Combine Same Parts In Assembly Tree

[rc0213]

I have a large assembly with about a dozen of the same parts. Is there a way to combine all the same parts in the assembly as one part that tells you how many of the same parts there are?

Ex.: Assembly A
Part 1
Part 1
Part 1
Part 1
Part 1

Can we somehow make it combine "Part 1" into something like this:

Assembly A
Part 1 (5)

Thanks in advance.

 

[SBaugh]

I don't think so... All parts are required to be in the graphics area for function and look. Then the BOM calculates the parts to show the proper QTY.

Scott Baugh, CSWP
Berry Plastics
Cad Admin\Design Engineer
GEASWUG Greater Evansville Area SWUG Leader

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376

 

[Jboggs]

You can create folders in the tree and move any components you want to into those folders. Those folders can then be expanded or contracted, like any other tree item. So you could create a folder, name it "widgets", and move all the widgets into it. Then contract that folder and it would show on your tree as one item. This doesn't affect the BOM's shown on assembly drawings. Not sure if that's what you're after but it can be a helpful step to clean up your tree for common items like fasteners, etc.

 

[ctopher]

If you could do this, then you would not be able to select individual parts in the tree if needed... i.e. Unhide one of the parts.

Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks 13
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[rc0213]

Thanks everyone for your input.

Jboggs, your method seems the best method for me. My assembly got too big for common parts/components and I needed to see the components I was working with.

ctopher, good point. And, Solidworks will not let me do it. In UG, I can do a "pack", and then it combines all the same components and give a quantity of how many. Then, you could "unpack" to see them individually again. I was applying my UG to Solidwords, which did not work.

 

[Jboggs]

ctopher, actually you can still select individual parts. For example, Mates are in a folder. You expand that folder to see all mates, and select individual ones, or contract it so you don't see them. Same thing with custom made folders.

 

[ctopher]

Jboggs,
I was just giving one example.

Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks 13
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion