How to Combine Features from two or more SOLIDWORKS Parts

If two or more SOLIDWORKS parts need to have their features in the same FeatureManager Design Tree, try inserting a Part into a Part and use the option to ‘break link to original part’ in order to combine features.

Inserting a SOLIDWORKS Part into a Part

From the Insert menu, select Part:

Insert a Part to combine features

Browse to the model that is being inserted, select Break link to original part:

Break link to original part

NOTE: The option to ‘break link to original part’ is available only when the Insert Part command is used; it cannot be accessed by editing a feature after the part is inserted.

What if there are Features with the same name?

SOLIDWORKS parts cannot have multiple features with the same name. Any features names in the inserted part that already exist in the receiving part are renamed automatically.

Features renamed automatically

The folder that contains features of the inserted part can be useful, especially in complex models, or it can be deleted.

Deleting the feature folder

How do I reposition an inserted part?

Inserted part is placed with respect to default planes.  In this example, it is hidden by the body of the receiving part.  Use Move/Copy command to position the inserted part as required.

Use Move/Copy command to position the inserted part as required

Mate the bodies

The part is inserted, visible and its features are in the design tree.

Features in the design tree

Learn more about SOLIDWORKS Combine Feature techniques

Take a SOLIDWORKS Advanced Part Modeling course from Javelin either live online or in a classroom near you.