Printing Components

[sbmathias]

I'd like to be able to execute a command that gets a list of the components of an assembly, then gets the drawings of each component, and then prints those drawings. Seems like this should be part of the basic system, but doesn't appear to be. I've asked around about this, but have always been told that I'd need to write it myself. So, I've just about decided to do it myself. My question is how to get started. I don't see too much in API Help, although I'll keep poking around.

I suppose I'd start by calling the Find References function (recursively), opening each object, then opening each drawing, then printing. Conceptually simple, but I'd welcome any recommendations on where to start, or pointers to resources.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

A starting point might be the AssemblyBOM macro at

http://webpages.charter.net/mkikstra/SolidWorks.html

Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[smcadman]

I'd like to be able to execute a command that gets a list of the components of an assembly, then gets the drawings of each component, and then prints those drawings.

Out of curiosity, which other MCAD program does this without additional programming?

This may be a problem if you put an assembly drawing in one packet; meaning all parts and sub-assemblies of a project are in one drawing. You would have to tell it to find which page it's on, and also what will it do if that part is in a sub-assembly on a sheet.

Of course, this will not be a problem if you only have a singe part per drawing. We tried that once, but after having to print 58 different drawings we decided it was easier to put the whole assembly and parts in one drawing packet.

Flores
SW06 SP3.0

 

[handleman]

This shouldn't be too bad to do, assuming:

1. All the drawing files are in the same directory
2. Drawing file names are the same or relate in some standard way to part file names.
3. All print settings (size, etc) are saved correctly in the drawing file.

The reason for 1 and 2 is that I'm pretty sure there is no reference in a part file itself to a drawing file. Or to an assembly, for that matter, unless it has in-context features.

Number 3 is an issue I tend to run into. For example, if I start with a B-size drawing template, it's set up to print to our HP Laser-Jet in landscape on 11x17 paper. If I decide to change to C or A size I have to make sure to change the page setup before I print. Also, starting with 2005 (I think) SW will print the grid if it's turned on. There may be a "print grid if displayed" setting somewhere, but I haven't found it.