Custom Content Center parts giving iMate error on placement.

[C_Haines_ENG]

I am trying to use the "AutoDrop" feature In Inventor to place custom made screws from the content center on my parts. I have set to use it in the Hex Head screw family, and I get an error every time I place it saying "Modeling: Unable to create an iMate. This places them but doesn't constrain them to the hole, along with half of them placing upside down. 

I have attached the part, and it is supposed to go into a 5mm x 13mm deep hole. 

Does anyone know how to fix this issue? This would be a massive time saver if I can fix this.

[blandb]

Here is a link for auto drop on custom parts:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Use-Aut... 

But to publish to a hex head family, there are required values, and the posted model was blank of parameters other than the imates due to it being a downloaded part it appears.

As the link states, you can only utilize auto drop if where it is published allows for it.

Hope that helps.

[C_Haines_ENG]

What parameters are important? Its shouldn't be too hard to have a single custom component that can utilize AutoDrop. I published it into the Hex head because it was one of the closer things I could use  that should work for this application. 

[blandb]

When publishing this part to the Hex Head family, there are family columns to Category parameters that you need to match up before it will allow you to publish (yellow). Maybe yours has these parameters and that is why you could publish?

[C_Haines_ENG]

I'm using a .step file so there will not be any associated parameters to associate. I created a custom user parameter and linked them all to that. Which Categories are important to the placement?

[Lucas.dolinarVFXZU]

I am not sure wich Parameters are needed in what library, but you could just define it as "other" to test if that was the issue.

Also, have you tried placing the Part (from Place component, not from content center) with imates?

[C_Haines_ENG]

There's only specific categories that have autodrop enabled. Publishing to "other" doesn't have AutoDrop. As well, I'm using autodrop because the part I'm attaching it to doesn't have iMates connected to inserting with iMates wont work for me. 

[Lucas.dolinarVFXZU]

After playing around a bit i quickly realised that the only Parameters needed are the ones with a yellow Background.

Sadly i dont quite understand how you are supposed to use these, as i usually only author "other" components, where these are not needed.

I tried to check out how the Bolts used these, and it seems like the Key parameters: Bolt type / Bolt length determine the geometry, while the rest is just info. Since, in this case, there is only one size and type, I just filled in the parameters with a Custom parameter. (For the ones it didnt let me use with mm, i created a Text parameter)

And yes, i populated all Fields with only 2 parameters... didnt matter.

After that, everything worked as expected.
(it warns you when placing on edges of the wrong Size, but it works)

[C_Haines_ENG]

Would you be possible to show what you set for the tables, and it correctly inserting? Maybe the issue is that I'm using a STEP file and it needs to be custom made to fit into the assembly. 

[Lucas.dolinarVFXZU]

Of course:

Are you useing the Publish Component command?

on the Layout Page you can setup the iMates for Auto drop, in the Parameters, just fill out the yellows.

After that the Publish button should activate

[C_Haines_ENG]

Ive done the same thing, however when I try to place it into an assembly the imates fail. See screencast attached. Does your part work?

[blandb]

There isn't a screen cast attached.

[C_Haines_ENG]

My apologies, It wont let me insert the screencast using the built in feature. 

Here is the Screencast.

[Lucas.dolinarVFXZU]

Huh, that is very odd...

try this: (its what i did...)

1. delete all the iMates
2. delete all features except the Base solid
3. save
4. hit author component
5. publish as Hex Bolt
6. use these faces/edges for the imates:

    (red edge for insert)

7. fill in the parameters as before
8. hit publish now
9. next until it asks for Key parameter, just use whatever...
10. next
11. give it a new name (so you dont accidentaly pick the old part)
12. possibly add a standard to find it easier
13. hit Publish

for me it works...

[C_Haines_ENG]

What value did you use for ND, and Thread Diameter?

[C_Haines_ENG]

Could you attach the part with your modifications?

[Lucas.dolinarVFXZU]

i can send it tomorrow, do you happen to know where content center library files are stored ( not the library, the part)

i could send that too

[C_Haines_ENG]

Are you asking if I know where my content center library is or your content center library?

[C_Haines_ENG]

I better understand now what you mean, I do not believe each individual file is saved separately, they all seemed to be saved under the library file. If you send the original part you published with it should still include everything needed.

[Lucas.dolinarVFXZU]

Ok, here is the original.

if i were you i'd delete the Sketch before publishing.... it doesnt stay hidden.

edit: i am in version 2022.3, if you are in a earlier version, maybe thats part of the problem...?