So you thought Direct Modeling was just for parts?
Well, just as you get ultimate flexibility in part modeling and editing from Direct Modeling, you also get ultimate flexibility in your assemblies. Since different direct modelers handle assembly modeling differently, I will speak just about KeyCreator Direct CAD assembly modeling here. Feel free to add your own knowledge about your direct modeler below.
1. In KeyCreator you have a choice of creating assemblies as either flat (basic solids) or referenced assemblies. And KeyCreator can even read in assemblies using either method from other native CAD formats.
2. KeyCreator Direct CAD offers both level managed and reference managed assemblies. Level managed assemblies are very intuitive using very simple drag and drop part organization. This allows for ease in managing the assembly. And better yet, both methods can be used concurrently for the ultimate flexibility.
3. The file structure for assemblies is the same as the part file for KeyCreator Direct CAD. This keeps things very simple and easier to use than the rigid file/part hierarchy method of history-based modelers.
4. Referenced parts can be converted to flat solids and flat solids can easily be converted to referenced assemblies. Choose the method that works best for you or change to fit your needs.
5. Accessing and editing parts in an assembly is easy and will not result in complex rebuild errors of whether parts are referenced or not .
6. KeyCreator Direct CAD's ability to recognize patterns of parts allows the user to easily convert them to references on the fly or conversely break the references.
7. Mating and constraints are kept simple and will not cause rebuilding errors.
8. A referenced assembly can be burst down all the way down to its components or even solid bodies and then can be reorganized at will.
9. You can selectively view and open the components in the assembly structure.
10. The Bill of Materials (BOM) can work off of referenced assemblies or multi-body level managed assemblies.
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