Autocad Architecture to Inventor for Frame Generator.

[Anonymous]

Wondering if anyone has done this.  We have a large project for structural steel portions.  I have begun the building layout in AutoCad Architecture using a grid, slabs, and columns.  I'm wondering if there's anything special I need to do before going into Inventor to use the frame generator?  We are using 2018 products, unfortunately we don't have access to Advanced Steel, I installed the trial last year but we didn't need it at the time and these are not normal jobs for us, so software cost is a factor.  Any pointers and advice is appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

[JDMather]

I recommend that you attach a small sample file (or the full file) of what you intend to bring over into Inventor before you go to far.

[Anonymous]

May I ask why you need a file?  I'll have to get some permission I believe before I do that.  And thank you for your reply.

[JDMather]

I was simply going to use the file to demonstrate a workflow and perhaps make some suggestions that could save you frustration and extra work.

A simple dummy file set up in the same way you intended to use your real work would have sufficed.

[Curtis_Waguespack]

Hi earlesimers,

Is the file a DWG file?

If so I would suggest using this procedure to import it as an associative DWG underlay:

To import into a part file select:

1. To import into file, do one of the following:
   • Manage tab Insert panel Import
   • 3D Model tab Create panel Import
2. In the applicable dialog box, set the Files of type to view the available files.
3. Select the file to import and click open.

**Note that ACAD Arch. might create proxy object that are a bit different that regular AutoCAD, so the suggestion above might or might not work. As JDMather suggested, a sample file would help a lot in determining the best way to go.

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

[Anonymous]

Oh, I see what you guys are talking about.

I will do that then, to see what I can figure.  For some reason Autocad Arch keeps crashing on me when I zoom while inserting.  I have to figure this issue first then I'll try that.  So much for being productive today...lol

[Anonymous]

Example.  Something similar but more floors, different beams, plus bracing.

What we are responsible for is the actual steel portions, cut to size prepped ect.  Connections, and things, I hope to handle in Inventor a little easier is why I am even going this route.

[Anonymous]

Well, I did do an import.  I dunno.  Seems a bit awkward to deal with.  Can't really use the Autocad Grid for anything.  Probably better off doing the entire thing in Inventor I guess.

[Curtis_Waguespack]

Hi earlesimers,

I only have 2017 or earlier on this machine, so I couldn't open your file, but when you place the DWG as an underlay, can you start a new sketch and  project the grid lines as shown in the image below?

I did a quick test and that's what I had to do to use the geometry for Frame Generator, but my test involved a regular AutoCAD file not ACAD Arch.

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

[Anonymous]

yes, I was able to, but it doesn't work with 2018 dwg file types.  Gives an error says 2018 Inventor doesn't allow dwg underlays because it's a newer file type.  Anyway, saved as older version which total defunks the Autocad Architectural elements from 2018.  

So, moral of the story it sorta works, but just draw the sketch in Inventor, move on with life.