About Part Series

A part series is a group of part family members that share the same functionality and dimensions, but vary in appearance. A part series consists of a master part and its reference parts.

The master part is a part whose specifications, like CAD models and drawings, apply to the entire series. Reference parts are associated with a master part and reference its specifications. Users who have the role of Part Family Coordinator can assign master parts and add reference parts to them.

See Also
Part Series

The structure of the part series controls how specifications apply to its parts.

  • When a reference part is added to a master part, all previous specifications for the reference part are disconnected. The master part's specifications are copied and linked to the reference part. The reference part's new specifications appear read-only when accessed from the reference part.
  • The master part's specifications apply to all of its reference parts. All specification changes must occur through the master part and when its specifications are released, all the changes automatically apply to its reference parts.
  • When a specification is added or removed from the master part, the specification is also added or removed from all its reference parts.
  • When you remove a reference part from its master part, the reference part's specifications become editable and you can add new specifications to the part.

Change process rules apply to master and reference parts. Before being released, master and reference parts can be independently revised without a change process. Once a master part or any of its reference parts is released, you must use a change process to revise it.