API Fundamentals

Prerequisites: SolidWorks Essentials, Visual Basic programming

Duration: 3 Days

Description:

API Fundamentals teaches you how to use the SolidWorks API (Application Programming Interface) to automate and customize SolidWorks.

The topics covered in this course are:

Lesson 1: Using the Macro Recorder Macro Recording

Macro Recording
Macro Toolbar
Understanding How Macro Code Works
Understanding How to Call Members on API Interfaces
Passing Parameters
Cleaning Up Code
Adding Forms to a Macro

Lesson 2: The API Object Model

SolidWorks API Object Model
Application Objects
Case Study: Connecting to New Documents
Case Study: Connecting to Existing Documents

Lesson 3: Setting System Options and Document Properties

User Preferences - System Options
User Preferences - Document Properties
UserPreference Tables For System Options
UserPreference Tables For Document Properties

Lesson 4: Automating Part Design

Automation Tool for Parts
Automating the Part Creation Process

Lesson 5: Assembly Automation

Automation Tool for Assemblies
Adding Components

Lesson 6: Drawing Automation

Automating Drawing Creation

Lesson 7: Selection and Traversal Techniques

Programming With a Selected Object
The SolidWorks BREP Model
Body and Face Traversal
Feature Manager Traversal

Lesson 8: Adding Custom Properties and Attributes

Custom Properties
Configurations With Custom Properties
File Summary Information
Document Attributes
The Attribute Objects
Face Attributes
Adding Mass Properties as Custom Properties
Adding Attributes to Edges

Lesson 9: The SolidWorks API SDK

The API SDK
Creating a VB.NET Add-In
Creating a C# Add-In
C++ Add-Ins
Choosing a Programming Language

Lesson 10: Customizing the SolidWorks User Interface

Customizing the UI With VB.NET
Understanding The Add-in Code
Property Pages
Property Page Groups and Controls
Removing Menus and Toolbars
Other Areas of Customization
Implement a New Menu
Implement Toolbar Buttons
Implement Controls on a Property Manager Page

Lesson 11: Notifications

Notifications
Notifications in VBA
Case Study: Simple Notification
Case Study: Using Notifications in .NET
Handling Events using the Add-in Wizard