Converting extruded parts to frame generator

[Anonymous]

I want to convert a frame made out of extruded parts into an identical frame created via the frame generator tool, and I was wondering if anyone has attempted to do this via illogic and/or add-ins. To clarify, the original frame would be an assembly where each component of the frame are extruded parts, all mated together. Obviously using frame generator is a much easier alternative, but I want to know if it would be possible to easily convert already existing extruded frames into frame generated ones.

[Frederick_Law]

Its not a simple process.

You need to "author" and "publish" a profile to Content Center.  Like all the I-Beams.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/Inve...

The process is not straight forward.  You'll need a few try to get it right.

[Anonymous]

Hi, thanks for the response, but I think you misunderstand my goal. I should specify that the pre-existing frame made from extrusions already uses standard frame measures, which would be available to select in the frame generator window. I was asking if there was a way to use ilogic or add-ins to automatically convert the extruded frame into a frame generated frame instead of redoing it by hand. Thanks!

[Frederick_Law]

Short answer, yes.

Long answer, very long.

As I posted, you need to author and publish the profile to Content first.

Then you can try to convert to frame gen.

By the time you finish this program, you can sell it for lots of money.

[JDMather]

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@Frederick_Law wrote:

As I posted, you need to author and publish the profile to Content first.

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What if the profile already exists in the Content Center for Frame generator - but wasn't used.

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@Frederick_Law wrote:

Then you can try to convert to frame gen.

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Try?  I think the OP is looking for a more definitive answer.

@Anonymous 

I don't think there is an Easy Button solution.

If I understand the problem description - Start over and use the Frame Generator.

Even if it is complex - I suspect it will go much faster than you might expect now that you understand the geometry.

[3D4Play]

You can use edges of your existing elements as your skeleton frame reference, but - having never used this exact workflow before - I don't know if you can delete (or suppress) the original elements once the frame is built - I'm pretty sure this will cause a missing frame reference. You can turn off visibility of the existing elements, but this can get confusing if, for example, you see the weight is double what you think it should be. Try it and see what happens. If all else fails, redo is your friend.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the response, but I was hoping to convert MANY pre-existing frames, so recreating all of them by hand would not be a viable options, which is why im going to try and create a process that can convert them automatically. I have come up with some basic ideas to achieve this, but I appreciate any possible tips you may have to offer!

[Anonymous]

Your idea is similar to what I've thought up so far, using the sketches or edges of the extrusions as references for the frame generator, and then suppressing the original features. I'm going to continue messing around with it and doing research to see if this is possible to do without causing any issues with the assembly. Thanks!

[arron.craig]

I had a quick attempt at the below but had to carry on with other things so am not sure if it would work, the gist of it is:

• iLogic to turn on Z axis of all CC members in assembly.
• Create 3D sketch and project/include all axis.
• Derive into new part as surface body, include 3D sketch, use this as wire frame.

[Frederick_Law]

First the program need to read the "extruded" parts and find a profile in CC.

If it can't find it, author and publish.

Then read all extruded parts and create skeleton for frame gen.

I won't assume the frame use only one profile.

So create create correct profile on correct skeleton entity with correct rotation.

Next is read and recreate end condition and miter.

Pretty simple.

[lena.talkhina]

Welcome to the Autodesk Community @Anonymous !

Great to see you here on Inventor forum!

Don't hesitate to accept a solution if find any comment helpful