SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Chapter 24: Working with Tables and Drawings

into 3D model documents can reduce the need for paper or even electronic 2D documentation.

Figure 24.17 shows a BOM inside an assembly model document.

FIGURE 24.17

Displaying BOM data inside an assembly document

It is a little tricky to get the relative scale correct between the table and the model. To do this, you

have to adjust the zoom state of the model until it is fairly small within the screen, then place the

table. After the table is placed, the assembly and the table zoom together. Most users get around

this issue by viewing the table in a separate window.

Another type of table that you can use within a 3D model document is the Title Block table. You

can use Title Block tables inside parts and assemblies. You can use them in the drawing to fill in

information about the part or assembly, while avoiding creating a full 2D drawing.

Tutorial: Using BOMs

Rather than having tutorials for every table type, this chapter has tutorials only for the BOM, Hole

Table, and Revision Table. You can transfer the skills you use with these types to the other types.

This tutorial guides you through the steps that are necessary to prepare an assembly for the draw-

ing and BOM. Configurations and custom properties are used in this example. Remember that if a

drawing view is cross-hatched and you cannot see the geometry, then you may have to press

Ctrl+Q to rebuild it. Follow these steps:

1. Begin this tutorial with SolidWorks closed and Windows Explorer open.


2. If you have not already done so, create a folder for a library that is not in your
   SolidWorks installation folder. Call it D:\Library\ or something similar. Make a
   folder inside this folder called Drawing Templates. Copy the files from the CD-ROM
   named inch B.drwdot and inch B (no views).drwdot to this new folder.