topic Re: Question about imates in Inventor Forum

Question about imates

rstone — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:03:26 GMT

What would be the best way to accomplish the following task:

i want insert multiple subassemblies into a top level assemby and have them automatically locate to ajustable locations.

I think imates would be a good choice but would need an adjustable template that has matching imates

i am not sure how to create the adjustable assembly

Re: Question about imates

Frederick_Law — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:18:15 GMT

iMate are not "adjustable"

You can have multiple iMate in assembly which the sub-assembly can match to.

User select which iMate to use.

Define your "adjustable".

I have parts with different size with iMates.

The parts will have different size. iMates will match with correct parts.

Re: Question about imates

rstone — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:49:58 GMT

i design electrical substations (ie. Transformers, regulators, switches, etc). All substations have very similar components in them. They are spaced out different and turned different. i was wanting to create a starter template for new guys to use that had some locations identified ( transform location, regulator location, etc) and have something there that could be attached to. Then in each component (subassembly or part) there would be an imate that could be used to easily turn the component the correct way and still be adjustable

Re: Question about imates

Frederick_Law — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:00:13 GMT

Don't think it'll work as you want.

iMate will match with any iMate of the same type.

ie a flush iMate will match with any flush iMate. Even if you name them differently.

Once it's matched, you can't change anything. You can delete and match again.

Re: Question about imates

rstone — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:02:16 GMT

Any ideas of the best approach to this task

Re: Question about imates

Frederick_Law — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:24:32 GMT

You can make simple assembly and parts to try.

Hard to see what you need to do.

What limitation are there.

Which need to fit what.

Re: Question about imates

rstone — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:54:17 GMT

Thank you for the information

Re: Question about imates

johnsonshiue — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 23:50:45 GMT

Hi! I guess it depends on what "adjustment" is needed. If you want to mate one face to another conditionally, tweaking the iMate match list or use iLogic Name Face might help.

Please share a simple example that illustrates the request. The forum experts can help take a look to understand it better and propose a feasible solution.

Many thanks!

Re: Question about imates

Frederick_Law — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 23:57:57 GMT

You can have 4 set of iMates for 4 rotations in assembly.

User pick which one to use when insert part.