Making an assembly into a single part in SolidWorks can be achieved through several methods, each suitable for different design needs and workflows. One specific method involves using the Join feature, as outlined in SolidWorks documentation, while other common techniques include saving the assembly as a part or inserting it as a derived part.
1. Using the SolidWorks 'Join' Feature
The Join feature in SolidWorks is a direct way to combine selected components of an assembly into a new, single part. This method is particularly useful when you need to consolidate specific sub-assemblies or components into a unified solid body within the context of your existing assembly, or as a new standalone part.
Steps to use the Join Feature:
- Access the Feature: While in your assembly, navigate to the SolidWorks menu bar and click Insert > Features > Join.
- Configure in PropertyManager: The Join PropertyManager will appear. Here, you will Make selections and set options for the components you wish to join. This typically involves selecting the bodies or components that will form the new single part. You can define various parameters for how the joining operation is performed.
- Create the Joined Part: Once your selections and options are configured, Click to create the joined part. SolidWorks will process the selected components and generate a new part, effectively merging them into a single solid body.
- Return to Assembly Editing: After the joined part is created, you might find yourself in the context of editing the newly created part. To return to the main assembly editing mode, you can right-click the assembly name in the FeatureManager design tree, or right-click anywhere in the graphics area, and select Edit Assembly: <assembly_name>.
This method creates a new part file from the selected assembly components, which can then be used independently or remain integrated within the assembly structure.
2. Saving the Assembly as a Part
One of the most common and straightforward ways to consolidate an entire SolidWorks assembly into a single part file is by using the "Save As Part" functionality. This creates a new part document (.SLDPRT) that represents the assembly as a single solid body.
Steps:
- Open the assembly (.SLDASM) you wish to convert.
- Go to File > Save As...
- In the "Save As" dialog box, change the "Save as type" dropdown to Part (.prt; .sldprt).
- Before clicking "Save," review the "Save Assembly as Part" options:
- External Faces: This is often the preferred option. It creates a single part containing only the external surfaces of the assembly, significantly reducing file size and complexity. Internal voids and features are removed.
- All Internal/External Components: Creates a single part that includes all solid bodies from all components within the assembly. This results in a much larger file, as it retains all internal geometry.
- Selected Components: Allows you to choose which specific components from the assembly will be merged into the new part.
- Include hidden components: Determines whether components hidden in the assembly will be included in the saved part.
- Break link to assembly: If checked, the new part will be a standalone file with no associative link to the original assembly. If unchecked, the part will remain linked and update if the assembly changes (though this can lead to larger file sizes for the part).
- Choose your desired options and click Save.
This method is excellent for creating a simplified representation of an assembly for use in larger assemblies, for analysis, or for sharing with external collaborators who only need the overall form.
3. Inserting an Assembly as a Derived Part in a New Part File
Another robust method involves creating a new part document and then inserting an existing assembly into it as a derived component. This allows you to combine multiple assemblies or parts into a single new part.
Steps:
- Start a New Part document (File > New > Part).
- In the new part, go to Insert > Part... or Insert > Features > Insert Part... (depending on SolidWorks version and context).
- Browse to the assembly file (.SLDASM) you want to insert and click Open.
- In the Insert Part PropertyManager, you'll have options to transfer various elements from the original assembly (e.g., solid bodies, surfaces, sketches, coordinate systems). Ensure Solid bodies is selected.
- You can also choose to Locate part with Move/Copy feature to position it precisely, or simply click in the graphics area to place it at the origin.
- Click the green checkmark to confirm.
The assembly will now exist as a single solid body (or multiple bodies if you select that option) within your new part file. This method creates a link to the original assembly by default, meaning changes in the source assembly can propagate to this derived part.
4. Combining Bodies within a Multi-body Part
If you've already converted components of an assembly into multiple solid bodies within a single part document (e.g., by inserting them, or through a specific design process), you can then use the Combine feature to merge these individual bodies into one.
Steps:
- Open the multi-body part file.
- Go to Insert > Features > Combine.
- In the Combine PropertyManager, select Add (to unite bodies).
- Select all the solid bodies you wish to combine from the graphics area or the FeatureManager design tree.
- Click the green checkmark to perform the combination.
This method is used after components are already represented as bodies in a single part, serving as a final step to achieve a single, unified body.
Choosing the Right Method
The best method depends on your specific needs:
| Method | Purpose & Best Use Case | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| SolidWorks 'Join' Feature | Consolidate selected assembly components into a new part. | Creates a new part from chosen components; context-sensitive. |
| Save As Part (from Assembly) | Create a simplified, single-body representation of an entire assembly. | Excellent for sharing, reducing file size (External Faces). |
| Insert Assembly as Derived Part | Incorporate an assembly into a new part file, potentially combining with other parts. | Maintains a link to the original assembly; flexible positioning. |
| Combine Feature (Multi-body Part) | Merge existing multiple bodies within a single part document. | Used when components are already consolidated into a multi-body part. |
Understanding these different techniques allows SolidWorks users to efficiently manage complex designs, simplify models for specific purposes, and optimize performance.
