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annotations, and blocks, and move these folders to a different location. By default, the Design Library folders are found at C:\ProgramData\SolidWorks\SolidWorks 2010\design library\. You should store them in another location, not in the SolidWorks installation directory, but in an area that you have selected to maintain SolidWorks data between releases. For example, I have a folder at D:\Library that contains folders for macros, templates, library features, library parts, favorites, and so on. You can easily back up or copy these files from one computer to another, although you must quit SolidWorks before making these changes. Keeping the data off the operating system drive is also a good idea because if you ever have to reinstall the OS, you will not lose your SolidWorks library data.

After moving the library, you have to point SolidWorks to the new location. To do this, choose Tools⇒Options⇒File Locations⇒Design Library. Delete the old location and browse to the new location. You should move other items in this list and redirect any items that you use, such as the templates and any other items you use frequently. Once you have specified the settings, they should be retained when you install service pack upgrades or future versions.

Storing library parts

The Design Library can also store commonly used library parts. One of the advantages of using the library for parts is that on placement into the assembly, if configurations are available in a part, then a window pops up, enabling you to select which configuration to place into the assembly.

Note

In many cases, using the Design Library for library parts is considered an acceptable replacement for the automated function of Toolbox. If you use Toolbox to make the parts and populate them with configurations, and then save the parts out of Toolbox and into the Design Library, many options, including naming conventions, and a more flexible use of custom properties that are not available through Toolbox become available.

Figure 13.13 shows the configuration selection window. Note that the configurations are alphabetically listed, and you can type in the box to go to the configuration that you want.

FIGURE 13.13

Inserting library parts with configurations

Parts inserted from the library parts folder can also take advantage of the Mate References functionality in the same way as Toolbox, by allowing parts to snap into place.

Using sheet metal forming tools

I only mention sheet metal forming tools here as a part of the library. They work much like other library features, but they do so within the specialized functions of sheet metal parts in SolidWorks. I discuss sheet metal forming tools in Chapter 21. Forming tools folders have special properties. If you want to use the parts in a folder as forming tools, you must right-click the folder in the Design Library and choose Forming Tool Folder. The only other library type that needs special folders is library assemblies.

Using assemblies

You can use library assemblies in SolidWorks in the same ways that you use library parts because they are inserted into the top-level assembly as a subassembly. For subassemblies that require motion, such as universal joint subassemblies, you can set the subassembly to solve as flexible or simply dissolve the subassembly into the upper-level assembly, through a RMB option.

Tip

When saving assemblies to the library, it is recommended that you put the parts in a separate folder to segregate the parts of different assemblies.

Using routing

Routing is a separately purchased add-in that is included with SolidWorks Office Premium. It includes piping, tubing (rigid and flexible), and wiring. Routing makes extensive use of libraries and automation but is not part of the scope of this book. The documentation on routing at this time is rather sparse, but SolidWorks offers a reseller training class, and at this time, it's your best bet for information on this add-in.

Using Smart Components

Smart Components are components that resize by automatically selecting configurations, depending on