How Do You Make a Part Based on Another Part in SolidWorks?
In SolidWorks, you can easily create a new part based on an existing part by using the “Derived Component” feature. This feature allows you to maintain a link between the original part and the new derived part, so any changes made to the original will be automatically reflected in the derived part. This can save you a lot of time when designing complex assemblies or creating variations of a part.
Step 1: Open the Original Part
To begin, open the original part that you want to base your new part on. You can either open an existing part file or create a new one from scratch.
Step 2: Activate the “Derived Component” Feature
Once you have the original part open, navigate to the Insert menu and select Derived Component. This will activate the “Derived Component” feature.
Step 3: Specify Settings for Derived Component
A dialog box will appear, allowing you to specify various settings for the derived component. Here, you can define the location, orientation, and scaling of the new derived part. You can also choose whether to include features from the original part or only import its geometry.
- If you want to include features:
- Select Create derived configuration to create a new configuration in which all features of the original are included.
- Select Create mirror component if you want to create a mirrored version of the original part.
- Select Create opposite-hand version component if you want to create an opposite-hand version of the original part.
- If you only want to import geometry:
- Select Create surface body to create a new part with only the surface geometry of the original.
- Select Create solid body to create a new part with a single solid body based on the original.
Step 4: Define Link Options
In the same dialog box, you can define link options for the derived component. By default, SolidWorks creates a link between the original and derived parts, so any changes made to the original will be applied to the derived. However, you can choose to break this link if desired.
- To maintain link:
- Select Link to parent configuration if you want changes in the original’s configuration to be reflected in the derived.
- Select Link equations and global variables if you want equations and global variables from the original part to be linked in the derived part.
- To break link:
- Deselect both options mentioned above.
Step 5: Create Derived Part
Once you have specified all the settings and options for your derived component, click on “OK” to create your new part. SolidWorks will generate a new part file based on your specifications. The derived component will appear in your feature tree alongside the original part.
Note:
If you have chosen to maintain the link, any changes made to the original part will be automatically applied to the derived part. You can also edit the derived part independently by suppressing or modifying its features or geometry.
By following these steps, you can easily create a new part based on another part in SolidWorks. The “Derived Component” feature provides a powerful tool for streamlining your design process and maintaining consistency throughout your assemblies.