I have a shaft for which I want to use parametric design with design tables. I created a design table, no problems there. But now I want to have the excel sheet externally, so I can just change the values in excel and when I open the 3D model the dimensions update to those in the excel file.
I tried saving the design table, but everytime I do this it gives an error saying 'Cannot save *file path* ". When I go and look in the folder where I tried to save the design table there is an excel file there with the same name I gave it but with '__new' added to the name. So for example when I try to save the design table as 'pinion_shaft.xlsx' the actual excel file will be called 'pinion_shaft__new.xlsx'. This excel file doesn't seem to be linked to the model, if I change dimensions in the file they are not updated in solidworks.
So then I thought, I have the design table saved why don't I delete the design table in solidworks, then insert the externally saved excel file as a design table. This way the excel file will be formated correctly because I created it with solidworks. Did this but still the model doesn't update to the values in the excel file. When I then go to save the part it says 'saving linked design table' or something like this, after which I get the same 'cannot save' error. And, suprise surprise, there is a new excel file created with '__new' added to the name of the excel file I inserted as design table. So if I insert 'pinion_shaft__new.xlsx' and save the part, 'pinion_shaft__new__new.xlsx' is created.
Anybody ideas as to what is happening? I just want to have the design table linked to an external file, and have the model update to the dimensions in this file.
Hi Arno,
I suggest you create your table in Excel first and then upload it to your part in SolidWorks (unless you have already tried this?). What version of SolidWorks are you using?
Make sure that you select "link to file" when uploading your table.