The main goal of our mechanical onboarding process is to get new members up to speed on Solidworks, the CAD software that we use for all of our part and assembly designs. After you have completed the Solidworks training and made the trial parts, we will work to get you put on a project team where you will begin contributing to the work being done on our bike projects.
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Download and Install the general Solidworks License through RIT
If you are new to Solidworks, the essential training course and Linkedin Learning are great resources
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.
For general usage and new members, https://wiki.rit.edu/download/attachments/266309327/Solidworks%20Student%20Licensing%20Fall%202022.pdf?version=1&modificationDate=1660232744423&api=v2
**VERY IMPORTANT NOTES: There are two major things that most people run into when installing Solidworks
DO NOT install Solidworks to OneDrive or any cloud storage service. Solidworks does not like this and the install will not work. Any local storage folder will work, C Drive is recommended.
When selecting products to install, ensure that the box next to Solidworks Electrical is UNCHECKED. This set of products has been known to cause issues with installs and it is not something we use anyway.
Practice Parts for new members/anyone wanting to brush up on their skills
Link 1 - Parts: YouTube video that walks through how to make some basic parts focused on the core functions of Solidworks.
*Note: The version of Solidworks being used in the video is a few years old and looks different that the version you may be using but there should be no major functional differences.
Link 2 - Assemblies: This video from the same YouTube channel as the parts video gives a good intro into the basic properties of assemblies
For retuning members, contact the mechanical lead for a license key then follow the install steps below.
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.
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.
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
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'.
Item Masters is the part serialization system we at EVT use to organized and track parts, assemblies and drawing. Each major project contains it's own respective item masters page (i.e. REV2, DEV1).
Rules and guidelines for the machine shop can be found on this page:
If you would like to learn how to use the equipment in the machine shop, please contact the mechanical lead! UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES are you to enter the machine shop without being properly trained.
The machine shop has the following equipment that is available to use once you are properly trained:
Vertical Manual Mill
Manual Lathe
Drill Press
Vertical Bandsaw
Cutting Saw
Horizontal Bandsaw
Sheet Metal Shear
Manual Sheet Metal Bender
Pneumatic Sheet Metal Bender
Hand Tools
Prototrak CNC Mill
Prototrak CNC Lathe
This is a makerspace located on the fourth floor of Institute, and it is open for all students to use. The Construct has the following equipment to use listed on their: http://hack.rit.edu/index.php/tools-equipment/