Best component naming practice for parts lists?
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I am using a dynamic component at various modular lengths (1 foot, 2 feet, 2.5 feet, etc.) to build projects. For each project, I want to generate a parts list, using a plugin such as Cut List. (I'm on a Mac, so I can only run some cut list plugins.)
What is best practice for naming components of the same material at various lengths to make a parts list that is easy to read and minimizes errors?
Thanks,
Joy -
If the beams would be used in standard increments of length, I would suggest you settle on some number convention that identifies the length of the beams. Perhaps that would be 10, 20, 25, etc. So you might have "Beam 10", "Beam 20", "Beam 25", etc. If you also have beams of differing cross sections, you might want something like "Beam 1.5-10" which would represent a 1-1/2 inch square beam that is 1 foot long.
If you are using CutList don't add commas to the Definition names or names as that will create issues in the CSV file when you generate it.
Add the word Beam to the Parts Words so that they get listed in the Parts section. This will prevent CutList from calculating how many board feet of beams you'll need and give you just a shopping list containing quantity and name of each beam length. If you are also including fasteners in your model, add words like Bolt, Washer, Nut the Part Words list so those parts will also show up in the Parts section.
Once you have the CSV file created, you can massage it in Excel or another spreadsheet application to make it look like you want.
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