Copying objects between models

You can copy objects such as parts, instances, materials, discrete fields, and analytical fields between the models in a model database. Select ModelCopy Objects from the main menu bar to copy objects between models in the current model database.

You can copy the following objects:

  • Sketches

  • Parts (part sets are also copied)

  • Instances (part instances and model instances)

  • Materials

  • Sections (including connector sections)

  • Profiles

  • Amplitudes

  • Interaction properties

  • Discrete fields

  • Analytical fields

Related Topics
What is an Abaqus/CAE model?
Manipulating models within a model database

Context:

When you select part instances to copy, the corresponding part is also selected by default; you can deselect the part if it already exists. You cannot copy other individual objects, such as the assembly, loads, or steps; however, you can achieve a similar effect by copying the entire model to a new model and editing the objects in the new model. For more information, see Manipulating models within a model database. Dependent objects are not copied automatically when you copy an object between models. For example, if you copy a section, the associated material is not copied along with the section; you must copy the material in a separate copy operation.

If you are copying a part and the assembly context of the model to which you are copying the object is displayed in the viewport, the assembly will be regenerated only if an instance of the part being copied exists in the assembly of the model to which you are copying the object.

If you are copying a model instance and the target model contains an instance with the same name, the instance in the target model is first deleted and a new instance is created by copying the model instance from the source model. Any features, such as sets and surfaces, associated with the deleted instance are invalidated.

  1. From the main menu bar, select ModelCopy Objects.

    The Copy Objects dialog box appears.

  2. From the dialog box, select the model to copy objects from.

  3. Use the following techniques to specify the objects to copy from the selected model:

    • Click the arrow next to the desired object category. From the list of objects that appears, toggle the names of the objects of your choice. An object category is unavailable if it contains no objects.

    • Toggle the desired object category. This action selects or deselects all objects within that category.

    The check box next to an object category displays a black check mark on a white background when all objects within that category are selected. The check box displays a dark gray check mark on a light gray background if only some of the objects within that category are selected. You must select at least one object or object category to copy.

  4. From the bottom of the Copy Objects dialog box, select the model to copy the selected objects to.

  5. Click OK to copy the selected objects and to close the Copy Objects dialog box.

    Abaqus/CAE copies the selected objects. If an object with the same name already exists in the model to which you are copying the object, Abaqus/CAE asks for confirmation that you want to overwrite the existing object. Click Yes to All to overwrite all existing objects with the same name as the objects you are copying.