Frame Generator and iassemblies

[Anonymous]

What are the steps to using Frame Generator and iassemblies together so I can use multiple configurations of the same frame in one assembly?

[Curtis_Waguespack]

Hi Patrickwesc,

Have you explored the iCopy tool, by chance? I think this is likely your best bet:

http://help.autodesk.com/view/INVNTOR/2014/ENU/?guid=GUID-4882DCBA-5302-4397-98CC-791BA9F1B9E2

I hope this helps.
Best of luck to you in all of your Inventor pursuits,
Curtis
http://inventortrenches.blogspot.com

[Anonymous]

I don't want to use a different tool.    I would like to have a set of stairs modeled that I can change the rise or run on and have the model and drawings all update.  Please explain the best way to do this.

[Curtis_Waguespack]

Hi Patrickwesc,

I don't know of a good way to combine the Frame Generator with iAssemblies directly. There is a video at the bottom of the page at this link that might help a bit:

http://beinginventive.typepad.com/being-inventive/2010/10/about-frame-generator-lod-and-bom.html

If iCopy isn't acceptable, then I might suggest trying to use the iLogic Copy Design tool (you don't have to use iLogic to use this tool) to create copies of the frame assembly, and then place all of the frame copies in a top level assembly and use the iAssembly tools to create the configuration, trading out one frame for the other.

Some of the stair configurations I've seen in the past were created with standard modeling practices and converted to an iAssembly, or via iLogic.

I hope this helps.
Best of luck to you in all of your Inventor pursuits,
Curtis
http://inventortrenches.blogspot.com

[Anonymous]

Video answered my question.  I want to use a combination of frame generator, sheet metal and extrusions to complete the model.  I then want it all driven off of a triangle.  I would then want to be able to make a height dimension change and have the stairs and handrails update and the drawings.  I would then like to be able to change that if the design changes by and inch or two.  The video explains this is not possible.  Please fix this!!!  This is a very simple operation in solidworks.  What a nightmare to fudge around and come close in this software.

[Curtis_Waguespack]

Hi Patrickwesc,

I would encourage you to share your ideas about how to improve Inventor with the Development Team by submitting an idea to the IdeaStation:
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Inventor-IdeaStation/idb-p/v1232

I understand you're frustrated, but if you do submit an idea to the IdeaStation, set that frustration aside and provide a fully detailed and well explained description of the idea, and you'll get a much better response from all involved.

I hope this helps.
Best of luck to you in all of your Inventor pursuits,
Curtis
http://inventortrenches.blogspot.com

[jdavis417]

If your model (assembly) is truly parametric and updatable, you can very easily create independent copies of the parts, model and even drawings with the Design Assistant (Design Copy) tool/method.  Even if your model isn't tied together with a nice, parametric ribbon, it seems like something that's absolutely possible!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXu5spVKtGE

What this video doesn't show is that you can rt-click on the DRAWING file in Windows Explorer to get to the Design Assistant (DA)... when you select the drawing to initiate the process, it saves you having to spend time waiting for the "search" section (at the bottom of the DA window) to find the drawing in an additonal step.  EDIT... you'll really want to "Search" anyway since your individual parts will likely have their own drawings, right?

If you have follow-up questions, don't hesitate to post them here!

We're all in this together,

John