Exploded view creation in Solidworks - Dashboard Guide

Dashboard Mode - Exploded view creation

Goal

Understand how to create an exploded view in SolidWorks to clearly show all parts of an assembly separated for better visualization and presentation.

Sample Data: Assembly Parts and Positions

Part Name	Original Position (X, Y, Z)	Exploded Position (X, Y, Z)
Base Plate	(0, 0, 0)	(0, 0, 0)
Shaft	(0, 0, 10)	(0, 0, 20)
Gear	(0, 0, 15)	(0, 0, 30)
Cover	(0, 0, 25)	(0, 0, 40)
Fasteners	(0, 0, 5)	(0, 0, 15)

Dashboard Components

• KPI Card: Total Parts Count = 5 (Count of parts in assembly)
• Table: Shows each part's original and exploded positions from sample data.
• 3D Exploded View Visualization: Displays parts separated along the Z-axis according to exploded positions.
• Slider Control: Controls the explosion factor from 0 (assembled) to 1 (fully exploded), interpolating positions.

Dashboard Layout

+----------------------+----------------------+
|      KPI Card        |    Slider Control    |
+----------------------+----------------------+
|                                              |
|          3D Exploded View Visualization       |
|                                              |
+----------------------------------------------+
|                  Parts Table                  |
+----------------------------------------------+

Interactivity

The slider control adjusts the explosion factor. When moved from 0 to 1, the 3D exploded view updates by moving parts from their original positions to exploded positions along the Z-axis. The parts table highlights the current interpolated positions based on the slider value. The KPI card remains static showing total parts count.

Self Check

If you set the explosion slider to 0.5, where will the Gear part be positioned? Answer: Halfway between original (0, 0, 15) and exploded (0, 0, 30), so at (0, 0, 22.5). The 3D view and parts table update accordingly.

Key Result

Dashboard shows exploded view creation with parts positions, explosion control slider, and parts count.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of creating an exploded view in SolidWorks?

easy

A. To spread parts apart to show assembly details clearly

B. To merge all parts into a single solid body

C. To reduce the file size of the assembly

D. To automatically generate 3D animations

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand exploded view purpose

   An exploded view is used to separate parts visually to show how they fit together.

2. Step 2: Compare options

   Only To spread parts apart to show assembly details clearly describes spreading parts apart to show assembly details, which matches the purpose.

3. Final Answer:

   To spread parts apart to show assembly details clearly -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Exploded view = show assembly details [OK]

Hint: Exploded views separate parts visually for clarity [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking exploded views merge parts
• Confusing exploded views with file compression
• Assuming exploded views create animations automatically

2. Which step correctly describes how to start creating an exploded view in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Use the 'Measure' tool to select parts to explode

B. Click 'File' then 'Save As' and choose exploded view format

C. Right-click the assembly in FeatureManager and select 'New Exploded View'

D. Drag parts directly in the drawing sheet to explode

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify how to start exploded view

   In SolidWorks, exploded views are created from the assembly by right-clicking it in the FeatureManager or ConfigurationManager.

2. Step 2: Evaluate options

   Right-click the assembly in FeatureManager and select 'New Exploded View' correctly states to right-click the assembly and select 'New Exploded View'. Other options describe unrelated actions.

3. Final Answer:

   Right-click the assembly in FeatureManager and select 'New Exploded View' -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Start exploded view = right-click assembly [OK]

Hint: Right-click assembly to find exploded view option [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to save exploded view as a separate file
• Using measure tool to explode parts
• Dragging parts in drawing instead of assembly

3. Given this exploded view step sequence in SolidWorks:
Step 1: Move part A 50mm along X-axis
Step 2: Move part B 30mm along Y-axis
Step 3: Move part C 20mm along Z-axis
What will be the relative position of part B after these steps?

medium

A. Moved 50mm along X-axis and 30mm along Y-axis

B. No movement applied

C. Moved 20mm along Z-axis only

D. Moved 30mm along Y-axis from original position

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze movement instructions

   Each step moves a different part: Part A moves 50mm X, Part B moves 30mm Y, Part C moves 20mm Z.

2. Step 2: Determine part B's movement

   Part B is only moved 30mm along the Y-axis from its original position.

3. Final Answer:

   Moved 30mm along Y-axis from original position -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Part B moves 30mm Y only [OK]

Hint: Each part moves only as specified in its step [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Adding movements of other parts to part B
• Confusing axis directions
• Assuming cumulative moves for all parts

4. You created an exploded view but parts overlap incorrectly after moving. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. You used the 'Collapse' command instead of 'Explode'

B. You moved parts without using the correct explode steps or directions

C. You forgot to rebuild the assembly after exploding

D. You saved the exploded view in the wrong file format

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify cause of overlapping parts

   Incorrect overlapping usually happens when parts are moved incorrectly or in wrong directions during explode steps.

2. Step 2: Evaluate options

   You moved parts without using the correct explode steps or directions correctly identifies wrong movement as cause. Other options relate to saving or commands not directly causing overlap.

3. Final Answer:

   You moved parts without using the correct explode steps or directions -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Wrong moves cause overlaps [OK]

Hint: Check explode directions if parts overlap [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming file format affects exploded view layout
• Forgetting to rebuild but expecting overlap fix
• Confusing collapse with explode commands

5. You want to create an exploded view for a complex assembly with multiple subassemblies. Which approach best ensures clarity and ease of use?

hard

A. Create exploded views for each subassembly separately, then combine them in the main assembly

B. Explode all parts at once in the main assembly without subassembly views

C. Use only the default exploded view without customizing part movements

D. Export each subassembly as a separate file and explode outside SolidWorks

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand exploded views in complex assemblies

   For clarity, it's best to manage exploded views at subassembly level before combining.

2. Step 2: Evaluate options for best practice

   Create exploded views for each subassembly separately, then combine them in the main assembly allows clear, manageable exploded views per subassembly, improving clarity and ease of editing.

3. Final Answer:

   Create exploded views for each subassembly separately, then combine them in the main assembly -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Subassembly exploded views improve clarity [OK]

Hint: Explode subassemblies first, then main assembly [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Exploding all parts at once causing confusion
• Relying on default views without customization
• Exporting parts outside SolidWorks unnecessarily