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Opposite Hand Assembly Problems

Opposite Hand Assembly Problems

Opposite Hand Assembly Problems

(OP)
Using SWX 2005 SP3.0

I have a small RH assembly that I am trying to make a LH version of.  The RH version contains 6 parts.  When I mirror the assembly, only two of the parts need to be mirrored, the rest can just be re-orientated.  I have the mirror process working properly, I am just having problems after.  One of the bracket details, which was just re-orientated and not mirrored, has holes which were located in context to one of the parts in the RH version that had to be mirrored.  After I mirror the RH and get the LH, I go and delete the original RH parts from the assembly.  This causes the holes in the bracket to lose their relation and the part in the feature tree has a question mark after it.  Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but I have alot more assemblies to do this to and the rest are much larger.
I hope this makes some sense.

Do I just have to live with the question marks?  

Thanks

RE: Opposite Hand Assembly Problems

diamondcat,

   When I do this, I make two configurations of the assembly, RH and LH.  If have to mirror a part, then for each configuration, either the original part or the mirror is suppressed.  

   You document all this with a tabulated drawing.  You can use the design table to manage the configurations, and generate a table for your drawing to explain the part numbering.

                          JHG

RE: Opposite Hand Assembly Problems

(OP)
Interesting idea...

Wouldn't the larger assemblies get a little hard to work with, due to size, since you are essentially doubling all of the parts?

RE: Opposite Hand Assembly Problems

diamondcat,

   I have never done this with a large assembly.  So far, it has always been structural parts with left hand right hand configurations.

   CAD issues aside, why would you build a large, complex assembly in left hand, right hand configurations?

                        JHG

RE: Opposite Hand Assembly Problems

(OP)
>CAD issues aside, why would you build a large,
>complex assembly in left hand, right hand
>configurations?

I have two machines that are face to face because they are being operated by one person who stands between them.  Both machines are feed parts from the same end so they have to be mirrors of eachother.  Believe me, I wish I didn't have to make an opp. hand, my life would be much easier.  It has 172 parts in it and it's a pain to figure out which ones need to be LH/RH and which can just be reorientated.


RE: Opposite Hand Assembly Problems

Drawoh-howarD is on the right track.
I would make a config that shows the LH version with parts not needed in either "suppressed". Do not delete any, that is where you are having the problems.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP2.0 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site

FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

RE: Opposite Hand Assembly Problems

(OP)
It sounds like a good idea, it's just the size of the assembly file which is making it prohibitive.  I could see using it on small assemblies.

RE: Opposite Hand Assembly Problems

diamondcat,

   A good rule of thumb in 3D design is that if the 3D model is a pain in the butt, the real system is going to be a pain in the butt.  

   Making your two machines complete mirror images of each other creates a maximum of effort for manufacturing and maintainance.  If it were my project, I would make the two machines as identical as possible, with controls and levers on opposite sides.  Electronic controls make this very easy, but mechanical cranks and levers should not be that hard.  Make the feeding point accessible from the rear and both sides.  

   The more pieces on your two machines are identical, the happier everyone is going to be.

                           JHG

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