Clone Part

3-D Standard > Clone

You can use this function to copy parts that you use frequently in the drawing. These copies, which are produced from the original by moving, rotating, moving or a similarity transformation, are called clones in HiCAD.

The following transformation types are available:

The Move, Rotate, Mirror and Scale options work in the same way as the corresponding Transform functions.

Proceed as follows:

Choose the transformation type.

In the dialogue window, make the necessary inputs.

Number

Number of copies to be drawn including the original. In other words, if you want to create 3 copies of the part, enter 4.

Union

The original and its clones are Boolean-unioned to one part. The name of the part is the name of the original.

Without superordinate part

The clones are created with the name of the original at the same level as the original. In other words, if the original is a main part, the clones are also main parts. If the original is a sub-part, clones are also sub-parts, namely at the same level as the original.

In both cases, you can address and process original and copies separately. Note, in this context, the information on referencing parts.

Create superordinate part

A new dummy part called GROUP, to which the clones and the original part are subordinate, is created. The clones are assigned the name of the original part.

Create assembly

A new assembly called GROUP, to which the clones and the original part are subordinate, is created. The clones are assigned the name of the original part.

Click Continue.

Then follow the corresponding function dialogue, in the same way as for the transformations.

Please note:

If you copy the 3-D parts with bores for boltings, the copies also retain the bores. You cannot make subsequent changes to these bores in the copy, only delete them. This affects the Clone part and Copy to HiCAD clipboard functions in the ICN.

If 3-D parts with bores for boltings are cloned within a drawing and the bolts are not sub-parts of the part, the bores for boltings are deleted. If parts are copied to another drawing via the HiCAD clipboard or via Save Part/Load Part, the prompt Copy bolting holes without bolting parts? is displayed. You can then only delete the bores for boltings. Other changes are not possible.

Referenced main assemblies can no longer be cloned. If you try to clone a referenced main assembly, HiCAD will display an appropriate error message. When you clone a non-referenced main assembly, the clones will be placed as normal assemblies below the main assembly. In this case, there will be no difference between the settings "Without superordinate part" and "Create superordinate part".

If a planar sketch is cloned, the copies will take over the purpose of the original.

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