In this tutorial, we will learn how to link Bill of Materials (BOM) in SolidWorks. A Bill of Materials is a comprehensive list of components, parts, and assemblies required to build a product. Linking BOMs in SolidWorks allows for automatic updates whenever changes are made to the assembly or its components.
Step 1: Creating the Bill of Materials
To create a BOM in SolidWorks, follow these steps:
- Step 1.1: Open your assembly file in SolidWorks.
- Step 1.2: Go to the “Insert” menu and select “Tables” > “Bill of Materials”.3: Choose the desired BOM template and click “OK”.
Step 2: Customizing the Bill of Materials
The BOM table can be customized according to your requirements. You can add or remove columns, change column headers, and modify other properties.
- Step 2.1: Right-click on the BOM table and select “Edit Table”.
- Step 2.2: In the “Bill of Materials PropertyManager”, you can make various changes such as selecting which columns to display, defining sorting options, and setting item numbering preferences.3: Click “OK” when you are done customizing the BOM.
Step 3: Linking the Bill of Materials to Assembly Components
To link the BOM to your assembly components for automatic updates, follow these steps:
- Step 3.1: Right-click on the BOM table and select “Edit BOM Table”.
- Step 3.2: In the “Bill of Materials PropertyManager”, click on the “References” tab.3: Check the box next to “Link BOM to specified configuration of selected components”.4: Select the desired configuration for each component in the assembly from the drop-down menu.5: Click “OK” to apply the changes and link the BOM to the assembly components.
Step 4: Updating the Bill of Materials
If any changes are made to your assembly or its components, you can easily update the BOM by following these steps:
- Step 4.1: Right-click on the BOM table and select “Update”.
- Step 4.2: The BOM will automatically update with any modifications made to the assembly or its components.
Tips and Tricks
To enhance your experience with linking BOMs in SolidWorks, consider these tips and tricks:
- TIP #1: Use custom properties in your part files for additional information in the BOM, such as material type, weight, or supplier information.
- TIP #2: Customize column headers and formatting options to make your BOM more readable and visually appealing.
- TIP #3: Utilize filters and sorting options to organize your BOM based on specific criteria, such as part number or quantity.
By following these steps and utilizing the tips provided, you can easily link Bill of Materials in SolidWorks and streamline your assembly documentation process. Happy designing!