Book for smart engineers: SolidWorks for Dummies

3D CAD software is first in industry to be highlighted in popular series renowned for clarity, humor, and gentleness.

Three-dimensional mechanical design software, once a complicated technology requiring a scientific workstation to operate, has undergone an ease-of-use revolution over the past decade, led by SolidWorks Corporation.

Today the technology confirms its place in the product development mainstream with the release of "SolidWorks for Dummies" (Wiley Publishing, $29.99, Pub Date: September 12, 2005, ISBN: 0-7645-9555-5).

SolidWorks software, the #1 3D mechanical design software for the mainstream market, is the first 3D mechanical design offering to enter the "For Dummies" series, a milestone that promises to expand the world's 3D computer-aided design (CAD) community and transform everyday users into power users.

Written in the series' signature conversational style, SolidWorks for Dummies is ideal for seasoned users of AutoCAD 2D software, SolidWorks newcomers, and long-time SolidWorks users alike.

SolidWorks software already has more than 430,000 users in more than 70,000 companies throughout the world.

"We're pleased to have worked with expert author Greg Jankowski to publish SolidWorks For Dummies," said Andy Cumming, publisher for Dummies Technology (an imprint of Wiley).

"SolidWorks is a robust tool, and this book shows readers how to create effective and amazing 3D drawings".

"It's filled with expert tips, shortcuts, and homespun wisdom." With more than 150 million books in print on more than 900 topics, For Dummies is the world's bestselling reference series.

Unthreatening and engaging, the For Dummies format promises to put the power of SolidWorks software into the hands of whole new classes of users, including 2D designers using AutoCAD, as well as current non-CAD users on the periphery of design, such as marketers, salespeople, and managers.

SolidWorks for Dummies is available for $29.99 at www.solidworks.com/dummies and on Amazon.com, at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and other bookstores.

The book covers SolidWorks 2006 and is applicable to earlier versions.

Topics covered include: setting up SolidWorks software; using templates; sketching, assembling, and creating drawings; editing drawings; printing and plotting drawings; reviewing drawings; automating the drawing process; leveraging existing designs; and collaborating with team members.

It includes a companion CD with tutorials and demos.

A pocket-sized eDrawings for Dummies is also available from SolidWorks Corporation.

"SolidWorks has always been easy to learn, but the For Dummies phenomenon is another indicator that using 3D CAD for design and engineering has entered the mainstream," said Rainer Gawlick, SolidWorks' vice president of worldwide marketing.

"Because it is so easy to use, everyone can be part of the 3D evolution".

"As outlined in the book, SolidWorks combines the speed and accuracy of 3D with unmatched ease of use, making users at any experience level more efficient and productive than ever.".

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