Toolbox Automation

I have started an effort to migrate our company from autocad to
solidworks finally!

Currently we have a .xls list of fastener part numbers that we use for
design, as well as ordering. This list comes from our Inventory
managment system.

My question is really is there a good way to assign all the existing pn
to the new toolbox? The wizard is great for new data, but for the
initial several hundred part numbers it will take a long time. I have
found the import and export options, but they do not appear to have
custom properties (material and finish) listed on the file it exports.
Does anyone else out there have any ideas for this problem?

 

Our company is in a similar position. We have a list of Fastenal part
#'s that we want to apply to the toolbox parts.

Dale's right about the need to read Matt's Rule of thumb about toolbox.

Right now we are considering:
1) use one seat of toolbox to create a base bolt with different sizes
and lengths and then add a design table.
2) buy everyone (8) seats of toolbox and add Fastenal numbers to each
part, one at a time. (the only way I believe.)

We're not sure which will cost the company less and which will be able
to be used for better SW models.

I'm leaning towards the design table and their base bolt.
The basic steps are:
Create temporary assembly,
Drag toolbox bolts straight in, (not RMB-Create Part)
Select wide ranging configurations
RMB on bolt in assembly-Open Part
Save Bolt in library
Add Design Table.

Does anyone have some base parts with design tables that they would be
willing to share?

I hope this helps, even though the news isn't good/easy.

-Blair

 

Thanks Dale and Blair. I wish the VAR would have made this more clear
prior to purchasing it. I'm also glad to see that other companies are
having some of the same issues.

Mike

 

Mike,

One solution is to add the values to the database that SolidWorks uses
to generate the Toolbox parts. I have done this for many of our
customers. You could try it, but your VAR is a better resource for
making this modification.

Let me know, I can send you a PDF with instructions on how to make this
manual edit.

Jeff

 

Jeff,

These instructions would be great. I asked the VAR and they were not
certain if it was possible.

Thanks,
Mike