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Note: For Solidworks Parts with unspecified material, the plugin will use the Part name as the material and apply a default density of 1000 kg/m³ to calculate the Part's mass. The default material density settings can be edited under Document Properties > Material Properties. To ensure quantity accuracy, assign materials to all parts.
Make sure you have the things listed below before starting:
Dassault Systèmes Solidworks 2025 installed.
One Click LCA account and license with the Business features or higher to be able to import data.
One Click LCA project created. See how to create a project here.
About the Solidworks Integration
One Click LCA users can now leverage Solidworks integration to import model data and quantities directly from Solidworks into One Click LCA. This integration allows you to use your Solidworks 3D models as the basis for carbon and life-cycle assessments, as well as to generate Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
The Solidworks integration automatically generates a bill of materials (BOM) based on your 3D model. This BOM is structured based on the materials assigned to each part within your Solidworks project. The BOM includes properties such as material name, part name, assembly name, volume, mass, number of elements, and LCA class.
How do you set up the Dassault Systèmes Solidworks integration?
How can I access the integration?
You can download the integration installer (Windows) directly from the bottom of this page.
How do I install it?
Open the installer to begin. The plugin installs automatically with no additional settings required. The plugin is digitally signed by One Click LCA, however, your operating system may ask you to confirm if you wish to proceed with the installation. In such a case, choose Allow / Yes, as applicable.
How to use the Dassault Systèmes Solidworks Integration?
The integration allows you to export the Bill of Materials (BoM) from Solidworks to the One Click LCA platform. The integration exports parts from the open Solidworks project. If parts are grouped in assemblies, only the parts within those assemblies are listed, along with information about their parent assembly.
Step-by-step guidance:
Open Solidworks and check plugin was installed:
After installing the integration, open Solidworks. You will see a new tab labeled “One Click LCA”.
Preparing data for export
Before exporting to One Click LCA platform, the best practice is to make sure all parts have their materials assigned. The material can be assigned by opening the relevant Part and editing Material under left side panel.
Parts with unspecified material will be exported as well. The plugin will use the Part name as a Material name. Following the Solidworks default settings, a default density value of 1000 kg/m³ will also be applied to calculate the part's mass. You are advised to assign material to parts for proper quantity measurements.
Exporting the Bill of Materials to One Click LCA platform
Make sure you have a project on One Click LCA platform or create a new one prior to exporting your data. To export the Bill of Materials (BoM) to the One Click LCA platform, click the “One Click LCA” button. This will initiate the standard import process. For more information about the import process, please visit the One Click LCA help centre here.
FAQ
Q: Can the Parts be exported without assigned material?
A: Yes, the plugin will use the Part name as a material name in this case. Following the Solidworks default <not specified> material's settings, a default density value of 1000 kg/m³ will also be applied to calculate the part's mass. You are advised to assign material to parts for proper quantity measurements.
The <not specified> material default settings can be edited under Document Properties > Material Properties
Q: What units are used in the exported data?
A: The plugin export mass in kg, volume in m³ and number of elements.
Q: Can I export additional properties?
A: Yes, the plugin collects all user defined custom properties.
Q: What should I pay attention to when modeling 3D objects in Solidworks to ensure quantities are exported correctly?
A: To ensure accurate quantity export:
Model accurately and realistically. The plugin extracts quantities using Solidworks' built-in geometry properties such as volume, so it's important that your models reflect the actual physical characteristics of the components.
Avoid solid modeling of hollow components such as pipes. Modeling these elements as solid blocks will produce incorrect volume readings and lead to inaccurate quantity calculations.
In cases where the geometry isn't precise enough, review and adjust the exported Bill of Materials (BOM) excel file manually to correct any discrepancies.