SolidWorks CAD Pull Part and CPN Generation

Objective: To instruct users how to pull part numbers and generate CPNs using the SolidWorks integration.

Difficulty: Easy

In this article:

1. 1. Pull Part Number Feature
   2. CPN Generation
      • Category Generated Schema
      • Two Variables Schema
      • Freeform Schema
   3. Modal Description

This article explains the "Pull Part Number" feature, which includes Customer Part Number (CPN) generation in Duro PLM. When using this feature, users are given the option to create components with two variables, free form, or category-generated CPNs. These functionalities enhance the integration between SolidWorks and Duro PLM, ensuring smooth part management and identification.

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Pull Part Number Feature

The Pull Part feature in the Duro add-in for SolidWorks enables users to generate Customer Part Numbers (CPNs) for components within SolidWorks. This ensures data consistency and aids in part management. The Pull Part feature assigns CPNs for components, ensuring they are correctly identified and categorized within Duro PLM.

CPN Generation

In SolidWorks, Customer Part Numbers (CPNs) can be managed through category generated, two variables, or freeform methods. All options are configured via the “Manage Parts” modal of the Duro add-in for SolidWorks.

Category Generated Schema

Category-generated CPNs are the default option. This schema uses a semi-intelligent CPN scheme with a 3-digit category-specific prefix and a 5-digit numeric counter, allowing up to 900 unique categories and 99,999 unique components per category. Prefixes can be configured using either Duro's default category codes or a custom category code schema tailored to your company's needs. For more information on configuring specialized CPNS for your company, please refer to the Customer Part Numbers (CPNs) section of our Configurations article.

Category Selection

Category selection is pertinent only to category-generated CPNs. If you use either the two variables or freeform CPN schema, selecting categories will not be available in the “Manage Parts” modal. The category option will not be visible at all. Users with category-generated CPNs can either manually or bulk-select categories for their parts.

Selecting categories manually or in bulk does not save to Duro or the underlying component until you pull a part number. Changing the category only sets the value in the modal in preparation for pulling a part number. If you close the modal without pulling a part number, your changes will be lost. You must pull a part number to save the category changes.

Manual select

1. Sign in to the SolidWorks Duro add-in with your Duro credentials.
2. Create or open the parts for which you wish to select the category.
3. Click on the "Manage Parts" button in the Duro PLM toolbar to open the “Manage Parts” modal.
4. Click on a cell in the Category column.
5. From the dropdown menu that populates, choose the desired category.

Bulk select

1. Launch SolidWorks.
2. Create or open the parts for which you wish to select the category.
3. Click on the "Manage Parts" button in the Duro PLM toolbar to open the “Manage Parts” modal.
4. Select the desired components by checking the box to the left of the line item.
5. Click the "Set Category" button to open the “Set Category” modal.
6. Choose the desired category for the selected component.
7. Click the "Apply" button to change the category.

Steps to Generate Category-Specific CPNs

1. Sign in to the SolidWorks Duro add-in with your Duro credentials.
2. Create or open the parts you wish to pull a part number for.
3. Click on the "Manage Parts" button in the Duro PLM toolbar to open the “Manage Parts” modal.
4. Select the desired components by checking the box to the left of the line item.
5. Either bulk select or choose individual categories for each part from the category dropdown menu.
6. Click on the "Pull Part" button to generate CPNs based on the assigned categories.
7. This automatically associates the CPNs in SolidWorks with those in Duro. 
8. The CPN in the “Manage Parts” modal should now appear green, bold, and hyperlinked to the component’s page in Duro. Click on the CPN to be transported to Duro and verify that the information is correct in Duro.

Two Variables Schema

The two variables schema consists of two options: existing family or new family. Existing family CPNs use predefined suffixes, maintaining consistency within large assemblies. New family CPNs allow the creation of entirely new categories, offering flexibility for new projects. 

Steps to Generate Two Variables CPNs

1. Sign in to the SolidWorks Duro add-in with your Duro credentials.
2. Create or open the parts you wish to pull a part number for.
3. Click on the "Manage Parts" button in the Duro PLM toolbar to open the Manage Parts modal.
4. Select the desired components by checking the box to the left of the line item.
5. Click the radio button for one of the following options to generate the “Set Family/Suffix” modal.
   1. Existing Family: Choose the appropriate family and suffix for the CPNs.
      
      
   2. New Family: Choose a suffix. The family will be created upon component creation.
      
      
6. Once you’ve made your selection, click the "Pull Part" button to generate CPNs.
7. Review the generated CPNs in the “Manage Parts” modal.

Freeform Schema

Freeform CPNs allow users to create customizable part numbers without following a predefined schema, offering flexibility in part management. This approach is useful for unique parts that don't fit into existing categories but requires careful management to avoid duplication.

Choosing between family CPNs and Freeform CPNs depends on the need for structure versus flexibility. Family CPNs are ideal for organized, complex assemblies, while Freeform CPNs suit varied and dynamic component needs.

Note: The SolidWorks plugin can only generate freeform CPNs. To modify, go to the component page within the Duro web client.

Steps to Generate Freeform CPNs

1. Sign in to the SolidWorks Duro add-in with your Duro credentials.
2. Create or open the parts you wish to pull a part number for.
3. Click on the "Manage Parts" button in the Duro PLM toolbar to open the Manage Parts modal.
4. Select the desired components by checking the box to the left of the line item.
5. Click the radio button for Free Form to generate the “Set Family/Suffix” modal.
   
   
   
   
6. Choose a suffix.
7. Click the "Pull Part" button to generate CPNs.
8. Review the generated CPNs in the “Manage Parts” modal.

Modal Description

Manage Parts: This functions as a major hub for the Duro add-in for SolidWorks. It supports the following actions: pull part Number, generate CPNs, Auto Link, Link, Unlink, and Update Status. Users can access the “Set Family/Suffix” modal from this location.