Step 8: Assembly Overview and Download
I modeled the Pendulum Wave in SolidWorks and have included all files. The dimensions in the SolidWorks models that are dependent on calculated dimensions incorporate design tables. These design tables link to external Excel files which contain variable dimensions for each configuration for that part. In turn, the Excel files each link to the same master Excel file. In this master file I have included all calculations and dimensions covered in this instructable. This setup--using design tables to control part dimensions--makes the assembly very customizable and saves an incredible amount of time, especially when modifications are required. Rather than manually changing the dimensions in each model of the assembly, all that needs to be done is change a driving dimension in the master spreadsheet. When this happens, all dimensions in the model automatically update (after opening and saving the part files).
For each type of part in the SolidWorks assembly, only one actual part file exists. This is accomplished through the use of configurations. Instead of having 96 unique part files in the assembly, there are 11 with multiple configurations driven by the master Excel file (excluding the .25" dowels which are not modeled). Efficient, no?
The master Excel file works independently of the SolidWorks files. You can use it to calculate all the dimensions you need. Driving dimensions are highlighted in orange, while dimensions which are linked to the design tables (outputs) are highlighted in green. Again, all calculations covered in this instructable are solved in the master spreadsheet.
Attached is a zipped folder containing the assembly, part files, Excel tables, and master Excel spreadsheet. The excel tables reference the master Excel file using absolute references, please be sure to change them to your local directory upon upening. Similarly, the design tables require the full path to the linked Excel sheet, so after opening the part files, you will need to link the excel table to part file's design table. SolidWorks should bring up a dialogue box for you to find them. The Excel files have the same names as their corresponding part file, minus the extension.
For each type of part in the SolidWorks assembly, only one actual part file exists. This is accomplished through the use of configurations. Instead of having 96 unique part files in the assembly, there are 11 with multiple configurations driven by the master Excel file (excluding the .25" dowels which are not modeled). Efficient, no?
The master Excel file works independently of the SolidWorks files. You can use it to calculate all the dimensions you need. Driving dimensions are highlighted in orange, while dimensions which are linked to the design tables (outputs) are highlighted in green. Again, all calculations covered in this instructable are solved in the master spreadsheet.
Attached is a zipped folder containing the assembly, part files, Excel tables, and master Excel spreadsheet. The excel tables reference the master Excel file using absolute references, please be sure to change them to your local directory upon upening. Similarly, the design tables require the full path to the linked Excel sheet, so after opening the part files, you will need to link the excel table to part file's design table. SolidWorks should bring up a dialogue box for you to find them. The Excel files have the same names as their corresponding part file, minus the extension.
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