Page 572 - Subyek Computer Aided Design - [David Planchard] Engineering Design with SOLIDWORKS

Top-Down and Sheet Metal Parts Engineering Design with SOLIDWORKS® 2018

Designers usually use Top-down assembly modeling to lay their assemblies out and to

capture key design aspects of custom parts specific in the assemblies. There are three key

methods to use for the Top-down assembly modeling approach:

• Individual features method. The Individual features method provides the ability to

reference the various components and sub-components in an existing assembly.

Example: Creating a structural brace in a box by using the Extruded Boss/Base

feature tool. You might use the Up to Surface option for the End Condition and select

the bottom of the box, which is a different part. The Individual features method

maintains the correct support brace length, even if you modify the box in the future.

The length of the structural brace is defined in the assembly. The length is not defined

by a static dimension in the part. The Individual features method is useful for parts

that are typically static but have various features which interface with other assembly

components in the model.

• Entire assembly method. The Entire assembly method provides the ability to create an

assembly from a layout sketch. The layout sketch defines the component locations,

key dimensions, etc. A major advantage of designing an assembly using a layout

sketch is that if you modify the layout sketch, the assembly and its related parts are

automatically updated. The entire assembly method is useful when you create

changes quickly, and in a single location.

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-;Q~ You can create an assembly and its components from a layout b~ Insert Component (1)

of sketch blocks. ~ x ....

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• Complete parts method. The Complete parts method provides Part/Assembly to Insert

Open documents:
the ability to build your model by creating new components In-

~ Axle

Context of the assembly. The component you build is actually ~ BAITERYPLATE

mated to another existing component in the assembly. The

geometry for the component you build is based upon the existing

component.

I Browse... J

This method is useful for parts like brackets and fixtures, which are

Thumbnail Preview v

mostly or completely dependent on other parts to define their shape
Options A

and size. Iv! Start command when creating

new assembly

Iv! Automatic Browse when creating
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new assembly

-;Q~ Whenever you create a part or feature using the Top-Down 121 Graphics preview

D Make virtual
approach, external references are created to the geometry you

0Envelope

referenced. 121 Show Rotate context toolbar

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-;Q~ The Top-down assembly approach is also referred to as "In-

Context design."

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