Part Naming and Part Numbering in SOLIDWORKS PDM

In this video, we'll explore intelligent vs sequential part numbering schemes, including the pros and cons of each approach, and how they are executed in PDM Professional. Automatic sequential part numbering eliminates the need to track numbers separately and ensures all part numbers are unique. Intelligent part numbering can be executed from a template or data card and can even use a dispatch script to rename a file if the part number changes.
About MLC CAD Systems: MLC CAD Systems offers real-world, hands-on expertise in implementing the full suite of MASTERCAM and SOLIDWORKS software products, and Markforged 3D printing technologies. In addition, MLC CAD Systems provides MASTERCAM and SOLIDWORKS training and support, and 3D printer support and repair, and installation services.
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[@mathmatters1064]

Very helpful... Thanks

[@alijasim7724]

Thank you!

[@MLCCADSystems]

You're welcome!

[@barretevans2723]

Thank you

[@mbarbosa1746]

You still need an incremental component in the intelligent part numbering right? How do you do that when chosing the categories in the datacard?

[@MLCCADSystems]

Yes, if you want each category chosen from the data card to use a unique incremental serial number that is specific to that category you would either have to create multiple incremental components, or use a separate tool to control the individual counters such as an external SQL database. If your category list is a reasonable size and doesn't routinely grow, counters inside PDM will get the job done, but there are practical limits. It is usually helpful to discuss your desired approach with an expert to find out how hard it would be to implement and if there are workarounds that would be easier to work with.

[@georgebirchenough1931]

For importing a vendor model - I would normally just create an empty part and insert the vendor with broken references. Whats the downside of that approach? Your dispatch is timesaving, but if we don't really have time to get that set up . Thanks for the video

[@MLCCADSystems]

That isn't an inherently bad approach as long as it works for you. The problem this video helps you with is that you still need a file name for the empty part so you can save it and reference it. Dispatch isn't the only way to do this, but it is a fast and powerful way to standardize.

[@devanking1026]

How are you able to open a PDM Template from within SolidWorks? I saved the PDM Template file in with my other templates but when I go to File>New only SolidWorks template files are shown (PRTDOT, ASMDOT, DRWDOT).

[@MLCCADSystems]

PDM "Templates" and SOLIDWORKS "File Templates" should not be considered to be in any way equivalent. I tend to think of PDM "Templates" as "Project Templates" or "Folder Templates" because they create folder structures and can populate them with various files which is great for projects. PDM Project Templates can grab SOLIDWORKS files and copy them into the project, but they aren't "File Templates" usually (PRTDOT) and are simply copies of finished files that represent a good starting point for a copy tree.
If you are using a PDM Template to create a new file, the most common thing to do is to copy a start part, give it a new file name, and then go to File > Open to begin any changes that are required for this variant. No File Templates required. I hope that helps to explain things a bit!

[@Chrissowter866]

Hi Devan. Map your SolidWorks > System Options > Templates to the PDM folder that your PDM file templates are stored. Now when you go to File>New in SolidWorks, it will show another tab named SOLIDWORKS PDM and you can use that to generate new files using the PDM template.

[@Ak47ram]

What if you create a top down design and then naming the parts after you are done?

[@MLCCADSystems]

Thank you for the question, there are two things to keep in mind when it comes to top-down design and file names, the external file references between assemblies/drawings and other assemblies/parts, and the in-context relations that trigger rebuild updates inside the in-context assembly. PDM will have no problems with file references if you rename any files after they are done, but if you rename an assembly and it has in-context relations, that can break those update holders (Part1 in context of Assem1 for example). If you want to change the name of a part, go for it, if you want to change the name of an assembly that has in-context features, do a pack and go to move/rename everything together to a new file copy. For that reason I highly recommend finalizing the assembly name before adding in-context relations to avoid issues.

[@samoba9303]

At 2:28 min , how does one create a part template like this ?

[@MLCCADSystems]

Thank you for your question, templates can be setup in the PDM Administration tool and are typically setup during the implementation process by an implementer to make sure it correctly copies all information to the correct locations and functions as expected. More information can be found in the Administration Guide, open PDM Administration and go to Help > Administration Guide... and look for the chapter on Templates.

[@douglasfolk9507]

Would really like to understand how errors are introduced by not using an intelligent part #.

[@MLCCADSystems]

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so the question would be a little easier to answer if you have clear goals defined. For example, some companies have strict requirements for parts before they can go into production, but any name is allowed during early product development. In that case, you could create a condition to block any non-conforming file name from proceeding to production checking, and files that have not transitioned into that part of the workflow are unrestricted. I would reach out to a sales rep or PDM expert to discuss your specific needs and we can give you more detail regarding how that would work. If you are an MLC CAD Systems customer, reach out to your local team or call 800-364-1652.

[@NucuA]

How PDM template ask for folder selection?

[@MLCCADSystems]

When you configure the template, you can choose where the files or folders will go. We have a separate video that digs into creating the templates themselves (this link skips to the folder selection page): ua-cam.com/video/r7Own3SQQuw/v-deo.html