SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Chapter 10: Working with Part Configurations

multiple files by using configurations, I prefer the technique. Libraries of parts can often be made

more manageable by using configured parts rather than many individual parts. Large hard drives for

storage are cheaper and easier to upgrade than processors. In the end, reading stored data rather

than recalculating it is faster. This is why when SolidWorks can store data that will probably be

needed again at some point. The result is that configurations definitely increase file size.

The ideal situation would be if SolidWorks would give users control over which data is stored in

model files. This is a good place for an enhancement request.

Performance
File size has a negative effect on speed when you are sending data across the Internet or working across a net-
work. If the data is on your hard drive, then storing data instead of calculating it offers a big benefit. If you are
sending data across a slow network connection, you should take measures to decrease the size of the file
before sending it, such as using a zip or compression utility. n

Controlling dimensions

Controlling dimensions with configurations is simple. You need only three things to start: one

dimension and two configurations. Because you already know how to create these elements, you

are ready to start. Configurations require that you spend some time developing “design intent” for

parts. Configurations drive changes in models, and if they are properly modeled, you can avoid

feature or sketch failures due to dimension changes.

I will start with the example of a simple block. A fully dimensioned block has three dimensions.

Make sure that you have manually created at least two configurations. Double-clicking a model

face opens all the dimensions, and double-clicking one of the dimensions opens the familiar

Modify dialog box. Figure 10.6 shows that there is a small difference in the Modify dialog box. It

now has a drop-down list where you can specify whether this change applies only to this config, to

all configs, or to specified configs. If you select specified configs, then a dialog box shown on the

top in Figure 10.14 appears, where you can select which configs this dimension change applies to.

FIGURE 10.14

Specify Configurations supplies a list of configs from which to choose