In my previous two articles, I outlined the core concepts of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and introduced SOLIDWORKS users to roles, brands and apps.
For this article, I will introduce other concepts which might be useful: a family of apps called xApps, Dashboards and 6WTags.
What are xApps?
The xApps are a collection of apps that allows you to perform 3DModeling on the cloud via the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Without any software installation, users can access the power of SOLIDWORKS within their browser on computers, phones and tablets.
Each xApp represents a different flavor of SOLIDWORKS and they can all collaborate to effectively replace desktop offerings of SOLIDWORKS.
If you are a seasoned SOLIDWORKS user, you will notice that the icons are very similar to what you are used to seeing when working with the software. Additionally, some of the shortcuts users are accustomed to within SOLIDWORKS, are also applicable to xApps.
You can switch seamlessly between the apps, depending on the roles you have. Models made using xApps can also be opened in SOLIDWORKS.
What is xDesign?
The xDesign App is part of the “3DCreator” role, and it contains many known commands from the core SOLIDWORKS tab. Users can create objects via sketch, extrude, cut and similar tools. If you have used SOLIDWORKS previously, this app will be very easy for you to get started with, and you will soon find yourself at home
xDesign contains many familiar commands from the core SOLIDWORKS tab. (Image: Dassault Systèmes.)
What is xSheetMetal?
This app, as the name implies, gives you the tools to design sheet metal parts. Again, if you are used to working with SheetMetal in SOLIDWORKS, you will feel right at home within the user interface of this app.
xSheetMetal will feel very similar to the sheet metal tools in SOLIDWORKS. (Image: Dassault Systèmes.)
What is xFrame?
When using xFrame, you will quickly realize that it is very similar to the weldment tool in SOLIDWORKS. It contains 3DSketch, weldment profiles and many of the commands that you are used to. Here, the previous theme continues where the cloud-offering mirrors SOLIDWORKS, only this time the app has a different name than the SOLIDWORKS tool.
xFrame mirrors the weldment tool in SOLIDWORKS. (Image: Dassault Systèmes.)
What is xMold?
Working with mold tools is, in my opinion, a very specialized skill and SOLIDWORKS has a great mold tool. Therefore, it is great that this tool has been translated to the 3DEXPEREINCE platform, with many of the same features and workflows which you have worked with previously.
xMold mirrors the Mold Tools in SOLIDWORKS (Image: Dassault Systèmes.)
What is xShape?
Unlike the other apps, xShape’s functionality will be new to some SOLIDWORKS users. It is a subdivision modeling tool that allows you to create smooth, freeform and complex models.
You start off with a basic shape, then push, pull and add to it until you have created the part you want. If we want to draw a parallel to real life, you can consider working with clay much like how you would work with xShape.
What are Dashboards?
Once you have gotten all your roles, apps permissions — and more — you need a place to view it all. This is where your dashboard comes in. In a car, a dashboard gives you information about your speed, the amount of gas left and other relevant driving information.
On the 3DEXPEREINCE platform, the purpose of the dashboard is pretty much the same: get information that is relevant to you and the task you are doing. The source of the data is the same data lake everyone else from your organization is extracting data from. This makes it so everyone is working from the same reference point, no matter the tool or role they access.
Unlike in a car, this dashboard is not locked to the manufacturer’s design. You have the option to customize it almost as you see fit — provided that you have the proper permissions to do so.
As we established previously, Roles will grant you access to the different apps and some of these apps are customized to populate the dashboard. Any app on the dashboard can be placed anywhere, resized and adjusted to contain the information you find most useful.
If you “overpopulate” the dashboard, there is no risk of them overlapping, as widgets adjust in size and placement.
Once your Dashboard is created, you can share it with other members of your team or even people outside of your organization. Just make sure that the people you are sharing this dashboard with have access to the data and apps it uses.
What are 6WTags?
When searching for information on the platform to populate your dashboards, the “6WTags” will quickly become indispensable to you. They stand for the six basic filters needed to get all the information you need: What, Why, When, Where, Who and how.
If we consider the platform, you have a lot of different information from 3D models to discussion posts. To look for specific data, you can add various filter words:
- When it was collected, e.g. “four weeks ago.”
- Where it was posted, e.g. “an Engineers rule discussion board.”
- What format it is, e.g. “an article.”
- Who posted it, e.g. “Lennart.”
The search tool then filters to relevant information on the platform based on this data.
With all these introductions to the core concepts of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, I hope you are better equipped to start your journey and have gained an understanding of the different expressions and workflows within this tool.