Adding a toolbox in SolidWorks is a simple yet essential task that can greatly enhance your productivity. By having a toolbox readily available within the software, you can easily access a wide variety of standard parts and components without the need to create them from scratch.
In this tutorial, we will explore the step-by-step process of adding a toolbox in SolidWorks. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Opening the Toolbox Setup
To begin, open SolidWorks and navigate to the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click on Tools, followed by Add-Ins. This will open the Add-Ins window.
Step 2: Activating the Toolbox Add-In
In the Add-Ins window, you will find a list of available add-ins. Look for Toolbox in this list and make sure it is checked. If it is not checked, click on the checkbox next to it to activate the Toolbox add-in.
Step 3: Configuring Toolbox Options
After activating the Toolbox add-in, close the Add-Ins window. Now, go back to the menu bar and click on Tools.
In the drop-down menu, you will find an option called Options... Click on it to open the Options window.
Step 3.1: System Options Tab
In the Options window, select System Options from the left-hand side menu. Within this tab, locate and click on Hole Wizard/Toolbox.
Step 3.2: Configuring Hole Wizard/Toolbox Settings
In this section, you have the option to choose between two types of toolbox installations: Local or Shared. The Local option installs the toolbox on your local machine, while the Shared option allows you to access a shared network toolbox.
If you select the Local option, you can specify the location where you want to install the toolbox. Click on the Browse. button and navigate to your desired folder. Once selected, click OK.
Note: If you choose the Shared option, enter the network location of the shared toolbox in the Folder field.3: Toolbox Folder Creation
If this is your first time setting up a toolbox in SolidWorks, you will need to create a new Toolbox folder. To do this, click on New Folder., give it a name, and click OK.
Step 4: Accessing and Using the Toolbox
Congratulations! You have successfully added a toolbox in SolidWorks.
To access it, go back to the menu bar and click on View. In the drop-down menu, select Toolbox/Hole Wizard. This will open up the Toolbox browser.
The Toolbox browser is divided into categories such as Bolts, Nuts, Washers, etc. You can navigate through these categories by expanding or collapsing them using the small arrows next to each category name.
List of Standard Components
The Toolbox comes preloaded with a vast library of standard parts and components commonly used in engineering designs. Some examples include screws of various sizes and types, nuts with different threading options, washers of different materials, and much more.
By simply double-clicking on a component, you can insert it directly into your SolidWorks assembly or part document. The inserted component will adopt the properties defined in the Toolbox settings, such as size, material, and appearance.
Conclusion
Adding a toolbox in SolidWorks is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your design workflow. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily set up and access a vast library of standard parts and components within SolidWorks.
The Toolbox add-in provides a convenient way to quickly insert commonly used components into your designs without the need for manual creation. Take advantage of this powerful tool to streamline your design process and focus on what matters most – bringing your ideas to life!