To Modifying a Block-Based Part

As your design develops and parts change, you can add new part sizes or modify existing part sizes using Content Builder. When you add a new part size, you are guided through the process step by step. When you modify an existing part size a tabbed dialog enables you to change only what you need to change. For more information, see Approaches to Creating Parts.

For each part size, you can change the 3D model block, schematic symbol, part behavior, view blocks, preview image, connectors, and property set information. You can use the same procedures that guide you through creating a block-based part to modify it. This section outlines how you can modify a block-based part and provides references to related procedures that you can use.

Modifying the 3D Model Block and Schematic Symbol

You can change the 3D model block of an individual part size. You can edit the existing 3D model block or create a new 3D model block for one or more part sizes. Changing the 3D model block requires that you regenerate the view blocks for the part size to ensure the correct display of the part in a drawing. For more information, see Creating a 3D Model for a Block-Based MvPart.

You can also change the schematic symbol that is assigned to the part size or attach a new schematic symbol. When you change the schematic symbol, you are changing it for all part sizes in the part family. For more information, see Creating a 2D Schematic Symbol for a Block-Based MvPart.

Note: All changes must be made in the part family DWG file stored in the part catalog prior to starting Content Builder. When modifying an existing 3D model block, modify the block stored in the part family DWG file. When replacing an existing 3D model block with a new 3D model block, delete the existing block and then add the new block in the part family DWG file.

Modifying the Part Behavior

You can change the part behavior that defines how the part is added to a drawing, including type, subtype, layer key, and insertion method. You can make changes to a single part size or to multiple part sizes. For more information, see Defining the Part Behavior of a Block-Based MvPart.

Note: Avoid making changes in the Behavior tab or page in the parametric part wizard unless you want to change the behavior of the part family. Any changes you make to the part family affect every part size for that part.

Modifying the Part Size Name and View Blocks

You can change the part size name and view blocks that are used to display a part size in a drawing. When you change the 3D model block of a part size, you must regenerate the view blocks based on the new model block to ensure correct display. It is possible to assign the same view block to multiple view directions, such as front and back, depending on the part symmetry. You can also manually create individual view blocks for a part size and attach them accordingly. For more information, see Assigning Part Size Names and Views of a Block-Based MvPart.

Modifying the Preview Image

You can change the preview image of the part size. In doing so, you change the preview image for all part sizes in the selected part family. You can regenerate a preview image based on a new 3D model block, or attach a predefined image. For more information, see Generating a Preview Image of a Block-Based MvPart.

Modifying the Connectors

You can add, delete, and edit the connectors of a part size. You can change the size, type, and location of the individual part size connector; however, the shape and domain are determined by the associated connector defined for the part family. When you delete a connector, you are deleting the connector for all part sizes in the part family. When you add a connector, you are adding a connector to all part sizes in the part family. For more information, see Adding Connectors to a Block-Based MvPart.

Attention: The size and shape of every connector for a part size can be different. However, the number of connectors must be the same for all part sizes of a part.

Modifying the Property Information

You can change the property information of a part size. You can add, delete, and edit custom properties for a part size. When you add a custom property, you are adding a custom property to every part size in the part family. You can modify custom property values as needed to enhance schedule data for the parts in your drawing. For more information, see Adding Property Set Information to a Block-Based MvPart.