A comparison between SOLIDWORKS Weldments & Structure System!

#SOLIDWORKS #weldments and #Structure Systems serve the purpose of creating structural frameworks, Structure Systems provide a more modern and parametric approach with enhanced flexibility. The choice between the two features depends on the design project's specific requirements and the user's preferred workflow. Here is a brief comparison of both the features using “Shed” as an example.

1. Weldments

• The Weldment feature in SolidWorks is primarily designed for creating structural frames and assemblies by defining structural members, such as beams, tubes, and plates.
• Users can sketch 2D or 3D profiles to represent structural members, and then use the Weldment feature to create a structural framework by inserting and trimming these members. This creates groups of sketches and the same profile type & size are applied to all the groups :

• The trim order for a corner is manually created and has to be recreated for every corner present in the model :

• The linear pattern of the frame needs the selection of bodies individually and any addition of bodies in the upstream operation fails to include the same in the linear pattern:

2. Structure System

• Structure Systems is a feature in SOLIDWORKS introduced to enhance and simplify the modeling of structural frameworks and assemblies. It provides a more streamlined and flexible approach compared to the traditional Weldment feature.
• Structure Systems enable users to create structural frameworks using a system of intelligent components and connections like 2D or 3D sketches, faces, bodies, planes, and/or points.

• Intelligent corners are created based on the number of members meeting at a junction. Using the "Similar corner" feature, the corners are grouped and the corner treatment can be applied to the group as a whole.

• The linear pattern of the frame just needs the selection of the Structure System feature from the feature manager design tree and also any changes made to the Structure System (addition or deletion of bodies) are reflected on the linear pattern smartly.

• The feature Connection Element is a unique and smart ability available only in Structure Systems that helps insert and also pattern the same.

In summary, the choice between Weldment and Structure Systems depends on the specific needs of the design project and the preferred workflow of the user. Structure Systems offer a more parametric and adaptable approach, while Weldment follows a more traditional workflow. As we can see, Structure Systems have some additional functionality like Connection Elements and Similar Corners that have a huge impact on productivity and reduce repetitive tasks for a designer.