Creating new or modifying existing toolbox parts is a very common activity in SolidWorks, however until recently I have never used the toolbox application to do this. Previously I have created my new custom toolbox parts from within SolidWorks by simply adding a configuration. The toolbox application makes this process much quicker and is more conveniently organised so you can stay on top of your components.
To access the Customize Hardware page:
- From Windows, click Start > All Programs > SolidWorks version > SolidWorks Tools > Toolbox Settings. Or alternatively search “toolbox settings <SolidWorks version>”.
- Click 2 - Customize Your Hardware.
To configure a particular type or component:
- Right-click the folder or component in the SolidWorks Design Library task pane and select Configure.
- You customize hardware by selecting individual components and setting their property values.
To display a component:
- Click a standard in the left pane and expand its categories and types, or click the folder icons in the right pane. Under a type, select a component. The page shows the component icon, name, and the number of possible configurations.
By Jon Weston-Stanley