Copy reference sketches

[jaapschreuder]

Dear enthusiasts,

I'm struggling at the moment in the design process of my library of parts.

I've got similar looking or functioning parts that can use the same sketches/parameters. During the time new parts have come to the collection, and new parts will come.

Most of the parts share the same base-part and share therefore the same information.

Now that I'm getting  more used to iLogic I'm looking for a way to automate that what I can do myself;

I would like to copy the "reference sketches" I'm needed in the "new" part from my to build library of reference sketches.

I understand that this looks like the function in Inventor called iPart, but for some reason this isn't the work around for me. I can assume this is my fault, but it would be nice if someone could show me a work around for my request.

In fact I would like to build a part with my reference sketches in it, and "create" an new part by copying the reference sketches I would like to use in the new part.

Eventually if all of this works out, I will generate the actual parts with the up-to-date information in an assembly where I've selected the needed parts in the needed locations.

It will save me a lot of time with updating the latest standard in designing, and by generating the new parts "just in time" I'm convinced I will use the latest revision of information agreed with the manufacturing colleges,

So the first step in the right way would be a work around to copy a desired sketch from a reference file in the part on the right plane,

All help and thoughts are appreciated,

Kind Regards,

Jaap

[Xun.Zhang · Accepted solution]

Hi Jaap,

I am not pretty sure if I got you. 

You are talking about Top down design with a shared skeleton, then, I'd suggest try to use the Make components workflow which based on such skeleton. Note, Make component is based on sketch blocks. If so, you'd able to control the associativity between original skeleton to each derived components.

Hope it helps.

[jaapschreuder]

Hi Xun,

thank you for your reply and tuturial - I must investigate if this could be a solution for me.

To give you a better idea of my search, I will make a small example. My ultimate goal will be a part created by various independed sketches.
Each sketch will be 'added' to the part, after 'feature requirement' - this way I want to design/automate some 'easy looking' and unique parts to keep the design state/revision up-to-date - instead of updating all parts that contains the same sketch. (I know, put all parts is same assembly - and loop thru them is an option)

So at this moment, the first step I'd like to make is;

A simple rectangle - positioned on 'a' plane - positioned from 'a' reference point - and giving the two variables a name and value
(Length = 50; width=20)

* CTRL + C on the sketch copies the sketch, CTRL + V in a new sketch (same inventor application) projects the shape of the sketch - but all parameters are lost in it.

I would like to keep the information on sketch level - to control them in part/assembly level.

I hope my explaintion makes sense to you, but please let me know if you don't,

kind regard, and thank you for your input,

Jaap

[Xun.Zhang]

Hi Jaap,

In your case, command Derive is the best method to keep associativity with source sketches. 

You can put all related sketches in one part called base, then, create any new part, Derive such part and select the right sketch in the dialog, the sketch will up to date once the source update.

Hope it helps.

[jaapschreuder]

Hi,

I don't think it would. 😞

To have exact the same information,dimensions in a part it would be great - but;

I have one part that I use to make manny different parts, projectwise I'm talking about 50 parts, all different, created out of the same design.

I've made a small picture of a 'simple' part - that contains alot of information. At the moment I have a lot more part designs, that could use the same sketches;parameters; features.

My goal is to rebuild all my parts, that I use as a library, with all the single sketches including all parameters/formulas. This way - when I'm in project - I 'generate' the parts I need after the current standard wich contains all the latest design data.
So I have for all the parts that contains the similar feature - the same latest standard without mixing up standards for manufacturing.

I hope this makes sense to you - please think of 1 standard part that will be manipulated into many different parts with the same function - only different shape/dimensions

already greatfull for your input!

Jaap

[Xun.Zhang]

Hi Jaap,

So how about iPart or iFeature?

There is an new project in our backlog about it, you can discuss more requirements via https://beta.autodesk.com/.

Hope it helps.