Explicit family document

 

 

 

 

This command is available in a family document only. It allows you to create a family by using imported parts.(for example, downloaded)

 

Creation stages / Use:

 

Open a new family document, select the Tools > Explicit family document... command from the drop-down menu.

 

  1. Check the Explicit family document option.

  2. Validate by clicking .

  3. Save the family document.

  4. From the projects tree, drag the first part in the family.

  5. Enter manually the code for this part.

  6. Validate by clicking .

  7. Drag a new part, enter a new code (not the same than previous) and validate.

  8. Save and check in the family document.

 

 

- This family can be used as any other family document. It is possible to drag it into an assembly, to select a code and to interchange this code with another.

 

- Copies of part document are created as instances in the family. After that, original parts documents is not useful. Family and instances are independents.

 

 

Modifications / Additional information:

 

A double click on a text code allows you to rename it.

The contextual menu (available with a right click) on a line allows you to delete the line, to insert a new one (you will have to select the document to include) or to see the entities corresponding to this code with the View Instance command.

A simple click on the Code column allows you to sort the codes using the alphabetic order (normal or reversed).

 

 

 

 

Using wizard and process :

 

It is possible to connect family with existing wizard and process with a function document.  For that, it is necessary to do this step :

 

- Provide function required on each parts documents of instances of family.

 

Positioning wizard :

 

To be able to use positioning wizard :

 

- Edit the provide function in each instancy family and add geometric elements (frame, points, axis ...) by associating with part geometry.

 

Dimensioning wizard and process :

 

Dimensioning wizard (automatic choice of family codes based on dimensional criteria provide at the insertion) and process (where dimensions must change with code or parameter) require more information.

 

TopSolid must be able to find in each family copy the parameters it needs. Criteria are necessary :

 

  • In each family instances, create necessary parameters and choose the required function.

  • In the family document, use the command "Tools > Generic document" to associate instancy as generic document.