Frame Generator Parts with multiple Instances

[chris]

I am trying to figure out how I can use multiple instances of a frame member within Frame Generator, where I can call out the qty. of a particular frame member, without having each instance have a unique FG-XXX part number.

Example: I have a wall structure made of W6X12, it has top and bottom beams, each the same size and length and it has a variable amount of vertical support beams, all the same size, and length.

Technically the Frame Generator BOM should show two part numbers with qtys.

But using the Frame Generator in its normal, default mode, the BOM calls out separate part numbers for each member regardless of it's "like" lengths and sizes.

Is this just the main drawback of the Frame Generator? Is anyone else using "patterns" within their Frame Generator assemblies?

[BDCollett]

Have a BOM that doesn't include the part numbers, they are meaningless when it's an off the shelf structural shape. 

Then sort by stock number or something that is common.

See this example from Autodesk, they have just the lengths and total lengths per quantity. No part numbers so they roll up into one line.

Modified the column qty for the length of frame members in Inventor | Inventor 2021 | Autodesk Knowl...

[chris]

@BDCollett  so in your example, you mention "item Numbers", that would be fine if we used item numbers, but our BOM's call out members with part numbers because some or all of the individual members could have custom holes or pass-thru's, so in that case our weldment drawings show the first sets of pages as locations for the frame members, and the last sheets show individual views for each frame member for custom drill and cut work per member.

[BDCollett]

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@chris wrote:

@BDCollett  so in your example, you mention "item Numbers", that would be fine if we used item numbers, but our BOM's call out members with part numbers because some or all of the individual members could have custom holes or pass-thru's, so in that case our weldment drawings show the first sets of pages as locations for the frame members, and the last sheets show individual views for each frame member for custom drill and cut work per member.

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Hard one to solve because without actually re-using each member that is identical, Inventor doesn't really have a way of knowing. It needs to keep each frame member as a separate file because you may decide to modify one.

Can you not re-use the frame members that are the same?

As discussed previously, I would use iLogic to build the frame with Horizontal and Vertical members, it will give you more flexibility and allow you to keep a single part file for each member. Then possibly use frame generator for the other unique members.