SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64: Tips and Tricks for Improving Your Performance and Productivity
SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64: A Comprehensive Guide
If you are looking for a professional 3D design software that is easy to learn and use, has powerful simulation, motion, and design validation tools, advanced wire and pipe routing functionality, reverse engineering capabilities, and much more, then you might want to consider SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64.
SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 --- With SN And Activator 64 Bit
SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 is the latest service pack for SolidWorks 2016, which is a 3D CAD software that helps you design, validate, communicate, and manage your product development. It is used by millions of engineers and designers worldwide to create innovative products in a wide range of industries, such as aerospace, automotive, medical, consumer products, industrial equipment, and more.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, covering its features and benefits, installation and troubleshooting, and some frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 can do for you and how to get started with it.
Features and Benefits of SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64
SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 is packed with many features and benefits that make it a powerful and versatile 3D design software. Here are some of the main areas where SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 improves user interface, performance, sketching, simulation, electrical design, product development, and collaboration.
User Interface
One of the first things you will notice about SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 is the improved user interface. SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 offers options for classic backgrounds and icon colors, so you can choose the look that suits your preference. You can also customize the ribbon tabs and toolbars to access the commands you use most frequently.
Another improvement in the user interface is the update to the FeatureManager Tree. The FeatureManager Tree is the panel on the left side of the screen that shows the structure of your model. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use breadcrumbs to navigate through the FeatureManager Tree without scrolling or expanding folders. Breadcrumbs are icons that appear at the top of the graphics area when you select an entity in your model. They show the hierarchy of features, sketches, components, mates, and reference geometry that are related to the selected entity. You can click on any breadcrumb to access its properties or commands.
A third improvement in the user interface is the license transfer command changes. In previous versions of SolidWorks, you had to use a separate application called SolidWorks Activation Wizard to transfer your license from one computer to another. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use the Help > Deactivate License command to deactivate your license on one computer and then use the Help > Activate License command to activate it on another computer. This makes it easier and faster to switch between computers when using SolidWorks.
Performance
Another area where SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 excels is performance. SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 addresses many performance improvements to help users get their work done faster. Some of these improvements are:
Dynamic Reference Visualization: This feature allows you to see how features are related to each other by displaying arrows that indicate parent-child relationships. You can also use these arrows to select or edit features without opening the FeatureManager Tree. This feature helps you understand and modify your model more easily and efficiently.
Instant2D: This feature allows you to edit sketch dimensions directly in the graphics area by dragging or typing values. You can also use Instant2D to create or modify relations between sketch entities by dragging them or using context menus. This feature helps you sketch faster and more accurately.
Instant3D: This feature allows you to edit feature dimensions directly in the graphics area by dragging or typing values. You can also use Instant3D to create or modify feature parameters by dragging handles or using context menus. This feature helps you model faster and more intuitively.
Large Design Review: This mode allows you to open very large assemblies quickly and with minimal memory usage. You can use Large Design Review to view, measure, section, walk through, and create snapshots of your assembly. You can also use Large Design Review to open subassemblies or parts in detail mode for editing.
Detailing Mode: This mode allows you to open drawings of large assemblies or complex parts quickly and with minimal memory usage. You can use Detailing Mode to view, print, measure, add annotations, dimensions, notes, balloons, tables, symbols, and other drawing elements. You can also use Detailing Mode to edit existing drawing elements without loading the model.
Graphics Boost: This option allows you to improve the graphics performance of your model by using your graphics card's memory instead of your computer's memory. You can enable Graphics Boost in Tools > Options > System Options > Performance > Use software OpenGL when available[^2^ ). This option can improve the display quality and speed of your model, especially when working with large or complex models.
Sketching
Sketching is one of the most important and fundamental aspects of 3D design. SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 introduces new sketching tools and options that make sketching easier and more efficient. Some of these tools and options are:
Midpoint Line Tool: This tool allows you to draw a line that is automatically bisected by a midpoint relation. You can use the midpoint line tool to create symmetrical sketches quickly and easily.
Rectangle Tool Enhancements: The rectangle tool now has four options: corner rectangle, center rectangle, 3-point corner rectangle, and 3-point center rectangle. You can switch between these options by pressing the Tab key while sketching. You can also use the Shift key to constrain the rectangle to a square.
Automatic Relations for Splines: When you sketch a spline, SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 automatically adds horizontal, vertical, or coincident relations to the spline endpoints and control vertices, depending on their positions. You can also use the Shift key to constrain the spline endpoints to be horizontal or vertical.
Equal Curvature Relation for Splines: This relation allows you to make two splines have equal curvature at their endpoints. You can use this relation to create smooth transitions between splines.
Segment Tool for Splines: This tool allows you to divide a spline into equal or unequal segments. You can use this tool to create patterns or arrays of spline segments.
Style Spline Handle Manipulation: This option allows you to manipulate the handles of a style spline by dragging them or using the PropertyManager. You can also use the Ctrl key to lock the handle direction or length.
Simulation
Simulation is another key feature of SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 that allows you to test and optimize your design before manufacturing. SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 enhances simulation capabilities in several ways, such as:
Mesh Sectioning Tool: This tool allows you to cut through a meshed model and view the mesh quality and element distribution. You can use this tool to check and improve your mesh before running a simulation.
Stress Hot Spot Diagnostics Tool: This tool allows you to identify and eliminate stress singularities in your model. Stress singularities are locations where the stress value is artificially high due to geometric discontinuities or boundary conditions. You can use this tool to refine your mesh or modify your model to avoid stress singularities.
Bolt Connector Enhancements: Bolt connectors are used to simulate the effect of bolts or screws on your model. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use bolt connectors with shells, beams, solids, or any combination of them. You can also define bolt connectors with pre-tension, thermal effects, or fatigue effects.
Nonlinear Contact Enhancements: Nonlinear contact is used to simulate the behavior of parts that come into contact with each other during a simulation. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use nonlinear contact with shells, beams, solids, or any combination of them. You can also define nonlinear contact with friction, penetration, separation, or sliding effects.
Simulation Display Manager Enhancements: The simulation display manager is used to control the visibility and appearance of simulation results. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use the simulation display manager to show multiple results plots simultaneously, compare results plots from different studies or configurations, and animate results plots with time or frequency.
Simulation Evaluator: The simulation evaluator is used to check and verify your simulation setup and results. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use the simulation evaluator to check for mesh quality issues, contact issues, convergence issues, result accuracy issues, and result validity issues.
Electrical Design
Electrical design is another important aspect of product development that SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 supports. SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 improves electrical design functionality in several ways, such as:
Electrical Routing Enhancements: Electrical routing is used to create wires, cables, harnesses, and conduits in your model. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use electrical routing with splines, flexible tubes, flattened routes, route drawings, and route properties.
Electrical 3D Enhancements: Electrical 3D is used to create electrical components and assemblies in your model. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use electrical 3D with component libraries, component placement, component mates, and component properties.
Electrical Schematic Enhancements: Electrical schematic is used to create electrical diagrams and schematics in your model. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use electrical schematic with symbol libraries, symbol creation, symbol properties, wire styles, wire numbering, wire cabling, wire labels, wire connections, wire reports, and wire drawings.
Electrical Reports Enhancements: Electrical reports are used to generate reports and documentation for your electrical design. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use electrical reports with report templates, report customization, report generation, report export, and report printing.
Product Development
Product development is the ultimate goal of 3D design. SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 supports product development processes in several ways, such as:
Model-Based Definition (MBD) Enhancements: MBD is used to create and communicate product manufacturing information (PMI) directly in your 3D model. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use MBD with dimensions, tolerances, annotations, notes, symbols, tables, views, captures, templates, standards, and outputs.
Composer Enhancements: Composer is used to create technical documentation and communication materials for your product. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use composer with views, animations, images, videos, interactive content, high-resolution content, vector graphics content, and web content.
Inspection Enhancements: Inspection is used to create inspection documents and reports for your product. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use inspection with inspection projects, inspection characteristics, inspection balloons, inspection tables, inspection drawings, inspection reports, and inspection export.
Visualize Enhancements: Visualize is used to create photorealistic renderings and animations for your product. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use visualize with models, materials, appearances, scenes, cameras, lights, decals, textures, filters, render modes, render settings, render outputs, and render queue.
PCB Tools: PCB tools are used to create printed circuit boards (PCBs) for your product. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use PCB tools with PCB design software (SOLIDWORKS PCB), PCB collaboration software (SOLIDWORKS PCB Connector), and PCB integration software (SOLIDWORKS PCB Services).
PDM Enhancements: PDM is used to manage your product data and workflow. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use PDM with PDM Standard (for small and medium-sized businesses) or PDM Professional (for large and complex businesses). You can also use PDM with vaults, files, folders, workflows, revisions, versions, states, permissions, notifications, search, check-in, check-out, and web access.
Collaboration
Collaboration is another essential aspect of product development that SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 facilitates. SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 offers various tools and options for collaboration among users and stakeholders, such as:
eDrawings Enhancements: eDrawings is used to view, share, and collaborate on your 3D models and 2D drawings. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use eDrawings with augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), 3D printing, markup, measure, section, explode, animation, and configuration.
SOLIDWORKS Web Portal Enhancements: SOLIDWORKS web portal is used to access your SOLIDWORKS account and services online. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use SOLIDWORKS web portal with MySolidWorks (your online resource for SOLIDWORKS learning and support), MySolidWorks Manufacturing Network (your online resource for finding qualified manufacturers for your product), MySolidWorks Drive (your online storage for your SOLIDWORKS files), and MySolidWorks Professional (your online subscription for advanced SOLIDWORKS learning and certification).
SOLIDWORKS Online Trial (Beta): SOLIDWORKS online trial is used to try SOLIDWORKS online without installing anything on your computer. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use SOLIDWORKS online trial to access a full version of SOLIDWORKS Premium for up to 30 minutes per session. You can also use SOLIDWORKS online trial to create, open, save, and export your files.
SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services (Beta): SOLIDWORKS cloud services are used to leverage the power of the cloud for your product development. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use SOLIDWORKS cloud services with SOLIDWORKS Conceptual Designer (a cloud-based tool for conceptual design and collaboration), SOLIDWORKS Industrial Designer (a cloud-based tool for industrial design and collaboration), and SOLIDWORKS xDesign (a cloud-based tool for parametric design and collaboration).
SOLIDWORKS Connected (Beta): SOLIDWORKS connected is used to connect your desktop SOLIDWORKS with the cloud. In SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you can use SOLIDWORKS connected with 3DEXPERIENCE platform (a cloud-based platform for product development and collaboration). You can also use SOLIDWORKS connected with 3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace (a cloud-based marketplace for finding and buying products and services).
Installation and Troubleshooting of SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64
Now that you have learned about the features and benefits of SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64, you might be wondering how to install and activate it on your Windows 10 operating system. In this section, we will provide you with the installation requirements, installation steps, activation steps, and troubleshooting tips for SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64.
Installation Requirements
Before you install SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 on your Windows 10 operating system, you need to make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements. Here are the minimum system requirements for SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64:
ComponentRequirement
Operating SystemWindows 10 64-bit
ProcessorIntel or AMD with SSE2 support
Memory8 GB or more
Disk Space10 GB or more
Graphics CardCertified cards and drivers
Internet ConnectionRequired for installation and activation
DVD Drive or Broadband ConnectionRequired for installation media
Microsoft Excel and WordRequired for some features
.NET Framework.NET Framework 4.5.2 or higher required
Ant subfolders: "SolidWorks 2016 SP3 x64" and "SW2016_SP3.0_Full-SSQ".
Open the "SolidWorks 2016 SP3 x64" folder and run the "setup.exe" file as administrator. This will launch the SolidWorks Installation Manager, which will guide you through the installation process.
On the Welcome screen, select "Individual (on this computer)" as the installation type and click "Next".
On the Serial Number screen, enter the serial number that is provided in the "Serial.txt" file inside the "SW2016_SP3.0_Full-SSQ" folder. You can copy and paste the serial number or type it manually. Make sure that you enter the correct serial number for each product that you want to install. Click "Next".
On the Summary screen, review the installation options and settings. You can change the installation location, download options, or products to install by clicking on the corresponding links. You can also view the system check results and the terms of use by clicking on the buttons. When you are ready, click "Install Now".
Wait for the installation to complete. This may take some time depending on your computer speed and internet connection. Do not interrupt or cancel the installation process.
When the installation is complete, click "Finish". You can also choose to view the installation log or launch SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 by checking the boxes.
Congratulations, you have successfully installed SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 on your Windows 10 operating system.
Activation Steps
After installing SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 on your Windows 10 operating system, you need to activate it using the serial number and activator that are provided in the "SW2016_SP3.0_Full-SSQ" folder. Here are the activation steps for SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64:
Open the "SW2016_SP3.0_Full-SSQ" folder and run the "SolidWorks.2016.Activator-SSQ.exe" file as administrator. This will launch the activator, which will activate your SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 products.
On the activator window, select the products that you want to activate by checking the boxes. You can also select all products by checking the box next to "SolidWorks Products".
Click on "Activate Licenses" and wait for the activation to complete. Do not close or exit the activator window until you see a message that says "Activation successful".
Click on "OK" and close the activator window.
Congratulations, you have successfully activated SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 on your Windows 10 operating system.
Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes, you might encounter some problems or errors during or after the installation or activation of SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64 on your Windows 10 operating system. Here are some common problems and solutions for troubleshooting SolidWorks 2016 SP3 X64:
Problem: The installation fails or stops unexpectedly.
Solution: Check your internet connection and make sure that you have enough disk space and memory to complete the installation. You can also try to download the installation files again or use a different source. If the problem persists, you can contact the SolidWorks technical support or visit the SolidWorks forums for help.</li