Is it possible to create a 'Smart Fastener' item? 1

[AquaticPeanut]

This is a 2 part question.

1: Is it possible to create a smart fastener from an assembly?
I use a common config of a bolt and 2 washers in a large assembly and would like to fill the required holes with all 3 parts as 1 but still keep them individual items for the BOM.

2: Is it possible to save a 3rd party imported part(*.SAT) as a smart fastener? For the same reason as above but this is a sheetmetal crinch nut that I downloaded from the suppliers website.

If it is possible, how does one define the location faces for mating?

 

[AnnaWood]

Search SolidWOrks Help for "Smart Components"

Cheers,

Anna Wood
SW2011 SP4, Windows 7 x64

http://www.renderbay.com

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http://www.phxswug.com

 

[AquaticPeanut]

Seems the toolbox is not part of our package, so non of this is possible anyway.

I hate fighting with with something only to find out you've wasted 2 hrs of your time because it was never possible :-(

 

[loki3000]

look under tools/add-ins if it's just not activated.

 

[Eltron]

You don't need the toolbox to create Smart Components.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[Updraft]

AquaticPeanut,

I think ToolBox is in all SWX packages. As loki3000 stated you might just need to turn it on under Add-Ins.

You should be able to do this, but I must admit I have not. First look in the Help. Second, research this thread: thread559-216761: How to create Parts from ToolBox

You can also make the bolt and two washers a subassy and set its properties to display or not the individual components.

- - -Updraft

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Toolbox is not included in SW Standard.

 

[kellnerp]

Help explains what is in each version of SolidWorks. If it doesn't such definition can be found online. This is a Help question.

TOP
CSWP, BSSE

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Phenom IIx6 1100T = 8GB = FX1400 = XP64SP2 = SW2009SP3
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[loki3000]

you don't need the toolbox.
the solidworks standard is without most of the add-ins (featureworks, toolbox, stress simulation etc.) afaik.

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/products/mechanical-design-software-matrix.htm

edit: hmm, the toolbox (smart fasteners i think) might be in the standard cfg...

 

[AquaticPeanut]

Thanks to all for the help.

I got the 'Smart Components' sorted.

But creating 'Fasteners', if at all possible, it seems the toolbox is needed.
Does anyone have experience with creating a 'Fastener'?
How does one define the automated mates?


Anyway, I have SW Std and so no Toolbox.
Spoken to the powers that be, I should have an upgrade on the way

 

[loki3000]

check tools-addins first

 

[Eltron]

Again, you don't need Toolbox to create a fastener. You can model whatever you like (screw, bolt, nut, etc.) and drive it with a design table if you want multiple sizes of one type of fastener (socket head cap screw, for example).

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Take a look at 123GO from Logopress

http://www.logopress3.com/en/products-6.php

It is very similar to the SW toolbox ... but it's free.

 

[AquaticPeanut]

Ok I've gone through the help files and still can't find how to make a SW fastener!

I would like to take one of these -

http://catalog.pemnet.com/item/nuts-types-h-hn-hnl/nuts-types-h-hn-hnl-metric/h-m10-zi?

and be able to 'drag n drop' it into position on an assembly, as one does with a bolt from the SW toolbox. Where it automatically locates and mates into position.

Is this possible?
How do you define the diameter and location face?

I have downloaded the part as a *.sat file. opened into SW and saved as a SW file.
When I bring it into an assembly, the part is "dumb" and so doesn't automatically locate. How do you build a bit of intelligence into the part?

123GO looks good. I will download on Monday @ work

Cheers
Craig

 

[Eltron]

See Anna's post above.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[AquaticPeanut]

As I said above I have the smart components sorted as per Anna's post. A smart component is an assembly of sorts. A bolt with a washer, a circlip with a groove.

Just using a single part with an associated part or feature doesn't work. Well I can't get it to work

 

[AquaticPeanut]

... single part without an associated part or feature doesn't work

Sorry spelling mistake

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

How do you define the diameter and location face?

Use the following keywords in the Help Search field;
SmartMates Overview
Mate References
Peg-in-Hole SmartMates