different assemblies referring to same parameters?

[Storgaarden]

Hi

I am currently looking into parametric design, with more than one assembly included.

Is it possible to have more assemblies/parts reffereing to the same sheet of parameters? So parameters only have to be changed one place in order to change an assembly containing sub-assemblies?

I know I am able to make the sub assemblies as one .ipt, by using the "create new solid" in for instance a new extrusion. But this will mess with my BOM, from what I have experienced. And also if some parts needs to be different materials, it can't be done with the "create new solid" function in one .ipt, can it?

I also know that it can be done by creating a master sketch and derive it into other parts. But I have to get this done without using the derive function, as that is in the job description.

Is this at all possible?

If further information is needed in order to answer my above questions, please ask as I need an answer to this.

/J. Storgaard.

[JDMather · Accepted solution]

Link to parameters in a single spreadsheet.

[Storgaarden]

so all I need to do is make sure that the dimensions in the different parts in the different assemblies have the same name, and then put that into the spreadsheet? Can inventor/spreadsheet handle this? Basically I guess all the single parts in the assemblies have to link to the same spreadsheet. Is there a limit to how many that can be linked to the same spreadsheet?

But I will give it a go, thank you very much.

[JDMather · Accepted solution]

You could create all of your named dimensions in an Excel spreadsheet before even creating the first part.

I am not aware of any limitations on the number of parameters or number of linked files.

[Storgaarden]

From what I have experienced looking into this, if I figure out what file is the most "important" file, that contains the most important dimensions, I can use iLogic from that file instead of using a spreadsheet. I will just have to looking to if all of the critical dimensions are included in the backbone structure of what I am supposed to create.

Is it possible to make an autogenerator for .idw, that includes the critical dimensions listed in the main file or spreadsheet?

Thank you once again.

[PaulMunford]

You might find this presentation useful.
Excel is a powerful tool for creating paramedic formulas. The downside is that inventor has to load excel and thou might get a performance hit.

ILogic might also do what you need.