iLogic and Design Automations

Files needed for automations. File names must match exactly.

• QTY.iam - the quantity assembly for the model

• Base.iam - the "single unit" assembly for the model. Even if the model is a single part, it must be placed into a "base" assembly.

• Structured.dwg - the structured drawing set for the model

• Parts.dwg - the parts drawing set for the model

• Customer.dwg - the customer approval drawing set. Whenever possible, use the first several pages from the "structured" drawing.

  • only required for automations that get sent to customers for approval

• 2D.dwg - a drawing showing the "base" assembly with all views needed for 2D CAD export

  • only required for automations where 2D CAD export is useful

Preparing the drawings

1. Arrange all dimensions on all sheets - use the “ArrangeAllDimensions” macro

2. Run the “PlaceViews” macro on each sheet

3. Save your model and drawings in the most complex state possible (eg. longest, widest, most members, etc.). The automations software can remove "extra" dimensions and sheets, but cannot add more details.

Give the location of your Inventor workspace to the Automations team

Automations team tasks:

1. Create an item code

2. Verify input parameters with model creators

3. Verify that all drawings and models function as expected

4. Export the files with the item code as the prefix, including an underscore ("_") after the item code

5. To update existing automated drawings, replace the files saved in "Z:\Engineering\14 Automation and Programming\00 Automation Source Files"

Using iLogic Forms

• Creating a New Form

• Sliders, Groups, Buttons, and Images

Using iLogic in Parts

• Adding an iLogic rule and Changing Parameters

Basic VB.Net and iLogic Functions

• Adding Comments to Your Code

• If...Then Statements and Comparison Operators

  • Comparison operators reference - microsoft.com

• DocumentUpdate

Using iLogic in Assemblies

• Pushing Parameters to Parts

VB.Net and iLogic Functions

1. Using Variables in Programming

2. Select....Case and Multi-Value Parameters

Using iLogic

1. Using iLogic Snippets (MessageBox)

2. What Makes an iLogic Rule Run?

3. Adding iLogic Rules as Buttons to Your iLogic Form

4. Stabilizing Browser Nodes

5. Using the “PushParameters-All” External iLogic Rule

VB.Net and iLogic Functions

1. Introduction to Objects

2. Creating Subroutines

3. Creating Functions

4. Debugging with MessageBox

5. Try...Catch

6. For Loops

7. While Loops

Using iLogic

1. Changing iProperty Values

2. Parts: Turning Features On and Off

3. Assemblies: Replacing Components

4. Assemblies: Deleting Components

5. Assemblies: Adding Components

6. Assemblies: Changing the Color of Parts in an Assembly

7. Parts: Changing the Color of a Part

VB.Net and iLogic Functions

1. Debugging with Visual Studio

2. Variable Type Casting

3. Creating Objects (classes)

4. Finding Parameters by Name

5. Function and Subroutine Documentation Comments

Using iLogic

1. Adding Parameters with code

2. Parts: Changing Sheet Metal Thickness

3. Parts: Changing Material

4. Assemblies: Using the RuleParametersOutput() method

5. Assemblies: Changing Constraints

6. Assemblies: Adding Patterns

7. Assemblies: Changing Sizes of Content Center Parts

8. Passing Parameters to Another Rule

   1. NameValueMap Documentation

9. Model States: Keeping Parameter Values when Switching Model States