How to generate a bill of materials automatically with inventor
Hello everyone. I need to find a way to automatically generate the cutting list for aluminum profiles, plates and gaskets and together with all this also the commercial parts that make up an assembly.
For example: I have to make a panel that is made with modular aluminum profiles, two 5mm thick polycarbonate sheets in various sizes and the related accessories to assemble everything, such as screws, internal connectors, profile cover caps and gaskets. Is there anyone who can give me some good information about this?
2 Answers
Hi Bob, I was really hoping for your response. I have had the opportunity to read some of your answers here on grabcad which I consider very professional and in the meantime I thank you in advance for answering my question and I congratulate you for your spirit of sharing, much appreciated on my part.
As regards my question, it involves automatically creating on the drawings (on the .idw file) the classic list table that inventor generates by default but which however inside, in addition to the data that can be recalled from iProperties, the cutting dimensions for aluminum profiles and sheets must also be.
Yes, these dimensions are inputs given by the user and cannot be inserted into iProperties
(at least I don't know how to do it) these inputs then go into the parameters, it would be ideal if there was a way to be able to extrapolate from the parameters of the part all the data necessary for cutting, which could be extrusion (in the case of aluminum profiles) and the three dimensions of length, width (taken from the sketch of the rectangle that precedes the extrusion), and then, lastly, the value of the extrusion (for example thickness of 5mm)
I realize that it is not easy to explain, much less understand, certain concepts in this way but we hope that at least we can understand each other, also because unfortunately my English is not the best.
I'll send you a sample drawing to help you understand how I would like it, except that I completed the bill entirely manually.
When using iProperties, always use existing Standard iProperties such as "Part Number", "Description", and "Vendor" whenever possible. Then create custom iProperties as needed. Custom iProperties should be added to your part (IPT) template files so they are consistently available for every part.
I've included a screenshot of the standard Project iProperties and another screenshot of the custom iProperties that I use. I have used this format for over 15 years. These may be a good starting point for you. I can explain these iProperties if you need more information.
As I mentioned in another comment, there isn't a method to map parameters to iProperties or vice-versa. In most cases you will need to manually enter the data into iProperties.
