SolidWorks Advanced (ETD2369C)

Course Description

This course presents the advanced use of designing techniques and capabilities of solid modeling using SOLIDWORKS software, including the integration of advanced parametric modeling and drawing tools. Students progress from intermediate proficiency to advanced-level competency, building complex models, managing large assemblies, and applying industry-standard design and simulation workflows. The course lessons and exercises are based on real-world projects, each broken down and taught in comprehensible steps. This course is part of the Engineering Technology: Engineering Design Drafting (ETD) taxonomy under Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS).

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply advanced 3D sketching techniques and advanced work planes to create complex part geometry.
• Construct advanced assemblies using both bottom-up and top-down design methodologies.
• Create complex, fully parametric models using geometric relations, equations, and design tables for easily modified designs.
• Design and modify sheet metal parts and assemblies, including flat-pattern generation and bend allowances.
• Develop part configurations and assembly configurations managed through Design Tables and Bills of Materials (BOM).
• Apply surface modeling techniques, including complex shapes using hybrid modeling with solid and surface tools.
• Produce advanced engineering drawings including detailed, assembly, and exploded-view drawings conforming to industry standards.
• Use SOLIDWORKS Toolbox applications to insert standard hardware components into assemblies.
• Apply tolerances to parts, assemblies, and drawings in compliance with GD&T standards.
• Perform basic assembly verification using Interference Detection, Clearance Verification, and Hole Alignment tools.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be covered depending on institutional emphasis and available resources:

• Utilize SOLIDWORKS Simulation (FEA) to perform basic static stress and structural analysis on parts and assemblies.
• Create animations and motion studies to present design intent and mechanical function.
• Apply the concept of mold design, including core and cavity creation for injection-molded parts.
• Prepare and export models for 3D printing (STL/additive manufacturing output).
• Use SOLIDWORKS Costing and Part Reviewer tools for manufacturing cost estimation and design review.
• Demonstrate skills required to sit for the Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) examination.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Advanced Part Modeling — Multi-body solids, advanced sweep and loft features, flex features, and freeform surfaces.
• Advanced Sketching & Work Planes — 3D sketching, reference geometry (planes, axes, points), and sketch-driven patterns.
• Surface Modeling — Knit, trim, fill, and thicken surfaces; hybrid solid/surface modeling workflows.
• Advanced Assembly Modeling — Top-down and bottom-up design, in-context features, sub-assemblies, exploded views, and large assembly performance techniques.
• Part & Assembly Configurations — Configuration Manager, design tables, suppress/unsuppress features, and derived configurations.
• Sheet Metal Design — Base flanges, edge flanges, miter flanges, forming tools, flat patterns, and sheet metal drawings.
• Advanced Drawing Techniques — Section views, detail views, alternate position views, broken-out sections, Bills of Materials, and revision tables.
• SOLIDWORKS Toolbox & Smart Fasteners — Inserting standard hardware, hole wizard, and fastener libraries.
• Tolerancing & GD&T — Applying geometric tolerances, datum references, and tolerance analysis within drawings.
• Assembly Verification Tools — Interference detection, clearance verification, hole alignment, and performance evaluation.

Optional Topics

• Mold Design — Parting lines, shut-off surfaces, parting surfaces, and core/cavity creation.
• Weldments — Structural member profiles, weld beads, cut lists, and weldment drawings.
• SOLIDWORKS Simulation (FEA Basics) — Static analysis setup, mesh generation, applying loads and fixtures, and interpreting results.
• Motion Studies & Animation — Basic and physics-based motion studies, rendered animations, and eDrawings output.
• Additive Manufacturing Output — STL file preparation, slicer software integration, and 3D print workflow.
• CSWP Exam Preparation — Timed modeling exercises, segment-based review of CSWP exam content (Parts, Configurations, Assemblies).

Resources & Tools

• SOLIDWORKS (current academic version) — primary CAD platform; student licenses typically available through institutional site licensing or the SOLIDWORKS Student Edition.
• SOLIDWORKS Official Training Manuals — Advanced Part Modeling, Assembly Modeling, Surface Modeling, Sheet Metal and Weldments (Dassault Systèmes).
• MySolidWorks (my.solidworks.com) — official online learning portal with tutorials, certifications, and sample exercises.
• SolidProfessor — supplemental online video library covering SOLIDWORKS skills at all levels.
• Florida SCNS Online Database (flscns.fldoe.org) — for course equivalency and transfer information.
• 3D Printer (where available) — for additive manufacturing output exercises using exported STL files.

Career Pathways

Completion of ETD2369C prepares students for roles in product design, mechanical engineering support, and manufacturing industries. Relevant career titles include:

• Mechanical Drafter / Designer — creating fabrication and assembly drawings for manufactured products.
• CAD Technician / Specialist — supporting engineering teams with advanced 3D modeling and documentation.
• Product Design Technician — developing complex parametric models and design configurations for product development pipelines.
• Manufacturing Engineering Technician — using simulation and assembly verification tools to support production readiness.
• Mold Design Technician — applying core/cavity and mold analysis tools in plastics manufacturing environments.

This course also supports progression into associate degree programs in Computer-Aided Drafting & Design (A.S.) and provides a foundation for industry employment alongside SOLIDWORKS professional certification.

Special Information

Certification Preparation: This course prepares students for the Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) examination administered by Dassault Systèmes. The CSWP exam validates advanced competency in parametric part modeling, configurations, and assembly design. Students who have not yet earned the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) credential are strongly encouraged to do so prior to or concurrent with this course, as the CSWA is a prerequisite for CSWP eligibility.

Lab Fee: A lab fee (typically $58.00, subject to institutional schedule) is assessed to cover software licensing and laboratory resource costs. Students should verify the current fee with their institution at the time of registration.

Software Access: SOLIDWORKS educational licenses are required. Students should confirm availability through their institution's IT or academic department. A qualifying internet-connected workstation meeting SOLIDWORKS minimum hardware specifications is required for remote or hybrid course formats.