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Create an Assembly from a Weldment Part: SOLIDWORKS Tutorial

Working with multibody parts in SOLIDWORKS is common when designing structures. While it’s efficient to create the structure in part mode, at some point you may need to convert that multibody part into an assembly, particularly if you require an accurate Bill of Materials (BOM).


In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to easily save all weldment bodies as separate part files and create an assembly in SOLIDWORKS using the Split feature.



Why Convert a Weldment Part into an Assembly?

When you’re working with a structure that has multiple components, it's often faster to model everything within a single part as a multibody part. However, for manufacturing or assembly purposes, or to generate an accurate BOM, converting the part into an assembly is necessary. This process enables you to track individual components while maintaining the structural integrity of your design.


Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Assembly

1. Start with a Multibody Part

The first step is to create your structure as a multibody part in SOLIDWORKS. This method is ideal for quickly laying out your structure.


2. Use the Split Feature

To convert your multibody part into an assembly, you can use the Split feature. This tool can be accessed from the Insert menu under Features.

  • Select a splitting face: You can use any face from the part as a splitting face to cut all the bodies at once.

  • Assign names: You have the option to automatically assign names to each body, or you can manually give them individual names. This is essential for keeping track of each part in your assembly.


3. Create the Assembly

Once you’ve used the Split feature to separate the bodies, you can proceed to create the assembly:

  • Right-click on the split feature and select Create Assembly.

  • Choose a name and location for your assembly file.


4. Rebuild the Assembly

Once you’ve completed the previous steps, SOLIDWORKS will prompt you to rebuild the assembly. After rebuilding, your new assembly will open, consisting of all the parts generated from the original multibody structure.


5. Maintain Weldment Cut List Properties

Even after converting your multibody part into an assembly, SOLIDWORKS maintains the Weldment Cut List properties. This ensures that critical information related to your weldment components, such as material and dimensions, is retained throughout the conversion process.


Benefits of Converting Weldment Parts into Assemblies

  • Efficient BOM Creation: By creating an assembly, you can generate an accurate BOM for your weldment structure, detailing each component individually.

  • Streamlined Manufacturing: Having separate parts makes it easier to track individual components for production, especially if each component requires specific manufacturing processes.

  • Enhanced Flexibility: Assemblies offer greater flexibility in managing the design, allowing you to easily modify individual components without affecting the entire structure.


Watch the full video above to see how this process is done step by step, and remember to like, comment, and subscribe for more SOLIDWORKS tutorials!

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