Reference Part/Feature: Something between Hide and Suppress
There needs to be something between Hide and Suppress to remove a part or feature, yet maintain the association for constraints.
Mirror can not be used to create right and left hand variations of a part or feature because suppressing the original part/feature causes the mirror to loose contact with the original portion of the model when suppressed. With a right click option of “reference”, the original would be removed like suppress, yet would continue to be evaluated for constraints and the like as if it were only hidden. Yet, it would be better than hide, as it would not publish with Modelpress, nor be included in the Bill of Material (as if it were suppressed).
When creating a rectangular frame construct, if the two end pieces were suppressed, any constraints that are on the suppressed parts that locate the other parts would not be in effect. With a “reference” option, the reference parts would still maintain a valid locating constraint to the non-reference parts.
Reference parts could be used in multiple parts and assemblies to determine the location of parts or features, and even the dimension or features (using projected geometry). This technique could allow global parameters to be shared amongst parts and assemblies as the size of the reference part would be shared.
There would be many other uses, and I encourage others to think about the value of this option and post their ideas and improvements for this ability.
There needs to be something between Hide and Suppress to remove a part or feature, yet maintain the association for constraints.
Mirror can not be used to create right and left hand variations of a part or feature because suppressing the original part/feature causes the mirror to loose contact with the original portion of the model when suppressed. With a right click option of “reference”, the original would be removed like suppress, yet would continue to be evaluated for constraints and the like as if it were only hidden. Yet, it would be better than hide, as it would not publish with Modelpress, nor be included in the Bill of Material (as if it were suppressed).
When creating a rectangular frame construct, if the two end pieces were suppressed, any constraints that are on the suppressed parts that locate the other parts would not be in effect. With a “reference” option, the reference parts would still maintain a valid locating constraint to the non-reference parts.
Reference parts could be used in multiple parts and assemblies to determine the location of parts or features, and even the dimension or features (using projected geometry). This technique could allow global parameters to be shared amongst parts and assemblies as the size of the reference part would be shared.
There would be many other uses, and I encourage others to think about the value of this option and post their ideas and improvements for this ability.