How to use 'reference' parts in Assys that don't lock up files

[SuperMPG]

Hard to explain this properly in the subject line..

We often find that we are needing to insert a complex assembly of a product into another assembly (such as fixturing) in order to ensure that it will fit and connect correctly. The problem is that doing this causes the product assembly, all of its sub-assemblies and contained parts to be 'locked up' and inaccessible for editing by others. I'd like to find a way to use a product assembly for fit-up in a fixture without making it totally unusable to others while I'm working on the fixture.

Thanks in advance for all suggestions.

Brian-

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Open the Sub-assy, and File > Save as to a part. You can use the Exterior Surfaces or Exterior Components option to reduce the file size (sometimes).

 

[SuperMPG]

That was WAAAAY too easy! I was expecting something far less obvious! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Brian-

 

[TheTick]

If you open the assembly and components as read-only, then they are available for others to edit. There is a setting for assemblies to openm references as read-only.

Look in the help file for "Collaboratio".

 

[SincoTC]

A word of caution though (unless there's been changes that I've missed); the resulting "saved as part" model will only be a snapshot of the assembly, it will have lost connectivity to the original assembly, so if somebody else DOES edit that assembly while you're carefully checking it in the fixture, their changes won't update your model and you won't know it now doesn't fit until it's too late. When its still an assembly, the "Open as Read Only" option available to them, because you're working on it is a powerful ally in a multi-user situation!

 

[rgrayclamps]

Hi, SuperMPG:

When you are creating your assemblies, all documents referenced in your documents (assembly) should be read-only. That way, other users can check out referenced documents and revise them if necessary.

If you and other users need to revise those referenced documents simutaneously, then you take to use Collaboration feature to enable Multi-user environment.

Good Luck!

Alex

 

[ctopher]

Also,
In 'System Options', uncheck "Do not create references external to the model".
This helps with minimizing errors during updates.

Chris
SolidWorks 09, CATIA V5
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[SuperMPG]

Thanks to all who posted suggestions. After looking at the options I can see that the best solution would be to open all referenced files as read only by default. This would essentially nullify the problem - as long as I can get my engineers to agree

Brian-

 

[rgrayclamps]

Hi, SuperMPG:

How do you control your SW documents? Do not you worry that you or someone accidentally overwrite existing documents?

Alex