Finding components in a large assembly 2

[adymech1]

I have a large assembly and sometimes I ccreate multiple instances of a small component (e.g. a fastener) by ctrl-dragging from the FeatureManager. But then I have a hard time finding where the newly created instance is. I have to rotate, pan, zoom several times to find it. Is there an easy/better way to do this? Or a way to place the new instance where I want it? How does SW determine where to place the new instance in space?

Thanks to all the readers. This forum has been of immense help to me so far and I really appreciate all the users.

 

[drawoh]

adymech1,

Click on the part's icon in the assembly browser, then hit the Move icon. You can move your part out to a visible location.

JHG

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

In SW2004 the part is inserted wherever the pointer is when you drop the part. I cannot remember if SW2001+ does the same. Try allowing more time for the part to "catch up" with the pointer before releasing the button. You should be able to see the part before dropping it.

from (the City of) Barrie, Ontario.

I tried sniffing Coke once, but the ice cubes got stuck in my nose

 

[manxJim]

Another tip
Select the part in the Feature Manager And click ‘zoom selection’
If the part is hidden in side or behind another part just hide them till you see the part you’re looking for

 

[Standing]

Another tip:
Drag your new part anywhere into your assembly. It will be placed at the bottom of the tree. Now zoom to the area you are going to mate your part. Pick some point near the inserted part will be placed. Now find your part at the bottom of the tree and pick the Origin of the part while holding the control key down. Now mate the two using Coincident. Your part will move into place. You can now delete the Coincident mate.

I use the following code assigned to the F2 key to Coincident mate.

Option Explicit

Dim swApp As Object
Dim Part As Object
Dim Gtol As Object
Dim FeatureData As Object
Dim Feature As Object
Dim Component As Object
Sub main()
Set swApp = CreateObject("SldWorks.Application")
Set Part = swApp.ActiveDoc
Part.AddMate 0, 2, 0, 0.01, 0.5235987755983
Part.ClearSelection
End Sub

Bradley