SolidWorks 2014 will be officially unveiled on September 9, 2013 and while you’re waiting for the big reveal, here are quick peeks at some of the new features (I’m sure you’re going to love them)
No Edge Bleed-Through for Thin Parts
SolidWorks 2014 now eliminates this problem with a new System Option to optimize hidden line removal for thin parts. This provides clearer visual feedback on the geometry and the exterior components. It also allows for more stunning screen captures directly from SolidWorks.
SolidWorks 2014: No Edge Bleed-Through for Thin Parts
Replace Model View
You can now easily replace the model references in any drawing view using Replace Model View. This streamlined approach to changing document references not only reduces the needed steps, but can also prevent drawings referencing the wrong part or assembly. This tool also makes creating a drawing similar to an existing one, but referencing a different document incredibly simple and significantly faster.
SolidWorks 2014: Replace Model View
Lock Rotation for Cylindrical Mates
SolidWorks 2014 introduces a new option that allows you to optionally lock rotation when adding cylindrical mates. This lock rotation eliminates the step of adding an extra mate to fully define components that are constraints with cylindrical mates which is ideal for components such as fasteners and bearings.
SolidWorks 2014: Lock Rotation for Cylindrical Mates
Consistent Patterning Tools
Assemblies now offer the same patterning capabilities available at the part level, with sketch and curve-driven options added in SolidWorks 2014. One key feature is curve-driven patterns. It’s now possible to pattern components or subassemblies along curves in an assembly. This makes creation of patterns, such chains and conveyor systems, faster and easier than ever before.
SolidWorks 2014: Consistent Patterning Tools
Reference Plane Normal Condition
When creating or editing planes in SolidWorks, you will now have the opportunity to specify the direction of the plane’s “normal.” This setting controls the orientation of any other feature or sketch created using this plane. Control over this new capability is a simple checkbox found in the Property Manager for a Reference Plane.
SolidWorks 2014: Reference Plane Normal Condition
Path Length Dimension
The Path Length Dimension is an entirely new dimension available in sketches. It allows the creation of a path in a sketch to define the exact length of an item like a chain or belt. Like all dimensions in SolidWorks, its value can be parametrically controlled in a variety of ways including equations.
SolidWorks 2014: Path Length Dimension
Sketch Picture Scale Tool
The Sketch Picture Scale Tool makes it easy to properly scale the size and position of images inserted into a sketch, saving significant amounts of time and frustration. This new tool allows users to make use of known reference points in the image, which often provide an understanding of size. Using these known points, users simply enter the corresponding value–the image resizes accordingly. Likewise, rotation of the image is provided within the same tool, to capture proper orientation of the sketch.
SolidWorks 2014: Sketch Picture Scale Tool
Network Rendered Animations
With this new release, SolidWorks Subscription Services customers can share the load of rendering animation frames with PhotoView 360. You’re now able to render frames in parallel across multiple computers on your network. The time needed to create photo-realistic animations of designs and mechanisms is drastically reduced with this powerful capability.
SolidWorks 2014: Network Rendered Animations
Results Interaction in Simulation
SolidWorks Simulation puts results control at your fingertips with fantastic enhancements for interacting with results. You can now:
• Modify Chart Definition, Chart Options, and Settings from just one Property Manager;
• Directly edit the minimum and maximum values on plot legends;
• Get access to the Mesh Display, Deformed Result, Probe, Section Clipping, Iso Clipping, List Selected, and Fringe Options of the plot by right-clicking in the plot legend on the graphics screen.
SolidWorks 2014: Results Interaction in Simulation
Be sure to bookmark the new SolidWorks 2014 website and check back on September 9 to see all of the new features and enhancements
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