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SOLIDWORKS Simulation

Mastering SOLIDWORKS Routing: Build Intelligent Piping and Electrical Systems Faster

When it comes to designing complex piping, tubing, or electrical systems, speed and consistency are everything. That’s where SOLIDWORKS Routing stands out. It’s not just a modeling tool—it’s an intelligent system that automates route creation, enforces design standards, and dramatically reduces repetitive work.

At its core, SOLIDWORKS Routing allows you to quickly assemble routed systems using pre-defined components such as pipes, fittings, tubes, and connectors. What makes it powerful is the built-in intelligence: components “snap” together using connection points, and routes are automatically generated between them. Instead of manually sketching every path, you define intent—and the software does the heavy lifting.

The Backbone: Routing Library Manager

Everything in SOLIDWORKS Routing revolves around the Routing Library Manager. This is where the system’s intelligence is configured and maintained. You can access it in two primary ways:

 

  • With an assembly open: Tools → Routing → Routing Tools → Routing Library Manager
  • Without an assembly: through System Options → Routing

 

This flexibility is important, especially when you’re setting up or auditing your environment before starting a project.

Inside the Routing Library Manager, the most critical setting is Routing File Locations. Think of this as the central repository for all routing components—pipes, fittings, electrical connectors, and more. If this location isn’t configured correctly, routing will either fail or behave unpredictably.

Building a Smart Library

The real leverage in SOLIDWORKS Routing comes from your library. Out of the box, you can use standard components, but the system truly shines when you expand it.

You have two main options:

  1. Add custom components tailored to your company standards.
  2. Download prebuilt content from the SOLIDWORKS Content library.

To access downloadable content:

  • Open the Task Pane (right side of the interface)
  • Select SOLIDWORKS Content → Routing
  • Choose a library standard (e.g., ANSI, ISO)
  • Download and extract the files
  • Place them into your defined routing library location


Once added, these components become immediately usable in your routing workflows.

Why “Smart” Components Matter

Routing components are not just geometry—they are embedded with intelligence. For example, a standard tee fitting includes:

  • CPoints (Connection Points): Define how components physically connect
  • RPoints (Route Points): Guide how the route is generated through the component
  • Configuration tables: Predefined sizes and variations within a single file

This means a single part file can represent an entire family of fittings. When you place it in an assembly, SOLIDWORKS automatically selects the correct size based on your route specifications.

Practical Impact on Your Workflow

For engineers working in mechanical systems, MEP, or industrial design, this translates into real efficiency gains:

  • Rapid layout of piping or harness systems
  • Automatic updates when routes or components change
  • Built-in design intent that reduces errors
  • Scalable libraries that grow with your business

Instead of spending time modeling individual components and paths, you’re focusing on system-level design and validation—where your engineering expertise actually matters.

Final Takeaway

SOLIDWORKS Routing is only as powerful as the library behind it. By properly configuring your Routing Library Manager and investing in high-quality, intelligent components, you transform routing from a manual task into a highly automated, scalable workflow.

If you’re not leveraging the routing library strategically, you’re leaving a significant amount of efficiency—and consistency—on the table.

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