Top down design with identical parts

[jonty]

From a newbie to modeling...

Trying to simply model the double guide rail of a linear bearing (ie. extruded housing with a shaft running down each side).

I wish the housing and shafts to be different parts, bringing the whole thing together in an assembly.

In the assembly, I wish to have many configurations, one for each of 5 lengths the rail and shafts can be. I have done this by first defining 5 configurations in each part file, then defining 5 configurations in the assembly file referencing the appropriate part configurations. This seems like too much work.

From the manual and playing around, it seems like I can't change the extruded length of a part from within the assembly. I tried creating the shaft part from within the assembly, it's extruded length referencing the end face of the extruded housing, which worked ok and eliminated the need to make many shaft configurations. However as I can only create "new" parts within the assembly, to get the second (identical) shaft working with external referencing, I'd have to model the same thing again. Again seems redundant.

What's the proper workflow for such a problem? I assume it's got something to do with starting with a top-design in the assembly and designing all parts from within the assembly, but how do I get past defining the shaft twice?

Thanks for bearing with me (no pun intended .

Jonty

 

[APPENG]

Jonty,

First you are right to utilize the assembly configs, you can use the top down method to model you parts, if you like. You should not have to model the other component if it is indeed identical. You can make another instance of that component and mate it appropriately...

Im not sure of what other problems you were having but if you were having problems with in context relations of existing parts, then you should check your settings and make sure you have the "allow multiple contexts" selected.

REgards
Jon