Relabeling BOM Part Names

 

When generating BOMs in SolidWorks, it is sometimes necessary to relabel part names so they are more descriptive.  For example, a fastener part model downloaded from Mcmaster-Carr or 3D Content Central might have a part name that is not very descriptive (i.e. "92000A420") that you need to change so it fulfills the requirements for class (i.e. "1/4-20 x 1.5" hex head bolt").  

 

To change the name of the part so it displays correctly in the BOM, open the part file and select the Configuration Manager in the design tree on the left hand side of the screen.  Here you will notice there should be two names: (1) the name of the part when it was originally downloaded and (2) the name of the part you assigned when renaming it.  Right click on the first name (the original name of the downloaded file) and select properties; here you will go into the configuration properties and can change the configuration name and description of the part.  The final step is to go right below the configuration properties and choose "configuration name" in the Bill of Material Options.  Following these steps will ultimately change the name that's displayed in the BOM.

 

Special thanks to Juan Gomez for providing this helpful tip!