Replace components in assembly, twice the same component.

[philippeB6BLN]

Hi,

I have the same component twice, one for top machining and one for bottom machining.

I want to create a new similar part, I want to do a save as on the top assembly to rename it.  Then I want to save as and replace the components.  How can you get both components to be the same again ?  When you do save as and replace it only does one.

Thanks,

[jhackney1972]

If I understand the question, this is a simple task.  Once you have your new assembly and you have used your Save As and Replace command on the component to duplicate, right click on the component that you want to duplicate and select Copy. Then, without anything selected, right click in the design space and select Paste, not Paste New, and you will have your duplicate component.  Any edit the the Save As and Replace component will edit the pasted component as well.

If this is not what you desire, attach your model with a better description.

[philippeB6BLN]

Hi @jhackney1972 

No this is not what I mean, because doing it this way would mean I have to redo the machining steps.

What the model is : one CNC assembly with the same component twice, one for top setup, another for bottom setup.

I am used to doing this in CATIA, I create a new CNC assembly from an existing one, with fresh names to start the design of a similar product.

Essentially I want to do a save as all, then specify the new name of the assembly, and of the component(s).

That way the machining operations would still be linked.

I know some might say there are only 3 machining operations in your second setup so just copy paste the newly saved as and replace component and redo the operations but, I have parts with 50 machining operations that I don't want to reset.

I have attached my file.

Thanks

[etfrench]

You can just copy the setups to the new file.  You'll need to reselect all of the contours in each toolpath, but the other settings will remain the same.

I don't think you need two components to create the current toolpaths.  Just use the same component without the fixture in Setup1 and with the fixture in Setup2.  Set the appropriate WCS in both setups.

[philippeB6BLN]

Hi @etfrench 

Reselecting all contours is what I am trying to avoid though, even if all other settings like cutting parameters and plane levels stay in place.

If I use only one part for two setup it means I won't be able to run the two setups in the machine at once by using the cool feature of ordering operations when posting in fusion (unless I misunderstood what you are saying).

I find it weird that I cannot replace two of the same components in an assembly.

Thanks,

[etfrench]

All the really smart guys hang out in the Manufacturing forum 😊  You'll probably get a better answer there. 

You could try creating the second part in the original file with both parts as subcomponents of the same parent.  I think that would make substituting easier.