Prefered methof of splitting parts?

[skateboardkid]

I build furniture and do renderings using Modo.
I build all my parts in-context and need to split them and reassemble as only the assemblies save out as seperate parts in .lwo format.

I have been using the split tool and have found many limitations- SW 2004 crashes on any thing over 32 parts, for more parts I have to do multiple splits. Using the default "Body XX" for the file names it pulls the wrong parts all the time especially if more thatn one assembly is open.

Just recently I have found the "Save Bodies" option and have been using it because the assembly is automatically rebuilt, however if you do a bunch of generic names liek "cushion" and "frame" it can rebuild with the wrong parts if two or more assemblies are open.

Questions?
1. How many parts can I split using the "save bodies" option on 04?
2. How many on later systems Im upgradign to 08' soon.
3. Is there a batter way to get a multibodied part assembled without the file name confusion and program limitations of the methods I described?

AMD 4800 dual with 4gb corsair RAM and dual FireGl 5200's.
Edited by: skateboardkid

 

[SSLaser]

Why use split bodiesinstead ofjust creating an assembly of individually created parts?


If you were to do it this way, you could name a part "Rail" and have multiple configurations for different lengths. This way you'd always have the same file, and you could add a configuration every time you needed a new length (for example). You could have a separate filefor each profile needed, etc. for example, "Rail, 1" "Rail, 2" or something descriptive that works for you.


I say all this without knowing how Modo works...


Peter

 

[skateboardkid]

That is good advice for something that is not very complicated. However the curves and shape profiles that most furniture is made of can be a nightmare if you try to design a complicated piece of furniture as seperate parts. Even bordering on impossible with the shape of some seat cushions. And things like fully modeled executive chairs with the syncro tilt adjust module can easily be 40+ parts. And you have to assemble all the seperate parts which takes even more time. I do it all in context, savebodies and the Assembly is already built!
I figured out how to avoid the file confusion thanks.

Save bodies lets me save every solid body with its own name and then I can use those to rebuild different configurations. So I figure I have to be very descriptive with the names and I don't get the file association problems I was gettign with "cushion" and "frame" body names.

 

[skateboardkid]

I build furniture so we rarely use the same parts, and near everythign has got to be custom tooled so even the feet change pretty radically from design to design.