Hi Guys,
Just wondering if there is an easier way to assemble a model from part files. For example if I want to put a bearing in a wheel and then put that wheel on a bolt and so on...
I have had some success, but it take a lot of time to put the parts together and know they are correctly orientated. Hope this makes sense. Maybe MOI is the wrong software for doing things like I am trying to do, but it looks like there are a lot of people using it to make very complex models.
Thanks!
Erik

Hi Erik, well there are various tools you can use like Transform > Move, Transform > Rotate, Array, Orient, Align, ... You'd usually use snaps during those tools to ensure precise alignment.

Maybe if you could be even more specific and post 2 part files that you were wanting to align that would help to answer with a concrete example.

But it can be easier to just model things directly in place right from the start rather than working with totally separate files unless you've got a very complex project. I think that's what most people do in MoI.

But yes, many MCAD programs that are more focused on production mechanical engineering design like SolidWorks, Solid Edge, etc.. are quite a bit more refined in this area so you may want to look at a tool like that instead of MoI for this type of use. MoI is instead more focused on trying to make modeling a base shape to be fast and fluid without as many hoops to jump through, it's not really intended to be a total replacement for a production MCAD program for highly complex manufactured assemblies containing a high part count.

The downside of the "heavy duty" MCAD programs is that you will usually be going through a lot more steps to create your model in a more formalized way which is part of what adds to their overall high learning curve and complexity but part of those additional steps can be used for part assembly as well. But it sounds like that type of process may meet your needs better than MoI.

- Michael

Use copy and PastePart to assemble.......

Select and control+C a part.
Hit tab and type PastePart
(or make a shortcut for it)

Assembly of already made parts.

The technique I have been using which is working well.

I create a wireframe skeleton which I then create by parts around with same portions of the wireframe which I then use orient to put into position. AS moi opens instantly I have 2 moi windows open one with my assembly bound to the wireframe and then I copy and paste the part or wireframe working in the empty moi window viewing extents only. I then copy the part and it skeleton back in.

I have used Solidworks for many years and I have been using MOI for assemblies for some time and must say I am completing the job in same or less time - less files to manage and less mouse maneuvers. Same output as most manufacturing facilities accept STEP files the output is the same. Workflow is great. I still import my final 3dm files into SOLIDWORKS for its drawing sheets if required thats a hard one to beat.

I present my MOI files with SIMLABS 3d pdf and the clients love it WYSIWYG presentation with just a few clicks.

Here is 3d PDF created in MOI exported to SIMLABS - even the sheetmetal part is created in MOI once you know the steps of SHEETMETAL protocol radius's and allowances - I imported the part into SOLIDWORKS sheetmetal and unfolds perfectly.

Here is 3d PDF from MOI you need ACROBAT VIEWER to view correctly.

cheers

hi Alex

Using copy and paste on Skeleton with 2 screens is a good idea.
Simple and efficient !

Thanks for sharing

Chri

Hi AlexPolo,

I wish to thank you for your very interesting post!

> I create a wireframe skeleton which I then create by...

It's a very smart technique, similar to that used by Chipp Walters for his Kitbash libray,
but here in a bigger scale.

> I have used Solidworks for many years...

There is no denying that working with high-end Cad/Cam can give a wider point of view and a smarter mind.

Thanks a lot also for the 3d pdf!

Nice day,

- Marco (mkdm)

Hi Alex, definitely a great technique to build around common frames of reference like that, thanks for sharing!

- Michael

Taking MOI forward into assembly use for manufacture as a serious toolset it would be highly handy when exporting that the selected object name becomes the preselected filename I am doing this manually and works well but when managing lots of parts with similar names a typo could mean wrong order qtys for that part.

Just a wish item for V4 moi.

PS I am using the cutlist script to prepare BOM that also works 90% but if that tool was polished a little further MOI is a serious contender in assembly based manufacture.