What Is SolidWorks Routing?
SolidWorks Routing is a powerful tool that allows engineers and designers to create electrical, piping, and tubing systems in 3D. It is an add-on module available in SolidWorks, a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software used extensively in various industries.
Why Use SolidWorks Routing?
Using SolidWorks Routing offers several advantages:
- Efficiency: With SolidWorks Routing, you can design complex electrical and piping systems quickly and efficiently. The software provides a range of pre-configured components and automated features that streamline the design process.
- Accurate Models: SolidWorks Routing allows you to create accurate 3D models of your electrical or piping system.
This helps in visualizing the final product, identifying any clashes or interferences, and making necessary modifications early in the design phase.
- BOM Generation: The software automatically generates bills of materials (BOM) for your routing assemblies. This saves time and ensures accurate documentation of the components required for manufacturing or installation.
Types of Routing
SolidWorks Routing supports three main types of routing:
Electrical Routing
Electrical routing enables you to create complex wiring harnesses for machines, vehicles, or any other electrical system. It provides features to define wire paths, add connectors, and manage wire lengths effectively.
Piping Routing
Piping routing allows you to design intricate pipe networks for various applications such as HVAC systems, hydraulic systems, or plumbing layouts. You can define pipe routes, add fittings, valves, and other components, and ensure proper connectivity and flow within the system.
Tubing Routing
Tubing routing is used to design fluid or air transfer systems that involve flexible tubing. It is commonly used in industries like automotive, aerospace, and medical devices. With SolidWorks Routing, you can create accurate routes, add fittings and connectors, and simulate the behavior of the tubing under different conditions.
Key Features of SolidWorks Routing
Here are some key features of SolidWorks Routing:
- Routing Library: The software provides an extensive library of standard components such as connectors, fittings, flanges, pipes, wires, etc. These components can be easily dragged and dropped into your design.
- Smart Routing: Smart routing features enable automatic generation of routes based on predefined rules. This saves time and eliminates repetitive tasks.
- Routing Wizard: The routing wizard guides you through the process of creating routes step by step.
It helps in defining the start point, end point, route path, and adding required components along the way.
- Real-Time Collision Detection: SolidWorks Routing offers real-time collision detection to identify clashes between different components within the routing assembly. This ensures that all parts fit properly without any interference.
- BOM Generation: As mentioned earlier, SolidWorks Routing generates bills of materials automatically based on your design. This feature helps in accurate costing and procurement planning.
In Conclusion
SolidWorks Routing is a powerful tool for designing electrical, piping, and tubing systems in 3D. Its efficiency, accuracy, and automation capabilities make it a preferred choice for engineers and designers in various industries. Whether you are creating complex wiring harnesses, pipe networks, or fluid transfer systems, SolidWorks Routing can streamline your design process and help you create accurate models.