Features (cut extrusions) Linked to parent file and replaceable

[J.VandeMerckt]

Hi Forum

I'll try to explain what I'm looking for.

Atm I'm using the content center to place my features (mostly cut extrusions) in a Part. Works well for me once the sketch has been properly constrained to the origin planes.

Downside of the content center is that it doesn't keep the link with it's parent "feature".

Is there a way in Inventor to add features where it keeps the link to the parent?

And even more is it possible replace this feature with another one?

I was looking into derived parts but placing cut extrusions isn't really easy. And especially when they have to be moved around on the part.

I have no files to share as this is more of a experiment.

So to recap. I want to be able to place down a replaceable feature which is linked to it's parent. These features will be mostly holes and cut extrusions.

Please all ideas are welcome!

[Frederick_Law]

What kind of "link"?

What do you want the "link" to do?

iFeature is another way.

iLogic maybe what you need.

[J.VandeMerckt]

Aha, what I mean is when the parent file is updated. Every instance of it, in multiple parts have to be updates as well.

This way when the feature is used in 100+ Parts, I only have to change it once instead of 100 times.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! Or derive the body.

Many thanks!

[J.VandeMerckt]

Hi Johnsonshiue

Yes in theory that sounds like it does everything I need but I have 2 problems with this:
1. How do I turn this derived body into a body that cuts away in my part? (same as a cut extrusion) not sure if there is a name for a body like this.
2. The derived body starts at its origin, so this means it has to be moved to the correct place. Is direct the best way to do this?

I have the problem at work where the features may change(revisions or updates) but also it's placement.
So it is important for me to have these links to a parent file but also need them to be easily moved. (With parameters would be the best)

Adding a Feature with the content center and moving the sketch around with dimensions inside the sketch would be the go to workflow if the feature was linked to it's parent file.

I know I'm asking a lot but I'm just trying to figure out the best workflow for a model with a lot of brothers and a lot of updates.

[Frederick_Law]

We'll need to see your files.  To see how you set it up.  Where you start and what you need in the end.

1: Substract.

2 parts in assembly, constrain them properly.  Derive the assembly in part substracting one from the other.

It can be add or intersect.

Similar work flow as making mold.

[J.VandeMerckt]

I can't release any files unfortunately.

I will experiment with your workflow does sound like the right idea.

We were trying to avoid going to assemblies since these parts are in subtracting production (milling, drilling, etc) and only wanted to use assemblies once the parts where ready to be assembled with other parts. (in real life)
Thank you for the brainstorm so far!

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! You may use Move Bodies or Direct Edit -> Move/Rotate -> Bodies to relocate the toolbody. Then use Combine to join or cut or intersect the main body.

Many thanks!

[Frederick_Law]

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@J.VandeMerckt wrote:
We were trying to avoid going to assemblies since these parts are in subtracting production

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Don't limit yourself on the tools you can use.

Just focus on getting the result you need fast, accurate and repeatable.