SOLIDWORKS CSWA Certification Course Online
This SOLIDWORKS course develops introductory and intermediate mechanical-design skills with the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate exam as its target. VDCI's projects cover multi-part assemblies, mates, configurations, exploded views and technical drawings. Students also produce presentation renderings, connecting solid modeling to the documentation used in design and manufacturing work.
What's included
- Access to SOLIDWORKS for 3 months
- SOLIDWORKS certification exam
- 60 hours of project-based instruction
- 161 training videos
- Instructor support for questions during the course
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Instruction at an ACCET-accredited school
- 6 CEUs
Overview
A 60-hour bundle covering SOLIDWORKS from 3D design basics through intermediate mechanical modeling, aimed at the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate exam. Students work through design challenges rather than isolated tool exercises.
Coursework covers assembling multi-part models with standard and advanced mates, configurations, and exploded views, and producing technical drawings, schematics, and photorealistic renderings suitable for manufacturing and presentation. Tuition includes three months of SOLIDWORKS access.
Who this course is for
Engineering students, design professionals, and makers who want working SOLIDWORKS skills and the CSWA credential.
Tuition & enrollment
Enroll with Virtual Design and Construction Institute, the course provider.
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Preview the course
Watch free previews and explore the lessons included with enrollment at VDCI.
Intro to SOLIDWORKS Course Online
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Planes, Sketches, & Volumes
Lesson 1: Getting to Know SOLIDWORKS
10:00
Learn core 2D sketch entities, reference planes, and how fully defined sketches drive controlled surfaces and solid bodies.
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Build Volume, Measure & Evaluate: Part 1
Lesson 1: Getting to Know SOLIDWORKS
7:40
Check recommended specs, open a clean part template, and sketch a tabletop to start a simple bench model.
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Build Volume, Measure & Evaluate: Part 2
Lesson 1: Getting to Know SOLIDWORKS
11:31
Turn sketches into solids, practice viewport navigation, add bench legs, and use Measure to read key geometry.
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Build Volume, Measure & Evaluate: Part 3
Lesson 1: Getting to Know SOLIDWORKS
2:53
Use Mass Properties to verify volume changes as you edit sketches and features with consistent saving habits.
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Setting Preferences
Lesson 1: Getting to Know SOLIDWORKS
12:17
Speed up modeling by setting hotkeys, shortcut bars, mouse gestures, and using view tools like Zoom to Fit.
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Master Model Methodology
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
6:18
Follow a master-part workflow to build unique pieces once, then derive clean parts and lightweight subassemblies.
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Defining Entities & Global Variables
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
10:00
Fully define sketches with relations, dimensions, and equations so global variables can scale features consistently.
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Ground Plane Reference Sketch
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
14:27
Create a top-plane layout for the playground deck using offsets, global variables, and patterned plank spacing.
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Heights Reference Sketch
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
8:09
Establish height references for steps and the second floor, fix earlier sketches, and create your first plane for vertical control.
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Build Flooring & Explore Appearances: Part 1
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
7:30
Pattern second-floor planks into a walkway, align to beams, verify spacing, and prep for frame construction.
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Build Flooring & Explore Appearances: Part 2
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
12:36
Extrude flooring into solid planks, then add frame elements while controlling merges and body independence.
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Extruded Cut, Hide Sketches
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
10:30
Clean the workspace by hiding extras, then cut post openings through the floor and add structural beams with body control.
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Fix a Broken Sketch or Feature
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
11:07
Troubleshoot common SOLIDWORKS errors by repairing sketches, reassigning planes, and restoring broken references.
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Review of Quick Modeling
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
6:42
Improve reliability with unit checks, reference management, unmerged bodies, and fixes for accidental hotkey issues.
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Mirror Entities Within a Sketch
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
11:39
Replicate sketch geometry with Mirror Entities, then extrude beams and manage unique versus duplicate bodies.
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Convert Entities & Offset Entities
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
6:37
Capture edges with Convert Entities and Offset Entities to create editable lines without unwanted relations.
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Mid Planes
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
2:49
Create mid-planes for symmetry and use width planes to extrude evenly in both directions.
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Linear Feature Pattern & Create Main Walls
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
15:06
Build main walls using mid-plane extrusions and feature patterns to repeat vertical boards consistently.
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Troubleshooting: Checking Solid Bodies and Volume
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
9:25
Audit the part file by checking body counts, patterns, merges, cuts, and Mass Properties for hidden issues.
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Complex Sketch Pattern, Set Stairs
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
14:07
Generate stairs with a two-direction sketch pattern controlled by a global variable and refined with instances-to-skip.
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Set Handrail Pattern, Boss Extrude in Two Directions
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
7:35
Design a parametric handrail pattern with two-direction post extrusions that stay aligned to frame updates.
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Move Copy Bodies
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
5:41
Duplicate and reposition beams with Move/Copy Bodies, then combine and modify them for stair handrail supports.
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Intro to Split Line
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
9:33
Remove sharp edges with chamfers, add stair supports, and use Split Line to simulate laminated board panels.
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Continue Hand Rail
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
13:50
Trim and extend rails for clearance, then build stair-following rails using reference sketches and entity conversions.
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Mirror Feature, Finish Hand Rail
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
5:57
Mirror complex handrail bodies across planes to finish the system without rebuilding geometry.
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Create Roof, Rotate Copy Bodies
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
11:24
Create roof boards and slats with controlled overhangs, symmetric Move/Copy rotations, and linear patterns.
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Create Fire Pole, Revolved Boss Base, Sketch Fillet
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
7:39
Model a fire pole with a revolved flange base, then position beams and add the cylindrical pole with clearances.
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Arc Tools, Swing Seat
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
7:08
Shape a curved swing seat using arc tools, offsets for thickness, and tangent/parallel constraints for clean curvature.
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Swept Boss Base, 3D Sketch
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
7:18
Build the swing wire with a 3D sketch and a swept profile, adding bends and fillets for realism.
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Slot Sketch Tool, Pattern in Move Copy Bodies
Lesson 2: Modeling the Playground
7:08
Create swing chains with slot sketches and sweeps, then duplicate and pattern links along the wire path.
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Swing Hook, Fillet
Lesson 3: Creating Part Files
5:54
Model an eye hook using circles and offsets, then extrude and fillet edges for a durable connection.
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Play Window, Polygon Sketch Tool
Lesson 3: Creating Part Files
10:00
Add a play window by sketching multi-shape cutouts, offsetting frames, and extruding a clean feature panel.
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Slide: Part 1
Lesson 3: Creating Part Files
13:49
Start the slide assembly with reference sketches and panels, then cut openings and prep fastening geometry.
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Slide: Part 2
Lesson 3: Creating Part Files
12:52
Generate the slide path using projected curves from top/side sketches with spline-controlled sweep geometry.
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Slide: Part 3
Lesson 3: Creating Part Files
10:09
Add joint rings with a curve-driven pattern, then trim, cut, and fillet edges for safe exits.
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Slide: Part 4
Lesson 3: Creating Part Files
6:18
Build slide supports and feet aligned to the path, then reinforce with chamfers and draft features.
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Slide: Part 5
Lesson 3: Creating Part Files
5:26
Combine slide components into one body, resolve rebuild errors, adjust offsets, and fillet the full structure.
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Brackets, Boss Extrude Thin Feature
Lesson 3: Creating Part Files
7:13
Create beam brackets (flat, L, T, angled) using thin feature extrusions from open contours.
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Ladder: Set the Sketch Pattern
Lesson 3: Creating Part Files
6:09
Lay out rope ladder eyelets with patterned sketches, filleted squares, and consistent anchor spacing.
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Ladder: Move Copy Body & Mates
Lesson 3: Creating Part Files
3:57
Position eyelet hooks with Move/Copy Bodies and mate constraints for accurate ladder alignment.
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Ladder: Create Attachment Brackets
Lesson 3: Creating Part Files
13:49
Create rope brackets by sketching on custom planes with circles, offsets, rectangles, and angular constraints.
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Ladder: Creating the Rope
Lesson 3: Creating Part Files
13:17
Finish the rope ladder by sweeping spline-based ropes, patterning runs, and trimming connections cleanly.
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Midterm Submission
Lesson 3: Creating Part Files
9:06
Prep the master model for submission by deleting duplicates, keeping unique bodies, and validating configurations for 64 parts.
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How to Create Parts from the Master Model
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
10:00
Create part files by importing the master model and keeping one body per file for assembly-ready organization.
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All Bracket Part Files
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
10:00
Extract bracket parts, then add unique fillets and hole patterns using consistent naming and mirrored features.
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New Assembly File, Slide Assembly
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
3:45
Build the first subassembly by inserting slide parts, placing them precisely, and saving with clear structure.
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How to Mate, Frame Sub Assembly
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
22:09
Assemble frame parts with extended-beam configurations, fixed references, and mates for a stable skeleton.
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Pattern in Assembly: Swing Set
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
5:53
Assemble the swing set by mating the seat, wires, and eyelets, then pattern chains and mirror the full assembly.
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Begin Deck & Frame Subassembly
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
10:16
Extract deck pieces into individual parts, then assemble them into the base deck and frame structure.
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Finish Deck & Frame Subassembly, Cont. Patterning in Assembly
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
14:06
Complete the deck/frame subassembly by patterning planks, filling gaps, and verifying fit with measurements.
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Roof Subassembly, Intro to Complex Mirror Features in Assemblies
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
9:02
Assemble the roof by extracting planks, then using mirror planes, linear patterns, and fillets for balance.
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Wall Parts 1: Begin Loading Wall Components
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
5:13
Save wall panels as unique parts, then insert and snap/mate them into the deck and frame subassembly.
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Wall Parts 2: Add Footer Boards, Width Advanced Mate
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
8:26
Add footer planks with the Width mate to keep boards centered between beams across wall runs.
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Wall Parts 3: Pattern Support Boards
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
16:33
Pattern wall support boards, switch to wider planks where needed, and mirror components to reinforce openings.
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Wall Parts 4: Start General Assembly, Use GA to Finish Slide Wall
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
7:45
Build the General Assembly (GA 001) by inserting subassemblies and closing wall gaps with in-context edits.
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Rope Subassembly, Creating Mating Tools within Part Files
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
18:09
Assemble the rope ladder by extracting rope/bracket parts and adding temporary axes and planes for clean mating.
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Stair & Handrail 1: Load Parts, Update Model
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
7:24
Create the stair/handrail subassembly by extracting parts, aligning them, and adding reference sketches for patterns.
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Stair & Handrail 2: Patterning the Handrail Components
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
5:43
Pattern rail supports with up-to-reference spacing, mirror across mid-planes, and verify placement in the GA.
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Stair & Handrail 3: Finish Subassembly, Create New Mirrored Part
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
12:27
Mate steps and rails into place, then mirror opposite-hand parts directly for angled beam fits.
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File Name & Relink References, Fire Pole
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
6:28
Fix mirrored-part naming and missing references, then extract and assemble fire pole parts with concentric mates.
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Adding Support Brackets
Lesson 4: Creating Subassemblies
9:33
Reinforce beams by inserting brackets, duplicating with mirror planes, and applying width mates for alignment.
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Introduction to SOLIDWORKS Drawings
Lesson 5: Creating Drawing Files
7:33
Explore SOLIDWORKS drawings (title blocks, annotations, exploded views, and BOMs) and see how updates stay linked to the model.
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Begin New Drawing File of GA
Lesson 5: Creating Drawing Files
8:56
Start a new drawing from the General Assembly and set up views, scale, and dimensions for the playground layout.
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Adding Perspective View to Drawing
Lesson 5: Creating Drawing Files
9:27
Add a perspective rendering view by saving custom assembly views and placing them on drawing sheets.
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Create Section Views
Lesson 5: Creating Drawing Files
6:39
Create section views to reveal internal structure, adjust directions/scales, and dimension key framing areas.
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Create Detail View
Lesson 5: Creating Drawing Files
5:37
Produce a detailed component view (such as a bracket) with annotations, material notes, and fabrication callouts.
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Subassembly in Drawing, Create Bill of Materials
Lesson 5: Creating Drawing Files
5:20
Insert a subassembly, generate a BOM, clean rows, and use auto balloons for item labeling.
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Import Cutlist, Alter Balloon Text, Alter Views
Lesson 5: Creating Drawing Files
11:25
Lay out all unique frame parts at a consistent scale, add break views, and dimension oversized members clearly.
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Set Formatting & Graphical Preferences
Lesson 5: Creating Drawing Files
9:07
Polish drawings by adjusting fonts, line weights, arrowheads, and view organization with grids.
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Pack & Go Original Design into Zip Folder
Lesson 5: Creating Drawing Files
3:10
Archive the project using Pack and Go with revision suffixes to bundle parts, assemblies, and drawings.
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Update Model Design in New Revision
Lesson 6: Project Rendering
10:00
Update beam sizes in the master model, watch linked files update, and convert dimensions to fractions for woodworking.
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Prepare Model for Rendering
Lesson 6: Project Rendering
8:45
Fix chain alignment, add a ground plane/backdrop, and apply wood materials for studio-style rendering.
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Complete Simple Rendering of Model
Lesson 6: Project Rendering
4:33
Send the GA to SOLIDWORKS Visualize, set a custom perspective, and render a final high-quality JPEG.
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Intermediate SOLIDWORKS Course Online
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Introduction to Intermediate Course
Lesson 1: Sheet Metal & Weldment
2:19
Gain an overview of the intermediate SOLIDWORKS course by outlining project goals and previewing workflows for sheet metal, weldments, assemblies, drawings, animation, and rendering.
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Review SW Design Methodology & Customization
Lesson 1: Sheet Metal & Weldment
9:01
Strengthen core SOLIDWORKS modeling habits by refining units, hotkeys, feature management, evaluation tools, and troubleshooting strategies.
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What is Sheet Metal?
Lesson 1: Sheet Metal & Weldment
10:37
Understand how sheet metal is manufactured and why thickness, bend radius, and design rules matter for real-world fabrication.
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Base Flange Practice Part 1
Lesson 1: Sheet Metal & Weldment
7:48
Practice building base flanges from open and closed sketches while defining thickness, bend radius, and valid sheet metal geometry.
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Base Flange Practice Part 2
Lesson 1: Sheet Metal & Weldment
4:26
Convert surface bodies into sheet metal parts and evaluate which surface conditions allow proper bend recognition.
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Base Flange Practice Part 3
Lesson 1: Sheet Metal & Weldment
5:05
Transform solid bodies into sheet metal components while maintaining consistent thickness and predictable bend behavior.
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What are Weldments?
Lesson 1: Sheet Metal & Weldment
2:35
Compare real-world welded structures to SOLIDWORKS weldments and see how profiles, thickness, and geometry affect design flexibility.
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Introduction to the Weldment Toolkit
Lesson 1: Sheet Metal & Weldment
14:47
Build weldments using 3D sketches, structural members, grouping logic, and corner treatments for fabrication-ready results.
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Review Engineering Starter File
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
4:03
Review the engineering starter file to understand how internal espresso machine components were modeled and prepared.
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Create Custom Library Features & Weldment Profiles
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
4:41
Create and save custom weldment profiles while configuring library locations for reuse across projects.
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Create Main Weldments
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
5:54
Complete the primary weldment framework of the espresso machine and organize profiles, groups, and appearances for clarity.
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Create Main Sheet Metal Exterior
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
4:19
Design exterior sheet metal panels by controlling bend radii, flange direction, symmetry, and alignment with weldments.
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Water Reservoir Lid & Surface into Base Flange
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
8:01
Fabricate a removable water reservoir lid by converting surface geometry into sheet metal and adding functional funnel features.
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Explore Edge Flange Menu
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
4:28
Add a bottom sheet metal panel and refine edge flanges, offsets, and clearances for proper assembly fit.
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Closed Corner Feature
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
3:22
Close open sheet metal corners and compare flat patterns to evaluate manufacturability.
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Drip Tray Offset Base Flange
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
4:11
Begin modeling the drip tray by creating an offset base flange that supports easy removal and consistent clearances.
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Drip Tray Mitered Flange
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
6:46
Form supporting lips on the drip tray using mitered flanges and controlled edge behavior.
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Drip Tray Hole Pattern
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
4:42
Create an evenly spaced hole pattern in the drip tray using sketch constraints and pattern tools.
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Drip Tray Welded Corners
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
4:30
Add welded corner features that enhance realism while preserving sheet metal flattening behavior.
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Create Feet & Organize Feature Manager
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
4:36
Design protective rubber feet for the espresso machine and organize the Feature Manager for cleaner project structure.
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Import Logo Import Vector File
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
9:35
Import a vector logo and convert outlined text into editable sketch geometry for branding integration.
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Import Logo Create Coordinate System & Scale Tool
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
6:13
Position and scale imported logo geometry precisely using a custom coordinate system.
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Stamp Tool
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
4:18
Create embossed sheet metal features using the Sheet Metal Stamp tool while maintaining clean flat patterns.
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Mirror Stamp Circle Feature Pattern
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
3:37
Duplicate stamped features using mirrors and circular patterns without breaking sheet metal behavior.
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Create Logo Seal
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
6:54
Convert part of the logo into a standalone seal component with controlled placement and manufacturable geometry.
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Digital Type Install Typeface on System
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
3:11
Install a custom digital typeface to support accurate sketch text for branding and displays.
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Digital Type Create Digital Text
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
6:26
Build digital text geometry by positioning, scaling, and offsetting custom fonts for clean visual separation.
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Knurled Handle Prepare Body for Knurled Pattern
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
4:51
Prepare handle geometry for knurling by modifying base bodies and creating reference planes.
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Knurled Handle Helix and Spiral Tool
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
5:42
Generate realistic knurled patterns using helix curves, swept cuts, and controlled pattern parameters.
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Lofted Boss Base Organic Shaped Handles
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
9:03
Redesign the handle using lofted features and guide curves to create smooth, ergonomic transitions.
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Adjusting and Evaluating Surface Quality
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
6:50
Refine lofted surfaces by adjusting guide curves and using Zebra Stripes to evaluate continuity.
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Espresso Cup Variable Fillet
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
7:00
Design a custom espresso cup by blending a faceted base into a smooth rim using variable fillets.
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Subtract Bodies Espresso Liquid
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
4:39
Create a realistic liquid volume by subtracting solid bodies while preserving complex internal geometry.
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Assembly Prep Introduction
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
3:00
Set up a configuration-based workflow to prepare a master part file for assembly use.
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Assembly Prep Unique Features
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
2:52
Identify custom bodies that must be preserved and organize them using delete–keep strategies.
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Assembly Prep Configuration Best Practices
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
4:44
Apply best practices for stable configurations that avoid rebuild errors and data loss.
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Assembly Prep All Configurations
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
3:56
Define all required configurations and part numbering to support assemblies and exploded views.
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Assembly Prep Loading into Assembly
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
5:20
Insert configuration-based parts into an assembly while preserving orientation and alignment.
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Modify Part Configurations Safely
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
7:23
Modify parts within an assembly using configuration-aware feature suppression.
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Hole Wizard
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
7:13
Create standards-based fastener geometry efficiently using the Hole Wizard tool.
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Smart Mates
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
3:44
Position components quickly with Smart Mates and automatic relationship inference.
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Pattern Driven Component Pattern
Lesson 2: Product Modeling & Assembly Setup
2:49
Populate assemblies using Pattern Driven Component Patterns linked to existing features.
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Advanced Mates Introduction & Setup
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
1:05
Prepare the assembly environment for advanced mates and controlled motion.
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Advanced Mates Distance Limitation Mate
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
2:44
Limit linear movement using distance mates to simulate real-world travel ranges.
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Advanced Mates Angle Limitation Mate
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
2:42
Control rotational movement with angle limitation mates for hinged components.
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Advanced Mates Symmetric Mate
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
2:26
Synchronize component motion using symmetric mates across reference planes.
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Advanced Mates Linear Coupler
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
2:54
Couple linear and rotational motion using linear coupler mates with adjustable ratios.
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Advanced Mates Path Mate
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
4:39
Guide component motion along sketch-defined paths using path mates.
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Advanced Mates Profile Center
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
3:33
Center irregular geometry automatically using profile center mates.
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Gear Mates Intro to Gear Mates
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
3:21
Introduce mechanical gear mates and troubleshoot conflicts in complex assemblies.
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Gear Mates Gear Mate
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
6:27
Simulate realistic gear motion using pitch-accurate mechanical gear mates.
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Gear Mates Rack Pinion Mate
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
2:00
Establish rack-and-pinion motion between linear and circular components.
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Exploded View
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
5:50
Build a structured exploded view using step-based component movement.
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Motion Study Intro to General Setup
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
3:13
Generate an exploded animation using SOLIDWORKS Motion Studies and the Animation Wizard.
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Motion Study Manipulating the Motion Steps
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
6:35
Refine exploded animations by adjusting timelines, overlaps, and synchronized motion.
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Motion Study Basic Perspective Camera Setup
Lesson 3: Advanced Mates & Motion Control
5:18
Enhance motion studies by adding camera views for better framing and depth.
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Drawing Templates Introduction
Lesson 4: Professional Drawing Templates
3:55
Set up custom drawing templates and understand the relationship between sheets and sheet formats.
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Drawing Templates Starting the Page
Lesson 4: Professional Drawing Templates
6:03
Build a drawing template from scratch by defining borders, margins, and construction geometry.
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Drawing Templates Creating Sections
Lesson 4: Professional Drawing Templates
6:27
Divide the template into functional zones for data, branding, and legal information.
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Drawing Templates Making Edits & Setting Text
Lesson 4: Professional Drawing Templates
5:33
Refine the drawing layout by configuring standardized annotation text fields.
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Drawing Template Adding Imagery
Lesson 4: Professional Drawing Templates
4:26
Add branded imagery to the sheet format while controlling scale, alignment, and transparency.
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Drawing Templates Sheet Properties
Lesson 4: Professional Drawing Templates
3:07
Configure sheet properties that automatically populate sheet numbers and totals.
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Assembly Quick Fix
Lesson 4: Professional Drawing Templates
2:44
Resolve configuration-related assembly errors caused by suppression or scaling conflicts.
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Drawing Templates Default Model Properties
Lesson 4: Professional Drawing Templates
1:57
Link drawing annotations to model properties for automatic updates across files.
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Drawing Templates Additional Model Properties
Lesson 4: Professional Drawing Templates
5:08
Create custom model properties to populate title blocks consistently.
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Drawing Templates Setting Design Preferences
Lesson 4: Professional Drawing Templates
7:00
Customize document-level drawing preferences to enforce professional drafting standards.
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Drawing Templates Save Sheet Format & Drawing Template
Lesson 4: Professional Drawing Templates
3:19
Save the completed sheet format and template for reuse across projects.
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Put Template to Use Format Painter
Lesson 5: Manufacturing Documentation Workflow
8:33
Apply the drawing template to an assembly and begin a production-ready drawing set.
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Sketch Blocks
Lesson 5: Manufacturing Documentation Workflow
7:11
Create reusable sketch blocks for standardized drawing view headers.
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Revision Tables
Lesson 5: Manufacturing Documentation Workflow
5:30
Add and customize revision tables to track design changes.
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Half Section View 3D Drawing View
Lesson 5: Manufacturing Documentation Workflow
6:52
Create a half-section drawing view to reveal internal components clearly.
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Exploded View with Custom Balloons
Lesson 5: Manufacturing Documentation Workflow
4:49
Add an exploded assembly view and assign custom balloon numbers manually.
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Custom Bill of Materials
Lesson 5: Manufacturing Documentation Workflow
4:48
Build a general table to function as a custom bill of materials.
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Weldment Cut List
Lesson 5: Manufacturing Documentation Workflow
5:37
Generate a weldment cut list automatically from structural member data.
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Weld Symbols
Lesson 5: Manufacturing Documentation Workflow
4:41
Apply welding symbols to communicate fabrication requirements without modeling welds.
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Sheet Metal Drawing Tolerances
Lesson 5: Manufacturing Documentation Workflow
9:30
Dimension sheet metal parts using bilateral, symmetric, and reference tolerances.
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Flat Pattern Drawing
Lesson 5: Manufacturing Documentation Workflow
15:10
Create flat pattern views with bend information using ordinate dimensions.
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PDF Export Pack and Go
Lesson 5: Manufacturing Documentation Workflow
2:18
Export a finalized drawing package as a multi-sheet PDF and Pack and Go archive.
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Prepare Full Scale DXF for Manufacturing
Lesson 5: Manufacturing Documentation Workflow
5:00
Prepare a clean flat pattern DXF at 1:1 scale for CNC or laser cutting.
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Add Decals
Lesson 6: Rendering & Visual Presentation
4:54
Apply image decals to model surfaces for gauges and branding elements.
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Render Hero Shot
Lesson 6: Rendering & Visual Presentation
5:10
Produce a hero rendering in SOLIDWORKS Visualize using custom camera views.
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Render Exploded View
Lesson 6: Rendering & Visual Presentation
4:26
Render an exploded assembly view to showcase an internal structure clearly.
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Rendering in Environment Setting Backplate
Lesson 6: Rendering & Visual Presentation
2:40
Place the product into a realistic scene using a photographic backplate.
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Rendering in Environment Setting Lighting
Lesson 6: Rendering & Visual Presentation
2:05
Match lighting to the environment using HDR scenes and reflection controls.
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Rendering in Environment Setting Perspective
Lesson 6: Rendering & Visual Presentation
4:07
Align model perspective with background imagery using the Match Camera tool.
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Rendering in Environment Final Touches
Lesson 6: Rendering & Visual Presentation
2:35
Finalize realism by refining lighting balance and exporting high-quality render images.
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Curriculum
What you'll learn
- Navigate and customize the SOLIDWORKS interface while creating precise, parametric 3D models
- Develop multi-component assemblies using standard and advanced mates, configurations, and exploded views
- Apply sheet metal, mold, and weldment tools to produce manufacturable and visually refined components
- Generate professional 2D drawing sets, including custom templates, dimensioning, and bills of materials
- Render photorealistic visuals and animations in SOLIDWORKS Visualize to communicate design intent
- Interpret and verify technical drawings and schematics to connect 2D documentation with real-world assemblies
- Demonstrate complete project workflows, from concept modeling through documentation and presentation, in preparation for the SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) certification exam
Course outline
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Intro to SOLIDWORKS Course Online 30 hours
Learn SOLIDWORKS from the ground up by modeling parts, creating assemblies, and producing 2D blueprints for a complete playground set.
- Navigate the SOLIDWORKS interface and core toolkits with confidence
- Apply sketching tools, constraints, and dimensions to drive parametric models
- Build 3D parts using essential features (extrude, revolve, cut, fillet, shell, pattern)
- Design with intent so models remain clean, organized, and easy to edit
- Create assemblies, add mates, and manage part relationships
- Produce professional 2D drawings with views, dimensions, and annotations
- Complete a cohesive project: a playground modeled as parts and sub-assemblies, finished with a blueprint set
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Intermediate SOLIDWORKS Course Online 30 hours
Take your SOLIDWORKS skills to the next level with advanced modeling, assemblies, and professional blueprint creation. This course focuses on specialized tools like sheet metal, weldments, and advanced solid modeling features, while also teaching you how to create complex assemblies and manufacturing-ready drawings.
- Learn how to use advanced SOLIDWORKS features, including sheet metal, weldments, and solid modeling
- Build and animate complex assemblies with advanced mates, exploded views, and configurations
- Create professional-grade blueprints & renderings, with custom templates, tolerances & visualizations
- Customizing SOLIDWORKS settings and workflows to enhance productivity and design efficiency
- Techniques for generating detailed technical drawings and documentation for manufacturing
- Tips for collaboration and version control in team-based design projects
Course Reviews
Is this course right for you?
Choose the CSWA track if associate-level certification matches your current experience and goals. The CSWP course adds advanced modeling, motion studies and analysis tools for learners seeking a professional-level pathway; compare the two scopes rather than treating the credentials as interchangeable.
Is the CSWA exam part of this package?
The dedicated exam section lists the SOLIDWORKS CAD Design Associate exam, also called CSWA, with proctoring. Taking the exam is optional; passing it is separate from completing the course.