SOLIDWORKS Configurations: Basics and Creating Configurations
In SOLIDWORKS configurations are a powerful feature that allows you to create multiple VARIENTS of a part or assembly within a single document. Configurations enable you to manage design variations efficiently and make adjustments to a part or assembly without needing to create separate files. Here's an overview of how configurations work in SOLIDWORKS.
Configuration : GEAR TEETH Design
In this article, we will examine the best cases for using configurations in SOLIDWORKS, preparing a model for configuration, and Methods for creating using a Configuration Table. Configurations can also be employed to describe a model as it proceeds through steps in the manufacturing.
Creating Configurations using the Configuration Table:
Use to create configurations is the SOLIDWORKS Configurations Table. We access the Configuration Table by right clicking on a dimension or feature and choosing “Configure Dimension” or “Configure Feature”.
STEP:1 choosing “Add Configuration…” will start the Configuration Properties command.
STEP:2 By adding name of configuration and add description about create:
STEP:3 After adding configuration, below design tree" TABLES" click for configuration table.
Click the "SHOW TABLE" for view.
STEP:4 By selecting feature for making configuration in pattern.
STEP:5 Make it as 18 teeth to drive the configuration.
STEP:6 Click ‘Specify Configuration”
STEP:7 Make configuration by selecting names.
STEP:8 After making configurations we can suppress or unsuppressed it.
After click apply and OK it converted the Configuration we have.
Configuration Results:
1.Default Configuration
2.GEAR TEETH 36 Configuration
3.GEAR TEETH 26 Configuration
Conclusion
Understanding and utilizing configurations in SOLIDWORKS is essential for efficient and flexible design. Configurations allow users to create multiple variations of a part or assembly within a single document, saving time and reducing file clutter. By mastering the basics—such as suppressing features, changing dimensions, and managing design tables—you can streamline your workflow and better manage design iterations or product families. Whether you're customizing hardware sizes, simplifying assemblies for performance, or managing product options, configurations offer a powerful toolset to enhance your modeling strategy.