topic Re: Can I convert an assembly to an iassembly? in Inventor Forum

Can I convert an assembly to an iassembly?

c13intzUPK2K — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:54:06 GMT

Hello,

I'm a former Solidworks user moving to Inventor and trying to use iassemblies as a configuration equivalent. I understand how to utilize iparts the way I want and iassemblies the way I want, but what I want to know is if there is a way to convert a previously existing assembly into an iassembly.

I got a new job and my company has pre-existing assemblies, but did not use iassemblies to create them so there are unnecessary duplicate parts everywhere.

I have tested things out and I know I do not need iparts to create an iassembly which is great because I do not need to resave any part files. However, it seems like I cannot convert an existing assembly into an iassembly. Why would I not be able to do this if I don't need iparts for an iassembly? Is there a way to do this or would I need to completely remake any assemblies that I would like multiple members/part numbers (the equivalent to Solidworks configurations) in?

Thanks,

Chris

Re: Can I convert an assembly to an iassembly?

blandb — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:49:09 GMT

Open you assembly then just go to the Manage Tab > Author Panel > Create Iassy. You will need to replace the parts that are iparts with the factory component to get the table replace option to be able to pick and choose which instance you want to use for the component.

Re: Can I convert an assembly to an iassembly?

c13intzUPK2K — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:09:00 GMT

I just tried what you were saying with a new assembly and parts I know are not iparts and the option to change the assembly to an iassembly was there. I guess my actual issue is I do not understand why the old assemblies I'm looking at cannot be converted (the option is grayed out).

Is this possibly because I have iparts in this assembly and they would need to be replaced with regular parts before I can convert the assembly to an iassembly or could it be a different issue?

Is there an easy way to tell which parts are actually iparts?

Does anyone know why this can't be simpler?

Re: Can I convert an assembly to an iassembly?

blandb — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:16:06 GMT

Without seeing your assembly, not sure. But to know if you have iparts in your assembly look at this icon:

Even if I create an iassy, the option is not greyed out?

Can you share your assy via pack and go, or record a video to show what you are doing?

Re: Can I convert an assembly to an iassembly?

c13intzUPK2K — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 17:13:10 GMT

Unfortunately I can't share the model and, as I said, with a new assembly I do not have the issue. I'm trying to understand why currently existing assemblies cannot be converted.

I may just look into model states instead. I'm not familiar with the pros and cons to either, but I guess I'll find out.

Re: Can I convert an assembly to an iassembly?

johnsonshiue — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 20:32:38 GMT

Hi! If the assembly is in Express mode or it has non-Primary Model State, "Create iAssembly" command will be grayed out. Either load the assembly fully (Load Full) or delete all the non-Primary Model States.

Many thanks!

Re: Can I convert an assembly to an iassembly?

andrewiv — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 12:34:11 GMT

Since you are familiar with configurations in Solidworks, I would say that model states are a closer workflow to what you are used to. If there are reasons for using iAssemblies instead of model states that's fine, but I would start with model states if there is no clear advantage one way or the other.

Re: Can I convert an assembly to an iassembly?

c13intzUPK2K — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 12:52:57 GMT

Unfortunately that doesn't seem to help, the option is still greyed out. I tried deleting the model states and using the load full file open option. Would the issue possibly be that all subassemblies and parts need their model states deleted as well?

I've found some examples in our vault of using model states so I'll just be using those instead, but I would like to know the answer to this for future reference if anyone is able to help track down the issue.

Re: Can I convert an assembly to an iassembly?

johnsonshiue — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:40:29 GMT

Hi! If possible, please share the iam file here. I would like to understand the behavior better. It could be a corruption or a bug.

Many thanks!