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The problem with using simplified reps in this manner is that the reported mass properties will calculate for all the components in the model (only calculated in the master rep). So your weights, volume, surface area, etc. measurements would be inaccurate. One could also use styles to blank certain parts as well.
My personal recommendation would be to utilize connections in mechanism for this ... the reported properties would be intact, and you could see the full range of motion and look at any point of motion it it's range.
In Reply to Robert Reifsnyder:
If you're just using the family table to see the components in different positions by showing some and suppressing others, simplified reps are much better at this. Parts can be shown even if what they were assembled to is not. Also, when you open a rep, only those parts in the rep are called into session even if they are unrelated except through the highest level assy. Using family tables for suppressing things still calls all things into session first.
Rob Reifsnyder
I would dispute that claim. I have had the option mass_property_calculate set to automatic for years. When in a simplified rep of any kind, it will generate this message upon regeneration: "Assembly mass properties did not change since some components are excluded or substituted."
In Reply to Jurij Skraba:
This is not completely true. When config.pro option >mass_property_calculate AUTOMATIC< it will calculate mass properties for simplified representation currently active (not just for master). The worst solution is to use styles since you only blank the components while they are still in memory.
Regards,
Jurij Âkraba