How to reference a part?

gary_pien

I'm new to CAD/CAM so perhaps I am not thinking about this the right way. I want to create several parts, for example:

Part A = a cylinder
Part B = Part A modified with added wings
Part C = Part A modified with holes

I want to be able to change part A (let's say the diameter of the cylinder), and have Parts B and C automatically updated with the new geometry. Is fhere a way to do this? Currently, I duplicate Part A in order to create Part B, but then they become two independent copies - changes to A do not affect B.

owen_sparks

HI.

Good news, this is easily doable, the hard thing is deciding which method to chose.

(1) Derive part A into another parstudio and turn part A into B there.  That way changes to A will be reflected in B

(2) Use configurations in the one and only part studio to add / suppress / change features to build either Part A, B or C. (My preference.)

(3) Project geometry from Part A onto a new sketch with the "Use" function to build Part B.  Again changes to A reflected in B automatically.

Shout if you need help.

OwS.

gary_pien

Thank you! I think solutions (1) and (2) are what I am looking for. I did not realize there was a "derive" function!

owen_sparks

gary_pien said:

Thank you!

Sure thing.

gary_pien said:

I did not realize there was a "derive" function!

Hey, Onshape has infinite undo (seriously) so just hit every button and see what it does 

O.S.

ilya_baran

Hey, Onshape has infinite undo (seriously) so just hit every button and see what it does   

Yes!  This is the comfort level we're shooting for!