When you first load SOLIDWORKS you get a small amount of weldment profiles. This can be a problem if you need to use these. In this article, we will discuss how to add more content whether from existing locations or custom profiles.
First, the existing content is pretty small. As you can see here:
We can add more from the SOLIDWORKS Content in the Design Library inside SOLIDWORKS.
Once you have this downloaded and in the correct folder which by default is "C:Program FilesSOLIDWORKS CorpSOLIDWORKSlangenglishweldment profiles". I usually just put this into the same ANSI Inch folder that exists. Then you will get the larger ammount of content both type and size.
Now, if what you are wanting is not in the realm of normal structural members we can always add a custom profile. The same would be true if you need a standard shape that the size you want does not exist. The custom profiles can be handy for industries like Windows, Doors and Cabinets manufacturers.
So we will now need to open a new part and create a sketch of the shape we need that will become the new profile.
So, you can see I centered my sketch directly on the origin which is the default pierce point for inserting the profile. I also added points on the sketch for other locations that may need to be used for placement. After we have completed the sketch exit out of editing it and select the sketch fromm the feature tree. With this still selected do a Save As.
Then in the Save As Dialog change the file type to Library feat part and browse to the profile folder you would like this in.
At this time it should be available for use in your weldments.
