SolidWorks

SolidWorks is the industry standard for CAD software, offering strong design and simulation capabilities in a fairly approachable interface. I first used it at the University of Delaware from 2019 to 2022, after which I have utilized a Maker license with near full functionality. SolidWorks is the CAD software I have the most experience with overall.

Over the course of my time using SolidWorks, I have done the following once or more:

Drawings:
- Created part drawings of a single component
- Created assembly drawings (standard and exploded)
- Created bills of materials
- Customized view settings, such as scale, visual appearance, and layout
- Created title blocks with associative links to source parts
Parts:
- Creation of construction geometry (planes, axis systems, lines, points, etc.) to support features
- Validated motion studies within a sketch
- Performed motion studies using the Motion Study add-in
- Imported external models of stock components for use in designs
- Produced models based on photographs to identical scale
- Used 3D sketches to produce designs containing minimal planar symmetry
- Exported parts in additive manufacturing formats (.stl, .3mf)
- Utilized links to parameters and equations to drive models from an external spreadsheet
- Use of surfaces to modify and produce solid volumes
- Created and used the "block" feature to make common sketch geometry consistent and accessible later
- Used hole wizard to ensure compatibility with standardized hardware
Assemblies:
- Created assemblies with 30+ parts and many mates
- Use of simple mates (coincident, concentric, distance, angle, tangent, etc.)
- Use of advanced mates (width, linear, symmetry, etc.)
- Use of mechanical mates (cam-follower, slot, hinge, gear, etc.)
- Created animated explodes and assemblies for use in presentations
Simulation:
- Set up simulations (boundary conditions, loading method(s), material, etc.)
- Produced reports with relevant results (stress, deformation, displacement, factor of safety, etc.)

Drawings

Drawing of simple part, to aid in programming its milling operations.

Exploded view of simple assembly.

Front and side views of bone fracture plate.

Assembly drawing of T-slot framing assembly, with bill of materials.

Parts

SolidWorks sketch study of a 4-bar linkage for a college exam. Tasked with traveling through three prescribed lines, the sketch validated calculations to determine the link geometries and anchor points.

Tracing a side profile (red) from a photo, with scaling reference.

Tracing a top profile (red) from a photo, with scaling reference.

Reference profiles imported as .dxf files and smoothed using Fit Spline tool. Revolved solid (blue) from side profile, trim surface (purple) made from top profile.

Result of surface trimming operation.

Example of parametric/equation driven assembly and link management. Equations are defined at the top assembly level (orange callout) and identically named counterparts are created at the part level pointing back to the assembly level (green highlight).