Enable replace model reference in IPN files

[kab343]

We would like to use the Replace Model Reference functionality in presentation files to replace the assembly file it is linked to.

Currently, we have to work around this issue by forcing the IPN file into the resolve link dialogue/function by logging out of Vault and deleting our local copy of the IAM.

[DRoam]

Great suggestion.

A couple loosely-related ideas:

• Parts: derived part replace model reference
• Drawings: Replace Model Reference per base view

[Anonymous]

Inventor needs to add functionality (via button or right click) to allow the CAD user to replace an Assembly within a presentation (.ipn) file.

This type of thing works well in Assembly (.iam) files and Drawing (.dwg/.idw) files.  Why can't it be added to presentation files. This is pretty basic functionality.

After searching blogs & calling my Inventor software reseller it's clear there is one convoluted work around which involves:

1. Renaming the original assembly

2. Opening the presentation .ipn file

3. Selecting the new assembly file as a substitute after it can find the (renamed) original file

4. Save .ipn file

5. Go back and re-rename the original assembly

This is ridiculous & WAY MORE STEPS for end users.  This must be TERRIBLE for those using Vault!

My rant to Autodesk as follows:

Have Autodesk Inventor code writers ever used the software? Have they every used it in a production environment?  You can't just create a tutorial for one scenario and think you have it covered.  Autodesk must make an effort to understand how the average designer performs their duties within Inventor and try to ease the pain, make tasks more logical & make basic processes faster.

It's really sad that Inventor can't do very simple things that other mainstream 3D solid modeling software packages have been doing for nearly a decade now.

If Autodesk wants to expand their user base (and keep existing ones) they REALLY need to improve basic functionality and the overall user interface to be more intuitive.  I have not spoken to an Inventor user who does not wholeheartedly agree with this statement, especially those coming from a SolidWorks background!

Oh, while I'm on this rant..... SolidWorks integrates the "explosion" functionality directly within the assembly file.  It's SO NICE & SO MUCH EASIER to do this in ONE PLACE and in ONE FILE...!

[Cadmanto]

Just switched to 2017 and lost Vault.  My company thought it was a great idea to distinguish Vault from the scene.  Now I am struggling on how to replace once vaulted files in windows explorer renaming and swapping things out.

This sucks!!!!!

[llorden4]

Right, this feature is LOOOOOOOOOOOONG overdue.  Let's get this feature in!!!

[forbillian]

Well Put!

[kab343]

Hi guys, we have had the same change request running since Feb 2017 here https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/enable-replace-model-reference-in-ipn-files/idi-p/6899....  You should put in a vote for it!

[hans.honeth]

Hi 

I agree we need this command replace model reference iam in ipn. Or even better that exploded views could be incorporated into the actual assembly as Solidworks. 

// Hans

[Anonymous]

I agree with Hans Honeth.

Exploded views should be a part of the actual assembly, not some weird coupled special file.

Pro-E had this feature already in 2004 as does Solidworks have it.

[Anonymous]

Thanks k.beardsley, I did go vote that post just now.  Let's hope they are listening. Should be an easy one to fix!

[Anonymous]

I agree with Hans Honeth & Bjorn Verheijden. In fact I went into great detail about this in following post.

https://protect-za.mimecast.com/s/xlUvCQ1LBvUknWPhxQT4J?domain=forums.autodesk.com

Please go and vote there as well.  Can't hurt!

[Anonymous]

The fact that this request has been here for years now and is still unresolved in ridiculous. Can someone from the Inventor team comment here and tell us when this necessary feature will be added?

[Anonymous]

SADLY! This technique doesn't even work for me. It works for part substitution in assemblies and works for model substitution in drawings (I know there is functionality already built in for substitution in assemblies and drawings - sometimes I have to force break the metadata links this way).

But .ipn rarely works using these techniques when I attempt to delete or rename to original assembly. Refreshing the .ipn of the new presentation, always stays linked to the original. It then downloads all the original files from Vault so that it can build the new .ipn from the old parts and assemblies. I have even tried this technique with logging out of Vault.

Additional rant:

I have really come to hate the way Presentation now has a time and movie function integrated. We are engineers with static drawing needs. We are not marketers that are trying to "wow" our bosses or customers with slick animation. This has really screwed me (wasted a lot of time) on several drawings until I realized that I must move the timeline markers to display my changes to the presentation. Whos stupid idea was this? If we want animation, make that a separate app instead of jacking with what was working just fine before.

RANT NOT OVER . . . 

[jeffsteiger6735]

A 2020  bump....has this even been considered yet for some hopefully near future release?

[jeffsteiger6735]

2020 bump so this isn't forgotten!

[Fatih.ulus]

2020 - Still relevant, needed this, but used a 'workaround'.

[Anonymous]

I would love to see this feature adopted. While the workaround does the job - it would be so much simpler to just edit the view and replace the presentation with another.

[drew_bell]

2021 bump! Agreed this should be part of the assembly, the industry standard and most common-sense method.

But if IPN files must persist, assemblies should be replaceable if the files have shared history, i.e. if a file is renamed. If history isn't shared between the new assembly and the old one, it's totally logical and acceptable for the operation to fail. 

[jmorin5JPXJ]

Dan's post 06-20-2017 10:32 AM is 100 percent spot-on!

I spent 21 years using SolidWorks and the exploded views within the assembly ARE the better way to go.  Not to mention SW can animate the explosion (or collapse it) as well as record a simple video of either.  Super easy way to make an animation to send someone!

I upvoted both suggestions in this chain...

[rprivittB3TTG]

Still waiting for this long overdue feature.

[dariuszm]

Any update in this case?