SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Part II: Building Intelligence into Your Parts

Creating a simple design table

When you prepare to create a design table, you generally need to give appropriate names to

dimensions, sketches, and features. Remember that while the feature is the most visible item and

the easiest to rename, most of the dimensions probably belong to the sketch, which you may also

need, or want, to rename. Names should reflect the function or location of the item. It is a good

idea to show dimension names when renaming items (remember that you can show dimension

names by selecting the Dimension Names option by choosing View ➪ Dimension Names). Figure

10.20 shows the result of renaming the feature and dimension.

FIGURE 10.20

Renamed features and dimensions

You can use one of the following three techniques to add a design table to a SolidWorks part by

choosing Insert ➪ Tables ➪ Design Tables from the menus:

l Insert Blank Design Table. This method starts from a blank template that contains the

underlying framework, but no values.

l Auto-create Design Table. This method populates the new design table with any existing

configurations and items that are different between the configs.

l From file. This method enables you to create a design table externally and then import it.

Although I prefer the Auto-create method, it is most appropriate for when you have existing con-

figurations. The From file method is best when a design table has been exported from another part,

saved externally, and brought into the current part. For the following example, I am using the

Insert Blank Design Table method.