huge "replace components" project
huge "replace components" project
(OP)
I have a replace component problem.
Ok, the best I can describe my problem is we have two main folders. "Fixtures" and "standard parts" The fixtures folder has about 30 sub-olders each dealing with a specific fixture we make. The Standard parts folder is similar, but with folders such as ballast, lamps, sockets, and the dreaded hardware.
In the hardware folder, previous engineers would draw a screw, name it 8-32 screw", "20035229" (for the part number), etc. Nothing has a configuration with it, the 8-32 is just that, one 8-32 screw.
We use hundreds of hardware components, and I recently made a subfolder in the hardware, labeled "fasteners" which has models for screws, nuts, and washers. Every distict item we have, i created a configuration with the appropriate part number and size using design tables. So 200 pieces of hardware are divided into 15 files.
Here is the question. Is it possible to select an old piece of hardware that is used in multiple folders, in multiple assemblies, and replace it with one of my new pieces using the correct configuration. Or must I do everything assembly by assembly?
And
Can I take two different models, and somehow link together specific features so the mates don't get messed up when i replace a component.
Ok, the best I can describe my problem is we have two main folders. "Fixtures" and "standard parts" The fixtures folder has about 30 sub-olders each dealing with a specific fixture we make. The Standard parts folder is similar, but with folders such as ballast, lamps, sockets, and the dreaded hardware.
In the hardware folder, previous engineers would draw a screw, name it 8-32 screw", "20035229" (for the part number), etc. Nothing has a configuration with it, the 8-32 is just that, one 8-32 screw.
We use hundreds of hardware components, and I recently made a subfolder in the hardware, labeled "fasteners" which has models for screws, nuts, and washers. Every distict item we have, i created a configuration with the appropriate part number and size using design tables. So 200 pieces of hardware are divided into 15 files.
Here is the question. Is it possible to select an old piece of hardware that is used in multiple folders, in multiple assemblies, and replace it with one of my new pieces using the correct configuration. Or must I do everything assembly by assembly?
And
Can I take two different models, and somehow link together specific features so the mates don't get messed up when i replace a component.






RE: huge "replace components" project
Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion
RE: huge "replace components" project
RE: huge "replace components" project
They were originally 2 design groups in 2 locations and merged back into one building on one server, but had so many duplicates, different fasteners, etc.
I ended up making a new "parts library", setup everyone's computer with file references to the new library, and new fastener library I created.
The fasteners/hardware will be harder than just replace and good. If they're single parts you won't have much replacability. You'll more than likely have to go assembly by assembly and do it as you come across them. That's what I'm doing here. I'll move and purge purchase parts as I come across them. Because it was so bad I don't care if I break old models, I'd rather the library be correct and we can fix a few mates the next time that model is used.
There's really nothing better than drawing the line in the sand. Just stay diligent and you'll get through it and really clean up.
James Spisich
Design Engineer, CSWP
RE: huge "replace components" project
This was done at the assembly level.
Also it was done using the Doc. Manager so SW didn't have to be active.
I'm guessing you could look for configs as well. If you want to look at what we have I can send it to you or post it.
RE: huge "replace components" project
I misread.
Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion
RE: huge "replace components" project
Charlie
RE: huge "replace components" project
I was referring to your "SolidWorks Express" reference. I assume you meant SW Explorer. The Express seems to be more about AutoCAD these days.
RE: huge "replace components" project
Thank you. Yes I did mean SW Explorer. Not a good week.
Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion
RE: huge "replace components" project
This does use the SW Document Manager so you will have to contact SW to get a key if you don't have one.
RE: huge "replace components" project
If the components you replace are derived from a common ancestor, then there should be little trouble. If components were created independently, then mates will fail due to internal ID being different.
RE: huge "replace components" project
Some items were created using existing parts, and some files were created independently. For those created independently, is there a way I can change the name for say a certain face to mimmic that of the part I will be replacing.
Ex. Can I open up "Bolt A" in folder 1, and "Bold B" in folder 2. Clicking on say the bottom surface of the each bolt head (places where a mate was likely to been made) and somehow naming there face to be identical? Even though Bolt A and Bolt B were modeled differently.
I just finished the new hardware folder and have only attempted replacing the hardware on two or three assemblies.
Charlie
RE: huge "replace components" project
You can accept the error but you might have some mates to fix.
RE: huge "replace components" project
Needless to say, you couldn't simply replace one screw with another without fixing all kinds of errors. Good luck and have patience.
Flores
RE: huge "replace components" project
If that doesn't work, once might be able to use the API to automate the mate reconstruction. I am envisioning a table of the feature names of the old hardware and the corresponding feature name of the new hardware. The macro could then scan through each assembly, use the table to match up parts for replacement and either fix or recreate the mates. I expect that creating the macro and populating the table would both be significant undertakings.
Eric
RE: huge "replace components" project
Don't be afraid to break old models if you're trying to fix things. It's going to happen, and it's better to deal with it and have a better reference library going forward instead of using bad models, or models that have copies etc. Garbage in, garbage out in that sense, but with the copies it can be a real pain if you're trying to work on a lot of different things. Can be worse breaking models this way because one day you could replace the model, and the next day it's broken again because you have a different copy of the model open. You want to set it up so you only have to fix it once.
James Spisich
Design Engineer, CSWP
RE: huge "replace components" project
The downside is that not only do the faces have to have common names, but each assembly would have to be opened and saved to "record" the face names before executing the swap.
RE: huge "replace components" project
Even more so if you have multiple files with multiple names for the mating face you want to use.
James Spisich
Design Engineer, CSWP