Basic configuration question......

[MouseTrap]

Can somebody explain in general terms the method used to create configurations.

I probably need to create a basic master part first, which I then alter to create other configurations, but not exactly sure how to start configurations off on the right foot.

For example, if I was to create an automobile wheel that was to have two different bolt patterns, do I......

1. Create the basic wheel first with both bolt patterns, then create two configurations with specific bolt patterns suppressed (or even deleted)?

2. Create the basic wheel first (without bolt holes), make two new configurations of it (without bolt holes), then edit the configurations to add or delete geometry representing the bolt patterns.

Thanx in advance for your responses - Mousetrap

 

[MadMango]

I would follow your example #2 if you are doing wheels. Create the basic "family shape" of your part, the default config. Then add a 2nd config, where you add new features. The 3rd config, you add/supress features.

Depending on the number of configs in a model, you should also investigate using Design Tables too.

Ray Reynolds
"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home."
Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977
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[SBaugh]

I would make the basic wheel and add one of the bolt patterns. Use that for your first configuration. Once you have that model completely dimensioned. Then I would add my second configuration and simply change the appropriate dimensions.

By making the first part fully defined and dimensioned. You have set the stage for all configurations after that model to be changed by simply changing dimensions.

To add more confusion, you could make a DT that controls those dimensions (the ones you plan to change per config.) and also add all your configurations to the DT along with the appropriate dimension changes per config.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[rocheey]

I agree with SBaugh .. with an asterisk ... just dont use the "Default" Configuration to create your first config, create a *second* config to use as your first config. (And delete the "Default" config later if you want) ....That way, while designing, you will be prompted to assign whether your dims/features will apply to "This Configuration" or "All Configurations", and you wont have to go back afterwards...

 

[dogarila]

MouseTrap, both 1 and 2 methods will end up with the same result. Just don't delete features in a configuration because they will be deleted in all configurations. The correct method is to suppress features (or components) you don't need (sometimes even hiding works for components).

I use configurations to show the extended and retracted position of an assembly driven by a pneumatic actuator (for example). That is helpful with drawings too because you can show one configuration (for instance "cylinder retracted") and on top of it you can put another configuration ("cylinder extended") and SW will show the second configuration with phantom lines. There is a specific command/icon for that.

I also use configurations when I create frames or structures with aluminum extrusions or steel profiles. Each type of extrusion has its own file but length is represented by configurations. If I have a small number of lengths (up to five) I define them manually. For more I create a design table.

Hope this helps.