Alternative Representation (ALT REP, ALTREP)

[Recon1775]

I can't seem to locate much on the process of using alt reps for parts or even assemblies.
I'm considering using the alt rep to show a model in a manufacturing condition as a part missing specific items that would later be machined at the assembly level.
The master part contains all the features as if it was completed and installed. The alt rep shows the part in the state before installation.

How does the alt rep function work?
Is the non-master file somehow linked to the master version of the model?
If I create a drawing off the alt rep version to depict the detail part before being assembled and I update the master model how do I drive those changes to the alt rep version of the file so the drawing updates with the new changes?

Thank you for anyone able to enlighten me on this subject.

Using NX 9.

 

[rdln]

I am also looking for info on altreps but I can say that wave linking the finished/installed body to the previous state non masters does work. I just tried to release the I/R and then opened an altrep and the altrep is still modifiable!!! Anybody have an answer for the that?

Thanks, Steve.
TC10/NX9

 

[Recon1775]

Yeah I tried that and it worked out nicely. Even if you don't have the very expensive Wave Linking license you can assemble the master to the non-master (ALT-REP) to drive the wave link. The best part is Teamcenter doesn't see the non master as an assembly even though it has the master installed as a component which appears to be intended functionality.

After I got that wave link created to link to the master I used the synchronous modeling to modify and delete features to represent the unfinished version of the master model. Now I'm driving the drawing using the non-master (ALT-REP), but also have the master as a component of the drawing, it just doesn't drive any views, to ensure it's dragged along for the final release of both models.

When you say you tried a release and the ALT-REP is still modifiable is Teamcenter not releasing the ALT-REP along with the master?