Importing components to a parametric design

[natalevo79]

How can I add a component to a parametric design, that is driven by drawings, and have that imported component attach to a design feature.

I have imported a castor into a design and trying to align it to its specific mounting holes.

The model then changes when the parameters are changed and I want the castor to move with the design and its specific location.

I have tried a few different ways but cant seem to make it move with the parameters.

I have included a snapshot of the yellow castor on the parametric frame and a second shot of the frame parametrically changed but the castor is in the same position.

How can I restrain the castor to the correct position so it will move with the parametric changes in the design?

[jeff_strater · Accepted solution]

use Joints to position the caster relative to the frame, not Move Component or Align - those are not parametric, and will not update when the model is changed.  A Joint (not As-Built Joint) requires geometry selections on both components, and those will update with model changes.

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Create a joint via Assembly > joint to the desired position

günther

[natalevo79]

Thank you.
I was trying to do an as built joint to aid in the speed of design. Then when I tried to joint the component only the base plate of the castor stayed with the constrained position. I then tried to rigid group the castor, still didnt work. I ended up joining all the bodies so it will stay the desired position in this design, as the 4 components of the castor are not critical in relation to the design.
Is there a way to make the attachment easier or does the castor have to have all 4 components jointed to stay in position with the parametric move?
I imagine this would weigh down the processing of the model as it grows in size.

[natalevo79]

Thanks. It is a solution. I was trying to do it an easier way as the model is getting large and jointing appears to really slow down the processing.

[g-andresen]

Hi,

please share the file for reply

File > export >save as f3d on local drive > attach to post

rightclick imported component (chain symbol) and break link temporarely

günther

[jeff_strater]

yes, you would have to create joints for all components in the design for it to be fully parametric.  If you use Rigid Joints, it should not slow down very much - Rigid relationships are pretty easy to solve.  It's when you use a lot of more complex relationships (ball joint, pin/slot, Tangent) that things might slow down.