Import an assembly into another assembly as parts with mates - how?

[FreddyB]

I have machine assembly and a separate energy chain assembly. I now want the energy chain assembly to be included in the machine assembly. In order that the energy chain can flex with moving parts in the machine assembly the parts of the chain need to be configured in the machine assembly (? Hope you understand what I mean!)

Is there a way of importing the chain assembly into the machine assembly as parts and existing mates or do I have to start by inserting the chain parts and making new mates from scratch?

Thanks

 

[Updraft]

Your options are to a) make the subassembly "Flexible", or b) "Dissolve" the subassy into the top level assy. Read up in Help if you need to learn more.

- - -Updraft

 

[FreddyB]

Many thanks Updraft. I had looked in the help but not knowing about flexible assemblies I didn't search with the right words. I just had a look in the help and it looks useful. Many thanks.

 

[FreddyB]

Right, just tried that in my assembly. Exactly what I wanted to do!!

Thanks indeed!

 

[loki3000]

i've heard there is difficulty with simulating the chains in an assembly. esp. with mates of the chain and sprocket (or similar with energy chain)?

true or false?

 

[FreddyB]

I have an energy chain made up of plastic segments, each of which in real life can only travel through a limited angle. I have cylindrically mated the pivots and put angular limits on each adjacent link to represent the real thing. In my assembly the chain now follows the moving part of the machine quite well. Gets a bit erratic in mid travel and doesn't follow a nice curve but towards the end, when the angular limits start to become more relevant it behaves quite well. My main objective was to see how short a chain I could get away with. Without enough links, the moving part of the machine is restricted.

So, this works well for me but I don't know how it would be for a chain running round a sprocket.