Can I control part dimensions through an assembly design sheet?

[jvh1234]

Hi eng-tip gurus,

I've been searching on this topic for about an hour now, but none of the posts I've read have really answered my question(s). I am kind of a solidworks newbie, and have just discovered the option of using design sheets instead of parametric equations to define dimension values. I've figured out how to define and change dimension values in a part-level design sheet, but my skill(luck) has failed me when trying to use an assembly-level sheet.

I have an assembly in which some of the parts have dimensions that depend on the dimensions of other parts in the same assembly. I also have parts which share common dimension values that I would like to define on the assembly level. My goal in using these design sheets is to change a parameter in the assembly design sheet, and have all dependent part geometries update accordingly. The basic questions I have about the assembly design sheets are:

-- Is my objective possible? Controlling part geometries from a master file in the assembly seems like a pretty basic need for design, so I hope it is!

If this objective IS possible, then:
-- Do I need part-level design sheets to support the assembly design sheet?

-- Do I reference the part's dimension in the assembly design table, or reference the assembly in the part?

-- What is the syntax for a part dimension reference in an assembly? Is it like this: dimension_name@sketch_name.part_name<instance#>? I've tried this and a few other formats, but have had no success.

Thanks in advance for your help!

-John

 

[drawoh]

jvh1234,

You cannot the geometry of your parts directly from an assembly level design table.

You can use the assembly level design table to control mating distances that affect the geometry of your parts.

You can use the assembly level design table to control sketches embedded in the assembly. These sketches can be made to control the geometry of your parts.

JHG

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

-- Is my objective possible?
Yes. Investigate Top Down Design or In-Context Design.

-- Do I reference the part's dimension in the assembly design table, or reference the assembly in the part?
No. Create a "control" sketch at the assy level, and constrain the parts to that sketch. The control sketch dimensions can then be referenced in the Design Table (DT).

The control sketch can be contained within a separate part, which can then be inserted into other parts (Derived Part) for direct use within that part.

 

[JMirisola]

One word: DriveWorksXpress. Unlike the other 'xpress' features, you can use this one at the assembly level.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
Design Manager/Senior Designer
M9 Defense
My Blog

 

[sldwkmin]

Jeff hit the nail on the head! If your in-context is getting that complex it is time to look at DriveWorksXpress

Cole M
CSWP, CSWST, CSWI, CPDM
Certified DriveWorks AE