Copying components in an assembly

[Brad82]

I have an assembly in Solidworks 2003. I need to copy a group of about 20 components to the side of this original group. I want an exact copy with all the components oriented the same. Is mirror/copy the best route to do this? I read in the archives that mirror/copy sometimes causes problems. Having the copied parts linked to the original is favorable in my design, because any change to the original needs to apply to the copy. Thanks.

 

[ctopher]

I would mirror/copy them. If you are worried about it, you can make mirror/copy of each individual part then insert the mirrored parts into the assy and mate them the same as the original.

 

[aamoroso]

I would just linear pattern all of said components over the distance you need them offset. This would definitely keep them exact always, and eliminates the need for mating them.

 

[ctopher]

Do you want mirrored parts, or just copied to the other side?

 

[JayBeeCAD]

Another option to a linear pattern is selecting the components from the FeatureManager and holding the ctrl key while you click and drag the components to the desired location.

 

[Brad82]

ctopher - I do not want to mirror the parts, just copy them.

So, the linear pattern works for components in an assembly? I have never tried it, but if I can pick all the components and then move them all to the right 6 inches, it will work for me.

 

[ctopher]

ok, either linear pattern per aamoroso or copy parts again to new location per JayBeeCAD