Autodesk Inventor

[#1]

It would be good if there was an option to export a bill of materials in word format (.doc) instead of just Excel, is there a way to do this in Inventor 2012 ?

[#2]

Anthony,

You can RC on the BOM and select export.  Then under the file types there is a .txt file

type.  These can be opened up directly inside of Word.

[#3]

Thanks yes I did see that option, it would be even better if there was a direct export to .doc option instead of this so that when the .txt file appears in Word there is no need to 'customize' the data to view correctly in Word. Maybe one for Autodesk to think about in the next release.

[#4]

You can't do it directly, but the option is available 'Under the hood':

Check out this example from Brian Eakins:

http://modthemachine.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/02/parts-list-with-thumbnail-image.html

[#5]

At least there is an option.  Might be your only one.

[#6]

I have another question: I have renamed some parts in the BOM list so as to enabel them to be grouped, the problem is I loose the thumbnial when doing this, can you advise on how to retain the thumbnail when renaming and grouping parts ?

[#7]

That makes sense to me. The Thumbnail comes from the part file. If you roll up two or more parts, how will Inventor know which one to take the Thumbnail from?!

[#8]

I am grouping exactly the same part so Inventor should retain the thumbnail image as it's the same part !

[#9]

Hi have a look at BOM Tools. I think it can do what you need.

http://www.mgfx.co.za/tools-for-inventor.htm