When using the meta-properties in 3DVIA that are coming from the Custom Properties in SolidWorks files, be aware how 3DVIA deals with capitalization of the property names.

While SolidWorks and Windows Explorer don’t see the difference between DESCRIPTION, Description, and description (as long as they are all spelled the same), 3DVIA see these as three different properties. Therefore if your BOM only lists DESCRIPTION and some of the actors have one of the other two variations of the word, that cell in the BOM will be blank.  So it is important to verify that the Custom Properties are consistent.

The best ways to do this are to use the Custom Property tab in the Task Pane or to make sure users select the Custom Property name from a list.

If you find yourself with several variations of a property name, then they will have to be changed.  This isn’t as easy as it sounds.  Like I mentioned earlier, SolidWorks and Windows Explorer don’t pay any attention to capitalization – just spelling.  So if you try to change the property in either of those it will just be ignored … UNLESS… you change the spelling.

In SolidWorks, go to File>Properties and change the property name using  the correct capitalization BUT leave off the last letter and click OK.  Then open the Properties again and add the last letter.  This method will maintain the value of the property.  One caution, if you use the Property Tab, this will not work.  The property name as saved in the Property Tab template cannot be removed.

If you do this through Windows Explorer, the method is similar but there are some extra steps.  This will only work for Custom Properties, NOT Configuration Specific Properties or properties that are linked, e.g. Material linked to the assigned material of the part. 

1. Right click on the file and select properties. 
2. Go to the Custom tab and click on the property you need to change and in the Name box enter the name with the correct capitalization BUT leave off the last letter.
3. Pick Add. 
4. Select the original property and click Remove.
5. Add the last letter to the name and click Add.
6. Remove the misspelled property.

If you have any questions about this, please contact Technical Support at Symmetry Solutions.