To create a parts list in Inventor, you’ll want to systematically follow these comprehensive steps to ensure accuracy and efficiency in your assembly documentation.
Step 1: Open the Main Assembly
Begin by launching Autodesk Inventor and opening the assembly file for which you wish to generate a parts list. This will serve as the foundation for your documentation process.
Step 2: Access the Drawing Environment
Once your assembly is open, you need to create a new drawing. Navigate to the ‘File’ menu and select ‘New’. Choose the ‘Drawing’ option from the available templates. This will establish a workspace where you can input your parts list.
Step 3: Insert the Assembly into the Drawing
In the drawing environment, locate the ‘Place View’ option, typically found in the ‘Drawing View’ panel. Select this option and choose your assembly file to insert it into the drawing sheet. Position the assembly view where desired.
Step 4: Generate the Parts List
With your assembly view placed, right-click on the assembly or subassembly in the browser. From the context menu, select ‘Bill of Materials’ to initiate the parts list. This feature allows you to automatically generate a list of all components used in the assembly.
Step 5: Configure the Parts List
After the parts list appears, you can customize it according to your specific needs. This involves selecting the columns you wish to display, such as part numbers, descriptions, quantities, and materials. Access the properties settings to modify the layout and the information displayed in the parts list.
Step 6: Add Custom Columns if Necessary
If your parts list requires additional information not available by default, you can insert custom columns into the table. To do this, locate the options for managing columns within the parts list dialog. Define what you need for additional documentation, like manufacturing notes or special instructions.
Step 7: Finalize and Save Your Work
Evaluate the completed parts list for accuracy and completeness. Ensure that all necessary data is presented clearly. Once satisfied, save your drawing file to preserve the parts list for future use, printing, or sharing with teammates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I edit the parts list after creating it?
Yes, you can make adjustments to the parts list even after it has been generated. Right-click on the parts list and utilize the options available to modify columns, add new parts, or rearrange the information.
2. What if my assembly components change after creating the parts list?
If components are modified or added in the assembly, the parts list can be updated. Simply right-click on the parts list in the drawing environment and select ‘Update’, which will refresh the list to reflect the latest changes in your assembly.
3. Is it possible to export the parts list to other formats?
Yes, Inventor allows for the exportation of the parts list. You can save or export the drawing containing the parts list in various formats such as PDF, DWG, or DXF, depending on your documentation needs.
