workflow help for part variations

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

First off, I am currently using Inventor LT. What I would like to know is whether there is an easier way to do what I am currently doing and how much a full version of Inventor would help.

Here is my project:
I have built a model of a modular mold for making composite parts. I frequently have to generate new sizes or variations of this mold. The changes are pretty simple, a different length or draft... The general shape and construction remain the same. With each new variation, most of the individual parts of the mold remain the same. Only a few parts are impacted by each change.

The model I have built consists of a set of individual part files. I use these files as masters. These files are driven by parameters contained in two separate spreadsheets. Some of the parts use parameters from only one spreadsheet while some use parameters from both spreadsheets. Each part also has a corresponding drawing.

When I create a new variation on the mold I do the following:

1. I save a copy of each spreadsheet and adjust the parameters as needed.
2. I save a copy of each part that will be affected by the changes in the parameters.
3. I open each new part file and change the 3rd party file references to the new spreadsheets.
4. I change the iProperties of the new part files (assign a part number...).
5. I open each new drawing file and change the reference model the corresponding new part file.
6. I open the drawing preferences and tell it to import iProperties from the part file.
7. I export the drawing to the file formats required by the fabricators (pdf and DWG autocad 2001!).
8. I create a new part file and derive the necessary parts for the new mold. Some of these are previously existing parts, and some are the parts I just created.
9. I use move body operations to arrange the parts into a whole.
10. I create another new part file and derive all the bodies from the multi-body part I just created.
11. I use move operations to separate the bodies for an exploded view.
12. I create a drawing with views of both the assembled and exploded part files.
13. I use leader texts to label each part with its part number.

And I am done.

My dream would be to have a model where I could enter a new set of parameters and have an assembly automatically populate with whatever existing parts were applicable and automatically generate the necessary new parts complete with drawings exported in the necessary formats, exploded views and the works. If you think this or something close to it would be possible (or feasible) with a full version of Inventor, I will buy it. Or if there is something I am missing that would simplify my workflow with LT I would love to know what that is.

Thank you for your time and suggestions.

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

Hi Stefan,

Inventor LT does not allow assemblies to be created. The closes thing is probably multi-solid body iPart. In theory, you could create Custom iPart which you can enter parameter values driving the geometry. However, custom iPart has to be placed into an assembly. You cannot generate a Custom iPart member from the iPart factory. Have you try using the regular iPart? Would it work for you?

Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

Hi there,

Thanks for the tip on iParts. I have not not tried using iParts for this project. I have used them in the past, but I do not know much about them. Am I right in thinking that I would have to create a new part file and then insert the iPart into the part file for each new part I need to create, or is there a way to automate this? Is there a way to have these new parts automatically generate drawings? Am right in thinking that I would still have to build my multi-body part (pretending to be an assembly) the same way I am doing it now?

You mentioned a multi-body solid iPart. Are you thinking that I could take a more top down approach, and model the whole mold as a single iPart? In this case, would I derive out the individual parts into separate part files to get individual part drawings?

Thanks for you time,

Stefan

[mcgyvr · Accepted solution]

This is how iparts work..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLbQh-5KXXc

Your thought process is basically incorrect and the video will show you the way..

You just work in one "factory" file and create a bunch of "members" just by editing the ipart table either in Inventor or through excel..

You really would be better off IMO if you upgraded away from LT.. Its inability to do assemblies is hindering you from reaching your ultimate goal..

[Anonymous]

Hi Mcgyver,

Thanks for the link to the video on iParts. That was very helpful. I played around with iParts a bit (I think I was confusing them with iFeatures before). I can see how they might offer some improvement over what I am doing currently, but it does seem that not being able to use assemblies is going to continue to frustrate me. I think I will just have to get Inventor pro. With Inventor Pro, do you think iParts will be the way to go, or do you think making normal part files and copying them with vault might be more streamlined?

Stefan

[mcgyvr · Accepted solution]

If you have anything remotely resembling an assembly then LT is the wrong software for you.. IMO..

iparts/iassemblies are great when you have "like" families/series of products with minor variations between each...