I have asked this question before but I am not sure that I am getting across what I want to ask. So here goes...
I have a tool base as a component in an assembly. The tool base varies in size from 3"x20" to 8"x30". I then insert another component "top plate" and that component needs to be 9" wide by the length of the x dimension of the tool base. What I do is insert the component "top plate", mate it to the base then edit the sketch for the boss and create relations so that the top plate component lines up as desired. Doing this manually every time is tedious.
Can anyone see a way to make the top plate component automatically mate itself and adapt to the correct size without me creating the mates manually and editing the sketch manually? Seems like SW is smart enough to do this somehow...
Attached is an example assembly.
I do not do this, but here is what I understand.
Make your base and insert it into an assembly.
While in the assembly, insert a new part, and place the first sketch on the face of the base it needs to relate to (the first thing SW will ask you to do when you insert a new part, is what plane to start sketching on). This also creates an inplace mate for your new part.
Sketch, and relate the necessary sketch entities to the changing features of the base. Your top plate will now stay oriented/mated to the base, and change with the bases size.
You can finish buidling your top plate while in the assembly, or exit part in assembly mode, open the top plate and finish designing.
This file can then be used as a template for new designs.
Was that any more than you already know? Helpful?
There are examples on here by Mauricio (last name don't remember) of a pallet, and tank design that are done with all top down, and configured in Excel, then SW automatically generates parts, drawings, etc.