Understanding Exploded Views in SolidWorks
Exploded views are essential for detailed assembly drawings as they illustrate how components fit together. In SolidWorks, creating and editing these views is a straightforward process that allows for clarity in presenting your designs.
Accessing the Exploded View Features
To begin editing an exploded view in SolidWorks, first ensure that you have your assembly file open. Navigate to the ConfigurationManager tab located on the left side of your interface. Here, you will see the Exploded View option, which you can use to manipulate various components of your assembly.
Editing an Existing Exploded View
Select the Exploded View: Right-click on the Exploded View entry in the ConfigurationManager. This action will present you with a context menu.
Choose Edit Feature: From the context menu that appears, select the Edit Feature option. This will open the PropertyManager for the exploded view.
Modify Explode Steps: In the PropertyManager, you’ll see a list of existing explode steps. You can adjust their positions by dragging them along their current axes or by entering new values directly into the boxes provided.
Repositioning Components: Select any component you wish to reposition, then either click and drag to a new location or edit its position numerically. You don’t need to close the PropertyManager to make these changes.
- Finalizing Changes: After all desired changes are made, ensure to click the green checkmark to apply and save your modifications.
Removing Exploded Views
If you need to remove an exploded view or specific explode steps:
Navigate to ConfigurationManager: Go back to the ConfigurationManager and find the Exploded View you want to alter.
Editing Feature: Right-click on the Exploded View and select Edit Feature again.
- Deleting Steps: Under Explode Steps, locate the step you wish to remove. Right-click on that step and select Delete. Confirm the deletion if prompted, and then finalize your changes by clicking the green checkmark.
Creating a New Exploded View
If starting from scratch is preferable:
Activate the Exploded View Feature: On the Assembly toolbar, find the Exploded View button. Click it to initiate a new exploded view.
Adding Components: Select the components you wish to include in the explosion step. You can do this by clicking on each part within your assembly.
Defining Explosion States: For each selected component, use the directional arrows to specify how far and in which direction to explode it. You can customize each step to create compelling visuals.
- Saving the New View: Once you complete the adjustments for your new exploded view, save your progress by clicking the green checkmark.
Exploding Subassemblies
To explode a subassembly, the process is similar but may require unbinding:
Select the Subassembly: Identify the subassembly in your main assembly.
Unbind the Subassembly: Right-click on the subassembly and choose the Unbind Subassembly option. This will allow you to manipulate the components within it individually.
- Create the Exploded View: Follow the same steps as previously mentioned to explode the individual parts of the subassembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I save multiple exploded views for an assembly in SolidWorks?
Yes, you can create and save multiple exploded views for a single assembly. Each view can capture different arrangements, making it easy to switch between them as needed.
2. Is it possible to edit the exploded view after it has been saved?
Absolutely. You can reopen and edit any saved exploded view by selecting it from the ConfigurationManager and using the Edit Feature option.
3. How do I ensure that my exploded view is properly aligned?
Using the PropertyManager to adjust and fine-tune the positions of each component is essential. Take your time in repositioning, ensuring everything lines up correctly for clarity in your drawings.
