Automate tasks within an IDW

[Anonymous]

I have searched a bit here and elsewhere on the internets and can't really find an answer...

Every time we create an IDW (whether for ipt, iam, or ipn), it gets two things added - a parts list, and a "sketched symbol" which contains prompted entries as information for the shop (project number, qty, next operation, etc).

What I would like to happen is when I initially add a base view to the idw, I want inventor to add the sketched symbol and parts list.  I can't figure out if this should be a macro, or a ilogic rule - and have no idea where to begin programming it.

Has anyone done anything like this and have some code they would like to share?

[Anonymous]

I guess I should mention we are using Inventor 2011 Series.

[ekinsb]

This shouldn't be too difficult to do using an add-in.  It's a matter of creating an add-in, connecting to and listening to events so you know when the first view in a drawing is placed and then creating the parts list and sketched symbol.  I don't have a specific sample to give you but can point you to a few resources that should help.

Creating an Add-In and Listening to Events

http://modthemachine.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/10/converting-vba-auto-macros-to-an-add-in.html

SDK\DeveloperTools\Tools\EventWatcher - This is a tool delivered as part of the Inventor SDK.  You'll need to install the SDK\DeveloperTools.msi to have access to it.  It provides a way to easily watch Inventor's events so you can best figure out which events you should be listening for to be able to determine when the first view is placed.

There are some samples in the API Help that should help in figuring out how to place the sketched symbol and parts list.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Brian!

I'll take a look.