Dummy parts - how to handle quantity?
Dummy parts - how to handle quantity?
(OP)
There are often parts in my projects that I need to show in the BOM, but don't need/want to model. I see two methods of getting those into the BOM; either manually adding and populating rows in the BOM, or adding dummy parts (parts with no bodies, just custom properties) to the main assembly. I prefer the second method--there's no danger of losing the manual edit to the BOM.
If I go the dummy part route, how do I handle quantity? I would prefer to only place one dummy part in the assembly, but what if I need to show a quantity of more than one in the BOM? Those of you that use the dummy part method--how do you do it?
Any help/comments/suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
Brian
If I go the dummy part route, how do I handle quantity? I would prefer to only place one dummy part in the assembly, but what if I need to show a quantity of more than one in the BOM? Those of you that use the dummy part method--how do you do it?
Any help/comments/suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
Brian






RE: Dummy parts - how to handle quantity?
An alternative is to add a "Unit" column to the BOM & include the Unit in the Custom Properties of the dummy part. Different configs can be made for different Units of measure.
Examples:-
Paint (or other fluid) ... Config #1 Unit=Ounces ... Config #2 Unit=Pints ... Config #3 Unit=Gallons.
Wire ... Config #1 Unit=Feet ... Config #2 Unit=100FT Coil ... Config #3 Unit=1,000FT Coil
Making the best use of this Forum. FAQ559-716
How to get answers to your SW questions. FAQ559-1091
Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of. FAQ559-520
RE: Dummy parts - how to handle quantity?
Before SW2005, a dummy part should be a part, otherwise problems would arrive related to mass properties ("parts" with no geometry does not have mass properties).
I used to create parts with a simple geometry (like a small cilinder) with a density resulting on a mass near zero. These parts where hidded once in an assembly.
Now, with the assigning mass availability in SW2005, I must check if ageometry is required.
Regards
RE: Dummy parts - how to handle quantity?
I too prefer the
method to get them into the BOM. To organize the parts in the Feature Tree I recommend inserting a subassembly named "Dummy Parts" or "Virtual BOM Entries" or something along those lines, where the subassembly only contains dummy/blank geometry components.
Ken
RE: Dummy parts - how to handle quantity?
We use the old Excel BOM, so I don't know if this applies to you, but from Ron Yule at SOLID Solutions Advanced we copied this tip.
1. Edit the BOM template in Excel
2. Add 2 columns immediately to the right of the QTY column.
3. Add STRING and QTY as headings for the new columns, assuming these will be columns C and D, respectively.
4. In the (new) QTY column (column D), insert an Excel formula that points to the STRING column if there is any text there; i.e., =IF(ISBLANK(C2),B2,C2).
5. Copy the formula down from D2 to D200 (or whatever is the biggest BOM you anticipate).
6. Right-click on the column header of the original QTY column and select Hide.
7. Also hide the STRING columns (column B and C).
8. In any part you want listed with a string quantity, create a custom property called STRING, and put the text string into that property (for example, "3 sets").
Note: If any changes to the assembly are made, you must edit the BOM template to update the added columns.
ANOTHER NOTE: IF YOU USE THE SAME PART IN 2 DIFFERENT ASSEMBLIES WITH 2 DIFFERENT QUANTITIES YOU MUST CREATE A NEW CONFIGURATION WITH A DIFFERENT CUSTOM PROPERTY STRING.
I hope this helps.
Sylvia
RE: Dummy parts - how to handle quantity?
We put in dumpy parts into the assembly at zero, zero. Remove mates and fix the part, then hide, which only really changes view in the tree.
Bradley
RE: Dummy parts - how to handle quantity?
Editing the Excel is a snap. But you need to follow these basic rules:
1) When you need to add parts in your Excel BOM that are NOT SW parts you must insert them BEFORE or AFTER the SW parts. Inserting Non SW parts/items (i.e. Loctite, Grease etc...) in between will be deleted When your drawing is updated.
2) When you do add non SW parts, try to color the text in Excel (like the color RED for contrast). This allows you and other users know that these items were added manually and not affected by drawing updates.
3) If you don't like the way the parts are displayed in your Excel drawing BOM, go to your main assembly and rearrange the parts in the command manager tree. Then update or recreate your BOM in your drawing.
4) Pay attention to the configuration properties when inserting the Excel BOM. there are many options to choose.
"Show parts only"
"Show top level subassemblies and parts only"
"Show assemblies and parts in an indented list"
Depending on which one you select; it will give you different results and will sometimes repeat part numbers.
Hope this helps.
Macduff
Meggitt Airdynamics Inc.
Senior Designer/Checker
Dell Precision 370
SW2005 Pro SP 1.1
XP Pro SP2.0
NIVIDA Quadro FX 1300