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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
DMT D062D
Course Title (CB02)
SolidWorks: Top-Down Design and Advanced System Tools
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2021
Course Description
Advanced 3D Solid Modeling techniques using SolidWorks. Emphasis is on Advanced Assembly Mates, Large Assembly Management Tools, and Top-Down Design. In addition, time is given to safe and proper development of new Solid Models and Drawing Documents from legacy solid models, using so-called Top-Down Assembly techniques.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This is a stand-alone course in a CTE program that was developed based on the needs of both long-established and start-up corporations in the local community, as discussed in our advisory board meetings. It is CSU transferable. SolidWorks, a 3D parametric solid modeler, has a strong presence in the Mechanical Design Community, both world wide as well as here in Silicon Valley. Our Technical Advisory Committee members have indicated that at any given time, about half of their job position descriptions require SolidWorks as a required skill. Today's engineer/designer must have 3D Parametric Modeling skills covering all three basic aspects of the program type: (1) Parts; (2) Assemblies; (3) Drawings. This course develops the student's ability to create and document advanced mechanical designs.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to CSU only

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
4.0
Maximum Credit Units
4.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours2.04.0
Laboratory Hours6.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
24.0
Laboratory
72.0
Total
96.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
48.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
48.0

Prerequisite(s)

DMT D061A, DMT D061B, DMT D061C, DMT D061D or DMT D061E

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Discussion of assigned reading

Quiz and examination review performed in class

Homework and extended projects

Assignments

  1. On-line video lectures, viewed as assigned during the course.
  2. 36 CAD projects demonstrating progressive mastery of SolidWorks Drawing Tools
  3. Reading from text (70% by page count) is required.

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Accuracy and Completeness of assigned CAD projects.
  2. Mid-term Examination covering assigned video lectures, textbook reading, & basic CAD projects.Exam will be evaluated on completeness of solid modeling requirements.
  3. Final Examination evaluating student’s comprehensive understanding of Top-Down Design in SolidWorks CAD projects by means of accuracy and completeness of advanced techniques.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • None.
Essential College Facilities:
  • CAD computer laboratory

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Tran, Paul "SolidWorks 2015 Part II - Advanced Techniques", SDC, 2014

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
Lombard, "SolidWorks 2013 Bible", Wiley, 2013

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Learn advanced-level Assembly Design and Solid Modeling Techniques.
  • Apply commonly accepted engineering standards & practices to a given project using specialized SolidWorks tools.
  • Build multiple part & assembly configurations that interact with Design Tables, Bills-of-Materials (Parts Lists), and complex Detail/Assembly Drawings.
  • Utilize SolidWorks Sheet Metal Module in a Top-Down Assembly Environment.
  • Create & edit/manipulate very large, complex assemblies ("unlimited" number of parts) containing multi-level, nested configurations as a method.

CSLOs

  • Create and edit/maintain large & complex SolidWorks Assemblies using Advanced 3D Solid Modeling techniques & methods.

Outline

  1. Learn advanced-level Assembly Design and Solid Modeling Techniques.
    1. Create and work with 3D Sketches, Splines, Curves & Points.
    2. Apply Datum Tools to develop complex Datum Geometry: Compound Angle Planes, Datum Curves, Coordinates Systems.
    3. Use Advanced Solid Features such as Sweeps, Lofts, each with non-linear pathways and Multiple Guide Curves.
  2. Apply commonly accepted engineering standards & practices to a given project using specialized SolidWorks tools.
    1. ANSI Drafting Standards are discussed in some detail, with a mention to other common drafting standards used around the world.
    2. ASME Geometric Dimensioning/Tolerancing Standards as applied to Mechanical Designs & Drawings.
    3. Custom (Industry- or Company-Specific) Mechanical Design & Drafting Standards are developed as a part of program training.
  3. Build multiple part & assembly configurations that interact with Design Tables, Bills-of-Materials (Parts Lists), and complex Detail/Assembly Drawings.
    1. Create Automated Parametric Bill-of-Materials.
    2. Establish & extract configuration-specific data for multi-phase projects.
  4. Utilize SolidWorks Sheet Metal Module in a Top-Down Assembly Environment.
    1. Create custom sheet metal parts in the context of its host assembly, using external references to develop the part's physical geometry.
    2. Utilize Advanced Sheet Metal features & tools to extend user capability beyond the relevant content in the pre-requisite course.
  5. Create & edit/manipulate very large, complex assemblies ("unlimited" number of parts) containing multi-level, nested configurations as a method.
    1. Utilize so-called Configurations (as defined by SolidWorks) to develop & control very large assemblies through the use of Design Tables.
    2. Use "Envelope Part Method" and/or "Skeleton Part Method" to control very large assemblies.

Lab Topics

  1. Advanced System sets toolbars and menu
  2. Methods of Top-Down Design
  3. Complex 3D Solid parts and assemblies
  4. Multibody design techniques
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