solidworks 2010…edge display

Well, we have finally reached the end of the previews of the enhancements to drawings and detailing in SolidWorks 2010.  Like I said when I started these and have said a few times along the way, I really like the changes made to this area for this release.

I feel like these enhancements were much needed and I am really happy to see the focus to this area for SolidWorks 2010.  To wrap up this area of enhancements I want to show some of the enhancements made to tangent edges.

To start with you will now be able to change the display color of your tangent edges in drawings.  To change the default color you can go to Tools > Options > System Options > Colors > Drawings, Model Tangent Edges.  You can see in the screenshot below I have changed the color to magenta.

Here is the meat and potatoes of the tangent edge enhancements in SolidWorks 2010.  In the Hide/Show Edges command (found on the Line Format toolbar) you will notice a new interface that will allow you to quickly filter the edges that you would like to display.  You can select the edges quickly by simply selecting the edges you wish to hide.  Other options are in the Hide/Show Edges PropertyManager under the Tangent Edge Filters and Hide edges shorter than headers.

By clicking the Hide Non-Planar Edges you will get a result similar to what you see in the screenshot below.

You can also tell SolidWorks to hide all edges that are shorter than the length you set under the Hide edges shorter than heading.  In the screenshot below you will see the result of simply clicking on edges that you want to hide.

Another difference you will notice is a new option when you RMB click a drawing view and select Tangent Edge.  You will notices the Hide Ends option.

When you select the Hide Ends you will end up with a result as shown in the screenshot below.

Well that wraps up the enhancements to the drawings and detailing portion of the software.  Please feel free to let me know what you think about all of the enhancements made to these areas.  Are you as happy about them as I am?