Copying With Design Assistant

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the correct method for copying a part and its corresponding drawing using the Design Assistant. We’ll begin by examining an incorrect approach, followed by the proper process to achieve a successful copy of both the part and the drawing.

Incorrect Method for Copying

Imagine you have just finished a spring model for a colleague, Dave. You might be tempted to utilize the "Save Copy As" feature to create a duplicate of the part. Let's say you name this copy "563." After saving, you would still have the original part (562) open, and upon checking, you may find that the drawing associated with this copied part remains linked to the original model (562).

When you open the drawing for the new part (563), instead of showing the new part's information, the model used in the drawing will still indicate that it’s referencing the original model (562). This is evident when looking at the drawing's properties, and it’s clear that the copy method used was flawed, because the new part should have been appropriately linked to its drawing.

Correct Method

Instead of individually copying the part and drawing, the appropriate course of action is to utilize the Design Assistant effectively. Whenever there is a drawing associated with a part, use the drawing file as the starting point for copying.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the Drawing File: Always start the process from the drawing file rather than the part itself.
2. Access Design Assistant: Right-click on the drawing file (whether in Windows Explorer, the vault, or the Inventor open window) and choose "Design Assistant."
3. Adjust Properties: In the Design Assistant, navigate to the Manage tab. Focus on the two essential columns: Action and Name.
4. Copy and Rename: Right-click the drawing to copy it, then change its name to "563." Repeat the same process for the part, copying and renaming it to "563."
5. Save Changes: After making these changes, hit save in the Design Assistant to finalize the copying process.
6. Check Read-Only Status: After saving, locate both files and ensure that they are not marked as read-only. If read-only is enabled, it can cause issues when trying to save later.
7. Verify: Finally, double-check that the drawing and the part both correctly display the new part number (563) and that the drawing references the correct model.

By following these steps, you ensure that both the drawing and the part are appropriately linked, which is critical for avoiding confusion in the future.

If you have any further questions about using the Design Assistant, please reach out for clarification.

Keyword

Keywords: Design Assistant, Copying Parts, Drawing File, Part Number, Read-Only, Model Association, Properties

FAQ

Q: What is the Design Assistant?
A: The Design Assistant is a tool used to manage and organize component files and drawings in CAD software, allowing users to copy and rename parts and their corresponding drawings efficiently.

Q: Why is it important to start the copying process from the drawing file?
A: Starting from the drawing file ensures that both the part and drawing remain linked and that all associated data is transferred correctly during the copying process.

Q: What should I do if my files are marked as read-only?
A: If your files are read-only, right-click on them, go to properties, and uncheck the read-only option to ensure that you can save changes without any issues.

Q: Can I rename parts after using the Design Assistant?
A: While you can rename parts, it’s often more efficient to make the necessary name changes directly within the Design Assistant during the copying process to maintain an organized workflow.