To efficiently copy a part or multiple components within a SolidWorks assembly, you can utilize a straightforward drag-and-drop method directly from the FeatureManager design tree into the graphics area.
Method 1: Using Ctrl + Drag in the FeatureManager Design Tree
This is the primary and most efficient method for duplicating components within your assembly while retaining critical relationships.
- Locate Components: In the SolidWorks FeatureManager design tree, navigate to your assembly and identify the component(s) you wish to copy.
- Select Components:
- To select individual, non-contiguous components, Ctrl + select each desired component in the FeatureManager design tree.
- To select a range of contiguous components, Shift + select the first and last component in the desired range in the FeatureManager design tree.
- Initiate Copy: Once your components are selected, hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
- Drag and Drop: With the Ctrl key still held down, drag the selected components from the FeatureManager design tree and drop them anywhere within the graphics area of your SolidWorks window.
Key Outcomes of This Method:
- New Instances Created: SolidWorks will instantly create new instances of the components you selected. These new instances are linked to the original part or sub-assembly files, meaning changes to the original file will update all instances.
- Mates Retained: A significant advantage of this method is that any existing mates that were previously defined between the components you selected for copying will be automatically retained between their newly created instances. This dramatically reduces the need for re-mating within duplicated sub-assemblies or component groups.
Summary Table of Steps:
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Select Components | In the FeatureManager design tree, use Ctrl + select for multiple individual components or Shift + select for a continuous range. |
| 2 | Drag & Drop | Hold Ctrl, then drag the selected components from the tree and drop them into the graphics area. |
Practical Insights and Tips
- Efficiency for Sub-Assemblies: This technique is incredibly powerful for duplicating complex sub-assemblies or groups of parts that are already matted together. It preserves their internal relationships, saving substantial time.
- Placement After Drop: After dropping the new instances, they will appear at the location where you released your mouse button. You will likely need to add new mates (e.g., concentric, coincident, parallel, distance) to position these newly copied components accurately relative to other parts of your main assembly.
- Linked Instances: Remember that the new components are instances of the original part files. If you modify the original part file (e.g., change its geometry, add a feature), all instances within the assembly will update accordingly.
- Independent Copies: If your intention is to create a completely independent copy of a part or sub-assembly that can be modified without affecting the original or other instances, you would typically need to use the "Save As" command for the part/sub-assembly files themselves and select options like "Save as copy and continue" or "Save as copy and open" to create new, distinct files. Then, you would insert these new files into your assembly. However, for simple duplication within an assembly, the Ctrl + drag method is the go-to solution.
By leveraging this straightforward Ctrl + drag feature, you can efficiently manage and duplicate components within your SolidWorks assemblies, thereby enhancing your design workflow and maintaining assembly integrity.
