Ever wondered how to showcase the inner workings of your assemblies in SolidWorks for maximum clarity? Whether you’re preparing assembly instructions or impressing a client, knowing how to create an exploded view drawing can make all the difference.
This skill not only improves communication but also elevates the professionalism of your designs. In this article, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step guide to creating exploded view drawings in SolidWorks, along with helpful tips and common pitfalls to avoid.
How to Create Exploded View Drawings in SOLIDWORKS: A Step-By-Step Guide
Exploded view drawings are vital for clearly showing how parts fit together in an assembly. If you’ve ever marveled at a user manual that helps you see precisely where screws and segments belong, chances are, an exploded view brought the magic to life. In SOLIDWORKS, creating an exploded view is straightforward and incredibly useful for assembly instructions, technical documentation, and maintenance guides.
What Is an Exploded View in SOLIDWORKS?
An exploded view is a diagram or drawing where the parts of an assembly are separated by a small distance, usually along their axes, to show the assembly order or relationship between parts. In SOLIDWORKS, this feature allows you to animate assemblies, display how things come apart, or simply create clear technical illustrations.
Step-by-Step: How to Create an Exploded View Drawing in SOLIDWORKS
Creating exploded view drawings in SOLIDWORKS involves two main stages: first making the exploded view in the assembly file, and then displaying that exploded view in a drawing.
1. Create an Exploded View in the Assembly
Before you can display an exploded view in a drawing, you need to create it in the assembly environment.
Steps to Create an Exploded View:
-
Open Your Assembly
Begin by opening the SOLIDWORKS assembly file you want to explode. -
Go to the ConfigurationManager Tab
-
Click the ConfigurationManager tab, typically found to the left of your model.
-
Insert an Exploded View
-
Right-click on either the configuration or the assembly name and select “New Exploded View.”
-
Select Components to Move
-
In the PropertyManager, select the parts you want to move.
-
Drag Components or Use the Triad
-
Click and drag the selected component using the triad (arrows) that appears, or specify distances in the PropertyManager.
-
Repeat for All Required Parts
-
Continue adding explode steps for each component or subassembly.
-
Rearrange and Edit Steps as Needed
-
You can adjust order or direction at any time before finishing.
-
Save the Exploded View
- Click the green checkmark to accept and save your exploded view.
Quick Tips:
- Multiple exploded views can be created within one configuration.
- You can also suppress or unsuppress explosion steps if you want to show different assembly stages.
2. Insert the Exploded View in a Drawing
Once your exploded view is created in the assembly, you can display it in a drawing for documentation or presentation.
Steps to Add Exploded View to Your Drawing:
- Open or Create a Drawing
-
Open an existing drawing or create a new one for your assembly.
-
Insert Model View
- From the “View Layout” tab, click “Model View.”
-
Select the assembly that has the exploded view.
-
Choose the Exploded Configuration
-
In the orientation options, select the configuration with the exploded view.
-
Place the Exploded View
-
Click in the drawing area to place the exploded assembly view.
-
(Optional) Add Explode Lines for Clarity
- You can show or hide explode lines for improved comprehension.
-
Right-click the view and select “Show Explode Lines.”
-
Adjust the View as Needed
- Scale or reposition the view.
- You can change the direction or camera view for better visualization.
Benefits of Using Exploded Views in SOLIDWORKS
Using exploded views in your assembly drawings provides numerous advantages:
- Clarity: Makes complex assemblies easy to understand.
- Instructional Value: Great for manuals, training, or assembly instructions.
- Error Reduction: Reduces assembly mistakes by showing exact part locations.
- Professional Documentation: Enhances the look and effectiveness of technical drawings.
- Animation Possibilities: SOLIDWORKS can animate exploded and collapsed states for demonstrations.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Even with user-friendly tools like SOLIDWORKS, you may run into some hurdles:
- Misaligned Parts: Use the triad and measurement tools for precise movement.
- Complex Assemblies: Break them down into subassemblies and create exploded views at different levels.
- Explode Lines Confusion: Double-check explode lines for clarity—ensure they connect correct components.
- Lost Explode Steps: Always save your assembly file after major changes to prevent losing your work.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
To maximize the effectiveness of your exploded views:
- Name Your Exploded Steps: Use descriptive names to easily identify steps later.
- Keep Steps Logical: Move parts following the actual assembly or disassembly order.
- Use Subassemblies for Large Projects: Manage complexity by exploding subassemblies first.
- Preview Exploded States Often: Check from multiple angles to ensure clarity.
- Use Balloons and Annotations: In the drawing, use balloons and item numbers for each part, ideally connecting to your Bill of Materials (BOM).
- Show Only What’s Necessary: Avoid showing too many small or irrelevant parts in exploded views for better clarity.
Additional Aspects: Explode Lines and Animation
Explode Lines
Explode lines (sometimes called route lines or trails) are dashed lines connecting separated parts to their origin. They clarify where each part belongs. You can add or edit explode lines in the assembly or hide them in the drawing if the view is too busy.
Exploded View Animation
SOLIDWORKS enables you to animate exploded views for presentations or training:
- Open the assembly with the exploded view.
- Click “Animate Explode” or “Animate Collapse” in the ConfigurationManager.
- Save the animation as a video if needed.
Cost Tips
Creating exploded view drawings in SOLIDWORKS doesn’t carry direct costs beyond your SOLIDWORKS license. But for those working with external suppliers or preparing drawings for manufacturing:
- Avoid Overly Detailed Exploded Views: Extra detail may require more revision time, impacting costs.
- Save Drawing Files as PDFs: PDF files are widely accepted and avoid compatibility issues.
- Coordinate with Suppliers: Double-check if they need specific formats or exploded views to streamline shipping or assembly.
- Shipping Drawings: If physical copies are needed, use batch printing to save on shipping costs and ensure clarity by providing both exploded and standard assembly views.
- Reuse Templates: Create templates for exploded views and BOMs to save engineering hours on future projects.
Conclusion
Exploded view drawings in SOLIDWORKS allow you to present assemblies in a visually compelling, easy-to-understand format. Whether you’re explaining how to put together a piece of furniture or documenting a sophisticated machine, exploded views add professionalism and clarity to your designs. By following the simple steps in this guide, you can efficiently create, adjust, and present exploded views that make your work stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I create more than one exploded view in the same SOLIDWORKS assembly?
Yes! You can create multiple exploded views within a single assembly configuration. This is useful for showing different assembly or subassembly processes.
2. How do I add or edit explode lines after creating an exploded view?
Go back to the assembly, right-click your exploded view in the ConfigurationManager, and choose to edit it. Use the Explode Line Sketch tool to draw, adjust, or delete explode lines as needed.
3. Can I animate an exploded view in SOLIDWORKS and export it as a video?
Absolutely. SOLIDWORKS allows you to animate the explosion or collapse of your assembly. Use the “Animate Explode” command and export the animation as an AVI file for sharing.
4. What should I do if parts overlap or aren’t clear in the exploded view?
Edit your exploded steps in the assembly. Adjust the distances and directions parts move, or change the view orientation in the drawing for better clarity.
5. Is it possible to show only a partial (not fully exploded) view in a drawing?
Yes, you can suppress or unsuppress individual steps in your exploded view to partially explode the assembly. This is helpful for focusing on specific areas or assembly stages in your documentation.
Creating exploded view drawings in SOLIDWORKS doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these steps and tips, you’re well-equipped to make your assemblies clear, detailed, and ready for production or presentation. Happy designing!