How to Make Tubing in SOLIDWORKS Routing

SOLIDWORKS Routing can create tubing paths inside an assembly by combining routing fittings, tube or hose route parts, and a 3D sketch that controls the route centerline. It is useful for pneumatic lines, hydraulic tubes, cooling hoses, laboratory equipment, machinery, and other assemblies where the path and connections matter.

The basic workflow is to enable the Routing add-in, place routing-ready fittings, start a tube route, set the route properties, create or edit the path, and then check the route for bend, clearance, and connection problems. SOLIDWORKS Routing is included with SOLIDWORKS Premium and SOLIDWORKS Ultimate; if the commands are missing, check the installed product and license before troubleshooting the model.

Enable the SOLIDWORKS Routing add-in

1. Open or create the assembly that will contain the tubing.
2. Go to Tools > Add-Ins.
3. Enable SOLIDWORKS Routing for the current session.
4. Enable the Start Up option only if Routing is part of your regular work.

After the add-in loads, the Routing tools and the relevant piping, tubing, or electrical commands become available. Avoid loading every add-in automatically if you do not use it because each one can add startup time and interface clutter.

Prepare routing-ready fittings

A tube route normally starts from a fitting or connector that contains the routing intelligence SOLIDWORKS needs. Routing parts use connection points and route points to define where the route begins, its direction, and compatible route properties. Many standard components are available through the Routing Library and Design Library, and custom components can be prepared with the Routing Library Manager.

Before placing a fitting, confirm its nominal size, end type, orientation, and configuration. The route inherits important properties from the start component, so a wrong fitting can create the wrong diameter or an incompatible path. Do not choose a configuration only because its name looks close.

Start the tube route by dragging a fitting

For a route that begins at a fitting, use Start by Drag/Drop from the Flexible Tubing toolbar or drag a routing-ready fitting from the Design Library into the assembly. Drop it onto the intended connection geometry and choose the correct fitting configuration.

When the fitting is inserted, SOLIDWORKS can create a route subassembly and open the route sketch. A route subassembly contains the fittings and route parts, while its 3D sketch controls the centerline. Keep route components inside that subassembly so the route remains manageable.

Choose flexible hose or controlled tubing geometry

The correct path style depends on the physical product:

• Flexible hose or soft tubing: use a smooth path that reflects how the hose can bend between connectors. Preserve minimum bend radius and enough slack for movement or service.
• Rigid or formed tubing: use controlled line and arc segments, dimensions, relations, and bend locations that reflect manufacturable tube geometry.

Do not use a free-form path for a rigid manufactured tube merely because it is quicker. Conversely, do not over-constrain a hose path that must move during assembly operation. The modeled route should represent the real installation and manufacturing method.

Create a flexible tube route with Auto Route

Place the second routing-ready fitting at the destination, then edit the route. Choose Auto Route and select the connection points or route endpoints. Auto Route creates route geometry between the selected points. Review the temporary solution and accept it only if it follows a sensible path.

Automatic does not mean finished. Check whether the route passes through components, creates an unrealistic bend, blocks access to fasteners, or leaves too little room for installation. Add routing points, clips, or sketch constraints where the path needs guidance.

Create or edit a rigid tube path

For controlled tubing, build the route centerline with 3D-sketch lines and arcs or use an Auto Route solution as a starting point. Then edit the route sketch so the straight lengths, bend locations, directions, and offsets match the design intent.

Add dimensions and relations deliberately. Define important offsets from stable assembly references, and avoid references to temporary edges that may disappear after a model change. Use route sketch fillets or the routing workflow’s bend handling so bend radii are consistent with the selected tube and manufacturing process.

Check the finished route

Before releasing or documenting the route, verify:

• The fittings and tube share the intended nominal size and specification.
• The route enters every fitting in the correct direction.
• Bend radii are physically achievable for the material and process.
• The tube clears moving parts, covers, fasteners, sharp edges, and heat sources.
• There is room to install, remove, and service the assembly.
• Flexible tubing has suitable slack but cannot snag or collapse.
• Rigid tubing has usable straight lengths around bends and fittings.
• The route rebuilds without dangling references or sketch errors.

Use interference detection and section views when the route passes through a dense assembly. If routing performance becomes slow, simplify surrounding components while editing and restore the required detail for the final check. The guide to collision detection in SOLIDWORKS can help with assembly clearance review.

Common SOLIDWORKS tubing problems

The Routing tab or commands are missing

Confirm SOLIDWORKS Routing is installed, licensed, and enabled under Tools > Add-Ins. Routing availability depends on the SOLIDWORKS product level.

The route starts with the wrong diameter

Check the starting fitting configuration and its connection-point data. Route properties are influenced by the start component, and the route must remain compatible with it.

A fitting does not start a route

The component may not be routing-ready. Use a verified library component or prepare the custom fitting with the Routing Library Manager and correct connection points.

Auto Route passes through other parts

Treat Auto Route as an initial solution. Add route points or clips, edit the 3D sketch, and perform a clearance check before accepting the path.

The tube changes unexpectedly after an assembly edit

Inspect the route sketch references. Replace fragile edge references with stable planes, axes, sketches, or intentional routing points where practical.

Tubing, piping, and a simple swept tube are different

Routing is appropriate when the tube belongs to an assembly and needs fittings, route properties, libraries, or routing documentation. A simple swept part can be enough when you only need isolated tube-shaped geometry and do not need routing behavior. Piping routes are generally used for pipe systems and fittings, while flexible tubing routes support tube and hose workflows.

For a broader assembly workflow, see mechanical mates in SOLIDWORKS. For projects where custom tubing components are stored in reusable libraries, the SOLIDWORKS Design Library guide is also relevant.

Bottom line

To make tubing in SOLIDWORKS, enable Routing, use routing-ready fittings, start the route from the correct connector, choose geometry that matches flexible or rigid tubing, and edit the 3D-sketch centerline until the route is manufacturable and serviceable. Auto Route can save time, but the engineer still needs to verify size, bends, clearances, references, and installation access.

Official references: SOLIDWORKS Routing Overview, Flexible Tubing Toolbar, and Using Auto Route.