Managing File & References with SOLIDWORKS
It is extremely crucial, the first step towards Data Management, Traditionally many companies using their data on network drive to store the data, design users can save/modify data via LAN, later this has been further enhanced with use of Active Directory, where folders can be accessed via user login and controlled access is given to users.
Currently data management techniques are further enhanced to use of PLM / PDM system. 3D CAD data is essential and need to be managed systematically as use of common parts and library can reduce the number of variants but ultimately increasing the complexity if File and Reference is not managed properly.
This blog will highlights the how to use case studies for File and Reference Management
File and reference management is the soul of any CAD software. It is very important for an individual to know how to manage the file and its references in CAD software. Following are the ways of managing the file and there references.
Ways of Managing File and Reference Management
1) Single folder Location
- Rename part and folder
2) Multiple folder Location
- Rename part and folder
3) Use of Pack and Go
4) Find references
In above cases we will rename the parts and folder purposefully. So that we can see how to solve the problems related to file and reference management.
1) Single folder location
Parts are saved in single folder and references are missing then how to find out them is the question in front of us. Consider following case study.
Step 1
From system options click feature manager and tick Allow components files to be renamed from Feature Manager Tree as shown below.
Following window shows assembly of U-joint saved in single folder
Step 2
Name of part Yoke _female& has been changed to Yoke_female& 123.
Step 3
When tried to open the assembly it shows error like in following image. Error is because of reference is lost as file name is changed.
To solve above error click on “Browse” for file or suppress the component. Suppressing the component will not solve problem up to that extent instead browse for file and give path of the part Yoke_female&123 which is changed name. Problem is resolved and assembly is opened completely.
1) Multiple folder reference location
In this case parts are in multiple folders which are the condition most of the time in industry. Go through following case study to get little idea. Parts were in one folder by mistake they are moved to other folders.
To solve the problem of referencing browse the part and give reference. Problem is solved. Second option is to suppress the part.
Consider following case study
Step 1
From following image it can be seen that parts are moved in multiple folder
Step 2
When tried to open assembly of U-joint it shows following error.
If we suppress the components we cannot work on it further. So, the best way is to browse for missing part and provide it path of missing component. This will solve our problem.
RENAMED PART AND FOLDER:
For renamed part and folder procedure for solving reference folder is same as in above cases.
Use of Pack and Go
Pack and go is the important term used in industry. It is mostly used when there is need to send the project which consists of some of the parts from design library and parts are located in different folder. This feature will ensure files will maintain reference with each other so that they can be opened easily afterwards. They are saved in single folder because of Pack and Go. Now there will not be any problem of referencing.
Step 1
Click Menu-File-Pack and Go in assembly environment.
Following window opens after clicking on Pack and Go.
One can add prefix and suffix and choose folder location in which parts of assembly will be saved. Zip file of the same can be created and at last click on save. Choose which things are to be included as shown above like drawings, toolbox component, etc. The view inside folder looks like following after saving.
Find references in assembly.
In above cases where file location or name of file was known to us but what if name and location of folder is not known. Open the folder containing assembly through SOLIDWORKS window. Don’t open the assembly in this case.
In above fig. 11 a folder is opened click on assembly and then on references button. Following window opens.
In above window Fig. 12 double click on the name of part you will get the location of part irrespective of the condition like it has been moved or renamed. Select the part which will be at opened location and click OK. Green color appears on whole row which indicates problem is solved for that particular part missing reference. The window will look like following windows.
CONCLUSION
As we study in above example the various method of managing file and references which will be useful for us to find references without much efforts.
Mr. Aatmling Narayanpure
CEO
CAD Infield Technologies, Pune
Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert.
Helping Manufacturing Companies to Improve Design Productivity by
Providing Certified and Domain Trained Design Users as per Requirements