Using Multi-bodies in injection molded parts?

[SolidsMaster]

Haven't posted in awhile, but I've been dealing with some customer files that have been large multi-bodied files, not assemblies. These aren't similar features of the sort and the feature tree is huge due to all the different bodies. Now, I can break them out and what not, but I'm just wondering if this is a new practice evolving or if as other threads have stated injection molded assemblies are just that assemblies not "multi-bodies". Which I agree with. What's everyone else seeing? Working with these files is a nightmare.

later,

John

 

[bvanhiel]

I use multibodies during the early part design when the parts in the assembly are related (clamshell housings etc.). I then break the bodies off into separate parts for further detailing. I can't imagine wanting to try and draft multiple bodies in a single part file.

-b

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Multi-body files were never intended to replace assy files. In general it is bad practice to use them as such.

Having said that, the line does get blurred when dealing with the Weldment module. It is much easier to use it when creating, say, a framing wall of a building rather than assembling separate studs & plates.

Regarding the injection moulding assembly/part, your customer may sent you a "Save as" part, rather than send all the individual parts. I often do that to my clients if they only want a physical size model to place in their equipment, and not a fully working model. It is easier to keep track of one multi-body file instead of many individual ones.


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[Theophilus]

I used to always create my own cavity and core pieces, place them in an assembly around my swelled part (increased volume for shrinkage), and perform a cavity feature.

However, the newer tools in SolidWorks over the past few years have changed my mind. I now start the cavity and core within the part file (according to the tutorial). Once I have the basic part surfaces surrounded, and pulls added in, I can save out the bodies as their own parts to better track each part as its own file--and I build an assembly with these parts.

So far, this seems like a great way to build the tooling quickly and reliably.

Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.

 

[alexit]

I use many mulitbody parts. This is to create a part that has no indented bill when it is placed in later assembly. If I have a injection molded lid with overmolded gasket, I want this one part only, with features suppressed in configurations for detailing the two molds. You cannot buy these seperately, or disassemble them later, so why make this assembly?

Maybe I am not using this correctly...

Alex
15,000+ hours SW user
0 hours training

 

[handleman]

Alex,
You can use the option "Don't show child components in BOM when used as sub-assembly". It's a check box in the configuration properties of an assembly.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

alexit ... that would be a good use for the Join function. The lid is a separately moulded part which is then overmoulded with the gasket.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091