how to make a multibody part in Inventor that can show dimensions on the cutlist
hello everyone!
I have tried a number of methods so that I can achieve my goal by making a Parts List to show the dimensions for each component. I make a multibody part and do "make components" to create an assembly. I also assign parameters for this multibody part. when I create a drawing that shows the Parts List, it can't show the dimensions such as Length, Width and thickness correctly for each component. I know how to add the columns for Length, Width and thickness by using the Styles Editor, but it still doesn't do what I want.
Can someone show me a way to make it work? I only want to focus on the multibody modeling only and not the other method that I model each part separately and bring into an assembly. This method is easy, but it takes longer to do.
Thanks in advance!
AN
Accepted answer
Take a look at
High Bypass Engine Nacelle
While I can't share the original CAD files, it is an example of what can be done with multi body parts and the derive command.
This model is comprised of over 100 parts. Most of these parts were derived from a single multi body part with many additional layout sketches. Not only were multi body parts derived, I also derived layout sketches, workplanes, etc.
A very complex series of derives and solid model combines and splits were used to create the parts of this model. It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to have done this by just modeling individual part files.
Most of my designs do not use multi body parts and derives. My point is, multi body parts have their place. Don't just automatically use a multi body part every time you are working on a design. In time you will understand when there is an advantage to using a multi body part environment. A multi body part environment is typically used when there is a very complex relationship between individual part geometries and these parts will not EVER be used in another assembly.
2 Other answers
It makes no difference if you start with a multi body part. Starting with a multi body part is irrelevant. What matters is the individual IPT files having iProperties for length width and height. When these individual IPT files are placed in an assembly, their iProperties will be available to the assembly parts list.
On the other hand. Multi body parts can’t ever have iProperties added to the individual bodies for use in an assembly parts list. An IPT with multi body parts placed into an assembly will only show up on the parts list as a single part. Regardless of how many multi bodies are included. It is pointless to assign iProperties for length width and height to a multi body part. This information is essentially not usable.
If you “make components” from a multi body part and then assign iProperties to those individual files, those iProperties are not reflected back to the multi body part. Those iProperties are only relevant to the individual IPT files.
The key thing to understand is multi body parts cannot have Iproperties assigned to the individual bodies. Regardless of how many bodies are in a multi body part, it is still just a single part.
See my attached examples.
1. Multi body part 2.ipt contains three individual bodies yet remains a single part file.
2. The "Make components" command was used to write these bodies out into three individual part files: Solid1.ipt, Solid2.ipt, and Solid3.ipt
3. These 3 IPT files are "Derived" from parent "Multi body part 2.ipt". Any changes made to this parent file will be reflected in the individual IPT files. Changes made to the individual IPT files will have no effect on the parent file.
4. Custom iProperties for length, width, and height were added to the 3 individual IPT files. No iProperties were added to the parent "Multi body part 2.ipt".
5. The three individual IPT files are inserted into the assembly file: "multi body assy.iam". The parent "Multi body part 2.ipt" is NOT added to the assembly.
6. A drawing (IDW) of "multi body assy.iam" is created.
7. A parts list is added to the drawing and columns for height, width, and length are added.
Custom iProperties.JPG
multi body part 2.ipt
Solid1.ipt
Solid2.ipt
Solid3.ipt
multi body assy.iam
multi body assy.idw
