Model Access Requirements

Configurations and design tables are the basis of customer access to models. As the model builder, you work with the manufacturer to determine which type of model access is required. You can categorize model access as follows:

Models that do not use multiple configurations, requiring no manipulation.
Models with multiple predefined configurations, requiring configuration-specific access.
Models with edited parameters, requiring a model rebuild.

Single Configuration Access

Catalog models with a single configuration and no design table allow catalog users to download and view models or drawings without specifying any model customization. Customers cannot change configurations, parameters, or properties through the catalog interface. This type of catalog entry is very useful when the product is unique and not a member of a family of similar products.

Requirements for this type of model:

The top-level part or assembly has a single configuration named Default
All needed part or subassembly files are uploaded with the top-level model.
The top-level model adheres to all naming conventions.
If a drawing is included, the drawing file shares the same name as the top-level model.

To create a single configuration model: click here

Create a standard SolidWorks model.
Retain the default configuration name.
Save the model.

Multiple Predefined Configuration Access

Catalog models with multiple configurations allow catalog users to specify which configuration to view and download.

You no longer need a design table to specify configurations. Models with configurations but no design table are created using the ConfigurationManager and the Add Configuration function in SolidWorks.

This type of catalog entry is useful in defining a family of similar products.

Requirements for this type of model:

The top-level part or assembly contains all the configurations to define all the controlling parameters needed to create each configuration.
All required part or subassembly files are uploaded with the top-level model.
The top-level model adheres to all naming conventions.
If a drawing is included, the drawing file shares the same name as the top-level model, or it is associated using the map drawings functionality.

To create a multiple configuration model: click here

Create a standard SolidWorks model.
Create the desired configuration within the model either by using a design table, or by adding the configurations manually.
Save the model.

TIPS: Use the part number as the configuration name.

Editable Parameter Access

Catalog models that allow catalog users to specify parameters through the web interface, must contain a design table and an active default configuration as part of the design table.

Requirements for this type of model:

The top-level part or assembly includes a default configuration, defined within the design table.
The top-level part or assembly contains a design table, that defines all the controlling parameters needed to create each configuration.
The top-level part or assembly has the default configuration active.
All required part or subassembly files are uploaded with the top-level model.
The top-level model adheres to all naming conventions.
If a drawing is included, the drawing file shares the same name as the top-level model, or it is associated using the map drawings functionality.

To create a dynamically configurable model: click here

Create a standard SolidWorks model.
Insert a new design table, listing all configurations and corresponding parameters.

Include a default configuration and corresponding parameters in the design table.
Save the model while the default configuration is active.

TIPS: Use the part number as the configuration name. Specify the configuration name in the first column of the design table. Use the second column to specify groups or part families, if applicable.

For general information:

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