How Do You Add a Routing in SolidWorks?

by

When using SolidWorks, adding routing is essential for creating complex designs that involve pipes, wires, or cables. Routing allows you to define the path and connections for these components, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in your design process. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps of adding routing in SolidWorks.

Step 1: Enabling the Routing Add-In

To get started with routing in SolidWorks, you need to enable the Routing add-in. Follow these steps:

  1. Open SolidWorks and go to Tools > Add-Ins.
  2. In the Add-Ins dialog box, check the box next to “Routing”.
  3. Click “OK” to enable the Routing add-in.

Step 2: Creating a Route Assembly

Once the Routing add-in is enabled, you can start creating a route assembly. Here’s how:

  1. Create a new assembly by going to File > New > Assembly.
  2. In the FeatureManager Design Tree, right-click on “Routes” and select “Create Route Assembly”.
  3. A dialog box will appear. Choose your desired route template and click “OK”.

Step 3: Adding Route Components

To add components to your route assembly:

  1. Select a component from the Design Library or browse for it using the Component PropertyManager.
    • If using the Design Library:
      • Expand the Design Library tab in the Task Pane.
      • Expand the “Routing” folder and locate your desired component category.
      • Drag and drop the component onto your route assembly.
    • If using the Component PropertyManager:
      • In the Component PropertyManager, click on the folder icon next to “Component” to browse for your component.
      • Select your desired component from the list and click “Open”.
      • The component will be added to your route assembly.
  2. To add more components, repeat these steps as needed.

Step 4: Defining Route Path and Connections

To define the route path and connections for your components:

  1. Select a routing component in your assembly by clicking on it.
  2. In the PropertyManager, under “Routing,” select the appropriate options for routing path and connections.
      3. Note: The available options may vary depending on your selected component type.
  3. To define specific points for routing, use sketch tools or create reference geometry as needed.
      4. For example, you can use lines or arcs to sketch a path that represents a pipe or wire.
  4. Repeat these steps for each routing component in your assembly.

Step 5: Modifying Route Components and Paths

If you need to modify route components or paths:

  1. Select the component or route path you want to modify.
  2. Make the necessary changes in the PropertyManager or by editing the sketch geometry.

Step 6: Documenting Your Route Assembly

To document your route assembly:

  1. Create a drawing of your route assembly by going to File > New > Drawing.
  2. Add views of your route assembly to the drawing sheet.
      3. You can use the drawing tools in SolidWorks to add dimensions, annotations, and other necessary details.

By following these steps, you can successfully add routing in SolidWorks and create intricate designs with pipes, wires, or cables. Remember to save your work regularly and explore additional features and options available within the Routing add-in for more advanced capabilities.