Doesn’t SolidWorks already do what SolidMap does?

SolidMap builds a graphical representation of existing relationships that have been created among files, parts/subassemblies in an assembly, features, and sketches.  With SolidMap, the time it takes to understand the complex relationships that exist in and between SolidWorks files is significantly reduced.

How much time will SolidMap save me?

A survey was conducted among SolidWorks users.  After viewing a demonstration of SolidMap, the survey respondents reported an estimated average time savings of 31% using SolidWorks with SolidMap compared to SolidWorks without SolidMap.

Just to put that in perspective … 31% of a 40 hour work week is 12 hours.  What would it mean to you or your organization if you could save 12 hours per week, or if you were able to do 31% more work in 40 hours?

What does SolidMap show when I am investigating an assembly file?

SolidMap shows two different types of relationships when using it in the context of an assembly file.  First, SolidMap shows assembly references (“Find references” function in SolidWorks) as well as other files that are referencing the file you are investigating (“Where used” function in SolidWorks).

This screen shot shows the “Find references” relationships that exist between the files that are referenced by the ujoint.sldasm file.

Second, SolidMap shows the mate relationships between parts and subassemblies within the assembly file.  The mate names as well as the entities (face, edge, vertex, etc …) that are mated are displayed in SolidMap.

This screen shot shows the mate relationships that exist between the parts in the ujoint.sldasm file.  Each link between the parts contains information about multiple mates.

What does SolidMap show when I am investigating a part file?

SolidMap shows three different types of relationships when using it in the context of a part file.  First, SolidMap shows relationships that exist between the part file that you are investigating and other files that either reference it, or the files that it is referencing.  For example, the file that you are investigating may be referenced by an assembly, or it may be referencing another part file through “in-context relationships”.  SolidMap will show these references.

Secondly, SolidMap shows the parent/child relationships between features and sketches.  SolidWorks shows these parent/child relationships in the form of a “tree” and SolidMap shows these relationships in the form of graphical “DesignMap”.

Finally, SolidMap shows the relationships that exist between features and sketches at a deeper level than just parent/child relationships.  The information displayed in this mode comes from the existing sketch relations as well as associative parameters in the model.  For example, If a sketch from one feature has a relationship to another feature, SolidMap shows that relationship as well as what the relationship is.  So, if a sketch from one feature has a collinear relationship with an edge from another feature, SolidMap will show both features being connected by a collinear sketch relation.

The graph can get pretty big.  How do I handle it?

SolidMap includes several tools to enable the user to manipulate the graph to make it easy to understand.  Of course, there are all of the standard view manipulation tools that you would expect any graphical application to have like, zoom in/out; pan; scroll; and fit.  In addition, there are some unique tools within SolidMap that enables the user to do the following actions:

1. Change the orientation of the graph to be drawn from the top, left, right, or bottom.

2. Change the “root” of the graph.  By default, the entity under investigation (file, feature, sketch, etc …) is positioned as the root of the graph.  However, if the user chooses to investigate another entity, then the other entity can be designated as the new root, and the graph will be updated accordingly.

3. Change the number of levels deep that the graph displays.  In other words, if you are investigating feature1, and feature1 is affected by feature2 which is affected by feature3 which is affected by feature4, then the graph will show feature1 connected to feature2, connected to feature3, connected to feature4.  However, you can choose to only show 2 levels which would result in only seeing feature1 connected to feature2 on the graph.

This screen shot shows the “parents” of Cut-Extrude3 at one level deep.

This screen shot shows the “parents” of Cut-Extrude3 at three levels deep.

4. Change the view to show only parents of a feature, only children of a feature, or both parents and children of a feature.

How much training is required?

SolidMap is very intuitive.  SolidMap is supplied with self-paced training movies.  Users should see the benefits of SolidMap after only a few hours of using it.

How difficult is it to install?

SolidMap is easy to install.  Just double click on the install file and SolidMap will be installed in just a few moments.

Does SolidMap have a floating license option?

SolidMap can be purchased as a node-locked (desktop) license, or as a floating license.

Can I evaluate SolidMap before purchasing?

SolidMap full version is available for a 30 days trial

download trial.htm