better way to subtract bodies?

[fueliefan]

We're designing a number of hydraulic manifolds that will have a number of J1926 ports machined of varying sizes. What I had done is created one part that is basically a "plug" of the port cut, then another part that is the main manifold. I then inserted the port part as solid body and did a combine->subtract, which achieved exactly what I wanted UNTIL I wanted to go back and change the size of the port. The plug part has a design table so that every config is a different port size. BUT, solidworks doesn't appear to let you go back and change the configuration of the inserted solid body after it's inserted. In fact, I have to keep re-saving the port part in the configuration I want before inserting, because it always uses the last saved config instead of letting you select upon insertion. Is there a way to do this so that I can make the port sizes more easily changeable?

 

[ShaggyPE]

Right click on the insert part feature (in your new part). Select "list external references." You will then be able to select which configuration of the parent you want inserted into the new part.

-Shaggy

 

[EEnd]

You might want to look into using library features as an alternative way of accomplishing what you are after. With a library feature you can save off a group of related features, cuts in your case, and insert them into other parts. I believe that they support configurations as well. I have had some trouble setting them up, but I got some help in: thread559-191263.

Eric

 

[fueliefan]

Looks like Shaggy's selection allows me to do what i need! for the most part our company tends to avoid the use of solidworks library, not really sure why because i haven't been here long. thanks to the both of you