Key details

Comprehensive SolidWorks training for newcomers, teaching key techniques for creating parametric parts and assemblies.

SolidWorks 3D design software helps teams around the world bring their ideas to life. It is easy to learn and use, letting you concentrate on your designs, not your CAD software.

Introduction to SolidWorks training provides a thorough grounding in SolidWorks. The topics covered include:

• Sketching
• Part modelling
• Patterning
• Shelling and ribs
• Editing: Design changes
• Configuration
• Drawings
• Assembly modelling
• Templates

Throughout the course you’ll learn tips for using SolidWorks in the most productive way.

Upcoming course dates

Live online SolidWorks training

SolidWorks training is provided in our live online format. For details, see Live online training.

Expert SolidWorks trainers

SolidWorks training is hosted by highly-experienced CAD experts from an engineering background. See Expert trainers.

How will I learn?

SolidWorks training is hands-on and practical.

Our trainers teach the necessary theory then demonstrate techniques step-by-step. You then practice the techniques, with assistance from our trainer.

There is plenty of time to ask questions, and you can keep all the files you create.

SolidWorks training guide and certificate

Course delegates receive:

• A comprehensive training guide for SolidWorks, to refer to throughout the course and to use as a refresher afterwards.
• An e-certificate confirming successful SolidWorks course completion. Click here to see an example of the certificate you receive.

After course support

Following SolidWorks training, you’re entitled to 30 days’ email support from your SolidWorks trainer to help with any post-course issues. For further details, see Support.

Prerequisites

No prior SolidWorks knowledge is necessary.

SolidWorks version

Training is based primarily on SolidWorks 2021, running on Windows. It is relevant to all recent versions of SolidWorks.

Our guarantees to you

We offer:

• A price guarantee that you’re getting the best value for money.
• A training guarantee that you’ll learn the concepts and skills you need.

On-request SolidWorks training available

Introduction to SolidWorks training is also available on-request, i.e. one-to-one training or a ‘closed course’ for your group, hosted at one of our centres, your venue or online.

On-request SolidWorks training can be tailored to take into account any existing knowledge you have, and the work you’re going to be doing. Please contact us for a quote.

General information

Course times

9.30am–4.30pm.

Payment

Payment for SolidWorks training can be made bank transfer or card.

We accept purchase orders from UK-registered companies and public sector organisations.

If you’re self-funding your training, you can pay in staged payments, interest-free, over 12 months.

For further details, see training course payment options.

Cancellations and transfers

You can cancel a booking on a scheduled training course, or transfer to a later course, without penalty providing you give us 10 working days’ notice. Any fees already paid will be refunded.

If you cancel a booking on a scheduled Introduction to SolidWorks training course giving less than 10 working days’ notice, or request a transfer to a later course, a cancellation/transfer fee is payable. The fee charged depends on the notice period given. For details, see cancellation terms.

Different terms apply for the cancellation or postponement of an on-request course (one-to-one training or a ‘closed course’ for your group). For details, see course cancellations.

Terms and conditions

Training course bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.

Expert trainer

Carl Portman

Carl Portman has been an Autodesk-accredited instructor for 25 years, a College Lecturer (City and Guilds 3D modelling) for 15 years and a CAD consultant for 35 years.

Carl’s background is in engineering. He has vast design experience in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace and medical. Projects that Carl has completed include designing complete car plants for Jaguar Land Rover.

Carl has expert knowledge of a wide range of 3D design applications used in engineering, including AutoCAD, Autodesk Alias, Fusion 360 and Inventor, and Dassault Systemes SolidWorks.

Until recently, Carl raced motorbikes. He knows Silverstone and Brands Hatch like the back of his hand, and he has the scars to prove it.

Course content

SolidWorks basics

• What is SolidWorks?
• File references
• Opening files
• The SolidWorks user interface
• Using the Command Manager

Introduction to sketching

• 2D sketching
• Stages in the process
• What are we going to sketch?
• Sketching and sketch entities
• Basic sketching
• Rules that govern sketches
• Design intent
• Sketch relations
• Dimensions
• Extrude
• Sketching guidelines

Basic part modelling

• Design intent
• Basic modelling
• Terminology
• Choosing the best profile
• Choosing the sketch plane
• Details of the part
• Extrude feature
• Revolved feature
• Sketching on a planar face
• Cut feature
• Using the hole wizard
• View options
• Filleting
• Editing tools
• Detailing basics
• Drawing views
• Centre marks
• Dimensioning
• Changing parameters
• Edit material
• Mass properties
• File properties

Patterning

• Why use patterns?
• Reference geometry
• Linear, circular and mirror patterns
• Using pattern seed only
• Sketch driven patterns

Shelling and ribs

• Shelling
• Planes
• Ribs
• Full round fillets
• Thin features

Editing: Design changes

• Part editing
• Design changes
• Information from a model
• Rebuilding tools
• Sketch contours

Configuration

• Creating configurations
• Using configure dimension/feature
• Using global variables, equations
• Global variables
• Equations
• Modelling strategies for configurations
• Editing parts that have configurations
• Design library

Drawings

• More about making drawings
• Section, model, broken and detail views
• Drawing sheets and sheet formats
• Projected views
• Annotations

Assembly modelling

• Creating a new assembly
• Position of the first component
• FeatureManager design tree and symbols
• Adding components
• Using part configurations in assemblies
• Subassemblies
• Smart mates
• Inserting subassemblies
• Pack and go
• Analysing the assembly
• Checking for clearances
• Changing the values of dimensions
• Bill of materials
• Assembly drawings

Templates

• Options settings
• Document templates

Please note: Course topics may be modified by the instructor based upon the knowledge and skill level of the course participants.