Automating pipe end treatment - frame generator

[will_roe]

Is there anyway to automate the below process in frame generator/assemblies? The angle is rarely a whole number or to the closest 5. The tube is joined using donut elbows.

[will_roe · Accepted solution]

I think might have an way of doing through the API (which I have no experience successfully using😅). I would love some feedback from someone with API experience.

So I noticed that after creating a miter the part has a custom iprop created "CUTDETAIL1" + "CUTDETAIL2" if it's mitered on both ends and it creates the miter around the origin point. So I'm assuming (please correct me if I'm wrong) it's possible to write something in the API that cycles through all occurrences creates the below sketch and extrusion to any part that has "CUTDETAIL1" + "CUTDETAIL2" or a half version if only "CUTDETAIL1" exists.

[A.Acheson]

Hi @will_roe 

Having just done a similar (easier) thing for the tube and pipe environment it can be certainly a complex task if your not used to the API. I would say I would be a relative beginner at creating sketches and extrusion via API so this is some advice from a fellow beginner. 

My first question would be is this something that can be done in frame generator allready? If it can well are you reinventing the wheel? If it can't then you have yourself a nice project. Second question, are you looking to modify an existing frame generator feature or piggy back an existing feature to customize it further?

A few things that will be needed to be learned if starting from scratch.

1. Part environment is a good place to start as you don't need complication of proxies for sketches and objects right at the beginning. Working through the assembly environment is a whole different ball game when it comes to processing part features. 
2. Make selection by command manager Pick tool you can move to selection by code later. 
3. Create a sketch on a workplane or face. 
4. Project geometry.
5. Create an angle workplane.

If you haven't done so allready the API help has some samples for features and 2d sketches written in VBA. If you find something in there you may need I would suggest convert to ilogic environment and test the implement. Then extract that portion and add to your project code. Example block creation with extrude pocket.