Work Smarter with SolidWorks Smart Features: Build a Powerful Design Library
SolidWorks Smart Features can help you Work Smarter, not harder. Our clients often ask how to work smarter when 3D modelling.
Our answer to this is very simple – ensure you use your design software to its full potential. Most design software gives you the ability to create a design library, be it SolidWorks or Inventor.
SolidWorks includes two related but distinct capabilities:
- Smart Features: Features that adapt to specific model contexts, often controlled by parameters or design intent.
- Smart Components: Parts that automatically add associated features (like mounting holes or cuts) to other parts when inserted into an assembly.
Design libraries can be used to save several things, from commonly used sketches, blocks, weldment profiles, parts, assemblies, feature cuts for fixings, and much more.
Why Use a SolidWorks Design Library?
Commonly utilised parts and features within the various design industries can be saved in a design library; fixings, including KD blocks, drawer runners, hinges, PCB, and fan fixings, are used by engineers on a daily basis, depending on their industry, to streamline their projects.
With SolidWorks, users can simply drag and drop features, parts, and much more into a design library to save them. These features can then be used as many times as required on future projects, which saves valuable time.
RELATED READ: How Industrial Design Drives Modern Product Development and Prototyping
How to Add SolidWorks Smart Features
Adding Solidworks Smart Features from a Vape Mod
Adding Solidworks Smart Features from a Vape ModCommonly utilised parts and features within the various design industry can be saved into a design library; fixings including KD blocks, drawer runners, hinges, PCB and fan fixings are used by engineers on a daily basis, depending on their industry, to streamline their projects.
With Solidworks, users can simply drag and drop features, parts and much more into a design library to save them. These features can then be used as many times as required on future projects which saves valuable time.
Adding SolidWorks Smart Features from a Hinge
Adding SolidWorks Smart Features from a HingeAlong with this, users can also add some adaptability to these features, making it a smart component where certain parameters can be modified and adjusted before adding them to the model.
Tips to Maximise Your Smart Features and Design Library
- Use Smart Components to automate repetitive feature insertions, such as mounting holes or cut-outs.
- Organise library parts by project type, product line, or industry for faster access.
- Leverage configurations to accommodate part variations without duplicating files.
- Maintain naming conventions to improve clarity and searchability.
- Regularly review and update your design library to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Would you like to know more about smart features and the benefits these can bring to your workflow? If you need help in creating a robust design library that streamlines your processes, send your request in today, and one of our designers will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
