Text in BOM quantity field

[pojambo]

Is it possible to have text in the BOM quantity field?

With the table provided below I would like the quantity of item one to say “SEE TABLE BELOW” instead of having the value of 4.

I created a factory and the quantity of item one increases depending on the overall length of my assembly. Rather than have multiple sheets or drawing to show the different length, I have a table.

Attempt/ results

1. I attempted to write “SEE TABLE BELOW” in quantity field of item one.

– Resulted in entire item field is no longer visible

1. Looked for at forums and have not had much luck finding exactly what I am looking for.
2. Tired illogic, but still new to inventor and coding.

Thank you,

 PBO

[CGBenner]

@pojambo 

I just tested this on an assembly and I was able to add text into the Qty. field.  I wonder what would happen if you removed the balloons for that item, and then change the text.  

[pojambo]

@CGBenner 

I forgot to mention I am using inventor 2020.

I removed the balloons and got the same result for factory assembly.

Text in quantity field seems to work with regular assembly even with balloons. 

[CGBenner]

@pojambo 

I also just tested with and without the balloons, same result.  I don't have a factory to test this on, but I suspect that is the key.  @johnsonshiue any thoughts on this?

[blandb]

Is row 1 set to not be visible > right click on row > visible, do you see the text?

[pojambo]

Row 1 is set to visible, but once I write text for the QTY program turns row 1 invisible. That only happens for iassembly and I am unable to make row 1 visible unless text is removed.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! I have to admit that I have never noticed this behavior. It seems to be a safety valve. The iAssembly BOM is like driven by the author table. When it is overridden in the drawing, it will disobey the table. To avoid confusion, such row is made invisible.

I think the only workaround I can think of is to place the iAssembly member into another assembly. Use the new assembly BOM to create the PartsList. In this way, the iAssembly member is just a subassembly and the safety valve does not kick in. Also, you can use PartOnly structure and Structured All-Level too.

Many thanks!

[pojambo]

@johnsonshiue 

I was able to add text in the QTY field for iAssembly by inserting a custom part and coping the part number and description properties in it. Afterwards I made the original part invisible.

Is there a way to link original part properties to a custom part, like with iLogic? Would like automate updates to custom part field if a change is made to original part properties. 

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! I am not aware of a workflow to do that in iAssembly unfortunately. You may try using 2022/2023 Model States instead.

Many thanks!