Creating a design table in SolidWorks Assembly is an essential skill for efficiently managing and modifying your assembly designs. With a design table, you can easily make changes to multiple components, configurations, or dimensions in one go. In this tutorial, we will explore the step-by-step process of creating a design table in SolidWorks Assembly, allowing you to streamline your design workflow.
Step 1: Open the Assembly
To begin, open the SolidWorks Assembly file that you want to create a design table for. This can be an existing assembly or a new one that you have just created.
Step 2: Activate the Design Table
In the FeatureManager Design Tree on the left-hand side of the screen, right-click on the assembly name and select Properties. In the Properties dialog box, navigate to the Configuration Specific tab and check the Create design table option. Click OK.
Step 3: Edit Table in Microsoft Excel
A new Microsoft Excel window will open with a default template for your design table. You can now edit this table according to your requirements.
Note: The first row of the Excel sheet displays parameter names such as component names, dimensions, or configuration names. The subsequent rows represent different configurations or instances of components within your assembly.
Add Parameters and Values
In this section of the Excel sheet, you can add parameters such as dimensions or configuration names relevant to your assembly. Specify these parameters in each column of the first row.
- To add a parameter name, simply type it into an empty cell in the first row.
- To add parameter values for different configurations, enter the respective values in the rows below their corresponding parameter name.
Add Component Instances
For each component instance you want to add to the design table, insert a new row in the Excel sheet. Ensure that each row corresponds to a unique component instance and its respective parameters.
Step 4: Save and Close Excel
Once you have finished editing your design table in Excel, save the file and close it. SolidWorks will automatically update and display the modified design table in your assembly.
Step 5: Verify Design Table Updates
To verify that your design table has been successfully created and updated, go back to SolidWorks. You will notice that the FeatureManager Design Tree now includes a new configuration specific tab with your design table listed under it.
Note: By default, all components within your assembly are linked to this design table. However, you can choose to exclude specific components by right-clicking on them in the FeatureManager Design Tree and selecting Exclude From Design Table.
Step 6: Modify Assembly Using Design Table
Now that you have created a design table for your SolidWorks Assembly, you can easily modify different parameters or configurations by simply editing the values within the Excel sheet. These changes will reflect automatically in your assembly model.
Note: To make modifications using the design table, right-click on a specific configuration within the FeatureManager Design Tree and select Edit Table. This will open Microsoft Excel with the corresponding design table for that configuration.
Tips for Working with Design Tables
- Bold – Use bold text to highlight important information or headings within the design table.
- Underline – Underline any key values or parameters that require special attention.
- Lists – Utilize lists to present step-by-step instructions or tips, making it easier for readers to follow along.
- Subheaders – Use subheaders to organize different sections of the tutorial and enhance readability.
Congratulations! You have now successfully created a design table in SolidWorks Assembly. By leveraging this powerful feature, you can efficiently manage and modify your assembly designs, saving both time and effort in the process.
Remember to regularly update your design table as you make changes to your assembly model, ensuring that all configurations and components are accurately represented. Happy designing!