Hi there,

I would like to know if there is an easy way to convert a simple assembly to a multibody part?  Here is an example that might help you to understand what and why...

Let's say I have a bearing assembly containing all the raceways, balls and shields.  This is an assembly containing several parts.  When I create a BOM for a parent assembly that uses this bearing, it lists the bearing as an assembly along with all of the individual parts.  Practically, the bearing is a single part (i.e. when I order it, I order 1 bearing, not the components of the bearing).  I know that I can "exclude from BOM" but it still shows up as an assembly in the BOM, and limits my options for viewing the BOM (i.e. I have to choose the option that lists the assemblies as opposed to just the parts within the assemblies).  I would like to convert the bearing assembly to a multibody part to avoid this issue.  Doing this will also be more consistent in terms of how I apply custom properties for purchased parts (I have custom properties tabs set for part and assemblies, so if I use the bearing as an assembly, it will only be able to use the assembly custom properties tab).

I have found three possible solutions so far, but am not sure of what drawbacks might occur...

1) Use the "join" feature within the assembly to create a part.  Initially, this creates a virtual part.  I can save this as a separate part which references all the original parts.

2) Remake the assembly as a multibody part by importing the part files.  This still requires referance to the original files

3) I could just remake the bearing from scratch as a multibody part that does not reference any external part files.

Any thoughts??  Thanks in advance!

Stephen