I am currently evaluating SolidWorks' Routing add-in, specifically as it applies to its electrical use (cabling/harness/et al.)
I am new to SolidWorks (~ 1 year); formerly Pro-E user (13+ years).
I was curious to know if anyone has a list of limitations they may have jotted down while using this add-in.
(My lack of SW experience, as well as exposure to this module, may cause the possibility of oversight here.)
The tutorial was a decent starting point, but it's a demo just the same (typically all demos are designed to work quickly & flawlessly);
and, there were a few issues for me with that anyway.
The best way, in my opinion, of finding out how software works is by it performance in "real-life" applications.
(It always works well in a classroom environment too, but as soon as your back at your workstation - that's a different matter altogether.)
At this point, I've found that Routing does not play nice with a model that is ONLY created from Imported Surface Geometry. (I'm still testing that.)
If anyone has information on limitations, I'd greatly appreciate a reply.
Thanks,
Chris Streeter
Chris,
I am a big user of the Routing task in SW and I can tell you that it is not user friendly. I've used the Harness package in SDRC-IDEAS (which is real old technology) for over 10 years and it it much easier to use.
Another thing is our VAR does not have much support for this as their engineers have not done much harness. Its very frustrating when you have to solve problems on your own.
Lots of limitations - Ribbon cable can only make three folds. If you want a ribbon cable to have more folds you have to do some work around.
If you do drag and drop from the library its OK but if you have to create new connectors that is not in the library, you need to create Mate References to the mating connectors will align when you place them in the assembly. If not, its a bitch to move the connectors after they are placed in the harness. There are lots but I don't have the time to mention them all. SolidWorks have a long way to go with their harness package.