Part One of CSWP: Part modeling and dimension updating

I haven't taken a test for a few years, since the EIT (engineer in training) so the 3 hour format of the CSWP was not something I was looking forward to. Thankfully having the new sectional format laid out earlier this week at the Solidworks blog put my mind to ease and let me approach the test differently. In a land of coffee breaks, conference calls, and customers with questions the test is now more along the lines of how most users utilize the software. Short 1 to 1.5 hour sessions to get to a solid stopping point then tackle the next project. So, with a 90 minute first section on part creation and dimension changing ahead of me, I fired up the Testing software this morning and began the CSWP exam. Before starting I reread my earlier post of testing tips (gleamed from the CSWA, talks with CSWP, and other blogs). The 5 question setup was just like the new sample test posted by SW(PDF) and below is my take on things. Questions First question 1 was rather and basic a 2 simple of model that CSWP was done part in 9 1. features.

The answer was multiple choice for the mass of the part but the answer were all over the place so even a modeler with a few mistakes could get a ballpark close enough to answer correctly. Other than the features this managed to test assigning a material, creating a new part file, and reading a drawing a good start to what the system is used for. The second question involved only dimensional changes and only took an additional 30 seconds to answer thanks to the "Edit All" button in

the Equations screen. All I had to do was type in the 5 new values, click rebuild, and click update on the mass properties screen and it was off to the next questions. It's worth noting that this answer was NOT multiple choice but rather a text input measured to 2 digits. I've heard that there is some leeway on this for rounding purposes but given the concrete nature of the question it's safe to assume that even a small error (say missing the value of a single radius) could warrant a wrong answer. Question 3of CSWP part 1 Another multiple choice, but this time the values weren't all over the place. In 10gram intervals it's safe to assume again that even a small answer could get the wrong answer, however if you are off by more than rounding accounts for it's worth checking NOW to see what's wrong. The only additional feature here was the Hole Wizard, but the question gives you all the properties so this is a matter of knowing the Hole Wizard button and being able to correctly select a center point. Not necessarily difficult, but again important for what it's testing. More so than the features this was testing sketching and design intent. Knowing what will change in the next question also allows you to model this in order to easily remove features that disappear (or suppress them) and avoid having to fix to many dangling sketch entities. Another key note here is that dimension that change are now announced with a large Circle and major features that will change get their own drawing view with bold AA/BB/CC call outs. Of course it's always important to refer back to a drawing but I've heard complaints int he past about people failing because they didn't see that "that one" radius changed. Now there is even less room for excuses. Question 4 and 5 of CSWP part 1: The last two questions function like the first two one multiple choice followed by one free answer. Also similar was that no features were added from 4 to 5. Once 4 was completed it was again a matter of updating the values given, a quick fix if the equations are utilized correctly. Here I must have missed something. I noticed it in question 4 when I came up with a number that rounded to a value not available. Luckily rounded the other way got me the right answer but I new something was up. I was able to find the problem and confirm that the error was small enough to give me the right value in question 4 but with only 10 minutes left in the test changing it created a host of problems to rebuild. I gave it my best shot to remodel the part from scratch but must have come up short as my results were under 100%. Regardless I knew that just the one error wasn't going to cost me a passing grade so after some effort I decided to spend the remaining 15 minutes double checking the other questions to make sure I did pass. Low and behold it was enough and the morning 90 minute session paid off with this screen.

Four out of 5 and a passing grade on section one. It's nice to know that I don't have to spend 20 minutes trouble shooting a small error and can take section 2 with a clear mind. Anyone else who's taken the new test drop me a line and let me know how it went, or if you have question let me know. Good luck.

Part Two of CSWP: Configurations, Suppression, Sketch Planes and Design Changes
Except for the slight hiccup on Part one all was well, but what to do about section two. Sure there is some limited information on it but the CSWP exam test only really shows what part one so there is little to work with other than what's posted at the Solidworks blog. Segment 2: (40 Minutes) Creating configurations from other configurations Changing configurations Mass properties Changing features of an existing SolidWorks part

Nothing too crazy but still, who knows what they'll ask until you take it. Luckily things went well for section to and I got a pretty look at this screen.

So of course the question now is "What questions are on the CSWP exam". This section consisted of 9 questions (11 total but two are instructional pages only) split into two main sections.

Question

1-6

of

CSWP

Part

II.

After loading the Testing client and reading the instructions, question 1 prompts you to click a link which will download the needed file. Old CSWP exams had been criticized because a user could complete them without actually opening Solidworks (parts could be modeled in other systems and masses and COM's could be found that way). That's not the case anymore. The first file downloaded had a few configurations, and each question asked for a new one. Add in a few features, suppress a feature and grab a mass. Bam! 6 questions out of the way. It's no wonder this test takes 40 minutes. Granted a novice with command of help files could get a few answers but getting a passing score in time here shows that a user is capable of modifying basic features and getting needed data without wasting two days. Question 6-9 of CSWP Part II

These other questions were based on a new file. Once loaded the tester is asked to make some various changes to sketches, move a features start conditions, modify some cuts and still maintain the overall design intent. Done incorrectly there is plenty of room for errors and the 40 minutes could easily be used up trouble shooting and rebuilding. With system familiarity though all the questions can be answered without ever seeing one of these obnoxious windows (Thankfully I took this screen shot after the test just

to show one). Most answer were needed in free format to two decimal places, although at least 2 of 9 question were multiple choice.

Looking at the test as a whole it's important to remember it is a certification exam. So what really is it certifying. Is this person a pro at product design? Can they reverse engineer anything in minutes? Are they going to slow me down on remedial tasks? This sections helps to answer them. Instead of making the user build a part from a drawing Solidworks the exam roughly mirrors real world use. Many times a designer is looking for design intent and can small details like the size of ball end mill are not a major concern. It's feasible to call a supplier and ask but they'll need the file at some point down the line, why not let them in on the design now. With PDMworks and co located design teams a lot of times you send a file that you have worked on and I'll tell you a few things to change to make it manufacturable, marketable, or profitable. In my past position with a contract manufacturer and injection molder this meant a lot of "Uhhh, yeah, we are going to want some draft on that 5 inch deep part that you want cosmetic sides on, unless you want to spend a fortune on tooling." Having a person on the other end be a CSWP means you can let them in the design process and know they are capable of making there changes without corrupting too much work. Also check out other reviews of the CSWP exam The last portion of the CSWP shows that a user is capable of working with more than a single component. This section focuses mainly on assemblies, adding components, positioning them and replacing them. Again for most users of Solidworks this is a day to day occurrence. Mold and tooling folks use these features to build up large assemblies, mechanical engineers build machines, and even modelers do this as a real life way of breaking things down. It's important that any user tasked with adding and placing a piece, such as a fastener, be able to locate it so that rebuilds will be quick and easy and aviod wasting time reselecting mating faces.

So how is this section laid out? That's the screen the testing agent gives you, although the 13 is misleading. It's really only 12 questions as question 1 is simply instructions. The test begins with a quick modeling exercise. A few drawing views are given and a part must be created. This component was fairly basic as the feature tree was a whopping 8 features for me. Grab the mass of

the component and that's question one down. Next you are asked to add a series of components and position them as needed. Special care should be taken to get each mate right and more so the coordinate system. Most question ask for a Center of Gravity (Center of Mass) in relation to a specific coordinate system. To get this it may be helpful to take a look at Setting a Coordinate System in Solidworks. Really that takes up the next chunk of questions. Add a part, add some mates, grab a mass. The mates used were mostly basic with some need for advanced mates such as "width" but again any user adept at building small assemblies should have no problems with this. One thing that did pop up I was unfamiliar with was the flexible assembly. This is used for sub assemblies, rather than being able to move each component individually the default is to import the sub assembly as a fixed feature that moves as a one. Luckily I've had experience answering lots of random questions for people and realized the help menus would tell me what to do. Even mid test THE HELP MENU HELPS! It's part of the program so even while testing I see no issues with refering there. Here's a shot of the question next to a help file letting me know what to do.

For the final few questions another part must be created from scratch but again if you have passed the first 2 sections this should be a breeze. Lastly a part needed to be replaced. A new file is provided for download. Quickly select the old component in the feature tree, right click and select replace component and that's about it. Then simply reselect the required mating faces and voila, the CSWP is done. Best of luck on the test.

Tips for taking the CSWP

Although I've still got a few things to go over I'm almost ready to take a shot at the CSWP. In preparation I've collected a few notes for myself on best practices for the test. As always I'm welcome to additional Tips/Tricks/Questions and even light criticism. 1. Prepare for the test and allocate a time: Once begun each section of the CSWP must be completed in one sitting so prepare everything before hand. In addition to studying preparation can involve opening Solidworks, Starting a file, Setting dimensions to that of the test (should always be checked). Opening a Word Document or Image editor to help document/note/or enlarge test questions, Presetting Equations (A=, B=) if using equation method, creating a directory and file structure for the test.

2. Take the test on a system you are familiar with. Don't look for a workstation with better performance unless you plan to import your user settings. No point in wasting time looking for a command that for years has been on your primary toolbar but isn't on others. 3. Do NOT rely on the image provided as a template. Dimensions are changed from test to test so the image used will not be to scale (this is noted). Rely on the dimensions. 4. Assume unseen features extend through all. Typically only a single view is given, with detail views for zooming, so again trust the dimensions and if an edge looks to come to a point assume that it does. 5. If the model seems to be missing something DO NOT overreact. At the "How to pass the CSWP" session at Solidworks World at least half of the "questions" were some variation of "I failed the test because it was ill defined and I didn't know what the picture meant". Again make a best guest assumption and follow through. If you complete the test and feel it was unfairly written state your case to the certification specialists at Solidworks, Avelino and Mike are more than happy to help if you are polite. 6. Make sure to properly sketch about the origin shown in the image. Most questions ask for a Center of Mass or overall mass. For the former it is crucial that the model is oriented exactly as modeled, for the latter not so much but don't take the chance. 7. Read all questions before beginning. Pay attention to material changes, origins, dimensional changes. Note which values appear in balloons as these are the ones that will change. 8. Save your work. Relaunching after a failed Cosmos simulation is easier than retaking the whole test. If you do have a legitimate preformance failure you may be granted a retake. Even if Solidworks will grant you another shot at it no one wants to waste another 1.5 hours, if you save and can recover with a passing grade this will not be an issue. 9. Use the help files if necessary. They are a part of the software. If you see the exam and realize your studying wasn't comprehensive enough do what you can first and then see if a search will help you. 10. Relax. With any test anxiety can be a killer. It's not life or death so take a deep breath.

CSWP - Sketching
B-2. Sketching
Sketching is the primary function and basis of nearly all Solidworks files. When creating a model from side views it is also one of the most intuitive ways to begin a model. Best practices for where to begin sketching (Top Plane, Right side view etc) will vary from modeler to modeler and company to company but a good rule of thumb is to start with the largest sketch with an eye for the most static elements (those that will not change). How to define and dimension a sketch is also important. Solidworks is good at having features automatically snap to relations. Horizontal and vertical lines, edges and points snap to coincident. This can be both misleading and wrong given the inaccuracy of the pictures in the CSWP. Sides that look to be co-planar in the exam question figure may be just that, but they may change in future questions. Having a grid available helps lay things out with proper relations while still making sure the realtions do not overdefine or improperly define certain edges. Remember that for most CSWP questions the placement of the origin is critical in determining the center of mass so locating the part correctly about the origin in sketches also becomes a critical concern. To turn on the grid check the box at(Tools>Options>Document Properties&gt>Grid/Snap> Display Grid) To enable snap to grid check the box at (Tools>Options>System options>Sketch Relations/Snaps> Grid). S key and RMB in-context menus: The single biggest time saver in newer version of Solidworks is the

addition of in context menus. The RMB (right mouse button) brings up an in context menu that can be customized from a limited list. This is very helpful in flying through a quick sketch and eliminates the need to get the mouse back up to the tool bars. Even more powerful is the S key which brings up a shortcut menu of actions typically used in the current state and it can be customized with anything. Not only can the S key access all the sketch features needed it can also be customized to add such items as Extrude and Cut, the two most commonly used features following the sketch tool. Although the movement of the mouse to the top of the screen might seem like a small thing to eliminate over time this lightning quick access to any needed feature can significantly reduce the time spent looking for items. Setting up hot keys is useful not only for the CSWP exam but is a good practice in everyday use

Fully define all sketches. Making sure a sketch is fully defined is simply good practice. Under defined sketches cause major problems when changes must be made, arcs over extend, lines cross, dimensions loose defining edges, and features fail. It is much easier to go back and remove definition that it is to painstakingly correct each error caused by an under defined sketch. For visual purposes a fully defined sketch or sketch entity will appear black while under defined entities will appear blue. Once a sketch is complete click the RMB and get the in context menu. This will include an option for "Fully define sketch". A property manager appears and allows the user to select the entities and relations to be defined. Sketches are known to be fully defined when they appear in the feature manager without a (-) in the sketch name. When updating values to manage multiple questions for the CSWP exam having a sketch fully defined will eliminate the need to trouble shoot problems and save a lot of time.

B. Section 1 of the CSWP

The first section of the CSWP covers sketching and feature creation. It is typically 5 questions requiring the creation of two unique models. The first model created will be used to answer questions 1-3. Each question asks for the mass, or sometimes the center of mass, of the model. Slight variations and features are added between each question and major dimensions are also changed. The second model is associated with the final 2 questions, again the mass is required and answers are in multiple choice and free form. On

the second set of questions there are few functional changes to the model required, instead dimensional changes will be required and can be handled by Equations. There is a 90 minute time limit and a passing grade is 75%.

B-1. Interpreting the Drawing

Drawings and figures for the CSWP are not created in any standard format (ASME) instead they are given as a generic isometric view with dimensions noted. All available views will appear in the filmstrip below the display area. Dimensions that appear in Ballons are subject to change in future models, this is in contrast to the dimensions that are designated by variables (A,B,C,D,Y,X etc). Detail view areas are noted as they would be in engineering drawings, with a circle and label (AA, BB, CC) and the detail view will generally be broken out as a separate view in the film strip. In the description for the question the values of each variable will are provided. These values are generated from a master configuration table controlled by the certification specialists at Solidworks Corp. There are literally hundreds of variations of each model that can be randomly generated. Even if the question looks similar or identical to that of other exams the values of the answers can vary widely. For multiple choice questions though the available answer options should be exactly or very near to exact (single digit rounding error).