Multi assembly automation

[gbaker7NQNF]

I'm currently trying to help "automate" a design process. In short, we need to cut rectangular panels on a CNC. These panels are all different sizes. For each unique panel we need to produce an Inventor assembly and drawing, which I have been able to do using basic iLogic rules and parameterized models. The issue is that currently we are only able to do this one at a time.

What I'm wondering, is if there is a way to produce several different versions of the part, assembly, and drawing quickly, preferably using forms.

What I am envisioning is a single iLogic form where a user inputs the length and width of as many unique panels as they'd like and each input generates an assembly and drawing based on a template or iPart/iAssembly. Ideally these parts could also be tabulated in a BOM/Parts list. (Bonus points if panel nesting can be included)

Is this possible? If so what might that process look like?

[A.Acheson]

Hi @gbaker7NQNF 

How rigid is the process at the moment? Have you full control over changing the workflow? Any chance of some images of the parts/assemblies/drawings and or a simple data set to see what the complexity is? It would be easier to understand the file dependencies etc. 

Here is a quick overview for other viewers in case they want to add there two cents. 

Current:

Using basic iLogic rules and parameterized models of parts and assembly,to produce one drawing set. 

Goal:

1. iLogic form where a user inputs the length and width of as many unique panels as assembly and drawing based on a template or iPart/iAssembly. 

A few methods available:

• Manually Use ilogic place component to copy the main assembly, rename with index number automatically, copy drawing and then manually replace reference.

• Create a custom copy design addin to to copy the drawing and the referenced documents. Change the parameters afterwards. 
• Create a save as code to copy assemblies and parts and then automate a drawing using named faces and edges to add dimensions, parts list, balloons etc.

iPart/iAssembly won't be suitable for this unless the input parameters are all predefined in advanced. Working with custom iparts inside a regular assembly is not a process that is easy or intuitive to automate. 

[Stakin]

It is obvious that Inventor can achieve this by inputting Excel data or interactive forms.

First read in the data, and then you need to determine the structure type of the part, and prepare corresponding modeling code for different structures, then assembly code, and then drawing code. Of course, you can also write statistics code.