What Is a Derived Configuration SolidWorks?
In SolidWorks, a derived configuration is a powerful feature that allows you to create a new configuration based on an existing one. It is an efficient way to make variations of your design without starting from scratch. Let’s explore this feature in more detail.
Benefits of Derived Configurations
1. Time-saving:
Derived configurations save you time by eliminating the need to recreate similar designs. Instead of starting from the beginning, you can use an existing configuration as a basis and make specific modifications.
2. Design flexibility:
Derived configurations provide design flexibility. You can experiment with different variations and options without affecting the original design. This allows for easy exploration and comparison of different design possibilities.
Creating Derived Configurations
To create a derived configuration in SolidWorks, follow these steps:
- Select the configuration you want to derive from in the Configuration Manager.
- Right-click on the selected configuration and choose “Derived Configuration” from the context menu.
- In the “Create New Configuration” dialog box, enter a name for the new derived configuration.
- Select which components or features you want to include or exclude in the derived configuration.
- Click “OK” to create the derived configuration.
Note:
If you make changes to the original configuration, those changes will not affect any derived configurations that have already been created. However, if you modify a component or feature that is included in both the original and derived configurations, those changes will be reflected in all configurations.
Tips for Using Derived Configurations
1. Organize your configurations:
Use a clear and logical naming convention to distinguish between different configurations. This will make it easier to manage and work with derived configurations. Utilize design tables:
Design tables are a great tool for managing and creating derived configurations. They allow you to control multiple configurations by defining parameters in a spreadsheet-like format.
Final Thoughts
Derived configurations in SolidWorks provide a convenient way to create variations of your designs while maintaining flexibility and saving time. By using this feature effectively, you can streamline your design process and explore different design possibilities with ease.