Yes, it’s true.  Javelin is moving.  On April 1st we will be operating out of brand spanking new offices at 3457 Superior Court in Oakville.  We are all very excited about the move and looking forward to the change since we have been at 700 Dorval Drive in Oakville since 1998.  Superior Court is located off Burloak in Oakville just south of the QEW.  Our new office is almost 12,000 square feet which is double the space that we have now.

We have contracted with Style Construction for project management and On-Sight Design for design services. Frank, Penny and Wendy are all working hard to ensure that the build goes smooth.  The space that we have leased is flexSpace and it is the first development in the Great Lakes Business Park.  Our next door neighbors are Canadian Tire Financial.

The space is brand new so we have had the pleasure of designing our own layout.  Wendy (our designer) has provided us with a great deal of advice and guidance on best practices for efficient office layout.  We have used Draftsight from DS SolidWorks (free and downloadable from the Javelin website) to view all of the plans to help make decisions on the new space layout.  See below.

Draftsight is being used to edit and review DWG files

Of course, as the leading 3D design software company in Canada we needed to have our building design as a usable 3D solid model.  Our team has used SolidWorks 2011 as well as BuiltWorks to model up the building and the structure. We have been using eDrawings and PhotoView 360 renderings to help us with decision making along the way in the project.  We will be doing more work using SolidWorks Simulation to model and test the interior, exterior and other aspects of the building.

New Javelin office modeled in SolidWorks 2011

You will notice a different logo over the front.  That’s new also.  The Javelin team has also undertaken a project to update our look and brand.  We will provide more information about that in follow-on posts.

We are hoping that you’ll come and see us in the new office.  In future blog posts I’ll share some great reasons to visit.  Some of them will be about awesome new technology we have and some of them will be just for fun.

The post Javelin is Moving appeared first on SolidWorks Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

We often receive questions about the measure tool in SolidWorks eDrawings.

Often the answer is a complicated one.  That’s because there are two different factors that
influence the ability to use the measure tool in eDrawings.

eDrawings Professional vs eDrawings Viewer

The first factor that determines whether or not the measure tool is available is what license of eDrawings is being used.  The measure tool in eDrawings is only available in eDrawings Professional and not in the free eDrawings Viewer … most of the time (more on that in a moment).  SolidWorks Professional and SolidWorks Premium come bundled with a license of eDrawings Professional, while the SolidWorks Standard product comes with the free version of eDrawings.

So an eDrawings file published in SolidWorks Standard, when opened by a user with the free eDrawings Viewer will not have access to the measure tool.  However if a user with a license of eDrawings Professional opens the same file then the measure tool will be available.

When an eDrawings file is published in SolidWorks Professional or Premium (or if a user has a standalone license of eDrawings Professional), then a tag will be attached to the file which will remove the limitations from the free eDrawings Viewer for this file only.  This enables a user with the free eDrawings Viewer access to the eDrawings Professional tools, including the measure tool.

Measure Tool Lock

The second factor that can prevent a user from being able to measure an eDrawings file is that the user who publishes the eDrawings file has the ability to lock the measure tool protecting their design data.  This is controlled within SolidWorks by going to File>Save As, selecting eDrawings as the “Save as type”, and clicking Options.

By default the option “Ok to measure this eDrawings file” is cleared, disabling the measure tool on any eDrawings published, even if it is published in SolidWorks Standard and then opened in eDrawings Professional.

Enabling this option will unlock the measure tool so that, if the user has eDrawings Professional, or if the file was published by a user with eDrawings Professional, then the geometry can be measured.

So in order to measure an eDrawings files:

1)  The file must be open in eDrawings Professional or have been published by eDrawings Professional.

And

2)  The option “Ok to measure this eDrawings file” must have been enabled when the file was published.

The post The eDrawings Measure Tool appeared first on SolidWorks Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

SolidWorks has an eDrawings app that allows you to view your models and drawings anywhere! On the Apple App Store, there are two versions to choose from (similar to the PC eDrawings program). Check them out!

eDrawings for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad allows you to open your native eDrawings or SolidWorks files and use multi-touch gestures to pan, zoom, or rotate your model. Show your assemblies in exploded states and browse through the assembly component tree.  Switch between configurations and hide/show or make components transparent. For your detailed drawings, easily switch between sheets and see all the dimensions. Play animations switching between 3D model views or 2D drawing views. A double-tap fits your models to the screen or zooms into drawing views.

eDrawings Pro for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad gives you even more functionality than eDrawings. Take dynamic cross section views, measurements, markups and annotations and share them to other users by email. Creating the markups in eDrawings files allow you to add text or freehand annotations. All the markups are saved in the eDrawings file for future review or comments.

Receive your files through email and choose to “Open With” to select eDrawings. Or better yet save the files to Dropbox or Box on your computer, then use the App to download the file and choose “Open In” and launch eDrawings. Also to save some time and space, assemblies and drawings can be opened on their own without the need of their referenced part and assembly files.

The post eDrawings for iPod touch, iPhone or iPad appeared first on SolidWorks Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

During a recent support call, a question was posed regarding any method that a SolidWorks user could use to place their company logo into an eDrawing and ensure that it made it onto any prints that were taken from the eDrawings file.  This got me thinking about the STAMP tool and if it could be customized….

The post Adding a Logo to your eDrawings Document [VIDEO] appeared first on SolidWorks Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

After using eDrawings on my iPad and iPhone for almost a year now and I believe this is an excellent tool for:

• communicating during the design process with customers and suppliers
• replacing some paper drawings in the machine shop
• perfect for describing the assembly or installation process

It does almost everything that the PC based eDrawings does and some or the tasks are even easier done due to the touchscreen.

Today, the other half of the smartphone and tablet users have reasons to be extremely happy. SolidWorks eDrawings for Android has just been released!

You can download the android App from here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.solidworks.eDrawingsAndroid

Enjoy!

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When I first used eDrawings for the iPad a couple years ago, I found myself in a completely different environment than I was used to seeing from eDrawings. This was largely due to the fact that a tablet and a PC have different ways of interacting with (you can’t hover or right-click on a tablet). To better make it a seamless transition, DS SOLIDWORKS have redesigned the interface for the PC version of eDrawings 2015 to be more consistent with the interface on a tablet. As a result, you will notice fewer toolbars and more fly-out menus, giving you more graphics area.

eDrawings 2015 (Left) offers a larger graphics area versus eDrawings 2014 (Right)

As you can imagine, there has been some resistance from some members of the SOLIDWORKS community who thought that eDrawings was already an excellent product that didn’t need a “facelift” so that it feels like a tablet version. While true, this alignment paves the way for future functionality. What happens when that old workstation on the shop floor comes due for replacement? Do you replace it with another $1,000 workstation for running eDrawings, or replace it with two $500 tablets? Even ignoring all that, it makes good sense to make a consistent interface across all platforms.

eDrawings 2015 vs. 2014 Comparison Video

I’ll cut to the chase, here is a video comparison of the two versions:

In case you weren’t able to view the video, or want a more detailed rundown, here it is:

New Functionality (The Good)

Some of the new things that were added include the ability to make use of Saved (or Named) Views from SOLIDWORKS. This can be a real time saver if you find that you used to have to spend a lot of time in eDrawings creating Markup Views just to show the model from a specific angle that was already done in SolidWorks.

Another function that was added was the ability to make use of Annotation Views from SOLIDWORKS. For example, if you add a bunch of Reference Dimensions in SolidWorks, you can make use of an Annotation View to have these shown in eDrawings. People used to use Markups for this is eDrawings 2014, but as soon as you rotate the view, the dimensions disappear. This means that in eDrawings 2015, you can rotate your part and the dimensions will remain present the whole time! Really handy for showing those hard-to-describe dimensions.

Things That Aren’t Quite There Yet (The Bad)

Unfortunately, it’s not all sunshine and roses. The biggest complaints on the forum come from three main limitations:

1. When an assembly is open, if you select a component of a sub-assembly, it will not highlight in the tree. This works fine for top-level components, but with sub-assemblies, the sub-assembly will not expand like it previously did. This one is also a known issue (SPR 859289). This is reported to be fixed in SP3, but I’m unable to test that as it has not been released at the time this article was published.
2. When an assembly is open, if you hover over a component, the tooltip that used to appear telling you what the component was is no longer present. SolidWorks is also aware of this issue (SPR 847503). Obviously it isn’t going to work for the tablet versions of eDrawings. In the meantime, you can select the component to see it highlighted in the tree (see point #1)
3. When a drawing is open, you can no longer rotate a view. This one is less well-known, but if you save a SolidWorks drawing (.slddrw) as an eDrawing Drawing (.EDRW), you can select a drawing view and choose Rotate in eDrawings 2014 and it would open up the model and allow you to rotate around the model. Unfortunately, eDrawings 2015 is missing this ability. (SPR 861905)

“But the interface is different!” (The Ugly, According to Some)

One of the other complaints on the forum is that the buttons are all in different positions to how they previously were. Indeed, many of the commands are in the opposite position to what one would expect from previous versions of eDrawings.

eDrawings 2015 (Left) commands are different than eDrawings 2014 (Right)

In what looks like a complicated football play, the commands for eDrawings are all jumbled. Commands indicated in orange and laid out left-to-right rather than right-to-left, Commands in blue are now on the left rather than the top, commands in red move from top to bottom, commands in yellow do the same, but are now in a pop-out menu, and the tree display goes from the left side to the right side, and accessing it goes from being middle left to bottom right (indicated by purple). You get the idea. However, because the toolbars could be repositioned in eDrawings 2014, a single user could modify many of these command positions (although they would always be on the top, they could be in a different order).

In Conclusion (TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read))

1. eDrawings 2015 now supports Saved (or Named) Views
2. eDrawings 2015 now supports Annotation Views
3. Sub-assembly components don’t highlight in tree unless the sub assembly is expanded (reported as fixed for SP3)
4. Tooltips for components are not currently available in eDrawings 2015
5. Can’t rotate drawing views in eDrawings 2015
6. New interface: Larger graphics area, commands have moved

The post eDrawings 2015 vs. eDrawings 2014 appeared first on SolidWorks Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

When previewing SolidWorks files in the Enterprise PDM vault, the files can either be shown as a static Bitmap view, or as a dynamic 3D eDrawings view.

However if the eDrawings preview is not working, but the eDrawings software is installed and launches via the start menu, then most likely the connector between eDrawings and Enterprise PDM needs to be re-registered.

eDrawings Preview not working

Here are the steps to re-register the eDrawings connector:

1.  Locate the eDrawings installation folder.  eDrawings may have been installed by either SolidWorks or by the Enterprise PDM Installation Manager.  If it is installed by EPDM it will normally be located in the folder  c:\program files (x86)\common files\edrawingsxxx, if it is installed by SolidWorks the program will normally be located in c:\program files\solidworks corp\edrawingsxxx.

edrawingofficeautomator version and location

2.  Open the command prompt.

3.  Change directory to the eDrawings installation folder.

4.  Type Regsvr32 emodelview.dll to register the dll.

dll registered

5.  Type edrawingofficeautomator /regserver to finish registering the program.

office automator

6.  Restart Windows Explorer, either by rebooting the system or by going to the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) then finding the explorer.exe process and killing it, then restart the process by going to File > New Task.

End the process

Start Explorer

Once these steps are completed the eDrawings view in the Vault View preview tab should work properly.

eDrawings Preview Restored

The post Restoring the eDrawings Preview in the EPDM Vault View [VIDEO] appeared first on SolidWorks Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

I have had the opportunity to preview the new functionality in SOLIDWORKS 2016 and I am excited to be once again hosting our Annual Launch Event for the new SOLIDWORKS release in October. Like every release of SOLIDWORKS, there are literally hundreds of enhancements and once again there is a good mix of user requested time savers and innovation. One thing that has been rolled out subtly in anticipation of the new release is the revamp of 3DContentCentral (www.3dcontentcentral.com).

3DContentCentral Website

One of the biggest changes that I really like is how easy it is to embed 3D models from 3DContentCentral into your own website. With this addition, it is just as easy to add 3D content to your website as it is to add a video from YouTube.  Check out the Minion model below which I embedded into this blog page in about 10 seconds!

Download

How to embed eDrawings Models

1. First visit 3DContentCentral at www.3dcontentcentral.com

2. Then search for a model that you want to embed into your website e.g. bearing

3DContentCentral Search Tool

3. Select the model required from the search results

3DContentCentral Search Results

4. In the model page in the left-hand column under the eDrawings window is a form box containing the inline frame embed code, select and copy the embed code to your clipboard

3DConentCentral Embed Code

5. Access your website or blog and paste the embed code into the code view of your page, example code is shown below. You can adjust the width and height pixel values to suit the space

<iframe scrolling='no' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen='true' src='http://www.3dcontentcentral.com/external-site-embed.aspx?format=3D&catalogid=364&modelid=1217&width=250&height=250&edraw=true' name='PreviewFrame3D' id='PreviewFrame3D' width='400' height='355'></iframe><br/><a href='http://www.3dcontentcentral.com/download-model.aspx?catalogid=364&id=1217'>Download</a>

6. When the page is rendered the embedded eDrawings model will be displayed as shown in the example above

Learn more about SOLIDWORKS 2016

We are looking forward to showing you the new release on October 1st and October 6th. Please visit our registration page to learn more about the Broadcast events coming soon.

Register for a Launch Event

The post SOLIDWORKS 2016 Embed eDrawings Models into Your Website or Blog appeared first on SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

I recently came across this video created by DS SOLIDWORKS Senior Technical Manager Steve Fick.  Steve did a great job touching on two very important advantages of the SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional version over the standard version to 1) ensure that a distributed and mobile team can access data quickly and reliably, and 2) having the ability to make good decisions while on the road.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional on a mobile device

PDM Web Portal

The key focus is on the web portal available with SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional and how easy it is to navigate with a mobile phone as it automatically detects and switches to an optimized format.  It also integrates seamlessly with the eDrawings IOS or Android app which allows managers to review the actual CAD data while on the run.

Take a look at the SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional mobile device demonstration below:

The nice thing about this web portal is that it doesn’t require any additional PDM licensing.  It consumes the same PDM licenses that designers and managers use while at their desks.  We have set up a good number of clients with this web portal already.

Get more information

If you have any questions about the web portal, or SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional mobile device functionality, or if you are interested in getting our help setting up the web portal then please contact us.

The post Using SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional on a mobile device [VIDEO] appeared first on SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

SOLIDWORKS MBD Software

Just as the move from 2D design tools to 3D CAD solutions revolutionized product development, the emergence of 3D model-based definition (MBD) integrated manufacturing technology offers substantial productivity advantages over the use of traditional 2D engineering drawings to drive manufacturing.

Drawingless manufacturing

MBD drawingless manufacturing solutions extend the benefits of 3D design to manufacturing, including time and cost savings—through improved, more tightly integrated communication of Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) for production—as well as reduced scrap/rework, improved accuracy, and faster throughput.

SOLIDWORKS® MBD software automates the generation, organization, customization, and sharing of PMI data required for production in easier-to-understand, more information-rich 3D digital formats such as SOLIDWORKS parts and assemblies, eDrawings, and 3D PDF, giving product development and manufacturing operations a significant competitive edge.

Experience SOLIDWORKS MBD

A great way to experience SOLIDWORKS MBD is through free learning and case study videos included with MySolidWorks. The Learning Path/Course includes:

• SOLIDWORKS MBD Overview – This module is a SOLIDWORKS MBD overview. It covers the process of defining a model in 3D, capturing 3D Views and publishing a 3D PDF.
• 3D PMI Tools – This module covers additional Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) tools used to define a model in 3D. Apply reference dimensions.
• Publishing and Consuming a 3D PDF and eDrawings Files – This module covers publishing and consuming 3D PDF and eDrawings files. Add custom properties and text fields. Publish a part to a 3D PDF.
• And more lessons featuring the creation tools in SOLIDWORKS MBD.

Go to MySolidWorks

SOLIDWORKS MBD Training

Learn more about SOLIDWORKS MBD

If you are looking for more information or would like a sample drawingless manufacturing document then visit our product page to learn more.

Get SOLIDWORKS MBD Info

The post Experience SOLIDWORKS MBD and learn how Drawingless Manufacturing is achieved appeared first on SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

SOLIDWORKS 2016 is coming soon, and presently Subscription Service customers can download a beta version of 2016 and give it a try. There were literally hundreds of enhancements in SOLIDWORKS 2015, have you managed to give the top features a try yet? Here is a reminder of the top 10 features in SOLIDWORKS 2015 and their associated benefits:

1. NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT WORKFLOWS

Reduce time to market and comply with new industry standards.

• SOLIDWORKS® Model Based Definition (MBD) enables drawingless product detailing with 3D PMI annotations; output to eDrawings® or 3D PDF
• SOLIDWORKS Treehouse provides visual assembly structure planning, creation, editing, and viewing
• Prepare models automatically for export to popular AEC applications

SOLIDWORKS Treehouse

2. INTEGRATED CAPABILITIES CONNECT DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING

Speed downstream manufacturing and bridge the gap between design and manufacturing.

• SOLIDWORKS Inspection automates inspection drawing and report creation
• SOLIDWORKS Costing supports sensors and costing of weldments, plastic/cast parts, machined castings, and 3D printed parts
• Print directly to 3D printers in AMF and 3MF formats
• Use advanced techniques to flatten surfaces

SOLIDWORKS Inspection

3. SOLIDWORKS PERFORMANCE

Faster modeling, analysis, and rendering capabilities leaves more time to improve designs.

• File size reduced by ~50%
• Faster component patterning and hide/show of assemblies
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation supports Intel® Solver and multi-core contact detection
• Define specific graphic regions to render in PhotoView 360
• SOLIDWORKS Enterprise PDM manages large data sets more efficiently

Incremental Simulation Results

4. PART AND SURFACE MODELING

Create sketches, complex patterns, and advanced geometry faster and with less effort.

• Sketch: Line from midpoint; rectangle with horizontal/vertical construction lines
• Splines: Improved Spline on Surface; convert Style Spline to Spline Points
• Patterns: Improved Fill, Linear, Chain and Variable Pattern
• Advanced geometry: Asymmetric Fillets; split surfaces; sketch plane normal to view

Improved Patterns

5. ASSEMBLIES

Faster, easier, more intuitive assembly creation, control and view creation.

• Mates: Center components on faces; select geometry to limit Width Mate
• Routing for rectangular sections, e.g., HVAC ducts, cable trays and chutes
• Simulate roller/energy chains using patterns along open or closed loops
• Exploded View: Radially and along axis; space components on drag

6. DRAWING IMPROVEMENTS

Find drawing views faster, and experience more automation and control.

• Track view locations with
• Enhanced formatting control of drawing and table notes
• Omit layers from printing; use splines as leaders
• Improved angle dimensioning and command of decimal rounding

Automated drawing sheet zone annotations

7. DESIGN SIMULATION

Simulate real-life scenarios to predict product performance prior to manufacturing.

• Predict product durability under dynamic loading in SOLIDWORKS Simulation and Load Case Manager for loads combination
• View your nonlinear results during the solve in SOLIDWORKS Simulation to ensure convergence
• Rotating mesh regions in SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation delivers enhanced simulation of rotating machinery
• SOLIDWORKS Plastics improves plastic part design with up-front Venting Analysis

8. ELECTRICAL DESIGN

Accelerate the development, creation, and integrity of electrical systems designs.

• Dynamic Connector tools simplify the design and use of connectors
• Advanced access to user-based controls for key tools
• In-line 3D routing diagnostics identifies and resolves routing issues
• Advanced Formula Manager provides access to system and mathematical variables in complex formulas

9. USER EXPERIENCE

Work more efficiently and better understand/visualize the design intent of your models.

• Dynamic Reference Visualization shows a graphical view of relationships between features
• Selection Sets let you select multiple entities and save them for reuse
• Isolate components while editing in context within an assembly
• Temporarily preview hidden bodies or components from the FeatureManager

Selection Sets

10. EXPANDED COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION

Expand the reach of your design tools with faster, easier data connections and better social collaboration – anytime, anywhere.

• SOLIDWORKS Enterprise PDM Web2 client connects browser-ready devices to a vault
• eDrawings 2015 now has a UI adapted for touchscreen and supports SOLIDWORKS Plastics result plots
• MySolidWorks offers enhanced online learning and certification; ability to share/view designs online and search a global manufacturing network
• Collaborative Sharing uses community-based social innovation to provide greater connectivity to SOLIDWORKS, eDrawings, and DraftSight®

Enterprise PDM Web2 Client

Do you want to adopt the SOLIDWORKS 2015 skills?

As you have learned in this review of SOLIDWORKS 2015 the software is always changing, with over 200 new enhancements in the latest release you need to update your skillset in order to make the most of the new technology. Our 2 day SOLIDWORKS Advanced Update Course (or 4 day/3 hours per day online course) is valuable to users that need to update their skills and techniques to the latest version of SOLIDWORKS. Participants will learn new and effective software capabilities, best practices, and current tips and tricks. Fill out the form to learn more about the update solutions available for your business:

The post Are you using the Top 10 Features in SOLIDWORKS 2015? [VIDEO] appeared first on SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

SOLIDWORKS MBD 2016 (Model Based Definition) is an integrated drawingless manufacturing solution for SOLIDWORKS. It helps companies define, organize, and publish 3D product and manufacturing information (PMI), such as dimensions and tolerances, along with 3D model data into industry-standard file formats. Unlike traditional 2D drawings, SOLIDWORKS MBD 2016 guides the manufacturing process directly in 3D, which streamlines production, cuts cycle time, reduces errors, and helps compliance with industry standards. SOLIDWORKS MBD 2016 is a separately purchased add-on product for SOLIDWORKS Standard, Professional, or Premium versions.

Watch the short video below to check out the latest enhancements for the 2016 version:

SOLIDWORKS MBD 2016 puts data within the SOLIDWORKS 3D environment, such as product models, dimensions, geometric tolerances, surface finishes, welding symbols, BOMs, callouts, tables, notes, meta properties, and other annotations. Because all the information needed to guide the operation is integrated with the 3D models, traditional 2D drawings are no longer needed. The intuitive, interactive 3D PMI from SOLIDWORKS MBD serves multiple operational uses and helps groups across the operation, such as design, procurement, fabrication, assembly, quality, sales, marketing, clients, and suppliers.

Present 3D data in a clean and structured fashion

Beyond 3D PMI definition, SOLIDWORKS MBD helps organize rich data into clean, structured 3D presentations with different views and display settings. It can even intelligently show and hide 3D annotations while you are rotating the model to give you extra clarity while still including critical-to-function annotations.

SOLIDWORKS 2016 MBD Example

Output and distribute 3D data to an existing process

SOLIDWORKS MBD publishes widely accepted file formats, such as eDrawings and 3D PDF files that are often used in existing processes. eDrawings files can be opened in a free eDrawings Viewer. 3D PDF can be viewed using a variety of free tools including Adobe® Reader. In addition to providing associative information (such as engineering notes, BOM, and rich meta properties), you can also explore the model in 3D with Pan, Zoom, Rotate, Measure, Section, and other 3D tools.

SOLIDWORKS MBD 2016 PDF Example

Do I need SOLIDWORKS MBD?

Would SOLIDWORKS MBD help your production and manufacturing process? Answer the following three questions…

1. What’s your current product development process?
2. How do you communicate your designs and products with the manufacturing team, service team, suppliers, dealers, and customers?
3. If a 2D drawing doesn’t match its 3D model, which one do you take as the authority?

If you are not happy with your answers or confident with the solutions you have right now then you should talk to us about giving SOLIDWORKS MBD a try.

Learn more about SOLIDWORKS 2016

To learn more about the latest SOLIDWORKS release you can attend a Launch Broadcast on either Thursday October 1st or Tuesday October 6th. Please visit our registration page to register for a Broadcast event.

Register for a Launch Event

The post SOLIDWORKS MBD 2016 Improves Communication with Manufacturing [VIDEO] appeared first on SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

Downstream visualization of information is critical to engineering. The eDrawings 2016 release offers a number of enhancements that will make it easier for recipients of eDrawings to understand and interrogate your product design information. Discover the new enhancements by watching the video below:

eDrawings 2016 Enhancements Highlights

Here is a summary of just a few of the new enhancements in eDrawings 2016:

Include Component Descriptions

If you saved component descriptions with your models in SOLIDWORKS then the eDrawings Components pane will include those descriptions. This helps recipients of your eDrawings to better understand the components in your assembly. When you save the model in SOLIDWORKS using either the component name, component description, or both, eDrawings uses the same settings.

To view a component description in assembly eDrawings click Components on the toolbar and the descriptions will be visible as shown below:

eDrawings 2016 Component Descriptions

To hide/show component descriptions, click Options. In the options dialog box, on the General tab, you’ll find a Show Component Descriptions check box to control the display.

Exploded Views Slider

A nice addition to eDrawings is the inclusion of a slider to control exploded views. With an assembly open in eDrawings, click Explode from the toolbar. Use the slider to control how much to explode the view.

In eDrawings you can also explode components aligned radially or cylindrically about an axis. Just save a radial exploded step in your SOLIDWORKS model.

eDrawings 2016 Exploded View

View Intersection Zones in Section Views & Model Break Views

When you save section views with intersection zones or create model break views in SOLIDWORKS software, you can now see those views in eDrawings 2016.

• Save the zonal section view in SOLIDWORKS and then in eDrawings select the View Orientation button and choose the saved view. As shown below the zoned section view will be displayed.
• Insert a Model Break View in SOLIDWORKS and then in eDrawings select the MBV button to display the view.

eDrawings 2016 Zonal Section View

Learn more about SOLIDWORKS 2016

To learn more about the latest eDrawings release you can watch a recording of our SOLIDWORKS 2016 Launch Broadcast.

Launch Broadcast Recording

The post eDrawings 2016 Improves Your Design Collaboration and Communication [VIDEO] appeared first on SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

A big thank you to all our customers that tuned in for the Canadian SOLIDWORKS 2016 Launch Broadcast in October. We were able to run a live SOLIDWORKS 2016 demo and show the updated user interface, new tools, and process enhancements to help designers get their work done faster and easier than ever before.

SOLIDWORKS 2016 Demo

In case you missed the broadcast or just want a refresher on some of the new features we demonstrated live, you can watch a recording of the SOLIDWORKS 2016 demo below:

Featured during the broadcast

Here are links to get more information and tech tips for the new products and services featured during the broadcast:

SOLIDWORKS 2016 Add-ins

• SOLIDWORKS Visualize is a new tool to help you create more realistic photo quality renderings in less time, and is included with SOLIDWORKS 2016 Professional and Premium.
• SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard is a new product included with SOLIDWORKS Professional and Premium based on SOLIDWORKS Enterprise PDM (now named SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional for 2016) designed for smaller workgroups to manage SOLIDWORKS data.
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2016 provides faster, more intuitive design validation, allowing you to find unconstrained degrees of freedom, turn constraints on and off, and perform mesh sectioning.
• Improved Electrical Design Tools including a streamlined workflow with contextual information.
• “Drawingless” manufacturing communication using SOLIDWORKS MBD with faster creation of 3D dimensions and tolerances, as well as streamlined downstream manufacturing functions.
• Enhanced Part Modeling capabilities with the thread wizard, bi-directional sweep, and enhanced sheet metal.
• Enhanced eDrawings featuring AR for Android™; 3D Views and annotation views for assemblies; component descriptions; weld beads, and Undo/Redo.
• PCBWorks is the new printed circuit board design tool for SOLIDWORKS 2016.
• SOLIDWORKS inspection for manufacturing communication.

Services and 3D Printing

• NEW SOLIDWORKS and 3D Printer bundles.
• NEW Introduction to Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Training Course for SOLIDWORKS users.
• NEW Javelin Solutions for PEOPLE, TECHNOLOGY, PROCESS, and MANUFACTURING.
• SOLIDWORKS Update Training to get you up to speed with the latest techniques.
• SOLIDWORKS Skills Assessment for customized training and team evaluation.
• MySolidWorks is a portal for free online training, free 3D model downloads, plus SOLIDWORKS tips and tricks.

The post SOLIDWORKS 2016 Demo and Launch Event Proceedings appeared first on SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

SOLIDWORKS 2016 is packed with new, customer-focused enhancements. Whether you design single components, incredibly complex equipment, or even entire facilities, SOLIDWORKS 2016 delivers easy-to-use tools to help turn your ideas into higher-quality products. Check out the SOLIDWORKS 2016 Top 10 List for the features to look out for:

SOLIDWORKS 2016 Top Ten List

1. Bring your designs to life with SOLIDWORKS Visualize

SOLIDWORKS 2016 provides more realistic photo-quality rendering in less time:

• Improved functionality for media-ready images, movies and immersive content
• Use both CPU and GPU to speed up rendering — less time to quality result
• Included with SOLIDWORKS 2016 Professional and Premium

2. Enhanced Part Modeling Capabilities

Expanded modeling capabilities improve accuracy and speed design:

• Thread Wizard tool to create internal and external threads
• Bi-directional sweep and curvature continuous edge fillets
• Flatten surface includes flattening of curves
• Sheet Metal allows cuts in the bend area of swept flange and edge flanges can now be longer than the attachment edge

3. Streamlined Assembly Development

SOLIDWORKS 2016 reduces the time to create assemblies:

• Component preview window for mate selections
• Mate Controller for fast capture and recall of mate positions
• Replace multiple failed mate references in one step
• Copy multiple components and retain mates

4. Faster 2D Drawing Creation

Provides simplified creation of drawings:

• Automatic Border tool controls sheet format border
• New model Break View tool
• Turn off view scale for center marks and other detailing improvements

5. “Drawingless” Manufacturing Enhanced

Faster creation of 3D dimensions and tolerances, as well as streamlined downstream manufacturing functions:

• Create DimXpert dimensions in Assembly
• Display and associate model coordinate systems automatically
• Publish and print multiple sheets, tables, and viewports in 3D PDF

6. Improved Electrical Design and Communication

Improved productivity for electrical design:

• Streamlined workflow with contextual information display
• SOLIDWORKS Electrical for DraftSight® add-in with real-time redline, annotation, and reporting

SOLIDWORKS Electrical

Top ten list for SOLIDWORKS Electrical

7. Making Design Easier

Reduced “picks and clicks” for functionality you use most often:

• New “breadcrumbs” tracking/selection of items in model hierarchy
• Better support for high-resolution monitors and expandable Property Manager input panels
• Sketch: dynamically manipulate dimensioned sketch entities
• MySolidWorks: Search function available inside SOLIDWORKS 2016

8. Simplifying Design Validation

Faster, more intuitive design validation:

• Simulation: Find unconstrained degrees of freedom, turn constraints on and off, and perform mesh sectioning
• Plastics: Enhanced Solver performance and improved indirect flow front tracking
• Flow: Improved mesh refi nement controls and transient solver speed

9. Connecting Design and Manufacturing

Extending SOLIDWORKS capabilities for manufacturing:

• 3D Printing: 3D print preview using textures and show areas requiring supports
• Inspection: OCR Editor to customize and improve optical character recognition dictionaries and output horizontal inspection reports
• Costing: Cost an entire assembly, nesting for sheet metal, and rules to modify settings automatically
• Compare Geometry: Save geometry differences directly into either model being compared

10. Expanded Communication and Collaboration

New, better data management and collaboration tools:

• SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard: New product offer based on SOLIDWORKS Enterprise PDM (now named SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional for 2016) designed for smaller workgroups to manage SOLIDWORKS data and provide an easy upgrade to SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional
• SOLIDWORKS PDM Set Revision: Enables streamlined management of revision levels and properties for existing and newly imported data
• eDrawings®: AR for Android™; 3D Views and annotation views for assemblies; Component descriptions; Weld beads; Undo/Redo
• Import/Export: Export material properties to IFC 2×3, export IFC 4.0, import PTC® Creo® 3.0, import large STL models and FeatureWorks®; supports ANSI inch hole upon import

The post SOLIDWORKS 2016 Top 10 List [VIDEO] appeared first on SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard

SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard 2016 is a new document management product offering (included with SOLIDWORKS Professional and Premium versions), that is based on the same architecture used by the current SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional (formerly SOLIDWORKS Enterprise PDM) product. This makes SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard 100% compatible with SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, which allows you to easily upgrade from Standard to Professional at any time.

In this article I will focus on a SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard and Professional comparison so you can decide which offering best suits your needs.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Feature Comparison

The table below highlights the features included with the Standard and Professional versions of SOLIDWORKS PDM.

Features	SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard	SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional
SOLIDWORKS Add-in
DraftSight Add-in
SOLIDWORKS Electrical Integration
AutoCAD Add-in
Inventor Add-in
Pro/E Connector
Solid Edge File Support
Microsoft Office Add-in
eDrawings Preview
eDrawings Professional
CAD Editor Client
Contributor Client
Viewer Client
Notifications- PDM Inbox (Database)
Notifications- Email (SMTP)
Web Client
External Viewer Integration
Multi-Document Preview
Integrated Search Tool
Dedicated Search Tool
Content Search (Indexing)
Search Favorites
Multiple Workflows	Limited to 1
Workflow States	Limited to 10
Revision Schemes	Limited to 2
Multiple Transitions (1)
Transition Actions (2)	(Limited)
Offline Mode
Parallel Approvals
Automated Tasks
Automated Data Import/Export
File Categories
Version Labels
Templates
Serial Numbers
Version Free Variables
Offline Mode
Report Generator
Named Bill of Materials
Menu and Toolbar Customization
Application Programming Interface (API)
Custom Add-in Support
Dispatch Macros
SQL Express Support
SQL Standard Support
Multi-Site Replication
Active Directory and LDAP Login
Central Card Lists (3)
Data Card Input Formulas
Paste Shared Links
View Private State files (4)

(1) Multiple, same direction transitions between the same two states is not allowed in SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
(2) Execute command, Execute Task and Import/Export XML are not available in SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
(3) List definition in the Administration Tool is not available in SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard. Free text lists defined in the Data Card Editor for various controls are available but lists controlled by a variable are not.
(4) Viewing of other users Private State files is only available to the Admin user in SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard.

PDM Version FAQs

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the two PDM products:

What is the difference between SQL versions?

This Microsoft article provides a comparison between SQL Express used for the PDM Standard version and SQL Standard used on the PDM Professional version. The important thing to note is the limit of the database of 10 GB on SQL Express. This may prove to be an issue for larger vaults.

Are SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard licenses allowed to float?

Yes, the licenses will be allowed to float among users and across multiple regions as SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional licenses do today. If your company has a mix of SOLIDWORKS Standard and SOLIDWORKS Professional and/or Premium, a SOLIDWORKS Standard user would be able to consume a SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard CAD Editor license. This is provided you have installed the SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard CAD Editor client.

Can vaults created in SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional be used with SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard?

No, SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional vaults will not be compatible with SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard and cannot be “downgraded”.

Can vault export files (.cex) from SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional (EPDM) be used to create data in a SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard vault?

Yes, but any feature (i.e. Transition Action for Executing a Task or replication settings) that is not supported by SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard must be removed from the export file before it can be imported.

What kind of support for PDF files is available in SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard?

PDF files will be able to be managed in SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard, however since Tasks, Add-ins and API support is not included, no automated creation of PDFs will be possible. In addition, viewing PDF files will not be possible via the View File menu or in the Windows Explorer Preview tab.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional Advantages

Here are a list of the main advantages of using the PDM Professional version:

• Multi-site replication is key to allowing the sharing of data across multiple locations. This functionality can ensure that all locations have the latest versions of files.
• Search: The additional search tools in SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional, allows the creation of custom searches, saving of search favorites and increased search performance.
• Viewers: SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional allows the use of viewers for file types other than SOLIDWORKS. This allows users to preview non-SOLIDWORKS files while browsing the vault.
• Templates allows the automation and standardization of creating documents, such as ECO’s. Templates can also automatically create a predefined folder structure and automatically name these folders. For example, a folder could be named after project number or customer.
• Serial Numbers can be automatically generated in SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional. Files can then be automatically named, using the serial number.
• Multiple Workflows allows a separate workflow for different products, departments and divisions.
• Unlimited Workflow States allows the creation of a workflow that accurately represents a company’s product lifecycle.
• Automated Tasks can be used to run tasks that are performed frequently. For example, batch printing of files, or the conversion of files to different file formats.
• Web Clients allows customers, vendors and others to access files in the vault through the web. Access permission is controlled by the PDM administrator.

Need to learn SOLIDWORKS PDM?

We offer online and in-class SOLIDWORKS PDM User and Administration training courses. Check out our PDM training offerings »

The post SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard and Professional Comparison appeared first on SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

Javelin Technologies has sponsored Liz Gleadle (https://twitter.com/Javelizz) — a Canadian Olympic javelin thrower — to support her on her quest to be the best in the world. We invited Liz over to the office for a few days back in January to get to know her a bit more. During that time, a few of Javelin’s application experts met with Liz to talk about what we could design for her using SOLIDWORKS and 3D Printing to make her hectic athletic life easier!

Liz at Javelin with owners John Carlan (top-left) and Ted Lee (middle bottom)

After conversing with her we learned that she often has to travel with her Javelins. As you can imagine it’s difficult to transport 4 or 5 Javelins, keep in mind female javelins can be up to 7 ft long. Currently she has been carrying them around in a 4 inch diameter PVC tube that’s capped at either end. Over the course of the conversation, our brains started working out solutions to her problems. Everyone at the table could see the excitement in company owner Ted Lee’s eyes as he rushed to draw detailed engineering sketches on a napkin. (side note, why do all the best ideas come from sketches on napkins?)

Javelins

Design Collaboration with an eDrawing

eDrawings is a SOLIDWORKS viewer that is very useful when trying to share your part, assembly, or drawing to customers. Instead of sending screenshots you can send an eDrawings file that contains 3D data. Your customers can then manipulate the model by rotating, moving and measuring components.

A few days after the meeting, I started modeling the javelin case in SOLIDWORKS using a combination of Ted’s ideas with my own. With this early concept, I created an eDrawings file to share internally and to Liz Gleadle for direct feedback.

“… that program is awesome! I see why you wanted my annotations on it”

— Liz Gleadle

Comments from Liz Gleadle in eDrawings

Adding markups and providing feedback

Some features that your customers will appreciate are adding markups and annotations to the model. In the image above, Liz was able to effectively communicate her thoughts about the javelin case. You will notice that she was even able to move the right flower clamp out of the assembly for better visibility. With eDrawings, you can hide/show parts, isolate or turn a part transparent using specific tools on the bottom right side of the user interface.

On the bottom left side there are buttons to animate your assembly, explode, move parts, measure and section. Conveniently, you can add stamps to your project as well. If your model is complete, an approved stamp will properly indicate that the model is complete. Of course, all these markups and stamps will also be retained in SOLIDWORKS when you import the 3D Drawing file.

Tools that can be used in eDrawings

The best part about it, is that your customers do not have to have an eDrawings license to access the files. Simply save the file as an executable file (.exe), and send it to your customer to open, they can then add comments, save them and send the files back to you! In this case we sent the assembly to Liz who was able to add her comments quickly with minimal CAD knowledge.

Eric’s comment on the flower clamp: “Should we consider some sort of elastic to hold the javelins in?”

Second iteration of the design

After considering the comments of both Liz and my manager Eric, I quickly redesigned the model in SOLIDWORKS as shown below.

Second iteration of the javelin case in SOLIDWORKS

The Javelin case was updated to remove the clamp on the right side, as per Liz’s comments. In addition, strap hoops were added to make carrying the case easier. Finally a groove was cut into the flower clamp to allow an elastic or rope to be stretched around the perimeter of the clamp holding the javelins in tightly.

Grooves along the perimeter of the clamp

Want to try eDrawings?

If you would like to participate in our design collaboration project by adding comments on Liz Gleadle’s javelin case, feel free to download the eDrawings executable file, and you could add your comments and annotations to the eDrawing, and then export the file as a .markup. You can return the file to me using a file sharing website link in the comment section of this post.

The post Design Collaboration with eDrawings to help transport Javelins for Liz Gleadle appeared first on SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

Do you want to try the SOLIDWORKS 2017 Beta version without having to download and install it locally on your machine? As an active SOLIDWORKS Subscription customer you can now try SOLIDWORKS 2017 online through your web browser using MySolidWorks. This means you can try SOLIDWORKS 2017 on any machine, at any time, all you need is internet access! In this blog post I’ll show you how to access the SOLIDWORKS online version and give the 2017 beta version a trial.

Using SOLIDWORKS Online

For the 2017 beta the following products are available to try online: SOLIDWORKS® Premium (not including PDM), SOLIDWORKS® eDrawings® Professional, SOLIDWORKS® MBD, and SOLIDWORKS® Visualize Professional.

Access SOLIDWORKS 2017 Online

Launching SOLIDWORKS Online

STEP 1: First go to my.solidworks.com/solidworksbeta and pick the Log In link if you already have a MySolidWorks standard account, or select the Join button to create a SOLIDWORKS online account — just follow the steps in the browser to create a new online account.

NOTE: MySolidWorks SOLIDWORKS 2017 Beta access is for active SOLIDWORKS Subscription Service customers and you will need your SOLIDWORKS serial number to create an online account

MySolidWorks Beta Access

STEP 2: Ensure you are logged into MySolidWorks by entering your credentials when prompted and pick the Log In button:

MySolidWorks Log In

STEP 3: Next you will need to select the language for SOLIDWORKS e.g. English, and a network connection e.g. U.S. East. When you pick the Select Server button there will be a few connections listed, choose the connection with the green light next to it as that will be the fastest and most stable for your location. 

With your selections chosen pick the Launch SOLIDWORKS button:

Launch SOLIDWORKS Online Edition

STEP 4: SOLIDWORKS 2017 online edition will now launch in your browser and you will be notified about how to save files and test your files remotely.

Pick OK on the message dialog and pick Accept for the license agreement:

SOLIDWORKS Online Edition file access

SOLIDWORKS 2017 Beta online edition will now be running:

SOLIDWORKS Online Edition

Accessing other SOLIDWORKS applications

Pick on the Gear icon for the Apps Menu in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen, this is where you can access the different SOLIDWORKS applications like eDrawings or Visualize, and you can also switch between applications, and quit the online session. This is very similar to the Start menu on Windows OS.

The Gear Menu

Upload/access your own files

If you want to upload your own files you have two choices:

• Connect to an online storage account like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box using the icons in the bottom right as shown in the screenshot below (I recommend this as it’s easier to work on your files).
• Or, use the “Upload Files” icon in the bottom right and choose “Uploads” folder when opening. Files can be saved to the “Download Now” folder which will save the individual file in your browser’s downloads folder.

Accessing Your Own Files

To open your files simply select File > Open in SOLIDWORKS and then choose the file location you are using. If you upload files then they will be in the upload section. If you are using Dropbox or Google Drive they will be listed as a file location on the left:

Uploaded File Open

The SOLIDWORKS file will be opened as normal:

SOLIDWORKS file opened

Accessing the What’s New document and files

To test SOLIDWORKS 2017 you can try the exercises in the What’s New document, and you also have access to the what’s new files online.

• DOCUMENT: Access the What’s New document by selecting Help > What’s New > HTML, or PDF, or What’s New Examples
• FILES: To access the What’s New files go to File > Open and navigate to C:\Users\Public\Public
  Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 2017\whatsnew\chapter name\filename.

What’s New Document Online Access

Providing Beta Feedback

Note that you can give the DS SOLIDWORKS development team direct feedback about a feature, or report a bug in SOLIDWORKS 2017 by picking on the green smiley icon in the top bar. A dialog will be displayed where you can fill out your comments and send them directly to SOLIDWORKS.

Providing feedback

SOLIDWORKS Online FAQs

Here are a list of frequently asked questions for the SOLIDWORKS Online 2017 trial:

What products are available to test with SOLIDWORKS 2017 online beta?

You can try SOLIDWORKS® Premium (not including PDM), SOLIDWORKS® eDrawings® Professional, SOLIDWORKS® MBD, and SOLIDWORKS® Visualize Professional

To switch products, click on the gear icon in the lower left. SOLIDWORKS Rx and Treehouse are accessible from this icon.

How Long Can I Use SOLIDWORKS 2017 Online Beta?

You can run a session for up to 2 hours. There is also a 20-minute inactivity timeout.

Which Web Browser should I use?

• Chrome 24.0.1312.52+
• Safari v7.0.3+
• Opera 21.0.1432.67+
• Firefox 18.0+

NOTE: Internet Explorer® and Microsoft Edge™ are not recommended for use. If you experience trouble launching SOLIDWORKS, first try updating your browser. For example, see https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95414?hl=en

How fast should my internet be?

SOLIDWORKS is leveraging the latest technology to deliver you incredible 3D software over the internet. With that in mind, we do suggest using this with a broadband connection of at least 3000/300 Kbps (Download/Upload). For best experience, we have found 5000/500 Kbps to be ideal for 1920×1080 resolution. For an acceptable experience, a minimum of 1000/100 is as low as a user should go.

How do I save my work?

During your browser-based session, any files created or modifications made to sample files are not saved on disk after the session is closed. The platform allows a direct connection to a cloud storage account to persist files you save in the session.

I’m Seeing This Error: Connection Refused: It Looks Like You Already Connected…

This can happen if you are kicked out of your session. Refresh (F5) your browser and wait 30-60 seconds for the previous session to close.

The buttons and menus are too small in SOLIDWORKS. How do I make them bigger?

Increase the zoom level in your browser’s settings to 100%. This setting is available in all supported browsers, but its location varies. In Google Chrome, for example, the zoom level is in the Zoom section of the Chrome menu on the browser toolbar.

If I get disconnected while working, will I lose my work?

If for any reason you get disconnected, the platform will preserve your session for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, you will be given a new instance and any unsaved work will be lost. RECOMMENDATION: Connect your browser session to a cloud storage account to save your data periodically.

What if I have Performance Trouble or Errors?

• Check your internet connection quality using www.speedtest.net.
• Switch to an ethernet-wired instead of wireless connection.
• Connect a different regional server

Experience SOLIDWORKS 2017 at our launch broadcast

Learn What’s New in SOLIDWORKS® 2017 at our LIVE Launch Broadcast in October. SOLIDWORKS 2017 is packed with new, customer-focused enhancements. With more core power, performance, and new capabilities; SOLIDWORKS 2017 will help you easily turn your ideas into finished products in less time, with higher quality.

Register for a broadcast now

The post Take SOLIDWORKS 2017 Beta Software for a Test Drive Online through MySolidWorks appeared first on SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

The ability to password protect eDrawings files has now been added to the free eDrawings Viewer! Previously eDrawings Professional was required to protect files in this manner.

eDrawings Password Option

“With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility”…with the enhanced ability of the eDrawings Viewer Password protection please keep in mind that the password cannot be recovered if forgotten at some future date.

Ensure that you have a record of passwords and the files they relate to if you plan to implement this as regular procedure in your workflow.

Password dialog

SOLIDWORKS 2017 Resources

Access our resources page to get everything you need to learn what’s new in SOLIDWORKS 2017, including tech tips, demonstrations, and upcoming product webinars.

WHAT’S NEW RESOURCES

The post eDrawings 2017 Viewer can now password protect files appeared first on SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips, Videos & Tutorials from Javelin.

Along with SOLIDWORKS 2017, the eDrawings viewer also has some new functionality that has been added in this release. eDrawings has had a “read-only” checkbox contained within the Open dialog box for some time now as shown in the figure below:

eDrawings open as read-only option

The 2017 release of eDrawings has an additional option for “read-only” at the foot of the General tab in the Options dialog.

eDrawings 2017 Options

One purpose behind the eDrawings read-only option is to ensure that ALL files that are opened with eDrawings will be “read-only” by default.  This will force users to intentionally uncheck the read-only option to overwrite the file. This will assist downstream users of eDrawings so they do not accidentally save unwanted changes.

Learn more about the other new enhancements in eDrawings 2017 by watching the related launch video below:

SOLIDWORKS 2017 Resources

Access our resources page to get everything you need to learn what’s new in SOLIDWORKS 2017; including tech tips, demonstrations, and upcoming product webinars.

WHAT’S NEW RESOURCES

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