How to Display Multiple Units of Mass on a Drawing

Let’s say I want to display Kg. and Lbs. in my drawing title block but SOLIDWORKS only allows the default units to be displayed. To work around this issue, you will need to start in the part file. This can be built into your part template.

STEP 1. Create a Test Part and add a material to it. (could be a random block)

STEP 2. Create a Global Variable in the part file that converts the default units to the unit of your choice. The equation is as follows: “SW-Mass” * (conversion factor)

I am converting Kg. to Lbs. which means my conversion factor is 2.20462262. The process is as follows:

• Create a Global Variable named Mass-Lbs and follow the 3 steps in the image below.

• Then add the Conversion Factor to the equation.

STEP 3. Once the Global Variable is created, the next step is to create a Custom Property linked to that Global Variable.

• Click File Properties then click the Custom tab

• A Weight Custom property will need to be added and linked to the Mass of the part. Mass can be found in the same list the Global Variable is pulled from.

STEP 4. Once you have your part template set up, create a view of the test part in the drawing file. The view gives the ability to link notes to properties in the part file. The Process is as follows.

STEP 5. Repeat until you have both unit types in the Drawing title block.

Thanks for taking the time to read and I hope this helped you understand the process needed to display multiple units of mass in your drawing title block.

Greg Tutor, CSWE
Application Engineer
Computer Aided Technology, LLC