Create a Washer in SolidWorks Software

The software SolidWorks is a computer modeling software that allows its users to create parts on the computer. With these computer models, these parts can be used for strength testing, machine constructing, and many other applications! There are many software available that build virtual parts, but SolidWorks is a highly recommended software due to its easy interface and multiple tools.

This instructable will simply show you how to create a simple washer using SolidWorks software.


NECESSARY SUPPLIES:

- Windows Computer (later than 2007)
- SolidWorks 2013 x64 Edition

-keyboard & mouse

Time:

Creating this part takes 5 - 10 minutes for any person no matter their prior experience with using computer software.

Cost:

The SolidWorks software costs $150. If you are not a student at a university, purchasing the software can become quite difficult.

Step 1: Start the SolidWorks Software

Click on the SolidWorks software from the Windows start menu located at the bottom-left corner of your screen.

If you do not know where the software is located, you can simply type in the pharse "solidworks" in the search bar in the Windows start menu then select it from the given choices.

Step 2: Read and Accept

Read the licensing agreement in the pop-up window and click the "Accept" button in the pop-up window.

If this licensing agreement window does not appear, continue to Step 3.

Step 3: Close the "Welcome to SolidWorks" Window

Close the pop-up window titled "Welcome to SolidWorks" by clicking the "X" button at the top-right corner of the window. This button should become red when the cursor is placed over it.

Step 4: Create a New Document

In the top-right corner of the software window, click on the "New Document" button located at the top of the "SolidWorks Resources" window.

Step 5: Create a Part

In the pop-up window titled "New SolidWorks Document", click on the icon titled "Part" to highlight this option then click "OK."

Step 6: Select the Proper Units

In the pop-up box titled "Units and Dimensions Standard," click the "OK" button at the bottom left corner of the box.

If you do not see this pop-up box, skip to Step 7.

Step 7: Create an Extruded Sketch

Click on the "Extrude Boss/Bass" icon located in the top left corner of the program window in the "Features" tab.

Step 8: Select the Front Plane

Three (3) planes of geometry will show up on the screen; Front Plane, Top Plane, and Right Plane. Click on the Front Plane to change the the orientation of the screen. The boarder of the Front Plane turns orange when the cursor is placed over it.

Step 9: Select the Circle Drawing Tool

In the top left corner of the SolidWorks software window under the "Sketch" tab, click on the icon of a blue circle with a red arrow pointing from the center of the blue circle to the edge of the upper right section of the circle.

(Don't click on the drop down arrow directly to the right of the circle icon)

Step 10: Draw the Outside Circle

In the center of the working area, click with your mouse on the tail ends of the upward pointing arrow and the arrow pointing to the right. When the cursor is placed over it, an orange circle will appear.

Then, click any at any point located away from the center of the circle to set the circle. As you move your cursor, a blue circle should appear and follow your cursor.

Step 11: Set the Circle's Radius

On the left side of the software window, the window titled "Circle" will appear. At the bottom of this window is a sub-window titled "Parameters" that has 3 text boxes beneath it. In the bottom text box, type the number "4" into this box and hit the enter key on your keyboard.

Step 12: Select the Circle Drawing Tool

Select the "Circle" icon under the "Sketch" tab in the top right area of your program window.

This is the same step as described in Step 9.

Step 13: Sketch the Inside Circle

With your mouse, click on the touching tail ends of the two red arrows located in the center of your created circle.

Then, click again at any point away from your first click inside of the circle you just created.

Step 14: Set the Circle's Radius

On the left side of the software window, the window titled "Circle" will appear. At the bottom of this window is a sub-window titled "Parameters" that has 3 text boxes beneath it. In the bottom text box, type the number "2" into this box and hit the enter key on your keyboard.

Step 15: Exit Sketch Mode

Click on the "Exit Sketch" icon located in the top left corner of the "Sketch" tab in the top left area of your program window.

The circles drawn should change into a mustard colored 3D disk.

Step 16: Extrude the Sketch

Click on the green checkmark located at the top of the "Boss-Extrude" window located on the left side of the program window.

This completes the rendering of a virtual model of a washer.