Inventor introduced AnyCAD, a feature that translates non-native CAD data into Inventor with associative connections. Users no longer need to maintain a multi-software environment, and the process of repeated file translation is a thing of the past.
With Inventor, users can import SolidWorks, Catia, STEP, ProE, and more into their Inventor models and maintain associativity to the original file. Any changes to the original non-native file will be recognized and reflected in the Inventor environment. Read on to learn why this is so important.
The Importance of AnyCAD in Inventor
There are many situations in which companies work in multi-CAD environments. This can be due to multiple divisions, company acquisitions, or maintenance of legacy data. The problem lies in getting proper communication and collaboration within the differing CAD systems.
In the past, you would need to export as a generic file type – something like IGES or STEP- to be opened in the secondary tool. Then comes the issue with design changes. If the source file changes, the entire export and translate process needs to start from scratch. Any direct edits are lost and need to be rebuilt.
Surely this helps large organizations, but what does it do for the single user?
The answer is collaboration. Small engineering firms are at the mercy of outside designers, suppliers, vendors, and customers using different CAD systems. Instead of spending time and effort on maintaining many pieces of software, you can stay in a single tool and insert non-native assemblies with full associativity without any issues.
How does it work in Inventor AnyCAD?
Importing the file is one thing, but maintaining file links to foreign data is a completely different endeavor. Take a look at the process below which shows the AnyCAD workflow.
Step 1: Import files in Inventor AnyCAD
Use the Open dialog and browse to the desired file to import.
(Note: Make sure you change the “Files of Type” selection at the bottom of the dialog box)
Step 2: Select Type
The dialog box below will first appear when you open the file. Make sure you have “Reference Model” selected as the Import Type. This will maintain associativity between your new files and the original non-native data.
Step 3: How does your file look like?
Once you click “OK”, your file will come into Inventor as a Part or Assembly, based on what you decided to import.
Step 4: Edit the model
If needed, make your direct edits to the model. Notice that I changed the appearance and added a few cut extrudes in the picture below. What’s more, the material properties information from the original SolidWorks file came through to Inventor as well.
Step 5: Update the model
If the source file – SolidWorks in this case – changes, you will want to have that update reflect in your Inventor model. In order to update your Inventor model, save the updated non-native file to the same location as the original reference files. Make sure you replace or overwrite the original file. (Final Gearbox.SLDPRT)
Step 6: More updates!
Once you replace the reference file, Inventor will prompt you to update the file. Note the red Lighting Bolt symbol in the model tree (1) and the update button at the top of your Quick Access Toolbar (2).
Step 7:
Once you hit the update button in the Quick Access Toolbar, the part will update based on the reference model. Note that some features disappeared (1), an extra feature was added (2), and the front face geometry changed (3).
Using AnyCAD in Inventor, you’ll notice a drastic increase to efficiency and productivity when working with non-native CAD files. If you have any questions, reach out to us at questions@ketiv.com and we’ll make sure you know how to use this powerful new feature.
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Is the new function bi-directional?
What happens when you lose the relationship between the original file and new related Inventor file? There is a similar function now (Inventor 2016 Pro)that I use to relate Acad 2D files created from PADS PCB (ECAD) software. I have had instances, whether self induced or of unknown origin, where the file (either Acad or Inventor) was relocated or renamed in Vault or on the local drive and the link gets severed. There is a convoluted method of copying, renaming, deleting and renaming again of files but it is tedious and prone to error and ultimately an unsuccessful effort. Is this still an issue but now with all types of alternate format files?