Assembly configurations in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Assembly configurations let you create different versions of an assembly in one file. This helps you see variations without making separate files. It saves time and keeps your work organized.

When you want to show an assembly with different parts included or excluded.

When you need to test how changing one part affects the whole assembly.

When you want to create multiple design options in one file for easy comparison.

When you need to prepare different assembly setups for manufacturing or presentation.

When you want to save space by avoiding multiple assembly files for similar designs.

Steps

Step 1: Open

- Assembly document in SolidWorks

The assembly model appears on screen

Step 2: Click

- ConfigurationManager tab on the left panel

The configuration tree opens showing existing configurations

Step 3: Right-click

- Assembly name in ConfigurationManager

A menu appears with configuration options

Step 4: Select

- Add Configuration

A dialog box opens to name and set options for the new configuration

Step 5: Type

- Name field in Add Configuration dialog

The new configuration will have the entered name

Step 6: Click

- OK button in Add Configuration dialog

The new configuration is created and appears in ConfigurationManager

Step 7: Activate

- New configuration by double-clicking its name

The assembly updates to show the new configuration state

Before vs After

Before

Only one assembly version showing all parts active and visible

After

Multiple assembly configurations exist, each showing different parts suppressed or visible

Settings Reference

Suppress/Unsuppress Components

📍 ConfigurationManager > Right-click component > Suppress/Unsuppress

Control which parts are visible or hidden in each configuration

Default: Unsuppress

Component Display State

📍 ConfigurationManager > Right-click component > Properties

Change how components appear in each configuration

Default: Default

Configuration Properties

📍 ConfigurationManager > Right-click configuration > Properties

Add notes and control BOM behavior per configuration

Default: Empty description

Common Mistakes

Editing parts in one configuration and expecting changes to apply only there

Part files are shared across configurations, so changes affect all configurations

Use configurations to suppress or hide parts, not to change part geometry

Not naming configurations clearly

Makes it hard to know which configuration shows what

Use descriptive names that explain the configuration purpose

Summary

Assembly configurations let you create multiple versions of an assembly in one file.

You can show or hide parts per configuration to compare design options easily.

Remember that part geometry changes affect all configurations, so use suppression for variations.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of assembly configurations in SolidWorks?

easy

A. To export assemblies to different file formats

B. To simulate motion of parts in an assembly

C. To create multiple versions of an assembly within a single file

D. To generate 2D drawings from 3D models

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of assembly configurations

   Assembly configurations allow you to have different versions of the same assembly in one file.

2. Step 2: Compare options given

   Exporting assemblies to different file formats, simulating motion of parts in an assembly, and generating 2D drawings from 3D models describe other features of SolidWorks, not assembly configurations.

3. Final Answer:

   To create multiple versions of an assembly within a single file -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Assembly configurations = multiple versions in one file [OK]

Hint: Think: one file, many assembly versions [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing configurations with exporting files
• Mixing up assembly motion simulation with configurations
• Thinking configurations generate drawings

2. Which of the following is the correct way to create a new assembly configuration in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Click 'File' > 'Export' > 'New Configuration'

B. Use the 'Save As' command to save a new file

C. Drag and drop parts into the assembly window

D. Right-click the assembly name in the ConfigurationManager and select 'Add Configuration'

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify how to add configurations

   In SolidWorks, new configurations are added via the ConfigurationManager by right-clicking the assembly name.

2. Step 2: Eliminate incorrect options

   Using the 'Save As' command to save a new file, dragging and dropping parts into the assembly window, and clicking 'File' > 'Export' > 'New Configuration' describe unrelated actions.

3. Final Answer:

   Right-click the assembly name in the ConfigurationManager and select 'Add Configuration' -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Add configuration = right-click in ConfigurationManager [OK]

Hint: Right-click assembly in ConfigurationManager to add configs [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to create configurations by saving new files
• Confusing part insertion with configuration creation
• Looking for configuration options under export

3. Given an assembly with two configurations: Config1 where Part A is visible and Config2 where Part A is hidden, what will happen if you switch from Config1 to Config2?

medium

A. Part A will remain visible in both configurations

B. Part A will be hidden in Config2 but visible in Config1

C. Part A will be deleted from the assembly

D. The assembly will crash due to conflicting configurations

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand visibility control in configurations

   Configurations can control part visibility independently, so Part A can be visible in one and hidden in another.

2. Step 2: Analyze the effect of switching configurations

   Switching to Config2 hides Part A, but Config1 keeps it visible; no deletion or crash occurs.

3. Final Answer:

   Part A will be hidden in Config2 but visible in Config1 -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Visibility changes per configuration = Part A hidden in Config2 [OK]

Hint: Visibility can differ per configuration [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming parts get deleted when hidden
• Thinking visibility is global, not per configuration
• Believing conflicting configs cause crashes

4. You created a new assembly configuration but notice that changes to part positions are not saved when switching configurations. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. Part positions are not set to vary between configurations

B. The assembly file is corrupted

C. You forgot to save the assembly file

D. Configurations only control part visibility, not position

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand configuration control over part properties

   Configurations can control part visibility, size, and position if set to vary.

2. Step 2: Identify why position changes are not saved

   If part positions are not set to vary, changes won't be saved per configuration.

3. Final Answer:

   Part positions are not set to vary between configurations -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Positions must vary to save changes per config [OK]

Hint: Enable 'vary' for part positions to save changes [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming file corruption causes this
• Forgetting to save the file
• Believing configurations can't control position

5. You want to create an assembly with three configurations: Default, Compact, and Extended. In Compact, some parts are hidden and others moved closer. In Extended, all parts are visible but some are repositioned. Which approach correctly manages these configurations?

hard

A. Use assembly configurations to control part visibility and position for each version

B. Create separate assembly files for each version to avoid confusion

C. Use part configurations inside each part instead of assembly configurations

D. Only change part colors to differentiate versions

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze requirements for multiple versions

   You need to control visibility and position differently in each configuration.

2. Step 2: Match approach to requirements

   Assembly configurations allow controlling visibility and position per version in one file, fitting the need.

3. Step 3: Eliminate other options

   Separate files increase management effort; part configurations control part internal states, not assembly layout; color changes don't affect visibility or position.

4. Final Answer:

   Use assembly configurations to control part visibility and position for each version -> Option A

5. Quick Check:

   Assembly configs control visibility & position per version [OK]

Hint: Use assembly configs to vary visibility and position per version [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Creating multiple files instead of configurations
• Using part configs for assembly layout changes
• Relying on color changes only