Copy Geometry VS Flexibility

[luiz.hnm]

Guys, with the objective of creating a project with sheetmetal parts of various sizes depending on variables, which is better: creating the project using skeleton and publish geometry, or working with flexibility and datum planes? From what I saw, publish geometry references all components in the skeleton, and there would be no way to generate flat files (necessary for .DXF for laser cut) for each part using family table. Would it be possible?

[kdirth]

Flexibility does not change the base part that you are applying flexibility to, only it's representation in an assembly.  Using a skeleton model should not affect the ability to flatten a sheetmetal part.

[luiz.hnm]

Yes, but with skeleton the base part will be changed, and there is no dimension to select for create a family table, because parts will be referenced in the skeleton.

[kdirth · Accepted solution]

Your design intent will determine what design tools should be used.  Creating a part from skeleton references will limit your ability to use dimensions in a family table.  You can still turn features on and off,