Global Parameters SW2005

[freeflycpi]

Hi,
I am new to Solidworks and this user group. I have been a 3D guy since 1992 and have a vast knowledge of Inventor and Mech Desktop but the transition to Solidworks has been a bit frustrating. First time using Solidworks about 2 weeks ago.

Is it possible to link individual parts to the same design table?

We produce fuel nozzle assemblies that are typically similar in design but different based on customer requests and engineering specs. One part is very much dependant another.

Our typical workflow has been to have a list of variables on sheet 1 in an excel spreadsheet and have all of the engineering specs and performance data in subsequent worksheets. We have all of our parts linked to it. It allows all the parts to look to one place and changes to the assembly can be made in one edit and then update the assembly.

This seems pretty basic and I am sure I am overlooking something.

Thanks,
Deano

 

[Standing]

Deano,
If I understand you, what I would suggest is to look into configurations. As a rule of thumb I would not make configurations to complicated.


Bradley

 

[freeflycpi]

I guess the silence suggests that it is not possible to have a single spreadsheet drive different parts.

I have been chasing this for 2 days, this is what I've learned. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

1. Design tables when used in a part provide a way to control parameters with the ability to tap into the power of excel. They are also used in assemblies to control configurations.

2. A design table cannot be referenced by multiple parts.

3. The only possible way to have multiple parts look into a single spreadsheet is to have a design table with a cell reference that opens another workbook containing the list of values.
For example, the contents of a cell in a design table that is under d1@sketch1 would be
"=[DesignSheet.XLS]Sheet1!B2"

Any ideas, comments would be greatly appreciated.
Deano

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

The findings listed in your second post are correct. However, regarding number 3, you can only reference a "standalone" Excel file. ie; one that is not dynamically linked to a SW part. Design Tables are "buried" in a SW file, once "saved as" they are no longer associated to the file.

One appproach in SW, is to model parts "in context" with the assembly. A Driving, Control or Layout Sketch(es) can be created as the first "feature" in an assy and subsequent components can be created using that sketches geometry. This method centralises control of components in the assy such that when the Control Sketch is changed, the "in context" parts change.

The controlling dimensions in the sketch, can then be manipulated from a Design Table, which is placed alongside a drawing view of the assembly.

With Inventor, did you also have an assembly drawing with the Excel list of variables on sheet 1?

& all the best.

 

[Bouke]

Maybe its even possible for you to add a "Skeleton" to your assy. This will mainly be a part with planes and sketches. Then you can make all the links your parts need through this one to keep your model stable and comprehendible. Now you could add the design-table to this skeleton.

Regards,

Bouke Brouwers
Mechanical Engineer
SW2005 SP0.1