Link drawing sheets to another drawing

[kassemd]

Is there a way to copy or link a drawing sheet from one drawing file to another?

We create a single drawing file with multiple sheets for the shop to fab a project from. When we have a new project that calls for a same component as a previous project I would like to utilize the previously detailed drawing in the new drawing file. Is this possible? I would be OK with creating a 'stock' drawing of the component & utilizing it in all projects too.

Mark

 

[smcadman]

CTRL+C the drawing views from 1 drawing, then CTRL+V the drawing views to the next drawing.

$PRP:"SW-File Name"-$PRP:"SW-Configuration Name"

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

If this happens often, it would probably be better to create a standard drawing of the part(s) to call up in each new project.


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

 

[kassemd]

How do I pull the standard drawing into my project drawing file? Can I make changes to the title block to link it to that project without affecting the standard drawing?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[fcsuper]

Mark,

What exactly are you trying to do. Can you describe your system a bit more? From my drafting background (manual/AutoCAD/SolidWorks with manual/MFG/Pro/Agile systems), basing this comment on your description so far, I'm getting the sense that the system you are working with my needs more flexibility, and this isn't an issue that should be addressed by fancy CAD file tricks.

Matt

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

kassemd ... It wouldn't be "pulled into" a project drawing file ... it would be a standalone part/drawing which would be called up via the assembly BOM it is associated with.

The way your OP explained what you were trying to do, would have created multiple drawing sheets (across different projects) having different numbers, but all referencing the same part. That could be a nightmare for revision tracking.



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

 

[kassemd]

CoreyBlimeyLimey,
I don't understand what you mean by 'called up via the assembly BOM'. Do you mean that the assembly BOM calls for a TAN10021, so you know to pull up the TAN10021 drawing? That isn't really an option because of the way our MRP system is set up. Our parts guy has to issue a work order to build the TAN10021, is has to be built, the shop time has to be entered against that WO, & the WO closed, before the TAN10021 can be issued to the project. As you can imagine, that draws loud protest from a bunch of people when we are talking about several of these in a Project.

I understand what you are saying about revision history and we do not plan to handle our truly standard parts this way, it's the 'semi-custom' ones that are causing the grief. Revisions would have to be a new configuration or a new model to protect the integrity of prevoius Projects.

Matt,
I am trying to maximize the efficency of our drafting/engineering department. We build coating equipment that goes into production plants & each Project is specific to that customer & location. Occasionally we recieve a request for 'another just like the last,' but that is not the norm. We have some standard parts that we build & stock which have their own drawing, but 75% of the fabrication & thus the drawings are Project specific. Having said that, most individual parts within a Project are very similar, & sometimes identical to previous Projects. For example, we have a stock pot that is a standard part, we build several at a time & stock them in inventory. We have options for a low level sensor port, a high level sensor port, a mixer bracket, a fill port, & a return port. From the modeling standpoint I see this as a perfect example of configurations for the options, the problem comes when we do the drawings. Giving each configuration a part number & asking the shop to build 1 of the specific configuration for that Project isn't really an option as I said above. In the 2D world, we just find the last time we used that configuration of stock pot, copy the drawing to the current Project drawing file, and change the title block information. Presto chango, 1/2 hour max if you have trouble finding the last use of that configuration, 10 minutes most of the time. To keep the drawing files for a Project together I have been trying to use multiple sheets within 1 file - that is essentially what we do in 2D. The problem is that it looks to me like you have to start from scratch on the drawings each Project & that costs time. I guess I could reuse the drawings if I made each project sheet a seperate file, but it sure is handy to have them all in one file.

We are a small company & as much as I hate our MRP program, I know it's staying & I have to work within it.

Mark

 

[wes616]

Hi there Mark,

Here is my solution for you... it may not be the best, but will work for your situation.

You need to make a 2-d sketch of the part, fully detailed as to how you want to see it on the drawing. Then make it a block, and save it.

Then you will be able to insert the "drawing" of the part wherever you need it. However, you'll be loosing the functionality of the Solidworks software. Somtimes taking reduced functionality improves overall process though.

Wes C.
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