Assembly external reference problem 1

[gunnykiln]

I have an assembly that I have been working on for a while. It has a master sketch in the assembly that controls many separate parts. The assembly file has had a couple different names during the design process and now that I need to modify things it is becoming a problem.

When I edit a part I usually get this message:

"This part has features defined in the context of another assembly <SomeAssembly1.sldasm>. You can edit the part, but cannot creat any external references to the components of the current assembly."

So I have to rename the assembly file, edit the part, then rename it back. Then when I need to edit another part I have to change it to yet another name, edit, the change the name back and so on.

How can I save the file and all external references to one filename once and for all?

 

[wes616]

gunnykiln,


IN the Tools->Options->External References, check the box that says Allow multiple context for parts when editing in an assembly. Your problem should disappear...

Wes C.

 

[gunnykiln]

OK, I tried that. Now when I make a change to my master sketch several parts will not update any more.

Is there any way to change an external reference directly from say "assy1.sldasm" to "assy2.sldasm"?

What I want is 1 assembly file name that controls all the parts.

 

[rockguy]

When you open a file there is a "references" button near the bottom of the open dialog box. When you select the "reference" button you see a listing of referenced files. In this dialog you have the ability to change which files are being referenced. If you go to FILE/OPEN and select your part file and then select the "references" button and direct the part to the assembly files you may be ok. You may have a few errors when you open the part and (or) assembly but all you should have to do is reconnect the dangling relations.

If you would have renamed your assembly file in SolidWorks explorer the references would have automatically updated for you and this problem would not have existed.

Rob Rodriguez CSWP

http://www.robrodriguez.com

SW 2006 0.0

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Because you have changed the name of the file (several times) the existing in-context entities have probably lost their "parents" & will have to be reborn or adopted.
Having links to multiple assemblies can be done, but more often than not, problems will surface sooner or later.


Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of faq559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions faq559-1091

 

[gunnykiln]

Thats probably a good point rockguy, I don't use solidworks explorer but I should probably start.

 

[gunnykiln]

It looks like renaming the file with Solidworks explorer updated the external references.

Thanks much.

 

[SBaugh]

It does if you do a Find where used.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[ctopher]

gunnykiln,
just a comment...NEVER use Windows Explorer to rename or move SolidWorks files, you will lose links and/or references. ALWAYS use SolidWorks Explorer.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP3.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716