I cant get iassembly to work...?

[Anonymous]

I've modelled a light fitting that hangs from the ceiling on one single tube. I have 10 different drop lengths and tried to make an iassembly but I cant get it to work. I originally modelled the components in a part file then made it an ipart. This did work when I opened the part into an assembly file and I was able to select the various lengths, however I couldn't open the individual parts for drawing purposes. So, I realised I probably needed to make an iassembly but it wont let me choose the sizes I want when I insert the sub-assembly file into the main assembly.

Could somebody give me a step by step guide please?

Thanks in advance.

Vinny

[Mark.Lancaster]

@Anonymous

It would help if you could attach your attempt here.  Its hard to know what you did and how it structured just by words.  If you can't share the actual model..  It is possible to share screen shots.

[mcgyvr]

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@Anonymous wrote:

 however I couldn't open the individual parts for drawing purposes.

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You don't open the individual parts (members)..

You start the base view command in a drawing and pick the factory file (the main ipt file used to create the ipart members) to use then select one of the members in the base view dialog box..

You also need to do a "generate members" function initially by expanding the member node in the ipt factory file and select all members then right click and select "generate files".. (I'm thinking you may have missed that step)

[Anonymous]

Sorry guys, I'm trying to upload the files but its having none of it.

[Mark.Lancaster]

@Anonymous

You are limited to 3 file (upload) per posting...  Just pack n go/zip your assembly

[Anonymous]

I'm only trying to post two

[Anonymous]

I've tried to zip it up too, it wont work.

I give up!

[mcgyvr]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I've tried to zip it up too, it wont work.

I give up!

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Seems to be a commonly reported issue here lately.. I wonder if something is up..

Let me try..

Edit: Worked no problem for me.. FYI.. I'm using the latest Chrome browser and simply pressing the Attach button below the insert screencast section of the reply to page..

[Anonymous]

I'm still struggling with this and I still can't upload any files for you to see unfortunately.

Very frustrating!

Would someone mind uploading a couple of files to show me how to make iparts and iassemblies correctly?

Thanks in advance.

Vinny

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Vinny,

Please zip up the files before you attach it. The forum somehow blocks users from posting non-zipped files.

Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

Hope this has worked...?

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! The files you attached were incomplete. I need all the iPart and iAssembly member files (under the factory folders). Please zip up and attach it.

Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

That's just it, I don't understand which files to convert?

If I change the skeletal model to an ipart (which I've just done) I cant drive those components into a new assembly file.

If I try and change the sub assembly to an iassembly there are no parameters relating to the height of the tube?

I don't really understand it at the moment. But anyway, I've converted the skeletal layout to an ipart so you've now got the factory files within it. Don't know if this is right or wrong!?

Vinny

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! If you unzip the file to a different folder and then try opening either assembly, you will find the following files are missing. Without these files, there isn't much I can do unfortunately.

Main Tube_1.ipt

Top Ring_1.ipt

LED_1.ipt

LED Glass_1.ipt

LED Cover_1.ipt

Plate.ipt

Also, I don't believe iAssembly and iPart were designed for skeletal modeling workflows. You can make it work if you know what you are doing. But, you will run into trouble fairly easily. iAssembly and iPart are for creating library content well defined on a table.

Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

Ok sorry, here's the additional part files...

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

Hi! Many thanks for updating the files! This one is more complete. But, LED Cover.ipt is still missing. But, I think I get your point. Let me walk through the process of creating an iAssembly and iPart. You will see if it works for you.

I assume most of the parts within the assembly will be iPart members, which can vary in sizes. Then in the assembly, you would like to capture the variations so you can have different members of the iAssembly.

1) You need to convert each part to an iPart -> add the parameters you want to change as columns on the table.

2) Create rows on the table so you have multiple members defined.

3) After you are done with one part (factory), select the member nodes in the browser -> right-click -> Generate files.

4) Repeat the process for other parts.

5) Open the assembly -> Rebuild all. Everything should still work.

6) Right-click on one part -> Components -> Replace All -> pick the same part from the disk -> select a member. This process is often omitted but it is very important. It swaps out the factory file with the member file.

7) Repeat the step for other parts.

8) Once you have swap out all the iPart factory, save the assembly.

9) Convert it to an iAssembly -> create members on the table -> add parts to the column that you want to vary in each iAssembly member (table replace).

Please note that the components within the iAssembly should not have any inter-dependency. Each iPart member should be standalone. Its definition should not depend on another part within or outside of the iAssembly. This is why I keep saying iPart and iAssembly are meant for generating library components (clearly defined, readonly, reusable).

Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

Hi,

The parameters aren't carrying across?

I set them up in the Skeletal Layout and drive the parts into an assembly.

If I open a part to convert it to an ipart, the parameters that I set up are not there (I ticked them for export too!)

Very confused...