using same parts in different assemblies

Sorry to ask so many questions. I'm a beginner and want to learn as much as
possible.

In a new assembly I want to use and modify a part that is part of another
assembly. How do I go about inserting this part, modifying it in the new
assembly without it changing in the original assembly? In other words how do
i create an unlinked copy of a part that i can modify without changing the
original part.

I hope I'm being clear,
Thank You.

 

Peter,

If the part in the new assembly always needs to be like the one in the
original assembly, just with some modifications, I would create a new part
and insert the original part as a base part to start from, then make your
modifications. This way, any changes to the original part will propagate
down to the part in the new assembly.

If the part in the new assembly does not need to be associated with any
changes made to the one in the original assembly, I would simple make a copy
of it with a new filename and make your changes from there.

If you think about it, if the part is modified in the new assembly, then it
is NOT the SAME part, and should not be treated as such. It should be a
totally different part file using either of the 2 methods above. I use both
of these methods quite often.

 

A third option to both of the others is to make the new application use the
same part file - just another configuration. That way it's still the same
file, still has the same features, etc. If this is a common reference file,
this method might make sense, rather than propagating files.

WT

 

Peter,

Create a new configuration of the part, insert into assy, (with the new
config active), modify new config as necessary.

Regards

Mark

 

I am not sure. I have never really used derived parts. Though I really
should investigate them.

Derived parts look very powerful and useful for me in my industry. However
I need to give them a lot of thought as to how to apply them appropriately.
I can foresee major problems if they are not used without a good initial
"plan of attack".