Linking Parts Between SolidWorks and Duro

Objective: This document explains how linking works in the add-in, including the processes of linking, unlinking, and auto-linking.

Difficulty: Easy.

In this article:

1. Linking
2. Unlinking
3. Auto Linking
4. Save As
   • Renaming files

Linking parts between Duro and SolidWorks improves file management by ensuring components are consistently updated and easily traceable across both platforms. This integration helps users set the owning application in Duro to SolidWorks, embed necessary metadata, and track files efficiently. The result is better collaboration, fewer errors, and a smoother design process.

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Linking 

Manual linking allows users to choose the Duro component to link with a SolidWorks file. If the names match, the custom properties are set directly. If not, the local file will be renamed to match the Duro component, ensuring flexibility and precise control over the linking process.

When linking a Duro component to a local file, users have two options based on the file names:

1. Matching Names: If the local file name matches the Duro component name, Duro will automatically set the custom properties on the local file, establishing the link.
2. Non-Matching Names: If the local file name does not match the Duro component name, it will be renamed to match the Duro component name, and the link will be established.

Follow the steps below to link components between the Duro add-in for SolidWorks and Duro PLM.

1. Sign in to the SolidWorks Duro add-in with your Duro credentials.
2. Create or open the part you wish to link. You can only link one part at a time.
3. Open the “Manage Parts” window by clicking on the Manage Parts icon, which is represented by a file overlaid with a settings image: .
4. Select the coordinating part by checking the box to the left of the line item.
5. Link on the “Link” icon in the table's header, which opens the “Link to Existing Component” window.
   
6. Use the search bar to find components in Duro by name.
7. Select it by clicking the radio button.
8. Click the Update button to link the two parts. 
   • If the names match, this will rename the local file to match and directly link them.
   • If the names do not match, you will receive a notification that the local file will be renamed to match the Duro component.
     
   • The system checks for duplicate names in the current directory. If a duplicate exists, the link will not proceed. 
     
9. Double-check in the “Properties” window that the part data is correct.
   • To confirm that the linkage was valid, verify that the custom properties were written.

Unlinking

Unlinking removes the Duro-specific metadata and the association between the SolidWorks file and the Duro component. This feature is important for managing changes or correcting previous linking errors, ensuring accurate file tracking.

Follow the steps below to unlink components between the Duro add-in for SolidWorks and Duro PLM.

1. Launch SolidWorks and open the part(s) you wish to unlink.
2. Open the “Manage Parts” window.
3. Select the desired parts by checking the box to the left of the line item.
4. Click the “Unlink” button.

This will remove the metadata and unlink the files, making the components independent. 

Note: Parts can be relinked after unlinking by manually linking. 

Auto Linking

Auto linking automatically matches local filenames with corresponding Duro components, reducing manual effort and errors. This feature ensures that files are correctly linked based on their names, maintaining consistency in metadata and file associations.

Follow the steps below to auto-link components between the Duro add-in for SolidWorks and Duro PLM.

1. Launch SolidWorks and open the part you wish to auto-link.
2. Open the “Manage Parts” window.
3. Select the desired parts by checking the box to the left of the line item.
4. If the name is an exact match, click the “Auto Link” button to automatically link all components with their respective Duro parts.

Note: Auto-linking may not work if the names do not match, but manual linking options are available.

Save As

The save as feature renames a file within SolidWorks while creating a copy if needed. Renaming updates the name in Duro, maintaining the link and metadata. Creating a copy clears the metadata to avoid conflicts, allowing the user to re-link or pull the part as needed, ensuring metadata accuracy.

Follow the steps below to save components between the Duro add-in for SolidWorks and Duro PLM.

1. Launch SolidWorks and open a file with an associated CPN in Duro PLM.
2. Click “File.”
3. Select “Save As” in the dropdown menu. Choose one of the following saving options:
   • Select “Save as” to save the document with a new file name. Open files that have references to the original document will refer to the new file.
   • Select “Save as copy and continue” to save the document with a new file name without changing references to the original file. The copy will be saved to the disk and remain closed. Duro will clear the custom properties the next time the file is loaded.
   • Select "Save as a copy and open" to save the document with a new file name without changing references to the original file. The copy will be saved to the disk and opened. Duro will clear the custom properties the next time the file is loaded.
4. Any new files created will only maintain non-Duro custom properties, whereas the original file retains all metadata, including the CPN. You can verify this information by checking in the “Summary Information” window.

Renaming files

Renaming a file in the Duro add-in for SolidWorks will prompt this notification: “Models within the assembly have changed. Would you like to rebuild the assembly now?” Confirm the action by clicking yes.

This will immediately update the part name in the add-in and Duro PLM. Click on the hyperlinked CPN in the add-in window to automatically open Duro PLM and verify that the name was updated.