Component Replace and Keep (original)

[mluterman]

Does such a thing exist? In an assembly, I would like to create a new part from an existing part on screen, so I would like to be able to pick that part and it makes a copy of that original part, constrains this new part the same way as the original (if the geometry is the same) and it also keeps the original in its place (until I turn off its visibility). Is this possible in a command somewhere that I am missing?

[mcgyvr · Accepted solution]

Nope...

Save and replace or component/replace will replace the original..

No option to keep the original. 

[theo.bot · Accepted solution]

On the assamble Tab, in the panel "productivity" you will find "Save and replace". This creates a copy of your select part and replaces it after save.

[mluterman]

-

[mluterman]

Oops! I clicked "accept solution" to the other response too quick-you're right about that; I want both instances to still exist.

[A.Acheson]

You are entering into ilogic territory with the request. How often do you need to carry out this operation? 

[mluterman]

I had a feeling that was the case, I was hoping someone tackled this by now; seems like something many would need. Some of our product categories are "similar but different", so we do this quite often.

[theo.bot]

And i didn't read your request correctly. 
But you can do the following: edit your part, save as new file. in your assembly use Place at component origin from the productivity list. First Select your original part, the select the new file. The origins will be constraint. 

But Like @A.Acheson mentioned a full custom workflow requires automation using API or Ilogic.

[mcgyvr]

---

@mluterman wrote:

I had a feeling that was the case, I was hoping someone tackled this by now; seems like something many would need. Some of our product categories are "similar but different", so we do this quite often.

---

@mluterman  Have you looked into 2022 Model States (new) or even ipart/iassembly (legacy) functionality?

Its often used to create "configurations" of like products where parts can easily be one similar version in one assembly and a different version in another.. Constraints would be maintained if/when possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oZWYjku5qw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0j07XRRTo8

[mluterman]

Thank you for your suggestions, I'll keep this in mind...

[mluterman]

Hmmm...maybe I should stop "living in the past" and try it this way...thanks.