In-Context Design Advice!

[daveparkinson]

Greetings all! I should probably introduce myself as this is my first post! I'm a recent graduate of Computer Aided Design in Liverpool, UK and I'm 8 months into my first job as an engineer using SolidWorks. My course at University didn't really teach us an awful lot about CAD programs and so I'm still learning as I go! I've scanned over this forum a couple of times and gotten some pretty good advice but this time I need something spelling out to me. I've attached a picture of the product my company makes to give you a clear idea of what I'm trying to do...we sell pretty simple tipper bodies for wagons, in particular we manufacture the steel body.

This is what I want to achieve...

A 'configurable' body that will allow me to specify a length for the body, and either the height or a required cubic metre capcity. So far I think that in-context modelling and design tables are the best method to use, but I am open to any suggestions that you guys think might be useful.

What methods would you use to achieve this? What best practices can you recommend?

Aswell as the dimensions of the body I will have the option to choose different tailgate styles and other similar options, I plan to achieve this using design tables and configurations.

I would also like to be able to automatically save the assembly files after the dimensions have been specified into a new folder with each file given a suitable filename (ie. SP-6500m-1500mm - or something similar). Is this achievable with macros? I know little about data management and would appreciate any help you can offer.

Thanks in advance for any help, and I apologise for the size of the post!

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

You may also want to look into DriveWorks or DriveWorks Express.

 

[JMirisola]

I agree with CBL...
Look at DriveWorksExpress or DriveWorks.
Design tables and/or configurations will only bloat your file sizes needlessly.
You can go to

http://www.driveworks.co.uk

to see their product. They are a gold partner with SolidWorks.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
Certified DriveWorks AE

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

Dell M90, Core2 Duo
4GB RAM
Nvidia 3500M

 

[daveparkinson]

Righto, I will do a little research into DriveWorks when I get to work in an hour or so.

Also Jeff, I see your running a Dell M90, Core2 Duo with 4GB Ram and an Nvidia 3500M - which, coincidentally is the same spec laptop that I'm looking to order from Dell next week. How has the setup worked out for you?

 

[daveparkinson]

Will DriveWorks also give me the capability to automatically save all of the files with a predefined prefix or suffix?

Forgive me if any of these questions sound stupid, I'm still learning from Matt Lombards book...which is a cracker by the way!!

 

[daveparkinson]

Okay Jeff ignore the question about the M90 - I've found the review on your blog!!

By the way, can I say what a massive help all of your blogs, videos, reviews etc are to everyone in the online SW Community - they really help a young novice out. Keep up the good work!