Resources | Samer Noufal

Resources

Code, Articles & Guides

Curated snippets, articles, and learning content from the world of manufacturing software engineering.

Traverse SolidWorks Assembly Tree

Recursively walk a SolidWorks assembly tree to collect all component references, paths, and suppression states. Essential for BOM extraction and batch operations.

csharp

public void TraverseAssembly(Component2 comp, int level)
{
    var children = (object[])comp.GetChildren();
    foreach (Component2 child in children)
    {
        string indent = new string(' ', lev…

SolidWorks APIC#Assembly

2026-03-10View Code →

SnippetSolidWorks API

Export BOM to CSV from SolidWorks

Extract a Bill of Materials from an active SolidWorks assembly document and write it to a CSV file with part number, description, quantity, and material.

csharp

public void ExportBomToCsv(ModelDoc2 model, string outputPath)
{
    var feat = model.FirstFeature();
    while (feat != null)
    {
        if (feat.GetTypeName2() == "BomFeat")
        {
           …

SolidWorks APIC#BOMCSV

2026-03-10View Code →

SnippetAutomation

Batch Export Drawings to PDF

Iterate through a folder of SolidWorks drawing files (.slddrw) and export each as a PDF, preserving sheet sizes and custom properties.

csharp

public void BatchExportPdf(string folderPath)
{
    var swApp = (SldWorks)Marshal.GetActiveObject("SldWorks.Application");
    foreach (var file in Directory.GetFiles(folderPath, "*.slddrw"))
    {
  …

SolidWorks APIC#PDFBatch

2026-03-10View Code →

Snippet.NET

WPF RelayCommand Pattern

A clean implementation of the ICommand interface for WPF MVVM applications. Supports both synchronous and async execution with CanExecute logic.

csharp

public class RelayCommand : ICommand
{
    private readonly Action<object?> _execute;
    private readonly Predicate<object?>? _canExecute;

    public RelayCommand(Action<object?> execute,
        Pr…

WPFMVVMC#.NET

2026-03-08View Code →

ArticleManufacturing

Why Manufacturing Needs Custom Software

Off-the-shelf PLM and ERP systems can't cover every workflow. Learn why custom desktop tools, SolidWorks add-ins, and web configurators are becoming essential for competitive manufacturers.

ManufacturingStrategyCustom Software

2026-03-12Read More →

ArticleSolidWorks API

Getting Started with the SolidWorks API

A beginner-friendly introduction to SolidWorks API development using C# and .NET. Covers setting up your project, connecting to SolidWorks, and automating your first task.

SolidWorks APIC#TutorialBeginner

2026-03-11Read More →

ArticleWeb Dev

Building 3D Configurators for Manufacturing

How to build browser-based CPQ configurators using React and Three.js. Covers parametric geometry, material systems, real-time pricing, and integration with manufacturing workflows.

Three.jsReactCPQ3DConfigurators

2026-03-09Read More →

GuideManufacturing

Sheet Metal Bend Allowance Calculator

Understand bend allowance, bend deduction, and K-factor calculations for sheet metal fabrication. Includes formulas, lookup tables, and practical examples.

Sheet MetalEngineeringCalculationsHVAC

2026-03-07Read More →

GuideAutomation

G-Code Basics for Software Developers

A developer-oriented guide to CNC G-code. Learn the coordinate system, common commands (G0, G1, G2, G3), feed rates, spindle control, and how to generate toolpaths programmatically.

CNCG-CodeManufacturingTutorial

2026-03-06Read More →

SnippetSolidWorks API

Read & Write SolidWorks Custom Properties

Access and modify custom properties on SolidWorks documents and configurations using the CustomPropertyManager. The foundation of every SolidWorks automation project.

csharp

public void ReadWriteCustomProperties(ModelDoc2 model)
{
    var ext = model.Extension;

    // Read all file-level custom properties
    var mgr = ext.CustomPropertyManager[""];
    object names = nu…

SolidWorks APIC#Custom PropertiesMetadata

2026-03-13View Code →

SnippetSolidWorks API

Export to STEP & IGES Programmatically

Automate exporting SolidWorks parts and assemblies to STEP (.stp) and IGES (.igs) neutral formats for supplier exchange, 3D printing, and cross-platform CAD compatibility.

csharp

public void ExportToStepAndIges(ModelDoc2 model, string outputFolder)
{
    int errors = 0, warnings = 0;
    string title = Path.GetFileNameWithoutExtension(model.GetTitle());

    // Export as STEP …

SolidWorks APIC#STEPIGESExport

2026-03-13View Code →

SnippetAutomation

Parse DXF Files in C#

Read and extract geometry entities (lines, arcs, circles) from AutoCAD DXF files using C#. Essential for nesting, laser cutting, and CNC manufacturing workflows.

csharp

// Using the netDxf library (NuGet: netDxf)
using netDxf;
using netDxf.Entities;

public List<EntityInfo> ParseDxfFile(string filePath)
{
    var doc = DxfDocument.Load(filePath);
    var results = ne…

DXFC#CADFile ParsingCNC

2026-03-04View Code →

Snippet.NET

WPF Data Binding with ObservableCollection

Bind a dynamic list of items to a WPF ListView or DataGrid using ObservableCollection and INotifyPropertyChanged. The core MVVM data binding pattern for .NET desktop apps.

csharp

public class PartViewModel : ObservableObject
{
    public ObservableCollection<Part> Parts { get; } = new();

    private Part? _selectedPart;
    public Part? SelectedPart
    {
        get => _sele…

WPFC#Data BindingMVVMObservableCollection

2026-03-05View Code →

SnippetWeb Dev

Load 3D Models in React with Three.js

Load and display glTF/GLB 3D models in a React application using React Three Fiber and the useGLTF hook. Includes orbit controls, lighting, and Suspense loading.

typescript

import { Canvas } from '@react-three/fiber';
import { OrbitControls, useGLTF, Environment } from '@react-three/drei';
import { Suspense } from 'react';

function Model({ url }: { url: string }) {
  co…

Three.jsReactglTFReact Three Fiber3D

2026-03-02View Code →

ArticleManufacturing

AI in Manufacturing: Practical Use Cases for 2026

Five actionable AI use cases for manufacturing — from predictive maintenance to computer vision quality inspection. Includes ROI examples and guidance on starting small.

AIManufacturingPredictive MaintenanceComputer VisionIndustry 4.0

2026-03-14Read More →

ArticleManufacturing

Digital Twins: A Developer's Introduction

What digital twins actually are, how they're architected, and what tech stacks power them. A practical guide for software developers entering the manufacturing IoT space.

Digital TwinIoTSimulationIndustry 4.0Real-Time Data

2026-03-14Read More →

ArticleSolidWorks API

Getting Started with SolidWorks PDM API

An introduction to the SolidWorks PDM Professional API — connecting to vaults, reading file metadata, and building add-ins. Covers the key differences from the SolidWorks API.

SolidWorks PDMAPIC#VaultAutomation

2026-03-11Read More →

ArticleWeb Dev

From Desktop to Web: Modernizing Manufacturing Tools

A practical comparison of WPF desktop and React web applications for manufacturing. When to migrate, what works on web, and how to plan a hybrid approach.

WPFReactMigrationWeb AppsManufacturing

2026-03-08Read More →

GuideManufacturing

CAD File Formats Compared: STEP vs IGES vs STL vs DXF

A comprehensive comparison of the most common CAD interchange formats. Understand when to use STEP, IGES, STL, or DXF based on geometry type, downstream process, and compatibility.

STEPIGESSTLDXFCADFile Formats

2026-03-03Read More →

GuideAutomation

CNC Feeds and Speeds Quick Reference

Essential formulas, material lookup tables, and tool-specific adjustments for calculating CNC feed rates and spindle speeds. Includes a programmatic calculation example.

CNCFeedsSpeedsMachiningManufacturing

2026-03-01Read More →

Guide.NET

COM Interop Best Practices for .NET Developers

Essential patterns for reliable COM automation from C# — proper object cleanup, STA threading, the two-dot rule, and avoiding memory leaks when automating SolidWorks, Excel, and other COM servers.

COM InteropC#.NETSolidWorksExcelAutomation

2026-03-02Read More →

SnippetSolidWorks API

Read & Write Cut-List Properties for Weldments

Access custom properties on weldment and sheet metal cut-list items — a completely different API path from standard file-level custom properties that trips up most developers.

csharp

public void ReadCutListProperties(ModelDoc2 model)
{
    var feat = (Feature)model.FirstFeature();
    while (feat != null)
    {
        if (feat.GetTypeName2() == "CutListFolder")
        {
        …

SolidWorks APIC#WeldmentsCut-ListSheet Metal

2026-02-28View Code →

SnippetSolidWorks API

Create Temporary Bodies with IModeler

Use IModeler to create geometry without features — the advanced SolidWorks API technique for fast mass property calculations, interference checks, and custom geometry operations.

csharp

public void TempBodyDemo(SldWorks swApp, ModelDoc2 model)
{
    var modeler = (Modeler)swApp.GetModeler();
    var mathUtil = (MathUtility)swApp.GetMathUtility();

    // Create a temp cylinder (cente…

SolidWorks APIC#IModelerIBody2Geometry

2026-02-27View Code →

SnippetSolidWorks API

Add Assembly Mates Programmatically

Use the SolidWorks API to add coincident, distance, and angle mates in assemblies. Covers the confusing selection mark system that trips up most developers.

csharp

public void AddCoincidentMate(AssemblyDoc assy)
{
    var model = (ModelDoc2)assy;
    var ext = model.Extension;

    // Clear any existing selection
    model.ClearSelection2(true);

    // Select f…

SolidWorks APIC#AssemblyMatesConstraints

2026-02-25View Code →

SnippetSolidWorks API

Store Persistent Data with Attributes

Use SolidWorks Attributes to store custom data directly on geometry — faces, edges, components. The hidden API feature that most developers never discover.

csharp

public void AttributeDemo(SldWorks swApp, ModelDoc2 model)
{
    // Step 1: Define the attribute (once per session)
    var attDef = (AttributeDef)swApp.DefineAttribute(
        "MyApp.FaceData");
   …

SolidWorks APIC#AttributesData StorageMetadata

2026-02-24View Code →

SnippetSolidWorks API

Understanding Component Transforms

Master MathTransform in the SolidWorks API — the 4x4 matrix that controls component position and rotation in assemblies. Essential for coordinate conversion and component placement.

csharp

public void TransformDemo(SldWorks swApp, AssemblyDoc assy)
{
    var model = (ModelDoc2)assy;
    var mathUtil = (MathUtility)swApp.GetMathUtility();

    // Get a component's transform
    var comp …

SolidWorks APIC#MathTransformAssemblyCoordinates

2026-02-22View Code →

ArticleSolidWorks API

Understanding the SolidWorks B-Rep Model

The B-Rep (Boundary Representation) model is the foundation of all geometry access in the SolidWorks API. Learn the critical difference between topology and geometry objects.

SolidWorks APIB-RepTopologyGeometryFacesEdges

2026-02-20Read More →

ArticleSolidWorks API

Building a SolidWorks Add-in from Scratch in C#

The complete guide to creating a SolidWorks add-in — COM registration, ISwAddin interface, command groups, TaskPane UI, event callbacks, and deployment to other machines.

SolidWorks APIC#Add-inCOMRegistration

2026-02-18Read More →

GuideSolidWorks API

SolidWorks Feature Types Reference (GetTypeName2)

The definitive lookup table of GetTypeName2() return values — 60+ feature type strings mapped to human-readable names. The reference every SolidWorks API developer bookmarks.

SolidWorks APIFeaturesReferenceGetTypeName2Lookup

2026-02-15Read More →

GuideSolidWorks API

SolidWorks Drawing Automation: The Hard Parts

Practical tips for the most frustrating parts of drawing automation — view transforms, annotation positioning, scale handling, and dimension placement gotchas.

SolidWorks APIC#DrawingsAutomationViewsAnnotations

2026-02-12Read More →

Snippet.NET

File System Watcher Pattern in C#

Monitor directories for file changes with debouncing and error recovery — the production-hardened pattern that handles FileSystemWatcher's notorious quirks.

csharp

using System.IO;
using System.Timers;

public class FileChangeMonitor : IDisposable
{
    private readonly FileSystemWatcher _watcher;
    private readonly Timer _debounce;
    private string? _lastPa…

C#.NETFileSystemWatcherEventsFile I/O

2026-03-15View Code →

Snippet.NET

Safe File Copy, Move, and Directory Sync in C#

Robust file operations with retry logic, timestamp-based change detection, and conflict awareness. Patterns from a production PDM file sync tool.

csharp

public static class SafeFileOps
{
    /// <summary>Copy with exponential backoff retry.</summary>
    public static void CopyWithRetry(string src, string dest, int maxRetries = 3)
    {
        for (i…

C#.NETFile I/OSyncError Handling

2026-03-16View Code →

SnippetSolidWorks API

Drive Assembly Dimensions with Equations API

Use the SolidWorks Equation Manager to read, update, and rebuild assembly dimensions from external code. The foundation for any parametric configurator or WPF-driven design tool.

csharp

using SolidWorks.Interop.sldworks;

public class EquationManagerService
{
    public void UpdateGlobalVariables(
        ModelDoc2 assemblyDoc,
        Dictionary<string, string> globalVariables)
    …

SolidWorks APIC#EquationsParametricDimensions

2026-03-17View Code →

SnippetSolidWorks API

Scan Assembly Dependencies Without Opening Files

Use GetDocumentDependencies2 to discover all referenced parts, sub-assemblies, and drawings without opening the file. Scans 500+ component assemblies in under a second.

csharp

using SolidWorks.Interop.sldworks;

public List<string> ScanDependencies(ISldWorks swApp, string assemblyPath)
{
    var uniquePaths = new HashSet<string>(StringComparer.OrdinalIgnoreCase);

    // No…

SolidWorks APIC#DependenciesPDMPerformance

2026-03-18View Code →

SnippetSolidWorks API

Automate SolidWorks Pack and Go

Programmatically package a SolidWorks assembly with all referenced files. Supports including drawings, flattening folders, adding prefix/suffix, and auto-incrementing serial numbers.

csharp

using SolidWorks.Interop.sldworks;

public string PerformPackAndGo(ModelDoc2 assemblyDoc, string destPath,
    string prefix)
{
    var swExt = assemblyDoc.Extension;
    var swPackAndGo = swExt.GetPa…

SolidWorks APIC#Pack and GoFile Management

2026-03-19View Code →

Snippet.NET

SolidWorks Connection Manager with Mock Fallback

Thread-safe singleton that manages the SolidWorks COM connection with registry-based detection and automatic mock mode fallback for development without SolidWorks.

csharp

using Microsoft.Win32;
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
using SolidWorks.Interop.sldworks;

public class SolidWorksManager
{
    private static SolidWorksManager? _instance;
    private static re…

C#.NETSingletonSolidWorks APIDesign Pattern

2026-03-20View Code →

GuideSolidWorks API

Hosting WPF Controls in SolidWorks TaskPane

Embed a WPF UserControl inside a SolidWorks TaskPane using the ElementHost bridge. Includes the keyboard input workaround essential for text fields to work — a solution not documented in official SolidWorks API docs.

SolidWorks APIC#WPFAdd-inTaskPaneElementHost

2026-03-21Read More →

ArticleSolidWorks API

Advanced Assembly Tree Traversal with Filtering

Production-grade assembly tree extraction that handles suppressed components, envelope exclusions, virtual parts, and configuration-aware traversal. Goes beyond basic recursion to build a filterable tree structure.

SolidWorks APIC#AssemblyBOMTree TraversalFiltering

2026-03-22Read More →

ArticleManufacturing

Bin Packing for Manufacturing: BFD + Local Search

A three-phase bin packing optimizer for 1D cutting/nesting problems. Best-Fit Decreasing for initial placement, local search for improvement, and domain-specific constraint redistribution.

C#OptimizationBin PackingNestingAlgorithmManufacturing

2026-03-23Read More →

Article.NET

File Sync with Conflict Detection

Implement a manifest-based file synchronization system with conflict detection. Track file states via JSON, compare timestamps with tolerance, and detect when files were modified by others during offline work.

C#.NETFile SyncJSONConflict Detection

2026-03-24Read More →