How can I automatically add parts to an assembly based on existing geometry?

Anonymous — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 04:21:09 GMT

I am creating an assembly out of t-slotted aluminum profiles - basically nothing but extrusions of the same exact sketch, just different lengths. Problem is, they're assembled with special fasteners, like so

http://minitecframing.com/Products/Profile_Fasteners/T-Slotted_Fastener_Catalog_Pages/21.0020%20Power-Lock_SF_Short.html

and I'd really like a way to automatically place them when two profiles meet at 90 degree angle. Unfortunately those extrusions are not the only thing in the assembly, so I can't just use the fact that _any 2 things_ meet at a 90 degree angle. Is there a way to do this automatically? If with VBA/iLogic, could someone suggest some general pseudocode? Clearly I don't expect anyone to write the program for me, but a few hints would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Joe

Re: How can I automatically add parts to an assembly based on existing geometry?

mcgyvr — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 12:31:35 GMT

Well.. I would make the extrusion an ipart and then create an iassembly that includes that ipart of the extrusion and the special fasteners..

Then you simply drop the correct iassembly into your assembly and its already got the right length extrusion and the fasteners are already constrained to it. Just need to add the final constraints to locate the extrusion.

I also don't use frame generator so I'm not sure if it has the functionality you want built into it.. I believe many would be using the frame generator for something like that..

topic How can I automatically add parts to an assembly based on existing geometry? in Inventor Forum

How can I automatically add parts to an assembly based on existing geometry?

Re: How can I automatically add parts to an assembly based on existing geometry?