While your question asks about "installing" Routing, the steps you provided actually describe how to activate the Routing add-in within an already installed version of SOLIDWORKS Premium. Routing is a powerful module included with SOLIDWORKS Premium, but it needs to be enabled in the software to become available for use.
Think of it like this: SOLIDWORKS Premium is the full package that gets installed on your computer. Routing is a specific feature within that package that you can choose to turn on or off depending on your current design needs.
Activating the SOLIDWORKS Routing Add-in
Here is the exact process to activate the SOLIDWORKS Routing add-in based on the steps you provided. This will make the specialized routing tools accessible in your current SOLIDWORKS session or automatically every time you launch the software.
Step-by-Step Guide to Activation
Follow these simple steps directly within SOLIDWORKS:
- From the SOLIDWORKS menu bar located at the top of the window, click on Tools.
- In the dropdown menu, select Add-Ins. This opens a new dialog box.
- In the Add-Ins dialog box, look under the section titled SOLIDWORKS Premium Add-ins. You will find Routing listed here.
- To enable Routing, you have two primary options by selecting the corresponding checkboxes:
- To activate Routing only for your current SOLIDWORKS session, select the checkbox next to Routing under the Active Add-ins column. This is useful if you don't use Routing frequently and want SOLIDWORKS to load faster for other tasks.
- To have Routing automatically load every time you start SOLIDWORKS, select the checkbox next to Routing under the Start Up column. Choose this if you use Routing regularly. You can select both options if desired.
- After making your selection(s), click the OK button at the bottom of the dialog box to apply the changes and close the window.
Once activated, SOLIDWORKS will load the Routing functionality, and you will typically see new Command Managers (like Piping and Tubing or Electrical) appear, and routing-specific commands will become available through menus and toolbars.
Activation Options at a Glance
Here's a quick summary of the activation choices:
| Option | Effect | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Active Add-ins | Enabled for the current session only. | Occasional Routing work |
| Start Up | Enabled automatically upon SOLIDWORKS launch | Frequent Routing work |
Choosing 'Start Up' means SOLIDWORKS will take slightly longer to load initially but saves you the step of manually activating Routing each time.
What is SOLIDWORKS Routing Used For?
SOLIDWORKS Routing is a specialized set of tools designed to accelerate and simplify the creation and modification of routed systems within your 3D designs. This includes:
- Piping: Designing rigid and flexible pipe runs with fittings, valves, and other components.
- Tubing: Creating tube routes, often involving bends and specialized connectors.
- Electrical: Laying out electrical cables, wires, conduits, and cable trays, including generating wire harness documentation.
Activating the Routing add-in provides access to libraries of standard components and automated tools for laying out paths, placing fittings, and maintaining associativity within your assembly.
In Summary
The steps you provided are the correct method for activating the SOLIDWORKS Routing add-in after SOLIDWORKS Premium has been installed. This allows you to leverage its powerful capabilities for designing routed systems in your projects.
