Automatic dimension of flat pattern

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

I am trying to to create automation for flat patterns within drawings. I have set up my coding to iterate through all of the parts of an assembly and then to create a drawing that will save to a new number and then place the views I need. The problem I have now is being able to dimension the flats. I have read about using work points for parts and assemblies, but I haven't seen anything useful for flat patterns. According to the API model, there isn't any functionality for work points on a flat pattern. My other option might be to use attributes, but again I haven't had any luck. 

If anyone has been able to accomplish this task or have any ideas on how to do this I would greatly appreciate the help.

Thanks,

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

I am trying to to create automation for flat patterns within drawings. I have set up my coding to iterate through all of the parts of an assembly and then to create a drawing that will save to a new number and then place the views I need. The problem I have now is being able to dimension the flats. I have read about using work points for parts and assemblies, but I haven't seen anything useful for flat patterns. According to the API model, there isn't any functionality for work points on a flat pattern. My other option might be to use attributes, but again I haven't had any luck. 

If anyone has been able to accomplish this task or have any ideas on how to do this I would greatly appreciate the help.

Thanks,

[Anonymous]

I can't help you with the dimensioning, but I was looking for something to do what you say your macro does and was wondering if you would be willing to post it for other people to use?

[Anonymous]

I can't help you with the dimensioning, but I was looking for something to do what you say your macro does and was wondering if you would be willing to post it for other people to use?

[JamieVJohnson2]

When creating dimensions of a sketch or model, you need to be able to understand the geometry.  Then pick the graphical points (geometry intent) of that geometry and feed it to a create dimension command (of various sorts). 

I've used sketch lines with hidden attributes added by my own code in advance, or user work points (added by code or user), or label surfaces (added by code or user).  You could also simply query the shown geometry and create dimensions from anything that fits a logic pattern (longest line that is horizontal, or maximum and minimum points, or whatever).  Inventor 2018 and up can label edges which makes an attribute you can look for. 

The logic pattern can be very complex if you want to dimension every possible scenario of geometry you can run across (holes, curves, chamfers, lines, arcs, splines, etc.) so most of us shy away from the logic pattern method, and focus on pre-labeling the objects of interest. 

Another 'pre-label' method could be actual dimensions in a sketch created on the flat pattern using projected geometry of the flattened shape.  These dimension objects will give you all the data you need, and may even be able to retrieve them directly into the drawing space.

[JamieVJohnson2]

When creating dimensions of a sketch or model, you need to be able to understand the geometry.  Then pick the graphical points (geometry intent) of that geometry and feed it to a create dimension command (of various sorts). 

I've used sketch lines with hidden attributes added by my own code in advance, or user work points (added by code or user), or label surfaces (added by code or user).  You could also simply query the shown geometry and create dimensions from anything that fits a logic pattern (longest line that is horizontal, or maximum and minimum points, or whatever).  Inventor 2018 and up can label edges which makes an attribute you can look for. 

The logic pattern can be very complex if you want to dimension every possible scenario of geometry you can run across (holes, curves, chamfers, lines, arcs, splines, etc.) so most of us shy away from the logic pattern method, and focus on pre-labeling the objects of interest. 

Another 'pre-label' method could be actual dimensions in a sketch created on the flat pattern using projected geometry of the flattened shape.  These dimension objects will give you all the data you need, and may even be able to retrieve them directly into the drawing space.

[bshbsh]

I have tried to do the same thing, it's pretty difficult. Here's some partially working code:.

[bshbsh]

I have tried to do the same thing, it's pretty difficult. Here's some partially working code:.