Feature Library propagation

[vacuumdesigner]

I want to create a Library feature of fork holes to be cut into custom base plates that my company makes. What I want to know is if it's possible to have the cut feature for the fork holes only do a cut at the top level of the assembly or if Solidworks will always propagate the cut down to the part level?

 

[MadMango]

If you do cut features in an Assy, they will propagate down. Why not add the LibFeats in the part?

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[vacuumdesigner]

I'm using multiple configurations of teh same part, and sometimes I use the same configuration of a part in two different orientations but only want the fork holes in one orientation. I'm trying to get around having to create new parts or configs of parts for different orientations.

 

[SBaugh]

If you make a cut feature at the SW assembly level it will only show up at the assembly level. If you do a hole series that will propagate down to the part level.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[vacuumdesigner]

From what I understand though, Library features propagate all the way down to the part level, even when inserted into the assembly. Is my understanding incorrect?

 

[SBaugh]

if it's an assembly cut feature I don't think it should. If its a part feature cut it will.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[vacuumdesigner]

I guess I'll just have to really try it with a couple of different methods and see if I can figure out how SolidWorks sees things. Thanks guys.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

You can add a library feature part (.sldprt) while editing a part in the context of an assembly. You cannot add a library feature part to the assembly itself.

To add a library feature part to an assembly:

1. With the assembly open, right-click a component and select Edit Part.

2. Click the Design Library tab on the Task Pane.

3. Select the Design Library folder .

4. Browse to locate the part you want to place.

5. Select the part from the lower panel, and drag it into the assembly window.

6. If the part has multiple configurations, the Select a configuration dialog box appears, with a list of the configurations in the part.

7. Select a configuration, then click OK.

 

[vacuumdesigner]

Maybe I'm just reading it wrong but that doesn't seem to make alot of sense. I would think that you wouldn't be able to add a library feature part to another part but you would be able to add a library feature part to an assembly.

 

[SBaugh]

You do have it backwards. Parts is where 90% or all machining takes place at. Sometimes there is an assembly process. When and if there is, this is where it should be added at the assembly level. Library features are not allowed in the assembly only parts.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[meintsi]

The term "library feature part" refers to the part file that is holding the "library feature", nothing more.

Whan added to orignal part that the feature is created in simply "hides itself", leaving the feature visible. (That is until the library feature is dissolved.)



Scott,
Can you create assembly level library features? I may have to attempt this just to see. We only use assembly level features very occasionally to create special cutaway views.

Remember...
[navy]"If you don't use your head,[/navy]
[navy]your going to have to use your feet."[/navy]

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

A Library Feature 'part' isn't an actual standalone part. It is a feature saved from a part which can be added/subtracted to another part. It's much the same as when you drag-n-drop a feature from one part to another ... except you are saving it to a library for future use.

Only parts, or assembly cut features, can be added to an assy.

 

[SBaugh]

Not that I know of. You can add Assembly parts to the Design library, but not assembly features... but I too have never tried it.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376