Hello everyone,
I am currently working on a complete overhaul of our drawing standards in SolidWorks, and I am looking for feedback and best practices.
Today, we use models (plans, cartridges, nomenclatures) that are quite old and are no longer reliable. The objective is therefore to start again on a clean, coherent and sustainable basis.
->Context:
Using SolidWorks without PDM (Work on a Shared Network):
-> Main activities:
sheet metal work (with folded/unfolded tops)
Machining
Mechanically welded (structures + multibody)
Commercial Components
Using Custom Properties Through the SolidWorks Form
->What I'm putting in place:
Model of parts / assemblies / drawings
Cartridges with automatic fields (mass, material, index, etc.)
->Differentiation of formats:
A4 → mass in grams, odds to 1 decimal place
A3 / A1 / A0 → mass in kg, odds without decimal places
->Dedicated drawings:
A4 sheet metal (with unfolded view + dimensions L / W / thickness)
A4 machining
->Points on which I would like your feedback:
What custom properties do you use as standard?
How do you properly manage sheet metal information (unfolded, thickness, etc.) in the cartridge?
Do you have any tips for making bills of materials without PDM more reliable?
How do you structure your library of mechanically welded profiles?
Do you have any automations in place (macros, advanced forms, etc.)?
I am interested in any documentation, model examples, or advice from your field experience.
Thank you in advance for your help