Assembly Layout Sketches / Skeleton Models

[dmctiernan]

I have been using SW for a while now and never done any of the basic training courses and so have developed probably some bad habits (overuse of in-contexting, etc).

I recently was advised that I should use assembly layout sketches/planes/axis etc in order to mate/constrain parts to. Thats fine...... however, I am being led to believe that by doing this I would eliminate the need to do stuff in-context, but from searching the web in relation to this, I am coming to the conclusion that this is incorrect..... I will still design things in-context, but instead of in-contexting from other components in the assembly I will in-context from the layout sketch. Can someone more experienced than I, clarify/explain the proper usage of layout sketches and give me some guidelines.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bvanhiel]

If you only use to in-context features in conjunction with the layout sketches you'll have fewer surprises, since you'll know what's being referenced.

"Proper usage" can be very industry specific. What kind of stuff are you modeling?

I frequently use "master models" to create geometry that is referenced by other sub-parts for plastic enclosures. I use the base-part functionality to get the geometry from the master to the slave part without an assembly model. One flaw with this technique is that I don't get sketches, only surface and solid bodies.

When I have created in-context references in an assembly, I label that assembly the "construction" assembly, and create another assembly for use in drawings.

-b

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Your conclusion is correct. Any parts created using an Assy Layout Sketch or Skeleton will be in-context to the assy.

The advantage of using layout sketches and skeletons is that the assy & parts can be manipulated from them and, because they are usually located at the top of the FM tree, it is easier to locate the controlling elements.

http://www.solidworks.com/swexpress/july/200107_techtip_03.html

http://www.solidworks.com/swexpress/sept02/200209_techtip_03.cfm

http://www.solidworks.com/swexpress/july/200107_techtip_01.html

 

[dmctiernan]

Hi bvanhiel,
I am modeling-up conveyor systems (modular plastic belting, PVC Belting) and custom machinery (Bin Hoists, Converging Systems, Packaging Machinery) for the food processing industry. Some conveyors and machines are straight forward and others are completely bespoke. I just trying to get a proper understanding of using layouts and skeletons to allow my design to be more robust and also more easier ot control and change.

DMcT