Create multiple .idw from a base assembly file

[Anonymous]

Apologies to the community if this has already been solved...

I work at a metal fab shop where we create fabrication details for many of our parts. These parts mainly consist of I-beams, tubes, plates (standard ANSI/ASTM shapes) that are cut and welded with holes drilled on occasion. In one particular instance, we have a final assembly that consists of two parts, a plate welded to a piece of pipe. The plate can have 2 or 4 holes, variable thickness, width, length, etc... The pipe can have variable length or profile. 

We have a pretty good understanding of the inventor api, i-logic, parameters etc... for a single assembly. However, the problem we have been unable to solve is how to instantiate a single assembly from a "master" file that would preserve all parameters and i-logic and associated .idw views that could then be modified for that particular instance. Much googling and forum search points to derived parts, but i'm finding that doesn't preserve the ability to edit parameters, only to create new ones on the derived instance.

I've attached the assembly file and the two base part files. Ideally, I would create an i-logic form that allows for easy input of hole diameter, number, location, and steel length/shape on the "master" part. For the individual shop details, I would instantiate the assembly, input the relevant parameters, and let Inventor do the rest. The .idw/.dwg should then update automatically so I can send it to the shop to fab.

I realize with a bit of research and effort, an API, ETO, vault, ilogic, or some other solution could be found. I would like to stick to standard inventor features without having to save, copy, rename etc... in windows explorer.

Using Inventor 2016, but too busy to install 2018 from the subscribtion center! Thanks in advance for any replies!

[francesco.dinh]

Have you tried working with iAssemblies? It might do what you're looking for. It's a parametric assembly: by modifying some of its parameters, also its parts change as a consequence. You can then create some parametric drawings referring to the iAssembly.

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

Hi Matt,

There is absolutely no need to apologize if you did not do anything wrong. This is a public forum allowing Inventor users around the globe to learn from each other. We have many experts constantly on the forum helping users around the clock. We appreciate every opportunity to connect with a user.

For your case, indeed you will need to use iAssembly regardless of doing it manually or programmatically in API or iLogic. iAssembly allows you to use one iam file as a factory containing definition of multiple members (different geometry definition and different part number). Each member is a separate iam file with a link back to the factory file.

You can do a search for "iAssembly" on Autodesk Knowledge Network for relevant information. If you have additional question, feel free to ask. We have many experts familiar with the workflows to help you further.

Many thanks!

[HermJan.Otterman]

hello,

do you understand the basics of skeleton modeling?

have an assembly,

put in one master part, that contains all parameters, sketches and workplanes.

derive this master in all needed parts.

if you work with iLogic, change the name of the parts in  the browser.

create a drawing.

to instantiate: do a copy design.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Johnson.

I've played with the iassembly and factory features, and it looks like it may fit the bill for the creation of the model. Nice feature, and I wish I would have known of it sooner. The primary output I need from the factory is the .dwg. From what I understand, any 2D drawing I set up will reference the active member of the factory. This may or may not pose a challenge as I initially envisioned each .dwg referencing a separate .iam. I tried to do this by using the generate files command and replacing the model reference of the .dwg. 

The motivation for doing this is that the pipe in my assembly can vary in length from 4" to 6', and obviously would need different scales on an A-size sheet or a line break or something like that. I know I can set up an i-logic scaling rule or set a break in the part regardless of the pipe length, however i've done quite a bit of drawing automation in the past and it is a difficult thing to do parameterically as you can't anticipate where all the leaders are going to land as the models and configurations change.  It would be nice to know if there was a process to make this a 1 assembly to 1 drawing workflow. 

Matt