Good afternoon,
I'm trying to setup a model that uses a design table to drive its dimensions for multiple configurations, but I need to let a non-licensed user edit the table outside of solidworks. Is this a probable scenario?
Also, I'm unable to find the file locations that are contained in Solidworks options. Can anyone elaborate on where the design tables are saved?
Thanks,
Will
You can save the design table as an Excel file.
You select where the file is saved just like saving any other type of file.
Anyone with access to the file and Excel can modify the file which can then be reloaded into your Solidworks file.
If you need more details on doing this just let me know.
Richard,
The way I read the OP is that he wants an external spreadsheet to control parts. I have not done this but if I recall correctly it can be done, but with limitations.
1. Reference the cells in the DT to cells in the external spreadsheet. Close the spreadsheet and the DT.
2. Make changes in the external spreadsheet that would affect the part (suggest shading those cells).
3. Go to the part file. Here is where I am very uncertain. You will at least have to do a rebuild (Ctrl+Q) for the active configuration, but you might actually have to edit the DT in order for it to update its values referencing the external spreadsheet.
Dennis Dohogne wrote:
Richard,
The way I read the OP is that he wants an external spreadsheet to control parts. I have not done this but if I recall correctly it can be done, but with limitations.
1. Reference the cells in the DT to cells in the external spreadsheet. Close the spreadsheet and the DT.
2. Make changes in the external spreadsheet that would affect the part (suggest shading those cells).
3. Go to the part file. Here is where I am very uncertain. You will at least have to do a rebuild (Ctrl+Q) for the active configuration, but you might actually have to edit the DT in order for it to update its values referencing the external spreadsheet.
If the DT is stored within the SW file but references an external file (as outlined above), I am 100% certain that no configuration of the model will update until you edit the DT from within SolidWorks. Data moves from SolidWorks to the Design Table only when you open the table. Data moves from the table into SolidWorks only when you close the table. Additionally, any cells with formulas or links are only evaluated while the table is open. The design table doesn't actually store the information about the model... SW stores that within each configuration just the same as it does without a DT. The design table is just a data entry/evaluation tool.
I've never checked to see if SW automatically opens an externally-stored DT to look for changes when you open a part, but I doubt it does.
I haven't been able to find any rhyme or reason to how changes from an external DT get updated in SW.
At the moment prior to saving my part I delete the DT.
Then if changes are made to the DT I reinsert it into the drawing.
Josh Brady wrote:
Dennis Dohogne wrote:
Richard,
The way I read the OP is that he wants an external spreadsheet to control parts. I have not done this but if I recall correctly it can be done, but with limitations.
1. Reference the cells in the DT to cells in the external spreadsheet. Close the spreadsheet and the DT.
2. Make changes in the external spreadsheet that would affect the part (suggest shading those cells).
3. Go to the part file. Here is where I am very uncertain. You will at least have to do a rebuild (Ctrl+Q) for the active configuration, but you might actually have to edit the DT in order for it to update its values referencing the external spreadsheet.
If the DT is stored within the SW file but references an external file (as outlined above), I am 100% certain that no configuration of the model will update until you edit the DT from within SolidWorks. Data moves from SolidWorks to the Design Table only when you open the table. Data moves from the table into SolidWorks only when you close the table. Additionally, any cells with formulas or links are only evaluated while the table is open. The design table doesn't actually store the information about the model... SW stores that within each configuration just the same as it does without a DT. The design table is just a data entry/evaluation tool.
I've never checked to see if SW automatically opens an externally-stored DT to look for changes when you open a part, but I doubt it does.
That was my recollection as well. Thanks, Josh.
Richard, have you looked into DriveWorks (Express)? It might actually be just what you are looking for.
That's the workflow I'm currently using. I have a master spreadsheet. The cells in my DT are linked to the master.
I've had the best results by deleting the DT and reinserting it in order to implement changes.
There is no "native location for the tables". Normally the table is an embedded excel file stored inside the SolidWorks document. However, if, while creating the design table, you select the options as shown below, you can link the table to whatever excel file you want, stored wherever you want.
To emphasize a point that Richard made, once the excel file has been changed the model still needs to be opened in SolidWorks for the changes to take place and the revised print to update. So while someone without SW can technically change the parts using a spreadsheet nothing takes effect until someone with SW opens and updates the part / assembly.
I've never used that workflow, but as I understand it all you need to do is save the table in an external location. I'm pretty sure SW doesn't have a default location for saving design tables. They're saved internally in the Part file unless you manually save them in another location. Right-click on the table and choose "Save Table..."