Why Use Design Tables

Design Tables
Many components, especially small components such as screws, nuts, O-rings, etc. are identical except for dimensions One part file can define multiple configurations of a part Equations allow for a part to have an infinite number of configurations; design tables specify a finite number of possible configurations

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Feature 1 Extruded Base (Shank)

Feature 2 Extruded Boss (Head)

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Feature 3 Extruded Cut

Feature 3 (cont.)
Since the Polygon Tool is not frequently used, it is not usually on the Sketch Toolbar. Therefore, it is accessed from the menu

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Cosmetic Thread
Cosmetic thread definition is associated with the feature that it is applied to

Displaying Feature Dimensions

Dimensions will be used in the design table

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Design Table
Dimension Name (added by clicking dimension)

Completed Design Table

Dimension Value for this Configuration

Configuration Name

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Configurations Created
Closing design tables creates configurations

Accessing Configurations
The ConfigurationManager allows you to select the desired configuration of the part

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Use in Assemblies
Later, when adding this part to an assembly, the appropriate configuration can be selected

Create Drawing Views with Drag-and-Drop Operation

Drag and Drop

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Add Design Table

Format Design Table

Use Excel spreadsheet formatting procedures

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Formatted Table

Add Partial Section View, Dimensions

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006

Change Display of Dimensions to Show Dimension Names

Introduction to Solid Modeling with SolidWorks 2006