How to extract parts from model saved as part?

[bigBboris]

I've got a model of assembly saved as a part. A lot of surfaces, you know. Is there a way to break it into individual parts?

Thank you,
Boris.

 

[grunt58]

I think this is what you want to do. Not sure about the surfaces though I would assume those would need to be made into solid bodies. I'll let the SW gurus on here tackle that!

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=238970&page=1

Grant
Applications Engineer
SW2009 X64 SP 1.0
Dell Precision T5400
Nvidia Quadro FX 5600
Xeon 2.5GHz Quad Core, 4GB RAM
XP Pro X64 SP2.0

 

[bigBboris]

Grant and gurus,
Thank you,good tip. But I've tried it and was not able to save parts. I just don't know if it is something in setup of my computer or the part.
Gurus, any suggestions?

 

[TheTick]

Just copy the part file and delete what you don't need.

 

[bigBboris]

Well, that's relatevely large assembly (200 pieces), assembling parts together will be a big task.

 

[HippieGuy69]

Let me get clear on this...Was this an assembly someone else saved as a part file?

It doesn't sound crazy from MY point of view!

 

[bigBboris]

Yes, it was.

 

[HippieGuy69]

Ok...I think I have run into this before.

First the bad news...I don't think you will be able to separate the parts out of this as SLDwrks converts all the parts into surfaces. When it says save as PART...it means it.

Good news...this method works great if you want a smaller file size for image transfer or design concept presentation.

I have used the save as part in the past to show a customer what the assembly LOOKS like from different angles without having him mess up my assembly mates.

It doesn't sound crazy from MY point of view!

 

[bigBboris]

Makes sense. Thank you.

 

[HippieGuy69]

Anytime

It doesn't sound crazy from MY point of view!

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

There are three options offered when saving an assy as a part;
Exterior faces
Exterior Components
All components

Can the supplier of the file give you a native SW file?

 

[bigBboris]

Those guys don't use SW.
Maybe they don't want me to know what's inside. That's OK. I do not need it on this project, my question was more general: if it is possible and how. Thank you all, I've got the idea.

 

[hendersdc]

Can you get them to send you a new file with solids instead of surfaces? STEP files work better than IGES because they will import as assemblies already. If they have to give you an IGES then make sure you get solids. Then you will be able to use the method that Grunt58 pointed out. I think the surface vs. solid thing is what is hurting you.