Data Management Capabilities > Managing Part Structures > Part Structure Browser > Part Structure Actions > Managing Replacement Parts
  
Managing Replacement Parts
A replacement part may be used in place of the part specified by the design engineer. There are two types of replacement parts:
• Alternates — May be used in any assembly where the specified part is used. Alternates may be designated as one-way or two-way.
For example, a 1/4” x 20, grade 5 bolt may be used in any assembly where a 1/4” x 20, grade 2 bolt is specified. However, the grade 2 bolt may not be used wherever the grade 5 bolt is specified because it may not be strong enough. The grade 5 bolt is a one-way alternate for the grade 2 bolt. If the grade 2 bolt can be used wherever the grade 5 bolt is specified as well then the relationship is described as a two-way alternate.
• Substitutes — A part that may be used in place of the specified part in a specific assembly.
Continuing the previous example, a 1/4” x 20, grade 2 bolt may be used in place of a 1/4” x 20, grade 5 bolt in a specific assembly where the extra bolt strength is not critical. The grade 2 bolt is a substitute for the grade 5 bolt in the specified assembly.
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Note the following information about managing replacement parts:
• You can show and hide replacement parts in the structure, but it is not required to complete the Replace actions. For more information, see Viewing Related Information in a Structure.
• If the parent part is not checked out, when you select a Replace action, the parent part is checked out. You need to manually check in the part to commit the change.
Consider the following options for replacing a part.
Action
Description
Replace with Alternate/Substitute
Opens a window displaying the alternate and substitute parts defined for the current part. Select a part and click OK.
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When replacing with a substitute, the original child part becomes the substitute for the new child part.
Replace with Existing
Opens a window from which you can select an existing part to use as a replacement. Use this action for parts that are not defined as a replacement (alternate or substitute) for the selected part.
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This action is similar to a remove and insert existing action. It does not create a replacement relationship.
Replace with New
Opens the New Part window from which you can create the part to be inserted into the structure as the replacement of the selected part.
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This action is similar to a remove and insert new action. It does not create a replacement relationship.
For more information, see Replacing a Part with an Existing Part or Alternate/Substitute.