So I'm trying to create a "raw materials" BOM in my drawings for Procurement to accurately cost the build. I had found a forum post that addressed my issue (https://forum.solidworks.com/thread/105751#comment-540196 ) but now I'm finding a variable that i never set, but it's the exact one i need! It is called "SW-SurfaceArea". and it is calculating all the surfaces and their areas. Problem is, when I try to reference it in the BOM table, it isn't available Not sure how to go about this. I'm honestly somewhat new to the software but I have a fairly good grip on it. The attached file shows all the variables that "came out of nowhere" that I cannot reference in the BOM. I appreciate any help!
Hi Evan:
SW-* variables like SW-SurfaceArea need to be set into a property first, and then you can use that property on your drawings. You can access your properties by clicking File->Properties for the part or assembly you have open (or you can use a tool like Bommer, PDM, or tab builder to set your properties), enter the text "SW-SurfaceArea" in as the value for a property, and SOLIDWORKS will automatically resolve the real value for you.
A slight word of caution with the SW-* variables for physical attributes like surface area: if the unit systems between your parts and your top-level assembly vary, SOLIDWORKS will use the unit system of the document on which you're setting the property, not that of the top-level assembly.
--
Jesse Rosalia
Co-founder, Bommer
https://www.getbommer.com