Zero mass part?

Hi All,

I sometimes like to have duplicate parts laid in the assembly as semi
transparent to show alternate positions etc. Sometimes preferred to
different configurations of the assembly.

However, as I need to keep a close eye on overall mass, I don't want
these additional parts to be counted. Without saving duplicate copies
of the relevant parts and setting their mass to zero is there any way
of setting certain parts in the assembly as having no contributing
mass?

I hope my explanation was clear!

Thanks for all feedback.

Flynt

 

Keep the ones you don't want hidden when doing the mass properties and
then window select everything visible. Then it only does the mass on
what you've selected.

 

Hi, Thanks for the reply. Trouble is the assemblies can have a lot of
parts and I don't really want to go hiding parts as it defeats the
object of me showing them in the first place. It's also easy to miss
something.

F

 

Old trick.
Blank what you want.
Then reverse-blank everything.

Don't know if it works for SW.

 

Not sure, but could you just ctrl select all the parts you want hidden,
and create a new configuration so when you want to hide them, all you
have to do is change configurations?

 

Configurations woould be the trick, make new config and assign mass to
zero

// Krister

 

I use envelope components for this. Example: linear actuator
assemblies with a sliding component, if I need additional "sliders", I
put them in as envelope components, and they don't affect mass
properties or BOM.

 

Thanks to all contributors. However, this is EXACTLY what I wanted!!
Thanks Tick.

With luck others will learn from this because if you are anything like
me I recon I use about 50% of SWX capabilities and functions! I learn
something new every week. And I've only been using SWX for 9 years!!

Flint

 

It's a shame it only works for components, not assemblies, but you
can't have everything!

F

 

For dealing with sub-assemblies, you can save the assembly as a part
file, then use insert envelope.

Eddie

 

Thanks Eddie - obvious in hindsight!

By the way everyone, given that I said I was learning all the time of
SolidWorks more obscure features, did anyone else learn from this?
Will it be useful to you?

F

 

This is precisely what envelope parts are for.

TOP

 

Ah, but you have to know it to use it!

I'm just grateful that having asked on this forum I now know it. Maybe
others know it too now.

Flynt