Articles by: Rod Mackay

Rod has been using 3D CAD software for over 25 years and has trained thousands of designers to use their CAD systems more effectively. Rod is the Javelin Webmaster and is based in Ottawa, ON., Canada.

SolidWorks World 2011 Day 1 General Session Presentation

DS SolidWorks have posted a video for the SolidWorks World day 1 general session on their YouTube channel and we have it available in this post for our readers. The first day general session includes: A farewell from former SolidWorks CEO Jeff Ray. A presentation from the new SolidWorks CEO Bertrand Sicot. An introduction to Post3D, presented by Dassault Systemes CEO Bernard Charles and Jeremy Luchini, SolidWorks Certification Manager and host of Let’s Go Design. Post3D is a product based on 3DVIA technology that lets SolidWorks users show off their work in new ways. To learn more about the presentations delivered on day 1 read the comprehensive post on the SolidWorks blog.

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Presenting the Javelin SolidWorks ‘Cool’ Design Contest Winners for 2010

Design Contest Winners

Javelin is proud to announce the winners of the 2010 SolidWorks ‘Cool’ Design Contest. We had a lot of amazing entries and it was a tough decision to pick an overall winner, which is why we have five runners-up! Listed below are details of all the…

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Javelin is now accepting entries for the 2010 SolidWorks Cool Design Contest

Javelin SolidWorks Cool Design Contest

The 2010 SolidWorks Cool Design Contest is now open for entries from Javelin Commercial or Educational Customers. You have the opportunity to show off your cool designs created with SolidWorks, plus the chance to win an amazing prize! This year we have an Apple iPad…

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Increase your assembly or drawing performance with a SpeedPak Configuration

Introduced in SolidWorks 2009 the SpeedPak Configuration command allows you to create a simplified configuration of an assembly without losing references. If you work with very large and complex assemblies, using a SpeedPak configuration can significantly improve performance while working in the assembly and its drawing. Watch the demo video below to learn more about the SpeedPak Configuration command.

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Using and Customizing the Shortcut Toolbar

Shorcut Toolbar

Beginning with SolidWorks 2008, SolidWorks introduced the Shortcut Toolbar – a context sensitive toolbar that can be very useful and save time when designing in SolidWorks.  This toolbar is activated by pressing the “S” key on your keyboard. The Shortcut Toolbar has 2 useful traits:…

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Optimizing the Virtual Memory on a System

System Information

The virtual memory on your computer should be adjusted to provide optimum performance, and minimum fragmentation.  While this guide is written for Windows XP, the changes and settings are also fully applicable to other Windows operating system (however the locations of the menus in question…

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Creating a Helical Sweep in SOLIDWORKS

Helical Sweep

It is possible to create a helical solid in SOLIDWORKS which, rather than extending linearly, actually follows a helical (or other) path.  This is actually done using the Sweep command using a twist along the sweep path.  The end result can vary quite dramatically, but can potentially…

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Always Show the Solid Bodies Folder

SolidWorks FeatureManager System Options

Accidentally hiding solid bodies within a part file is a common source of confusion, leading to the inevitable question regarding why the user is unable to see the part. A SolidWorks part file can consist of multiple individual bodies – each of these bodies can…

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Why Sustainable Design?

Worldwide awareness of environmental issues has never been more acute. Consumers are increasingly considering the environmental impact of products they buy. They’re not just looking at recyclability. They want to know about materials used and how the product was made. Manufacturers, in turn, are trying to respond to that growing demand. What it means to you As an engineer or product designer, you have the power to dramatically alter how we interact with our environment. The question is how. Many designers don’t know about the life cycle assessment (LCA) process or how it could guide them to more sustainable designs. Others may think the process is too complex and time-consuming, or is someone else’s responsibility. Learning about designing for the environment now will put you…

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