Base Part Method

pete_yodis

I saw some questions regarding base part or derive part or master model approach back in the summer.  From my perspective the base part method is needed for the work I do during the day.  We utilize metal castings and as such we currently model them as separate files in SolidWorks full with draft/ parting lines, fillets, etc...  We then insert those into a machining file as a base part.  We do not treat them as configurations of the same file.  This is done to keep the data management aspects for the design nice and clean.  The casting design has its own file, part number, and can move along on its own revision record without being mixed into the machining.  Same for the machining.  This method works well.  Is this definitely planned for Onshape as a way of working?  I see this as pretty invaluable.

brucebartlett

I do the exact same thing for the casting in solidworks. You can also do the second drawing in a Solidwork Assembly using the cut extrudes and hole tool. I would like to see Onshape be able to cut and add holes in assemblies as this is what takes place in on some assy's in manufacturer.

For the casting example, when I do one in Onshape I would just build the casting and the machined casting in the 1 part studio (along with related parts) and add a translate copy to the cast part to get the machined part. If you want to make changes to the cast part just drag the bar back to behind the translate work away, then rollback to end and the changes will blow through to the machined part. Ideally save a step or add a branch before making the change to lock in history or set a new design path. When drawings come along I would assume you will be able to drop parts into the drawing from the workspace the same as you do with the current assembly insert.

lougallo

@PDY I guess I would liken this to derived parts inserted into an existing part studio as inserts that could then be used for boolean operations.  The inserted (derived parts) could then have an option to be linked or not so updates occur.   There are a number of workflows utilizing the version graph as well were you start with a cast part (maybe imported) then branch it for machine operations.