yang686526

huge "replace components" project
i have a replace component problem.
ok, the best i can describe my problem is we have two main folders. "fixtures" and "standard parts" the fixtures folder has about 30 sub-olders each dealing with a specific fixture we make. the standard parts folder is similar, but with folders such as ballast, lamps, sockets, and the dreaded hardware.
in the hardware folder, previous engineers would draw a screw, name it 8-32 screw", "20035229" (for the part number), etc. nothing has a configuration with it, the 8-32 is just that, one 8-32 screw.
we use hundreds of hardware components, and i recently made a subfolder in the hardware, labeled "fasteners" which has models for screws, nuts, and washers. every distict item we have, i created a configuration with the appropriate part number and size using design tables. so 200 pieces of hardware are divided into 15 files.
here is the question. is it possible to select an old piece of hardware that is used in multiple folders, in multiple assemblies, and replace it with one of my new pieces using the correct configuration. or must i do everything assembly by assembly?
and
can i take two different models, and somehow link together specific features so the mates don't get messed up when i replace a component.
check into solidworks express.
chris
solidworks/pdmworks 08 3.1
autocad 08
ummm ... wanna try that again chris?

my work was in this kind of predicament when i started.
they were originally 2 design groups in 2 locations and merged back into one building on one server, but had so many duplicates, different fasteners, etc.
i ended up making a new "parts library", setup everyone's computer with file references to the new library, and new fastener library i created.
the fasteners/hardware will be harder than just replace and good. if they're single parts you won't have much replacability. you'll more than likely have to go assembly by assembly and do it as you come across them. that's what i'm doing here. i'll move and purge purchase parts as i come across them. because it was so bad i don't care if i break old models, i'd rather the library be correct and we can fix a few mates the next time that model is used.
there's really nothing better than drawing the line in the sand. just stay diligent and you'll get through it and really clean up.

we had a similar issue where we needed to change a location of a shared forlder that a lot of files were being referenced from. we wrote a macro that read the assembly references and listed them out. we then looked into the new directory to see if we could find the exact same file name match. if we were successful then we changed the reference to the new location.
this was done at the assembly level.
also it was done using the doc. manager so sw didn't have to be active.
i'm guessing you could look for configs as well. if you want to look at what we have i can send it to you or post it.
corblimeylimey,
i misread.
chris
solidworks/pdmworks 08 3.1
autocad 08
bwaggoner, a post of that example would help. actually all you guys have been a pretty good at helping so far.
charlie
chris,
i was referring to your "solidworks express" reference. i assume you meant sw explorer. the express seems to be more about autocad these days.

sorry...
thank you. yes i did mean sw explorer. not a good week.
chris
solidworks/pdmworks 08 3.1
autocad 08
i hope this helps, i will try to help where i can.
this does use the sw document manager so you will have to contact sw to get a key if you don't have one.

how far have you gotten into this? you may have problems with internal id's of components. this will cause trouble with the mates.
if the components you replace are derived from a common ancestor, then there should be little trouble. if components were created independently, then mates will fail due to internal id being different.