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J
JS_127869926-Contributor
6-Contributor
May 4, 2026
Question

Derived Parts

  • May 4, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 55 views

Hello, typically when using derived parts we know beforehand if we will be using them or not. To do this typically we would make the purchased blank, then use the derive (merge inheritance) feature to show the part was made from said blank beforehand.

 

My question is, if we already have an existing part, is there any way we could create a blank, then change the existing part to be derived from said blank?

3 replies

StephenW
StephenW23-Emerald III
23-Emerald III
May 4, 2026

I guess it depends on your end goal. You can do almost anything, but If you are looking for saving a drawing or for external references or for just saving time, your answer will vary signifcantly.  

J
JS_127869926-ContributorAuthor
6-Contributor
May 4, 2026

StephenW, the end goal for us is to have the part modeled as accurately/closely as it would be in the real world. The use of the derived part on the drawing is not much of a concern for us as we typically have separate drawings per part and would just reference the base part in a note/title-block information.

kdirth
kdirth21-Topaz I
21-Topaz I
May 4, 2026

I am sure it can be done.  It may create a bit of a mess in assemblies where it is referenced with lost references. 

I have used merged inheritance in two ways, both of which have their positives and negatives.

  1. Create the blank model, import that model into the final model and add additional features.
  2. Create the blank model with all final features suppressed and use merge inheritance in the final model, unsuppressing the needed features.
There is always more to learn.
Catalina
CatalinaCommunity Manager
Community Moderator
May 14, 2026

Hi ​@JS_12786992 

 

I wanted to see if you got the help you needed. 

 

If so, please mark the appropriate reply as the Accepted Solution or please feel free to detail in a reply what has helped you and mark it as the Accepted Solution. It will help other members who may have the same question. 

 

Of course, if you have more to share on your issue, please pursue the conversation. 

 

Thanks, 

Catalina | PTC Community Moderator
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