Convert an assembly to a single object

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Gentlefolk,

Excuse me for asking what I believe is probably a very elementary question.

A customer has requested a "space holder" 3d model of one of our assemblies. I don't want to try and send him the assembly, but merge it into one component that I can then fiddle to find an appropriate file format. Can you tell me the easiest way to do this? I am sure I recall seeing it as an option in Inventor at some time, but in four years this is the first time I have needed to find it!

For reference I am working in Inventor 2010, and the assembly is made up of over 600 components scattered through our file structure.

TIA

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[pauldoubet]

You need to make the assembly a 'Derived Component'. You do this by starting a new part file, then cancel the sketch and select the 'Derive Component' from the menu. Also exporting the assembly in a neutral file format is an option, but I would prefer the 'Derived Component' option and then export to a neutral file format.

Good Luck, Paul

[JDMather · Accepted solution]

You might also search on "shrinkwrap".

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Thank you, both methods provided a solution.

Regards,

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