Part A is original part
Part B is the part you want to replace A with
The trick works if Part B (which has not been created yet) is very similar
to part A but slightly different. You Save Copy As.. A to B then replace A
with B. So it looks like nothing has changed. Now open B and edit to make
your changes.
This does not work if you already have a part B finished and want to replace
A.
Jerry's composite iMates idea has merit but that would take some testing and
forethought (I usually end up in these situations by accident anyway). It
might be interesting to try this.
--
Sean Dotson, PE
http://www.sdotson.com
Check the Inventor FAQ for most common questions
www.sdotson.com/faq.html
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"Kevin Snyder" wrote in message
news:4E343D36C05B98A565993D6360B94EFC@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> Rob (et all)
>
> I mostly use replace component to bring in a new version of my
> customer's part. I'll try Sean's suggestion the next time. I'm a little
> confused by the method though.
>
> Say I have part_original_version in my assembly. I want to replace it
> with part_version2. I should do what, save my part_original_version as
> what, part_version2? Won't I be overwriting the part that has the new
name?
> Unless of course I have the new part in a different directory, but then
> won't IV have a problem finding it the next time I open the assembly?
>
> kevin
>
> It's still to early for thinking, not enough coffee, not enough sleep last
> night etc. ....
>
>
> "Rob Singlehurst" wrote in message
> news:890309403DB3880B777A2B2176EC1ECD@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > Kevin,
> >
> > If you follow Sean's instructions exactly, the constraints will not be
> lost
> > when you replace the part. I always use this method. Save Copy as and
> then
> > replace component before making any modifications to the copied part.
> > Obviously if you need to replace a part with an already existing part
then
> > the constraints will probably get broken.
> >
> > --
> > Cheers,
> >
> > --Rob Singlehurst
> > "Kevin Snyder" wrote in message
> > news:D50F10B6BADE1CC46B9B8EC435C5001E@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > > Jerry,
> > > I've had it work adequately the dozen or so times I've used it.
The
> > > replacement parts position themselves in the same place that the old
> parts
> > > were in-minus the constraints. Meaning my assembly is virtually
> > unchanged,
> > > the replacement part is where it's supposed to be, except for the loss
> of
> > > assembly constraints. I do have the parts fully contrained before I
> > replace
> > > them.
> > >
> > > Is there something specific that you are noticing?
> > >
> > > kevin
> >
> >
>
>