Handling Welded Assemblies (e.g., I-Beam with Welded Ribs) and Post-Weld Machining in Onshape

Fladdie

I am working with welded assemblies consisting of multiple individual parts, sometimes including identical parts. For example, an I-beam with welded ribs (identical parts).

• Each individual part requires its own part number and drawing for procurement.
• The welded assembly is treated as a single part with its own part number in the ERP system since it is permanently joined.
• The structured Bill of Materials (BOM) of a main assembly must correctly show both the welded assembly as a single part and all individual components needed for procurement.
• After welding, the assembly requires additional machining, such as milling the top surface to compensate for weld distortion or adding holes as part of the post-weld processing.

My questions:

1. What is the best practice in Onshape to represent both the individual parts and the welded assembly with their own part numbers and drawings?
2. How can post-weld machining (e.g., milling or drilling holes) be integrated efficiently into the Onshape workflow, considering assemblies cannot be directly modified with features?
3. Are there recommended workflows or best practices for managing welded assemblies and their post-weld machining in Onshape?
4. How can I ensure that the structured BOM of the main assembly correctly includes both the welded assembly as a part and all individual components?

I appreciate any advice or tips you can provide.