Design Tables (better functionality beyond 2008)?

[BodyBagger]

Hello All,
I am still using SW2008 SP5.0 and was wondering if there have been any improvements allowing for SW and Excel to play nicely with each other in the newer versions? I avoid the design tables whenever possible because I know I will always get the same errors (illegal column headers) even though I have not changed them and the all too popular disappearing tables.

Also, it almost seems to simple to mention but wouldn't it be nice to be able to RMB on a dimension as it is made and have the option of "Add to Design Table" without having to have it open and double clicking on it?

BB

 

[Gupta65]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You can always raise an Enhancement Request. Login to your customer account on

https://customerportal.solidworks.com

and look for Enhancement Requests under my support.

Deepak Gupta
SW2009 SP3.0
SW2007 SP5.0
MathCAD 14.0

 

[SBaugh]

Your problem might be the version of Excel your running. We use Design tables and I have for many years now and have not seen that error you describe above.

Have you contacted your VAR about the message and if so what did they have to say?

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376

 

[ShaggyPE]

Agreed with Scott. I love design tables and have never had the issue you mention.

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Certified SolidWorks Professional
Certified COSMOSWorks Designer Specialist
Certified SolidWorks Advanced Sheet Metal Specialist

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I've not read about the issues (in other forums) you are having either.

Perhaps a repair of Excel and or SW is in order.

What version of Excel?

 

[TheTick]

I've abused Design Tables every way I could dream up, and never had such errors.

 

[drawoh]

I've abused Design Tables every way I could dream up, and never had such errors.

Me too.

I wish some of my co-workers understood design tables.

I am still on SW2007SP54.0. I would like to be able to automatically read model data into the design table. Other than that, I have no complaints.

JHG

 

[BodyBagger]

WOW, that is interesting. My specs are below:
SW2008 SP5.0
XP Pro x64
Office 2007

The specific issues I keep having is the following:

Corrupted Column Headers "Illegal Column Header"

When trying to open the DT I sometimes get "Failed to Launch Application Server". I have been told that when this happens to go to the task manager and kill EXCEL if it is running and then retry. However, whenever this happens the DT is gone the next time I open the model.

To remedy these issues I have been having better luck by creating the DT and then saving to an external location. Then delete it from the model and add it back in and link it from the external location.

I will speak to my VAR and see what advice they can offer, thanks for the input even though it seems as if maybe it's just me (which may be a good thing).

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Can you try downgrading to Excel 2003?

Have you tried a complete reinstall? (OS, SW, Excel)

BTW, I like the RMB > "Add to Design Table" idea.

 

[jefrado]

We use design tables that read external excell files to update models and assemblies.

We have experience between 2008 & 9. There is little or no difference. We did discover that using an older EXCELL program slowed the update process down to a crawl.

The other problem that is a pain the *** is that the design table, at unpredictable intervals, will stop reading the external excell file. Of course it gives no sign that this is happening other than the really interesting model generated. The only solution when this happens is to reboot the computer.

If anyone has any idea how to reestablish the link via VBA code, I would be VERY grateful.