OK, this is the option I am familiar with as well. I was hoping to get away from having to create more CAD for something that has no geometry change and no structural differences. My guess is that this kind of functionality just doesn't exist. It'd be nice if there was a WTPart family table function where the main WTPart could be the owner link a single CAD/Drawing to get the attributes/visualization for the family but other instances could have their own part number to represent different materials for that part and push to ERP.
Nevertheless, this was a good sanitiy check. Thanks Keir, hope all is well up north!
Cheers,
Steve