Master Solidworks

Learn how to master Solidworks 3D CAD modelling for any use, from 3D printing to professional product design!

Last updated 2022-01-10 | 4.3

- By the end of the course students will be able to confidently use Solidworks to produce a whole range of 3D CAD models. All of the basic features will be covered using real-world examples
- Understand Solidworks CAD within a wider context of use
- including areas such as 3D printing
- molding and general manufacture.

What you'll learn

By the end of the course students will be able to confidently use Solidworks to produce a whole range of 3D CAD models. All of the basic features will be covered using real-world examples

Understand Solidworks CAD within a wider context of use

including areas such as 3D printing

molding and general manufacture.

* Requirements

* You should be able to use a Windows PC at a basic level
* A copy of Solidworks 2015 or older. A newer version can also be used but some minor details may be different
* and the example files may not open properly with older versions.
* Users with Solidworks 2018 or newer are advised to take my updated course - "Master Solidworks 2018 - 3D CAD using real-world examples"

Description

Progress from complete beginner to Solidworks master in one single course!

Solidworks is one of the most popular and powerful 3D CAD programs in the world. Millions of people use it to design everything from 3D-printed toys all the way up to fully-working mechanical vehicles. Now you can join the ranks of Solidworks users, and learn to create your own models completely from scratch!

This course focuses on Solidworks 2015. It can be used with any version but if you have a newer version (2018, or newer) then my updated course - "Master Solidworks 2018 3D CAD using real-world examples" will be more helpful!
If you have purchased this version by mistake please send me a message and I'll swap you over!

Why this course is different
There are many Solidworks courses online, but none quite like this one:

We use real world examples during learning! This allows you to relate to your lessons more easily and so remember and understand them better!
Taught by a Solidworks professional! The instructor been using Solidworks since 2006 and even taken a range of official Solidworks-certified training courses. The instructor currently works as a Product Design Engineer and uses Solidworks every day to design all sorts of things for real clients - no academic-only experience here!
No prior knowledge needed. This course is designed to take you from having never used any CAD program before to being able to model almost anything you can imagine!
Understand the wider context of CAD use. As well as explaining the basic CAD techniques this course also details how they relate to real world uses, such as 3D Printing and injection molding.

About this course

This courses includes:

Over 12 hours of high-quality original video.
All sections contain additional resources such as downloadable models and drawings, made specially for the course.
Increasing content over time. New exercises and videos are constantly being added.
On-hand support. Have a question? We are always here to support any questions and take a look at your progress.
No prior knowledge needed. We take you from complete beginner all the way to mastering Solidworks!

You will learn

Over the course of twelve detailed modelling you'll learn the entire range of Solidworks skills, including:

Circuitboard - Solidworks Basics, Sketching, Extrudes and Cuts
Pencil - Multi-Body Parts, Revolved Boss/Base and Cuts
Pencil Sharpener - Assemblies
Headphones - Swept Boss/Base, Splines and 3D Sketches
Coke Bottle - Swept Cuts, Helixes and Threads
Computer Mouse - Lofted Boss/Base and Splitting Parts
Key Fob - Modelling from Photographs
Lego Figure - More Complex Assemblies and Advanced Mates
Drawer Box - Configurations and Drawings
Raspberry Pi Enclosure - Importing Parts and Draft Angles
Bicycle Fork - 3D Curves and Sweeps
Gamepad Controller - Ribs and an Entire Recap of the Earlier Techniques
Course Conclusion and Future Learning!

The course is taught using Solidworks 2015 but the models and resources used will work with any version newer than that - all the way up to Solidworks 2018.

The techniques used are also common to many different CAD programs - so you can learn on Solidworks then easily transfer these skills if needed.

So sign up today, and begin your first steps in the exciting world of 3D modelling!

Who this course is for:

Anyone who would like to learn 3D CAD, whether for professional or personal use!
You may be a product designer wishing to expand your skills, a hobbyist looking to start 3D printing or an engineering enthusiast.
You may already know basic CAD and be looking to expand your skills, or you may be a complete beginner.

Course content

14 sections • 91 lectures

Introduction 1 lectures

Introduction - Welcome to the course Preview 05:05

This introduction lecture covers the following topics:

Welcome to the course and Instructor introduction
What CAD is and how it's used
Instructor experience
Course content
How to use this course

Circuitboard - Solidworks Basics, Sketching, Extrudes and Cuts 12 lectures

Getting started - Introduction to the Solidworks Interface and Sketches Preview 07:47

This video covers the following:

The different types of Solidworks files
The Solidworks interface
View controls
Starting a Sketch
Sketch Entities

Starting to Sketch the PCB, and Basic Extrudes Preview 08:56

This video covers:

More Sketching Basics
Relations
Dimensions
Fully Defining Sketches
Extruded Boss/Base

Adding more Sketch Entities, and more Relations Preview 10:34

This video covers:

More Sketch Entities:
- Circles
- Rectangles
- Ellipses
More Sketch Relations

The Trim Tool, Mirroring and adding more Features Preview 05:58

This video covers:

Trim Tool
Adding more Features
Mirroring Sketch Entities
Mirroring Features

Extruded Cuts and the Hole Wizard Preview 08:03

This video covers:

Arc Tool
Tangent Relation
Slot Tool
Symmetric Relation
Extruded Cut
Hole Wizard
Point Tool

Fillets and Chamfers Preview 04:07

This video covers:

Fillets
Chamfers

Linear Patterns Preview 04:50

This video covers:

Linear Sketch Patterns
Linear Patterns (Features)

The Design Tree and Design Intent Preview 07:26

This video covers:

The Design Tree
Suppressing and Unsuppressing
Child and Parent Features
Rollback Bar
Sketches Vs. Features
Design Intent
Rebuilding

Appearances and Renderings Preview 04:25

This video covers:

Adding Appearances
Editing Appearances
Rendering models

Saving and Filetypes Preview 03:02

This video covers:

Saving Parts
Filetypes

Circuitboard Recap Preview 08:25

This video recaps the entire Circuitboard section, and covers:

Solidworks Document Types
Solidworks Interface
View Controls
Planes, the Origin and Sketches
Starting Sketching
Sketch Entities
Dimensions and Relations
Extruded Boss/Base Feature
Trim Tool
Mirroring
Extruded Cut Feature
Hole Wizard
Linear Patterns
Fillets and Chamfers
The Design Tree and Rollback Bar
Design Intent
Appearances and Renderings
Saving and File Types

Optional Assignment 2.1: Create your own board model from a PCB drawing

(Please note: this assignment is optional!) There are many PCB datasheets online that give detailed drawings of PCBs. Try using one of these to create your own board, using the techniques covered in this section. This can be as detailed or simple as you like!

Pencil - Multi-Body Parts, Revolved Boss/Base and Cuts 6 lectures

Pencil Introduction - Modelling the Lead and Casing Preview 05:01

This video covers the following:

Polygons
Coradial Relations
Multi-Body Parts
Up To Surface End Conditions

Revolved Boss/Base - Adding the Ferrule Preview 05:41

This video covers the following:

Section View
Revolved Boss/Base
Construction Lines

Pencil Finishing Touches - Fillets and Text Preview 06:54

This video covers the following:

Filleting - The Edge Selection Toolbar
Adding Text

Sharpening the Pencil - Revolved Cuts Preview 07:15

This video covers the following:

Revolved Cuts
Common Errors
More Rendering Details

Pencil Recap Preview 09:52

This video recaps the entire Pencil section, and covers:

Polygon Tool
Coradial Relations
Up to Surface End Conditions
Multi-Body Parts
Revolved Boss/Base
Common Errors
SketchXpert
Fillets - Edge Selection Toolbar
Adding Text
Revolved Cut
More Rendering Options

Optional Assignment 3.1: Create your own Multi-Body Revolved Part

(Please note: this assignment is optional!) Use the techniques you have learned up until now to create a new Part using Revolved Features. A good example might be a simple car wheel, or have a look around you at other items which could be created using a Revolve. These are usually circular!

Pencil Sharpener - Assemblies 9 lectures

Pencil Sharpener Introduction Preview 02:23

This video introduces the Pencil Sharpener section and briefly explains Assemblies.

Pencil Sharpener Body - Part 1 Preview 13:38

This video covers the following:

Automatic Resizing
Parallel & Perpendicular Relations
Measure Tool
Customizing Solidworks
Shortcuts & Mouse Gestures
Symmetrical Distances
Adding New Planes
Offset Entities
Point Tool

Pencil Sharpener Body - Part 2 Preview 06:42

This video covers the following:

Autotransitioning from lines to arcs
Hole Wizard - more options
Through All End Condition
Materials
Mass Properties

Pencil Sharpener Blade Preview 04:32

This video covers the following:

Using Selected Contours
Distance-Distance Chamfers
Custom Hole Sizes

Making the Sharpener Assembly Preview 10:58

This video covers the following:

Switching between documents
Creating an Assembly
Adding Components
Using Mates
The Parts Tree
Suppresing Parts
Hiding Parts and Transparency
Editing Parts within an Assembly
Saving Assemblies
How Assembly Files work
Pack and Go

Adding the Screw Preview 07:56

This video covers the following:

Using the Toolbox
Smart Mates
Adding the Screw Manually

Assembly Features Preview 06:57

This video covers the following:

Assembly Mass Properties
Exploded Views
Interference Detection
Adding the Pencil Model

Pencil Sharpener Recap Preview 11:29

This video recaps the entire Pencil section, and covers:

Introduction to Assemblies
Customizing the Solidworks Interface
Mouse Gestures
Symmetrical Dimensions
Through All End Condition
Adding New Planes
Offset Entities
Autotransitioning
Tapped Holes
Materials
Using Selected Contours
Distance-Distance Chamfers
Custom Holes
Creating Assemblies
Adding Components
Using Mates
Solidworks Toolbox
Smart Mates
Suppressing and Hiding Parts
How Assemblies Work
Exploded Views
Assembly Mass Properties
Interference Detection

Optional Assignment 4.1: Create your own Assembly

(Please note: this assignment is optional!) Try making a simple Assembly from two or three Parts. In my example I have created a pencil eraser Part then added a cardboard cover Part to make a basic Assembly, but your model can be anything you choose and can be as detailed or simple as you like!

Headphones - Swept Boss/Base, Splines and 3D Sketches 8 lectures

Introduction and the Headphone Jack Preview 09:21

This video introduces the Headphones section and covers:

More on Zero-Thickness Errors
Adding Draft to Features
Through All Both End Condition
Using Bodies
Combine Feature
Commands Search Box

Sweeps and Splines Preview 08:00

This video covers the following:

Convert Entities
Spline Tool
Swept Boss/Base
Fully Define Sketch Tool
More Rollback Bar Details
A Common Sweep Error

Adding the Earbud and using 3D Sketches Preview 08:27

This video covers the following:

Snapping to Arc/Circle Centerpoints
3D Sketches

Adding the Second Earbud and Move/Copy Bodies Preview 08:52

This video covers the following:

More Details on New Planes
More on Mirroring
Moving Features
Move/Copy Bodies

Finishing the Assembly and Adding New Parts Preview 06:08

This video covers the following:

Finishing the Assembly
Copying Parts Within an Assembly
Adding Existing Parts to Assemblies
Render Scene Settings
Imported Parts
Online Resources

Headphones Recap - Part 1 Preview 11:53

This video recaps the Headphone section, and covers:

More on Zero Thickness Errors
Adding Draft to Features
Using Bodies during Modelling
Through All Both End Condition
Combine
Commands Search Bar
Swept Boss/Base
Convert Entities
Spline Tool
Fully Define Sketch Tool
3D Sketches

Headphones Recap - Part 2 Preview 06:38

This video recaps the Headphone section, and covers:

Defining New Planes
More on Mirroring
Moving Features
Move/Copy Body
Copying Parts Within an Assembly
Using Online Resources
Importing Existing Parts

Optional Assignment 5.1: Practice using Sweeps

Sweeps are very useful and powerful. Find a real-life object that is suited to modelling using Sweeps and recreate it in Solidworks.

Coke Bottle - Swept Cuts, Helixes and Threads 9 lectures

Coke Bottle Introduction and Basic Shape Preview 06:24

This video introduces the Coke Bottle section and covers modelling up the basic shape.

Swept Cuts, Circular Patterns and Shelling Preview 11:51

This video covers the following:

Swept Cut
Circular Pattern
Shelling

Helixes and Threads Preview 09:32

This video covers the following:

Helixes
Creating Threads
More Revolve Details
More Thread Details
3D Printing Threads

Intersection Curve and Decals Preview 09:28

This video covers the following:

Intersection Curve
Transparent Appearances
Decals

Coke Bottle Cap Preview 08:09

This video covers the following:

Adding Axes
Modelling the rest of Cap Part using previously learned techniques

Adding the Coke - In-Context Parts and the Cavity Feature Preview 11:22

This video covers the following:

In-Context Parts
Cavity Feature
External References
(Basic) Top Down Design

Coke Bottle Recap - Part 1 Preview 11:13

This video recaps the Coke Bottle section, and covers:

Swept Cut
Circular Pattern
Shell Feature
Helixes
Creating Threads
Intersection Curve
Decals

Coke Bottle Recap Part 2 Preview 07:43

This video recaps the Coke Bottle section, and covers:

Axes
In-Context Parts
Cavity
External References

Optional Assignment 6.1: Practice using Helixes

Helixes can be very useful but also can be confusing at first. Practice using them to create a Screw Thread.

Computer Mouse - Lofted Boss Base and Splitting Parts 7 lectures

Introduction and Lofts Preview 07:15

This video introduces the Computer Mouse section and covers:

Introduction to Lofts
More View Options

Using Multiple Profiles and Guide Curves Preview 13:31

This video covers the following:

Using Multiple Loft Profiles
Guide Curves
Pierce Relation
Resetting Spline Handles

Splitting Parts Preview 13:24

This video covers the following:

Split Feature
Splitting Parts into Derived Parts
Editing In-Context
Up To Next, Body and Surface End Conditions

Adding the PCB using In-Context Parts Preview 08:55

This video covers the following:

More In-Context Parts
Center Rectangle
Editing Parts within Assemblies

Finishing off the Mouse Assembly Preview 08:34

This video covers the following:

Fillets - Tangent Propagation
Finishing off the Mouse Assembly

Computer Mouse Recap Preview 13:08

This video recaps the Computer Mouse section, and covers:

Lofted Boss/Base
Multiple Loft Profiles
Guide Curves
Split Feature
Splitting Parts into Derived Parts
Up to Surface/Body/Next End Conditons
More In-Context Parts
Center Rectangle

Optional Assignment 7.1: Practice using Lofts

Lofts can be used to make curving and organic shapes. Find a real-life object that is suited to modelling using Lofts, or create one from your imagination, and make it in Solidworks.

Key Fob - Modelling from Photographs 7 lectures

The Basic Key Fob Shape and Sketch Picture Preview 09:42

This video introduces the Key Fob section and covers:

Sketch Picture
More on Splines
The Fixed Relation
Flip Side to Cut

Adding to the Key Fob 1 - Shared Sketches and Offset From Preview 09:08

This video covers the following:

Hiding Bodies
Offsetting Features
Offset From Surface End Condition
Shared Sketches

Adding to the Key Fob 2 - Dome Feature and Finishing Touches Preview 05:53

This video covers the following:

Dome Feature
Finishing Off the Key Fob

Adding the Key Fob Cover Preview 14:22

This video covers the following:

More on 3D Printing
Out of Context References
More on Offset Details
Midpoint Line
Extending Lines
More on the Cavity Feature

Finishing Touches and Blocks Preview 11:46

This video covers the following:

Select Tangency
Select Chain
Blocks

Key Fob and Cover - Recap Preview 12:35

This video recaps the Key Fob section, and covers:

Sketch Picture
Flip Side to Cut
Shared Sketches
Offsetting Features
Offset From Surface End Condition
Dome
Mid Point Line
Extending Lines
Select Tangency/Chain
Blocks

Optional Assignment 8.1: Practice modelling from photos

Some objects can be hard to measure accurately. In these cases it can be useful to use the Sketch Picture function to insert photographs or images into your Sketches to allow you to trace them. Take some photos of an everyday object and use them with the Sketch Picture function to model it.

The Lego Figure - More Complex Assemblies and Advanced Mates 8 lectures

Head and Hands Preview 12:38

This video covers the following:

Split Lines
Arc Slots
Tangent Arc
More on Adding Planes

The Arms Preview 12:21

This video covers the following:

Draft
Lofted Cut
Lofting to a Point
Lofting to a Surface
3 Point Arc
3 Point Center Rectangle

Torso Part and Subassembly Preview 08:22

This video covers the following:

Mirroring Assembly Parts
Opposite Hand Parts

The Hips Preview 08:21

This video uses various techniques to build the Hip Part, including Extrudes, Convert, Offsets and Mirroring.

The Legs Part and Subassembly Preview 08:13

This video uses various techniques to build the Leg Part, then covers creating the Leg Assembly.

Building the Lego Figure Assembly and Advanced Mates Preview 11:53

This video covers the following:

Quick Filters
Lightweight Parts
Using Subassemblies
Rigid and Flexible Assemblies
Width Mate
Angle Mate
Locking Rotation
Limit Mate

Lego Figure Recap Preview 13:38

This video recaps the Lego Figure section, and covers:

Split Line
Centerpoint Arc Slot
Tangent Arc
Draft
Lofted Cut
Lofting to a Point/Face
3 Point Center Rectangle
Opposite Hand Versions
Limit Mates
Width Mate
Subassemblies
Rigid and Flexible Assemblies

Optional Assignment 9.1: Build a more Advanced Assembly

Assemblies are essential for creating more complex models. Use the attached Parts and instructions to create the Lego Digger Assembly. Please note - this is a really long assembly so don't feel like you have to do the whole thing. Any practice at all is great!

Drawer Box - Configurations and Drawings 6 lectures

Introduction to Drawings and Configurations Preview 05:02

This video covers the following:

Introduction to Drawings
Introduction to Configurations

Configurations Preview 08:54

This video covers the following:

Adding Configurations
Adjusting Configurations

Basic Drawings Preview 13:40

This video covers the following:

Starting Drawings
Drawing Templates
Adding Views
Standard 3 View
View Alignment
View Orientations
Drawing Display States
Drawing Scales
Dimensions
Drawing Units
Notes
Center Marks and Centerlines
Title Block and Editing the Sheet Format
Adding Sheets
How Drawing Files Work
Exporting Drawings

Advanced Drawings Preview 11:40

This video covers the following:

Section View
Detail View
Custom Views
Exploded View
Bill of Materials
Balloons
Configuration Names

Drawer Box Recap Preview 08:14

This video recaps the Box Drawer section, and covers:

Adding Configurations
Adjusting Configurations
Using Configurations in Assemblies
Creating Drawings
Adding Views
Standard 3 View
Dimensions and Annotations
Display Styles
Changing Scale
Editing Sheet Format
Drawing File Details
Adding Sheets
Section View
Detail View
Custom Views
Exploded View
Bill of Material
Balloons
Configuration Names
Exporting Drawings

Optional Assignment 10.1: Practice Configurations

Configurations allow you to create multiple variations of a Part or Assembly within one single document. They provide a great way to manage models which are similar to each without only small changes in parameters. Practice creating a model that uses Configurations.

Raspberry Pi Enclosure - Importing Parts and Draft Angles 6 lectures

Importing Non-Solidworks Files and Starting the Enclosure Preview 06:36

This video covers the following:

Importing STEP files
Saving and Using Imported Files

Enclosure Top Preview 08:02

This video covers modelling the Top Part of the Enclosure using previously learned techniques.

Draft Angles and Molding Preview 11:08

This video covers the following:

Injection Molding Considerations
Draft Analysis
Adding Draft Angles

Enclosure Finishing Touches Preview 13:59

This video covers finishing off the Enclosure Parts and checking the fit of the Assembly.

Raspberry Pi Enclosure Recap Preview 09:07

This video recaps the Raspberry Pi Enclosure section, and covers:

Importing Non-Solidworks Files
Injection Molding Basics
Draft Angles
Using Previously Learned Techniques to Add and Finish New Parts

Optional Assignment 11.1: Practice Importing External Files (and Drafts)

Importing files from external sources allows you to rapidly speed up projects and use files that other people have already made. Practice finding an external file and importing into Solidworks. As a bonus you can create a small enclosure and add Draft Angles to the walls.

Bicycle Fork - 3D Curves and Sweeps 5 lectures

Drawing the Head Tube Preview 05:27

This video covers setting up the Part and drawing the Head Tube, ready for the curved Forks.

Adding the Curved Forks Preview 06:18

This video introduces the Project Curve Feature and using this to create a Swept Boss/Base in three dimensions.

Adding the Dropouts and Finishing the Assembly Preview 06:37

This video covers finishing the Bike Tube assembly using Extrudes, Copy Bodies, Combine and other techniques that have previously been covered.

Bicycle Fork Recap Preview 04:24

This video recaps the Bicycle Fork section, and covers:

Setting Up the Part
Creating the Head Tube
Project Curve
Creating a 3D Swept Boss/Base
Finishing the Parts and Making an Assembly

Optional Assignment 12.1: Practice Using Curves

Curves are a great way of creating Sweeps which are more accurate that simply using 3D Splines. Practice using them in this assignment.

Gamepad Controller - Overall Recap and Ribs 6 lectures

Introduction and Basic Shape Preview 10:44

This video introduces the Gamepad Part and produces the basic shape, using Extrudes, Lofts, Fillets, Mirroring, Chamfers, and Shell.

Splitting the Part and Making an Assembly Preview 08:43

This video introduces the Rib Feature, as well as developing the model further using previously covered techniques.

Adding the PCB Preview 14:24

This video covers adding the PCB Part using previously learned techniques including In-Context Parts, Extrudes, Circular Patterns, Sweeps and Converting and Offsetting Entities.