Copy Design to have ONE-TO-MANY function

[Fazlur_Rahaman]

Hi Autodesk,

Can you add an option to Copy Design window where you can specify the number of copies you want to make of a specific file? With the bonus of having the name of those copies taken from an Excel sheet?

For example, if you have a master Window Model and want to make ten copies of that window and change the size or properties slightly. Right now, we have to do 'Copy-Design' 10x; doing all ten copies at once would be nice.

The problem of being unable to do One-To-Many copies is significant if you have a large project where you need to make 100x copies of the same file.

I appreciate your consideration.

-FR

[ihayesjr]

@Fazlur_Rahaman 

Thank you for posting the idea. Why would you want to make 100 copies of the same file? Most CAD managers want not to create duplicate parts in the system.

[Fazlur_Rahaman]

Hi @ihayesjr 

Most of the companies that I know maintain a standard Product library. And when they get a custom project, they Copy-Design the standard part and customize it to suit their client's needs. It is a rare occurrence a company will start every design from scratch.

For example, a window maker will have various design models (Master files) of their windows if a customer wants a specific model in different sizes to meet the architecture's requirement. The window company would not start each design from scratch, as it would be inefficient. Instead, they will take the 'Master Model' copy-design as many variations as the client needs and then change each size to meet the specifications.

This type of workflow is highly prevalent in many woodworking shops and custom metal fabs.

I hope my above explanation makes sense.

Thank you FR

[ihayesjr]

@Fazlur_Rahaman 

Does Inventor already solve this by having Model States? Then they can have the variations in the master file.

[Fazlur_Rahaman]

Hi @ihayesjr 

Model State does address a few things, especially the ability to make various sizes quickly using Excel. But, unfortunately, it does come with a few negatives; one of the biggest ones is that it takes a very long time to open a Model State file with 50+ lines from Vault. And another one being only ONE person can work at it at a given time.

Also, when you add a new line to the Model to the Model State, you will have to create a 'DERIVE' assembly and a new drawing to go with it separately. So you have to manually copy the design individually for each Model on your Model State you add and then change the 'REFERENCE' model states on that assembly. Not very efficient.

[CGBenner]

@ihayesjr 

For context, every machine I designed in my previous role started with a Copy of a previous machine.  We did NOT copy the standard components, however.  We copied the frame assembly and the piping runs and reused standard components.

That said... It would terrify me to try to make that many copies all at once.  The time it would take to process all of that, and the increased chances of making a cascading series of mistakes...  I'm getting chills just imagining it.  😂

Go big or go home?