Exploded view creation in Solidworks - Real Business Scenario

Scenario Mode

👤 Your Role: You are a product design analyst at a manufacturing company.

📋 Request: Your manager wants a clear exploded view of a mechanical assembly to help the assembly team understand how parts fit together.

📊 Data: You have a 3D CAD model of a mechanical assembly with multiple parts and subassemblies.

🎯 Deliverable: Create an exploded view of the assembly showing each part separated clearly with labels, and prepare a report explaining the sequence of assembly.

Sample Data

Part Number	Part Name	Subassembly	Position in Assembly
101	Base Plate	Main Frame	Bottom
102	Shaft	Main Frame	Center
103	Gear	Transmission	Middle
104	Cover	Main Frame	Top
105	Bearing	Transmission	Middle
106	Spring	Transmission	Middle
107	Fastener	Main Frame	Various
108	Handle	Main Frame	Side

1

Step 1: Open the assembly model in SolidWorks.

File > Open > Select assembly file

Expected Result

Assembly model loads with all parts visible.

2

Step 2: Activate the Exploded View tool.

Click on 'Exploded View' in the Assembly tab toolbar.

Expected Result

Exploded View property manager opens.

3

Step 3: Select the first part to explode and drag it away from the assembly.

Select 'Base Plate' > Drag along Z-axis by 50mm.

Expected Result

Base Plate moves downwards, separated from other parts.

4

Step 4: Repeat the explode step for each part or subassembly in logical order.

Select 'Shaft' > Drag along Y-axis by 30mm; Select 'Gear' > Drag along X-axis by 40mm; Continue for all parts.

Expected Result

All parts are spaced out clearly showing their relative positions.

5

Step 5: Add explode steps labels to identify each part.

Use 'Explode Step Properties' to add labels like 'Base Plate', 'Shaft', etc.

Expected Result

Each exploded part is labeled clearly in the view.

6

Step 6: Save the exploded view configuration.

Click 'OK' or 'Save' in the Exploded View manager.

Expected Result

Exploded view is saved and can be toggled on/off.

7

Step 7: Create a drawing from the assembly with the exploded view displayed.

File > Make Drawing from Assembly > Insert Exploded View.

Expected Result

Drawing shows exploded view with all parts separated and labeled.

8

Step 8: Add a bill of materials (BOM) table to the drawing.

Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials > Select assembly.

Expected Result

BOM table lists all parts with part numbers and names.

9

Step 9: Export the drawing as a PDF report for the assembly team.

File > Save As > Select PDF format > Save.

Expected Result

PDF report with exploded view and BOM is ready to share.

Final Result

Base Plate

↓

Cover

↓

Fastener

✓The exploded view clearly shows the spatial relationship of parts.

✓Labels help identify each part easily for assembly.

✓The BOM provides a quick reference for part numbers and names.

✓This report will improve assembly accuracy and reduce errors.

Bonus Challenge

Create an animated exploded view that shows the sequence of assembly and disassembly.

Show Hint

Use the 'Explode Line Sketch' and 'Animation' features in SolidWorks to create step-by-step movement.

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