CAD & Software
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Estimate coating area in SolidWorks?
I’m designing a protective enclosure for an outdoor sensor unit in SolidWorks, and I need to estimate how much polyurethane coating I’ll need. When I use the Evaluate - Mass Properties tool, it seems... read more
1
146
Sep 16
Transferring assembly cuts to part files in SolidWorks
I'm designing a clamping fixture for a CNC-milled aluminum part on Solidworks, where a set of pins and slots needs to precisely align across multiple plates. I initially created the cut features at the... read more
3
938
Jul 02
Text-to-CAD tools for modeling enclosures
Has anyone tested text-to-CAD tools for quick concept modeling of enclosures? I'm designing a small plastic enclosure for a PCB-based sensor module (around 60x40x20 mm) and was wondering if any of the new text-to-CAD... read more
4
936
Jul 03
Simulating shear and bending on a welded tow hook bracket
I'm designing a welded tow hook bracket for a lightweight off-road trailer (max gross weight 850 kg), made from 8 mm thick mild steel plates (S355), joined with full-penetration fillet welds. I’m running a... read more
2
751
Jun 26
Solidworks or Inventor for sheet metal design?
Hey, I need to create a small sheet metal enclosure for a power supply unit—mostly bent parts in 1.5 mm steel, with tabs, cutouts, and a few fastener points. I’m new to CAD and... read more
2
798
Jun 24
Best file format for tight-tolerance parts with GD&T annotations
Hi, I'm designing a housing component for an optical assembly, machined from anodized 7075-T6 aluminum, with several ±0.01 mm tolerances and GD&T callouts for perpendicularity and flatness. The part is quite compact (80x60x40 mm)... read more
2
822
Jun 24
Modeling ribs on a curved surface
hi, designing a snap-fit enclosure for a small handheld sensor (approx. 60 x 40 x 20 mm), and I need to add structural ribs to the inner shell. The issue is the inner surface... read more
3
1.0k
Jun 24
Solidworks
HelloI am a mechanical engineer. I have advanced knowledge of Solidworks, meaning I know how to use every tab and command. But for design, that is for measurements, I only know how to use... read more
1
649
Apr 14
Add grip texture to a handle in Fusion 360
I want to print a 30 mm diameter handle for a handheld tool, in SLS nylon, and I’m designing the part on Fusion 360. It needs a grip texture that balances ergonomics, durability, and... read more
2
908
Jun 16
STEP or IGES?
Hi! I’m preparing to send a CAD file to my manufacturer for a CNC-machined aluminum enclosure. Would it be better to use a STEP or IGES file to send to the manufacturer? The design... read more
3
958
Mar 18