Routing Getting Started Topics

Contents
SolidWorks Routing Overview...........................................................................................4
Enabling the Routing Add-In....................................................................................................................4
Getting Started..................................................................................................................5
Route Types.............................................................................................................................................5
Familiarity with SolidWorks......................................................................................................................5
The Basics of Routing..............................................................................................................................5
Route Components: Fittings and Connectors....................................................................................5
Pipe, Tube, and Electrical Parts.........................................................................................................6
Start the Route...................................................................................................................................6
Use 3D Sketch to Define the Centerline.............................................................................................7
Modeling a Typical Piping Route.............................................................................................................7
Differences between Pipes and Tubes...............................................................................................8
Pipe and Tube Parts...........................................................................................................................8
Import a P and ID File.........................................................................................................................9
Use Auto Route Tool..........................................................................................................................9
Methods for Modeling Electrical Routes..................................................................................................9
Components for Electrical Routes......................................................................................................9
Electrical Design Requirements.......................................................................................................10
Use a From-To List...........................................................................................................................11
Manual Design..................................................................................................................................11
Route with Clips.....................................................................................................................................11
Modeling Routes as External or Virtual Files.........................................................................................12
Assemblies as Routing Components.....................................................................................................12
Routing Toolbars....................................................................................................................................12
Piping Toolbar..................................................................................................................................13
Flexible Tubing Toolbar....................................................................................................................13
Electrical Toolbar..............................................................................................................................14
Routing Tools Toolbar......................................................................................................................15
Setting Routing Options and File Locations....................................................................16
Routing Options.....................................................................................................................................16
Routing File Locations and Settings Dialog Box....................................................................................20
Routing Templates..........................................................................................................24
Creating a Custom Routing Template...................................................................................................24
Making a Custom Routing Template the Default...................................................................................24
Route Properties.............................................................................................................25
Route Properties PropertyManager.......................................................................................................25
Mate References.............................................................................................................30
Rules for Applying Mate References.....................................................................................................30
Routing Libraries and the Routing Component Wizard...................................................32

ii
 Contents

Maintain Library Files.............................................................................................................................32

Creating a Component...........................................................................................................................33
Adding Components to the Library........................................................................................................33
Routing Component Wizard...................................................................................................................33

iii
 SolidWorks Routing Overview
The Routing application is an add-in to the SolidWorks Premium software. With Routing,
you can create a special type of subassembly that builds a path of pipes, tubes, or electrical
cables between components.
When you insert certain components into an assembly, a route subassembly is created
automatically. Unlike other types of subassemblies, you do not create a route assembly
in its own window and then insert it as a component in the higher-level assembly.
A route subassembly is made up of three types of entities:
• Components, which are fittings and connectors, including flanges, tees, electrical
connectors and clips.
• Route parts, which include pipes, tubes, wires, and cables.
• A 3D sketch of the centerline of the route path

Enabling the Routing Add-In

To use Routing, you must enable the Routing add-in.

1. From the SolidWorks menu bar, click Tools > Add-Ins.

2. From the Add-Ins dialog box, under SolidWorks Premium Add-ins:
• To use Routing in your current SolidWorks session, select Routing under Active
Add-ins.
• To use Routing in every SolidWorks session, select Routing under Start Up.

3. Click OK.

When Routing is active for the current SolidWorks session, a Routing menu is available.

4
 Getting Started
You can use several methods to create route subassemblies, but most of them share the
basic steps described in this Getting Started section.

Route Types
SolidWorks Routing enables you to create several types of routes:
• Piping
• Flexible Tubing
• Electrical (cable and wire)
• Electrical conduit
• Ribbon cables
Routes fall into several categories, such as electrical wiring enclosures, fabricated cable,
soldered copper, PVC, flexible tubing, welded piping, and associated fittings.

Familiarity with SolidWorks

The Routing application uses functionality available in SolidWorks.
To become proficient in routing, you need to be familiar with the following areas:
• 3D Sketching
• Assemblies, Top-Down Design and Mates
• Design Library
• Configurations
Search for these topic areas in the SolidWorks Online Help or see the SolidWorks tutorials
for more information.
SolidWorks also provides routing tutorials in the Online Help.

The Basics of Routing

Start the route by inserting route components, which vary by route type, into the assembly.
These components define the start and end connection points of the path.
Then create the route by using a 3D sketch to define the centerline of the path. The
software generates the pipe, tube, and wire parts along the centerline and connects the
parts to the route components.

Route Components: Fittings and Connectors

Fittings and connectors include flanges, elbows, tees, valves, wiring harnesses and wiring
clips. Fittings and connectors are typically used to begin and end routes, and to guide
and control the route path.
Every fitting and connector must have a route point (RPoint), which you use to position
the component at an intersection or endpoint in the route sketch. It must also have at

5
least one connection point (CPoint), which indicates where a routing segment (pipe, tube,
or wire) begins or ends.
You can specify the CPoint parameters in a design table to control the diameter and type
of routing segment (pipe, tube, or wire) that can be attached to the fitting or connector.
The software makes extensive use of design tables to create and modify the configurations
of route components. The configurations are distinguished by different dimensions and
properties. If you are unfamiliar with these concepts, see Design Tables.
Fittings and connectors are available in the Design Library, or can be custom created.
After a route is created, all fittings and connectors are listed in the Components folder
of the assembly’s FeatureManager design tree.

Pipe, Tube, and Electrical Parts

These parts are available in the Routing Library.
Each pipe and tube part can have configurations with different dimensions and properties.
For example, pipe with a certain diameter could have multiple configurations with different
lengths and thicknesses. A connection point (CPoint) might specify pipe of that diameter,
but the Routing application allows you to select other configurations.
Electrical route parts include wires, standard cables and ribbon cables. These parts can
have a number of parameters, including external diameter, size of the core, color, and
minimum bend radius. They are available in the Cable/Wire Library.
After you create a route, pipe, tube and electrical parts are listed in the Route Parts
folder of the assembly’s FeatureManager design tree.

Start the Route

After you enable the Routing application, start the route by opening an assembly file from
SolidWorks.
A common method for starting a route is to view an assembly in sketch mode. Then from
the Routing toolbar (Pipe, Flexible Tubine, or Electrical), click Start by Drag/Drop. You
then drag an end fitting or connector from the Design Library, and position the fitting or
connector on the assembly at the point where the route should start. SolidWorks allows
you to begin sketching the route, and includes the fitting or connector as a component
of the route.
When you create a route by dragging and dropping a route component, the software
automatically performs the following:
• Creates the route subassembly under the active assembly.
• Moves the dropped component from the active assembly into the route subassembly.
• Creates the route feature in the route subassembly.
• Creates a route sketch.
• Adds the first line to the sketch from the connection point of the dropped part.
• Sets up the route properties for the route.
The route properties are derived from the attributes of the connection points in the start
component. For example, the connection point on the component defines the diameter
and route type (pipe, tube, or electrical). You can change the default settings for the
route.

6
 Once the route is created, edit the route subassembly as needed by adding and adjusting
more fittings and components onto the sketch points.
Alternately, you can start a route by creating a connection point on a component that is
already part of the assembly, or at another desired start point (for example, a hole in a
panel). In this case the component where the route starts (if there is one), remains part
of the main assembly, and is not included as part of the route subassembly.

Use 3D Sketch to Define the Centerline

You use a 3D sketch to define the centerline of the route path.
When you drag a flange or other end fitting into an assembly, a new subassembly is
created, and the 3D sketch is started automatically. You can also begin the 3D sketch
manually, if the fittings are already in the assembly.
Right-click the connection point (CPoint) in a fitting and select Start Route.

Sketch the route path. For pipes, use Line on the Sketch toolbar. For flexible tubes

and electrical cables, use Line or Spline on the Sketch toolbar. Create fillets in
the sketch where elbow fittings or bends are needed.
• If you selected the Automatically create sketch fillets option, fillets are added
automatically at intersections as you sketch. The default radius of the fillet is determined
by the bend radius or elbow you specify in the Route Properties PropertyManager when
you begin in the route.
• If you want to add sketch fillets manually (for example, when you need a bend radius

that is different from the default), use the Fillet tool on the Sketch toolbar.
Press Tab to change from one sketch plane to another.
You can add dimensions and most types of relations in a 3D sketch, using the same
methods as you use in a 2D sketch.
While editing the route, you can drag and drop other components. For example, you can
also insert pipes, tubes, and electrical components, split routes, add fittings, and flatten
electrical routes, and use the Auto Route tool to create simple routes quickly.
When you exit the component view, the route subassembly is saved.
To edit the sketch, go to the assembly’s FeatureManager Design Tree, right-click the
Route Component and select Edit Route.
Search for 3D Sketching in the SolidWorks Online Help or see the 3D Sketching tutorial
for more information about working in 3D sketches.

Modeling a Typical Piping Route

The typical piping route is made up of pipe parts of different lengths connected by elbows,
tees, reducers and terminated by flanges. In the FeatureManager design tree, they are
separated into the Route Parts folder for pipes and Components folder for elbows, tees,
reducers and flanges.
Piping routes use rigid pipes based on line geometry. In addition to the pipes, there are
many different types of components that can be used with pipes to build the route.

7
A pipe assembly consists of one or more pipe fittings such as flanges, tees, and reducers,
a 3D sketch and pipe parts. The 3D sketch contains lines, points, and arcs (fillets). When
you create a pipe assembly, the Routing application adds it to the current assembly.
The simplest way to start a pipe route is to drag a flange over the object to which the
pipe is to be connected. For When the flange is dropped, the Routing application starts
to create the pipe:
• Where there is a line in the sketch, a pipe is created.
• Where there is an arc, an elbow or bend is created.
• Where there is a point, there is a fitting such as a flange or tee.

Differences between Pipes and Tubes

Piping Routes differ from electrical, electrical conduit and tubing routes.
These routes always use rigid pipe and typically create fillets automatically at line
endpoints. The fillets are used to place elbows in the route. They also work well with the
Auto Route tool and the Orthogonal option.

Pipe and Tube Parts

Pipe and tube parts define the geometry and attributes of pipes or tubes.
A pipe part has a configuration for each size and specification. If you need to create a
pipe part, copy the existing part to a new name in the library folder, edit the design table,
and add the configurations and values you need. The length of the pipe is not used.
When creating a pipe or tube route, use the Route Properties PropertyManager to select
the name and configuration of pipe or tube part to be used.

Elbows
Elbow are used with pipe. Elbow components should contain a configuration for every
size and specification of elbows you use. You can have all sizes, angles, classes and radii
of elbows in one component, or divide elbows into different library files for different radii,
classes, and size ranges. You should delete any configurations from the elbows that you
will not use. Several smaller elbow components give better performance than one large
component, but you may sometimes need to use an alternate elbow.
To create your own elbow components. copy a sample component that is available with
SolidWorks, assign it a new name, and then modify the design table to suit your
requirements.
Automatic addition of elbows
Elbows can be added to the pipe automatically. In the route properties of a pipe, you
specify a default elbow to be used for that pipe. When modeling the pipe, design the pipes
as straight lines. Wherever straight lines meet, the Routing application creates a fillet.
The fillet radius is dimensioned to match the radius of the default elbow. On completion
of the route, an elbow is created automatically at each of these fillets. You can also use
different elbows by either dragging and dropping an elbow to the end of an existing pipe
line to create the required bend, or use the alternate elbows dialog box.
Automatic selection of elbow configurations
Elbow components can contain multiple types and sizes. For example, you can include
45 degree, 90 degree, short radius and long radius elbows in one component. Depending

8
 on the geometry of the fillets, the Routing application automatically selects the appropriate
elbow.
Custom elbows
You can also create custom elbows, for example, if a 67 degree bend is required.

Import a P and ID File

Similar to electrical routing, you can model a pipe or tube route by importing a Piping
and Instrumentation Diagram ( P&ID) data file.
The P&ID file defines the components that make up the design and describes how the
piping should connect the components.

Use Auto Route Tool

You can also use the Auto Route tool to create multiple solutions for a piping route.
The solutions appear as temporary graphics that include both line and arc segments
running between connectors (flanges in this example).
The Auto Route tool automatically creates route geometry. In the case of piping, lines
are created to connect the stub lines of the end connectors and create a route. Fillets are
generated between lines. You can also use routing components within the auto route to
guide and shape the route.

Methods for Modeling Electrical Routes

When designing wiring systems, the preferred approach is to model the wiring as a wiring
harness.
This method has many advantages over modeling wires and cables individually. It allows
SolidWorks to make many calculations for you, and greatly reduces errors.

Electrical Routing with Clips

The easiest way to model a harness is to use clips. You can place clips as required in the
assembly. The harness is then routed through the clips.

Using a From-To List

A From-To List automates much of the wiring process. It contains each of the wires and
cables in the design, and identifies the wire type to use and the required connectivity.
Using a From-To List eliminates the need to enter wiring data manually, makes the design
process easier, and improves the accuracy of electrical routes.
Information about modeling electrical routes is available in Electrical Wires and Cables
.

Components for Electrical Routes

Components for electrical routes include:
• Connectors

9
 Connectors are special part fittings that connect to both the route and equipment
outside the route. Connectors generally contain mate references for equipment
connections.
• Clips
Clips are components for electrical, piping, and flexible tubing routes that help to locate
the route as desired. Clips can be used as reference locations, or dropped into the route
during route creation. These components generally contain mate references for
equipment connections.
• Ribbon Cables
Ribbon cable components include connectors, sockets and clips. These components
generally contain mate references for equipment connections.
• Electrical Conduit
Electrical conduit is a class of routing parts that combine rigid tubing with electrical.
Terminal connectors contain both electrical conduit and electrical connection points.
Inline route components contain only electrical conduit route points. These components
generally contain mate references for equipment connections.
• Cables
Cables are parts that follow the length of the route, to the end of the sketch or to an
electrical connector. Unlike pipes and tubes, there is no cable “seed” part; the cable is
generated within the route, with specifications extracted from a default, spreadsheet,
or XML file.

Electrical Design Requirements

Recommendation: Use components with single CPoints, rather than multiple CPoints.
Single CPoint connectors make routing easier, because wires are not needed between
the harness and each connector pin. The extra wiring needed for multiple CPoint connectors
adds complexity to the assembly and affects performance. Use multiple CPoint connectors
only when single CPoint connectors will not work.
Recommendation: For single CPoint connectors, place the CPoint where the wires or
cables enter or exit the connector, for example at the end of a strain relief device, as
shown in the image below. The point can also be offset from the rear of the connector.

A CPoint has an Additional Internal Wire Length attribute in the CPoint

PropertyManager. Set the length value so that the wire is long enough to connect from
the CPoint to the farthest pin.

10
 For multiple CPoint connectors, add a CPoint for each pin and use CPoint Schematic
Pin ID to indicate which pin a CPoint represents. The Auto Route tool can be used to help
with routing the wires to each connector pin.
Recommendation: Add a component reference for each connector. When you have
several similar connectors in a design, it is often useful to give each individual instance
a descriptive name. Right-click the connector, select Component Properties and enter
a unique name in Component Reference in the Component Properties dialog box.

Use a From-To List

A From-To List is the most efficient way to use Solidworks Routing. By using a From-To
List, much of the design process is automated and errors are reduced.
If you do not have an electrical schematics package, or a schematics package with no
suitable interface for Solidworks, you can still use a From-To List. You can use Excel to
create the list or use the From-To List wizard. You can also write a convertor to convert
output from other schematics packages into SolidWorks format.
The From-To List contains:
• Connectivity
• Connector partname
• Connector reference name
• PIN ID’s
• Wire data
Obtaining data from a From-To List eliminates the need to enter data manually, simplifies
design creation, and reduces errors.

Manual Design
Manual design starts by dragging and dropping an electrical connector. When you drop
the connector, the Routing application automatically creates a route subassembly and
starts creating an electrical route model. Continue to drag and drop additional connectors
as required.
Ensure that you add a component reference for each connector.

For electrical designs, all connectors must have a unique reference name. You should
not have two connectors with the same name.

Route with Clips

Clips and virtual clips make it much easier to create routes for piping, tubing and electrical
designs.
The easiest way to model an electrical harness is to use clips. In an electrical design,
wires and cables usually need to be fastened to provide support and to prevent them
from moving around. First, positioning clips and then, passing wires through clips provide
an easy mechanism for creating and editing a route.
You can model the clips with multiple configurations. As you add more wires to the harness,
the bundle diameter increases. If the diameter becomes too large for the clip, the clip is
resized.

11
 If the design does not include clips or you don’t have models of clips, you can use virtual
clips to model the route. Virtual clips have no geometry and are excluded from the bills
of materials.
You can route with clips by using standard sketch methods or the Auto Route tool.
Clip parts can optionally contain two routing points (RPoints).

Modeling Routes as External or Virtual Files

Routing files, such as the route subassembly and route parts, can be created as external
or virtual components.
You can create new route subassemblies and route parts as virtual components. These
components are internal to the assembly and are not separate assembly or part files.
You can easily delete or rename virtual components. You can also save the virtual
components as external to the assembly, and convert external components to virtual
components.
You can set this option in Tools > Options > System Options > Routing by:
• Clearing Save route assembly externally.
• Clearing Save route parts externally.
• Clearing Use automatic naming for route parts.

Using virtual components is useful for developing concept work in assemblies, but
it is not recommended. This technique limits data management and reuse.

Assemblies as Routing Components

You can use assemblies in routing to represent equipment or special routing assemble
components, such as valves or strainers. If they represent routing components, they
must include connection and route points.
You can create equipment that is connected to a route in an assembly or part form.
However, you should make allowances for connecting to the route. For example, with
piping, you might use a flange to connect the pipe route to a combination of pump, strainer
and valve equipment.

Routing Toolbars
If the Routing toolbars are not visible, ensure that the Routing add-in is enabled.

12
Piping Toolbar

Start by Drag/Drop Start a pipe route by drag/drop of a fitting.

Start at Point Start a pipe route by adding a connection point

to a non-routing component.
Add Fitting Add a fitting to the route.

Add Point Add a connection point to a non-routing

component so you can add the component to
an existing route.
Weld Gap Add or edit weld gap.

Edit Route Edit an existing pipe route.

Route Properties Display route properties for an existing pipe

route.
Define Spools Define spool segments from existing pipe
routes.
Pipe Drawing Create an isometric Drawing of the pipe route.

Flexible Tubing Toolbar

Start by Drag/Drop Start a tube route by drag/drop of a fitting.

Start at Point Start a tube route by adding a connection point

to a non-routing component.
Standard Tubes Inserts a standard tube into an assembly.
Add Fitting Add a fitting to the route.

Add Point Add a connection point to a non-routing

component so you can add the component to
an existing route.
Edit Route Edit an existing tube route.

Route Properties Display route properties for an existing tube

route.
Define Spools Define spool segments from existing tube
routes.

13
Electrical Toolbar

Start by From/To Start an electrical route by

importing a From-To List.
Start by Drag/Drop Start an electrical route by
drag/drop of a connector.
Start at Point Start an electrical route by
adding a connection point to
a non-routing component.
Standard Cables Inserts a standard cable into
an assembly.
Re-Import From/To Re-import a From-To List
when items in the list
change.
Insert Connectors Insert multiple instances of
an electrical connector into
an existing route.
Add Point Add a connection point to a
non-routing component so
you can add the component
to an existing route.
Add Bends Add bends to a 3D route
junction.
Add Splice Add splices to an electrical
route.
Edit Wires Add or edit wire information
in an electrical route.
Edit Route Edit an existing route.

Route Properties Display route properties for

an existing electrical route.
Flatten Route Prepare the route for a
flattened drawing.

14
Routing Tools Toolbar

Routing Quick Tips Display help topics for

routing.
Routing Library Manager Access the Routing Library
Manager application.
Create Connection Point Create a connection point.

Create Route Point Create a route point.

Auto Route Tools to automate route

creation and modification.
Show Guidelines Display missing connections.

Covering Add a covering to a route

segment.
Rotate Clip Rotate an existing clip.

Route through Clip Re-route an existing route

through a clip.
Unhook from Clip Detach route from a clip.

Change Route Diameter Modify route attributes such

as diameter, fittings, and
specifications.
Repair Route Fix bend radius errors.

Split Route Split an existing route.

Highlight Fixed Diameter

Route
Routing Options Setup Displays System Options
dialog box for routing.

15
 Setting Routing Options and File
Locations
Routing requires some setup to run and work properly. Before starting a route, review
the default settings in System Options.
These settings are used to set the behavior for all general, piping, tubing and electrical
cable routes. They also include options for drag and drop, error checking, and text size.
To specify routing options and file locations:

1. Do one of the following:

• Click Routing > Routing Tools > Routing Library Manager, and click Routing
File Locations and Settings .
• From the Windows Start menu, click All Programs > SolidWorks version >
SolidWorks Tools > SolidWorks version Routing Library Manager > Routing
File Locations and Settings .

2. Set options and file locations, then click OK.

Routing Options
Options for Routing are available if the SolidWorks Routing add-in is activated. You can
also change routing file locations.

Reset All returns all system options, not only those on the active page, to the system
defaults.

16
General routing settings

17
Automatically route on drop of
flanges/connectors.
Automatically route on drop of clips.
Always use default document template When selected, the software automatically
for routes.
Automatically create sketch fillets.
Automatically add dimensions to route Dimensions the length of the stubs that
stubs.
Enable route error checking.
Display error balloons. (Available only
when Enable route error checking is
selected.)
Include coverings in the Bill of
Materials.
Select to automatically create a route
subassembly and start a route when a
routing component such as a flange, tube
fitting, or electrical connector is dropped
into an assembly.
For flexible tubes and electrical cables.
Select to automatically generate a spline
from the current route end through a
drag-and-drop clip when the clip is placed
in a route.
uses the default template specified in the
Routing Template field in Routing File
Locations. When cleared, the software asks
you to specify a template whenever a route
assembly is created.
Automatically add fillets at intersections as
you sketch. The fillet radius is based on the
selected elbow part, bend radius, or
maximum cable diameter. This option
applies only to 3D sketches that are used
as paths of routing assemblies.
extend from connectors or fittings to ensure
that these route segments update correctly
when the connectors or fittings are moved.
In addition to standard error checking,
checks routes for the following errors and
flags affected items with in the
FeatureManager design tree and What’s
Wrong dialog box.
In piping and tubing routes:
• Missing elbows. Detects missing or
deleted fillets and arcs.
• Missing constraints. Detects missing or
deleted constraints at tees, crosses, etc.
• Misaligned reducers. Detects misaligned
route property values at reducers.
In electrical routes:
• Minimum bend radius violations.
Displays error messages where you can click
How do I fix this? for detailed suggestions
for fixing the error.
Includes coverings in BOMs for routing
assemblies.
18
Save route assembly externally. Saves route assembly as an external file.
Clear to save the route as a virtual
component, instead.
Save route parts externally. Saves routing components as an external
file. Clear to save components as a virtual
component, instead.
Use automatic naming for route parts. When selected, the software automatically
assigns names for route parts. When
cleared, the software asks you to enter a
name whenever a route part or assembly
is created.
Use triad to position and orient Displays the triad every time you place a
components. route component or part.
Component rotation increment You can rotate elbows, tees, and crosses
(degrees). during placement by holding down Shift
and pressing the left and right arrow keys.
Select a value for the rotation increment in
degrees.
Text size for connection and route Scales text for connection and route points
points. to a fraction of the document's note font.
At the bottom of the size range, the text
disappears but you can still select the
points.

Piping/Tubing

Create custom fittings. Automatically creates custom configurations

of the default elbow fitting when needed.
This is done only in cases where a standard
elbow configuration can be cut down to
create a custom elbow.
If your company standards do not permit
cut-down elbows, clear Create custom
fittings. You may need to modify the 3D
sketch to use only fillets with standard bend
angles.

Create pipes on open line segments.
Generates a pipe for 3D sketch segments
that are connected to a fitting at only one
end. For example, if you have not yet added
a flange at the end of the route, the last
segment of the sketch (beyond the last
fitting in the run) is an open segment. If
this option is cleared, no pipe is generated
on the open segment.

ExampleFor pipe routes, if you select Always use elbow in the Route Properties
PropertyManager when you start a route, and you create a non-standard angle

19
 in the route, then for that angle you must select an alternate elbow, create a
custom elbow, or choose to form a bend in the pipe. If you have a non-standard
angle in the route, the sketch segments are highlighted, dimensions are
displayed, and a dialog box appears

Electrical cabling

Enable minimum bend radius check for Reports an error if the bend radius of an arc
cables. or spline in the route is less than the
minimum specified for the cable in the cable
library.
Enable minimum bend radius check for Reports an error if the bend radius of an arc
wires. or spline in the route is less than the
minimum specified for the individual wire
or cable core in the cable library. If there
are many wires in the assembly, this option
might result in slower performance.

A default bend radius check is always

performed on tubing and electrical
routes. It reports an error if the bend
radius of an arc or spline in the route is
less than three times the tube or bundle
diameter.

Slack percentage. Automatically increases the calculated cut

length of electrical cable by the slack
percentage to account for sagging, kinks,
and so on, that may occur in actual
installations.

Spools

Spool name format. Assigns Spool-001 to the first spool and

Adjoining component properties.
increments the number for each subsequent
spool.
Assigns a color to adjoining components,
which helps to distinguish them from other
components in the spool.

Routing File Locations and Settings Dialog Box

Use the Routing File Locations and Settings tab to set file locations and options for Routing
entities.
See Maintain Library Files on page 32 for more information.

20
General Routing

Routing library Specifies the folder where you store Routing components.

Do not store Routing components in the SolidWorks

Toolbox library.

The Routing library folder is added to the Design Library,

where you can access the components and drag them
into a route.
In addtion, the Routing library folder is updated in
Options > File Locations under Referenced
Documents.

You must also select Search file locations for

external references in Options > External
References.

You can create additional folders under the Routing

library folder to organize components.

Some sample Routing parts are supplied in the

default Routing library folder.

Routing template Specifies the routing template to use for new route
assemblies. Before specifying a template here, make sure
its folder is listed as a Document Templates folder in
Options > File Locations.

Piping/Tubing

Standard tubes Specifies the Excel file for standard tubes.

Covering library Specifies the .xml file for covering materialsYou can
create a new library by selecting whether it is a
piping and tubing or electrical library, and adding
values for the attributes associated with the library.
for pipes and tubes.
Tag scheme library Specifies the .xml file for tag schemes you define in the
Tag Scheme ManagerYou can define tag schemes
for pipes, equipment, or other fittings in the Tag
Scheme Manager. . You can also use this location to
load existing tag scheme .xml files so the schemes
display under Scheme view in the Tag Scheme Manager.

Tag schemes are only used in Routing assemblies

created from P&ID data.

21
Electrical cabling

Cable wire library Specifies the .xml file for the cable/wire library.
Component library Specifies the .xml file for the component library.
Standard cable Specifies the Excel file for standard cables.
Covering library Specifies the .xml file for covering materialsYou can
create a new library by selecting whether it is a
piping and tubing or electrical library, and adding
values for the attributes associated with the library.
for wires and cables.

Options

Routing Library Sets the default units for data on any tab in the Routing
Manager Units Library Manager.

Settings file
You can share file location settings with other users.

22
Load Settings Loads file location settings from a .sqy file.
Load Default
Resets file location settings to the original system
defaults, which are in subfolders of C:\Documents and
Settings\All Users\Application
Data\SolidWorks\SolidWorks version .

Routing \design library\routing

library
Routing \templates\routeAssembly.asmdot
template
Standard \design library\routing\Standard
tubes Tubes.xls
Covering \design
library library\routing\coverings.xml
(Piping/Tubing)
Tag scheme \design library\routing\tag
library schemes.xml
Cable wire \design
library library\routing\electrical\cable.xml
Component \design
library library\routing\electrical\components.xml
Standard \design library\routing\Standard
cable Cables.xls
Covering \design
library library\routing\electrical\coverings-electrical.xml
(Electrical
cabling)

Save Settings Saves settings to an .sqy file location.

23
 Routing Templates
After adding SolidWorks Routing, the first time you create an assembly document the
software creates a routing template.
This template includes settings from the standard assembly template, and also parameters
used for routing.
The new routing template, routeAssembly.asmdot, is located in the default template
folder, for example C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application
Data\SolidWorks\SolidWorks<version>\templates.
You can create and save custom routing templates. These custom templates can be
selected when you begin a new assembly. You can also make one of the custom routing
templates the default template for new route assemblies. Custom routing templates can
specify different drafting standards, dimensions, units and other properties.

Creating a Custom Routing Template

1. Open the routing template that was created automatically.
2. Make your changes. (For example, set different units.)
3. Click File, Save As, and save the document with a new name. You must use .asmdot
for the file extension.

Making a Custom Routing Template the Default

1. Do one of the following:
• Click Routing > Routing Tools > Routing Library Manager, and click Routing File
Locations and Settings .
• From the Windows Start menu, click All Programs > SolidWorks version >
SolidWorks Tools > SolidWorks version Routing Library Manager > Routing File
Locations and Settings.

2. In the XYZ section, select the custom routing template, then click OK.

24
 Route Properties
Route properties include the type of routing (piping, tubing or electrical) and the diameter
or size of the route.
The start component determines the initial values for the route properties.
For example, when you start the route with an electrical component (that is, the connection
point route type is electrical), the route properties are set to electrical.
If the start component is a pipe component with a certain diameter, the route type is set
to piping and the diameter property to the same value as the start component.
You cannot change the pipe diameter, because that would create a pipe that does not
match the start component. However, you can override other attributes such as the pipe
specification.

Route Properties PropertyManager

You specify the properties of a route in the Route Properties PropertyManager.
The PropertyManager appears when you:
• Create a pipe, tube, or conduit route.
• Create an electrical route, either manually or by importing a from-to list.
• Set a fixed length for flexible tubing and electrical route segments.

Pipe, Tube, Conduit, or Electrical

The title of the group is Pipe, Tube, Conduit, or Electrical, depending on the type of
connector from which you started the route.
For Pipe, Tube, or Conduit:

25
 Part Browse to select a part file for the pipe or tube you want
to use. To be recognized as a pipe or tube, a part must
have a configuration-specific property $PRP@Pipe
Identifier.
Base configuration Select a configuration to size the pipe or tubing to match
the fitting.
Wall thickness (Read-only.) Based on configuration.
Use standard length (For pipes and conduit only.) Straight sections are divided
into standard lengths, with the last section being created
as a fraction of the specified standard length.
Standard Length of Type a value for length.
selected
configuration
Insert coupling Inserts couplings between
segments. Specify the coupling
part number and configuration.

Use flexible hoses (For tubing and conduit routes only.) Specifies flexible
tubing (enables you to use splines in route sketches in
addition to straight line segments). Otherwise rigid
material is assumed.
Multibody part (For tubing and conduit routes only.) When selected, a
single multibody tube part is created for the route, and
each tube segment is a separate solid in the multibody
part. When cleared, a separate part file is created for
each tube segment in the route.

For Electrical.

26
 Sub-type
Harness Select for routes with a bundle of wires or
cables.
Cable/Wire Select for routes with a single cable.
Conduit Select for routes containing electrical
conduit. In electrical conduit models, you
extend the route between components such
as junction boxes with pipes and elbows.
Then add electrical components such as
plugs or ring terminals that mark the end
of the cables or wires. Use Auto Route to
join the electrical components to the ends
of the conduit route to indicate the path for
the cables or wires through the conduit.
This option is available only when you start
the route with a component containing a
conduit connection point.

OD Set to route outside diameter. Cannot be greater than

Nominal diameter (see Parameters section below).
Fix diameter Select to fix the route diameter to the value set in OD.
Clear to enable diameter updates based on the diameters
of the cables and wires that you route.

If you want to highlight a fixed diameter route, click

Routing > Routing Tools > Highlight Fixed
Diameter Route. To remove highlighting, click
Routing > Routing Tools > Dehighlight Fixed
Diameter Route.

Bends - Elbows (for pipes, tubes, or conduit only)

For pipes, select one of the following. For tubes, Always form bends is the only option
available.

Always use elbow Specify a standard Elbow in the text box, then select a
Base configuration.
Always form bends Specify a Bend radius in the text box, and then select
Inside or Center line.
Prompt for selection Choose Elbow or Bend while creating the route.

Covering

Add Covering Click to access the Add Covering PropertyManager, where

you can add coverings to the route.

27
Parameters
Parameters fields are read-only. Values are defined in the connection point of the
component you started the route with.

Connection point Displays connection point currently in use.

Route type Displays the route type (Fabricated Pipe, Tube,

Conduit, or Electrical).
Nominal diameter Displays:
For pipe, tube, and The nominal diameter of the
conduit fittings: fitting port and routing segment.
For electrical The maximum cable diameter
connectors: that the connector can
accommodate.

Minimum straight (For tubes only.)

length
End length (For tubes only.)
adjustment
Additional internal (For electrical only.) This value is added to the cut length
wire length of the cable to allow for strip back, termination, and so
on.
2D Schematic pin id (For electrical only.)
Specification field (For pipes, tubes, and conduit only.) The Design table
name name for the specification, if Use specification is
selected.
Specification value (For pipes, tubes, and conduit only.) The Design table
value of the specification, if Use specification is
selected.
Name (For pipes and tubes only). Tag name.
Use Specification (For pipes, tubes, and conduit only.) Select to use a
Specification property to filter the selections for pipes,
tubes, and elbows.

28
Options

Routing Library Specify where routing components are stored. See

Routing File Locations. It is important that all users who
edit a particular route specify the same Routing Library
path. Do not change this path after creating the route.
Create custom fittings (For pipes, tubes, and conduit only.) Creates custom
configurations of the default elbow fitting when a standard
configuration can be cut down.
Create pipes on open (For pipes, tubes, and conduit only.) Creates routing
lines material as you sketch.
Automatically create Adds fillets at intersections as you sketch, based on the
fillets selected elbow part, or bend radius, or maximum cable
diameter.

29
 Mate References
Use mate references for routing design wherever possible. Using mate references to place
parts is more reliable and predictable than using SmartMates.

Always include mate references for routing components such as flanges. If you
attempt to mate routing components after placing them in an assembly, you might
introduce conflicts in the route sketch geometry.

Use the same name for all mate references applied to fittings with the same properties
on a piece of equipment. A flange can be attached to any nozzle on a tank if the mate
references on all nozzles, as well as the flange, have the same name. If one of the nozzles
is threaded, give it a different name, and name the mate references of a threaded flange
accordingly.
To ensure that routing parts mate correctly, define mate reference properties identically.
For example, if the Primary Reference Entity on one part is defined as Face<1>,
Coincident, Anti-Aligned, it should be defined identically on the second part. The same
principle applies to secondary and tertiary entities.

Mate references are not used when you attach a component to the route sketch, for
example, when you drag a tee onto the route to create a junction. In this case,
SolidWorks aligns the components so that the route point and connection points are
coincident with the sketch lines.

Rules for Applying Mate References

Use the following general rules for placing mate references:
• Add two mate references to a route fitting:
• Add the first mate reference as a single edge mate to use with SmartMates when
the mating component does not have a common mate reference.

30
 SmartMates only use the first mate reference, so make sure that the single
edge mate you create is listed first.

• Add the other mate reference for mating the fitting to components with mate
references of the same name and type.

Use specific mate types - coincident and concentric, rather than default mates.

• Add mate references to ports on equipment parts, adding one mate reference per port.
• If a piece of equipment has several ports, add mate references to all ports, or to none.
SmartMates are used for part placement if there are no mate references on any of the
ports.
• Add mate references to components used at the start and end of a route. Typically
these are flanges or electrical connectors, but can also be valves or elbows.
• Add matching mate references to electrical connectors and their mating socket
components.

31
 Routing Libraries and the Routing
Component Wizard
Routing provides you with libraries of electrical, piping and tubing parts. You can model
additional parts and add them to the libraries.
You can find selections of pre-defined parts in the Routing Library, and also in the Design
Library.
The Design Library provides features, parts, and assembly files within the Task Pane. The
files can be inserted into parts and assemblies.
You can use the Routing Library Manager to create new routing part files and add them
to the Design Library as components.
You can use the Routing Component Wizard of the Routing Library Manager to add one
or more connection points (CPoints) to existing parts, so they can be used in routing
assemblies, and to add those parts to the Design Library.
Plan your library and folder structure. Users can share one library of parts on a network
server, or maintain their own libraries on each system. Set up folders so users will
understand where to find the files they need.

Make it a practice to rename part files when you copy them to different folders and
libraries. The copies can be modified, and you do not want different versions mistaken
for each other. Also, the software does not allow two files with the same name to
be open at the same time. Assigning different names to files allows them to be used
in the same routing subassembly.

Maintain Library Files

Follow these best practices to maintain library files.
• Keep files in the Routing Library folder. Do not store them in other folders. The Routing
application looks for files in this folder. It also makes it easier for you to move files to
another location, such as a network location. To view or change the location of the
Routing Library folder, click Options > Routing > Routing File Locations.
• To avoid errors caused by multiple files with the same name, rename any files that
you copy. If you do not see temporary graphics after dragging a part from the Design
Library, or you get a warning message, it is likely that you have a file with the same
name in two different locations. You will need to resolve this issue.
• Two library data files are required for electrical design, in addition to the component
models:

Component library file. An .xml file that cross-references the components in the
from-to list to the SolidWorks part documents for those
components.

Cable library An .xml file that defines the attributes of cables and wires. It
file. provides the bend radius and outer diameter of wires and cables,
which are needed to display wires correctly, calculate bundle

32
 diameters, and perform bend radius checks. Approximate values can
be used if exact values are not available.

• If part numbers are assigned to wires and cables during the schematic design process,
then the Cable Library file should have an entry for each part number used and the
corresponding data, so that the software can use it.
• Store all electrical connectors in the folder that contains the component library file.
The default location is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application
Data\SolidWorks\SolidWorks\version\design
library\routing\electrical\component.xml. In Windows 7 the location is
C:\ProgramData\SolidWorks\version\design library\routing\electrical.
The names of library parts are determined by the location of both the library folder
and the routing folder. To change the location of your library, move or copy the complete
folder, and then define the new location in the Routing File Locations dialog box.

Creating a Component
There are three basic steps for creating a component.

1. Copy an existing component with a new name.

2. Make any changes you need to the model.
3. Edit the design table to modify the dimensions.

Certain dimensions and feature names in components are used by the Routing application.
It is important to keep these dimensions in any components you create or change.

Adding Components to the Library

You can import many 3D components into SolidWorks, or you can create them. When
you have the component you need, add connection and route points to it, and add the
part to the Component library.
Most suppliers can supply either 3D models or dimensioned drawings of components. In
many cases you can import the 3D models directly into SolidWorks. If not, you may need
to model them. Once you have the model, add CPoints or RPoints as needed.
You can also download some components from the web site www.3dcontentcentral.com.

Routing Component Wizard

Use the Routing Component Wizard to prepare and validate the component.
To use the Routing Component Wizard, open the component file and then access the
Routing Component Wizard from Routing tools. Step through the pages, selecting any
options you need. If the component does not have a connection point, you can use the
wizard to add it.
At the end of the wizard, save the component and add it to the Component library.
The wizard also allows you to define the drag and drop behavior for adding connection
to the route. You can set it to add all connection points, add none, or specify which points
to add.

33
If you are using a From-To List, this setting is ignored. The connection points that
are referenced in the From-To List are for multiple connection points components.

34