Speed Up Your CAD Workflow with DesignWithAjay’s SolidWorks Tips for Industrial Designers
At Ajay Industries, we don’t just design—we engineer with intent. Whether you’re prototyping a twin-shaft shredder or modeling a modular gear assembly, time is your most valuable resource. This guide distills our most effective SolidWorks strategies to help industrial designers work smarter, faster, and with greater precision.
Why Workflow Optimization Matters
Industrial design demands more than creativity—it requires technical accuracy, repeatability, and speed. From BOM creation to exploded views, every minute saved in CAD translates to faster prototyping, better documentation, and quicker market delivery.
Top SolidWorks Tips from DesignWithAjay
1. Master Configurations for Modular Design
Use part and assembly configurations to create multiple design variants without duplicating files. Perfect for:
- Shredder models with different shaft lengths
- Gearboxes with alternate ratios
- 3D-printed components with scalable dimensions
2. Use Custom Templates for BOM-Ready Drawings
Set up drawing templates with preloaded title blocks, dimension styles, and BOM tables. This ensures:
- Consistent documentation across your catalog
- Faster drawing generation for client-ready specs
3. Exploded Views with Smart Mates
Use Auto Explode Lines and Smart Mates to create clean, editable exploded views. Ideal for:
- Assembly tutorials
- Maintenance manuals
- Visual product catalogs
4. Speed Up Sketching with Blocks and Libraries
Create reusable sketch blocks for common profiles—like blade geometries, gear teeth, or mounting holes. Store them in a shared design library for rapid access.
5. Use Equations and Global Variables
Automate dimension updates across parts and assemblies using equations. For example:
Shaft_Length = Gearbox_Width + 20mm
This keeps your designs parametric and scalable.
6. Leverage Mate References for Fast Assembly
Predefine mate references in frequently used parts (e.g., bearings, couplings) to snap them into place instantly during assembly.