Is it possible to have "dummy" parts inside of an assembly that are used just for layout purposes? I thought about using the envelope feature, but it looks like you have to create envelopes ahead of time. I already have an assembly with the parts in it. I dont want these parts to show up in my BOM or interference detection.
Is this possible?
Thanks.
Yes, just create a new part inside the assembly with the required sketch(s) and don't build any features. Also exclude it from the BOM by RMB on the part, select component properties and check "Exclude from BOM"
Don't build any solid features. That will keep it from contributing to the mass properties. You can set the mass properties to zero, but the last time I tried that, it kept me from getting some mass properties at the assembly level. I've started the habit off assigning density as close to zero as you can (1e-13, IIRC. It'll tell you.) when solid features are needed.
Not sure if I explained myself. I have an existing assembly with real parts already in it. I want these parts just as a reference to that assembly because they are in the main higher up assembly.
ex.
main
----subassy
------------part1
------------part2
------------part3
----subassy2
--------subassy3
------------part1
------------part2
------------part3
So if you right click>Properties, and select "exclude from BOM", does that meet all your criteria?
That plus exclude those parts from Interference Detection, if possible.
read my previous post again as i described how to do both.
yes, just make sure to change their component properties so that they are excluded from the bom. When using interference detection just clear the assembly out of the selections box and pick the parts you would like to check.