Monday, October 19, 2015
Monday, September 29, 2014
Use More Monitor... with Less Mouse Motion
Use More Monitor... with Less Mouse Motion
Among the variety of SolidWorks tips that are regularly shared among users, a recent post on the officialSolidWorks Blog entitled Stop Mousing Around! is genuinely worthy of recognition and appreciation. In this post Matthew Lorono (Definition Product Manager at SolidWorks Corp.) shared an overlooked but incredibly effectual feature in Windows that involves... are you ready for this... Mouse Properties. So why should something so seemingly basic as Mouse Properties garner such attention?
Well, over the years CAD users have embraced the benefits of increased monitor size. Today many are likewise expanding those benefits by increasing the number of monitors. Overlooked however, is that many have also steadily increased their mouse (wrist) movements to accommodate these larger spans... unnecessarily.
To facilitate adjusting your mouse, Mouse Properties can be accessed in Windows by selecting:
Start > Control Panel > Mouse > Pointer Options. The Pointer Options page contains a Motion slide bar that ranges from Slow to Fast. To reduce the amount of wrist motion required to move the mouse pointer, simply increase the speed of the mouse pointer. It may take only a few iterations before finding a personal setting that yields an agreeable balance between motion and speed.
Start > Control Panel > Mouse > Pointer Options. The Pointer Options page contains a Motion slide bar that ranges from Slow to Fast. To reduce the amount of wrist motion required to move the mouse pointer, simply increase the speed of the mouse pointer. It may take only a few iterations before finding a personal setting that yields an agreeable balance between motion and speed.
Yes, this is one of those rare tips that produces immediate and lasting improvement for essentially any CAD user
File Management... it's not just for CAD anymore
File Management... it's not just for CAD anymore
When it comes to electronic business file management, taking some time for forethought can go a long way in preventing wasted time in sorting, managing, and finding files later. It might seem like an elementary topic, but for the SolidWorks CAD entrepreneur there is an acute awareness that (1) each client has unique needs and (2) SolidWorks has inherent dynamics for CAD file references. The later often being both a blessing and a curse.
Obviously, a diverse array of file management structures can exist, limited only by imagination. So it really comes down to efficiency. As such, let's look at some basics that promote efficient file structure methods.
Clients
It is highly recommended that a unique folder be created specific for each client you are working with. Many professions mange their record keeping in this format, whether with physical folders or electronically. And it makes logical sense. When needed, one would first find the folder pertaining specific to the client, looking deeper for more information, as needed.
Client sub-folders
Now is where some forethought will prove beneficial. There are some common files that will exist for each of your clients. These may include business files such as Contracts and Invoices, as well as informational and reference data provided by the client or those you may glean from the Internet. Ask yourself how you anticipate working with this client, not only currently but into the future as well. After giving consideration, you most likely will be able to use one of two methods:
Herein lies probably the largest opportunity to benefit from considering how you will be working with your clients. As noted above, because SolidWorks uses file references, there are some serious aspects to consider. The basic goals should be to have your data easily available, easy to revision and create drawings, all without having to re-create files or losing previous revisions.
A CAD file structure that works well and provides great flexibility is that of three folders, within each project folder. These may be labeled as Archived, Released, and Working.
Because most CAD business owners operate without a PDM system, using the system of naming CAD files with a reference to Revision level is also extremely helpful, if not essential with the folder structure noted above. This file naming convention allows for easy understanding of each part, assembly, and drawing revision level simply by viewing its name.
In summary, it will be to great advantage to plan ahead for the file structure which will be most applicable to the clients you serve, and these can easily be based upon the two basic structures we have discussed, as shown above.
Obviously, a diverse array of file management structures can exist, limited only by imagination. So it really comes down to efficiency. As such, let's look at some basics that promote efficient file structure methods.
Clients
It is highly recommended that a unique folder be created specific for each client you are working with. Many professions mange their record keeping in this format, whether with physical folders or electronically. And it makes logical sense. When needed, one would first find the folder pertaining specific to the client, looking deeper for more information, as needed.
Client sub-folders
Now is where some forethought will prove beneficial. There are some common files that will exist for each of your clients. These may include business files such as Contracts and Invoices, as well as informational and reference data provided by the client or those you may glean from the Internet. Ask yourself how you anticipate working with this client, not only currently but into the future as well. After giving consideration, you most likely will be able to use one of two methods:
- Long-term Basis: If you can foresee working with a client on a long-term basis, then it may be best to start with having a sub-folder specific to business related documents. Then use project folders at this same level for data specific to each project.
- Project Basis: If you anticipate working only on a project basis, perhaps having a sub-folder identified by the project name would prove to be useful. Subsequent project folders can then be added as you provide further services to the client. Each project folder could then have within it a sub-folder to contain all your business files associated with the corresponding project.
Herein lies probably the largest opportunity to benefit from considering how you will be working with your clients. As noted above, because SolidWorks uses file references, there are some serious aspects to consider. The basic goals should be to have your data easily available, easy to revision and create drawings, all without having to re-create files or losing previous revisions.
A CAD file structure that works well and provides great flexibility is that of three folders, within each project folder. These may be labeled as Archived, Released, and Working.
Because most CAD business owners operate without a PDM system, using the system of naming CAD files with a reference to Revision level is also extremely helpful, if not essential with the folder structure noted above. This file naming convention allows for easy understanding of each part, assembly, and drawing revision level simply by viewing its name.
In summary, it will be to great advantage to plan ahead for the file structure which will be most applicable to the clients you serve, and these can easily be based upon the two basic structures we have discussed, as shown above.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Useful CAD Tools
Useful and helpful CAD Tools.
Good software and a great computer is always a plus. Computer aided design software can vary for each user. Computer hardware and machines are very important, depending upon the use can dictate how much power in a machine one should get. the following are good examples of what a good company may use, a little pricey but worth it.
Good software and a great computer is always a plus. Computer aided design software can vary for each user. Computer hardware and machines are very important, depending upon the use can dictate how much power in a machine one should get. the following are good examples of what a good company may use, a little pricey but worth it.
Starting A CAD Business
To start a CAD business you need basically two things:
Knowledge & Information. Starting A CAD Business is never easy with a lot of hard work and perseverance it can be done! This is a good start for anyone aspiring to become a CAD Business owner! The Design basics is a must have too... Refresh your computer drafting skills or even learn new ones. With these two items you should have a good start on research and information to get started or enhance your operations.
Knowledge & Information. Starting A CAD Business is never easy with a lot of hard work and perseverance it can be done! This is a good start for anyone aspiring to become a CAD Business owner! The Design basics is a must have too... Refresh your computer drafting skills or even learn new ones. With these two items you should have a good start on research and information to get started or enhance your operations.
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