How to Create a Weldment Cut List in SOLIDWORKS

A weldment cut list organizes the structural members and bodies in a SOLIDWORKS weldment part. It can report length, quantity, description, material, and other properties needed for fabrication. A clean cut list makes drawings and shop communication much easier.

Use weldment features

Cut lists work best when the part is built with weldment tools such as Structural Member, Trim/Extend, and related weldment features. These tools create bodies that SOLIDWORKS can group and list more intelligently than generic solid bodies.

If the part was modeled as normal solid bodies, the cut list may still be possible, but it usually requires more manual property work. Weldment features make the list more useful from the start.

Update the cut list

1. Open the weldment part.
2. Find the cut list folder in the FeatureManager tree.
3. Right-click the cut list and choose Update if needed.
4. Review the grouped bodies.
5. Add or edit cut list properties.
6. Insert the cut list into the drawing.

Check body grouping

SOLIDWORKS groups similar weldment bodies into cut list items. Check that the grouping makes sense. If bodies are grouped incorrectly, review profiles, lengths, angles, materials, and custom properties.

Two bodies may look similar but need separate cut list items if their end treatments, materials, or fabrication requirements are different. Review the list with the shop process in mind.

Edit cut list properties

Cut list properties can include description, material, length, angle, finish, part number, or other fabrication information. Use consistent property names so drawing tables and BOMs read correctly.

Custom properties are often where cut lists become useful. If the table only shows body names, add the properties needed for purchasing, cutting, welding, or inspection.

Insert the cut list in a drawing

Open the drawing and insert a weldment cut list table. Choose the correct view or model reference, then place the table where it is easy to read. Review the columns and formatting before releasing the drawing.

If the table is large, place it on a dedicated sheet or split the drawing layout so the model views and table do not compete for space.

Verify lengths and quantities

Before sending the drawing to fabrication, check that lengths, quantities, materials, and descriptions are correct. Rebuild the model and update the cut list after design changes. A stale cut list can cause real purchasing or shop-floor mistakes.

For angled cuts, verify whether the listed length is the value the shop expects. Some workflows need overall member length, while others need additional notes for end angles or coping.

Troubleshooting

If the cut list is missing or wrong, confirm that the part is treated as a weldment and that the cut list has been updated. If properties do not appear in the drawing table, check the table column settings and the property names in the part.

A weldment cut list is only useful when it reflects the current model. Rebuild, update, and review it whenever the weldment geometry changes.

Before release, compare the cut list to the drawing views. The table should support the same fabrication intent shown by dimensions, notes, and weld symbols.

If several people edit weldment files, agree on property names and table templates. Consistent setup prevents each project from producing a different cut list format.