Solid Works CAD programme

[AJR75]

Not sure if this is the correct place to be posting this so mods please move to a more relevant section if appropriate.

Recently purchased and completed my first round of training on the Solidworsk 3d modelling programme. Head is completely stuffed after 4 days of intensive tuition, however looking forward to getting stuck in and using it for various projects.

Do any other members use it and if so are you able to comment on availability of .step files for already modelled components commonly used in our Ag industry- I'm thinking along the lines of loader brackets, Conus bushes, curved/ forged bale hook and tines, hydraulic cylinders etc etc. All general off the shelf stuff or is it a case of having to create all the parts from scratch?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Stewie]

I reply in general as I never designed anything agri-related.
Normally you find the 3d models for standard components (bearings, fasteners, pneumatics, etc) in libraries, either already in the cad sw if you bought them or online (I would not know where now as I haven't used a cad for at least 5 years).
For commercial components that are not standard the models are normally provided by supplier and last resort you just make a rough model based on 2d drawings/catalogue pictures with just the functional features. Assuming you are just interested in mechanical design (not FEM, dynamics simulation, etc) it's better to use simplified models anyway for commercial components to keep the assembly lighter.

 

[Tomo23]

Not sure if this is the correct place to be posting this so mods please move to a more relevant section if appropriate.

Recently purchased and completed my first round of training on the Solidworsk 3d modelling programme. Head is completely stuffed after 4 days of intensive tuition, however looking forward to getting stuck in and using it for various projects.

Do any other members use it and if so are you able to comment on availability of .step files for already modelled components commonly used in our Ag industry- I'm thinking along the lines of loader brackets, Conus bushes, curved/ forged bale hook and tines, hydraulic cylinders etc etc. All general off the shelf stuff or is it a case of having to create all the parts from scratch?

Many thanks in advance.

What do you do if you do mind me asking?

I have an old copied version of SOLIDWORKS which does what I ever I need to do.

I did enquire to the basic package and the price was eye watering.

 

[AJR75]

What do you do if you do mind me asking?

I have an old copied version of SOLIDWORKS which does what I ever I need to do.

I did enquire to the basic package and the price was eye watering.

No that's fine, no secrets there. Currently running a structural steelwork fabrication business which we use Tekla for but just looking to diversify a little bit so we have more options as a company.