SolidWorks 2011 Parts Bible - Matt Lombard [165]
When the interface has been created, a PropertyManager entry shows up under the name of the part in the ConfigurationManager, as shown in Figure 11.32.
When the part is placed into an assembly, the PropertyManager shown in Figure 11.33, which is the one created in the Configuration Publisher, appears and enables you to access options to size and configure the new instance. A similar interface is also used if you have uploaded the part to 3D Content Central to allow other people to download the part.
FIGURE 11.32
The PropertyManager entry in the ConfigurationManager
FIGURE 11.33
A custom PropertyManager makes it easy to size and configure a part as it is inserted into an assembly.
Tutorial: Working with Configurations and Design Tables
Throughout this book, parts that I use for one purpose may also be useful for other purposes. For example, the part used in this tutorial uses a loft with guide curves where both guide curves are created in the same sketch. The guide curve sketch is made from symmetrical splines where I have used the spline handles to change the shape smoothly and in a controlled way. I have also used a curve-driven pattern to go around an elliptical shape.
Tip
If at some point you decide that you have made mistakes from which you cannot recover, or you would simply like to start over again, you can choose File⇒Reload. This is the same as exiting the part without saving and then reopening the part to start from the beginning.
To start working with configurations and design tables, follow these steps:
1. From the DVD, open the part called Chapter 11 Tutorial start.sldprt. Take a moment to become familiar with this part by using the rollback bar to see how it was made. In particular, look at the two patterns, which need to be parametrically linked. Figure 11.34 shows the part.
Figure 11.34
The Chapter 11 Tutorial start.sldprt file
2. Manually create a configuration for the part called Size 1. Remember that to create a configuration, you must show the ConfigurationManager tab in the FeatureManager area, and right-click the name of the part at the top level. It is better to do this by splitting the FeatureManager window and setting the lower pane to the ConfigurationManager.
3. Set the Advanced option by selecting both Suppress Features and Use Configuration Specific Color.
4. Before closing the Add Configuration PropertyManager, click the Color button on the Advanced Options panel of the Configuration PropertyManager and select a different color for the Size 1 configuration. The color does not change immediately. It will change after you close the PropertyManager.
5. Choose View⇒Dimension Names.
6. Double-click the feature CrvPattern1 in the FeatureManager. A number 6 with a D1 under it will appear on one of the holes in the pattern. If you have changed your part to a blue color, it may be difficult to see because the text will also be blue.
7. Change the name of the dimension to Hole# by clicking the dimension and using the PropertyManager.
8. Change the value of the number to 8, and be careful to also change the drop-down setting to This Configuration Only instead of All Configurations. If you forget to do this, then you will have to go to the other configuration and set it back to 6.
9. Click the Rebuild symbol (which resembles a traffic light) to show the changes before exiting the Modify dialog box. Notice that the CrvPattern2 fails after rebuilding CrvPattern1 with eight instances. Click the green check mark icon to exit the Modify dialog box, and then make the same changes to the CrvPattern2: change the dimension name and the number of patterned instances to eight (remember