Problem with saving an assembly as a part

[CBaker]

Hi! I'm currently using the SolidWorks 2010 package. I'm using it to model a simple crankshaft from a lawnmover. In order to do this, I first modelled the counterweight in one part file and the rest of the crankshaft in another part file. I then imported both of these files into an assembly, so that I could position them and save the assembly as one part file. However, when I tried to save the assembly as a part i.e.

http://help.solidworks.com/2010/English/SolidWorks/sldworks/ LegacyHelp/Sldworks/Parts/Multibody_versus_Assemblies.htm

I can't find the appropriate save as option, I can only save the assembly as either an edrawing or an assembly template.

I have tried to merge the two part files together by opening one of the part files and inserting the other part into it. However, when I do this I have trouble positioning the two parts along a common centre line or the parts are imported at a random rotation.

If all else fails I would settle for the crankshaft being an assembly of parts, however, I am also having trouble positioning the parts in an assembly (I'd like to move a construction line of one part to the centre of a face in the other part, or to a construction line in the other part).

Thanks in advance!

CBaker





Edited by: CBaker

 

[jimshaw]

Cbaker,


Is this a student version of the software? What you are trying to do is pretty straight forward, so it's hard to tell what's going wrong. As far as assembling them together in an assembly, you should be able to use any of the solid geometry or reference geometry (planes, axes, pts, etc.).


Can you send a screenshot to give us a better idea of whats going on? Also, and let this be a small lesson learned: single parts should be created as a single partwhenever possible...

Jim
http://www.linkedin.com/in/shawengineering

 

[CBaker]

Cbaker,


Is this a student version of the software? What you are trying to do is pretty straight forward, so it's hard to tell what's going wrong. As far as assembling them together in an assembly, you should be able to use any of the solid geometry or reference geometry (planes, axes, pts, etc.).


Can you send a screenshot to give us a better idea of whats going on? Also, and let this be a small lesson learned: single parts should be created as a single partwhenever possible...

Jim
http://www.linkedin.com/in/shawengineering

Yes, it is a student version of the software. In our computer lab some computers have all of the options available and some of them don't, like mine. I've had to do an assignment so I've been learning how to use the program very quickly and have answered my own questions. In the end I just created the crankshaft as a single part, in reality I don't think it would have been manufactured like this because the counterweight was made of cast iron and the rest of it was probably made from stainless steel.

 

[jimshaw]

Cbaker,


I'm glad to hear you have a working model, but I'm a little worried about your cast iron/stainless steel crankshaft... What makes you think it's made up of two-pieces? And what makes you think "the rest of it was probably made from stainless steel."?


Jim
http://www.linkedin.com/in/shawengineering

 

[CBaker]

Cbaker,


I'm glad to hear you have a working model, but I'm a little worried about your cast iron/stainless steel crankshaft... What makes you think it's made up of two-pieces? And what makes you think "the rest of it was probably made from stainless steel."?


Jim
http://www.linkedin.com/in/shawengineering

It's a crankshaft from an old lawnmower so it's quite a simple crankshaft. The counterweight is clearly made from cast iron, it's a dark grey colour, it's not shiny and its surface is a little rough. The rest of the crankshaft is clearly made from a different material, its surface is silver, shiny and smooth.