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Thread: Toolbox - specifically smart fasteners

  1. #1

    Toolbox - specifically smart fasteners

    Can someone confirm that the free license through EAA (student version) comes complete with the toolbox and smart fasteners?
    When I try to use them in an assembly, I get the message that the toolbox is not installed. When I try to configure, I get the "manage licenses" screen (maybe indicating I don't have the correct license?). My google searches are not conclusive.
    Note that I CAN get to the "Hole Wizard" in the toolbox setup, but none of the others listed are clickable:

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  2. #2
    SOLIDWORKS Support Volunteer Jeffrey Meyer's Avatar
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    The Toolbox is an add-in - not loaded by default.

    Go to: Tools > Add-ins
    You can activate the add-ins on a one-time basis or have them loaded every time you enter SW. The Toolbox is one such add-in.
    I'm not sure it's part of the EAA benefit - I think it is but not sure.
    If it's not, let me know which fastener you need and I'll mail it to you in STEP or ParaSolid format.
    If necessary we can ask the forum managers to assign us a special EAA vault for storage of such standard parts.

  3. #3
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    I am not sure if the SDK includes the Toolbox parts. It appears that it is not included. Have not installed SolidWorks SDK yet on my home computer to confirm that.

    https://forum.solidworks.com/externa..._Matrix_LB.pdf


    You can download SolidWorks fastener files from McMaster-Carr. That is what we use for all of our fasteners. Never have used Toolbox.

  4. #4
    SOLIDWORKS Support Volunteer Tom Gagnon's Avatar
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    No. EAA/Student Version comes with the functionality of Solidworks Standard as I understand it. This page shows what is included in various levels of license. The language is not entirely clear, as it's Marketing (**sparkles**).

    You can, however, make your own. It's not that hard unless you intend to use every part imaginable, particularly if you know what you need.

    A great place to download STEP files of common hardware from is http://www.mcmaster.com/ Their models are clean and reliable in my experience, requiring no Import Diagnostics to fix them up. Edit: Most parts from McM are actual parts with feature tree intact, whereas I was confused with other vendors' downloaded files that I deal with more often.
    (If you get one), The STEP isn't by default an associated file type. I import STEP files by dragging the file into a window of Solidworks that has no files already open. Edit: Step files import as a part without features, but imported bodies instead.

    With the part saved to your Design Library in a "Fastener" or "Hardware" or other sorted directory, you can define SmartMates as a Reference Geometry Feature so that it seats into a hole (bolt, rivet, etc) or onto a bolt and seated to a surface (nuts) or what works for you in your workflow.

    The Toolbox parts, specifically, will not load properly even if given to you because the add-in is not loaded. The only thing I find useful in the toolbox over parts which I've made myself as above is the automatic sizing of fasteners to the hole or bolt being placed upon. Furthermore in brief, some users have had bad experiences with Toolbox parts over the years between different releases, and have decided instead to keep their own instead for long term stability. Selecting the part from ordered lists can be just as simple, and also has better control over custom properties of each part, if SKU numbers are used.
    Last edited by Tom Gagnon; 08-08-2016 at 09:51 PM.

  5. #5
    SOLIDWORKS Support Volunteer Jeffrey Meyer's Avatar
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    My 2 cents worth:

    1. I suspect that the vast majority of the EAA members who are going to use SW will do so for a few one-time personal projects, and they almost certainly won't need all the "automation" that comes with the Toolbox (SW or private) "smart" fasteners.

    2. By definition the Toolbox contains "standard" components - i.e. you cannot change them - by definition. As such there is no point in downloading them to include the feature/history tree that only (unnecessarily) loads the your computer. In this case the feature/history tree is in fact a disadvantage because if you go to the trouble of defining your own "standard" part, you then discover that you cannot buy it anywhere.

    3. The STEP file format is an in internationally accepted and controlled standard for exchanging data between CAD systems, while ParaSolid/DXF/PDF (et al) files are de facto proprietary standards with limited (if any) commitment to continuity.

    4. STEP files are therefore the best way for you to import and build your standard/private "toolbox", and for your own private SW projects the ROI in converting your library to "smart" components, is highly dubious. (Maybe interesting if you're going to model and insert 20,000 rivets in your SW assembly of your RV.)

    My 2 cents has become 4 cents

  6. #6
    Well, it sounds as though I at least have an answer.
    So, the student version obtained through EAA does not and will not/can not utilize the toolbox as it relates to fasteners. At least I can stop trying!
    I played around a bit with some of the options discussed here. I downloaded a fastener from McM (STEP format), opened it in SW, saved as a part, and was able to add as a component in an assembly. It appears, however, that there will be no changing this part as far as length, thread, etc. after insertion; and any desired changed will require the import of the actual correct fastener.

    Does this sound correct?

  7. #7
    SOLIDWORKS Support Volunteer Jeffrey Meyer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by brothapig View Post
    Well, it sounds as though I at least have an answer.
    So, the student version obtained through EAA does not and will not/can not utilize the toolbox as it relates to fasteners. At least I can stop trying!
    I played around a bit with some of the options discussed here. I downloaded a fastener from McM (STEP format), opened it in SW, saved as a part, and was able to add as a component in an assembly. It appears, however, that there will be no changing this part as far as length, thread, etc. after insertion; and any desired changed will require the import of the actual correct fastener.

    Does this sound correct?
    If there's one thing I've learned in life it's that the answer "no" is much better than the answer "don't know" (pun intended) - This is because the answer "don't know" leaves you in a state of uncertainty, while "no" lets you get on in life.

    Philosophy aside, changing a part as far as length is concerned is quite easy: If it's too long, cut-it dear Henry, cut-it (as the song goes). If it's too short, extrude it dear Henry, ... The biggest benefit of the STEP file is that it contains the most difficult part of the fastener geometry as specified by the appropriate standard. For example, an M10 Cross Recessed Cheese Head screw has the same head geometry for all the thread lengths - You don't need to import a separate STEP file for each.

  8. #8
    SOLIDWORKS Support Volunteer
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    Quote Originally Posted by brothapig View Post
    Well, it sounds as though I at least have an answer.
    So, the student version obtained through EAA does not and will not/can not utilize the toolbox as it relates to fasteners. At least I can stop trying!
    I played around a bit with some of the options discussed here. I downloaded a fastener from McM (STEP format), opened it in SW, saved as a part, and was able to add as a component in an assembly. It appears, however, that there will be no changing this part as far as length, thread, etc. after insertion; and any desired changed will require the import of the actual correct fastener.

    Does this sound correct?
    Yes, you will want to download the new correct fastener size with the correct part number from McMaster. You have the option of downloading native SolidWorks files as well. You are not limited to step files. Try that out as well to see what you prefer. To me it is easier to download a new file with the correct part number then copy file, rename the file and then modify to the correct size.


    You can also make your own generic fastener and start building you own library. Here is Dropbox link to a generic model that we use for fasteners. Copy the file and change the file name for a new size fastener and edit accordingly.

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/2oz6jhqdgp...Lg.sldprt?dl=0


    We use the Holo-Krome Socket Screw Selector Chart for the model dimensions for our generic models.



    https://www.amazon.com/Holo-Krome-Socket-Selector-Inches-99013/dp/B00EOHPBNG/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1470782803&sr= 1-1&refinements=p_4%3AHolo-Krome


    There is no such thing as one right way to create your fasteners in SolidWorks. Find a system that works for you and then be consistent with it.


    Another consideration is aircraft hardware is manufactured to AN hardware standards for sizes. Good plan is to get a hold of AN hardware size specs and create models to that if you are spec'ing AN hardware.
    Last edited by AnnaWood; 08-09-2016 at 05:01 PM.

  9. #9
    SOLIDWORKS Support Volunteer Jeffrey Meyer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by AnnaWood View Post
    There is no such thing as one right way to create your fasteners in SolidWorks. Find a system that works for you and then be consistent with it.


    Another consideration is aircraft hardware is manufactured to AN hardware standards for sizes. Good plan is to get a hold of AN hardware size specs and create models to that if you are spec'ing AN hardware.
    Every word cast in stone.
    I personally prefer specifying DIN metric fasteners - so much easier to understand for a pleb like me.

  10. #10

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    Ok - so where at McMaster do you find these STEP files to download? I can't find a link on the site that I can download these from.

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