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INENG8-Gravel
8-Gravel
July 8, 2020
Question

Skeletons: Constraining a single part in multiple locations

  • July 8, 2020
  • 6 replies
  • 3687 views

If I constrain a part based off datums/features in a skeleton, how do I re-use that part constrained in a different location without creating a circular reference?

When I first create the part, I constrain it to the skeleton via coordinate system. What do I need to do in order to use that part in a different location within the assembly? I would like to keep it the same part number and remain parametrically linked. 

6 replies

tbraxton
tbraxton22-Sapphire II
22-Sapphire II
July 8, 2020

I don't think you have provided enough information to answer your question. The external refs of all relevant models would need to be presented to address this question. If you can document the design intent among the files you would more likely get a solution to the specific issue. Are you familiar with the Global Reference Viewer? If not read up on that as it will be useful in this context.

 

Based on the general case of your question if you define multiple coordinate systems within a skeleton you should be able to assemble a component to more than one csys in the same skeleton. Then in your assembly you would have more than one of the component present but located by the same skeleton.

I
INENG8-GravelAuthor
8-Gravel
July 8, 2020

To elaborate more on what I'm trying to do - 

Let's say I'm creating a part that is just an extrude made from a sketch. 

I create the part and constrain it by coordinate system to the skeleton.

I then create a sketch and reference datums/features from the skeleton. 

This sketch is now dependent relative to the coordinate system. 

I then create my extrude feature. 

 

Say that I want to use this part again in my assembly but in a different location - if I don't use the same coordinate system, my sketch will no longer reference the skeleton datums correctly. It will create a circular reference because of how my sketch is set up. 

 

I am trying to understand the best way to structure everything to prevent this from happening.

T
Tdaugherty16-Pearl
16-Pearl
July 8, 2020

Hi, 

 

If you use the part again, you will not create a circular reference. The part is defined by the first instance of itself in the model tree. The only time you would run into issues is if you attempt to use the part in a new assembly and don't have the original assembly in Creo's memory. 

 

If you have questions about circular references (how they are made) or designing with external references, I'd be more than happy to share some info.

 

Ty

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