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Multiple Parts in One File

Multiple Parts in One File

Multiple Parts in One File

(OP)
Good afternoon, I have a small little plastic box we purchase which has a cover on it.  We modify bith the cover and the box so we need a model of both and then we assemble the 2 parts later.  Is there a way to make a model of each part in this same model file?  I know that this is easy in CAD systems with layering, but this software does not have it so I am totally lost.  Thanks you in advance for any help rendered.

RE: Multiple Parts in One File

Add them together in a assembly, then save as a part.

Chris
SolidWorks 07 4.0/PDMWorks 07
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 10-07-07)
ctopher's blog

RE: Multiple Parts in One File

You can also use the Insert > Part function to create a multi-body part.

cheers

RE: Multiple Parts in One File

Or just build them as separate solid bodies within a part.  Or build them within a part as a single body (depending whether the bodies make actual contact with each other or not) and then split into two bodies with a surface.

Depending how intertwined your geometry from one part to the other, best practice is often to build each part in the context of an assembly--then the parts are their own separated part files, built with some geometry shared in the context of the assembly.

Yes, CAD has layers--a 2D construct.  SolidWorks is more true to life in that you're actually dealing with solid materials (except they can overlap one another--not very "real"--but you probably get the point).  So in the context of an assembly, you can hide or show parts, make some transparent, etc. while working on them.  The parts are actually there in 3D volume.

In a case like yours, I often build a skeleton sketch in my assembly--and this sketch contains important geometry I'll use to change the geometry of the parts in the assembly.  So each part will rely on this sketch for its geometry (see Convert Entities in Help, along with Relations).

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

RE: Multiple Parts in One File

(OP)
Thanks for the ideas.  The trouble is that I need to be able to pull up the drawing of each from our business system, so that means I must have a valid P/N or purchasing will not be able to bring it up.  I hope I am being clear about this.  I am thing about configurations may be an answer and then just not listing one of the P/N's of the box and its cover.  Oh well, I will try playing around with it.  Thanks again.

RE: Multiple Parts in One File

"I hope I am being clear about this"

Not clear to me, I think.

Chris
SolidWorks 07 4.0/PDMWorks 07
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 10-07-07)
ctopher's blog

RE: Multiple Parts in One File

(OP)
OK, well, it is just a plastic box with a cover, 2 parts.  Each is sent out and machined and then they are returned and assembly with other components.  In the business system we can call up drawings of parts and assemblies, but the part must exist in SW in order to be able to be called up.  For example in you business system you have part 100 and in SW you have part 100-1 and 100-2 the business system will not be able to find the parts in the CAD system.  I just need to be able to have purchasing be able to bring up the drawings when they send the work out.  Then I need to be able to bring the box and cover into an assembly later on.  How hope that clears up any confusion.  Thanks again for the assistance.

RE: Multiple Parts in One File

Similar to what CorBlimeyLimey said, you can also use Insert > Features > Save Bodies to save multiple bodies in one part file as separate part files.  Lots of options, just pick which works best for your situation.

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

RE: Multiple Parts in One File

(OP)
Thanks again for the responses.  I am going to play around with it for a few minutes and see what I get.  I have never worked with the insert-features-save bodies, so I am not sure how it works or what I will get.  Thanks again for the assist.  

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