How to Create Weldment Cut List in SolidWorks Quickly

To create a weldment cut list in SolidWorks, first ensure your model uses the Weldments feature with structural members. Then, locate the Cut List folder in the FeatureManager tree, right-click it, and select Update Cut List to generate or refresh the list automatically based on your weldment bodies.

Syntax

Creating a weldment cut list in SolidWorks involves these main steps:

• Weldments Feature: Activate and use structural members in your model.
• Cut List Folder: Automatically created in the FeatureManager tree when weldments are used.
• Update Cut List: Right-click the Cut List folder and select Update Cut List to generate or refresh the list.
• Cut List Properties: Customize properties like material, length, and quantity for each cut list item.

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1. Open your weldment model.
2. Ensure structural members are applied.
3. Locate the Cut List folder in FeatureManager.
4. Right-click Cut List folder > Update Cut List.
5. Review and customize cut list properties.

Example

This example shows how to create a weldment cut list for a simple frame made of structural members:

1. Create a new part and activate the Weldments tab.
2. Use the Structural Member tool to add beams to your frame sketch.
3. After adding members, SolidWorks automatically creates a Cut List folder in the FeatureManager tree.
4. Right-click the Cut List folder and select Update Cut List.
5. The cut list table appears, listing each unique structural member with length and quantity.

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Step 1: Open SolidWorks and create a new part.
Step 2: Enable Weldments tab via Tools > Add-Ins.
Step 3: Sketch the frame outline.
Step 4: Use Structural Member tool to add beams.
Step 5: Check FeatureManager for Cut List folder.
Step 6: Right-click Cut List > Update Cut List.
Step 7: View generated cut list with lengths and quantities.

Output

Cut List generated showing:
- Beam A: Length 1000 mm, Quantity 4
- Beam B: Length 500 mm, Quantity 2

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when creating weldment cut lists include:

• Not activating the Weldments add-in, so structural members and cut lists are unavailable.
• Failing to create or properly define structural members, resulting in an empty or incomplete cut list.
• Manually deleting the Cut List folder, which removes the automatic list and requires regeneration.
• Not updating the cut list after modifying weldment bodies, causing outdated length or quantity data.

Always verify your weldment bodies and update the cut list to reflect changes.

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Wrong way:
- Delete Cut List folder manually.
- Modify weldment without updating cut list.

Right way:
- Use FeatureManager to manage cut list.
- Right-click Cut List > Update Cut List after changes.

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Description
1	Activate Weldments Add-in	Enable via Tools > Add-Ins to access weldment tools.
2	Create Structural Members	Use Structural Member tool to add beams or profiles.
3	Locate Cut List Folder	Found in FeatureManager after adding members.
4	Update Cut List	Right-click Cut List folder > Update Cut List to generate or refresh.
5	Review and Customize Cut List	Adjust material, length, and quantity properties as needed.

Key Takeaways

Activate the Weldments add-in to access structural member and cut list features.

Update the Cut List from the FeatureManager tree to generate or refresh an automatic list of weldment parts.

Always update the cut list after modifying weldment bodies to keep data accurate.

Avoid deleting the Cut List folder manually to prevent losing automatic updates.

Use the Cut List properties to customize material, length, and quantity details.