SOLIDWORKS Routing allows you to completely automate the process of routing pipework, tubing or even cabling. This add-in enables you to save many hours of modelling against traditional methods. In this blog, we’ll share our top Tips and Tricks for SOLIDWORKS Routing.

Dimensioning and relations:

The pipes and tubes within SOLIDWORKS Routing are controlled by sketches which can be dimensioned using normal techniques. Within routing, you are able to route along existing geometry. The example below demonstrates routing along a structural member from a Structural frame. This is a useful technique for keeping design intent.

 

Dimensioning and relations
Dimensioning and relations

 

Upcycle standard parts:

SOLIDWORKS Routing has the ability to create routing components from scratch however, depending on what component you are creating, this can be very time consuming. One time-saving tip that we recommend is to open an existing component that is similar to your new design, then make the modifications on there. Then, save it out to a new directory.

 

Upcycle standard parts
Upcycle standard parts

 

Templates!

Like with Parts and Drawings, setting up templates will speed up your workflow; the same applies for Routing. Routing templates allow you to create templates that can group schedules together. For example, you can have a template set up for Sch40 which will only allow Sch40 components to be used in that route.

 

Templates
Templates

 

Control your Parts with Design tables:

In Routing, you’ll often use components that have different sizes. We therefore believe that ‘configurations’ is the most powerful way to control Part management. This is because it provides a fast and effective way to create multiple configurations.

 

Control your parts with Design tables
Control your parts with Design tables

 

Always keep your routing library updated!

Once you have created any new components, and you are ready to use them effectively within routing, you will need to add them into the routing Database. This Database can be found within the Routing library manager, as illustrated below.

 

Keep your routing library updated
Keep your routing library updated

 

Use standard cut lengths of pipes!

Within your routing templates, you can specify the maximum lengths of pipes you can buy or use in your industry. This is a handy tip as the information will be fed into your model with the cut lengths shown on the assembly, and it will also appear in your bill of materials too.

 

Standard cut lengths of pipe
Standard cut lengths of pipe

 

Solid Solutions Technical Team
Solid Solutions Management Ltd was founded in 1998, originally as a SOLIDWORKS training and support provider. Now a Group with over 20 offices across the UK and Ireland, Solid Solutions is not only the leading SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD reseller in both regions, it also offers expert professional design solutions and consultancy services to more than 15,000+ customers. With over 200 employees and the largest SOLIDWORKS technical team in the world, Solid Solutions is focused on growth and on its customers’ development and success.


Categories: SOLIDWORKS 2018, Tips & Tricks

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