SOLIDWORKS is a 3D CAD software widely used in the mechanical design industry. It provides a wealth of functions and tools to meet the basic design needs of enterprises. However, sometimes the functions of standard software cannot meet specific requirements, which requires secondary development to expand the functions of SOLIDWORKS and develop customized solutions.
1. What is SOLIDWORKS secondary development?
SOLIDWORKS secondary development refers to the process of using the SOLIDWORKS development interface (API) and programming language to customize the software to meet the specific needs of users. By using the API, users can access functionality and data within SOLIDWORKS and automate, customize or optimize the design process.
2. Advantages of secondary development
① Improve design efficiency: Secondary development can customize the SOLIDWORKS embedded plug-in according to the user's workflow and design habits, simplifying the operation process and improving efficiency.
② Achieve automation: By developing scripts, daily repetitive tasks can be automatically performed, such as batch format conversion, drawing update, etc., saving a lot of time and energy.
③ Data interaction and integration: Through secondary development, data interaction and integration between SOLIDWORKS and other software and systems can be achieved to improve teamwork efficiency.
④ Customized solutions: For specific industry or project needs, customized tools, plug-ins or applications can be developed through secondary development to meet the unique design needs of users.
3. Commonly used languages for secondary development of SOLIDWORKS
① Visual Basic for Applications (VBA): VBA is an easy-to-learn and use programming language suitable for macro development in SOLIDWORKS. By recording macros or writing scripts, you can realize automated tasks, interface customization, data processing and other functions.
② C# and VB.NET: SOLIDWORKS provides an API development environment based on the .NET framework. Users can use languages such as C# or VB.NET for secondary development. These languages have powerful object-oriented programming capabilities and can operate the SOLIDWORKS object model more flexibly.
4. Successful cases and application examples
① Automatic assembly generation: By developing scripts, the function of automatically generating complex assemblies based on design parameters is realized, saving a lot of manual operation time and labor.
② Parametric design software : Through parametric design software, product modification design can be quickly completed, reducing manual repetitive work and improving the reuse rate of parts.
③ Batch job software: Through secondary development, some batch jobs are handed over to the program to complete, such as batch writing of attributes and batch conversion of formats.
SOLIDWORKS secondary development can expand design capabilities and optimize work processes. Solidkits can customize and develop SOLIDWORKS according to the company's own needs . By using SOLIDWORKS's API and programming technology, it can help companies realize an intelligent design process with higher efficiency. Secondary development not only improves the work efficiency of individuals and teams, but also provides enterprises with differentiated competitive advantages.