The first step in working with any of the SolidWorks study parts is to open and review the associated drawings. 2-D drawings are provided in both pdf and jpeg formats. The content of the 2-D pdf and jpeg drawings are the same. In addition, a 3-D pdf file has been included for each part.

All details required to accurately model each part are shown in the 2-D drawings. The 3-D pdf file provides a three dimensional view of the part to clarify any details of the geometry that are unclear to the student.

All of these parts have been modeled using SolidWorks 2024 or later versions. Despite that, earlier versions of SolidWorks (or other CAD systems) can be used to model these parts. As long as the geometry is modeled accurately, the differences in SolidWorks versions will not cause any problems.

Either the part volume or mass can be used to confirm the accuracy of the modeled part. Both comparisons may be made, but one is sufficient to verify the part model matches the drawing details.

If the student's model matches the drawing details, the resulting volume will be equal to the volume shown on the drawing. Use the Mass Properties tool in SolidWorks to check the volume of the created part model. Any difference between the volume shown by the Mass Properties tool and the volume on the drawing indicates a discrepancy between the part model and design displayed on the drawing.

The following image shows the Mass Properties for the SolidWorks model of ATP-001.

Assuming the part material is set to the material listed on the drawing, the resulting mass of the part will be the same as the mass shown on the drawing. All of the materials used in these sample parts are standard SolidWorks materials that are included with typical installations of SolidWorks. In order to confirm the material density is correct, the associated material density is shown on each drawing below the material designation. If the mass of a part model differs from the drawing, verify the material density of the part matches the density shown on the drawing. In the event the material densities match and the part masses differ, there is a difference between the part model and design illustrated on the drawing.

The following image shows the Material Properties for 356.0-T6 Permanent Mold cast (SS) aluminum. Note the Mass Density of 2680 kg/m^3 indicated with a red arrow. This is the critical Material Property for confirming the accuracy of a modeled part.

It should be noted that most densities are provided in metric units (kg per cubic meter) despite many of the drawings being in British Imperial / US Customary system units (inches & pounds). This is because most of the SolidWorks materials are defined in metric units and display by default in metric units. Fortunately, SolidWorks understands different units of measure and automatically converts between them as needed.

Steps for Using Study Parts:

1. Review drawing
2. Model part based upon drawing
3. Set material (and density) of part to match drawing
4. Compare part volume or mass with volume or mass shown on drawing
5. Part is accurate if compared values match

Lesson Summary

The process of working with SolidWorks study parts involves a series of steps:

• Start by opening and reviewing the 2-D drawings associated with the part. These drawings are available in both pdf and jpeg formats, with identical content.
• Each part also comes with a 3-D pdf file that offers a three-dimensional view to clarify any geometry details that might be unclear in the 2-D drawings.
• The 2-D drawings contain all the necessary details to accurately model each part.
• Use the Mass Properties tool in SolidWorks to verify the volume of the modeled part, ensuring it matches the volume indicated on the drawing.
• If comparing mass, ensure that the resulting mass of the part model is the same as the mass shown on the drawing.
• Confirm that the material density of the part is set to match the density indicated on the drawing. The material density for each part is listed below the material designation.
• If discrepancies exist between the part model and the drawing, particularly in mass or volume, review the material density. Ensure that the material density matches the drawing and reevaluate the part model if needed.
• Most materials used in the sample parts are standard SolidWorks materials included in typical installations.
• Material densities are typically provided in metric units (kg/m^3) even if drawings use imperial units (inches & pounds). SolidWorks can convert between unit systems automatically.