SolidWorks custom props question

We are using SolidWorks 2007 SP2.2 and we are trying to write some
custom code to be able to change the material codes we use in custom
props.
In our part models, we currently have a custom prop called 'matl'. In
the value / text expression field we have code with a text prefix and
then a link to a dimension or two.
An example would be:
MFB"D2@"x"D1@"
We want to change this to
B-SFB-304-"D2@"x"D1@"

We need to be able to maintain the parametric links to the dimensions
and replace the text prefix. Any ideas on how we get to this field of
the custom prop so we can copy it? As far as we can see, we can only
read the evaluated value through the API.

Using VB6 and a dll called DSOfile.dll, we have managed to write a
string with a parametric link string back to a custom prop, but we
have to open the file in SW to get the evaluated field to update. Is
it possible to update the evaluated field without opening the file in
SW?
We got DSOfile from here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/224351

Another problem we are having is once the string has been written in
and the file is opened in SW to update it, the name field that is read
through DSOfile.dll dissappears!
If you try and read any custom prop with a parametric link in it with
DSOfile.dll, the name field is not available.

We need to be able to automate this process because we have
approximately 140 000 files to change.

Any ideas?

 

Hi,

The SW API allows you to read and write custom properties in any SW
document. Here's some code that gets the MATL property from the model,
replaces MFB with B-SFB-304 and saves it back. Parametric links are
maintained as well. It's a crude example (not much error checking)
but it should get you started down the right path. Once the macro is
fully developed you should be able to batch update groups of models
with it via "Run Custom Task" inside SW Task Scheduler.

Cut and paste the sample code into a new macro or email me for the
file.

best regards,
go

Option Explicit

Sub main()
Dim swApp As SldWorks.SldWorks
Dim swDoc As SldWorks.ModelDoc2
Dim swCPM As SldWorks.CustomPropertyManager
Dim sVal As String
Dim sEval As String
Dim sNewVal As String
Dim uRv As Long

On Error Resume Next

Set swApp = Application.SldWorks
Set swDoc = swApp.ActiveDoc
Set swCPM = swDoc.Extension.CustomPropertyManager("")

' get the custom prop by name
swCPM.Get2 "matl", sVal, sEval

If sVal = "" Then
MsgBox "MATL property doesn't exist.", vbInformation
Else
MsgBox "Current Material = " & sVal

' replace material designation
sNewVal = Replace$(sVal, "MFB", "B-SFB-304", 1, ,
vbTextCompare)

' if the original and new values aren't equal then replace
found a match
' so now we need to save it
If sNewVal <> sVal Then

' update the value
uRv = swCPM.Set("matl", sNewVal)
If uRv = 0 Then
MsgBox "Value Updated : " & sNewVal, vbExclamation
Else
MsgBox "Update failed.", vbCritical
End If
Else
MsgBox "Material wasn't updated, MFB not found.",
vbInformation
End If
End If

Set swCPM = Nothing
Set swDoc = Nothing
Set swApp = Nothing
End Sub

 

Perhaps try "Propagator", available at <http://www.customsolids.com>

 

Looks like Propagator will do the job for them. The trial version
doesn't appear to let you substitute words (that feature is disabled),
I assume it's enabled on a purchased version. Thanks for the tip, I
wasn't aware of the program.