How Do I Change a Part Reference in SolidWorks Assembly?

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Changing a part reference in SolidWorks Assembly is a common task that can be easily accomplished. Whether you need to replace a part with another one or update the reference to an existing part, SolidWorks provides several methods to make this process efficient and convenient.

Method 1: Using the Replace Components Feature

The Replace Components feature in SolidWorks allows you to swap one or multiple parts with new ones while preserving their positions and mates within the assembly. To use this feature:

  1. Select the component(s) you want to replace in the FeatureManager Design Tree.
  2. Right-click on the selected component(s) and choose Replace Components.
  3. In the Replace Components dialog box, browse for the new part(s) by clicking on the folder icon.
  4. Select the desired replacement part(s) and click Open.
  5. The new part(s) will be inserted into the assembly, replacing the old one(s), while maintaining their original positions and mates.

Method 2: Updating Part References Manually

If you want to update a single part reference manually without replacing it with another part, follow these steps:

  1. Select the component whose reference you want to change in the FeatureManager Design Tree.
  2. Right-click on it and choose Properties.
  3. In the Properties dialog box, navigate to the “Show Referenced Configuration Only” section.
  4. Click on the “References” button next to the current reference name.
  5. In the References dialog box, select a different part from the list or click “Browse..” to browse for a new part file.
  6. Click OK to apply the changes and update the part reference.

Method 3: Using Pack and Go

If you need to change multiple part references in an assembly or move your assembly to a different location, using the Pack and Go feature can be beneficial. This feature enables you to create a new folder with copies of all the files used in your assembly while updating their references automatically.

Here’s how:

  1. Right-click on your assembly file in SolidWorks Explorer or Windows Explorer.
  2. Select Pack and Go.
  3. In the Pack and Go dialog box, choose a destination folder for your new assembly files.
  4. Select the desired options, such as renaming files or including drawings.
  5. Select the parts you want to change references for by checking their corresponding boxes.
  6. To replace a part, click on it and choose a new file from your computer. To keep it unchanged, leave it unchecked.
    • Note: Unchecked parts will remain as references to their original locations.
  7. Click on Save As.
  8. A new folder will be created with the updated assembly and all its referenced parts.

Conclusion

Changing a part reference in SolidWorks Assembly can be done using different methods, each suitable for specific scenarios. Whether you want to replace a part, update references manually, or use the Pack and Go feature for multiple changes, SolidWorks provides the necessary tools to make your workflow efficient and hassle-free.