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Changing Configurations of a part in sub assy

Changing Configurations of a part in sub assy

Changing Configurations of a part in sub assy

(OP)
Before I start I'm using Solidworks 2004 SP0.0 in case a fix has been found, but i'm sure its something i'm doing.

1. I've a simple part, 0.12"dia Steel rod of 3 different lengths (no problem with the Design Table).

2. This part is assembled to a sub-assy. When this sub-assy is open in its own window I can change the rod config's without any problem (rightclick and prop's).

3. When this sub-assy is assembled to the final assy and I try to change the rod config the window and thus the config options is faint. This is the same when both the assy is active, the sub-assy is active and also when the part is active.

I've been playing with this model for a while and can't work out why this is happening, can anyone help?

RE: Changing Configurations of a part in sub assy

You need to create configs of the sub-assy. Each config calling up a different part config. Then, when in the top level assy, you call up the sub-assy config.

cheers
Helpful SW websites  FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions  FAQ559-1091

RE: Changing Configurations of a part in sub assy

(OP)
Thanks CorBlimeyLimey for the swift reply. I understand now what needs to happen, thanks.

But, as much as I know how to create Design Tables in a model i've had to revert to the help files to create them in assy's (sub-assy). I wonder if you could help also here.

1. The Rod file has three configs (-111, -117 & -123) all different lengths.

2. Ok, i can move between these configs in the sub-assy. But as far as I can see from the help files the component name should change in the FeatureManager.
i.e Rod<1>(-111) should change to Rod<2>(-117)
notice the instance number <x> changing

but mine is changing as follows

Rod<1>(-111) changes to Rod<1>(-117)

notice the <1> stays the same for either config.

When I enter the name $CONFIGURATION@Rod<1>(-111) into the design table it is not recognized and shows an error saying component name is not recognized.

Any pointers with this?

I've just noticed should there be a space between Rod<1> & (-111). ie, Rod<1> (-111) opposed to Rod<1>(-111) ?

RE: Changing Configurations of a part in sub assy

Have you right-clicked on the part to select Component Properties?  You can normally then select the config you want.  However, I don't know how deep (how many subassemblies--if any) you can get into with this.  If it doesn't work, you may need to make the subassembly Flexible (see help on this) and then try it.  If that doesn't work, you may need to make the change within the subassembly itself and see if it updates within your main assembly.

By the way, in the feature tree, my nomenclature for parts does not have a space between the occurence number <1> and the config name.  I guess it's not supposed to be that way except in the file title at the top of the tree.

Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all.  And awe trumps reason.

RE: Changing Configurations of a part in sub assy

(OP)
Theophilus, I can switch between the Rod configurations in the sub-assy without a problem (using right-click Component Prop).

I thought I'd try making the sub-assy flexible in the top assy, this I can do but doesn't affect the problem I have.

If I change the configuration in the sub-assy and save,  that change of config is updated in the top assy after a rebuild. Which would be expected i guess.

The problem I have is what $Configuration@xxx names to use in an Assy design table. As the names I am trying to use seem to be the ones that are shown in the FeatureManager window, but these names are not recognized by the Design Table.

RE: Changing Configurations of a part in sub assy

Th instance number <1> should remain the same.

If you have several rods in the sub-assy, they will be marked as instance<1> (the first one) or <2> (the second one), etc.

What you are telling the sub-assy to do is make instance<X> show whichever config at that position in that FM. If the instance number were to change, the DT would get very confused.

cheers
Helpful SW websites  FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions  FAQ559-1091

RE: Changing Configurations of a part in sub assy

(OP)
Ok, I think the penny has dropped. I was confusing the Instance number with the Configuration name.

Just created the Design Table in the subassy and the penny definitely has dropped.

Thanks CorblimeyLimey and Theophilus for your help.

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