Guys ...
I'm new to Inventor macros (using IV2010).
I don't know VB.
I did a little LISP in past years, but it's difficult b/c I'm not a 'man of word' so to speak.
But, I need to automate some tasks on multiple files (200+ ipt's and a few iam's).
The best solution, if I was in Autocad, would be LISP.
Am I correct in assuming the best solution in Inventor is Macros?
If so, is there any hope for me learning it in a few hours and writing a simple macro that will operate on multiple files that are on disk?
If not, then is there any hope for me learning it in a few hours and writing a simple macro that I can use on a file-by-file basis after opening each file?
Here's what I want to accomplish:
I have to assign Iproperty names to dimension tags so that a BOM in an idw will populate.
I have someone else's assembly, which was not created the way I do, so that it won't register in the BOM each part's size dimensions.
My customary iprop BOM tags are the same as Inventor's defaults:
G_L=length
G_W=width
G_T=thickness
G_D=diameter
I just need to get them into each part.
Unfortunately, each part file has different dim tags assigned to the target dimensions.
For example: d1 may be G_L in one part, but it may be G_D in another part, but it may not even matter in another part (like a sheet metal part).
This is what I've been doing, which is giving me wrist and hand pain on account of the persistent repetitive use of the same keys and mouse motions:
1. standard part: dimension display=expression (default was tolerance in every part);
2. standard part: right click the base feature to 'show dimensions' (so I can see which dim tags i need to change in the parameter's dialogue);
3. standard part: open 'parameters' dialogue, and assign BOM tags to the correct dim tags (i.e., G_L ... etc per above).
4. standard part: some parts need a 'user parameter' in the 'parameters' dialogue box b/c the G_L or G_W is a composite/equation of 2 or more dimensions (like lift eye is a box with full radius arched top)
5. sheetmetal part: same as above, except for length or width (depending on where the bend occurs) open the 'iproperties>custom> tab and create the appropriage BOM tag such as:
G_L
Text
=
cm
6. I also want a macro that adds all of the above custom iproperty colums to an iam BOM, so I can check to make sure I didn't miss any dim tags.
The BOM is already setup in a GA idw file, so all that needs be done is fix every part.
That's a LOT of repetitive work to do to 200+ files.
It's even more work to do 'in a rush' ... b/c it is needed 'yesterday'.
Thanks for your suggestions ... Chris
Edited by: cadman777 on Apr 16, 2010 8:37 AM
... Chris
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