multiple of same component in parts list

[Anonymous]

Hi. 
This is properly pretty basic, but when I copy and paste a new component, they show up as separate component in parts list.

If i want to make a assembly with 3 x M4 bolt, I want it show up as Qty 3 M3 bolts in my parts list. How do i do that?
  

[jeff_strater · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

Can you post a screenshot of the browser in the Modeling workspace?  My theory is that you have 3 separate components, not 3 instances of one component.  How did you insert those components?  Did you by chance insert them from the McMaster-Carr catalog, or some other content provider?

The way to get multiple instances of a component is to select the component in the browser, and do Copy (Ctrl-C) and then Paste (Ctrl-V)  (CMD on a Mac instead of Ctrl).  This will create a second instance of the component.  You can tell that it is an instance because of the ":2" in the browser:

Jeff

[Anonymous]

Hi Jeff

I understand the explanation - I think.... But when you use the Mirror function it creates multiple copies, not instances. that's also true (I think) when you use the Pattern function, etc.  So should we stop using those and only use copy, paste, align as we build out assemblies - or would it be better to change the way the table is calculated - i.e. have it consider components with the same part number as the same part?

[TrippyLighting]

No, that is not the same when patterning components, and is specific to mirroring.

[Anonymous]

Ah yes - I was thinking of bolts and screws where you can't really tell the difference when mirroring - thanks for the correction.  OK and patterning looks like it does make copies so its working.  Thanks all

[TrippyLighting]

If you mirror a bolt or screw, the thread is mirrored and if you started for example with  a right handed thread you'll end up with a left handed thread.