API Fundamentals Course
Updated for SolidWorks 2013
Length: 3 days
To locate an Authorized Training Center near you, click here.
Prerequisites: SolidWorks Essentials, Visual Basic programming.
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:
Introduction
About This Course
Windows 7
Use of Color
Getting Started
Macro Recording Tips
Lesson 1: Using the Macro Recorder
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
Locating the Correct APIs and Enumeration Values
UserPreference Tables For System Options,
Document Properties and Menu Items
Lesson 4: Automating Part Design
Case Study: Automation Tool for Parts
Lesson 5: Assembly Automation
Case Study: Automation Tool for Assemblies
Lesson 6: Drawing Automation
Case Study: Automating Drawing Creation
Lesson 7: Selection and Traversal Techniques
Case Study: Programming With a Selected Object
The SolidWorks BREP Model
Case Study: Body and Face Traversal
Case Study: Feature Manager Traversal
Lesson 8: Adding Custom Properties and Attributes
Case Study: Custom Properties
Case Study: Configurations With Custom Properties
Case Study: File Summary Information
Case Study: Document Attributes
The Attribute Objects
Case Study: Face Attributes
Lesson 9: The SolidWorks API SDK
The API SDK
Case Study: Creating a VB.NET Add-In
Case Study: Creating a C# Add-in
Case Study: C++ Add-Ins
Choosing a Programming Language
Lesson 10: Customizing the SolidWorks User Interface
Case Study: Customizing the UI With VB.NET
Understanding The Add-in Code
Property Pages
Property Page Groups and Controls
Other Areas of Customization
Lesson 11: Notifications
Notifications in VBA
Case Study: Simple Notification
Case Study: Using Notifications in .NET
Appendix A: Examples
Macro Feature
Batch Conversion 1
Batch Conversion 2
Assembly Traversal
Custom Model View
