Getting Started

Contents

• Route Types
  

• Familiarity with SolidWorks
  

  The Routing application uses functionality available in SolidWorks.

• The Basics of Routing
  

  Start the route by inserting route components, which vary by route type, into the assembly. These components define the start and end connection points of the path.

• Modeling a Typical Piping Route
  

  The typical piping route is made up of pipe parts of different lengths connected by elbows, tees, reducers and terminated by flanges. In the FeatureManager design tree, they are separated into the Route Parts folder for pipes and Components folder for elbows, tees, reducers and flanges.

• Methods for Modeling Electrical Routes
  

  When designing wiring systems, the preferred approach is to model the wiring as a wiring harness.

• Route with Clips
  

  Clips and virtual clips make it much easier to create routes for tubing and electrical designs.

• Modeling Routes as External or Virtual Files
  

  Routing files, such as the route subassembly and route parts, can be created as external or virtual components.

• Assemblies as Routing Components
  

  You can use assemblies in routing to represent equipment or special routing assemble components, such as valves or strainers.

• Routing Toolbars
  

  If the Routing toolbars are not visible, ensure that the Routing add-in is enabled.

• Routing Templates
  

  After adding SolidWorks Routing, the first time you create an assembly document the software creates a routing template.

• Route Properties Overview
  

  Route properties include the type of routing (piping, tubing or electrical) and the diameter or size of the route.

• Routing Libraries and the Routing Component Wizard
  

  Routing provides you with libraries of electrical, piping and tubing parts. You can model additional parts and add them to the libraries.

• Routing Quick Tips
  

  Routing Quick Tips are messages that give hints about basic Routing commands and workflow.