SOLIDWORKS Mechanical Routing

SOLIDWORKS Piping and Tubing tools included within SOLIDWORKS Premium; automate the design of rigid piping, flexible hosing, and tubing systems.

Integrated directly within the 3D CAD environment, this tool allows mechanical designers to create complex routes that adhere to engineering standards, ensuring that all runs are physically possible, documented with accurate cut lengths, and ready for fabrication.

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Key Capabilities

Orthogonal Piping Routes

Create rigid piping systems with automatic elbow and tee placement based on standard pipe specifications.

Flexible Tubing & Hosing

Model complex hydraulic or pneumatic hose runs that dynamically update their path as components move.

Standard Component Library

Access a vast library of BSI, ISO, and ANSI flanges, valves, and fittings that automatically size themselves to the pipe diameter.

Automatic Slope/Grade Application

Essential for gravity-fed systems, this tool allows you to apply a specific pitch or slope to a piping run for drainage.

Piping Spool Generation

Automatically break down complex piping systems into manageable "spools" for off-site fabrication and easier assembly.

Automated Piping Isometrics

Generate production-ready isometric drawings with automatic BOMs, cut lengths, and weldment tables.

Need to know more about routing?

Discover the full capabilities of pipe and tube routing in SOLIDWORKS with a demo from our experts, or learn the best practices and become familiar with the tools at one of our  training courses.

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Pipe & Tube Routing Training
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between "Piping" and "Tubing" in SOLIDWORKS?

In SOLIDWORKS, Piping typically refers to rigid sections joined by fittings (like elbows and tees), whereas Tubing refers to flexible runs or rigid sections that are bent to shape using a pipe-bender.

Can I create my own custom piping specifications?

Yes. You can define your own "Routing Templates" which dictate which pipe, elbows, and flanges should be used for a specific project (e.g., High-Pressure Steam vs. Low-Pressure Water).

Does it calculate the weight of the system?

Absolutely. Because the software knows the material, wall thickness (Schedule), and length of every pipe, it provides an accurate total weight for the entire routing system.

Can I export data for external stress analysis?

Yes. You can export routing data to specialised piping stress analysis software to validate the system against pressure and thermal expansion.

Can I use my own bespoke connectors?

Absolutely. You can take any 3D model of a connector and add "Connection Points" to make it "Routing Aware," allowing wires to snap to it and drive data.

Is this included in SOLIDWORKS Standard or Professional?

No. Like Electrical Routing, the Piping and Tubing suite is a specialist capability found exclusively in SOLIDWORKS Premium.