Export of Component Families to 3D XML

Component families are integrated with 3D XML import/export functionality. In the Search result window, you can select a component family and use the export command.

This is going to export the component family specification and related product structures:

• The generic product structure
• The resolved family items product structures and their previous versions if need be.

You can export product structures including design table representations, and materials.

The created 3D XML files can technically be imported "as new" or "as reference", but it is not recommended that you import those briefcases "as new": the component families are generative tools designed to handle standard parts. If the 3D XML files are imported as new, it means that the imported product structures (that should be standard) is duplicated. Moreover, when importing as new, logical equivalences and versions links are lost: all imported references are independent and not logically equivalent. Component Family modeler uses both notions so the import result does not behave properly regarding rerouting, and versioning capabilities for example.

Important: when importing a component family as reference, this imported family is read-only. The component family resolution mechanism -which generates the component family elements- implies the modification of the family itself. So it means that it is not possible to resolve family elements that are not yet resolved on an imported as reference family. when exporting a catalog that references family elements: If the elements are not resolved, it is not possible to use them in the site where the catalog have been imported. If the elements are resolved, the elements product structures are exported as well.