SolidWorks is a powerful CAD tool, but it can sometimes be slow, especially with complex models. Here are some tips and tricks to speed up SolidWorks performance and improve your workflow:
1. Optimize Your Hardware
- RAM: Ensure your computer has sufficient RAM (16 GB minimum, 32 GB or more recommended for large assemblies).
- CPU: A faster multi-core processor can significantly improve performance.
- GPU: Use a certified graphics card with updated drivers. Check SolidWorks’ certified hardware list.
- SSD: Use an SSD for faster file access and saving.
2. Adjust System Settings
a. SolidWorks Settings
- OpenGL Mode: Enable OpenGL software mode for better performance on some systems (
Tools > Options > Performance > Use Software OpenGL). - Level of Detail: Adjust the level of detail for large assemblies (
Tools > Options > Display > Assembly Transparency for In Context Edit). - Rebuild on Save: Disable rebuild on save to speed up saving (
Tools > Options > System Options > Performance > Rebuild on Save).
b. Windows Settings
- Power Plan: Set your power plan to
High Performancein Windows Control Panel. - Visual Effects: Adjust for best performance (
Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings > Performance Settings > Adjust for best performance).
3. Simplify Your Model
- Break Down Complex Models: Divide large assemblies into smaller sub-assemblies.
- Use Simplified Configurations: Create simplified configurations with fewer details for faster performance.
- Suppress Features: Suppress features that are not currently needed (
Right-click on feature > Suppress).
4. Optimize Assemblies
- Lightweight Components: Open components in lightweight mode (
Tools > Options > System Options > Performance > Automatically load components lightweight). - Large Assembly Mode: Enable large assembly mode for better performance with large assemblies (
Tools > Large Assembly Mode). - Use SpeedPak: Create SpeedPak configurations to reduce the load on your system (
Right-click on assembly > SpeedPak > Create SpeedPak).
5. Manage Your Feature Tree
- Hide Unnecessary Features: Hide features that are not currently being worked on.
- Use Folders: Organize features into folders to keep the feature tree manageable.
- Freeze Bar: Use the freeze bar to suppress features below it (
Drag the freeze bar in the feature tree).
6. Optimize Drawings
- High-Quality Views: Use draft quality for views that do not require high detail (
Right-click on view > Properties > Display Style > Draft Quality). - Hide Components: Hide components that are not needed in the drawing.
- Use Detached Drawings: Open drawings in detached mode for faster performance (
File > Open > Detached Drawings).
7. Use Efficient Workflows
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn and use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow.
- Macros: Use macros to automate repetitive tasks.
- Design Library: Use the design library to quickly insert standard parts and features.
8. Update SolidWorks
- Install the Latest Version: Always use the latest version of SolidWorks to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.
- Check for Updates: Regularly check for updates and install them.
9. Example: Optimizing a Large Assembly
Here’s an example of optimizing a large assembly:
- Break Down the Assembly: Divide the assembly into smaller sub-assemblies.
- Use Simplified Configurations: Create simplified configurations with fewer details.
- Suppress Features: Suppress features that are not currently needed.
- Open Components in Lightweight Mode: Enable lightweight mode for components.
- Use SpeedPak: Create SpeedPak configurations to reduce the load on your system.
- Hide Unnecessary Components: Hide components that are not needed in the current view.
10. Conclusion
By following these tips and tricks, you can significantly speed up SolidWorks performance and improve your workflow. Optimize your hardware, adjust system settings, simplify your models, and use efficient workflows to get the most out of SolidWorks. Happy designing!