Custom properties and data

[PinRudolf]

In Short: I would like to add custom data to my component/assemblies and I would like to be able to export that data at a later time. See image below.

Hello everyone,

When I work on designs I go through lots of a component's data; from its measurement and materials to prices, suppliers, order codes and data sheets. When a design is finished I have to gather lots of data before I can start ordering, sharing my design or plan on alternatives. Yes, I could absolutely do all that with a excel sheet but wouldn't it be much easier if we could gather all this information in Fusion and retrieve the right data when we need it?

I'm proposing to update Fusion with the option to add custom data to our components and assemblies. If the data is added and after we've finished our designs we should be able to extract the required data. The method of extraction could be as simple as making a Bill of Materials on our drawings or to extracting a sheet with all order codes, prices and quantities of an assembly. Maybe we could even link data sheets which will then be uploaded to the A360 drive so they will be available everywhere we work.

Alright, that's the major idea. Of course this could be achieved in many ways but I have to following in mind: I feel like we should be able to just add new fields to the properties menu of items. These could then be available for all assemblies and components. Or, possibly, separate the custom properties for assemblies, components and linked-components.

 The user created extra properties fields for his components, the data can be extracted to, for example, an datasheet.

Note: See more details in the comments section

The above just comes back to the same example for creating a price list. But when we can create our own data forms and extract just the data we need at the right time, we will be able to use this for many different applications: What about a way to link certain software you've written for your design? Or maybe just add the material class you want to use? (And project that on your BOM) What about simply adding notes and calculations? And will you need to order additional milling bits to create this component, reference those as well!

Again, there are many solutions and I just wrote down one example. The major idea is that I would like to add custom data to my files and would like to be able to extract that data.

Please let me know what you think and feel free to add any suggestion!

[PinRudolf]

As an addition to the above setup-example:

When we create a line of data we will need to know three variables:

1. The name
2. The type: String, Integer, Boolean (yes/no) or reference to A360 file.
3. The applied too group: Components, assemblies, linked-components, PCB, all or a single item.

A compact popup menu should be enough to create a new line. Just click on the + behind Custom Data.

Exporting data could be done by simply using an Export Design Data button. Give the file a name, location and file type (csv, txt, xml). The exported file will be similar to a bill of materials (so a new line for each component and assembly), the quantity and then all listed parameters. Re-used items should have the same information, but this could be ignored for the initial release.
I don't think it will be necessary to limit the exported data to certain parameter targets, a user will be able to do that within, for example; excel.
The exported data should not be limited by the custom created data, it should also be able to export the standard properties such as mass. This way someone could roughly calculate the material costs for example.

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Please also take a look at my other idea’s:

Wrap sketch on curved surface

Model based tolerances

[mika.takalo]

Yes, this is thus is the one of the most important updates!!!

[isocam]

Brilliant Idea!!!

What about adding "File SubType" as is already implemented in Inventor??

Darren

[Anonymous]

Just don't know if even the "Custom data" option is already available but I can't find it.

I need at least to add custom data and be able to visualize it within Fusion 360. If then I could export it to a Sheet file, then great.

[justineo14]

I also would like this and maybe be able to put urls in the properties box as well that can be used in the web-viewer.

[info7JY2S]

Also the possibility to add biggest length, width or height (or any other important measurement) to the custom data so the BOM can be used directly as a list for cutting base profiles or plates for further production.

For example, biggest length can be used to saw profiles.

Combine this with an excel export function and the person at the bandsaw only needs one A4 size parts list instead of a pile of drawings.

[PinRudolf]

Hi, 

For those still interested in this idea: I have added two appications to the app-store which do as descibed above:

Properties++ Evaluation Version (Free)

Properties++

Both versions are for Windows as I do not own a apple. (I'll see if I can get my hands on one to test with if there is any interest)

The Evaluation Version of the software is a free testing version. There is no Trial/time limit, it just misses one function which primary goal is to use less clicks. 

Please let me know what you think! 

@info7JY2S I haven't read your post in time to implement but will take another look at it when there will be some interest in the app. 

[info7JY2S]

@PinRudolf :

Looks good! if you add "measure" as an input option for the "integer" and "number" variant, i'll be happy.

Even better if it would auto-update with changes in the model. 

[PinRudolf]

@info7JY2S : Great idea!

[patrykstolinski]

Hello,

I've been looking for a similar tool. What I need to do is to be able to add custom properties which could later be shown in Fusion 360's technical drawings table. Is that possible with your tool, or any other you might know? 

[PinRudolf]

Hi Patryk,

I'm afraid it is not! The problem is that the API for the technical drawings is not released by the Fusion team just yet,  which in practical terms means that I cannot write a plug-in that has anything to do with drawings. Once it will be available I will most definitely work on that functionality!

Please cast your vote to let the Fusion developers know that you would appreciate a drawings API!