What are some tips for creating complex assemblies in 3D modeling software?

An easy way of developing complex assemblies is to start with its sub-assemblies i.e. divide the entire system into smaller, somewhat isolated parts, then assemble them one at a time. I like to simulate my sub-assemblies as well but that isn't necessary. When you're satisfied with the working of individual sub-assemblies, start integrating them, one at a time. This process is lengthy but I've found that it gives pretty good results, at least when it comes to producing a working simulation of a 3-D model. I follow this plan while working on Solidworks and it has worked pretty well. However, it probably won't work if you want to follow the same steps to produce a physical system from your design. This is only for producing a software model.

Define Hierarchy: Establish a clear hierarchy for components. Group related parts together to simplify organization. Naming Conventions: Use consistent and descriptive names for components. This makes it easier to identify and locate specific parts. Modular Approach: Break down the assembly into modular components. This promotes reusability and easier troubleshooting. Constraints and Relationships: Define constraints and relationships between components to accurately represent real-world connections.

One way of planning the assembly structure and connections is to create a skeleton at the top level assembly. By skeleton I mean create reference planes,sketches from/on the primary planes and use any drawing tools to show where all the sub-assemblies will go, where and how they will mate etc.. Top level assembly should also have folder structure based on the number and type of sub-assemblies. So when the sub-assemblies are brought in the top level it’s easier to navigate and find the right assembly when needed. It would be helpful to keep similar or identical parts/assemblies in same folder. Once the skeleton is created bring in the sub-assemblies and either mate them to the skeleton or mate sub-assemblies how they are to assembled.

Use following steps to ensure creation of complex assemblies in 3D modeling software? 1. Make a Plan First: Sketch ideas before you start. 2. Begin with Basics: Start with simple shapes and keep building. 3. Keep Things Organized: Use layers or groups to organize. 4. Reuse Parts When Possible: Create parts than can be reused again and again. 5. Watch the Small Spaces: Remember to have a room for parts to move/ operate. 6. Save Your Work: Regularly save your progress. 7. Test How Things Fit: Regularly check if parts fit together. 8. Use Real-Life Rules: Apply constraints so that it resembles its real-life operation. 9. Get Feedback 10. Label Everything: Keep project organized by labeling 11. Keep Learning: Stay updated

Break it down into simpler sub-assemblies: Complex assemblies can always be broken down into simpler sub-assemblies. Some rough sketching and initial iterations can help to generate assembly disintegrating ideas. Division into sub-assemblies help to create simplified assembly tree structure with easy to locate parts. This also helps to point out and resolve errors in any specific component/sub-assembly without damaging the other remaining assembly.

Establish Templates: Begin by creating standardized templates for common components or sub-assemblies. These templates can include predefined features, dimensions, and constraints, saving time and ensuring consistency across your designs. Define Standards: Establish design standards and guidelines for naming conventions, part numbering, and assembly structures. Consistent standards make it easier for multiple team members to collaborate and understand the assembly structure.

True... Templates make ur process simpler... But many small scale organisation cannot have even time to develop them .. So designers still face trouble 😵💫

Using templates is a great way to ensure consistency in your deliverables and a quality product for your clients. Without a standard for your employees to follow, the client will never know who they are using, and you will appear to be unpredictable, and unreliable…amongst other things.

Using templates and standards in 3D modeling is like having a ready-made blueprint for your designs. Templates give you preset settings, like sizes and colours, while standards are guidelines for what your design should ressemble. This makes your work faster, helps avoid mistakes, and ensures your designs meet specific requirements. It's like having a helpful guide to make your 3D modeling easier and more consistent.

Develop standardized templates for consistent part creation and assembly practices. Establish design standards for components, streamlining the modeling process. Utilize predefined templates for common features. Implement standardized naming conventions for easy identification. This approach ensures uniformity, accelerates modeling, and enhances collaboration within the 650-character limit, promoting a structured and standardized workflow in complex assembly creation.

A very useful way to achieve this is to model parametrically if your modeling software will allow it. When modelling components or structures, assign the variables to the dimensions, that way when iterating down the road you can easily change dimensions from your list of parameters/variables and not have to manually change each and every dimension. This is especially useful for cases where multiple of the same dimension are used such as bolt patterns, or multiple components in the same group. If bolt hole sizes need to be changed or component sizes need to be changed, it's much easier to achieve this way. Your efficiency will improve.

A very useful tool for allowing flexibility in CAD design are the “parametric” tools available in most platforms. For SolidWorks, I use “Equations” which can be found in Tools. For Autodesk it is Parameters. It would also be useful to relate dimensions within a sketch, for example, if two lines in a sketch would always be the same dimension, you could either relate them to be equal always (SolidWorks) or simply click on that “parent” dimension to link it (Autodesk). By defining sketch relations defining “global variables” through Equations (SolidWorks) or Parameter (Autodesk) it enables the synchronous changing of dimensions across multiple components and assemblies, without the need to enter each sketch to manually modify the dimension.

An accurate modeling leads to accurate results. Providing accuracy along with flexibility is the key role in design. A complex model with no flexibility will consume vast resources to be remodified. For this purpose I suggest parametric design for it's flexibility and accuracy.

Plan Ahead: Before diving into the modeling process, plan your assembly hierarchy and relationships between components. This will save time and prevent issues later. Use Reference Geometry: Utilize reference planes, points, and axes to establish a consistent and precise framework for your assembly. This helps maintain accuracy across components. Parametric Design: Leverage parametric modeling features to make your design flexible. Use parameters and equations to drive dimensions, allowing easy adjustments.

Le paramétrage des esquisse peut être une solution viables et durables dans le temps pour avoir une flexibilité et permetre d'ajuster la conception suivant le besoins Travailler avec les publications peut aussi etre une solution Ou on peut avoir la liaisons entre des part sans pour autant alourdir l'assemblage

Simplify Representations: Create simplified versions of components for use in assemblies. These simplified representations can be less detailed versions that retain essential features, reducing the overall computational load. Use LOD (Level of Detail): Take advantage of level-of-detail features if available in your 3D modeling software. This allows you to display simpler geometry when working on the assembly and switch to detailed representations as needed. Suppress Unnecessary Features: Temporarily suppress or hide features that are not essential for your current task. This reduces the processing load on your computer and speeds up performance.

True... Use layers to hide unwanted parts... Use reference set Use controlled supression by Exp... Many many things ....hmm 🧐

A few tips: - Create Layers if necessary "rule based" e.g all fasteners can be in a layer. - If on Creo, Create Motion Envelope where relevant and substitute the assembly with the Motion Envelope. - If on Creo, Use "Shrinkwrap" parts (a surface set) as a substitute for assemblies - Use Zones and Simplified Reps - Use Skeleton Models (requires AAX License on Creo) and use Geometry Sets for downstream use

Assembly analysis tools are helpful for identifying and fixing errors. Prioritizing optimization methods ensures a smoother and more efficient 3D modeling experience.

A good way, as mentioned, would be to view in lightweight. To aid your workflow with this, plan your assembly well from the beginning. When you have your list of components it is good to use your BOM to plan how your components are grouped, then these groups are rearranged to be next to other groups it is assembled with. In this way you can better plan your subassemblies such that when it comes to the much larger and complex assembly of every component, you can make the minor subassemblies lightweight while you can interact with the major components. Using your BOM as a “map” of your subassemblies and their components can help you avoid the need to open the entire assembly and just view the specific subassembly needed.

True... Start making ppt from first day .. Start by keeping all pics of ur assy and details of it... It helps 🙂 u alot..... Work 💪 hard but if no use.....so pls prepare the documents that will help your future reference.

After a long process of modeling the assembly, the next step is to share the result with the team or clients. Simplicity is a key factor when presenting, the annotations and notes are important, yes, but when designing we can aim for a clear and understandable part or assembly using either different views or simulations. This comes from experience.

The final and most crucial phase in the 3D modeling process involves proficient communication. Which involves organizing email correspondence, crafting document presentations, delivering illustrative and graphical presentations, rough sketching, implementing GD&T is crucial for effective design communication. Collaboration with clients is pivotal, and it's highly important to create comprehensive Minutes of Meetings (MoM) and Scope of Work documents. Keeping track of layout versions not only saves time but also demonstrates professionalism and demonstrates focus on their projects.

Generate comprehensive assembly drawings with detailed views. Utilize exploded views to illustrate component relationships. Create assembly instructions and manuals for users. Leverage collaboration tools to share 3D models and design documentation. Maintain version control for accuracy. Regularly update documentation as the design evolves. This meticulous approach ensures seamless communication and comprehension of complex assemblies, facilitating collaboration and knowledge transfer

La documentations est un élément tres importants, La vision que j'en ai , c'est que si un client ou autre reçoit la documentation Elle doit répondre à toutes les question qu'il pourra se posser Avoir un indice pour chaque doc Pour suivre l'historique Avoir une nemenclature C'est les bases

When sharing CAD models with external clients, don't forget the importance of file types. OBJ and STL files convey the overall design as a surface model and can be viewed on most devices with minimal effort, such as the Windows 3D viewer. Be wary of sharing original files (.sldprt,.f3d, etc.), IGES or STEP files for detailed designs and assemblies before the project is concluded.

1. Establish a clear naming convention for components. This helps in identifying parts quickly and maintaining organization. 2. Use layers to categorize and toggle visibility of components. This simplifies the workspace, especially in complex assemblies. 3. Assign different colors to components or features to visually distinguish between them. This aids in quick identification.

I have recently started using Fusion 360 and have found the way it handles assemblies to be very good compared to traditional parametric assemblies. I'd recommend using F360. Peter

Start your first iteration as soon as possible , complex assemblies could be overwhelming and discouraging to start. your first iteration is just to break grounds doesnt have to be perfect .

Other things to consider is change management. With large files and multiple of them change is inevitable, so having a proper process to facilitate this is useful.