Getting Started You can use several methods to create route subassemblies, but most of them share the basic steps described in this Getting Started section. 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. Modeling a User Defined Route The user defined route type allows you to define routes for rectangular and round ducts and other routes that do not conform to the standard piping, flexible tubing and electrical route types. 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. Mating in Routing Subassemblies Mates can be added only to end fittings (flanges or fittings) in a route sub-assembly. If you delete the mates on an end fitting, or if you insert an end fitting at the end of a 3D sketch segment, the position of the end fitting becomes driven by the 3D sketch. 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 Naming Conventions