Specialist Exams

I feel like these CSWP advanced exams are pretty tough. Weldments was challenging, but the Surfacing exam was much, much more challenging (for me at least). Keep pushing to CSWE.....still hoping someone at Solidworks will come up with a CEPE exam :)

~Corey Hinman, CEPA

What's new in PDM 2013

Looks like some nice enhancements are coming...it also looks like I have some workflows to re-write!

Here's a nice preview from the fine folks at 3DVision Technologies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wWoCYraXWgc#!

~Corey Hinman, CEPA, CSWP

New & Improved? CEPA certificates

I was part of the first test group of CEPA test takers at solidworks world 2012, since they've formally released that test to the public they've released a new certificate, not that I the paper copy of it for anything, but at least it looks a little more professional

New:

~Corey Hinman, CEPA

Quiet = Busy!!

Been a little busier than normal around here, making finding new topics, or time to post more difficult.

I did just register for Solidworks World 2013 though, I am looking forward to this one as well so I can get a test drive of PDM 2013 capabilities!

~Corey Hinman, CEPA

Earned my CSWP!

With a little refresher from Solidprofessor, and by scouring the internet for practice exams, I took and passed all 3 CSWP segments on the first go round.

Segment 1: Modeling

This was about the same level as the CSWA, just with more modeling exercises. I was starting to get crunched for time so I did the last part in a way that worked, but wasn't the best way to get it done. If I had more time I probably would have done a few things different, but 100% on Segment 1.

Segment 2: Configurations

The configuration portion was a breeze, the modifying an existing part was more challenging. I missed the last part as I ran out of time. It didn't help I was interrupted during the test :)

Segment 3: Assemblys

This was a little challenging, lots to do, you need to be quick and pay attention to the coordinate systems. I wasn't asked to do any in-context stuff, which probably helped me. I missed the last question, apparently I did something wrong when I swapped out the base part.

Overall, I feel thoroughly tested, and satisified that I could add this to my resume!

~Corey Hinman, CEPA, CSWP

I got my Solidworks certification, now what?

Like many of you I have a few certifications from Solidworks Corp, but when I logged in to my account and looked in the directory of certified users, I did not see my name. There is a little account setting you need to enable for your name to appear in the listing (if that matters to you).

In the lower right corner click "Settings"

The check "YES" for "List in Online Directory"

And now you'll see your name in lights :)

~Corey Hinman, CEPA

CSWA Certified

I was a full time solidworks designer for about 3 years (autocad, Unigraphics, and IDEAS before that), and an occasional user the last 6 years. I want to get the CSWP certification tackled, but since I'm the PDM Admin, and CAD Manager, I don't do CAD work, I thought I'd start with the CSWA.

I worked through Solid Professor for some refresher courses, and they did a good job of reminding of functionality and technique.

One of my employees, who is a CAD designer is working towards CSWE and also started along this route. I thought CSWA was not really a "big deal", but the test itself was a little more than I expected it to be. It was certainly not "killer", but it was enough to feel like I was tested. I did score 240/240 so maybe I'm not so far from the CSWP as I think I am.

1 more certification down, 1 to go!

~Corey Hinman, CEPA

Adding PDM Vault Folders to Windows 7 Fav's

If you want to add specific vault folders to your windows 7 favorites...do this.

Make a folder (desktop or elsewhere) and call it Vault Favorites.

Inside your new folder add a new folder for each favorite location you want to add:

Now drag your folders over to your windows 7 favorites.

Right click on properties of each folder, and copy/paste in the location from ePDM

Your vault locations will now work from Windows 7 Favorites, and you can drag, drop, etc:

Add caption

**You can also add a favorite PDM search by changing the "Look in location" to a specific folder and saving that as a Favorite


~Corey Hinman, CEPA

Design Best Practices

Time to start working on Solidworks' Best Practices for my new company, after all PDM doesn't exist without Solidworks and vice - versa.

~Corey Hinman, CEPA