SolidWorks 2013 Flat Tree Display

In this video Solidtec Applications Engineer Nayshil Singh shows us the new feature in SolidWorks 2013 called 'Flat Tree Display".

this is an excellent and useful feature and may become a regular favorite during modeling.

the hot key for this neat trick is CTRL+T

For more information about SolidWorks and Solidtec please check out the links below

http://www.solidtec.com.au/

https://www.youtube.com/user/SolidtecAU

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Create SolidWorks drawing template from imported DWG/DXF

In this video Applications Engineer Craig Stevens shows us how we can use a DWG or DXF and import directly into SolidWorks and use the title block present on that file and incorporate that into the SolidWorks Drawing template.

this is an excellent video if you have a drawing title block/layout that is in an AutoCAD format i.e. DWG and wish to use in SolidWorks.

For more information about SolidWorks and Solidtec please check out the links below

http://www.solidtec.com.au/

https://www.youtube.com/user/SolidtecAU

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Activating and Transferring SolidWorks standalone license/s

How to transfer and activate SolidWorks standalone license/s from Solidtec Blog

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Don't forget to transfer your standalone license -

One of the most common questions a SolidWorks Support/Applications Engineer
is asked by a customer:

"Iv'e had my SolidWorks standalone license activated on my main office machine, 

but sometimes need it either activated on another machine or

at my home office, when I get to the other machine and attempt to activate

the license it comes up stating that the license is 

activated else where! its so irritating!

What can be done to remind me to transfer the license after I'm finished with SolidWorks?

I don't want to have to drive back to the office or 

home to release the license, would be nice if I could get a little reminder when I close SolidWorks?"

My response to this would usually be to re-enforce to the customer -

"Don't forget to transfer your license after use, if you are wanting to activate else where" 

But I have realised its easier said than actually done, so I have taken a little initiative and written a simple Visual Basic Script (VBScript) that monitors the SolidWorks process SLDWORKS.EXE and once the process is stopped meaning SolidWorks has closed the user will get a little message like the one below: 

This little "Notifier" is like a reminder to the user to transfer off their standalone license so that it can be activated else where, if they click the YES button it will start up the swactwiz tool (transfer / activate / show licenses tool ) 

The user can now click Transfer a Software license - to release their SolidWorks activation. 

If the user specifies NO than they are reminded that their computer is still activated and that if they want to transfer the license to re-start SolidWorks and close then click YES. 

Thats it! 

The script has a loop command meaning that once it starts and SolidWorks closes the script runs through the notification windows until exit then it re loops and starts to monitor the SLDWORKS.EXE process again. 

This tool/script is only a notifier it does not automate the transferring of the license only alarms the user and reminds them to transfer the license if they need to. 

The recommended installation directory for this tool is : C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup - this means that after your computer either does a reboot or a shutdown and start up, the script will always be running. 

This script is only for standalone SolidWorks license, not required for network licenses. 

I think this is a nice little tool for those who require the reminder and I hope it helps solve the problem that many customers have of forgetting to transfer their license for activation on another machine. 

For the installation process of this tool please review the video below. Please feel free to comment, share and spread the word. 

This tool was made for use by Solidtec Solutions Pty Ltd and scripted by Perry Klinger.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

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Installing Workgroup PDM Vault Administration Tool

In this video Applications Engineer Magus Whittall shows us how to easily install the Workgroup PDM Vault Administration tool.

For more information about SolidWorks and Solidtec please check out the links below

http://www.solidtec.com.au/

http://www.youtube.com/user/SolidtecAU?feature=watch

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Importing Inventor Assembly & Part Files into Solidworks

This blog illustrates the process of importing Inventor Assembly & Part Files into Solidworks & reuse them as if they were native Solidworks data.

This Blog was prepared and presented by Amgad Yacoub.

For more content please check out our YouTube Channel and also our Blog site:

http://www.youtube.com/SolidtecAU

http://www.solidtec.com.au

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Frame Designs with SolidWorks Weldments

In this video Perry demonstrates how SolidWorks enables users to create structural designs ( frames ) by using what is called "Weldment" features.

Frames are easily and quickly created in SolidWorks by using 2D and/or 3D sketches. Other tools that can be used in frame designs is the Grid feature which allows users to create a single base sketch on the top plane with required geometry and then pattern at required instances with scalable heights for each instance.

Then by using tools found in SolidWorks - Standard, Professional & Premium allow the user to easy create the frame design rather than using the Boss Extrude feature or other simple features.

Not only does Weldments automate the Extrude Boss but also the additional sketching and cutting of the bodies, also limits the user to huge amounts of clicking and setup.

in the background SolidWorks Weldments is adding additional properties to each newly created cutlist item - some properties that can be found is overall length, Body Weight and many more.

Later the design is then placed onto a drawing for further detailing and by adding a CutList table we are able to see the sizes, quantities and lengths required for the members. SolidWorks Parts, Assemblies and Drawings are all associative between their referenced counter parts allowing the user to quickly produce the documentation from the original modelled item.

This Blog was prepared and presented by Perry.

For more content please check out our YouTube Channel and also our Blog site:

http://solidtecsolutions.blogspot.com.au/

http://www.solidtec.com.au/

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SolidWorks Background Downloader

In this video you will be shown how you can enable and disable the SolidWorks background downloader.

The Background downloader is used by SolidWorks to download the most recent service packs to your local machine. In some cases many users require the need to disable this tool as they may prefer to manually download the full installation package at each new service pack release.

This Blog was prepared and presented by Nayshil Singh.

For more content please check out our YouTube Channel and also our Blog site:

SolidtecAU - Youtube

http://www.solidtec.com.au/

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SolidWorks screen capture

This video demonstrates a few tools for performing a screen capture, as well as some of the functionality within these tools.

This video was created by Darren Silsby - Solidtec Application Engineer

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Modifying Solidworks Installation to Update Serial Number

This video goes through how to modify your Solidworks installations to update your serial number from Trial version to full version, or standalone to network license, etc.

This video was produced by Gabriel Davila - Application Engineer

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How to download, create, and organize Weldment Profiles

This interactive PowerPoint shows how to locate the current weldment profiles, download additional profiles, as well as creating custom profiles, and the folder structure required.

This Video was created by Solidtec Solutions Application Engineer Heidi

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Signing up for a customer portal Account.

How to sign up for a SolidWorks customer portal account from solidtecblog

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SolidWorks "Copy Settings Wizard"

In this video Stewart will show you how to back up your SolidWorks settings
using the SolidWorks settings wizard. This tool can be used in a multi user environment
where users need to have the same settings & file locations.

This how to video was produced by Stewart N -- Applications Engineer NZ

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How to Upgrade: SolidNetwork Licensing Administrator

Interactive online Slide Show:

Created By Perry K - Applications Engineer Solidtec Solutions

If your having issues viewing this at this size please check out the
Full Screen button located at the bottom right hand corner.

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Upgrading SolidWorks Toolbox

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How to submit an Enhancement Request for SolidWorks

This is a video that demonstrates how to submit an enhancement request for SolidWorks.

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How to Upgrade your Solidworks installation 2011 - 2012

This is a guide for upgrading SolidWorks from one version to another - for example from SolidWorks 2011 to SolidWorks 2012. We highly recommend that you uninstall the old version completely, and then install the new version. This ensures you have a clean start with the new version.

To jump directly to the instructions, click here.
If you would like to run two major versions of SolidWorks (e.g. 2011 and 2012) alongside each other, click here.
It is not necessary to uninstall and reinstall between Service Packs, only major releases (i.e. each year). To learn how to update your SolidWorks version (e.g. go from SolidWorks 2012 SP1 to SP2) click here.
This is not intended to be a step-by-step installation guide and assumes some familiarity with basic computer maintenance, etc. If at any stage you are unsure of how to proceed, please contact your Solidtec Application Engineer.
The steps below are for standalone SolidWorks licenses. To check if you have a standalone license, from SolidWorks go to the Help menu. If you have the option to "Transfer license", you have a standalone license. If you have a network (SNL) license, most steps will be the same. If unsure, contact your Solidtec Application Engineer.

Contents

1. Before you begin
2. Uninstall the old version
3. Install the new version
4. After installation
1. Setup
2. Toolbox installations
5. Further information
   

   Before you begin

1. Back up any local data. We recommend keeping a copy of your data in the old format should you need it. More information on backups can be found here.
2. Make a note of any SolidWorks customisations, such as keyboard shortcuts. From SolidWorks >> (start a new Part if none are open) >> Tools >> Customize >> Keyboard tab >> check "Show only commands with shortcuts assigned" >> Copy List. This will copy the settings to the Windows Clipboard and you can then paste them into Excel or Notepad, etc. Although this requires you to re-input your keyboard shortcuts after reinstalling SolidWorks, there is no risk of "contaminating" the Registry settings. Do not use Copy Settings Wizard, as it copies the entire SolidWorks registry and can cause problems with the new version.
3. Copy the SolidWorks Serial Number. From SolidWorks >> Help >> About SolidWorks. Make a note of the Serial Number (copy to Notepad or write it down on paper, etc.) - you may need to re-enter it during installation later on.
4. Transfer the SolidWorks License off the machine. This ensures your license is available to use on another computer if anything happens during the uninstall/reinstall process. From SolidWorks >> Help >> Transfer License. If you are having trouble connecting to the SolidWorks License Server, make sure that internet traffic is allowed to/from https://activate.solidworks.com/
5. Make sure you are logged in to Windows as an administrator. If you are unsure, see http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001093.htm

Uninstall the old version

6. Uninstall SolidWorks. Start Menu >> Control Panel >> Programs and Features (Add/remove programs in WinXP) >> SolidWorks >> Uninstall. The SolidWorks 2011 Installation Manager will start.
1. If you are uninstalling SolidWorks 2011, right-click on the title-bar (up the top, where it says "SolidWorks 2011 Installation Manager") >> Total Uninstall >> proceed through the IM process (keep clicking Next).
2. If you are uninstalling SolidWorks 2010 or earlier, please read the end of this post regarding how to clean your registry. It is important to do this to ensure the smooth opertation of the new version.
7. Once uninstalled, reboot the computer.

Install the new version

8. THIS IS A CRITICAL STEP! Disable any Anti-virus programs that are running as these can interfere with the installation process. Some Anti-virus programs are very difficult to disable – if in doubt Google for instructions “disable < Anti-virus Program Name>”.
   
   If required, you can generally disable anti-virus programs manually:
   
   1. Start >> Run >> Control Panel >> Administrative Tools >> Services.
   2. Find all relevant anti-virus services >> RMB >> Stop
   3. Once installation is complete >> RMB >> Start
9. Insert the SolidWorks Media Disc (make sure it is the correct bit version - 32 and 64-bit versions are supplied in the box). If the Installation Manager does not start automatically, browse to the media location in Windows Explorer and RMB on Setup.exe >> Run as administrator to begin installation.
10. Run through the Installation Manager. If the Installation Manager detects the previous install, it may ask you to upgrade - this is fine, proceed as normal.
    
    
    1. Installation type is Individual.
    2. Enter the Serial Number if prompted (enter extra Serial Numbers if installing Simulation Premium or Flow Simulation).
    3. If you have SolidWorks Professional or Premium, click here to read about installing/upgrading the Toolbox.

After installation

Setup

11. If you transferred the license off the computer previously, or there was no license on the machine, when starting up SolidWorks you will be asked to activate the product. Run through the process, using correct contact details (these will be associated with the Serial Number). If you are unable to activate, use the 30-day Trial Activation. This will give you access to SolidWorks Premium for 30 days regardless of what version of SolidWorks you are entitled to. If this happens please notify your Solidtec Application Engineer
12. Make sure that the File Locations are set up correctly if using a central file server. From within SolidWorks >> Options >> System Options tab >> File Locations. The most common locations to change are: Document Templates, Sheet Formats, Weldment Profiles and Custom Properties. To add a Custom Properties location you may need to delete the existing location first (SolidWorks can only handle one location for the Custom Properties file).
13. Apply any customisations, such as keyboard shortcuts, toolbar layouts, etc. Back these settings up using the Copy Settings Wizard.
14. Consider creating a Disc Image of your HDD, to allow for quick restoration to a known clean install state. Click here to read more.

Toolbox installations

15. If you have SolidWorks Professional or Premium with the Toolbox add-in, the correct method to update the Toolbox data is as follows:
    
    1. Browse to your existing (e.g. 2011) Toolbox data folder - by default this is in C:\SolidWorks Data.
    2. Copy the folder and its contents - rename the copied folder something like "SolidWorks Data 2012". Make another copy of the orignal folder and keep it with the rest of your backed up SW2011 data.
    3. During installation, on the Summary page under Toolbox Options >> Change. Choose to "Upgrade an existing Toolbox location" and browse to the "SolidWorks Data 2012" folder. Continue the installation process.
    4. This will upgrade the contents of the new folder, leaving the previous folder intact if you wish to continue using SolidWorks 2011. If you do not need the 2011 data anymore, you can delete the orignal "SolidWorks Data" folder.
16. If you have already installed SolidWorks and need to change the location of the Toolbox from the default local installation path to a file server path, from within SolidWorks >> Options >> System Options tab >> Hole Wizard/Toolbox >> Browse to the correct location.

Further information

Further information on installing SolidWorks can be found here:

• SolidWorks Installation and Admin Guide – the official Admin guide.
• How to ensure a clean uninstall and update of SolidWorks – a more involved method of preparing your machine for a clean SolidWorks installation.

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How to install Multiple SolidWorks versions on one Computer

In this short demonstration by Perry from Solidtec, you will see how to install another version of SolidWorks alongside an already existing version. 

The method used will help keep the file references between the two versions apart. 
Please feel free to comment below.

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How to Activate and Transfer a SolidWorks Stand-alone license

This video explains how to activate and transfer a SolidWorks stand-alone license over the internet.

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Creating a SolidWorks Customer Portal account to access free Certification Exams

This video shows you how to create a SolidWorks Customer Portal account, and how to then access vouchers for free SolidWorks Certifications, such as the Certified SolidWorks Professional exam (CSWP). The vouchers are available for anyone with a valid license of SolidWorks (single-use only).

Please note the voucher codes in this video have been obscured.

Sign up for a SolidWorks Customer Portal account for:

1. Software updates
2. SolidWorks Forums
3. SolidWorks Knowledge Base

Below are links for:

SolidWorks Certification information

SolidWorks Certification Center

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