Virtual vs. Dummy parts

[moon161]

I'm updating old drawings that don't have a model based bom, instead they just use blocks or a general table. Aggravating and error prone to sort and revise. 8-|/|

I've used virtual parts in the BOM, (right click, insert new part) to get the P/N, qty etc in the BOM, but you have to enter that each time that you use it.

I thought about making dummy parts of solvent, packaging, labels that have these properties, so I can just include them in the assy and hide them. Has anybody worked with one or the other?

 

[ShaggyPE]

I have used "dummy parts" in the past and they work out well. I have not used "virtual parts" for this task... but definitely see the issue with having to "create" them in each new assembly.

I vote dummy part.

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Pretty good with SolidWorks

 

[Eltron]

I've done both. Virtual components have come a long way in the last few releases. They hardly ever disappear any more. I'd say if you want to avoid confusion of references, then use dummies.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Before VCs were introduced, using dummy parts was the only alternative. They are still a good alternative.

FYI ... In SW2011, dummy parts (or any other parts) can be converted to virtual if required, but I don't think that will help in this case.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Actually, converting 'real' parts to virtual was introduced in SW2010.

http://help.solidworks.com/2010/Eng....html?id=7401475f99b5451d816945e5125c69a9#Pg0