What is a virtual component in Solidworks?

How do I use virtual parts in Solidworks?

To make externally saved components virtual while inserting them into an assembly:

1. Do one of the following: …
2. In the PropertyManager, under Options, select Make Virtual.
3. Under Part/Assembly to Insert, select or browse to a component and click to place it in the graphics area. …
4. Click OK.

Should I save internally or externally solidworks?

By saving internally, you are keeping the files virtual, meaning the only place they exist is within the assembly file. By choosing to save externally you will be given the option to choose the path where the files will be saved (the default being where the assembly is saved).

How do I save virtual components as standard parts?

To save a virtual component: Do one of the following: Close an assembly that contains unsaved virtual parts or assemblies. Right-click a virtual component and select Save Part(in External File) or Save Assembly(in External File).

What is virtual sub assembly?

When you make a subassembly virtual, you can make all of its child components virtual at the same time. Conversely, when you save a virtual subassembly to an external file, you can save all of its child components to external files at the same time.

What are components in Solidworks?

SOLIDWORKS Video Tech Tips

Virtual components are used for assembly modeling in SOLIDWORKS and they are special parts because they are saved internally in the assembly file instead of in a separate part or subassembly file. This means they only exist inside the assembly and not physically on the hard drive somewhere.

How do you save a component in Solidworks?

In an assembly, in the graphics area or FeatureManager design tree, right-click a component or Ctrl + select multiple components and click Make Independent . In the dialog box, click OK when asked to save the component with a new name. In the Save As dialog box, type a name and click Save.

Can you save an assembly as a part in Solidworks?

To open the Save Assembly as Part PropertyManager: In an assembly, click File > Save As. Select Part (*.

How do I save external parts in Solidworks internally?

Search ‘Save As External Part’ in the SOLIDWORKS Knowledge Base.
…
Set the following options in the dialog box, and then click OK.

1. Save internally(inside the assembly). …
2. Save externally (specify paths). …
3. File Name. …
4. Path. …
5. Same As Assembly.

What is Envelope solidworks?

An assembly envelope is a special type of assembly component. Envelopes have two main functions. You can use envelopes as reference components and as selection tools. Envelopes are ignored in global assembly operations such as bills of materials and mass properties.

How does solidworks store parts?

SOLIDWORKS saves your virtual components in a temporary folder somewhere on your pc. When you save the assembly, the virtual models are stored inside the assembly. SOLIDWORKS then also deletes the files in the temporary folder. When you close the assembly, you close all virtual components as well.

How do I isolate in Solidworks?

Click View > Display > Isolate, or right-click and click Isolate. To isolate components that share a mate, right-click the mate in the FeatureManager design tree and click Isolate. Select a component to edit and click Edit Part or Edit Assembly .

What is a lightweight part in Solidworks?

You can load an assembly with its active components fully resolved or lightweight. Both parts and subassemblies can be lightweight. When a component is fully resolved, all its model data is loaded in memory. When a component is lightweight, only a subset of its model data is loaded in memory.

How do I create a part in an assembly in Solidworks?

Creating a Part in an Assembly

1. Click New Part (Assembly toolbar) or Insert > Component > New Part.
2. Enter a name for the new part in the Save As dialog box and click Save.
3. Select a plane or planar face (while the pointer is ). …
4. Construct the part features, using the same techniques you use to build a part on its own.

What is SpeedPak solidworks?

SpeedPak creates a simplified configuration of an assembly without losing references. If you work with very large and complex assemblies, using a SpeedPak configuration can significantly improve performance while working in the assembly and its drawing.