How Do You Insert a Cut List in SolidWorks?
When working with assemblies in SolidWorks, one important aspect is the ability to create and manage cut lists. A cut list provides detailed information about the individual components of an assembly, making it easier to track, organize, and manufacture each part. In this tutorial, we will explore how to insert a cut list in SolidWorks and utilize its various features.
Step 1: Opening the Cut List PropertyManager
To begin, open your SolidWorks assembly file or create a new one. Once you have your assembly open, navigate to the FeatureManager Design Tree on the left side of your screen. Right-click on the desired assembly and select Show FeatureManager Design Tree if it is not already visible.
Next, right-click on the assembly name in the FeatureManager Design Tree and choose Properties. This will open up the Assembly PropertyManager dialog box.
Step 2: Configuring Cut List Properties
In the Assembly PropertyManager dialog box, click on the Cut-List tab. Here you will find various options for configuring your cut list.
- Show: This option allows you to control which features are included in your cut list. You can choose to show only certain types of features such as weldments or sheet metal bodies.
- Bodies: This section displays all the bodies within your assembly. You can select or deselect individual bodies to include or exclude them from the cut list.
- Type: The Type column indicates whether a body is recognized as a solid body or a surface body within SolidWorks.
- Quantity: This column shows the number of each body in the assembly.
- BOM Quantity: The BOM Quantity column displays the quantity of each body as it will appear in the Bill of Materials (BOM).
- Item Number: The Item Number column assigns a unique item number to each body, which can be useful for referencing parts in manufacturing or documentation processes.
You can customize these options according to your specific needs and requirements.
Step 3: Viewing and Updating the Cut List
Once you have configured your cut list properties, click OK. Now you should see a new folder called “Cut-List-Item1” under your assembly in the FeatureManager Design Tree. This folder contains all the bodies included in your cut list.
To view and update the cut list, double-click on the “Cut-List-Item1” folder. This will expand it and display all the bodies within it.
You can now edit individual properties of each body by right-clicking on them and selecting Edit Folder Properties. This allows you to modify properties such as material, thickness, and other relevant information for each component.
Tips for Working with Cut Lists:
- Naming Conventions: It is recommended to use descriptive names for bodies within your assembly. This makes it easier to identify and manage components within the cut list.
- Merging Bodies: If you have multiple bodies that represent a single component, you can use SolidWorks’ combine feature to merge them into a single body before inserting them into the cut list. This helps simplify the cut list and avoid duplicate entries.
- Updating Cut List: If you make any changes to your assembly that affect the cut list, such as adding or removing components, you can update the cut list by right-clicking on the assembly in the FeatureManager Design Tree and selecting Update Cut List.
By following these steps and utilizing the various features of SolidWorks’ cut list functionality, you can effectively manage and organize your assembly components. The cut list provides valuable information that aids in manufacturing, documentation, and overall assembly management.
Now that you have learned how to insert a cut list in SolidWorks, go ahead and explore its capabilities to enhance your workflow!