Blocks in Parts and Assemblies
You create blocks from single or multiple sketch entities. Blocks enable you to:
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Create layout sketches using a minimum of dimensions and relations.
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Freeze a subset of entities in a sketch to manipulate as a single entity.
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Manage complex sketches.
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Edit all instances of a block simultaneously.
You can also use blocks in drawings to save drawing items such as standard notes, label positions, etc.
Applications
Include:
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Sketch layouts using relations between blocks to create motion with mechanical devices such as cranes.
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See Layout-based Assembly Design.
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Arranging components using blocks as simplified representations of components.
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Tools
You can add relations between sketch entities within the same block, but not to external sketch entities.
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Insert Block . Create multiple instances of existing blocks or browse for blocks to retrieve blocks in parts, assemblies, or blocks.
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Add/Remove . Adds or removes sketch entities from a block.
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Rebuild . Rebuilds and updates parent sketches by the block.
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Save Block . Saves and adds an .sldblk extension.
Exploding one instance of a block only affects that instance of the block.
Capabilities
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Create blocks using 2D sketches or 2D sketches on 3D sketch planes.
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Combine imported 2D blocks with 2D sketches created on 3D sketch planes.
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Import blocks saved in 2D into a 3D sketch.
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Pre- or post-select entities to include in the block.
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Select blocks to view existing relations, add new relations, etc.
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Mirror, scale, or pattern blocks.
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Add a Traction relation to create relative rotation constraints between blocks.
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Create nested blocks (blocks within blocks).
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Convert or offset entities from within the same block.
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Convert entities from another block.
If you use another block with convert entities, the resulting geometry is not associative to the original geometry.