SW REVISIONS
SW REVISIONS
(OP)
I was wondering if anyone has had trouble with controling revisions made to a part. My experience is that when I change my model and update the parts referencing it, I have know record of the previous state of any part in reference. Therefore, I can not tell exactly what changed for the revision level.
Example:
I have a part A with a Ø.250 hole that has another part B referencing that same hole. Part A gets modifed to have a Ø.375 hole as revA. When I bring up drawing of Part B 2 months later it also has a hole of Ø.375, but no reference of change.
Is there some way to control this?
Example:
I have a part A with a Ø.250 hole that has another part B referencing that same hole. Part A gets modifed to have a Ø.375 hole as revA. When I bring up drawing of Part B 2 months later it also has a hole of Ø.375, but no reference of change.
Is there some way to control this?






RE: SW REVISIONS
Unless PDM does this somehow, but I don't do PDM, so maybe someone else knows...
Mr. Pickles
RE: SW REVISIONS
Hello,
The only way to effectively control Revisions is to use a PDM (Product Data Management) Software.
I strongly recommend that you look into PDM/Works.
Frankly, I don't know how someone can work with out it.
There are other work arounds like using SolidWorks Explorer and Folders, but they are lame work arounds at best.
cheers,
Joseph
RE: SW REVISIONS
I think DetroitPickles is right: you need a macro or mabe PDM.
Regards
RE: SW REVISIONS
RE: SW REVISIONS
Also,I have been trying to find a good revision block editor using VB. Has anyone used such a thing?
RE: SW REVISIONS
We copy the existing drawing to this folder, open up the copy in RapidDraft format and re-save. This temporarily will break the link to the part/assembly and requires you to manually synchonize the drawing to the model. We then make sure the RapidDraft file in checked for read-only.
Design changes can then be made to part/assembly with the newest revision update appearing only on the original drawing.
Check your help for further explanations. It may 'help' you out.
Remember...
"If you don't use your head,
your going to have to use your feet."
RE: SW REVISIONS
Pat R
RE: SW REVISIONS
I just finished our titleblock editor. What's your email address and I'll send it to you.
DT
RE: SW REVISIONS
I would love to see your TB editor. If you care to, please send it to the email address posted in my profile.
Thanks,
TheTick
RE: SW REVISIONS
I can send you in return mine.
My address is andrew@netshop21.com.
Thank you
RE: SW REVISIONS
OK, the basic problem is that this is a parent/child type of relationship. Typically it is easy for the parents to know who their children are but not the other way around. It is a logical paradox. It is a bit like using standard parts in assemblies (I'm talking real world, not CAD). If the standard part changes, the assemblies made with it will automatically change. However the standard part vendor has no idea what assemblies use his parts or what they look like before or after the change. The only way to track this is on a where-used basis which requires some database recording or real-time searching. So both the PDM type approach and SW Explorer where-used approach should be fine.
BTW: Josephv, do you get a commission on PDM/Works?
RE: SW REVISIONS
I have been working on creating a titleblock editor. I have finished the titleblock part in VB. Now I am working on the revblock part. I would be interested in seeing what you guys have created, or any ideas you could share.
thanks
RE: SW REVISIONS
blittle@litnc.com
Thanks!!
RE: SW REVISIONS
Sorry, my email didn't show up.
dhale@greenlee.textron.com
RE: SW REVISIONS
No, I don't get commission on PDM/Works.
I always recommend any CAD user a PDM software.
Quite frankly, I still don't know how someone can run a business without a PDM package.
I am not a PDM/Works expert, but I really enjoy it and find that it saves me time and money.
Feel free to ask me any questions.
Cheers,
Joseph