Solidworks Master Model: Save bodies vs Insert part

SolidWorks master model techniques are used to create assemblies that rely on overall size and shape of the individual parts to fit together properly. The assembly parts are constructed as individual bodies and then saved out into their own part files. If you make a change to the master model such as the location of a parting line all parts related to the parting line will change accordingly. There are two techniques that will either push features from the parent to the child or the child will pull features from the parent.

To use the push operation: choose save bodies or split from the insert -> feature drop down menu. You then select and name the bodies that you would like to create individual parts for.

 

The advantage to creating parts this way is it creates a feature in the feature tree that allows you to choose if you want changes to the parent to reflect changes in the child. Any features that are only for the parent would be created after the save bodies command.

Here is a look at the saved part that was created at the time the save bodies command was added to the feature tree. It does not have the shell like the parent.

With a pull operation the parent and child always share the same overall size and shape. This can be done by either right clicking on a body in the solid bodies folder or creating a new part file and inserting the parent from the insert -> part drop down menu.

Try using master model techniques in your next project for easy changes to multiple parts at once.

Thanks,

Jordan Nardick, Elite AE
Applications Engineer
Computer Aided Technology, Inc.