Can a cavity feature be created from a multi body part without removing the volume of each of the bodies? In other words, can one body from a multi body part be subtracted from another part through an assembly?
Can a cavity feature be created from a multi body part without removing the volume of each of the bodies? In other words, can one body from a multi body part be subtracted from another part through an assembly?
Jerry,
What I want to do is to have one part assembled into the assembly, with two configurations. One shows the actual part, drives the BOM, shows up in assembly drawings, etc. The other configuration contains a 'tool' body that is subtracted from multiple other components to form the pocket(s) for the part. Kinda like using a smart component, but with the ability to work across multiple components, and not creating it's own folder in the assembly tree. I really don't want all those folders. The make managing the assembly a real pain. Imagine a assembly with several hundred smart components, and no way to segregate them into folders. A real mess.
Mark
Mark,
Yes you can. I used this technic for tray cavities.
Attached is a old example I had posted for another question, I believe the files are SW2010.
Regards,
Alan
Alan,
Not really quite what I'm after. In your example, both the 'finished' and 'tool' bodies are being subtracted. Which doesn't matter, as long as the tool body is larger that the finished part. But in the case of interference fits (for example, a knurled insert being pressed into a plastic part), it doesn't work. You would end up with a hole that is the size of the knurled insert, rather than the somewhat smaller hole that is required.
Mark,
You should be able to choose whichever body you need from a multi-body part file.
I am not currently sitting at a SW seat but believe memory serves me correctly.
Good luck,
Alan
Alan,
Unless I'm missing something, the only option is to select an entire component including all bodies.
Mark
Mark,
I think you could save a configuration of the multi-body part which has all of the bodies deleted except the body or bodies you want to subtract from the other part. Then you can change the configuation in the assembly to be the one you want to cut with and use Cavity. This won't work if you want the assembly to have the "normal" configuration.
Jerry Steiger