Reference Geometry/Publications etc.

[tran.k88]

I have a question RE: my workflow logic and want to see if it makes sense, or if there is a better way to do this.

Say we have the following structure

Assembly 1

Product A
- Part A.1 - Two tubes that are parallel.
- Part A.2
- Part A.3

Product B
- Part A.1 - Instance copied in as reference and fixed in space.
- Part B.1 - Part B is designed in space. uses external features copied over from Part A.
- Part B is a perpendicular tube that joints the parallel tubes in Part A.1.

In Product B, Part B.1 is designed using external features from A.1. Geometry of Part B.1 is driven by Part A.1, so no constraint is required.

In Assembly 1, Product B needs to be constrained relative to Product A. In CATIA, loop geometry error occurs.

What would be a better way to go about this? Would publications be the best option. At the moment, I have a large assembly and the only publish parts are reference planes that are used.

Thanks
Kevin

 

[TiagoFigueiredo]

Using constraints and at the same time using external references, can be tricky. That's why I always draw the parts in absolute positions, and then make the construction with the all needed external references.

Tiago Figueiredo
Tooling Engineer

Youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1qdlBeJJEgMgpPLVJoOIOw

 

[tran.k88]

Hi Tiago,

Thanks for your response.

You've got a valid point. What I try and do as much as possible is retain the same absolute geometry across ALL parts. Therefore, I"ll always create a new part in the main assembly to achieve the same part origin, and the re-locate it in the assembly before starting.

My end goal is to have all the parts/products parametric so that any changes to the position of Part A is captured in Part B.

 

[tran.k88]

Hi Tiago,

Further to your post.

If your parts are drawn in absolute position, then am I correct in saying they are no longer parametric?

I.e. if the external parameter moves, your Part geometry won't update. What do you mean by this: 'make the construction with the all needed external references.