1 / 37

SolidWorks API Demystified

SolidWorks API Demystified. Leonard Kikstra Designer / CAD Administrator RITE-HITE Products Corporation Milwaukee, WI Lenny’s SolidWorks Resources http://www.lennyworks.com/solidworks. Who am I?. SMART User Group Active member since group started in 1999.

Rita
Download Presentation

SolidWorks API Demystified

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. SolidWorks API Demystified Leonard Kikstra Designer / CAD Administrator RITE-HITE Products Corporation Milwaukee, WI Lenny’s SolidWorks Resources http://www.lennyworks.com/solidworks

  2. Who am I? • SMART User Group • Active member since group started in 1999. • Lenny’s SolidWorks Resources website. • Online Sept. 2003. • New home Sept. 2006. • Programmed over 30 macros for use in SolidWorks • Most of these are available for free on the Internet. • Product Designer • Engineering since 1982. • Cad user since 1991. • SolidWorks user since 1998. • CAD Administrator • 20+ people on site. • Advise other sites. • Interested in simplifying my job. • Make my computer do some of my work for me.

  3. What is covered here. • General Information • What is the SolidWorks API? • Benefits of learning/using the API. • Getting Started. • Create and modify macros. • Finding your way. • When and Why. • Program examples • Justification • Where to get help.

  4. What is the SolidWorks API? • Application Programming Interface. • Allows other programs to access SolidWorks data and/or control SolidWorks. • Examples: SolidWorks Add-Ins • Cosmos, Toolbox, PhotoWorks, PDM Works, PDM Works Enterprise • Why? • Allow third party vendors to build applications that access SolidWorks and SolidWorks data. • Lets SolidWorks focus on their core products. • SolidWorks Add-Ins have API’s. eDrawings SolidWorks ToolBox FeatureWorks SolidWorks Utilities PDMWorks SolidWorks Routing PhotoWorks

  5. How can the API benefit you? • Automate common and repetitive tasks. • Increase productivity. • Save time and money. • Standardize procedures. • Consistently retrieve or export data that already exists in the SolidWorks documents. • Develop useful tools to meet your specific needs. • Customize SolidWorks. • Add commands, change settings, etc…

  6. Access the SolidWorks API • Stand alone application Executable • Visual C++ .Net Visual Basic .Net. Visual C++ Visual Basic Visual C • Programming environment outside of SolidWorks. • Must be compiled to use outside of programming environment. • Can start SolidWorks. • Required for creating Add-Ins/DLL’s. • SolidWorks Macro .swp file • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications. • SolidWorks Program (.swp) is a single file. • Must be launched from within SolidWorks. • Installed with SolidWorks. • No compiling • Some limitations.

  7. SolidWorks Macros • The macro recorder. • Start recorder. • Complete tasks. • Some settings in dialog boxes are not recorded. • Pause if needed. • Stop recorder and save new macro. • Running a macro • Run Macro • Select macro • Macro will automatically run Stop Record / Pause Run

  8. SolidWorks Macros • Edit macro. • Select macro. • Visual Basic Editor automatically launched. • Make changes. • Test Macro • F5 to run macro • F8 to step thru the macro line by line • Save macro. • Exit Visual Basic editor. • New Macro • Create a new macro without using macro recorder. • Enter macro name • Visual Basic Editor automatically launched. Edit Macro New Macro

  9. Visual Basic Editor: Environment • Project: • SolidWorks Objects. • Definitions of SolidWorks Objects. • Forms. • Object based interface for user interaction. • Custom code programmed for each object in form. • Modules. • Modules that only contain code for the macro. • Common modules used in many macros.

  10. Visual Basic Editor: References • Access via “Tools | References” menu selections in the VB Editor. • Attach objects from another application to your project. • Standard descriptions of object types, properties and methods. • Selections are specific to each macro. • SolidWorks Type Libraries are version specific.

  11. Writing a macro: Variables • Local • Value retained only while in module or procedure where defined. • Value can change • Same variable name can be defined locally in multiple modules. • Global • Value retained through out all modules and procedures. • Value can change • Can be used set fixed values for common reference later. Pi = 4 * Atn(1) ' The infamous pi value • Constants • Assign a specific value to variable name. • Set once • CAN NOT be changed • CAN NOT use formula to define

  12. Writing a macro: Variable Types • Boolean - True or False • Integer - Whole numbers only • Long - Any numerical value • String - Any text based value • Variant - Can be any type • Array() - Spreadsheet of data • VariantArray() - Spreadsheet of data of any type.

  13. Writing a macro: Objects • Must name an object to access it’s properties • Meta-data - Info about object • Features - Sub-objects • Multiple tiers • Parent – Child relationships • Methods • Command and syntax that provides access to object’s properties • Accessors • Roadmap that shows how to get to object. • Command and syntax how to get to object from parent.

  14. Writing a macro:Routines • Sub (Procedures) • Private - Can only access from module it resides in • Public - Can be accesses from any module • Run from top-down until completed • Can be access many times. • Can launch other routines. • Can pass variables between routines. • Function – Special Procedure • Must pass a variable to Function • Returns a value to variable in the calling procedure.

  15. Writing a macro:Testing and Running • Testing macro or procedure • F5 Run macro • F8 Step thru code line-by-line. • Start in current procedure. • Automatic starting point • Last procedure, in last inserted module • Not module name specific. • Not procedure name specific.

  16. Writing a macro:Typical Steps - Launch • Launch Macro • Load type libraries • Set global variables and constants • Attach to SolidWorks • Is a document open in SolidWorks? • No, warn user that you need one, then end. • Get document type. • Wrong type, warn user and end • Proceed……………

  17. Writing a macro:Typical Steps - User Form • User form • Preprocessing. • Set program defaults. • Read data from document. • Display user form to user. • Wait for input • React to user input. • Read more data from document. • Update user form. • Update document. • Action buttons • OK / Process • Cancel • Help • Other

  18. Writing a macro:Typical Steps - Processing • Process user requests based on form values. • Inform user of status during processing. • Inform user of errors encountered. • Inform user of status upon completion. • Wait for user OK.

  19. Writing a macro:Typical Steps - Completion • Close forms • Clear out objects and variables. • Close macro

  20. Macro Feature: • Embed macro as a feature in the model. • Overview of Macro Feature • See SolidWorks API Help File

  21. Assigning a macro to a Toolbar Button. • Must have document open in SolidWorks • How To: • Rt. Click toolbar, Customize • Commands tab, Category: Macro • Drag icon and drop on toolbar. • Select an image to use on toolbar. • Fill out fields in dialog box: • Tooltip - Balloon tip at arrow. • Prompt - Help info in status bar. • Macro - Name and full path. • Method - Module and procedure. • Shortcut - Key combo to launch macro. • Click OK to complete

  22. When should I write my own macro? • Consistent retrieval & exporting of data. • Remove manual tasks and retyping errors. • Consistent results with consistent formatting. • Examples: • Retrieve and export a BOM from the assembly • No drawing required. • Create a list of all components in a directory. • Automating common or repetitive tasks. • Save valuable time and money. • Examples: • Exports SolidWorks documents to different file types. • Print all drawings in the current directory. • Print all drawings for all components in a current assembly. • Retrieve and export a BOM for multiple configurations.

  23. When should I write my own macro? • Enforce compliance with standard procedures. • Provide an automated method to follow standards. • Consistent document appearance. • Examples: • Preset SolidWorks settings to your company standards. • Set annotations in document to use document defaults. • Copy document settings from “master” document to current document. • Simplifies adding standardized notes to drawings. • Need a special tool to automate a specific task.

  24. Justification to write a macro: • Define your needs. • What is the purpose of macro? • How often will you use it? • The more you use it, the more time you will save • Does it already exist? • Is there something available that’s close to what I need? • Can I modify something I already have? • Examples files: • Help file • SolidWorks Website • Lenny’s SolidWorks Resources

  25. Justification to write a macro: • Example #1 - New Macro - Document Export • Scope: * Export documents to different file types. * Drawings, Models, Configurations * 20 models to create 300 exported files • Problems via manual way - Manual process, Repetitive, Time consuming, user input required at all steps! • Did I export all configurations? • Selecting file type by hand every time. • Consistent configuration naming. • Estimate time to complete: 12-14 Hours • Time comparison: • Time to write: 8 Hours • Automated: 1.5 Hours • Saved first use: 10-12 Hours • Macro can be reused many, many times.

  26. Justification to write a macro: • Example #1 – Modify Macro – Change custom property value. • Scope: * All documents require change, addition or removal of a custom property. * 1000’s of files. * Found macro on internet, can modify for use. • Problems via manual way - Manual process, Repetitive, Time consuming, user input required at all steps! • Did I change all documents? • Did I make the right changes? • Estimate time to complete: 20+ Hours • Time comparison: • Time to modify macro: 15 Minutes • Automated: 2.5 Hours • Saved first use: 17+ Hours • Macro can be customized and reused many, many times.

  27. Tips: Learning • Learn by example. • Find a good macro, and study how it works. • Use [F8] in VB Editor to step thru code line-by-line. • Experiment • Write “do nothing” macros for Visual Basic or SolidWorks API • Learn functions you haven’t used before. • Develop your own functions or common routines. • Test “What If” scenarios. • Save your code for later use. • Start small and work your way up. • Write and test small portions of code before continuing to larger portions. • Start with a “basic” program, then add more functionality and flexibility later.

  28. Tips: Sample Code • Add comments to your code • Helps you and others understand what you did, and why. • Helps you remember what you did. • Identify what routines are doing. • Use existing code • Don’t re-invent the wheel. • Saves time and your effort. • Keep sample code on hand for later use. • Know that there are multiple ways to complete tasks. • Conditional statements • If … Then, Else, End If - True/False • Select Case …., End Case - Response based on value. • For …. Next - Set number of times to do. • Do While …. End Loop - Don’t know how many times.

  29. Tips: Distribution • Think about other people who may be using your macros. • Used for other needs than initially intended. • User customization of existing macro. • Not ever user will know how to modify your macro. • External settings file for modifiable default settings. • Macro defaults if settings file is not found. • Different companies have standards, procedures and needs. • Capable of running on different versions of SolidWorks • API can check what version of SolidWorks is in use.

  30. Tips: Getting Help • SolidWorks API Help File • Help forums. • SolidWorks API Support. • SolidWorks API functionality only. • Be specific! • Repeatable problem. • Steps leading up to problem • Specific conditions lead to problem • Identify specific conditions. • Identify specific problem you are experiencing. • Don’t send complete macro. Provide simple code to demonstrate. • Don’t expect help with programming techniques.

  31. Resources for learning more: • Installed with SolidWorks • SolidWorks API • Application Programming Interface • SolidWorks API and Add-Ins help file • Explains object structure and command syntax. • Many ready to use examples. • Best help file I have seen for writing macros. • Visual Basic for Applications version 6 • SolidWorks 2001Plus and later • Visual Basic for Applications Help File. • Online Tutorial - SolidWorks API • Record, Save, Edit a macro.

  32. Resources for learning more? • SolidWorks web site: • API programming tips and updated help files. • SolidWorks Express Newsletter - API Examples • Download projects, sample programs and macros. • SolidWorks Developer Kit. • Not required • Contains working sample programs. • Presentations • Local VAR / SolidWorks Reseller • SolidWorks API Training classes

  33. Resources for learning more?Other Websites - API • Lenny’s SolidWorks Resources Macros & Tips • http://www.lennyworks.com/solidworks • Mike Wilson’s SolidWorks Modeling Techniques Macro Feature • http://www.mikejwilson.com/solidworks/solidworks_files.htm • Matt Lombard Macros • http://mysite.verizon.net/mjlombard/ • Joe Jones at New Hampshire CAD Tutorials • http://www.nhcad.com/sw_macros/index.html • Stefan Berlitz’s SolidWorks Tools Macros • http://www.swtools.de website. • SolidWorks Tips & Things API Tips • http://www.solidworktips.com/

  34. Resources for learning more?Visual Basic • Websites • “Tutorial” and “Lessons” • May be Visual Basic Specific. • Do not provide help with specific applications. • Forums • May be Visual Basic Specific. • Do not be able to provide help with specific applications. • Too many to list. • Some provide better explanation and examples.

  35. SolidWorks API Demystified

  36. Thank You! Lenny’s SolidWorks Resources has moved to http://www.LennyWorks.com/solidworks

More Related