Copying features into new parts

Hi,

I've been using Solidworks to design an enclosure for the medical industry. However, i'm having trouble with some problems that I'm sure are quite simple.
I design a new base for an enclosure that is to be injection moulded. I build in ribs, gussets and mounting holes. Is there an easy way of projecting the same features into the exact same locations for the mating 'top' part of the enclosure?
Further to this, I've gotthe two mating parts in an assembly. I want to be able to extract dimensions and sketches from the assembly to begin new parts that match the dimensions on the enclosure, is there an easy way?
Specifically there is a hole where a moulded rubber face section will slot. However, the irregular slot (a result of a cut-extrude) will be hard to replicate in a new part without extracting the slot dimensions....this problem is really holding up my work and I need help before I go to the pub and stay there.

I hope someone can help. Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing from some of you soon.

Regards

Richard Huxton

 

[RBasniak]

Hi Richard

If I understood, you should do the following:
1 - Make the first part and then save it
2 - Create a new assembly and insert the part there, go to INSERT, COMPONENT, NEW PART... SW will ask you to save the new part, save it.
3 - After the save the assembly will be in sketch mode, just select the edges that you need to copy and go to TOOLS, SKETCH TOOLS, CONVERT ENTITIES.
Now you have a fully defiened sketch with the edges of the first part... when you change the first one the second will automatically update .
You also can do this with a part that you're already made, just insert the first ans teh second part in the assembly, mate them, select the part that you need to copy the edges, click in the EDIT PART BUTTON, select the face and sketch it... now just select the edges and convert them...

I hope it help you...

Rodrigo Basniak
Curitiba, PR
Brazil

 

Thanks Rodrigo,

I will try your tip and see. It looks like you understood my problem and I thank you for your time and advice.

Regards

Richard