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Save As, but much more advanced...

ZBROCHTRUP
Contributor

Save As, but much more advanced...

ZBROCHTRUP
Contributor
Contributor

Workflow in AutoCAD for similar parts is to open a past similar drawing, then save as for the new part number and make my edits.  I would like to do this in Inventor, but I have a very specific situation that I cannot find an answer for.

 

I have created a multibody drawing of a sheet metal transition, with parameters named for key dimensions.  I then have an assembly file made via Make Components merely because you cannot flatten when there is more than one body present.  That assembly file then has a drawing file, with specific drawing views that we use.  We then export that drawing to AutoCAD DWG so we can do our final edits in preparation for being cut on the laser.  Please refrain from explaining all the different ways this can be done, there are very specific reasons we do it this way that we cannot adjust from, nor can I write up all these details for you.  We do NOT design our own parts and receive customer files in every file type you can imagine (including .TIF and the occasional napkin) and most of our work is done in AutoCAD to get the parts ready to be lasered.

 

What I want to do is to be able to move the multibody ipt, the iam and its associated ipt part files, and the drawing file to a new folder location.  Rename the multibody ipt, iam and drawing file to that of our new part number.  The ipt part file names of the iam can stay the same.  Then, make our parameter changes to the ipt, update the iam and then of course the drawing is also updated, and then simply export that drawing to AutoCAD DWG.

 

The resolve link works to keep the iam and ipt connection working, but the drawing file keeps its link with its original file, even though it has a new file name.  A key part to this being beneficial to us is not having to create a new drawing file with all the views and dimensions again and again.

 

I've looked through all the different ways to export/save as copy/etc, but I cannot find anything that will allow me to move all 3 files to a new location, with a new file name and still be connected to each other.  If I can accomplish this, it will save a great deal of time in our workflow.

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andrewiv
Advisor
Advisor

To update the drawing to look at the new models you can use the replace model reference in the manage tab in a drawing environment.  If you are using Vault I would just do a copy design to start so that all the references are changed automatically.  If you are not using Vault then you can accomplish the same thing using the Design Assistant application that installs with Inventor.

Andrew In’t Veld
Designer / CAD Administrator

Curtis_Waguespack
Consultant
Consultant

Hi @ZBROCHTRUP 

 

If I understood the problem correctly, you can use the "Replace Model Reference" tool in the drawing to update the references in the drawing. 

 

Curtis_W_0-1645633824854.png

 

If I've misunderstood just post back here and I'm sure someone will be able to offer further suggestions.

 

I hope this helps.
Best of luck to you in all of your Inventor pursuits,
Curtis
http://inventortrenches.blogspot.com

 

SBix26
Consultant
Consultant

How are you using project files (.ipj)?  One master project for everything, or a different .ipj for each new design?

 

If it's the former, you'll have to be careful to rename everything, including the individual part files, so that there is no possibility of duplicate file names.  Design Assistant can do this, though it can be quite tedious if the assembly is more than a dozen or two parts.

 

If it's the latter, then make sure you copy all the files to a location not under the old project and make a new project there.  Activate that project; then you will be able to rename and resolve files without any cross contamination with the original files.  Or, you can use Design Assistant to just rename the three files you're concerned about.

 

Here's a vlog post that may be helpful: Data Reuse with Autodesk Inventor | Inventor | Autodesk Knowledge Network


Sam B

Inventor Pro 2022.2.2 | Windows 10 Home 21H2
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