Hello
I'd like to save a part as a copy (or something similar), but leaving it linked to the original part
In this scenario, if I modify the original part, the copy would get modified too (even if it breaks any changes on the copy)
And if I modify the copied part, the original stays unchanged
Something like the "mirror part" tool (without mirroring)
Is there how ?
Hi Lucas, create a new part and then insert the other part as a derived part.
EDIT :
Here's a wee video SOLIDWORKS Insert a Part Into a Part - YouTube
Almost
It doesn't let me modify the features of that inserted part.
I'll need another solution
It will let you modify the original part and those changes will be reflected in the derived instance in the new part.
To modify the inserted part, you have to open it ("Edit in Context" - see below image") , you can't modify the parent inserted part directly
True
True
If fulfills what I asked.
Thank you, by the way
Now, I made the mistake of not explaining that the editing abilities of this new part are important
I need to be able to edit the features of this part, without messing with the original
(the contrary is not forbidden: the original messing with the copy)
Is this possible ?
When you create the derived part there is a check box which will break the link. If you do this it brings through the feature tree.
Thank you, Christian
Now, I made the mistake of not explaining that the editing abilities of this new part are important
I need to be able to edit the features of this part, without messing with the original
(the contrary is not forbidden: the original messing with the copy)
Is this possible ?
Have you considered making a configuration and derived configuration? May be easier than managing two part files.
I think this is more likely the solution to this particular problem.
I need to be able to edit the features of this part, without messing with the original
I'm kind of confused what you want to do here. You first want to leave the original part alone, now you want to mess with it?
If you really want to do it, why don't you "save as copy" the original part to a new part and mess around with it?
Later on, I might mess with the original file (very probably will, actually). And this change MUST reflect on the child part
If they're unlinked, the mother part will change and the child part will be out of date
Same thing would happen for a save as copy part: they'd be completely independent
The contrary cannot happen: changes on the child part reflecting on the mother part
Can you tell us exactly what you want to achieve?
Your approach seems to change for each response?
Some specific questions to help all of us;
Do you want the child part to EXACTLY match the parent part? If so, why are you trying to make two parts in the first place? Different custom properties or something not related to the geometry of the part I am assuming.
Or do you want the child part to match the parent part, except for some additional features? I should warn you, this is dangerous as changes in the parent part can break the child part as the geometry it is built on shifts and changes. It is a bit of an art to do this without it becoming a red mess of a feature tree, and whoever is editing the parent part may never know about the problem until the child part is updated later.
Basic father and child construction... There's an hierarchy: Any changes in the father part reflect on the child part. Changes on the child part do not reflect on the father part
Detailed:
Part A has it's features
I copy Part A and rename this new one to Part B
I change Part B as necessary. Nothing happens to Part A
I change Part A, therefore, Part B must change too
What you are wanting...you cannot have.
Or do you want the child part to match the parent part, except for some additional features?"
Yes!
You got it right there
The possibility of breaking the child part is not a problem (it will probably happen, actually)
Do this
1) create a new part B (child)
2) Insert part A (Parent) into part B
whatever change in part A will show on part B and whatever you add to part A will not show on part B
is this what you want? then use Insert > Part feature
Lucas Silva, your previous answers have made it appear to me that you also what to be able to change features in the child that are driven by the parent, without changing the parent.
Ok. Well then the in-context part from above should work for you then. Just never use the 'edit in context' from Part B as you called it. From that you can create features based on the imported part however you want without affecting the original part.
If you are worried about someone doing an "Edit In Context" from Part B later, then we need to talk about locking down files as read only, or only editable by you.
Correct!
Change the child features (or eliminating them altogether), without reflecting on the father part
No problem if the parent file recreate the feature later on
I'd use "Block" instead of "Break" since you can "unblock" later on but you can't "unbreak", this feature doesn't exist
Such approach does not allow me to edit the features that created the part
What you want...you cannot have.
Such approach does not allow me to edit the features that created the part
what part you're talking here? child or parent part?
Thanks, Doug
If this is what you want, then I don't think it would be done !!!