Crest, Per Actor, and Mannequin

When creating technical illustrations in SOLIDWORKS Composer, choosing the correct show kinds is essential for conveying technical info. Within the Technical Illustration Workshop, displaying silhouettes provides clear, distinct outlines to the mannequin views.

There are three SOLIDWORKS Composer Silhouette kinds: Crest, Per Actor, and Mannequin. On this article, we’ll assessment the aim of Silhouettes and take a look at the outputs of every totally different model so you’ll be able to select the correct one to your documentation.

Why Allow SOLIDWORKS Composer Silhouettes?

Silhouettes are daring outlines that make parts stand out, and on this case, discuss with the choices within the Technical Illustration Workshop. By using a distinct line thickness than different mannequin edges, they might help to convey shapes and bounds with out relying solely on shading or coloration.

For the sorts of outputs generated from SOLIDWORKS Composer, akin to meeting directions, service manuals, and advertising visuals, they will enhance readability and keep away from confusion. Check out the picture beneath in comparison with the one above; one has silhouettes enabled, the opposite doesn’t. Discover that the elevated line thickness outlining particular person parts gives further visible readability.

A easy Composer view with silhouette strains

The place to Discover Silhouette Choices

These Silhouette choices are specified when producing a technical illustration output from Composer and are enabled within the Technical Illustration Workshop.

To allow the Silhouette choices:

1. Change to the Workshops tab of the SOLIDWORKS Composer ribbon.
2. Launch the Technical Illustration Workshop.
3. Within the Activity Pane, allow Present Silhouettes.
4. Select between Cres, Per actor, or Mannequin.

Enabling Silhouette Choices within the Technical Illustration Workshop

These choices are solely seen within the remaining output file, which is generated upon clicking Preview or Save As within the Technical Illustration Workshop.

The Variations Between Crest, Per Actor, and Mannequin

As proven within the picture above, after enabling Silhouettes, the person should decide the model. There are three distinct selections that every have their very own use case.

Crest Fashion

The Crest model provides probably the most outlines to the mannequin view. It attracts a silhouette round every element in an meeting, together with necessary inner edges like ridges and sharp transitions.

Mannequin view with the Crest model enabled

As a result of this model provides probably the most element, it’s a good choice for when you should present the form and options of parts clearly. Within the picture above, discover that the holes on the blue backside plate (and the tan facet plates) are accented with the Crest model define, in addition to every element’s silhouette.

Per actor Fashion

The Per actor model attracts a clear define round every half, that are thought of separate actors in SOLIDWORKS Composer. Nevertheless, it doesn’t spotlight any inner particulars.

Mannequin view with the Per actor model enabled

This model may be much less cluttered than Crest, whereas nonetheless clearly displaying distinct outlines between parts. Within the picture above, discover that the one thickened silhouette strains are round every element and coincide with the coloured areas of the components.

Mannequin Fashion

The Mannequin model creates an overview round every contiguous set of assembled components as one mannequin. On this model, the interfaces between touching parts usually are not thought of. Open gaps, akin to holes which can be “see-through” to unfavorable area behind the mannequin, will at all times be outlined.

Mannequin view with the Mannequin model enabled

The Mannequin model is the least detailed, however it gives a unified look for the meeting and might be used to point that sure parts don’t break aside. Within the picture above, discover how there are not any thickened strains between parts, and the daring define connects a number of totally different coloured areas.

Immediately Evaluating the SOLIDWORKS Composer Silhouette Kinds

Beneath is an exploded view generated from the Technical Illustration Workshop in all three kinds. Crest model gives probably the most element, Per actor maintains the outlining round particular person parts, and Mannequin creates a single silhouette round assembled parts.

Evaluating the SOLIDWORKS Composer Silhouette kinds

Key Concerns for Silhouettes

Silhouettes in SOLIDWORKS Composer function greater than only a beauty ornament; they’re a visible instrument to make your technical content material clearer and simpler to digest. Every Silhouette model brings distinctive advantages and may be helpful to realize totally different targets.

It’s greatest to experiment with totally different choices within the Technical Illustration Workshop for Silhouette Kinds, Define Kinds, Shadows, and Shade Areas to see what mixture of settings you like to your documentation functions.

To be taught extra about SOLIDWORKS Composer greatest practices, register for an upcoming coaching course right here.