Using Automations Models for Custom Projects

This procedure tells you how to create a custom Inventor design using an "automated" drawing set as a base. There are two methods - the simple and the advanced. The simple method will be all you need in most cases.

Simple Method

Run an automation that is close to what you want. Make sure to check the box for "Export Model as .zip".
Extract the ZIP file and copy all files to your project folder.
Run the “DeautomateDrawing” macro on each individual drawing document before making any changes to the drawings.

Advanced Method

1. Find and Copy the Files

Find the correct model in the Automation WIP folder - Z:\Engineering\14 Automation and Programming\Automated Drawing Files
Copy the entire folder to your desktop. Do not use iLogic Design Copy - all files must be copied over

2. Configuring the Model

Primary (“Base”) Assembly:

Open the primary assembly and use the Configure form to set all the model parameters. If there is an Update button in the Configure form, make sure to click that before closing the form.
Note that the primary assembly is the QTY assembly in some cases, and the single unit assembly in other cases. You will know which one to use by checking whether it has a Configure form or not. If it does not have a configure form, try the other assembly.
SPECIFIC TO TOP-RUNNING MOTORIZED CRANES
For End Truck: Choose either Manually Picked from Stock or Manually Pick Custom Built Option. Auto Pick End Truck option will only work for fully automated products ordered from the portal.
QTY Assembly
1. Open the QTY assembly and use the Configure form or parameters to change the quantity. Make sure to use the Update button if there is one.
2. Be sure to look for annotation notes in the QTY assembly and follow the instructions if there are any.

3. Configure the Drawings

Run the “DeautomateDrawing” macro before making any changes to the drawings
If any sheets say “---ZERO QTY---” or something similar, make sure you don’t need that component and delete the sheet.
After this is done, make any necessary changes to the drawings.

4. Move the Files to Your Workspace

Close Inventor and move the files to the proper project workspace.
- If your design won't change, you can use the iLogic Design Copy tool to remove the "unnecessary" files from the project. Please note that this will likely break some functions of the "Configure" form.
- If you think your design might change a lot, just copy the whole folder without using the iLogic Design Copy tool.

5. Use the new Model Like a Normal Model

16 February 2024