Replacing CAD models to create program for similar parts

[[Ch...]]

I want to create programs for almost similar parts utilizing my existing program. In some cases I need to update the CAD file in the same program.

Going through previous posts, can I just
1. Delete CAD model
2. Load new CAD model
3. CAD Model Transformation as I did on original file
4. Do CAD Model comparison.

Or do I need to open a new program, import new model, CAD transformation and save this program temporarily. Then go back to the old program and load model.sab file from new program. And then do a CAD Model comparison.

Please help me out in identifying the right approach. Thank you.

[[Cr...]]

I do this often.
-I open my template program to pull in the new model (no need to save this program)
-Translate the new model so it's the same as the program.
-Save the model to the desktop or wherever you like.
-Delete model in program.
-Pull in new model
-CAD comparison

[[Je...]]

I do something similar to you, Craig, except I skip the template.

1. I pull the model into my program of interest.
2. Then I open CAD > Modify CAD Model > Hierarchy
3. I select the new CAD model in the hierarchy list.
4. Then I select the tab in that same window titled "Positioning" and rotate/translate my new model to match the old one.
5. Also, before step 3, I may extract features from the newly imported CAD model to help me understand how the to translate/rotate the CAD model.

[[Ba...]]

1) I change the Base Alignment name to new part name, and copy it.
2) File/Save as and paste copied base alignment name for the File name.
3) Screenshot orientation of model with 1st feature used in base alignment highlighted (in case I am interrupted)
4) CAD/View/Delete
5) CAD/CAD file/Load and select the file I need.
6) CAD/CAD file/Automatic Healing
7)CAD/Modification/Cad Model Transformation and move to the correct positioning.
Then apply all other dimensional/report changes needed.

I will try the other methods, this was just how I "figured it out" as it is just me here. If there is anything you all see with how I did it that would invalidate the program please let me know!!

[[Ch...]]

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Jeff, I tried to follow the above methodology. Everything thing looks fine till point 3. Then I select the tab in that same window titled "Transformation" and prepare to rotate my new model to match the old one. The preview shows perfect new positioning for the new part. But as soon as I click apply button, the new model is slightly tilted in two directions. Is it because it takes into consideration the actual base alignment values from the old program?

[[Ch...]]

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Hi Craig, In step 3 -Save the model to the desktop or wherever you like.

You mean CAD>SAVE the model in .sab format, and load it in your existing program?

Thank you.

[[Ro...]]

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Yes. And it's a problem/flaw, IMO. You'd have to reset the BA in the program to perfect or this can happen. Even deleting all the actuals won't solve it, because the BA offsets are stored in a separate file. If you are just translating and not rotating, sometimes you can get way with it. Rotation seems to be the thing that screws things up.

Craig has the easy solution. Just open a blank program, insert it, and transform it there. Save it as an .sab, delete the model in your new program, and load the .sab. CAD comparison and you're off to the races.

[[Ch...]]

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Thank you Robert for clarifying this out. This gives me a good pathway how to approach this. I will apply Craig's solution for now until a better solution is given by Calypso or someone else for that matter.

[[Cr...]]

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Yes, Sorry I wasn't clear. Within my template after I have done my CAD model transformation I go -CAD-CAD File-Save(I actually have this button on my toolbar because I use it so often) After the new model is Saved I go to the existing program, delete old model by CAD-View-Delete, then load new model by CAD-CAD File-Load. I will usually save as before making any changes just in case. I would hate to mess up the existing program.

[[Ch...]]

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Yes, Sorry I wasn't clear. Within my template after I have done my CAD model transformation I go -CAD-CAD File-Save(I actually have this button on my toolbar because I use it so often) After the new model is Saved I go to the existing program, delete old model by CAD-View-Delete, then load new model by CAD-CAD File-Load. I will usually save as before making any changes just in case. I would hate to mess up the existing program.
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Thanks for the procedure Craig. This will definitely help to create my programs more efficiently.