SOLIDWORKS tutorial: What is the envelope component and why use it?

The envelope component is an option that can be used on a component present in an assembly in SOLIDWORKS. It allows the assembly to "ignore" this component. This is useful for a component that is essential to the design of an assembly, but which you don't want to have in the BOM or in the mass properties.

Objective

We want to design a production line, but there's a constraint in its layout: to avoid the posts present in the building! The file is therefore added to the assembly. But we only want to take its overall dimensions into account:

Procedure

Activate the Envelope option on a component. Select component (graphics window or tree) In context menu -> Component properties

In the : Component properties -> Check Envelope -> ok (bottom right of window)

Note: The exclude from BOM option is automatically activated.

After validation, an envelope icon appears in the assembly tree on the component. And the component becomes transparent.

Options for the visual behavior of envelope components.

Options - System options - Color: you can change the color of the envelope component. You can also modify its display (transparent, opaque).

Center of mass behavior.

An envelope component is automatically removed from the calculation of mass properties. Without the envelope component, the center of mass is offset towards the walls.

With the envelope component, the center of mass is re-centered in relation to the design.

Drawings and envelope components.

In each drawing view, you can choose whether or not to display the envelope component. Right-click on a view -> Properties...

Check box: Show envelope.

The envelope component appears in its own specific font:

This font, taken from the drawing template, can be modified. Options-> Document properties -> Line font -> Envelope components-> Style

BOM

In the assembly construction tree, a notification indicates that the component is: Excluded from BOM. The envelope component does not appear in the BOMs.