Modify parts at the assembly level

[PaulnKY]

Is there ANY way to put a cut in at the assembly level and have it modify the part file?

I need to have the position of the cut dictated by the the assembly and also the ability to supress and unsupress the cut.

I think I could do it at the part level by linking spreadsheets together but I want to keep it as simple as possible for some of the other users. The problem there is that each part needs to be opened and updated individually, unless I'm missing something there.

Essentially we make custom sheet metal boxes and have 3 days from placement of the order to design and ship, so speed is everything. Management would like it to be 1 day.

 

[Beggar]

You can edit the part in context of the assembly and then use "Convert Entities" to share the defining feature(s) from another part into the sketch of the part that you wish to modify.

You can also insert an Assembly Feature that is a cut which will cut through various parts. However, that cut shows up in a drawing of the assembly, not of the individual part file.

It seems like one of these two approaches would do what you need.

 

[Standing]

PaulnKY,
I love this “Top-down Design”. In the SolidWorks 2004 SP 3.0 help, search for “Design Methods”. Then read up on Top-down Design, clicking on the “Works in the assembly” will give you more insight than I could explain here.

One thing to remember here is with “Top-down Design” is if you copy and rename assemblies you may have linking problems. Once you understand “Top-down Design” train everyone else on how to change a dimension. I fought this issue with our drafters for years. Some could not understand modifying a dimension of a part from an assembly, so there solution was to delete the reference. He is no longer with the company.


Bradley

 

[MadMango]

The only assembly level cuts that propogate to the part level is the Hole Series feature inside the Hole Wizard.

Your best bet is going to be to Edit the Part in-context in the assembly. Check out the SW Help for "in-context features" and there will be 5 other topics that should be able to help you out.

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

 

[SBaugh]

The way around what you describe Bradley (Coping nad renaming files) is to use SWexplorer. It maintains the relationships (or it's suppose too).

I used DT to control my parts an assemblies. In my DT's I used VBA to give some interaction with the user. You can see some example at my website.

http://www.scottjbaugh.com/Design_Portfolio/SW Models DT.htm

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[PaulnKY]

Thanks for the tips guys but none of those are applicable the way I have made this. Maybe I can redesign it so one or more of those methods can be used. I might try a pattern of holes to get a cut, it's just a guide for the welders so it gets welded up anyway.

Another question for the sheet metal gurus. How do you change the material guage of an entire assembly?

Again I'm trying to modify part features in the assembly mode. Is the only way to put a design table in every part and then link them an external spreadsheet?

When I have done this, the only way I have been able to get the parts to up date is to open every part and hit edit the design table. This method is very cumbersome. Is there a way to hit the update button and have all needed files update automatically?