design, and mold tools. It's suitable for users who have a solid understanding of the basics and intermediate concepts and want to master more complex workflows.
Introduces new users to the basic concepts of SOLIDWORKS and good solid modeling techniques through easy-to-follow guides and video instruction. It covers the interface, basic commands, and strategies for part modeling, assembly, and detailing. It great starting point and includes preparation for the CSWA exam.
Introduces users to SOLIDWORKS Simulation through step-by-step tutorials, incorporating theoretical aspects of FEA. It covers important FEA techniques and concepts, including contact analysis. It's a practical guide for learning how to perform simulations within the SOLIDWORKS environment.
A practical, hands-on guide to SolidWorks 2023 for designers, covering the basics of 3D modelling, assembly design, and drawing creation.
Is designed to help readers effectively use SOLIDWORKS modeling and assembly tools with a parametric and feature-based approach. It provides detailed descriptions of commonly used tools and procedures for generating drawings. It's a comprehensive guide with a tutorial approach and real-world examples.
Following Level I, this book teaches intermediate users advanced topics and techniques such as sheet metal, surfacing, top-down design, and mold design. It uses a task-oriented approach with video instruction and covers commands relevant to the CSWP Advanced and Expert exams. is valuable for deepening understanding beyond the basics.
Offers a comprehensive introduction to SOLIDWORKS for beginner to intermediate users, focusing on engineering design principles. It utilizes projects with step-by-step instructions covering machined, plastic, and sheet metal components. It also touches upon Simulation and Intelligent Modeling techniques.
Aims to enhance 3D modeling skills by covering all aspects of the SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal module. It is suitable for existing SOLIDWORKS users looking to specialize in sheet metal design and is particularly useful for junior engineers and designers.
This tutorial-based book uses a project-based approach to teach SOLIDWORKS 3D modeling. It's a comprehensive guide for mastering the software's capabilities and is also useful for preparing for the CSWA exam. The step-by-step projects make it practical for hands-on learning.
Building on basic SOLIDWORKS knowledge, this book introduces intermediate tools and techniques. It covers topics such as surfaces, multibodies, configurations, sheet metal, and advanced assembly techniques. It's an essential step for users looking to expand their capabilities beyond basic part and assembly modeling.
Designed for beginners and intermediate users, this textbook focuses on creating real-world sheet metal components in SOLIDWORKS. It covers the sheet metal design environment through tutorials and theory, emphasizing both tool usage and design concepts. It good resource for those specializing in sheet metal.
An advanced guide to SolidWorks 2023, covering advanced techniques for 3D modelling, assembly design, and drawing creation.
Contains a series of tutorial-style lessons introducing parametric modeling techniques and concepts in SOLIDWORKS. It takes a hands-on, exercise-intensive approach, building on previous lessons. It is suitable for those looking to understand and apply parametric design principles.
This specialized guide focuses entirely on mold making using SOLIDWORKS. It would be highly relevant for users interested in the mold design aspects mentioned in the course list. While a slightly older edition, the core principles of mold design in SOLIDWORKS would still be applicable.
This textbook is suitable for senior undergraduate level and professionals, bridging the gap between SolidWorks and 3D printing. It offers a hands-on approach with pictorial descriptions for modeling, assembly, and drawings, and includes topics like motion analysis and FEA. It provides a comprehensive overview with a focus on practical applications.
Combines learning SOLIDWORKS with the principles of engineering graphics. It uses a project-based approach and is suitable for undergraduate engineering and pre-college courses. It helps solidify an understanding of both the software and the fundamental concepts of technical drawing and design.
Considered a classic in the realm of SolidWorks surfacing, this book delves into creating complex shapes and understanding the software's underlying mechanics. While an older publication, the foundational surfacing concepts remain relevant. It's a valuable resource for those seeking in-depth knowledge in this specific area.
Introduces FEA concepts relevant to engineers and designers using SOLIDWORKS Simulation. It focuses on practical procedures for linear static stress analysis and basic modal analysis through hands-on exercises. While an older edition, it can provide foundational knowledge in FEA within SOLIDWORKS.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/wum49x/solidwork