AnsweredAssumed Answered

Replace Downloaded Parts Without Losing Mates?

Question asked by Grant Kirkland on Oct 19, 2016
Latest reply on Oct 28, 2016 by John Stoltzfus

Like • Show 0 Likes0
Comment • 10

Is there a way to quickly and easily replace downloaded (imported) part models from vendors without breaking the mates?

For example: I have a Gates pulley 8MX-30S-12 that I've downloaded in .stp format from their site. I have 21 in my assembly, 18 components patterned and 3 individual. Lets say I want to change to an 8MX-28S-12 (that's 28 grooves vs 30 grooves) BUT when I "Replace..." i have to re-mate all the faces and edges.

Not the worst thing ever, but is there a way to streamline this process?

John Stoltzfus Oct 28, 2016 7:32 AM

Correct Answer

If you say sprockets - you've come to the right place

Go to 3D ContentCentral and download what you need from my library.

Each Sprocket file is per size #100, #80, #60, #50, #40, & #35 and what I did is split the parts per the shaft diameter, so yeah there are a few files, but they are manageable.

And..... Yes add them to your parts library, easy to change out if you need another size by using the replace component commands..

See the reply in context

No one else had this question

Outcomes

10 Replies

Dennis Dohogne Oct 19, 2016 10:28 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
Mates rely on information such as surface and edge identifications. These are by definition different from one part to another. You are out of luck trying this with separate downloaded parts. However, you might be able to do something like this:
1. Create an assembly consisting of your different pulleys. Let's say you have ten different pulleys. Create ten configurations in this file with each one only showing one pulley unsuppressed. Mate each pulley to the principal planes of the assembly.
2. Use this subassembly instead of the individual pulley files and mate to its principal planes, not of the pulleys.
3. Now if you need to change from one pulley to another it is a simple matter of selecting a different configuration of that subassy. Since you mated to the principal planes of the subassy and these don't change with the configurations your mates in the top-level assembly are still good.

Of course, this does not automatically handle things such as the pitch circle, but even so there are ways to do that, such as using an assembly level sketch with a configured diameter to match the pitch diameter of each pulley.

You cannot do directly what you are asking to do, but at least there is somewhat of a work-around.
Like • Show 2 Likes2
Actions
Patrick Couture Oct 19, 2016 11:14 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
The replace component feature is improved in 2016. If you have 10 instances to replace where they all mated in the same manner. If you replace them at the same time you will only have to reassign the faces of the imported part once and SW will ask if it's the same with the other reference and then you can click yes and they will all get reassigned automatically.

It's supposed to be better with SW 2017 according to the presentation I attended but we'll have to wait and see.

Patrick
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
David Nelson Oct 19, 2016 11:27 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
Its all going to depend on how the original part was mated and how it was built. Do the planes match in the same way.
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
John Stoltzfus Oct 19, 2016 11:54 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
The only way I'm thinking - would be to make sure the Mate References are the same, so when you download a pulley add the mate references then..
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
- Grant Kirkland @ John Stoltzfus on Oct 27, 2016 11:21 AM
  Mark Correct
  Correct Answer
  I think I like this idea. For simple parts like bushings and pulley I really only need a concentric and coincident mate. So I would set the mate references the same on all parts and it will recognize the proper face?
  Like • Show 1 Like1
  Actions
  - John Stoltzfus @ Grant Kirkland on Oct 27, 2016 11:44 AM
    Mark Correct
    Correct Answer
    Add the parts to a Design Library folder
    
    Then you'll be able to drag the parts right from there and when they get close to a circle cut or circle extrude, the part will want to snap into the concentric mate, if that is your first choice in the Mate Reference dialog box.
    Like • Show 1 Like1
    Actions
    - Grant Kirkland @ John Stoltzfus on Oct 28, 2016 7:18 AM
      Mark Correct
      Correct Answer
      Are you suggesting each individual part added to the library? Or an assembly with the unused parts suppressed?
      I feel like taking sprockets for say size 60 chain with 13 to 40 teeth and bores 1" to 2" at 1/8" increments is going to make for a massive number of parts.
      Like • Show 0 Likes0
      Actions
      - John Stoltzfus @ Grant Kirkland on Oct 28, 2016 7:32 AM
        Unmark Correct
        Correct Answer
        If you say sprockets - you've come to the right place
        
        Go to 3D ContentCentral and download what you need from my library.
        
        Each Sprocket file is per size #100, #80, #60, #50, #40, & #35 and what I did is split the parts per the shaft diameter, so yeah there are a few files, but they are manageable.
        
        And..... Yes add them to your parts library, easy to change out if you need another size by using the replace component commands..
        Like • Show 1 Like1
        Actions
Andy Sanders Oct 28, 2016 9:05 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
If you have gears/sprockets that have multiple configurations in them, then mate once and just change configs to switch them. The mates will be fully intact with each switch because it's the same file.
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
- John Stoltzfus @ Andy Sanders on Oct 28, 2016 9:27 AM
  Mark Correct
  Correct Answer
  It also works if it's a different file, "If" the mate references are the same...
  Like • Show 0 Likes0
  Actions

Replace Downloaded Parts Without Losing Mates?

Outcomes

Related Content

Recommended Content