Can you count the total number of screws used in an assembly in SolidWorks?
Short Answer
Yes — in SolidWorks, you can count the total number of screws used in an assembly most commonly by using a bom with the bill of materials feature, which totals repeated fastener components automatically. This is the standard professional method for screw counting in SolidWorks assemblies. Limitation: it only works correctly if identical screws are modeled and configured consistently.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: Screw counts often come out wrong when the same fastener exists in multiple configurations, file names, or Toolbox states that look identical but are treated as separate components. Suppressed, hidden, or envelope components can also affect the final total if your BOM settings are not checked carefully.
How to count screws in a solidworks assembly
Command: Bill of Materials
Shortcut: None by default
Quick Steps:
- In the assembly, go to the Assembly tab on the CommandManager, or use Insert > Tables > Bill of Materials.
- Select the drawing or assembly view source, then choose a BOM Type such as Top-level only or Parts only depending on how you want screws counted.
- Review the BOM quantity column and identify the screw part number or description to get the total count.
Variables & Settings
Key Setting: BOM Type — Parts only is usually the best option when you need the total number of screws across the full assembly.
Expert Setting: If you use Top-level only, screws inside subassemblies may not be totaled the way purchasing or production expects. Also check the component property Exclude from bill of materials if a screw is missing from the count.
Why it Fails
Cause 1 (Geometry): Screws that appear identical may actually be different part files, configurations, or Toolbox definitions, so SolidWorks lists them separately instead of combining the quantity.
Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Components can be set to Exclude from BOM, suppressed in configurations, or stored inside subassemblies that are not expanded by the selected BOM type.
Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Using the wrong BOM structure, such as Top-level only, can hide fasteners inside nested assemblies and produce an incomplete total screw count.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
Quick Fix: Insert a Bill of Materials, switch BOM Type to Parts only, and verify that matching screws use the same part number and are not marked Exclude from BOM.
Manager’s Verdict: Use a BOM for all production and purchasing counts because it is the fastest and most reliable standard workflow. Avoid manual counting unless the assembly is extremely small or poorly standardized.
FAQ
Can SolidWorks count screws automatically?
Yes, a BOM can automatically total repeated screw components in an assembly.
Why are identical screws showing as separate rows?
They are usually different configurations, file names, or Toolbox definitions.
Can I count screws inside subassemblies?
Yes, use a Parts only BOM to flatten the structure and total them more accurately.
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