topic Re: User Defined Features and 3D Notes in Inventor Forum

User Defined Features and 3D Notes

eldin — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 18:11:53 GMT

I'm a former Creo user . I used to design manifolds and valve blocks.

I created my own UDF (holes and cavities) which had its 3D note on it.

3D notes had all parametric data needed to define the hole (or cavity)

After finishing my part I would create a 2D drawing and all part's 3D notes would appear automatically on the 2D-drawing.

That was not a standard in Creo but something that we created our self.

It made our job very effective.

I would like to do the same in Inventor. I do not know where to start.

To start with something simple I would bring an example:

I would create a UDF what helps me to create hole whith following dimensions:

Ø8,8 x 96

1/8" BSPP x 11

Plane Ø15 x 0,5 My system is metric but I use BSPP threads

I know there is a simple way in Inventor to create this hole but my goal is have it with 3D note that appears on drawing afterwards.

This is how it looks on the drawing.

If I go back to my part I could change let's say my plane to be 3 mm deep and since note uses parametric values drawing would update automatically..

Re: User Defined Features and 3D Notes

Gabriel_Watson — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 05:14:14 GMT

I think what you're looking for is defining a new Hole Chart sheet (tab) onto the existing library one, as shown in this video:

Plus modifying the style for hole annotation to include/organize any information according to your preference:
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2022/ENU/Inventor-Help/files/GUID-CA406433-9095-43EE-8570-AB723594AD41-htm.html
Reference for hole note icons:
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2022/ENU/Inventor-Help/files/GUID-A3734FDF-FBC6-484A-B436-5938E8D90FF3-htm.html

Please let me know if you need more guidance on how to build those. I don't have my work PC on right now to screenshot examples.

Re: User Defined Features and 3D Notes

eldin — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 11:37:27 GMT

Thanks,

It looks like I will come far with this. Of course I need to give it a try first and see if it solves everything.

In the meantime there is another function I cannot find in Inventor.

I would like to have a quick access to parametric values when I try to edit hole on my part.

I hope there is a command that shifts numeric to parametric values.

I struggle to find parametric values but it is probably because I did not look at right place.

Re: User Defined Features and 3D Notes

Gabriel_Watson — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 16:57:37 GMT

Parametric values are accessible in most dimension entry boxes if you click the arrow-right button and pick "List Parameters". This will pop up a small window with available parameters to pick from.

You can also define a new parametric value by using an expression with "=" in the dimension box:

http://www.inventortales.com/2010/10/naming-parameters-in-autodesk-inventor.html

Re: User Defined Features and 3D Notes

eldin — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 18:18:20 GMT

Thank you very much

I am probably going to make make own holes since Inventor standard doesn't use same hole diameter as we do.

Example: we use to drill Ø8.8 for threads 1/8" BSPP

Ø10.8 for 1/4"

Ø15,2 mm for 3/8" Port

Ø19 mm for 1/2" Port

Ø24,5 mm for 3/4" Port etc.

Inventor use a little different diameter which probably comes from converting from inches to mm.

Regardless we in Europe use metric system, we still use a lot of inch standard dimensions in hydraulic parts like fittings, pipes, flanges etc.

We even mixed those systems.

For example, we do have SAE flanges but threads in its holes are M14 or M12 etc...

Most fittings we use have BSPP or NPT threads on one side ( Valve block side) and metric threads against the pipe or hose.

I intend yp make my special library with cavities used by Sun Hydraulics ( and some other manufacturers like Bosch and Eaton)

It would we great if I could get section on cavity on 2D drawing with all geometric tolerances automatically.

It would save a lot of time.

This is typical example of cavity used in valve blocks

Re: User Defined Features and 3D Notes

SBix26 — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 19:12:10 GMT

I wonder if Inventor's iFeature functionality is part of the answer. Look in the Help here. This allows you to define your hole as a feature and place it wherever you wish. It does not, however, contain the 3D annotations. If the thread is non-standard, then you can add it to the thread table in thread.xls, located in C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Inventor 20xx\Design Data\XLS\language\.

Sam B

Inventor Pro 2022.2.1 | Windows 10 Home 21H2

Re: User Defined Features and 3D Notes

eldin — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 19:24:37 GMT

It really looks exackly alike Creo-UDF I was familiar with.

3D note is not something I have to have. It was just one method to get done 2D drawing very fast.

interesting thing is that my CNC guys don’t really need so detailed info about the cavity.

they just need to know what tool to use, where to drill it and how deep.

But in other hand guys in control department 2D drawing for their part of the job.

thank you

Re: User Defined Features and 3D Notes

jbyromADDGX — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 12:51:23 GMT

Hello,

I was wondering if you had any update on using your Sun Cavity in Inventor?
I've downloaded the .ide of a cavity from Sun, but I'm struggling to use it in Inventor. I've come from a Solidworks background where one would use the .sldlfp file to "revolve cut" the cavity, however I'm unsure of how to do this in Inventor. Any help would be appreciated!