Category: Downloads

Files available for download

Multiple Methods Rounding Tool

Learning and using alternative number rounding methods with Multiple Methods Rounding Tool

Why a rounding tool? Numeric rounding is simply the process of approximating a number (often by removal of digits) to a simpler value that is close to the original. Different methods exist primarily to handle the “tie-breaker” situation (when a number is exactly halfway between two potential results, like 1.5).

The Multiple Methods Rounding Tool (below) uses the powerful decimal.js library to offer a wide range of standard industry rounding modes, including those that specifically address how to handle ties. As such, whether you use this tool on this webpage or download the HTML an launch locally, you will still need internet access.

The tool asks you to set the Rounding Place (where the rounding occurs) and the Rounding Mode (how the tie is broken). [For rounding with tolerance ranges, see Dual-Dimension Tolerance Rounding Tool.]

Rounding Modes Supported

The tool supports nine modes. Modes 0 through 7 are standard, deterministic methods, and Mode 8 is unique for statistical purposes.

ModeNameSimple Explanation (Handling Ties)Example (Rounding 1.5 to nearest unit)
0Round UpRounds away from zero. If the number is positive, it goes up; if negative, it goes down.1.5 to 2.0, -1.5 to -2.0
1Round DownRounds towards zero (also called Truncate). Simply chops off the extra digits.1.5 to 1.0, -1.5 to -1.0
2Round CeilRounds towards positive infinity (always up or stays the same).1.5 to 2.0, -1.5 to -1.0
3Round FloorRounds towards negative infinity (always down or stays the same).1.5 to 1.0, -1.5 to -2.0
4Round Half UpStandard Commercial Rounding. Rounds to the nearest digit, and if it’s a tie (exactly half), it rounds away from zero.1.5 to 2.0, -1.5 to -2.0
5Round Half DownRounds to the nearest digit, and if it’s a tie (exactly half), it rounds towards zero.1.5 to 1.0, -1.5 to -1.0
6Round Half EvenBanker’s Rounding. Rounds to the nearest digit, and if it’s a tie, it rounds to the nearest even number (to reduce statistical bias).1.5 to 2.0, 2.5 to 2.0
7Round Half CeilRounds to the nearest digit, and if it’s a tie, it rounds towards positive infinity.1.5 to 2.0, -1.5 to -1.0
8StochasticZero-Bias Rounding. It randomly rounds up or down, weighted by the fractional part, to ensure the average of many roundings is statistically correct.1.5 to 2.0 (50% of the time), 1.5 to 1.0 (50% of the time)

Multiple Methods Rounding Tool

Note: The rounding place is specified by its 10^N exponent, covering every single place value from 10^9 down to 10^-9. This utility is based on online sources, particular assumptions and calculations. This utility should only be used as a general reference. Results should always be verified. No one is responsible for incorrect information generated by this utility. Use thereof is the sole responsibility of the user. Use at your own risk.

MultipleMethodsRounding.zip

Dual-Dimension Tolerance Rounding Tool

Use this Dual-Dimension Tolerance Calculator to convert dimensions and tolerances between mm and inches. It utilizes the “inward rounding” methodology to prevent tolerance growth or inversion, ensuring your converted limits and bilateral deviations maintain the original design intent. An aid for engineering and professional drawing unit conversion.

This Dual-Dimension Tolerance Rounding Tool is designed to be an aid for professionals who convert engineering dimensions and tolerances between metric (mm) and imperial (in) units.

Therefore, its core purpose is to address the critical risk of tolerance inversion or tolerance growth that can occur when mathematically rounding converted limits. The utility applies a methodology commonly referred to as “inward rounding,” which helps ensure the calculated secondary tolerance zone remains contained within the original primary zone. Although SOLIDWORKS has similar functionality built-in, there may be other times when this calculation is necessary but not available in a particular software.

By presenting limits or bilateral deviations derived from this methodology, the tool assists in reducing manual calculation errors and provides a valuable general reference for maintaining the part’s original design intent.

Note on Use: This utility uses the online decimal.js library for precision; so whether you download the utility or use it here, you’ll need internet access. As always, the results generated should be verified by a professional and used in accordance with your organization’s standards.

Dual-Dimension Tolerance Rounding Tool

Rounded Secondary Dimension (in)
Tolerance Range Comparison (Upper Limit is Left, Lower Limit is Right)
UPPER LIMIT (+Dev) LOWER LIMIT (-Dev)
If Sec. Nom. falls outside the Secondary Range, the condition may be invalid.

This utility is based on online sources, particular assumptions and calculations. This utility should only be used as a general reference. Results should always be verified. No one is responsible for incorrect information generated by this utility. Use thereof is the sole responsibility of the user. Use at your own risk.

DualDimensionTolRoundingTool.zip

Full ASME Revision List

Full ASME list of allowed letters for revisions and view labels

Author: Matthew Lorono

Website: fcsuper.com/swblog

ASME Revision list thumbnail
ASME Revision list

Per ASME Y14.35 standard, these are full lists of allowed letters to serve as revisions and view labels on drawings. There are two choices. The pre-2014 list contains all single and double digit revision letters. The current list (as of 2014) contains all single, double and triple digit revision letters. Omitted are the letters I, O, Q, S, X and Z. File format is Excel, from which the list may be readily copied.

ASME Revision List (pre-2014)

ASME Revision List (as of 2014)

Ctopher Custom Material Database

ctopher custom materials for SOLIDWORKSAuthor: Chris Saller, et al.

Author’s website: ctophers home

Ctopher’s Custom Materials Database allows you to add many materials to SOLIDWORKS which are not currently included as part of the default installation.  Materials range from ceramics, metal alloys, plastics, crystals, and even magnets.  Current version was created using SOLIDWORKS 2016.

This database is provided for reference only, being based on tertiary sources.  The database is not an official offering from DS SolidWorks Corp. in anyway, nor is DS SolidWorks Corp responsible for any content or how it is used.  Information within the database is not guaranteed to be correct or accurate.  Information within the database was submitted from multiple persons and sources.  No one is responsible for the content of the database.  The user of this database uses it at their own risk.  The user is responsible to crosscheck all information for accuracy to a level that suits their own needs. 

The database is a combination of materials used in aerospace and military applications, and SolidWorks users around the world submitting material properties to add to the database. The material mass properties have been tested with actual parts on a scale.

To allow SOLIDWORKS to use the materials in this database:

1.To use, place custom_matls_091516_sw2016.sldmat file into C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 201x\Custom Materials folder.

2.Start SOLIDWORKS and open any part file.

3.In the Feature Tree, right click on Materials and then select Edit Materials.  “Custom_matls_091516” folder will be on your material list.

4.Click on desired subfolder, such as Copper Alloys.

5.Click on desired material to view properties.

6.Click on Apply to apply that material to your part.

7.Click on Close to return to your part.

Download Custom_matls_091516_sw2016.zip