Multibody Parts Versus Assemblies

Multibody parts should not replace the use of assemblies. A general rule to follow is that one part (multibody or not) should represent one part number in a Bill of Materials . A multibody part consists of multiple solid bodies that are not dynamic. If you need to represent dynamic motion among bodies, use an assembly. Tools such as Move Component , Dynamic Clearance , and Collision Detection are available only with assembly documents.

You can save an assembly as a multibody part document. This enables you to save complex assemblies as smaller part documents to facilitate sharing files. For example, you have a design of an intricate motor assembly and a potential customer wants to know if it fits in their frame. You can save the motor assembly as a part document and send the part file to potential customers without risking design integrity or transmitting a large assembly document file.

To save an assembly as a multibody part document:

1. Open an assembly document.

2. Click File, Save As.

   The Save As dialog box appears.

3. Set the Save as type to Part (*.prt, *.sldprt).

   A set of options appears at the bottom of the dialog box.

4. Select one of the following:

   • Exterior Faces to save the exterior faces as Surface Bodies .

   • Exterior Components to save the visible components as Solid Bodies .

   • All Components to save all components as Solid Bodies .

Components that are hidden or suppressed are not saved when you select All Components.

5. Click Save.