SOLIDWORKS 2019: Master Modeling with Toolbox Hardware

A very common question that is asked around the SOLIDWORKS customer base is “How do I modify a standard Toolbox component with extra features thus turning a purchased component into a manufactured one?” Well, it is actually quite easy and over the next few paragraphs, I will shed some light on this process.

First, I start a brand new part file.

Second, you activate your SOLIDWORKS Toolbox add-in or open a downloaded library part from your supplier:

In my case I will be using a SOLIDWORKS Toolbox Hex Bolt:

Next, I just hold down my left mouse button and drag the Hex Bolt model into my already opened part file. Upon releasing the left mouse button, you will see this message:

We want to press ‘YES’ and you will then see the Insert Part property manager:

There are a lot of options for transfer, but really all we need is the Solid Bodies and maybe Cosmetic Threads & Material. By pressing the Green Check Mark or OK button, this will drop the fastener directly onto the new part’s origin.

Now that the model is inserted into this part, we are free to add extra machining features to modify the original geometry thus making a manufactured part and assigning your custom Part Number for BOM information.

This is a great way to keep a link between the original hardware model, or “master model” and still add unique features that require a manufactured part number and or file name.

I hope this helps in your future modeling needs. It is always fun to learn new ways to use SOLIDWORKS even after using the software for so many years!

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and I hope this information will prove helpful.

Brian Reel
CATI Field Technical Services Manager
Computer Aided Technology, LLC