So I haven't every really worked with Design tables before
but got assigned to take over an issue we were having with design
tables that has prevented us from actually using them.
What we are trying to do is have a design table were a user can go into and select a certain obround that we know manufacturing already has a tool for, to insert into the model. The problem we are having is that....say you want to insert a bigger obround in place of the previous one, from the design table...when the new obround is inserted into the model and replaces the previous one, somehow the connection of what the material thickness of the part is, is lost. This problem occured when the company was using solidworks 2006, and since then they have given up implementing the use of the design tables, no one could figure out how to fix the problem. Now that we have Solidworks 2008 they want to see if the problem will still occur......my problem is, I have never used/made/edited a design table and don't really know where to begin. I know that the Design Table works with Microsoft Excel, which I am pretty good in. I know a variety of the formulas and such....
so can someone point me in the right direction?...
What we are trying to do is have a design table were a user can go into and select a certain obround that we know manufacturing already has a tool for, to insert into the model. The problem we are having is that....say you want to insert a bigger obround in place of the previous one, from the design table...when the new obround is inserted into the model and replaces the previous one, somehow the connection of what the material thickness of the part is, is lost. This problem occured when the company was using solidworks 2006, and since then they have given up implementing the use of the design tables, no one could figure out how to fix the problem. Now that we have Solidworks 2008 they want to see if the problem will still occur......my problem is, I have never used/made/edited a design table and don't really know where to begin. I know that the Design Table works with Microsoft Excel, which I am pretty good in. I know a variety of the formulas and such....
so can someone point me in the right direction?...
There are sevearl places that you can find information on Design Tables. The first plase to look is at the SolidWorks online tutorials that ship with SolidWorks. This will get you started.
If by chance someone there has a copy of Matt Lombard's book the SolidWorks 2007 Bible, there is a section in there that will help. Even though the books says 2007, the functionality is the same.
Another places is on Lenny Kikstra's website. http://www.lennyworks.com/solidworks/default.asp?ID=27 This link should take you right to his Design Tables page.
Take a look at the above information. It should help get you started.