Repeat parts in assembly with existing constraints

[danie4F4P2]

I am suggesting a new "Repeat" function for the Assembly environment, similar to functionality found in Creo Parametric. Currently, placing multiple instances of a component (like fasteners or pins) that aren't part of a uniform pattern requires manual placement or the use of iMates, which can be time-consuming to set up.

Proposed Workflow:

1. User selects a component already constrained in the assembly.
2. User selects the Repeat command.
3. A dialog appears listing the component's existing constraints (e.g., Mate, Flush, Insert).
4. The user selects which references to keep constant and which to vary.
5. The user then simply clicks the new destination geometry in the graphics window to instantly "drop" subsequent instances.

Why this is needed:

• Efficiency: Drastically reduces clicks for non-patterned repetitive placements.
• Flexibility: Allows for rapid placement where "Pattern" or "Copy" isn't applicable due to irregular spacing.
• User Experience: Streamlines the assembly process for power users who frequently work with hardware and pins.

---

[WCrihfield]

Hi @danie4F4P2.  I have never used Creo Parametric before, but this process does sound interesting and potentially useful.  It sounds like it would essentially allow us to copy an assembly component occurrence, and one or more of its assembly constraints, then place more instances of it into the assembly, where those same types of assembly constraints are recreated for each of the new occurrences, which are all still referencing the same 'other' geometry as the original constraints.  Not sure how the 'varies' part would work, but the 'keep' part does sound useful.  Well, we apparently do have a current tool which is supposed to work somewhat similar to this, but is not nearly as user friendly or intuitive.  When we have an assembly open, on the 'Assemble' tab of the ribbon is usually a panel named 'Pattern'.  In that panel are 4 tools (Pattern, Mirror, Copy, & iCopy).  The tool named 'Copy' is supposed to allow us to copy a component within the same assembly, with or without creating a copy of its source model file, and has a checkbox option named 'Copy Relationships'.  But even with that option checked (turned on), it rarely seems to copy the relationships I want it to copy, if any at all.  And it lacks the functionality to allow us to specify which relationships we want it to copy.  Then it only seems to allow a single copied instance to be placed, rather than a specified number, or as many as we want.  If they could add the additional functionality of allowing us to select relationships, and allow multiple copies to be placed afterwards, that would be great in itself.  The added ability to also copy specific relationships, which we intend to modify 'on the fly' as we place the copied occurrences, would almost be mind blowing.

[danie4F4P2]

@WCrihfield Yes tried to use the copy tool, but it fails to copy the relationships, it only copies the relationships if two or more components are copied and they have relationships to each other. but in this case, it's much easier to just use ctrl+v. 

What I propose is an option to copy a part, selects which constraint it should remember, change or delete.

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