How to train students in SolidWorks

[KohKohPuffs]

When I use to be in 115, we had Google Hangout sessions for 3+ hours for almost seven days a week (don't worry, it was during the summer ). We first started off with a simple WCD chassis, then a single speed gearbox, etc., pretty much basic mechanisms and techniques. To check if anyone was struggling, we used the screenshare function.

The entire purpose of this was to get us familiar with the FRC design process, because in the end, our instructor let us off on our own to CAD without him watching.

I guess the takeaway for me was that CAD trainings should be one where minimal time is put into learning how to use the software, and more of making something. But another important takeaway is that mastering this skill may be a big time commitment, and not everyone may be on-board; out of, I think, 10+ people who attended the training, only a very few came out of the session confident enough to make something that could be used in competitions.

Yeah, just putting out how I learned to CAD. May not be the best idea, but sure is an option.

[BenGuy]

Our coach uses the Solidworks handbook and powerpoints on their website to teach the program to beginning students. More advanced people just practice making everyday objects increasing in difficulty.

[Chris Hapstack]

One resource I would highly recommend is SolidProfessor. My employer uses it to teach SolidWorks to all new engineers. For $279/year you get access to an extensive library of intuitive instructional videos and follow-along examples (including some on FEA). You can also purchase tutorials for Inventor, MasterCam, and many more products. The SolidWorks package features these modules:

• SOLIDWORKS for Beginners
• Core Concepts for Parts and Assemblies
• Drawings
• SimulationXpress (light version of FEA)
• AutoCAD to SOLIDWORKS
• Advanced Parts
• Surfacing
• Mold Tools and Plastic Design
• File Management
• Advanced Assemblies
• Sheet Metal
• Weldments
• Intro to eDrawings
• Visualization and Appearances
• PhotoView 360
• DriveWorksXpress
• CSWA Prep Course
• CSWP-CSWE Prep Course
• Toolbox and Design Library
• DimXpert and TolAnalyst
• SOLIDWORKS Routing
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation (full version of FEA)
• SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation
• SOLIDWORKS Plastics
• SOLIDWORKS Composer
• SOLIDWORKS Electrical Schematic
• SOLIDWORKS Workgroup PDM
• SOLIDWORKS Enterprise PDM
• Update Training
• SOLIDWORKS 101 - Academic