Creating several components within a single file is essential in Onshape, a powerful cloud-based CAD software. This capability allows you to organize and manage complex designs efficiently, saving time and enhancing collaboration. By structuring your designs into logical parts, you can isolate features, simplify assembly processes, and facilitate change management. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or a novice designer, understanding how to create multiple parts in Onshape is crucial for optimizing your design workflow and achieving optimal results.
To begin crafting multiple parts in Onshape, start by establishing a new document. Utilize the “Insert” menu to add a “Part Studio” within your document. This initial part serves as the foundation for your design. Subsequently, navigate to the “Insert” menu once more and select “New Part.” This action generates a new part studio within the same document, allowing you to develop separate components. Repeat this process to create as many parts as your design demands, organizing them in a structured manner that aligns with your design intent.
When working with multiple parts, it’s essential to maintain organization and clarity throughout your design process. Onshape provides robust features to support this, such as the “Parts List” and “Part Navigator.” The “Parts List” offers a comprehensive overview of all parts within your document, enabling you to quickly navigate and manage them. The “Part Navigator,” on the other hand, provides a graphical representation of your document’s structure, allowing you to visualize the relationships between parts. Utilizing these tools effectively ensures a well-structured design that is easy to understand, modify, and share with collaborators.
Understanding Onshape’s Part Structure
Onshape’s part structure is a hierarchical system that organizes parts into assemblies. Parts can be created independently or within an assembly. Each part has its own unique set of properties, including geometry, materials, and constraints. Parts can also be linked to other parts, creating a network of relationships. This structure allows for easy collaboration and sharing of design data.
The Onshape part structure is similar to a file system. Parts are stored in folders, and each folder can contain multiple parts. Parts can be dragged and dropped into different folders, and they can be renamed or deleted. The part structure is also shown in the Onshape web interface, where parts can be viewed and edited.
The following table summarizes the key elements of Onshape’s part structure:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Part | A single geometric entity with its own set of properties. |
| Assembly | A collection of parts that are linked together to form a larger assembly. |
| Folder | A container for parts and assemblies. |
| Link | A relationship between two parts that allows them to move and rotate together. |
Creating a New Part Within an Existing Assembly
To create a new part within an existing assembly, follow these steps:
1. Open the assembly in Onshape.
Locate the assembly file you wish to work with and open it in Onshape. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to edit the assembly.
2. Create a New Part Studio.
Within the assembly window, navigate to the “Insert” tab and select “New Part Studio.” This will create a new part studio within the existing assembly.
3. Design the New Part.
In the new part studio, you can design and create the new part. Use the Onshape modeling tools to sketch, extrude, and create features as needed. The part will be automatically linked to the assembly.
4. Save the New Part.
Once you have finished designing the new part, save it by clicking the “Save” button in the toolbar. The part will be saved as a separate file within the assembly.
5. Add the New Part to the Assembly.
To add the new part to the assembly, drag and drop it from the “Parts” panel into the assembly window. Position and orient the part as desired.
6. Save the Assembly.
Finally, save the assembly to save the changes you have made. The new part will be included as part of the assembly file.
Inserting External Parts Into an Assembly
Creating a New Part
To create a part from scratch, click on “File” in the top left corner of the Onshape interface, then select “New” and “Part Studio”. A new part file will be created.
Adding an External Part
To add an external part to the assembly, click on the “Insert” tab in the top toolbar, then select “Insert Part Studio”. A file explorer window will appear, allowing you to navigate to the desired part file.
Positioning the External Part
Once the external part is inserted, it will appear in the assembly with a default orientation. To reposition the part, select it with the mouse and use the “Transform” tools in the top toolbar to translate, rotate, or scale the part.
| Translation | Rotation | Scaling |
|---|---|---|
| Drag and drop the part, or use the arrow keys to move it | Right-click and select “Rotate” from the menu, or use the arrow keys to rotate it | Right-click and select “Scale” from the menu, or use the arrow keys to scale it |
When positioning the external part, it is important to ensure that it is correctly aligned with the other parts in the assembly. Use the snaps and constraints in Onshape to help you align the parts precisely.
Grouping Parts for Efficient Management
Onshape’s ability to create multiple parts in a single file offers significant advantages for managing complex assemblies. Grouping parts allows you to organize and manage your design with greater efficiency, making it easy to navigate and edit your model.
Creating Part Groups
To create a part group, simply select the desired parts and right-click. From the context menu, select “Group” and provide a name for the group. Alternatively, you can use the “Group” button in the Part Studio toolbar. Groups can contain both parts and sub-assemblies.
Organizing Part Groups
Part groups can be organized within a hierarchical structure to reflect the relationships between different components. By nesting groups within each other, you can create a more logical and intuitive design tree. To nest groups, drag and drop the desired group onto another group, or use the “Parent” and “Child” options in the context menu.
Manipulating Part Groups
Part groups can be manipulated as a single entity, allowing you to move, rotate, or scale multiple parts simultaneously. This greatly simplifies the process of aligning and positioning components. You can also hide or unhide groups to temporarily remove them from view, making it easier to focus on specific areas of your design.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Move group | Right-click and drag |
| Rotate group | Ctrl + Right-click and drag |
| Scale group | Shift + Right-click and drag |
| Hide group | Right-click -> Hide |
| Unhide group | Right-click -> Unhide |
Defining Part Relationships and Constraints
When creating multiple parts in one file, establishing relationships and constraints between them ensures that their geometries and positions are synchronized. Onshape provides various types of constraints and relationships that allow precise control over the assembly:
Concentricity
This constraint ensures that the axes of two cylindrical or spherical features are aligned. It maintains a fixed distance between the centers of the features.
Coincidence
A coincidence constraint aligns two surfaces or edges, ensuring that they share the same geometric position. It prevents relative movement between the components.
Distance
The distance constraint fixes the distance between two points, lines, or surfaces. It allows for precise positioning and spacing of components.
Angle
This constraint defines the angle between two lines, planes, or edges. It ensures that the components are oriented correctly relative to each other.
Parallel/Perpendicular
These constraints ensure that two lines, planes, or surfaces are parallel or perpendicular to each other. They maintain the proper alignment and orientation between components.
| Constraint | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Concentricity | Aligns axes of cylindrical or spherical features | Connecting wheel hubs to axles |
| Coincidence | Aligns surfaces or edges | Matching bolt holes between parts |
| Distance | Fixes distance between points, lines, or surfaces | Positioning gears with a specific distance between teeth |
| Angle | Defines angle between lines, planes, or edges | Setting the angle of a camera relative to the ground |
| Parallel/Perpendicular | Ensures parallel or perpendicular orientation | Creating parallel rails or perpendicular walls |
By utilizing these relationships and constraints, you can effectively define the geometric relationships between multiple parts in a single Onshape file, ensuring their proper assembly and functionality.
Linking Parts for Synchronized Updates
Once you have created multiple parts in a single Onshape file, you can link them together for synchronized updates. This means that when you make a change to one part, the other parts will automatically update to reflect the change. To link parts, follow these steps:
- Select the parts that you want to link.
- Click the "Link" button on the toolbar.
- A dialog box will appear. Select the type of link that you want to create.
- Click "OK" to create the link.
There are two types of links that you can create:
- Parent-child link: This type of link creates a hierarchical relationship between the parts. The parent part is the part that controls the other parts. When you make a change to the parent part, the child parts will automatically update to reflect the change.
- Peer-to-peer link: This type of link creates a non-hierarchical relationship between the parts. When you make a change to one part, the other parts will not automatically update. However, you can manually update the other parts by clicking the "Update" button on the toolbar.
Considerations when linking parts
- When linking parts, it is important to consider the order in which you link them. The parent part should be linked first, followed by the child parts.
- You can link parts that are in different assemblies. However, the parts must be in the same Onshape file.
- You can break links at any time by clicking the "Unlink" button on the toolbar.
Managing Part Revisions and Versions
Onshape manages part revisions and versions using a hierarchical system. Each part has a single active revision, which is the latest version of the part. Revisions are numbered sequentially, and each revision can have multiple versions. Versions are used to track changes made to a part over time.
Creating Revisions
To create a new revision, click the “Create Revision” button on the part’s properties page. This will create a new revision with the next available number. The active revision will become the previous revision, and the new revision will become the active revision.
Managing Versions
To create a new version of a revision, click the “Create Version” button on the revision’s properties page. This will create a new version with the next available letter. The active version will become the previous version, and the new version will become the active version.
Deleting Revisions and Versions
To delete a revision, click the “Delete” button on the revision’s properties page. This will delete the revision and all of its versions. To delete a version, click the “Delete” button on the version’s properties page. This will delete the version but will not affect the revision.
Restoring Revisions and Versions
To restore a previous revision, click the “Restore” button on the revision’s properties page. This will make the selected revision the active revision and will delete all newer revisions and versions. To restore a previous version, click the “Restore” button on the version’s properties page. This will make the selected version the active version but will not affect the revision.
Part History
The part history shows all of the revisions and versions of a part. To view the part history, click the “History” tab on the part’s properties page. The part history is displayed in a table that shows the revision number, version letter, and date and time of each change.
Revision and Version Comparison
To compare two revisions or versions of a part, click the “Compare” button on the revision’s or version’s properties page. This will open a new window that shows the differences between the two selected items.
Exporting Multiple Parts as a Single File
To export multiple parts as a single file, follow these steps:
- Select the parts you want to export.
- Click the “File” menu.
- Click “Export”.
- Select the “File Format” you want to export the parts as. Note some file formats might not allow for organized individual parts.
- Click the “Export” button.
| File Format | Description |
|---|---|
| STEP | Standard for the Exchange of Product model data |
| IGES | Initial Graphics Exchange Specification |
| Parasolid | High-end solid modeling software |
| ACIS | Solid modeling data exchange format |
In addition to the above steps, you can also use the “Export Assembly” option to export multiple parts as a single file. This option will export all of the parts in the assembly, as well as the assembly structure.
When exporting multiple parts as a single file, you can choose to export the parts as individual files or as a single file. If you choose to export the parts as individual files, each part will be exported as a separate file. If you choose to export the parts as a single file, all of the parts will be exported into a single file.
Working Collaboratively on Multi-Part Assemblies
Onshape’s cloud-based platform facilitates real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to simultaneously work on the same assembly from anywhere with an internet connection. Users can share permissions, assign tasks, and track changes, enabling efficient teamwork and streamlined project management.
Best Practices for Creating Multi-Part Assemblies
9. Establishing a Clear Assembly Structure
Defining a well-organized assembly structure is crucial for managing the relationships between parts and subassemblies. Use a logical hierarchy to group related components, create subassemblies for complex mechanisms, and employ descriptive names for parts and features. This organization simplifies assembly navigation, change management, and collaboration.
| Structural Layer | Example |
|---|---|
| Top-Level Assembly | Main assembly encompassing all components |
| Subassembly | Group of related parts, such as a gearbox |
| Part | Individual component, such as a gear |
| Feature | Specific geometric feature within a part, such as a hole |
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Part Creation in Onshape
10. The Part Studio is Unable to Open:
If you encounter this issue, there could be several reasons:
a) Insufficient Permissions: Ensure that you have the required editing permissions for the part. Contact the part owner or administrator to grant you access.
b) Corrupted Part File: The part file may have become corrupted or damaged. Try creating a new part file and copying the contents of the original file into it.
c) Browser Incompatibility: Make sure you are using a supported browser for Onshape. Check the Onshape website for the recommended browser requirements.
d) Internet Connectivity Problems: Verify your internet connection and ensure that you have a stable connection to Onshape’s servers.
e) Loading Time: Large parts with complex geometry may take time to load. Be patient and wait for the loading process to complete.
f) Graphics Card Issues: Check if your graphics card is up-to-date with the latest drivers. A dedicated graphics card is recommended for optimal performance.
g) Firewall Restrictions: Configure your firewall settings to allow communication with Onshape’s servers. Ensure that ports such as 443 and 80 are open.
h) Browser Extensions: Disable any unnecessary browser extensions that may interfere with Onshape’s functionality.
i) Contact Onshape Support: If you have tried all the above troubleshooting steps and still cannot open the part studio, reach out to Onshape support for further assistance.
How To Create Multiple Parts In One File Onshape
1. Open Onshape and create a new document.
2. Click on the “Insert” tab and select “Part”.
3. A new part will be created in the document. You can now add features to the part by clicking on the “Features” tab and selecting the desired feature.
4. To create a new part in the same document, click on the “Insert” tab again and select “Part”.
5. A new part will be created in the document. You can now add features to the part by clicking on the “Features” tab and selecting the desired feature.
6. You can continue to add parts to the document by repeating steps 4 and 5.
7. To save the document, click on the “File” tab and select “Save”.
People Also Ask About How To Create Multiple Parts In One File Onshape
Can I create multiple parts in the same Onshape document?
Yes, you can create multiple parts in the same Onshape document. To do this, click on the “Insert” tab and select “Part”. A new part will be created in the document.
How do I add features to a part in Onshape?
To add features to a part in Onshape, click on the “Features” tab and select the desired feature. The feature will be added to the part.
How do I save an Onshape document?
To save an Onshape document, click on the “File” tab and select “Save”. The document will be saved to your computer.
