TopSolid Training Course

Lesson 1 • Navigating the TopSolid Interface

Introduces menus, toolbars, and the document tree. Establishes spatial awareness needed for all subsequent modelling tasks.

Lesson 2 • Workspace and Display Configuration

Teaches display modes, view orientations, and rendering options. Correct display settings accelerate modelling and reduce visual errors.

Lesson 3 • Project and File Management

Covers creating, saving, and organising TopSolid projects. Proper file management prevents data loss and supports team collaboration.

Lesson 4 • Mouse, Keyboard, and Selection Tools

Establishes efficient input habits using mouse controls and keyboard shortcuts. Efficient selection techniques reduce repetitive actions throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Geometric Constraints

Applies coincident, parallel, perpendicular, and tangent constraints. Geometric constraints define shape intent independent of dimensions.

Lesson 2 • Dimensional Constraints and Equations

Drives sketch geometry with linear, angular, and radial dimensions. Parametric equations link dimensions for design intent capture.

Lesson 3 • Sketch Environment and Tools

Introduces the sketch plane, sketch toolbar, and drawing primitives. Understanding the sketch environment is prerequisite to all solid modelling.

Lesson 4 • Sketch Validation and Best Practices

Diagnoses under-constrained and over-constrained sketches. Clean, fully constrained sketches prevent downstream modelling failures.

Lesson 1 • Boolean and Modification Operations

Applies union, subtract, and intersect operations to combine solids. Boolean tools enable complex geometry from simple building blocks.

Lesson 2 • Extrusion and Revolution Features

Creates solids by extruding and revolving closed sketch profiles. These two operations form the basis of most mechanical part geometry.

Lesson 3 • Sweep and Loft Features

Generates complex geometry along paths and between multiple profiles. Sweep and loft extend modelling capability beyond prismatic shapes.

Lesson 4 • Patterns and Mirror Features

Replicates features using linear, circular, and mirror patterns. Patterns enforce design symmetry and reduce redundant modelling effort.

Lesson 1 • Editing and Updating Models

Modifies existing features, dimensions, and sketches to update models. Efficient editing workflows reduce rework time in iterative design cycles.

Lesson 2 • Design Intent and Modelling Strategy

Applies modelling strategies that preserve design intent through changes. Correct reference selection prevents cascading failures during edits.

Lesson 3 • Configurations and Design Variants

Manages multiple part configurations from a single model file. Configurations support product families without duplicating geometry.

Lesson 4 • Parameters and Variables

Creates named parameters and links them to model dimensions. Parametric variables enable rapid design iteration and family-of-parts strategies.

Lesson 1 • Surface Quality Analysis

Evaluates surface quality using curvature, zebra, and draft analysis tools. Quality checks prevent manufacturing defects before toolpath generation.

Lesson 2 • Converting Surfaces to Solids

Closes surface bodies and converts them to solid geometry. This step bridges surface modelling with downstream manufacturing operations.

Lesson 3 • Freeform Surface Tools

Uses control-point editing and deformation tools for organic shapes. Freeform tools enable sculpted geometry not achievable with sketch-driven features.

Lesson 4 • Surface Creation Fundamentals

Introduces planar, extruded, and revolved surfaces as modelling tools. Surfaces extend design capability beyond solid-only workflows.

Lesson 1 • Interference and Clearance Analysis

Detects collisions and measures clearances between assembly components. Early interference detection prevents costly design changes after manufacturing.

Lesson 2 • Assembly Environment and Structure

Introduces the assembly workspace, component insertion, and tree structure. A clear assembly structure supports collaboration and change management.

Lesson 3 • Assembly Motion and Simulation

Animates assembly motion to validate kinematic behaviour of mechanisms. Motion simulation confirms design function before physical prototyping.

Lesson 4 • Sub-assemblies and Hierarchy

Organises components into sub-assemblies for modular design management. Sub-assembly hierarchy mirrors real product structure and simplifies reuse.

Lesson 1 • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing

Applies GD&T symbols to control form, orientation, and position. GD&T communicates functional requirements more precisely than coordinate tolerances.

Lesson 2 • Dimensions and Tolerances

Places linear, angular, and ordinate dimensions with tolerance specifications. Accurate dimensioning drives correct manufacturing and inspection outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Generating and Arranging Views

Projects orthographic, section, and detail views from 3D models. Correct view arrangement communicates part geometry without ambiguity.

Lesson 4 • Drawing Environment and Templates

Sets up drawing sheets, title blocks, and standard templates. Consistent templates ensure drawings meet organisational and industry standards.

Lesson 1 • 3-Axis Surface Machining

Generates roughing and finishing toolpaths for complex 3D surfaces. Surface machining strategies directly use the solid and surface models created earlier.

Lesson 2 • CAM Environment and Setup

Configures the CAM workspace, machine definitions, and stock geometry. Correct setup ensures toolpaths are generated for the target machine.

Lesson 3 • Turning and Mill-Turn Operations

Programmes lathe turning cycles and combined mill-turn operations. Turning integration extends TopSolid CAM to rotational part manufacturing.

Lesson 4 • Toolpath Verification and NC Output

Simulates toolpaths, detects collisions, and posts verified NC code. Simulation prevents machine crashes and scrap before cutting begins.