Slot Propagation

When creating a tab and slot feature in an assembly component, you can propagate the slots to other instances of the same component in the assembly.

If an assembly has a component with a tab previously created with the Tab and Slot tool, you can propagate slots for that tab to other instances of the component in the assembly as well.

For example, if you have an assembly with multiple instances of a part with a tab, you can propagate slots for the corresponding instances.

Slots propagate only when the tab component intersects with the slot component.

If you pattern or mirror a component with a tab, you can select Propagate Slots in the PropertyManager to apply slots to intersecting components in the assembly.

To use slot propagation for assemblies when creating tab and slot features:
  1. In an assembly, click Tab and Slot (Sheet metal toolbar).
  2. In the graphics area, select an edge for the tabs and a corresponding face for the slots.
  3. Specify options in the PropertyManager.
    If SOLIDWORKS detects multiple instances of the component in the assembly, you can specify options under Propagate Slots:
    • Only selected. Propagates slots to the selected component only.
    • All instances in same parent assembly. Propagates slots to all instances of the selected component that are in the same parent assembly.
    • All instances. Propagates slots to all instances of the selected component.
  4. Click .
To use slot propagation for assemblies with existing tab and slot features:
  1. In an assembly with a component that has a tab and slot, right-click the component and click Propagate Slots.
  2. In the Slot Propagation PropertyManager, under Instances for slot propagation, specify an option:
    • Only selected. Propagates slots to the selected component only.
    • All instances in same parent assembly. Propagates slots to all instances of the selected component that are in the same parent assembly.
    • All instances. Propagates slots to all instances of the selected component.
  3. Click .