The goal of this course is to introduce you to the SolidWorks Application Programming Interface (API). Using the SolidWorks API is a great way to automate routines. Just about everything a user leverages through the user interface is available in the API.
Course Outline:
Lesson 1: Using the Macro Recorder Macro Recording
- Macro Toolbar
- Understanding How Macro Code Works
- Understanding How to Call Members on API Interfaces
- Passing Parameters
- Cleaning Up Code
- Adding Forms to a Macro
Lesson 2: The API Object Model
- SolidWorks API Object Model
- Application Objects
- Case Study: Connecting to New Documents
- Case Study: Connecting to Existing Documents
Lesson 3: Setting System Options and Document Properties
- User Preferences - System Option
- User Preferences - Document Properties
- Locating the Correct APIs and Enumeration Values
- UserPreference Tables For System Options
- UserPreference Tables For Document Properties
Lesson 4: Automating Part Design
- Case Study: Automation Tool for Parts
Lesson 5: Assembly Automation
- Case Study: Automation Tool for Assemblies
Lesson 6: Drawing Automation
- Case Study: Automating Drawing Creation
Lesson 7: Selection and Traversal Techniques
- Case Study: Programming With a Selected Object
- The SolidWorks BREP Model
- Case Study: Body and Face Traversal
- Case Study: Feature Manager Traversal
Lesson 8: Adding Custom Properties and Attributes
- Case Study: Custom Properties
- Case Study: Configurations With Custom Properties
- Case Study: File Summary Information
- Case Study: Document Attributes
- The Attribute Objects
- Case Study: Face Attributes
Lesson 9: The SolidWorks API SDK
- The API SDK
- Case Study: Creating a VB.NET Add-In
- Case Study: Creating a C# Add-In
- Case Study: C++ Add-Ins
- Choosing a Programming Language
Lesson 10: Customizing the SolidWorks User Interface
- Case Study: Customizing the UI With VB.NET
- Understanding The Add-in Code
- Property Pages
- Property Page Groups and Controls
- Removing Menus and Toolbars
- Other Areas of Customization
Lesson 11: Notifications
- Notifications
- Notifications in VBA
- Case Study: Simple Notification
- Case Study: Using Notifications in .NET
Prerequisites:
Students attending this course are expected to have the following skills, and to have completed an overview of the course material.
- Mechanical/Industrial design experience
- Experience with the Windows™ operating system
- Completed the course SolidWorks Essentials: Parts, Assemblies, and Drawings.
Duration: 3 Days