Part Quantities When Using "Stacked" Balloons
Part Quantities When Using "Stacked" Balloons
(OP)
When using stacked balloons that apply to multiple locations of parts on an assembly, is it more "accepted" to place the "2X" beside the first balloon with the assumption that the fabricator will understand that the quantity applies to all balloons in the stack OR place the "2X" beside every balloon in the stack?
Note that I use SolidWorks but do not use the split balloon feature in the software for other reasons, so this is not an option.
Thanks in advance for feedback!
Note that I use SolidWorks but do not use the split balloon feature in the software for other reasons, so this is not an option.
Thanks in advance for feedback!





RE: Part Quantities When Using "Stacked" Balloons
Is the QTY note parametric?
Is there a reason (company standard?) which does not allow the use of a BOM with QTY?
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091
RE: Part Quantities When Using "Stacked" Balloons
RE: Part Quantities When Using "Stacked" Balloons
Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)
RE: Part Quantities When Using "Stacked" Balloons
RE: Part Quantities When Using "Stacked" Balloons
RE: Part Quantities When Using "Stacked" Balloons
There are idiots in every field... it is best to produce drawings that are idiot resistant, not idiot proof, they will just make a better idiot. In my opinion that means labeling everything.
RE: Part Quantities When Using "Stacked" Balloons
RE: Part Quantities When Using "Stacked" Balloons
For example: I have in my BOM items 1 (screw), 2 (lockwasher), 3 (flatwasher), & 4 (nut), qty of 12. My drawing has two paterns of these screws, one 4 holes, one 8 holes. Each pattern will be called out seperately in stacked balloons, one qty of 4, one qty of 8. In a section, I show how the items are assembled and call them out again. This time they will be references--with no qty.
RE: Part Quantities When Using "Stacked" Balloons
RE: Part Quantities When Using "Stacked" Balloons
I have used stacks of split item balloons to show how many fasteners are required to attach specific parts. This is particularly helpful when you are using the same screw, over and over again. Using the same screw over and over again is good design practice.
My box, item 15 is attached using 4X item_22. Another box, item 28 is attached using 6X item_22. The parts list will show at least QTY_6 of item_22.
SolidWorks does not support this, but the work-around is trivial. I systematically customize the QTY part of the split balloon. Changes to the parts list will be caused by me using the screws elsewhere, and the action tracked by the parts list. If I do change the number of screws in the part, I know I must fix my assembly drawing. Again, the parts list will be correct.
I would use the split item balloons if at all possible, because I would not want to have to keep your "2X" text next to the balloons as I moved stuff around. Your drawing will quickly turn into a mess. I am still on SW2003. Perhaps the newer versions allow you to attach text to item balloons?
You need a convention on what it means when 2X item_15 is attached by 4X item_22. Is that a total of four screws, or is it 2X2? I prefer the absolute total.
In the past, on a drafting board or on 2D ACAD, I have carefully placed the 2X right next to the balloon. I used curly brackets to quantify the entire balloon stack. As noted above, I would not dare do this on 3D CAD like SolidWorks.
I have seen a number of people create balloon stacks of fifteen to twenty parts. I hate this. As an assembly instruction or specification, it is practically useless.
JHG