Add custom parts to toolbox
Add custom parts to toolbox
(OP)
I have a top assembly that I am getting ready to check-in to PDMWorks. We are just now implementing PDM, even though we have sub-asemblies that were created six months ago. Some of the hardware was found on-line and imported into Solidworks. Other hardware parts were created as a part by engineers. I have tried a couple of test check-ins on smaller sub assemblies only to find that PDM does not recognize these as tool box parts and so they become revision controlled and roll rev's. A good amount of hardware was brought in through the Solidworks toolbox but even some of that is not recognized as being a toolbox part. (Maybe because we renamed the parts to our company part numbers?) How do I get PDM to recognize these parts as being toolbox parts? I've thought about just blowing out all the hardware and starting over. But there are 17 assemblies and I don't want to go through all the work if there is an easier way. Help!!






RE: Add custom parts to toolbox
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
RE: Add custom parts to toolbox
RE: Add custom parts to toolbox
One for our Engineers replaced all the ¼-20 x ¾ inch screws to ¼-20 x 1 inch, about 50 of them. He had 100 mate errors. None of our screws could be replaced with any other screw without mate errors. Something had to be done.
Our fix was to start with one screw, save as copy and change the size and description. Now every screw and bolt is built off the same root model. Washers were done the same way. At the same time mate references were inserted. We also built subassemblies of washers and screws.
Bottom line: We can now replace a 10-32 x 1 inch screw with a ½-13 x 1-1/2 screw without mate errors. A lock washer will replace a flat, lock, high collar or star washer. I have tested each reference mate by inserting every screw in an assembly. This also makes it easy to check into PDM; yes we do control revisions of hardware. How we manage the system is left for another time.
Bradley
RE: Add custom parts to toolbox
Eric
RE: Add custom parts to toolbox
RE: Add custom parts to toolbox
Bradley
RE: Add custom parts to toolbox
Then I worked for a company with Pro-E and they made a generic part for each main fastener catagory and used configurations (Pro-E calls them family tables) to make the different sizes of bolts, screws, washers, etc... Many parts can be made very quickly with a design table. Then instead of replace, you can go to component properties and choose the part you want. The part is switched out and all mates are retained.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using configurations verses the save as copy method?
RE: Add custom parts to toolbox
Every size in one file thus easier to manage.
Easier to swap sizes in assy.
Disadvatages of configurations:
Large file size (though probably the same as adding up several files)
Jason
UG NX2.02.2 on Win2000 SP3
SolidWorks 2006 SP4.0 on WinXP SP2
RE: Add custom parts to toolbox
For screws, it is best to use a DT to control only the lengths of one diameter & type of screw.
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