This is the first video, It shows the different ways to create cams using SolidWorks. Two of these include, importing curves from outside sources and using the cam feature in the SolidWorks Toolbox (Solidworks tutorials).

The 2nd video covers the use of cam mates and the analysis of cams using SolidWorks Motion. This video is part of the series of how SolidWorks can help you in school. From the motion analysis, results shown can include displacement, velocity, acceleration, and forces on the cam follower.

Source:   World of Cad Cam

Even though it appears that if the RealView Graphics icon is not available, the Ambient Occlusion does appear, however both “RealView Graphics” and “Ambient Occlusion” need to be turned on.

Before and After Ambient Occlusion

 And How to turn on Ambient Occlusion in SolidWorks 2012? Do following below:

Further details

You may find that as you rotate the model, the Ambient Occlusion shading disappears, and as soon as you stop rotating, the shading and shadows re-appear. There is a “Draft Quality Ambient Occlusion” option which can be turned on.

Tools -> Options -> System Options -> Display/Selection -> “Display draft quality ambient occlusion”.

When this is turned on, you can rotate in 3d and have the Ambient Occlusion shadows remain in real-time, however it is a more draft quality shading.

Either way, it makes models really stand out. It’s great for doing Animations without having to render in PhotoView360 which would take quite a long time.

Source: http://solidworks.burkesys.com

From menu tab, click Insert, Curve, Curve Through XYZ Points.:

A box appear as this show

In this box, you can enter directly the coordinates (x, y, z) to the point wherethe curve will go through, or you can open the point coordinates are saved as. txt that you had before.

This is sample .txt file that you can used:

https://www.box.com/s/b179c8c88859dc3794

Password: giothangmuoi.info

From this .txt file, you insert to  Front Plane to make Curve1 as show:

Note that it is a Curve, not a Sketch

From this Curve, to create 3D models, we need to convert it into a Sketch by using Convert Entities command, then we have Sketch2 as this show.

Solidworks only use the information to design the machine with regular size, toosmall or too large will size will not be used. Therefore, with a length Sketch2 is only 0.3 mm size, we need to scale it to 3mm by using Scale command with scale factor is 10

Then Extrude to make 3D object:

Source: http://worldofcadcam.com

To use this feature open the assembly model and under “File” you should see “Pack and Go”, click on it। You will see a dialog box that lists all of the files linked to or that make up the assembly (or Right click at Assembly file in your folder)

In the Pack and Go dialog box you will see many options. You can Include Drawings (which will include all drawings of all components and assemblies), COSMOS Results and PhotoWorks documents. Other options you have available in the Pack and Go dialog box are, “Save To Folder”, “Save To Zip File”, “Add prefix” and “Add suffix”.

To save the files to a folder just check the “Save To Folder” radio button and browse to a location on your computer or network.

The “Add prefix” and “Add suffix” check boxes are used to change the names of the files by adding text or number before or after the file names. Don’t worry, this doesn’t effect the original files.

You also have the option to uncheck any document that you don’t want to have sent.  After you are done with the options that you chose just click “Save” and you are done. 

Toolbox in SolidWorks 2012 has been completely rewritten so it is much faster than ever before, but also is much easier to customise

2. CircuitWorks

CircuitWorks 2012 now fully supports the new ProStep EDMD file format, meaning you can work on the same file as your ECAD designer and any changes are reflected in both systems allowing for much better interoperability and collaboration

3. Importing files

Importing files is now quicker than ever with SolidWorks 2012. Files are no longer saved during open. This gives you more control and more time to get on with your work

3. Feature Freeze

SolidWorks 2012 gives users full control over rebuild times for all parts. The freeze bar works just like the rollback bar but allows you to “freeze” features so they do not rebuild. Complex parts will now work much faster than ever before. No more saving out as a dumb solid or any workarounds to speed up your rebuild times

4. eDrawings

eDrawings 2012 now supports checking of file references so you can make sure what you are viewing is fully up to date

5. Assembly Design

Missing files can be relocated much easier than ever before, and editing flexible sub-assemblies is now a breeze

Video source: http://solidsolutions.co.uk/