Description

This document gives you a step-by-step tutorial on how to use the Solid Model Analyzer (SMA) to create a Microvellum product from a solid model.

Before using this tutorial, you need to have a solid model in an AutoCAD DWG file. You may create your solid model in AutoCAD or download an AutoCAD compatible solid from the internet. In this tutorial, we will use the solid model for a simple Open Base product that was created in AutoCAD. This tutorial demonstrates how to analyze that solid and generate a Microvellum object from it.

See Using Solids from Third-Party Software with SMA (Tutorials) in the Microvellum Knowledge Center for a tutorial showing how to import a Solid Works solid model and another showing how to import an Autodesk Inventor solid model.

See Using Solid Model Analyzer – SMA (Overview) in the Microvellum Help Center for an overview of the software.

See Using Solid Model Analyzer – SMA (Reference) in the Microvellum Knowledge Center for a reference article explaining how to work with various types of products in SMA, as well as the options of the software.

Tutorial: Analyze a Solid Created in AutoCAD

1. Open Toolbox and create a new project and room. 
   
2. Open the AutoCAD drawing containing the solid model to import.
   
1. Copy and paste the model from the original AutoCAD drawing to the project room drawing in Toolbox.
   
3. Verify part fit, machining, and all construction details of your solid before analyzation!
   


Fig. 1 – SW View of Solid Model to Verify Construction Details





Fig. 2 – UE View of Solid Model to Verify Construction Details





Fig. 3 – UN View of Solid Model to Verify Construction Details





Fig. 4 – UPL View of Solid Model to Verify Construction Details



4. Click the command bar Solid Modeling and then click the Solid Model Analyzer. 
   
1. Window all objects of the solid model that you want to include in the analyzation process, and thus the resulting Microvellum product. 
   
5. The program displays a material selection box for each different thickness solid it encounters. Be careful to watch the dialog box heading for the material type and thickness that is currently being assigned. Click to expand and select from the list of materials for each material thickness.
   


Fig. 5 – Material Selection for .75” Solids





Fig. 6 – Material Selection for .25” Solids



6. Select the Save option that best suits your task and select a location on the project room drawing to place your new Microvellum product. 
   


Fig. 7 – Save Level Selection Box





Fig. 8 – Drawing Showing the Solid Model Source and Resulting Microvellum Product



7. Verify the accuracy of your intended Microvellum product by opening the spreadsheet (Edit Design Data) and reviewing the data. You may rename the parts and interact with the data there precisely as you would with a product drawn directly from your library. 
   


Fig. 9 – Reviewing Product Data in the Spreadsheet





Fig. 10 – Reviewing Product Data in the Spreadsheet



8. Create a work order containing the new product, process it according to your company procedures, and continue with machining and manufacturing of the product.