How to Export Bodies from Parts to Assemblies in SOLIDWORKS

Bodies in multibody parts can be converted into individual part files easily with the Save Bodies command in SOLIDWORKS.

The multibody part environment is a huge strength of SOLIDWORKS. The diverse range of features provided in the part mode means that you can gain fully detailed designs without creating an assembly.

Once you have created a multibody part, you may need to convert those bodies into assemblies.

In our case, we’re working with an injection moulded part casing, but you may also need to create animations, assign part numbers, or insert assembly-specific features.

Whatever your need, it’s easy to create an assembly from a multibody part in SOLIDWORKS.

HOW TO SAVE BODIES IN SOLIDWORKS

The Save Bodies command lets you export each body to its own part file, with the option to create an assembly from all of the selected bodies.

Before saving any bodies, prepare your model for the export.

To save yourself some time, it’s worthwhile renaming the bodies that you want to save out, as the name of the body is the default file name of the new part.

Under the Solid Bodies folder, click on a body and press F2 on your keyboard to rename each of them.

The Save Bodies command can be found by right clicking on the Solid Bodies folder, or via Insert > Features > Save Bodies.

Within the command you can choose which bodies you want to export by checking the tick boxes. Clicking the Save icon will select all of the bodies in the file.

Appearances can be propagated to the new part files by selecting the tick box. Leaving this unchecked will remove all appearances from the bodies in the new files.

To export bodies as an assembly, click the Browse button to locate the desired destination folder and name the assembly.

Clicking the green tick will then save the bodies as parts, and remate them into an assembly by positioning the parts relative to the assembly origin so they slot in at the correct place.

These new parts are created as derived parts, so an external reference is created between the new parts and the original master model. In the master model, the Save Bodies command is shown as a feature in the tree, maintaining a historical position.

This means that any changes to features created before the Save Bodies operation will alter the derived parts, but additional features created after the command was executed will not propagate through.

Hence, you may wish to use Save Bodies at the end of the design stage, or use the roll back bar to reorder features.

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