mirror dependencies..

[james.lynch]

if I have a feature, whichI have mirrored and haven't checked the "as Dependant" button, now I want to change the original feature and I DO want the mirror to update is this possible?

 

[arroyopr]

Hi James:


If is independant i'm afraid isn't possible. But if instead of using the features operation mirror/copy just make a straight mirrror.View attachment 1017


you probably know this, just in case.

 

[james.lynch]

yeah it was a straight mirror I used.. but under the options tab you have a little radio button to "copy as dependant" which is unclicked by default, I forgot to check it and it's part of a skeletal model which is referenced by many parts..


at the end of the day I can simply delete the miror and re create it then rereference the rest of the parts but I was hoping that I wouldn't have to! oh well!


James

 

[arroyopr]

Hey it's alright, That's one to put in the books. Remember it's all about design intent.
Edited by: arroyopr

 

[dr_gallup]

The Copy as dependant box is checked by default (at least with our default config settings). During a feature redefine it is possible to un-check it. However, in a subsequent redefine it is not possible to re-check it. Hello, PTC! I think it does not keep the reference to the original geometry when you un-check the box.

There are so many limitations in mirrored geometry & parts that I try to avoid the temptation to use mirror when ever possible. Frequently you can do the same thing with patterns which are more robust (but not without their own limitations). Sometimes you can just mirror the geometry in the section & use one feature instead of two.

In your case, you have to decide which is best, delete the mirror & start over, manually keep both the original & mirrored features in sync or possibly write relations to keep the mirrored dimensions the same as the original.

 

[james.lynch]

hmm..


it's not checked by default for me.. the joys of having a clued in Admin! something I miss dearly!


your right about the patterns, they are much more robust! it didn't actually take that long to start over this time.. it's just a pain!


it'd be nice to get it sorted tho'..


here's an idea.. why don't we start a new post ang get a list of enhancement requests together on a range of topicsand then get everybody together to submit them.. if a couple of hundred of us want something maybe they would sort it for future releases?


James

 

[skraba]

I think this "enhancment request list" is available under this forum's topic Pro/E Wish List. The only problem is nobody is probably sending this list to PTC.

 

[Isair]

Well I don't like using mirrors because of this kind of reasons, and I remember that when I was using dependent (in WildFire) Pro/E mirror feature but still was independent (

), so I started to avoid mirroring features.
James in you case you can simply connect dimensions of mirrored feature to original feature with relations (few clicks) and you got your problem solved

 

[scottm]

I still don't understand why you cannot ADD/DELETE references to a part that is mirrored without deleting the mirror first.


Annoying...

 

[magnusod]

If you mirror the complete part by clicking on the part name in the
feature tree and then click the mirror tool you can add or delete as
many features as you want before the mirror feature.

 

[Dell_Boy]

In your case, you have to decide which is best,
delete the mirror & start over, manually keep both the original
& mirrored features in sync or possibly write relations to keep the
mirrored dimensions the same as the original.

The problem with the relations route is you can only modify the master
feature where as in a true dependant copy you can modify either



A far better way than starting again is to set up mirror planes so you
can have the old independant feature and the new dependant feature on
the part at the same time and use Reroute Reference/All Children.



Once this is done you can suppress the old feature to check you have
truly got all the references and if you have, then delete it.





It is also possible to mirror many features via the feature/copy menu
and then manipulate the regen actions. If you can get this method to
work it is possible to "mirror" features that would otherwise be
impossible to mirror including attached sheetmetal walls and the
ability to create semi-dependant mirrors and patterns of mirrored features.



I know this is a gross simplification because the exact methodology
varies upon what you are trying to do but I assure you that it is
possible



DB


Edited by: Dell_Boy