SolidWorks 2010 Bible

CHAPTERCHAPTER

Working with Part

Configurations

IN THIS CHAPTER

Controlling part configurations

Exploring design tables

Creating a design table

Examining the benefits of

using the Configuration

Publisher

Working with configurations

and design tables tutorial

C

onfigurations, also known as simply configs, are variations of a part
in which dimensions are changed, features are suppressed (turned
off), and other items such as color or custom properties may be con-
trolled. Configurations enable you to have these variations within a single
part file, which is both convenient and efficient.

This chapter deals only with part configurations, but assemblies can also
have configurations. Assembly configurations can use different part configu-
rations, among other things. This will mean more to you as you learn about
part configurations.

Cross-Reference

Assembly configurations are discussed in Chapter 14. n

One example of configurations is having many sizes of a fastener within a

part file. Socket Head Cap Screws have thousands of potential sizes.

Configured parts can also have features that you can turn off and on (sup-

press and unsuppress, respectively), such as a cross drive or a slotted drive.

Changing dimensions and suppressing or unsuppressing features are the

most commonly used techniques available through configurations.

There is some overlap between the topics of configurations and display

states, with colors and hide/show states being controlled by both methods.

When you have an option, it is best to control visual properties using display

states because they require fewer resources (they’re faster).