Issue:

It is necessary to reuse an existing object in a newly created file. ZW3D offers four commands in the Data Exchange module: Copy Geom, External Part, External Sketch, and Reference.
 

What are the differences between them, and how to choose the right one?

Solution:

Copy Geom: Copies selected geometric objects from a source file into the current file.

  • Key advantages:
    High stability.
    Reference relationships can be added or removed at any time.
    Supports multiple geometric object types.
  • Limitations:
    Referenced objects cannot be positioned with full freedom.
    Sketch objects from .Z3SKH files cannot be copied.


External Sketch: Copies an existing sketch (.z3skt) into the current file.

  • Key advantage: Reference relationships can be added or removed at any time
  • Limitation: Only works with .z3skt sketch files


External Part: Copies objects from a source part or assembly file into the current file.

  • Limitation:
    Reference relationships are fixed and cannot be modified after creation
    All the objects from the source part/assembly will be copied.


Reference: References geometric objects from other components

  • Key advantage:
    Supports any geometric object type
    In Edit-In-Place mode, the references are more intuitive.
  • Limitation: Only available in assembly files when using Edit-In-Place mode.


Summary:

Command nameSupport file format

Referenced objects can be positioned freely

Reference relationship can be modified after creationIntuitive in Edit-In-Place modeBest for / Use Case
Z3SKH

Z3ASM/Z3PRT

Copy Geom×√⍻(There are limitations when positioning)√×Top-down design
(Most recommended)
External Sketch√×√√×Reusing existing sketch files
External Part×√√××Not recommended
Reference×√×√√Assembly design


CN Solution
JP Solution


★★How to distinguish External Part, External Sketch, Copy Geom and Reference in ZW3D?：https://confluence.zwcad.com/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=326926926

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