Linked Creo parts without using Windchill? Is it possible?

[dunebuggyjay]

Lets say I have a Creo part file in engineering. It has multiple combined states, layers, appearance states, MBD dimensions, colors etc etc added to it. 

I want to make a copy of this file (for manufacturing) ...that is still linked to the origin engineering file.

While also keeping the combined states, MBD dimensions, and colors etc etc of the original engineering file.  

One way linked? Where If i change the engineering file...it will alter the manufacturing file, but changing the manufacturing file will NOT change the base engineering file?

Is this possible?

I was originally thinking of making an assembly. Adding in the original engineering part into the assembly. Then adding in a blank manufacturing part also into the assembly. Then doing a copy/solidify of the engineering file into the manufacturing file. 

But I think I will lose all my combined states, colors, etc.

Any other workarounds?

I'm trying to keep these linked, so if I change something on the engineering original file, the manufacturing file will also update. 

Thanks,

Jay

[tbraxton · Accepted solution]

Inheritance features allow one-way associative propagation of geometry and feature data from a reference part to a target part. I have not tested propagating all types of MBD data types using inheritance functionality, but it is probably the best option for your general problem statement. This will definitely manage the design intent and geometry in the engineering model and propagate any changes to the manufacturing model.  Maybe someone else can offer confirmation of how MBD data structures can be passed using inheritance functions.

Varied Items include Dimensions, Features, Parameters, References, Geometric Tolerances, 3D Notes, 3D Symbols, and Surface Finishes. All of these can be passed using inheritance.

[BenLoosli]

If inheritance features does not transfer everything you want, this may be a good idea to submit to PTC for enhancing the functionality of the inheritance feature so it does pull the MBD and other required information over.