Why does manufacturing need interactive 3D documentation: what is SOLIDWORKS Composer and how does it replace paper instructions

What is SOLIDWORKS Composer and how does it differ from standard technical documentation

SOLIDWORKS Composer is a tool from Dassault Systèmes that converts CAD models (SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, any 3D format) into interactive technical documentation without the constant involvement of a designer. Using 3D data, you can create animations, 2D projections and technical illustrations, and publish them in SMG (Composer Player), HTML, PDF and AVI formats. Unlike a paper manual or a standard PDF, the user can rotate the assembly, play back sub-assemblies, highlight individual parts and view the sequence of operations. And unlike a standard video clip, once the CAD model has been modified, the Composer file can be updated using the ‘Update’ function, without having to recreate the animation and all the scenes from scratch.

Why paper instructions are a problem for modern manufacturing

Paper and PDF instructions quickly become outdated following design changes. This is one of the reasons why industrial automation and CAD/PLM are increasingly being applied not only to design but also to the preparation of production documentation. We have written in more detail about automation on our blog. In practice, the paper format creates several problems at once:

1. Every revision requires amendments. Static instructions and their copies have to be updated manually.
2. 2D drawings do not always explain the 3D assembly. It is more difficult for an assembler to understand the position of parts, the order of installation and the fixing points.
3. Documentation takes up engineers’ time and resources. For new views, diagrams and explanations, both a technical illustrator and a design engineer are often involved. And it can take 2-3 days to develop a single page manually. According to a study by the Aberdeen Group, 44 per cent of ‘Best-in-Class’ companies used 3D CAD for assembly instructions, whilst 22 per cent used 3D animation.

SOLIDWORKS Composer offers a different approach: the assembly instructions are created directly from CAD data and clearly illustrate the sequence of operations. Once the model has been modified, the documentation can be updated rather than having to be created from scratch.

How SOLIDWORKS Composer creates documentation directly from a CAD model

To understand what SOLIDWORKS Composer is in practice, simply look at its workflow. Documentation is created directly from a finished CAD model. To do this, you need to:

1. Open the 3D model in Composer.
2. Configure the views and breakdown.
3. Add part numbers and text callouts.
4. Record an animation of the assembly steps.
5. Publish to SMG, PDF, HTML or AVI.

The process can be summarised as follows: CAD model → Composer → SMG/PDF/HTML/AVI → production floor or client. When the CAD file is modified, Composer updates the geometry without having to create the assembly instructions from scratch. The SMG file can be opened in the free SOLIDWORKS Composer Player without a full licence.

Types of content that can be created in SOLIDWORKS Composer

1. Interactive assembly instructions. Step-by-step animated scenes help to demonstrate the order in which components are assembled in mechanical engineering.
2. Technical illustrations for spare parts catalogues. Exploded views make it easier to find the required part and its location within the assembly.
3. Training materials. Operators and service technicians can learn how to set up, maintain and dismantle equipment.
4. Documents for tenders and clients. These allow the design to be clearly demonstrated without sharing the original CAD model.
5. Marketing 3D visualisations. Exploded views and technical renders are used in presentations, catalogues and product materials.

Where SOLIDWORKS Composer makes a real difference – competitive sectors

1. Mechanical engineering. Composer is used for assembly instructions for complex assemblies and equipment. Employees can see the assembly sequence and the position of parts in 3D.
2. Aerospace and defence. The tool helps prepare technical illustrations and procedures for documentation in accordance with ATA or S1000D. Compliance with standards depends on the entire preparation process.
3. Medical devices. 3D instructions guide operators and service engineers through the setup and maintenance of equipment. Such materials can be used in processes subject to FDA and ISO 13485 requirements.
4. Automotive industry. Service manuals, exploded views and spare parts catalogues are created based on CAD models. This simplifies the search for parts and the dismantling process.
5. In-house training. Step-by-step 3D scenes help train new operators without the constant involvement of an experienced mentor.

At GEO-MENTOR, we offer high-quality digital solutions for manufacturing companies. For example, for the mechanical engineering and transport sectors. You can find out more about this area on a separate page.

SOLIDWORKS Composer vs competitors: what else is on the market

To put it simply, SOLIDWORKS Composer is a tool for creating 2D/3D documentation directly from CAD data. Adobe Illustrator is geared towards static graphics, PTC Arbortext towards enterprise documentation, whilst Cortona3D has a similar 3D approach. Composer is a native SOLIDWORKS tool, so it integrates best with this environment, and the licence is included in some packages. For other CAD, PLM and manufacturing solutions, see the Dassault Systèmes page.

Conclusion

Interactive 3D documentation helps to eliminate three common manufacturing problems: static instructions, slow updates following design changes, and the risk of errors during assembly. SOLIDWORKS Composer uses CAD data as the basis for visual instructions that are easier to keep up to date and easier for shop floor and service staff to understand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need a SOLIDWORKS licence to use Composer?

No. SOLIDWORKS Composer is licensed separately from SOLIDWORKS CAD. To import native SOLIDWORKS files directly, you need SOLIDWORKS or the relevant SOLIDWORKS Translator installed on your computer. The free Composer Player is available for viewing finished SMGs. This means that authors can work in Composer, whilst workshop or service staff can open the prepared documentation at their workstations without needing a full author’s licence.

2. Which CAD formats does SOLIDWORKS Composer support?

Most common CAD formats. SOLIDWORKS Composer works with SOLIDWORKS SLDPRT, SLDASM, Pro/ENGINEER and Creo PRT, ASM, Autodesk Inventor IPT, IAM files, as well as neutral formats such as STEP/STP, IGES/IGS, ACIS SAT/SAB and Parasolid X_T/X_B. 3DXML, STL, OBJ, U3D, VRML, 3DS and VDA are also supported. Specific formats and their versions may depend on the version of Composer and the installed translators, so it is worth checking the compatibility of your organisation’s specific CAD files before implementation.

3. How long does it take to learn how to use Composer?

Three days – this is the duration of the official SOLIDWORKS Composer course from Dassault Systèmes. It covers the creation of 2D and 3D content from CAD data. This is a guideline for basic proficiency, not the timeframe for full implementation. If a company has its own templates, BOM rules or complex update scenarios, it is worth practising the process on a real product after completing the course.

4. Is it possible to publish documentation without revealing the source 3D model?

Yes, provided these are native CAD files with parameters and a build tree. Composer allows you to share 2D images, videos, PDFs and other outputs without SLDPRT or SLDASM. At the same time, interactive SMGs and 3D publications contain the geometry required for viewing. For sensitive projects, it is worth determining in advance whether 2D images, animations or a simplified interactive representation are sufficient.

5. Is Composer documentation updated automatically when a CAD file is modified?

Yes, but via the Update command, not in the background. The author specifies the CAD source, after which SOLIDWORKS Composer retrieves the geometry changes and applies them to the documentation. This avoids having to rebuild the entire manual after every revision. To ensure consistent results, it is important to maintain compatible import settings and the structure of the source model. In this way, SOLIDWORKS Composer maintains the link between the design and the up-to-date documentation.