What is the best way to create a new copy of an existing assembly, as well as its parts (some of which have in-context features), and the assembly drawing?
This is often desired if you have a new design that is a modification of an old design, but you would like to manage and modify the new design separately. The easiest way is to use the Pack and Go command added in SolidWorks 2007 (see below). Here is an older method that also works:
This example will make a "-2" version of all files while maintaining the links required by the drawing, assembly, subassemblies, parts, and in-context part features.
1. Open the drawing of the assembly "filename.slddrw".
2. Choose File - Save As...
3. Give the drawing a new name "filename-2.slddrw" and a new folder if desired.
4. From the Save As dialog, click the References button.
5. In the References dialog, you will see the path names for all referenced files (assemblies and subassemblies). Click the Select All button.
6. Click the Replace button. Replace ".sld" with "-2.sld". OK.
7. In the References dialog, you can Browse to a new folder if desired. OK.
8. Save.
This method creates new files with the names entered via the References dialog. The new assemblies thus created are updated to keep the in-context features pointing to the new parts, and vice versa. The new drawing thus created points to the new assembly.
Note: If drawings are not involved, this operation can be done in similar fashion from the assembly file. Choose File, Save As..., References.
A free, standalone utility called SolidWorks Explorer was introduced with SolidWorks 2000. SolidWorks Explorer makes it easier to rename and copy SolidWorks files with attention given to dependent files and where-used information.
SolidWorks 2007 added the command File - Pack and Go. This is similar to the capabilities of SolidWorks Explorer in previous releases. You have the ability to add a suffix or prefix to the file names of all associated parts, subassemblies, and their drawings. You can copy all these files to a new location with the new names using this command. Pack and Go is also available via right-click menu in Windows Explorer!
