So I'm trying to build a mechanism on Solidworks, which involves identical pieces being used more than once in the assembly. I don't know why, but it won't allow me to put a piece more than once into the assembly.
I've tried to duplicate the piece and then rename it and it does not make a difference.
Sorry if this is a silly question.
Are you not able to add a duplicate component at all?
Are you using the Insert Components command?
or are you Ctrl+LMB click and dragging the part to duplicate it?
Or perhaps dragging the part in from another open file?
Or dragging it in from a Windows Explorer folder?
When I first started assemblies I kept getting FIXED parts with the "(f)" like <1> and <2>, when I really needed FLOATING parts like <3>.
You can RMB on the part in the FeatureTree and select Float to unfix a part.
<2> was inserted with Insert Components command. It is stuck in exactly the same position as <1>.
<3> was a Ctrl+LMB click and drag. It is free to move and rotate and all that.
There's a pin icon on top of the insert part tree. Tick it, and whatever part you've selected will come up in assembly area upon clicking mouse
can you show a screenshot of your feature tree?