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Published on   March 25, 2025 ,  by Philippe ROSSIGNOL

Assembly duplication in SmartProperties

In this tutorial, discover the assembly duplication function with SmartProperties
myCADtools

In an increasingly demanding design environment, myCADtools continues to innovate to simplify the lives of designers and engineering departments. Version 2025 SP0 introduces a new feature to SmartProperties: assembly duplication. This breakthrough opens up new perspectives for efficiently managing your projects while maintaining impeccable organization.

Simplified, intelligent duplication

👉myCADtoolsis a suite of tools applicable to SOLIDWORKS. It is included in the myCADservices Premium subscription.

The need to duplicate a complete assembly often arises, whether to create variants or reuse existing designs in new projects. With this update, SmartProperties integrates an intuitive solution to perform this operation while :

  • Managing the properties of each duplicated component.

  • Optimizing naming to avoid conflicts and ambiguities in your files.

Step 1

Here are the detailed steps to take advantage of this new feature:

1. Select the assembly to be duplicated:

In SOLIDWORKS, open the assembly you wish to duplicate.

2. Launch SmartProperties:

Activate the SmartProperties tool and access the duplication functionality via the configuration mask.

3. Select the automatic renaming option:

Activate the "Rename automatically" option to generate unique names and avoid any ambiguity in your files.

4. Integrate ProjectManager preferences:

Define the favorite that will allow you to name and structure the new assembly directly in the corresponding project. Also determine which properties are to be retained, modified or added to duplicated components.

duplicate-assembly-smartproperties

5. Fill in your information: Enhance your properties in the SmartProperties mask to define a new project.

solidworks assembly mycadtools

6. Validate duplication: Start the process and let SmartProperties create a complete, organized copy of the assembly.

7. Check and adjust: Once the duplication is complete, open the duplicated assembly to check that it conforms to your expectations. You can adjust the properties if necessary.

Step 2

Synergy with ProjectManager

The heart of this new feature is the seamless integration of ProjectManager directly into SmartProperties. Here's how it works:

  • Intuitive configuration:

You define the parameters in the SmartProperties mask, choosing which properties to pass on to ProjectManager.

  • Automated renaming:

Thanks to the "Automatic renaming" option, you retain control over the BOM, avoiding duplicate names or errors.

  • Ready-made favorites:

Select your preferences in ProjectManager to save time.

Step 3

Wat is SmartProperties?

SmartProperties is a powerful tool designed to optimize the management of properties in your CAD files. It allows you to centralize and automate the assignment of properties, ensuring consistency and uniformity across all your projects. Whether you're working on single parts or complex assemblies, SmartProperties facilitates operations thanks to configurable masks, predefined naming rules and workflows tailored to your needs.

With this functionality, teams can save precious time by reducing manual errors and improving the traceability of design data.

Step 4

Czym jest ProjectManager?

ProjectManager is a tool that plays a central role in organizing and managing your projects. It allows you to structure your CAD files into well-defined projects, track revisions and prepare complete packages for transfer or manufacturing. With its pre-configured favorites, it adapts to your working habits and guarantees smooth execution of your operations, especially in combination with SmartProperties.

Step 5

Real-life use cases

Imagine you had to create a new project based on an existing design. With this feature, you can :

  • Duplicate the entire assembly in just a few clicks.

  • Automatically modify file names and properties to reflect the specifics of the new project.

  • Maintain a clear, logical organization for you and your teams.

Why adopt this new feature?

In addition to its ergonomics, this feature meets a real need for flexibility and time-saving. It allows you to concentrate your efforts on innovation and design, rather than on repetitive administrative tasks.

Don't let your tools get in the way of your creativity! With myCADtools 2025 SP0 and the combined power of SmartProperties and ProjectManager, take your CAD project management to the next level.

👉 Want to find out for yourself? Visit our online help!