The page below is an attempt to provide new SolidWorks users with just enough information to be dangerous with SolidWorks (i.e. just enough info to get a mask out for a design you may have).
Disclaimer: This page does not address all of the issues associated with using Solidworks to create files to be converted for micro fabrication.
The most convincing reason to use solidworks is because it is so darn simple. Complex geometries can be created in minimal time when compared to the infinitude of hours that one may spend on cadence attempting to create the same geometry. There are many other advantages that Jeremy Frank and Eric Hobbs presented to the BSAC group in Sept. 2001. The link to the PowerPoint file is below.
BSAC Lunch Presentation from September 2001
The vision with utilizing solidworks to create masks for micro-fab is that, not too far in the future, one will be able to integrate micro-electronic design and 3-D device modeling within the same model file. So as well as having a 3-D depiction of your current design you will also be able to incorporate all the necessary items to perform your micro-fab runs. Using the Solidworks add ins you will be capable of performing finite element analysis, create device animations, present your ideas through photoworks, .... any task that can be accomplished via industry supported add-ins is a task that you can perform.
To get more information about Solidworks and available add-ins, follow the link below.
Installing Solidworks on EECS Machines:
(?'s contact Eric Hobbs)
The following tasks have been preformed with some (most likely minimal) success by BSAC students. Please add to the list if you have a procedure for creating features that are specific to BSAC. NOTE: This list is absolutely not a complete list of the capabilities associated with the Solidworks software. If you have developed a process that could be added to the list of "How To's" please email Eric Hobbs or Jeremy Frank.
It is advised that before attempting to do any of the processes below that you have worked through the solidworks tutorials.