Rename Parts in Assembly

[goodlook]

I am a new user and I opened an external file in SW 2007 assembly environment.

I was trying to rename the parts in explorer.
My question is:
1. Is it possible to rename same name for identical parts, like screws,washers of same type and size?
(When I rename with same name,it asks to replace it/or not?)

Any suggestions,please

Thanks

 

[ctopher]

Are you using Windows Explorer or SolidWorks Explorer?
I suggest using SolidWorks Explorer.
You can also open the assy...then the open the part, do a save-as on the part while part & assy are open. It will replace the old part with the new.

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
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[CorBlimeyLimey]

"I am a new user and I opened an external file in SW 2007 assembly environment."
You will not be able to rename a part while it is open in SW.

"I was trying to rename the parts in explorer."
SW Explorer or Windows Explorer? (Should use SW Explorer)

"My question is:
1. Is it possible to rename same name for identical parts, like screws,washers of same type and size?
(When I rename with same name,it asks to replace it/or not?)"
I'm not sure what you're trying to do here. Can you give a more detailed explanation?

 

[smcadman]

You cannot name different parts with the same name. You want to give each part a unique name.

It sounds like it is a good time to start a naming convention if you don't have one and create company standards as well.

There was a time (many, many moons ago) that we used basic names like "LEFT BRACKET" or "BOTTOM SUPPORT" and then whenever we started using PDMWorks all heck broke loose whenever we checked stuff in. We open an assembly up and it was like "what the heck is that part doing here?" Waste some days repairing crap and you'll appreciate a naming convention.



Flores

 

[goodlook]

I was using SolidWorks Explorer.

The Assembly file has so many similar parts. For Example it has Socket Head Cap Screws of size M12x60 long-12 Numbers.

Is there a way I can rename it with Qty: 12, Instead of M12-60-1,M12-60-2,etc...

Is there a macro program to do this?

Thanks

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

No ... and you shouldn't even try to.

The reason they are there is so that SW can keep track of the quantity ... so that you don't have to.

To tidy up the Feature Manager, create a folder and gather all the same numbered parts into it.

Also, inserting the same parts into the assy using a feature pattern will automatically create a pattern feature at the bottom of the FM tree.

I suggest you work through all of the SW tutorials in the Help section.

 

[handleman]

While I echo the recommendations above to go through all the tutorials, I think I may have an idea...

You say you opened up an "external file". Does that mean like a Parasolid or IGES file? If you opened some type of neutral file type and SolidWorks converted it into an assembly, I can see how you would get a separate file for each M12x60 socket head cap screw. It may be possible to simply delete all but one of the like files with SW closed. Then open the assembly. When SW tells you that it can't find each file and asks you if you want to locate it yourself, browse to the one file you didn't delete. If it's an assembly created by importing, there won't be any mates to get messed up, and I think SW should put the part in the proper location.

Unfortunately, I don't know of any quick way to do this for an assembly.

-handleman, CSWP (The new, easy test)