Smartcomponnt synopsis

README.md

@@ -2,8 +2,14 @@
 
 Hints and support files for working with Solidworks at Reykjavik University
 
+- [3D printing a Solidworks part](solidworks-3dprint.md)
+
 # Hints
 
+## How do I place multiple instances of a part into an assembly
+Reference: https://help.solidworks.com/2020/english/SolidWorks/sldworks/t_Inserting_Components_One_at_a_Time.htm?id=8.1.1.0.0
+1. Pin the PropertyManager
+
 ## Solidworks keeps putting too many parts on the Bill of Materials, how do I exclude them?
 Reference: https://mechanitec.ca/how-to-exclude-part-from-bom-solidworks/
 1. Select the parts
@@ -17,3 +23,40 @@ This turns out to be a bit of work as shown in https://help.solidworks.com/2021/
 1. Right-click that configuration and pick "Properties"
 1. Under "Bill of Materials Options" set Part number displayed when used in a bill of materials to "Configuration Name"
 1. Click OK
+
+## How do I change the appearance of all Configurations?
+Reference https://knowledge.cadimensions.com/hubfs/KB%20Reference%20Docs/SOLIDWORKS%20Appearance%20Cheat%20Sheet.pdf?hsLang=en
+1. Right-click on the part in the Part tree and choose the "Appearances" icon which is a multi-colored sphere with a pencil
+1. Pick the part in question
+1. Scroll down to "Display States (linked)" and make sure "All display states" is checked
+1. Drag and drop the Appearances on the part
+
+## How do I make an exploded view
+Reference: https://help.solidworks.com/2026/English/SolidWorks/sldworks/t_Creating_Exploded_Views.htm
+1. Open the part or assembly, NOT THE DRAWING
+1. Insert > Exploded View
+1. Pick parts then drag them apart using the X-Y-Z arrows
+1. Save the step
+1. When you are done, click the green checkbox
+1. These exploded views are saved in the Configurations tab under the current Configuration
+1. You will have to expand the configuration to see the saved Exploded view to open it again or rename it.
+
+## How do I put the exploded view into a drawing?
+1. Create a standard Isometric view on the sheet (or whatever you want to use)
+1. Click on it to see the properties
+1. Pick the right configuration in "Reference Configuration"
+1. Check the "Show in exploded or model break state"
+1. Pick the Exploded view you want to show
+
+
+## How do I move features around without them going into assemblies on the tree?
+Select them, then drag them with ALT pressed.
+
+## How do I make components in an assembly that snap into the right locations without having to put all the relations in?
+You need to make [Smart Components](https://help.solidworks.com/2026/english/solidworks/sldworks/c_Smart_Components.htm).  Summary:
+1. Create an assembly with the part in it (or open an existing one)
+1. Appy mates to that component
+1. Tools > Make Smart Component
+1. Set the options
+1. Save the assembly and click Yes to save the reference models that have been modified.
+1. You don't need the assembly anymore if you created it just for this operation.

solidworks-3dprint.md

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+# Printing a Solidworks part in a 3D printer (V207)
+This guide assumes you are using the 3D printers in V207.
+If you are using different printers, you may have to use a different slicer and settings.
+
+## Reference
+- [PrusaSlicer Help](https://help.prusa3d.com/product/prusaslicer)
+- [First print with PrusaSlicer](https://help.prusa3d.com/article/first-print-with-prusaslicer_1753?product=prusaslicer)
+- [Export to PrusaSlicer directly from Solidworks](https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/prusaslicer/prusaslicer-export-macro-from-solidworks/)
+
+## General Procedure
+1. Open the part in Solidworks
+1. Export the part as a `.stl` file
+1. Open the `.stl` file in a slicer designed for your printer
+1. Update the settings for your particular model of 3D printer
+    - TODO:  add the settings for the V207 printers --foley
+1. Copy the GCODE (or whatever it uses) to a micro or mini SD card
+1. Put the SD card into the 3D printer slot
+1. Select the print on the front display
+1. Print!