SolidWorks® 2009 Bible

Chapter 28. Master Model Techniques

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Using Pull functions

• Using Push functions

• Tutorial: Working with master model techniques

In this book, the term master model is used to refer to a technique where an entire assembly is laid out or has its major faces constructed in a single part, and that part is then placed into other files from which the individual parts are created. Master model techniques are usually used in situations that in-context design cannot deal with, or where in-context design is cumbersome.

Master model techniques are a product of four separate features or functions that have some similarities and some differences, and rely heavily on the knowledge of parent/child concepts, multiple bodies, and surface functions. The four features are Split, Save Bodies, Insert Part, and Insert Into New Part. In turn, these four features can be categorized into Push and Pull type functions.

As an example of a master model technique, consider the mouse model shown in Figure 28.1, which should be familiar by now. The overall shape is modeled as a single part, and is split into several bodies using multibody methods. Then, using these master model techniques, the individual bodies are used to create individual part files where detail features are added.

It may initially be a little confusing to understand that SolidWorks has four distinct features or functions that do essentially the same thing with subtle but important differences. The functionality of the four tools overlaps ...