Problem

This article describes the process of setting up new default description values for sheet metal bodies in a cut list. The default description is set to 'sheet', and this is not very descriptive. We can actually change this value to anything we want, as well as create a link to the file's custom properties.

Solution

Follow the steps below to create the custom properties and then set the sheet metal description in the cut list.

1. Open SOLIDWORKS and open a Sheet Metal Part
2. Go to File > Properties
3. Here we can set up properties such as thickness, length, width, etc. Once the desired properties are set, we are ready to link them to the cut list description.

4. Go to Tools > Options > Document Properties > Weldments. 
5. Scroll down to Sheet Metal Bodies Description and deselect the 'use default description' option. This will allow us to use our custom description.

6. Edit the value of 'sheet' to whatever you like. When using a custom property value, input 
   $PRP:"[Property Name]". This will pull the custom properties we set earlier. Note: If updating an existing sheet metal part file, select the option to apply to existing and new bounding boxes.

   

7. Select "OK" and confirm that the cut list now shows the new value for description.

   

To set this description value on multiple sheet metal part files, it is recommended to create a part template containing the custom properties and the description value in the document properties. This can be done by following the above steps on a blank part file and then saving it as a .prtdot file. Then create new sheet metal part files with this template.

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