Hello Everyone,
So I am trying to find the best way to do what I need to do and to avoid problems. Right now I have modelled a pneumatic cylinder, this is a full assembly with roughly 30 parts, 3 sub assemblies, and about 20 drawings. This is the "43" model and has been completely finished and approved. Now I am required to model the "32" model. These two models use very similar, if not identical parts, except for the overall length of the parts has been changed. I am unsure how to start this project. I was thinking originally that I would simply copy and paste a version of the "43" model and then modify it as needed but am worried about the actual files in the 43 being changed by accident or by file association between the two different models, the 43 and the 32. I guess my question is how would people on here go about doing this project? I want to avoid any editing of the 43 because I was very happy to not have to deal it with that any more. Also is there a way to see all the file associations with each file? Thanks in advance people.
Noah
There's 2 ways I would go about this.
1. Use Pack-and-go from the "43" assembly to a new folder for all of the "32" parts (make sure to check the box to include drawings and change any p/n and descriptions you want). Then in your new folder you'll have all the "43" parts that you can edit without affecting the originals back in the first "43" assembly folder. If you pack and go to a new folder all the references change so any edits you make won't affect the originals, only the new.
2. Use configurations of all the parts that are different and configure only the dimensions that are changing like the length. Then in your assembly you can have the "43" config. and the "32" config.
Method 1 would probably work better in your case (though more difficult) because all the product files and drawings have been approved for "43" and method 2 would have you changing all the approved models.