How to Use Piping in SOLIDWORKS

Using piping in SOLIDWORKS typically involves utilizing the SOLIDWORKS Routing add-in, which allows you to create detailed routes for pipes, tubing, and electrical cables. As highlighted by the provided reference, a key method involves dragging and dropping pre-defined components onto existing geometry to initiate and build your route.

Getting Started with SOLIDWORKS Piping

SOLIDWORKS Routing is a powerful tool used to design pipe systems within your 3D models. It simplifies the process of laying out complex pipe runs, adding fittings, and creating necessary documentation like Bill of Materials.

Core Method: Drag-and-Drop Components

One of the most intuitive ways to begin a piping route or add components along an existing route is by using the drag-and-drop method from the SOLIDWORKS Design Library.

Here’s how it generally works, based on the reference and common practice:

1. Access the Routing Library: Ensure the SOLIDWORKS Routing add-in is enabled. Navigate to the Design Library pane.
2. Locate Components: Find the standard piping components you need (like flanges, elbows, tees, pipes, etc.) within the routing library folders.
3. Initiate the Route: As shown in the reference, you can simply drag-and-drop a component, such as a flange, onto a vessel or other existing geometry where the pipe route should begin or connect.
4. Automatic Placement: When you drag the component near suitable geometry (like a nozzle or port), it will snap to the geometry.
5. Automatic Resizing: The component (like the flange) will often be resized automatically to match the target port's specifications.
6. Define the Route Path: Once the starting component is placed, you can begin defining the pipe path using sketch tools, auto-routing features, or by adding more components like elbows.
7. Specify Route Parameters: You'll specify your route sizes and select appropriate elbows and other fittings as you define the path.

Once these steps are followed, you're ready to go, having established the initial connection and begun defining the route path and characteristics.

Key Steps in SOLIDWORKS Piping

While dragging and dropping is a starting point, the full piping process involves several stages:

• Enabling Routing: Activating the SOLIDWORKS Routing add-in.
• Starting a New Route: Creating a new subassembly specifically for the pipe route.
• Adding Components: Dragging and dropping flanges, reducers, valves, and other fittings from the library.
• Defining the Path: Using sketch tools (lines, arcs) or auto-routing features to lay out the centerlines of the pipes.
• Adding Pipe Segments: SOLIDWORKS automatically creates pipe segments along the defined path between fittings.
• Modifying the Route: Adjusting sizes, lengths, adding break points, or changing fitting types.
• Adding Supports: Placing pipe supports along the route.
• Creating Documentation: Generating drawings, cut lists, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) for the piping system.

By combining the intuitive drag-and-drop placement of standard components with powerful sketching and routing tools, SOLIDWORKS allows engineers to efficiently design complex piping systems.