ZW3D vs Solidworks Assembly Lesson 19 Lesson 3


Using shapes eliminates the need to create a sketch and extrude. The above part has 14 shapes and 2 sketches. This is a simple part and we have eliminated 14 constrained sketches and 14 extrusions. Imagine a complex part. Give this concept a try today.


Design of Water Control Valve in Solidworks

ZW3D vs Solidworks

While creating 3D models from drawing is the very best way to learn 3D CAD and maybe some design techniques is does not expose the designer to the design flexibility necessary in product design. IronCAD is all top down due to the single model environment. Creating mating parts is a cruise. But modeling is just one aspect of this well designed productive 3D CAD system.

I like to show step by step lessons So you can see the commands being used.

We use the “New to Insert” command under the the Control Valve Assembly and name the part Ball Valve Sub. We edit or activate the part. This how we design top down. We will insert a sphere and locate using the the offset option and size it.

We will now open the part, since we will not need the other parts. We will insert a cylinder, locate it, size it and set it to add.

We will create a sketch on the top of the cylinder and create two rectangles using the center and edge feature. ZW3D Recognizes the center of existing features.

We extrude the sketching to the defined distance and set to remove.

We insert a cylinder, locate, align, size and set to remove.

We are done with the part.


It is very important that you look into how you or your engineers are creating the parts. Streamline Sketching and Feature Based Modeling is easy to learn and implement. It, alone, will increase productivity 10X. Now, IronCAD with its unique integrated history/direct edit functionality can increase your productivity another 5X or more with changes! Again, time is money in engineering.

More on Streamline Sketching and Feature Based Modeling.


Give me a call if you have any questions. I can set up a skype or gotomeeting to show this part or answer any of your questions on the operation of IronCAD. It truly is the very best conceptual 3D CAD system.


If you are interested in adding professional hybrid modeling capabilities or looking for a new solution to increase your productivity, take some time to download a fully functional 30 day evaluation and play with these packages. Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions or would like an on-line presentation.