Creating a part or model instance

To create a part or model instance, select Instance Create from the main menu bar and select the desired part or model from the Create Instance dialog box that appears. You can select from any of the existing parts in the current model or any of the existing models in the current model database. You can create multiple instances of the same part or model, but you cannot assemble instances of parts or models that were created in different modeling spaces (three-dimensional, two-dimensional, or axisymmetric).

See Also
Using the Instance menu
Working with part instances
Working with model instances

Context:

When you create the first instance,Abaqus/CAE displays a graphic symbol indicating the origin and orientation of the assembly's global coordinate system. This symbol is a datum coordinate system. If desired, you can hide it using the assembly display options; for more information, see Controlling datum display.

By default, Abaqus/CAE creates dependent part instances. A dependent instance is only a pointer to the geometry of the original part. As a result, many operations are not allowed on a dependent part instance; for example, you cannot add partitions, create virtual topology, or mesh the instance. In contrast, an independent part instance is a copy of the geometry of the original part. You can perform most operations on an independent instance; for example, you can add partitions, create virtual topology, and mesh the instance. You cannot create both an independent and a dependent instance of the same part. You can select a part instance from the Model Tree and change it from independent to dependent or vice versa. For more information, see What is the difference between a dependent and an independent part instance?.

When you create an instance, by default Abaqus/CAE positions the instance so that the origin of the original geometry aligns with the origin of the assembly coordinate system. When you create multiple instances, a new instance can be positioned over an existing instance. However, if you toggle on Auto-offset from other instances in the Create Instance dialog box, Abaqus/CAE translates each new instance along the X–axis until it does not overlap any existing instances. If the assembly is axisymmetric, Abaqus/CAE translates the new instance along the axis of revolution instead of along the X–axis.

  1. From the main menu bar, select Instance Create .

    Abaqus/CAE displays the Create Instance dialog box.

    Tip: You can also create an instance using the tool from the Assembly module toolbox. For a diagram of the tools in the Assembly toolbox, see Using the Assembly module toolbox.

  2. Choose Parts or Models.

    Depending on your choice, the Create Instance dialog box shows you a list of all the existing parts in the current model or all the other models in the model database.

  3. Choose the desired parts or models from the list. You can use a combination of Ctrl Click and Shift Click to select multiple items.

    A temporary image of the selected instances appears in the current viewport. Abaqus/CAE positions the temporary images so that their origins coincide with the origin of the global coordinate system.

  4. By default, Abaqus/CAE creates Dependent part instances. If desired, toggle on Independent to create an independent part instance.
  5. If desired, toggle on Auto-offset from other instances to offset the new instances.
  6. Optional: Use the Name text field at the top of the dialog box to name the instance you are creating.
    • If you do not specify a name, a name is generated automatically.
    • If multiple parts are selected, the name you specify is applied to the first selection. The other instance names are appended with the suffix “-1,” “-2,” “-3,” etc.
    • If you enter an existing name, Abaqus/CAE issues a warning in the CLI and generates a name.

  7. If you are satisfied that you have selected the correct instances, click Apply.

    Abaqus/CAE creates the instances and applies an auto-offset if selected.

  8. To create additional instances, repeat this procedure from Step 2. When you have finished creating instances, click OK to close the Create Instance dialog box.