3D Product CAD Software and Tools 2

Question 1

What is 'parametric constraint' in CAD sketches?

Accepted Answer

A rule (dimension or geometric relation) that fixes the size or position of sketch elements

Answer

Parametric constraints define relationships between sketch entities — such as equal length, parallelism, or specific dimensions — ensuring the sketch behaves predictably when values change.

Question 2

What is a 'configuration' in SolidWorks and how is it used in product design?

Accepted Answer

A variant of a part or assembly with different dimensions or features stored within a single file

Answer

Configurations let designers store multiple size variants (S, M, L), color options, or feature variations within one file, driving the design table or design variants.

Question 3

What is a 'design table' in parametric CAD software?

Accepted Answer

A spreadsheet embedded in the CAD file that drives multiple configurations by defining dimension values

Answer

A design table (typically an Excel spreadsheet) defines values for dimensions and features across multiple configurations, enabling rapid management of product variants.

Question 4

What is 'top-down design' in CAD assembly modeling?

Accepted Answer

Designing parts within the context of the assembly so components reference each other's geometry

Answer

Top-down assembly design creates part geometry by referencing other components in the assembly context, ensuring interfaces, fits, and alignments are captured by design.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a 'drawing' document in SolidWorks or similar CAD software?

Accepted Answer

To create 2D orthographic projections with dimensions and GD&T for manufacturing communication

Answer

A CAD drawing document generates annotated 2D views (front, side, section, detail) from the 3D model, serving as the official engineering communication to manufacturers.

3D Product Practice Test

3D Product Practice Test

3D Product CAD Software and Tools 2