CATIA Publication - Using a sketch in multiple parts

[MMorgan]

I'm having a problem with publications which I hope you guys can help me with.

I'm designing a structure made up from an extrusion. Each component in the structure uses the same extruded profile, but with different lengths, cut-outs, bolt positions, etc.

To control the design, my first part in the product is a skeleton component, which contains sketches defining the outer limits of the assembly and a sketch which shows the profile of the extrusion. This sketch is controlled by 3 parameters within the skeleton component for wall thickness, corner thickness and main dimension.

The idea is that once I've finished the design, I can fine tune the weight of the assembly by modifying the three parameters, letting the entire assembly update while maintaining lengths, cutouts, etc.

My problem is that when I use the sketch to create a pad in a part, I can't move or position the part within the main product. It's locked to the XY plane and the product origin. If I move it, the part turns red, and when I update, it goes back to its original position.

How can I publish the sketch, but not have it locked to a particular plane? I'm using copy, paste with link.

Cheers!

Michael

 

[jackk]

Mike,

Your post sounds familiar.

http://eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=313414

 

[MMorgan]

Jack,

You, Sir, are a genius. Did a search but didn't come across that thread. Thanks for the quick reply. Much appreciated!

Mike

 

[MMorgan]

Actually, having worked a little with this today, it doesn't do what I need.

My master sketch defines the outer profile of the structure. From this sketch I have created lines which then act as the support for the 'Shape' beams built using the Structure Design workbench (like the Centre Curve when you create a rib).

When I modify the sketch to change a length, the lines update to the new length, but the shaped beams do not. The beams appear to not be linked/updated to the lines, and may as well be dead solids.

Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

 

[WolfHR]

Are you still using the skeleton component? I seem to remember that this works in Catia, but as one of peculiarities it's not turned on by default (similar to allowing only fully constrained sketches to be used- which IMHO is a good practice)...

The way to enable it is to go to Tools > Options > Part Infrastructure, tab 'General'. There you check "Keep link with selected element" (and I found useful to uncheck "Confirm when creatring link with selected element", to avoid being asked when creating those links).

HTH

 

[WolfHR]

BTW, I never used Structural Design Workbench- I put each tube/segment into separate part of normal assembly, used copy/paste special (as result with link) on the tube/section profile (from skeleton part into the actual part), and then used change sketch support to position it on the centerline (which then automaticaly got imported into the working part)... Sounds more complicated than it actually is.

P.S. sorry for double posting