Setting up Solidworks & PDM

Solidworks Overview

EVT uses Solidworks as our preferred computer aided design package. Solidworks contains multiple toolsets to design and simulate a wide verity of components.  New to Solidworks? There are training exercises available through LinkedIn Learning. An essential training course can be found here.

Step 1:

Fill out this form using your RIT email and the select "I already have a serial number" and "2023-2024".

Step 2:

Once downloaded, run the Solidworks Installation Manager and select the option "Install on this computer" then click next.

Step 3:

Under the 3D Design tab select SOLDIWORKS and enter the provided license key in the adjacent box. Once entered click next.

"SOLIDWORKS" "9020" " "

Step 4:

It's important to select the correct product for the installation. Unselect the options outlined in red and select the options outlined in green matching the image below. Once the proper products are selected click next. Check "SOLIDWORKS PDM Client" and "Item Explorer". Uncheck any SOLIDWORKS Electrical stuff.

Step 5:

Before selecting install now, ensure your installation location in on your local drive. On the last page select "Install Now" to begin the installation.

NOTE: Installing Solidworks in locations synced with a cloud service will cause issues.

PDM

To save and store all part, assembly, and drawing files, EVT uses PDM to manage revisions and keep Solidworks projects organized. Before you can access our PDM vault, we'll need to register your RIT user ID with our server. Contact mechanical lead for registration.

NOTE: To use PDM your computer must be connected to RIT's VPN when not connected to RIT's network. Information on RIT's VPN can be found here.

PDM Setup

Follow the instructions in the PDF below to setup PDM. This document references a file available to download below the PDF.

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1TFzBFN-wZSenxTvpoD31LZ-4vooVnJ7f 

 PDFhttps://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1TFzBFN-wZSenxTvpoD31LZ-4vooVnJ7f

This file is referenced in the above PDF. Ensure the file is named "VaultFix.reg". Use this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1TFzBFN-wZSenxTvpoD31LZ-4vooVnJ7f 

VaultFix.reg

If your laptop or desktop has greater than 8GB of ram and utilizes an SSD it's recommended to enable the following setting in File Explorer to improve performance when using PDM. This option separates folder processes in an effort to prevent File Explorer from freezing when PDM is loading.

With a file explorer window open navigate to options:

Next, select 'View' in the upper left. Scroll down and enable 'Launch folder windows in a separate process'. Select in the bottom right 'Apply' then select 'Apply to Folders'.