Losing links in a product 2

[lordrailie]

I just realized that if I create a part inside a product, generate some links to other parts in the product etc... then I remove it accidentally from the product "context", when i try to put it back, the links are broken, or not found!!

How can i put them back???

 

[catiajim]

Right click on the part, go to Components, select Define Context.
Select OK, and your context should be fixed. You can tell by the color of the gear in the icon - green means you are "in context"

 

[jackk]

After doing what Jim said, you'll probably also have to replace all the external references (one-by-one) to re-establish the links to the pointed documents.

Are you using published links?

 

[catiajim]

If this truely is the same context, just broken, then Define Context should work fine. If it is a different context, then you will have to do as jackk stated (and be prepared for some different results).

If you are linked to Published Elements, then your links will be more stable, and there will be a much better chance of the Define Context working.

 

[lordrailie]

I tried it and worked some times and sometimes not... I don't actually understand it. I also tryed to replace the external references and a prohibited symbol appears on the cursor (the black one)

What I also have been trying is to copy and paste breaking link to get a part that is equal to the one I have in the product but with slight changes, but keeping the same links. The problem is that when i try to modify it is says that is not in its context, when its insaide the same product!!, and that i have to define its contextual links, which i tried with no succes. Is there any other way to do that.

And one more question... What means to publish an element?? what is that used for???

 

[jackk]

Sounds like you want to do something called "Morphing" which is making a new part from an existing one, and change the external references so that the new part "morphs" to it's new shape/position.

1. copy original part & paste special/break link into the product
2. change properties to rename the part
3. Define contextual links
4. replace external references as required
5. update and save the product & parts

The black circle could indicate several things: the replaced element is in a child part (and would cause a loop), or it's not published, or it's not the correct type of geometry, or (most likely) you have a secondary instance of the part (brown gear) and are not allowed to add/replace external references.

 

[jackk]

Publish provides some added value when working with external references. Two major benefits are:

1. Publish identifies elements that are intended to be used as master geometry

2. Published links are maintained when the parent part is replaced or renamed

 

[lordrailie]

thanks

One thing i realizad is that i was working in cache mode, and i had only a subproduct in design mode which meant that the main product to where the part was linked was not active, and i was not being able to define the contextual links. if all the product is in design mode then it worked.

 

[catiajim]

Another thing to remember is that CONTEXT means both Assembly and Instance. You were in the correct assembly, however you were trying to modify the Instance of the part that was not the Definition Instance. As jackk stated, you will need to break the link and re-define the context.

 

[Akesson]

One important thing when using the "Define Contextual link" is to be in the "right" context when using the command.

E.g. A link created as described by lordralife at the top of this thread it's important that the product is active and not one of the parts.

Make the product active (doubble click left mouse button on it) and then right-click on the part that you want to define and choose Components/Define Contextual Link.

As written earlier in this thread, defining context and keeping links is easier with published references.

 

[lordrailie]

I got there.... finally thanx

 

[roseda]

A method to get around the black circle problem is to isolate all the external references and then this allows you to replace them by picking any element.

This method only works if you isolate all links, some links are embedded in sketches and do not appear in the external elements list.