Solidworks Routing (Piping, Tubing, and Electrical) — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In SolidWorks Routing, what is a 'Route Point' (Rp) used for?
- A cosmetic point marking where a route label will appear in drawings
- A sketch point that defines where a pipe segment begins, ends, or changes direction (Correct answer)
- A point on a fitting where simulation forces are applied
- A reference point used only during the Toolbox configuration of fittings
Correct answer: A sketch point that defines where a pipe segment begins, ends, or changes direction
A Route Point (Rp) is a 3D sketch point that drives the path of a pipe or tube route. SolidWorks uses Rp points to define start/end locations and direction changes, and fittings are snapped to these points when the route is built.
Question 2: Which SolidWorks Routing sub-type is used for flexible hoses that can follow a curved, non-linear path between two connection points?
- Rigid Pipe Routing
- Flexible Tube Routing (Correct answer)
- Electrical Cable Routing
- Conduit Routing
Correct answer: Flexible Tube Routing
Flexible Tube Routing in SolidWorks is designed for hoses and tubes that bend along a spline path, unlike rigid pipe routes which use straight segments connected by fittings at angular changes.
Question 3: In SolidWorks Electrical Routing, what file type defines the properties (wire gauge, insulation color, bend radius) of a cable or harness segment?
- Route Assembly (.sldasm)
- Wire/Cable Library file (.xml) (Correct answer)
- Electrical BOM template (.xlt)
- Harness Flattening config (.slddrw)
Correct answer: Wire/Cable Library file (.xml)
SolidWorks Electrical Routing uses XML-based wire and cable library files to store electrical properties such as wire gauge, number of conductors, insulation material, and minimum bend radius that are then applied to route segments.
Question 4: When starting a pipe route in SolidWorks Routing from a flange connection point, what happens automatically once you drag a routing component (e.g., an elbow fitting) onto an existing pipe end?
- A 3D sketch segment is automatically inserted and the fitting mates to the pipe end (Correct answer)
- A 2D sketch opens and you must manually dimension the pipe run
- The fitting is placed but all mates must be added manually via the Mate dialog
- SolidWorks asks you to select a pipe schedule before placing any geometry
Correct answer: A 3D sketch segment is automatically inserted and the fitting mates to the pipe end
SolidWorks Routing is highly automated: when you drag a compatible fitting onto a connection point (Cp), a 3D route sketch segment is automatically inserted, the fitting is mated using its own connection points, and the pipe run geometry updates accordingly.
Question 5: In a SolidWorks routing assembly, which specialized assembly feature stores all the 3D sketch route paths, pipe bodies, and fittings as a distinct sub-assembly?
- Route Sub-Assembly (Correct answer)
- Pipe Feature Folder
- Route Library Feature
- 3D Sketch Routing Pattern
Correct answer: Route Sub-Assembly
SolidWorks Routing automatically creates a Route Sub-Assembly (.sldasm) within the top-level assembly to contain all route segments, fittings, and the 3D sketch that defines the path, keeping routing geometry organized and separate from structural components.
Question 6: What is the minimum bend radius setting in SolidWorks tubing routes used for?
- Setting the outer diameter of the tube cross-section
- Ensuring that the tube's 3D spline path does not curve more tightly than the tube material can handle (Correct answer)
- Defining the flare angle at tube end connections
- Controlling the pitch of threaded tube fittings
Correct answer: Ensuring that the tube's 3D spline path does not curve more tightly than the tube material can handle
Minimum bend radius is a physical constraint of tube or hose material — bending tighter than this radius causes kinking or cracking. SolidWorks uses this value to validate and drive the spline curvature in flexible routing so the designed path is manufacturable.
Solidworks Routing (Piping, Tubing, and Electrical)
In SolidWorks Routing, what is a 'Route Point' (Rp) used for?