File Naming Conventions

We use a unique 6 digit number and place it in a folder that is named with the first 3 digits of the number, and our Drawings are in a folder called Production Drawings and models are in a folder called models.

and 421651.SLDPRT would be found in ...\Models\421\421651.SLDPRT

the advantage is I was able to create a macro to open the files by simply typing their part number in and selecting wether I wanted to open a drawing or model. I was also able to automate the saving of the files by generating the path from the part number typed. Saves quite a bit of time since you don't have to do any directory searching clicks. The only disadvantage is if you have the models and the drawings in the same folder you can RMB on a part and select Open Drawing and it will find the drawing with the same name in the same folder.

Corey Scheich

Hello Bill- Ask 10 different people and you'll get 10 different answers on this very important subject. My advice concerns saving iteration/prototypes and released/production files in different locations. This is the method I use. All my released/production level files are all in one folder(by customer); drawings, assemblies, parts, word doc's, excel sheets. All my iterations/prototypes are saved only a daily bases, in folders, using a date code. On the SolidWorks website, there is pretty good information regarding file management. Get to know and start using SolidWorks Explorer, it's an excellent file management tool. Best Regards, Devon T. Sowell

If you just want to identify the part/assembly as being unique you could try starting your part name with the date & time followed by a practical description eg '0633220904 - LIFING LUG.SLDPRT' (date time is 6:30 am on the 22nd of sept 2004 - use 24 hr clock). If you have a large drafting team you could also add the creators initials to the end of the date/time.

This system means you don't have to refer to a drawing/part register before you create the part - just look at your watch.

Merry :-)

I've been wondering about this methog lately. I like the idea for its simplicity, but how do you clone an assembly?

Have a look at SWIT. Search on the newsgroup for it. It might save you a lot of grief.