Solidworks 2009: Size Toolbox Components Lengths On The Fly

Solidworks 2009 adds the ability to change the length of a toolbox component simply by dragging it longer, or shorter.  One quirk though is that it has to be a true Solidworks toolbox component, and not a library item like we currently use.  The toolbox item should have the following icon when inserted in an assembly:

Now to actually change the length of a bolt, you simply click on the part itself in the assembly window:

You will notice the green arrow that appears at the end of the bolt.  To change the size, click and drag that arrow up or down, and you will get the scale view normally associated with instant 3-D:

The scale will show you the sizes available based on the toolbox database.  Move your mouse up and down, and select the new size you want.  In an instant, you have the new length of bolt you want:

This can be a very handy tool for those using the toolbox items.  We use a library, but this may be enough to convince me to go back to using the toolbox at least for fasteners.  Its useful for changing a few items at a time, but if you need to change say 100 fastener lengths, you would be here all day  Perhaps someone can recommend an enhancement to solve that scenario?

Today, you get a 2 for 1 deal on whats new in 2009.  While creating screen captures for this post I remembered another nice new function in 2009 with respect to toolbox components.  When you drag and drop a component in, you get this handy new selection pull down menu that lets you select what size component you want, and then accept it without having to go to the property manager.  You still have the option to change the other details of a component in the property manager such as thread type, and display.  The intention here is clearly to give you a fast way to choose the main size of a component:

 

Comments

[Mike Puckett]

Len,

If you use the toolbox in solidworks enough, you will notice that when you use your method, not every size configuration is available in the menu. This is a result of not having used the config you want previously in an assembly. Once you use that config, it will then appear in the properties list. This new method looks at the database and gives you all the available configurations. Believe me I thought of the same thing you did when I first saw this new feature, but have encountered a few instances where the configuration I wasnted wasnt listed in the dialog. Then when I inserted that config into the assembly, it would then appear in the dialog. Hope that makes sense.

Mike

[Len mar]

Why not select multiple toolbox fasteners (all the same length)before hitting edit toolbox definition.

Make the property changes (i.e length)
Then watch all the fasteners update.

This is available in 2007.

Len

[Marijn]

If you could add mates to the length you solved the problem.
Maybe it could see wich bolt it is using and adjust it length to it?