How to Create BOM in AutoCAD 2018?

Creating a Bill of Materials (BOM) in AutoCAD 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the BOM in AutoCAD

The Bill of Materials (BOM) is an essential component in design and engineering, serving as a detailed list of all parts, assemblies, and components required for a project. This structured table not only organizes the information but also enhances communication among teams by providing clear documentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create a BOM in AutoCAD 2025

1. Access the Annotate Tab

   • Begin by opening your drawing in AutoCAD. Navigate to the Annotate tab found on the ribbon menu.
   • Locate the BOM panel within this tab.

2. Initiate BOM Creation

   • Click on the BOM option within the panel.
   • Press the ENTER key to confirm your action, which will activate the BOM creation tool.

3. Select BOM for Editing

   • In the BOM List dialog that appears, right-click on the BOM you wish to modify or edit.
   • Choose the “Set current” option from the dropdown menu to make it the active BOM that you will be working with.

4. Inserting BOM Items

   • To add a new BOM item:
     • Above an Existing Row: Click on the row where you want the new item to appear, right-click, and select the option to insert a row above.
     • Below an Existing Row: Use a similar method; select the row you want to add to and choose the option to insert below.
     • At the Bottom of the BOM: Navigate to the end of the existing list and use the insert option to create a new row at the bottom.

5. Finalizing your BOM Layout

   • After adding all necessary items, ensure that your BOM includes all required information such as item quantities, descriptions, and any relevant notes.
   • Review the layout to make sure it fits the design’s requirements.

6. Placing the BOM on the Drawing

   • With your BOM populated with data, click on the option to “Put on Drawing.”
   • This action will bring up the Table Generation Setup dialog box.
   • Here, confirm the inclusion of column labels and finalize the dimensions and location for your BOM on the drawing space.
7. Completing the Process
   • Once your BOM appears on the drawing, click “Close” in the Report Generator window. Your BOM is now integrated into the drawing, and you can make further adjustments if necessary.

Types of BOMs in AutoCAD

Familiarity with different BOM types can enhance your design process. In AutoCAD, you will often encounter:

• Assembly BOM: Lists all components of a complete assembly.
• Single-Level BOM: Provides a straightforward overview of parts.
• Multi-Level BOM: Details complex assemblies and sub-assemblies.
• Engineering BOM (EBOM): Focused on design specifications and engineering requirements.
• Manufacturing BOM (MBOM): Tailored for production and manufacturing processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of a BOM in AutoCAD?
   The BOM acts as a comprehensive reference that lists every part and assembly required for a project, facilitating better planning and efficiency during the design and manufacturing phases.

2. Can BOMs be customized in AutoCAD?
   Yes, users can customize BOMs by adding or editing rows, changing the layout, and defining specific parameters to meet project needs.

3. Is it possible to export a BOM from AutoCAD?
   Yes, AutoCAD allows you to export BOM data, enabling you to share or analyze the information outside of the software. This can typically be done through the export options available in the BOM panel.