Custom notching in frame generator

[schnautza]

Yes, I've searched the forum and ran across this link with some instructions, but still couldn't figure out what I want to do.

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Autodesk-Inventor/frame-generator-notch/m-p/2193144/highlight/true#M28...

I have a large frame (beams and columns) made up of W shape structural steel. (10x19 and 10x26 mostly)

I need to create notches with some more clearance between the beams. Apparently you can create custom notch profiles, but I can't figure out how to do this with these members (normal content center beams) - everything I am finding is showing people creating custom beams from scratch.

Could somebody walk me through this? Ideally, I can create one notch profile and apply it to all the beams - because I don't want to create 150 different profiles. So is it possible to add a notch profile to existing content center members?

Here is my frame - there will be lots of notching at the beam intersections.

Here is an intersection - I would like at least 1/8" clear between the edges of the intersecting members.

[cbenner]

I have never tried this, so i can't really give a lot of advice on the subject.  However, I did find this in the wikihelp, that might at least get you started.  My apologies if you've already seen this.

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/enu?adskContextId=REDIRECT_IDD_NOTCH&language=ENU&release=2013&product=...

[schnautza]

Update - I didn't find a way to do this using the existing content center components - so I figured out how to make an iPart from scratch that can be sized to any W-shape beam, with a 1/4" clearance all the way around for the notch. Not really the route I wanted to take, but it's done now. It was a bit tedious manually typing in all the information for beam sizing parameters from W4's to W36's.

Now I have a new family in my content center - W shape with notch.

I'll probably do the same for channels down the road here. 

[cbenner]

Question:  do you use Trim/Extend before you do a notch?  Because trim/extend allows you to specify a spacing.  You could use trim first, put in your spacing, and then do athe notch.  Might save you all the custom iparts?

[schnautza]

I hadn't tried that because I think it wouldn't work - when you trim, it trims to a face. Problem with I beams is that you have the flanges sticking out - if you trim to the web, it is fine there, but the notch will still leave the flanges touching each other, which is not ok.

[cbenner]

Yeah... just tried it.  This is something that should be in the Idea Station I think, if it isn't already.  That should be an option without having to jump through hoops.

[schnautza]

I'm gonna put it there now, since nobody else is offering any input.

Thanks for your suggestions!

[cadman777]

I realize this is a decade later, but ...

Can someone explain this any more clearly?
Did he put the cope on the abutting beam or the main run beam?
If the former, did he create a part for every beam size?

Not sure what he did.

Thanx ...

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! The original post was dated 2013. It is a stretch to say it was a decade ago. I am not trying to say it is not long enough but let's stick to facts. It is true that some workflows in Inventor have not been further developed since they were introduced. Frame Generator can be considered one of them. Inventor is looking into these areas including Frame Generator workflows.

If I understood the request correctly, you are looking for a way to create an offset from the notch, right? If yes, this is indeed being worked on. If you are interested, please feel free to sign up Inventor Beta to get more information. Based on your signature, you are still on 2010, which is 9 years old now and is no longer supported. The new work will be in future releases, not ported back to old releases like 2010.

Many thanks!

[cadman777]

Hi Johnson,

Thanx for your input.

7 years, 10 years, what does it matter?
It's not "timely", which is all that matters.

No, that little 'trinket' (= offset copes) that everybody wants isn't even the beginning of what I need in the FG. Soooooo .... no point in 'wasting my breath' begging the investors to give me something that won't gain them any "gains, profits and income".

Meanwhile, I'm back to figuring out how to use Inventor 2010 to do what I need, even if my work-flow is "an abortion"!

Cheers ...

[fargherrob2JNRZ]

Has there been any progress on this from the AutoDesk Inventor team?  I too need to add larger coping space for welding the intersecting beams together.  Seems like a no-brainer that should be incorporated into the frame generator

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! We are indeed working on a solution to allow you to create custom notching. The solution will not be available on current and older releases.

Many thanks!