Blog SOLIDWORKS 2016 What’s New – Expandable PropertyManager Input Boxes, Triad, & Visualization Tool for References– #SW2016
Expandable PropertyManager Input Boxes
Just like previous versions, the new SOLIDWORKS 2016 PropertyManager contains input boxes with selection lists. What is new and refreshing about these input boxes is that the option to expand the input box is now available. Instead of scrolling up and down within the selection box to see all that is listed, it can now be expanded to ones needs.
To achieve an expanded input box, simply move the mouse over the bottom edge of the input box. When your mouse pointer turns into this symbol left click your mouse and pull down (while holding down that left click). When you have pulled it vertically down to the desired size, release that left click and the input box will stay the size it was placed at.
(Input box default) (Input box expanded)
Redesigned Triad
The triad has received a new simplified layout making the handles more visible and easier to navigate. The triad controls are now orange by default and turn blue when active. The full ring located on the X and Y axis can be used to rotate the selected plane of your model. Additionally, rings perpendicular to the selected plane can be used to rotate the model around the axis.
(2015 triad) (2016 triad)
Visualization Tool for References
In the FeatureManager design tree hovering over a feature will display arrows that allow you to preview the relationships connected with that feature. Blue arrows indicate a parent relationship with the feature, while purple arrows indicate a child relationship. When a feature is not visible and the arrow cannot point to the reference, it will point to a text box located out to the right of that arrow with the desired feature named.
By default these relationship arrows are enabled. If you would like to disable or enable either type of relationship, the buttons can be found by right clicking on the first item in the FeatureManager design tree. That right click will open a context toolbar where you will find the buttons called "Dynamic Reference Visualization (Parent)" and "Dynamic Reference Visualization (Child)" . These buttons will turn the arrow relationships off if cleared.
(Blue arrow = Parent) (Purple arrows = Child)
We hope this part of the What’s New series gives you a better understanding of the new features and functions of SOLIDWORKS 2016. Please check back to the CATI Blog as the CATI Support Team will continue to break down many of the new items in SOLIDWORKS 2016. All of these articles will be stored in the category of "SOLIDWORKS What's New." You can also learn more about SOLIDWORKS 2016 by clicking on the image below to register for one of CATI’s Design Summit’s.
Courtney Roemer
Application Engineer