Problem

This article explains how to promote subassembly components to the top level of a Bill of Materials (BOM). This alternative to dissolving a subassembly works in all BOM tables created in Parts, Assemblies, and Drawings. It does not apply to PDM BOMs.

Designers often divide assemblies into smaller parts or subassemblies. Although a BOM may show only top-level components, users may need to display subassembly components without using the Indented or Parts Only BOM options. The Promote feature provides a convenient way to control how subassemblies appear in a BOM. It can be used at either the assembly or drawing.

Solution 1: Drawing Promotion

1. Open a SOLIDWORKS Drawing with a Drawing View with a BOM, or create one

2. Use the Arrow on the left to expand the table to show the part/assembly icons

   

3. Select the desired subassembly to promote and right-click on the assembly icon to select "Component Options"

   

4. In the small window that comes up, select the "Promote" option along with the Green Checkmark to bring the components to the top-level display of the BOM

   

Solution 2: Assembly Promotion

The same promotion can be applied directly to the subassembly with the steps below:

1. Open SOLIDWORKS and open the desired subassembly to promote

2. Switch to the Configuration tab, right-click on the configuration, and select "Properties"

   

3. Select the "Promote" option and select the Green Checkmark to apply these settings. When creating a BOM, the promoted subassembly components will be a level higher when displayed in the BOM.

Restoring BOM to Original State

When components have been promoted, the subassembly in the feature tree has "Dissolved in BOM" at the end of its name.

To revert the BOM back to its original state, simply right-click the subassembly in the feature tree and select "Restore in BOM", and the components will be properly classified again.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.