Most designers have parts that differ by size, material, or other variables, although the same design works in many models. You can create these designs as iParts, and then use one or more of the variations.
You use the iPart Author to create part families that contain a table. For standard iParts, each iPart variation is an iPart member, which is defined by a row in the table. When placing the part in an assembly, select the row (member) needed.
In general:
- Start with a new or existing part or sheet metal part.
- Determine the portion of your design that changes with each member.
- Use the Parameters command to rename parameters, establish equations, and create user parameters.
- Use the Create iPart command to define one or more table rows that represent members of the iPart factory, specifying variations of its parameters, properties, thread information, iMate information, feature suppressions, and work features.
- For sheet metal iParts variations of the Sheet Metal Rule, Sheet Metal Unfold rule and Flat Pattern orientation can be defined.
- Save the part, which is automatically saved as an iPart factory.
TipOptionally, create only one row in the iPart table, and then add additional rows by editing the spreadsheet. You can take advantage of copying and pasting, formulas, and other spreadsheet commands.
What is the workflow for iParts?
Working with iParts has two phases: part authoring and part placement.
In part authoring, you design the part and define all of its variations. You create a row in a table for each possible version. Each version, called a member, is stored in an iPart factory.
You can create two types of iPart factories: standard and custom.
In part placement, choose a row in the table to represent the appropriate version. An iPart member is generated, using the values in the table row, and inserted in your assembly like any other component.
What types of iParts can be defined?
There are two types of iParts:
- A Standard iPart Factory defines all values in columns. When you publish an iPart using a standard iPart factory, the member parts cannot be modified after placement.
- A Custom iPart Factory contains at least one column identified as a Custom Parameter Column. When you publish an iPart using a custom iPart factory, the custom parameters in the member parts can be modified when the iPart member is placed. You can add features to a custom iPart member.
NoteFeature suppression and parameters cannot be applied to features added to flat patterns in custom iPart Factories for sheet metal iParts.
What information can be included in an iPart?
You can include:
- Parameters. Use the Parameters Editor to rename parameters, establish equations between parameters, and create User parameters.
- Properties, so that you can include information such as part number, stock number, and material. Your bill of materials and parts list are automatically kept up to date.
- Threads, including different thread families, designations, classes, direction, and pipe diameter.
- iMates, specifying which should be included or suppressed, offset values, matching names, and sequence number.
- Work features, including which should be included or excluded and visibility status.
- Feature Suppression status. Using feature suppression, you can include several configurations of a single part in one file. For example, one configuration of the part may have an extrusion with a cut, while another has an extrusion with a join. Sheet metal iParts can have feature suppression applied to features that were added to the flat pattern making individual flat patterns unique for iPart member files.
- iFeatures and table-driven iFeatures. You can specify which inserted iFeatures to include in the iPart. If the iFeature includes a table, you can specify the iFeature row value and the suppression status for each row.
- Sheet Metal iParts can include: the Sheet Metal Rule, the Sheet Metal Unfold rule and the Flat Pattern orientation.
Where are iParts stored?
Standard iPart factories generate parts that have fixed values. Because these parts are reused in many assemblies, we recommend that you store them in a library whose path is included in your active project file. This path is called a proxy path.
The library directory where you want to save the iParts must have the same name as the factory library, preceded with an underscore character. For example, if your factories are stored in a library named Bolts, you can define a library named _Bolts. Autodesk Inventor automatically stores all iParts generated by factories in the library _Bolts. You can define multiple proxy paths, and you can designate them in your project. This technique is helpful if, for example, you want to group table-driven components by category. Redundant paths are shown in red. You can delete these in the project file.
You are not required to specify a proxy path. When iPart members are placed in the assembly, Autodesk Inventor creates a subdirectory in the same directory that contains the iPart factory. For example, consider you have an iPart called Bolt.ipt in C:\temp. When you place an iPart member in the assembly, a subdirectory called Bolt is created (C:\temp\Bolt), and the iPart member file is created there.
Custom iPart members always are stored in a location specified using Browse in the Place Custom iPart dialog in assemblies.
How do standard and custom iParts differ?
When creating an iPart factory, you determine whether or not parameters can be modified when an iPart is placed in an assembly. Parts created from standard iPart factories cannot be modified. Parts created from custom iPart factories can have designated parameters modified when placed.
Standard iPart factories, such as bolt factories, are not edited. Because bolts are parts that do not change, you select the individual iPart member to use, but you do not edit any values. Usually, standard iPart members are stored in a library. By default, files for standard iPart members are located in a folder of the same name as the factory or in a location designated as the proxy path. For more information, see the section Where are iParts stored? in the Use iParts in assemblies topic.
If an iPart member is created already, successive placement of the iPart member in an assembly reuses the member file. If a key determines the selection criteria for an iPart member, meaning that the member is defined by fixed values from the factory table, then the iPart member is standard. It implies that there is a finite number of input combinations to create the iPart member. Examples are Nut, Bolt, and Washer.
Custom iPart factories are not edited directly, but you can choose the value for custom parameters when you place a member from the factory. For example, with an angle iron factory, you select the iPart to use, and then modify certain values such as length, width, or thickness. Only the values specified when the iPart factory was created can be modified. Custom iPart members are usually specific to a particular assembly and can be stored anywhere other parts are stored.
NoteFeature suppression and parameters cannot be applied to features added to flat patterns in custom iPart Factories for sheet metal iParts.
The location of files created for custom iPart members is based on the path specified using Browse in the Place Custom iPart dialog box. With custom iPart members, you can input a custom value not contained in the table. Custom iPart member columns appear with a blue background in the iPart factory. You can edit custom iPart members by adding additional features, sketches, and so on. It means that two custom iPart members produced with identical parameters can be different.
Differences at a glance between standard and custom iPart members: |
iPart Behavior | Standard iPart | Custom iPart |
Parameter values for member creation | Select from a list | For custom parameters, typically you can specify any value. For other parameters, you select from a list. |
Location of member files | Determined when the file is created by subdirectory of the same name or by proxy path | User-specified |
Number of members | Finite; one member per row | Typically infinite; each row can produce multiple members based on different custom parameter values |
Member reuse | Reused if available | Always newly created |
Member editing? (Adding features to members) | No | Yes |
Specify member file names through the iPart table? | Yes | No |
| Use Flat Pattern Edit Features? | Yes | No |
What is the behavior of work features in iParts?
Work features are useful in iParts to constrain parts in assemblies and to create pins in electrical parts.
Create work features in a part before you transform it into an iPart factory, and then determine which work features to include or exclude in iPart members.
In the iPart Author dialog box, work features have default Include or Exclude settings. You can override the setting by selecting work features to include or exclude in the iPart table. Each row can have work features Included or Excluded. Default settings are:
- Work features constrained with iMates are Included.
- Pins (work points) in electrical parts are Included.
- All other work features are Excluded, except the features constrained with iMates.
For standard iParts, each row in the iPart table represents a member. A column for each work feature indicates whether it is included or excluded. You can modify the setting for each row in the table.
Note Work feature visibility is determined in the original part and cannot be modified, but after you place an iPart member, you can use View

Visibility

Object Visibility to turn work features on and off globally.
Sheet Metal iPart Factory Considerations
Sheet metal iParts include additional attributes:
- specification of Sheet Metal Rule,
- specification of Sheet Metal Unfold Rule,
- optional specification of alternative, named flat pattern orientation,
- optional individual control of bend order sequence designation on flat pattern members captured using the factory Member Scope option.
Effectively taking advantage of these attributes requires additional consideration when the sheet metal iPart is to include the suppression of features which eliminate bends, thereby impacting the bend order sequence.
When a sheet metal iPart factory is created, a default bend order is created. The default bend order depends on whether a flat pattern body already exists within the sheet metal document.
- If no flat pattern exists when the part is transformed into an iPart factory, each member row’s flat pattern receives the exact same bend order (accounting for feature suppression) upon generation of the flat pattern.
- If a flat pattern exists when the part is transformed into an iPart factory, the existing bend order is copied to each resulting flat pattern member (accounting for feature suppression). This means that if a flat pattern has been customized with a specific bend order prior to transformation to an iPart factory, the default (factory scope) bend order for each member has customizations already in place. By utilizing the member scope option to edit individual flat patterns, each flat pattern can have a unique bend order defined.
Suppressed Features Within Members - In the case of factory scope editing, the default bend order behaves identically to that of a regular sheet metal component flat pattern, but it may appear to behave differently within the context of the iPart factory. The flat pattern automatically manages the bend order based upon the visible centerlines (modeled or cosmetic) for the active member. Centerlines which are absent for a given member (due to suppression) release their bend order number to maintain a gapless sequence order on the remaining features.
NoteSheet metal parts created prior to Inventor R2009 which are transformed into iPart factories using Inventor R2010 (or later) do not support bend order editing from within the iPart factory.
Tips for creating iPart factories
- Determine the part of your design that changes with each version.
- After you create the basic part, use the Parameters command to rename system parameters and to create unique parameter names. Then use the iPart Author command to create the iPart factory. Named parameters are automatically added to the iPart table.
- When creating an iPart factory, use Suppress and Unsuppress features to make significant changes between members. Add the features to the iPart table, and then specify the suppression status for the features in each row of the iPart table.
- In the iPart Author, right-click materials, sizes, or other critical values in the right pane and designate as keys. Only key values are shown in the model browser. Key numbers determine the nesting hierarchy, such as key 3 is nested under key 2, which is nested under key 1.
- Default document units are used if you do not specify a unit of measure in a table cell.
- If you select the Material property from the Design Assistant Properties list, use the Material Column option on the Other tab to ensure that the current appearance is set to As Material.
- To include part properties in drawings and bills of materials, include them in the iPart table, even if their values do not vary between members.
- To include part properties in drawings include them in the iPart table, even if their values do not vary between members.
- Place standard iPart factories in a library and include the library path in your project file.
Publish DWF data
Publishing from an iPart factory produces a DWF file containing an iPart table. Activate the iPart table in the browser, and then use 
Save As
Save Copy As. Specify the DWF file type and appropriate options.
NotePublishing a sheet metal iPart member can now include a flat pattern. Publishing a sheet metal iPart factory can include all folded and flat patterns for all members in addition to the iPart table.
Procedures
Create an iPart factory
A good candidate for an iPart factory is a basic part you use often in different sizes, materials, or mounting configurations. When you transform a part to an iPart factory, you define the parameters and properties that must change for each part.
You can also create a table-driven iPart and use it to create a table-driven iFeature if the entire part is going to be used as an iFeature. Use the Extract iFeature command to save the iPart as an iFeature. Once the table-driven iFeature is saved to the catalog location, use the iFeature Author to make changes to the table.
NoteThere is no link between the original iPart and the iFeature. Save the part file if you want to preserve a copy of the original iPart.
In the iPart Author table, you define individual members of the iPart factory by specifying its values. If you prefer, you can add or edit members in an embedded Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. For standard iParts, each table row is a member of the iPart.
In previous versions, legacy iParts concatenated Key values to create a file name. Now, a Member column in the iPart table generates a default file name based on the factory name. Each member name is incremented. Optionally, click Options in the iPart Author dialog box to set up a different naming scheme, or enter a new name in the member cell.
You can create a standard iPart factory or a custom iPart factory.
NoteAdd the file locations to the active project because iPart members are stored according to your search paths in the active project.
Set up part parameters
| | It is a good idea to create the part relatively close to its actual size and then use dimensions to make the sketch geometry precise. You can edit dimensions if you need to when building the iPart table. If you know that you want the part to be a part factory, create parameters with meaningful names as you add dimensions. For example, in the dimension edit box, type in Length=75mm. The sketch length will change to 75mm, and a parameter will be created and added to the table with the name of Length. Parameters appear in the order you add them in the iPart table. Give some thought to the order you add them so that related parameter columns are grouped . |
| | - As you dimension the part, create parameters by typing in the name of the parameter followed by the value. For example, Length=75mm.
- On the ribbon, click
 . - Determine which parameters and properties to change with each member. Rename parameters with descriptive and recognizable names.
In this example, dimensions are shown as d0 and d1. You can create the parameters Length and Width as you add these dimensions or you can open the Parameter table and rename them to Length and Width.
- Create relationships with other parameters as needed. For example, set the cylinder hole center position to length/2 or width/2. Parameters defined by relationships to other parameters are preceded by fx in the graphics window.
As you create or edit features, you can enter parameter names or equations in the dimension dialog box or in the feature dialog box. - Save the file.
|
Create a standard iPart
- Click

to open the iPart Author. All parameters renamed in the Parameters dialog box are already added as columns in the iPart table. If you did not rename the parameters, add them to the table individually.
- In the left pane, the browser shows all part data. Click a parameter and then click the Include arrow to add the parameter to the table.
To remove a parameter, click the parameter in the right pane and then click the Remove arrow.
TipEach selected value is a column in the iPart table, so include only items that need different values in iPart members.
- Click tabs and add needed attributes. For example:
- On the Properties tab, expand the Project folder and add Part Number. In the iPart table, give each member a unique part number. When you place a version of the iPart, your bill of materials and parts lists are up to date.
- On the Suppression tab, add features whose suppression status you want to control.
TipWhen creating a part, you can suppress features and add new ones, so that you can define multiple configurations of a part in a single factory file. In the iPart table, you can change suppression status of features for each member.
- On the iFeatures tab, add inserted iFeatures you want to include in the table. You can specify the iFeature row value and suppression status for each row in the iPart table.
- On the iMates tab, iMates are automatically included if the feature status is Compute, but are not included if Suppressed.
- On the Work Features tab, include one or more work features, if desired. Work features may be useful when constraining parts in an assembly. For electrical parts, work features are included by default.
- On the Threads tab, include or exclude thread parameters, if present. Family is a crucial distinction among threads, so include it as a minimum.
- On the Sheet Metal tab, include: Sheet Metal style, Sheet Metal Unfold style and/or Flat Pattern Orientation as needed for your factory.
- On the Other tab, create values such as Color, Material, or File Name.
The Member Name column automatically generates unique names to distinguish each iPart member.
If you alter the member name from the default, it alters the file name.
- Review the columns in the iPart table to determine which columns to designate as Keys, such as material or size, by identifying primary characteristics of the iPart.
NoteIf the iPart is going to be exported as an iFeature, you can designate the Key1 value to identify a specific characteristic of the iFeature in the browser of the part file it is used in.
In the right pane, right-click an attribute and select Key. Click the arrow and select the number to specify the order. For example, if you always select a part by its length, and then its width, designate length as Key1 and width as Key2.
TipKey values are listed in order in the browser and the Keys tab of the Place iPart dialog box. Specify only needed keys to avoid browser clutter. Key columns are indicated with a key icon.
- Right-click in the table and select Insert Row. Modify the values as needed to create an iPart member.
You can continue to add rows and columns as needed. Consider editing the table in a spreadsheet so you can take advantage of functions such as copy and paste, formulas, and sorting.
For more information, see the Edit the iPart spreadsheet section in Edit an iPart factory.
- Right-click a table row and select Set as Default Row. The default row is indicated by a green background. The Default Row is automatically inserted into an assembly when placed, unless a different iPart member is selected.
- Click OK to create the iPart. You can edit the iPart later to add or remove rows or adjust your preferences.
- Save the file.
Create a custom iPart
- Create a standard iPart, using the instructions in the previous section.
- On one or more tabs in the iPart Author, determine the custom values to enter when the iPart is placed.
- If the value is not already in the iPart table, select it in the left pane, and then click the Include arrow to add it.
- In the iPart table, specify cells or columns in which to enter a custom value:
- Right-click in a column and select Custom Parameter Column.
- Right-click in any cell and select Custom Parameter Cell. Use this technique to create only one row that allows custom entry.
A custom column or cell is indicated by a blue background.
- Save the file.
Sheet metal parts can include features added to the flat pattern. When such a part becomes a custom iPart factory these flat pattern features cannot be:
- driven through the use of parameters
- suppressed
Custom iPart Example: Calculate custom parameters in Microsoft Excel
Setting a column to Custom means that you are able to set the value independently of the iPart table for that member.
You can use custom parameters to calculate values in the iPart table. Cells and columns calculated in Microsoft Excel have a red background when viewed in the iPart table.
| | |
In the iPart factory, a column was added using the Description property. | Using a Microsoft Excel formula in the Description column, each iPart version was automatically calculated. |
Consider the iPart example shown previously:
- In the part file, use the Parameters command to add User Parameters for Width, Height, and Length.
- In the iPart Author, specify five columns:
- On the Parameters tab, select Width, Height, and Length.
- On the Properties tab, select Description and Part Number.
- Right-click the Length column and set it as Key1. When the iPart is placed in an assembly, only its length (Key1) is shown in the browser.
- Click OK to close the iPart Author dialog box and save the file.
- Right-click the table in the part browser and select Edit via Spreadsheet.
- In the spreadsheet, Width, Height, and Length are in columns A, B, and C. In cell D2 (the first data row) of the Description column, enter the formula:
This formula retrieves the values in columns A, B, and C and calculates results in the Description column. Using your values and units, the results look like the following formula:
2 mm x 10 mm x 50 mm
Each member of the iPart is calculated separately.
- Save the spreadsheet.
NoteTo avoid Parts List roll-up, you can use the same technique to customize the Part Number column and give each iPart instance a unique part number. Consult Microsoft Excel for more information on using its functions.
Generate new member files
After you have created member rows in the iPart factory, you can generate the files.
- In the browser, click to expand the factory. The member names are nested below the factory.
- Right-click a member name and select Generate Files to create the file on your computer. It is located in the same folder as the factory file.
- Continue to select members and generate files.
NoteIf appropriate, you can skip manually creating the member files. When you consume the member by placing it in an assembly or creating a drawing view, the files are automatically generated.
Edit an iPart factory
When creating an iPart factory, you select the parameters or properties to define the published iPart. In the iPart Author, each column contains a parameter or property. Each row represents a unique version of the part. To modify the iPart factory, edit in the iPart Author table or in an embedded Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
Use Excel to incorporate spreadsheet formulas, conditional statements, and multiple sheet data extraction.
Edit the iPart table
- Click

Open. - Browse to locate the iPart factory file, and then click Open.
- In the browser, click to expand the table folder. The default iPart member is marked with a check mark.
- Right-click the table icon and select Edit Table. The iPart Author dialog box opens.
- In the iPart Author table, change values as needed. You can also right-click and select:
- Insert Row to add another member of the iPart.
- Delete Row to remove a member of the iPart.
- Set as Default Row to insert this version in an assembly automatically when the iPart is placed.
- Custom Parameter Column to allow a value to be entered in all members when the iPart is placed.
- Custom Parameter Cell to allow a value to be entered only when this member of the iPart is placed.
- Delete Column to remove the parameter or property from all members of the iPart.
- Click OK to close the dialog box and then save the file.
NoteIf you wish to discard changes after saving, choose Undo Update in the Edit menu.
NoteYou cannot modify spreadsheet formulas and conditional statements from the iPart Author. The cells are shown with a red background and cannot be edited.
Edit the iPart spreadsheet
Values calculated by equations in the spreadsheet are shown with a red background in the iPart table.
- Click

Open. - Browse to locate the iPart factory file, and then click Open.
- In the browser, click to expand the table folder. The default iPart member is marked with a check mark.
- Right-click the table icon and select Edit via Spreadsheet. The iPart table opens in Microsoft Excel.
- Edit cells as necessary, but do not change the column headings. Changed column headings causes all members of the iPart to fail to compute.
- Use Microsoft Excel tools, as needed. For example:
- Copy and paste rows to add new members of the iPart quickly. Change only needed cells to differentiate between iPart versions.
- Use formulas to create the data.
- Sort the data to organize it in a logical way, such as sorting on a critical value in ascending or descending order.
- Save the spreadsheet and close it.
- Test the new data by inserting members into an assembly file. If an information icon is displayed in the assembly browser, there are errors in the member. Re-open the spreadsheet and make corrections.
TipTo help isolate where problems may have occurred, repeat this process for each new parameter or property or changed data.
NoteIf you wish to discard changes after saving, choose Undo Update in the Edit menu.
Convert an iPart to a part
- Click

Open. - Browse to locate the iPart factory file, and then click Open.
- In the browser, right-click the table folder and select Delete.
- A message warns you that deleting the table converts the iPart to a normal part. Click OK to convert or click Cancel.
- Save the part.
NoteAn old member cannot be exchanged for another iPart member. Therefore, the Change Component command does not work with an old member in the assembly.
Edit threads used in an iPart factory
Autodesk Inventor includes the Thread.xls spreadsheet in the Design Data folder. The Application Options and/or project settings can affect the file's location. The column headings match the labels on the Specification tab of the Thread feature dialog box. If you prefer, you can use the spreadsheet to create or edit thread parameters included in an iPart factory.
Edit Bend Order in an iPart factory
Use the Bend Order command within the Flat Pattern model state to redefine the bend order sequence using one of two automated techniques: directed or sequential as well as a completely manual bend order method. By default, Inventor sets the iPart capture mode set to ‘Factory Scope’ for every iPart factory that is created. This is expected to be the primary workflow. A single (default) bend order is assigned to all centerlines (modeled or cosmetic) that are available within any of the folded members. In this capture mode, any contextual bend order changes applied to a member file’s flat pattern is applied to all member flat patterns within the factory.
Member Scope Editing
Only one method allows the assignment of an individualized bend order to a flat pattern member (verses the factory’s generic default order): setting the factory’s edit mode to ‘Member Scope’ (using the iPart/Assembly panel). Once a sheet metal iPart factory is set to ‘Member Scope’ any bend order changes made within the flat pattern is captured and persisted exclusively for the active member.
- Create a sheet metal part that you expect to use as an iPart factory.
- In the sheet metal part, create the Flat Pattern representation.
- On the ribbon, click

. - Create individual iPart rows representing the various members of your iPart factory.
- Once you have added all of the member rows, click OK to save the factory table.
- On the ribbon, click

. - On the Customize dialog box, select the Toolbars tab and select iPart/iAssembly from the list of Toolbars.
- Click Show on the Customize dialog box to display the iPart/iAssembly toolbar.
- Click Close to dismiss the Customize dialog box.
- In the part browser, click to expand the table folder. The default iPart member is marked with a check mark.
- Click Edit Member Scope under the Edit Factory Scope dropdown located on the iPart/iAssembly toolbar.
- Activate the iPart member for which a unique bend order is to be applied.
- In the flat pattern of the iPart member, apply the unique bend order sequence and click Finish Bend Order to save the bend order sequence.
- Repeat the above two steps for each member of the factory that require a unique bend order sequence.
NoteThis procedure adds a column to the iPart table called: FlatPatternBendOrder. The cells in this column cannot be edited. For members which have their bend order defined using Factory Scope, the cell is named Default. For members in which bend order has been defined using Member Scope the cell is named by prefixing the part number with the string: “BendOrder_”.
References
iPart Author
The iPart Author transforms a part to an iPart factory. For standard iParts, each row in the factory table represents a unique member, whose variations are specified in columns. Data of several types is specified on tabs and added to the table as column in the order specified.
When table contents are complete, click OK to convert the part to an iPart factory. The contents of the table can be edited in an embedded spreadsheet.
Author overview
| | The iPart Author specifies the attributes of a part that change with each member. TipAlthough it is not required, edit the part before creating an iPart and use the Parameters tab to rename parameters. Renamed and user parameters are automatically added as columns in the iPart table. Information to include in an iPart is selected on tabs, according to the type of data. |
Left pane | Shows part attributes, according to the selected tab. Click to select parameters, properties, or other values and then click the Add arrow to add to the selections list or the Remove arrow to remove it. |
Right pane | Shows selected values and adds a column in the iPart table. Specifies keys to represent the nesting order in the part browser and on the Key tab of the Place iPart dialog box. Only columns designated as keys are shown in the browser. Right-click an attribute and select Key such as material or size. In the iPart table, a key icon in column headings identify designated values. Select the Key order to set the nesting order. For example, if you select an iPart by its length, and then its width, set Length as Key1 and Width as Key2. |
iPart table | Contains columns in the order selected. Some cell or column settings can also be specified in the right pane. NoteA column or cell cannot be designated as both a custom value and a key. Member is automatically created as the first column. Its default value is the file name, indexed per member, such as bolt-01, bolt-02, and so on. For more information about Member Name and Part Number, click to see Options reference If you rename a member from the default file name, a prompt reminds you that a name change alters the file name and asks you to confirm. NoteThe Member column is the default file name column. If you remove the file name setting, the member file name is based on key names. Key names can result in long file names as all key names are concatenated in the file name. Rows represent individual iPart members. Right-click to specify: - Insert Row adds a new iPart member.
- Delete Row removes an iPart member.
- Set as Default Row specifies the member that is automatically inserted in an assembly, unless you select a different version when the iPart is placed. The default row has a green background.
- Custom Parameter Cell allows entry of a custom value when this member of the iPart is placed. The cell background is blue.
- Specify Range for Cell sets limits on values of custom cells. Sets the minimum and maximum values.
- Specify Increment for Cell sets the increment for a custom cell. Units, if applicable, are specified by the column type.
|
| | Columns indicate the values that are unique for each iPart member. Right-click to specify: |
Buttons | Options opens the Options dialog box. You can create or edit part numbers and member names. For more information about Member Name and Part Number, click to see Naming Scheme. Verify checks the table for cell values that are not valid for the column type, improper column headers, and if numeric values have correct units. Cells with errors are highlighted with a yellow background. |
TipTo add different appearances and materials for individual instances, use Microsoft Excel to edit the iPart table. You can copy rows and edit the appearance and material cells. When placing an iPart, you can then change to a different material by selecting a different configuration. If appropriate, you can also set these columns as Keys. Items added in Excel are shown with a red background in the iPart table.
iPart tabs
Specifies the attributes used to define an iPart factory. A row is added for each iPart member, with values specified to differentiate among variations. The number of columns in an iPart is limited to 256, but usually variations that differentiate among members are limited to a few columns. Columns are added to the iPart table in the order selected. |
Parameters | Contains parameters specified when the part was created, such as features, dimensions, renamed parameters, and custom parameters. Renamed and custom parameters are automatically added as columns to the iPart table, but other parameters can be individually selected. |
Properties | Lists summary, project, and physical properties. If an iFeature with Custom properties is present, the iFeature custom properties are included. Properties can be used in drawings and the bill of materials. Useful properties can include: - Part number, so that your bill of materials and parts lists are up to date.
- Material, so that you can specify appearance and material for individual members.
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Suppression | Specifies individual features to compute or suppress. When creating the part, suppress features and add additional features that define members, such as a cut or extrusion. Using this method, you can include multiple variations of a part in one file, and then specify the compute or suppression status of each feature for each member in the iPart table. Depending on the amount of discretion you want to allow when the part is placed, you can: - Specify Suppress or Compute for each feature in each row. When the iPart is placed, you select the member that contains the features you need.
- Specify a Custom Parameter Cell or Custom Parameter Column for each feature to compute or suppress. When the iPart is placed, you enter the needed suppression status.
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iFeatures | Specifies table driven iFeatures to include in the iPart table. When included, a unique iFeature row can be specified for each iPart row. You can specify the suppression status for the iFeature in each row of the iPart table. |
iMates | Specifies individual iMates to include in an iPart member. You can include or suppress, set offset values, specify matching name, and sequence number. |
Work Features | Specifies work features to include in an iPart. For electrical parts, work points that represent pins are included by default. For non-electrical parts, work features are excluded by default, except the features with associative iMates. When included in a member, a work feature has the same visibility setting as in the original part. Consider: - For standard iParts, visibility of work features can only be changed using View
Visibility Object Visibility User Work Planes, Work Axes, or Work Points. - For custom iParts, you can turn work feature visibility on and off.
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Threads | Specifies thread parameters for each iPart member. Define columns for each regular or tapered thread parameter. Include all parameters that may vary to match the replacement thread. For example: |
Existing thread | Replacement thread |
Thread1:Family="ANSI Unified Screw Threads" Thread1:Designation="7/16-14 UNC" | Thread1:Family="ANSI Unified Screw Threads" Thread1:Designation="7/16-18 UNS" |
In most cases, this iPart would fail because the Thread1:Class was not added to the table. In the existing thread, three classes are available: 1A, 2A, and 3A. In the replacement thread, only 2A is available. Unless the specified thread is a complete match (both are 2A), it fails because a thread feature cannot be generated. In this case, select the Class parameter in addition to Family and Designation to prevent this error: |
Existing thread | Replacement thread |
Thread1:Family="ANSI Unified Screw Threads" Thread1:Designation="7/16-14 UNC" Thread1:style-class="1A" | Thread1:Family="ANSI Unified Screw Threads" Thread1:Designation="7/16-18 UNS" Thread1:style-class="2A" |
Sheet Metal | Specifies the optional inclusion of: Sheet Metal Rule, Sheet Metal Unfold (if needed due to being different from that specified in the Sheet Metal Rule) and a named Flat Pattern Orientation as columns in the iPart Factory table. |
Other | Creates custom column headings in the table, such as cost per unit, that do not control size or placement of a member. Values can contain text or numeric data. In the Prompt section, adds a prompt for placement instructions or other information. |
Options
Creates or edits part numbers and member names for iAssemblies and iParts. Editing a member name alters the file name.
Access: |  , then click Options.
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Optionally defines a convention for setting part numbers and member names for members of the iAssembly factory. A Member Name column is automatically created for each member and has a generated name, based on settings for part number and member name. NoteThe automatic value can be overridden by using formulas when editing the table in Microsoft Excel. |
Part Number | Do Not Set | Default setting. |
Set to Value | Establishes a custom value; the default is the factory part number. |
Member Name | Set to Member Part Number | Available only if Part Number Set to Value is specified. |
Set to Factory File Name | Specifies each member name as the factory file name, automatically incremented by row. Default setting. |
Set to Value | Allows entry of a custom member name. |
Index | Select the check box to activate Separator, Initial Value, Step, and Digits. |
Separator | Sets the character used to precede incremental member numbers. The default is a hyphen. |
Initial Value | Sets the first member value. The default is 1. |
Step | Sets the increment between members. The default is 1. |
Digits | Sets the number of significant digits. The default is 2. |
Preview | Displays format of preferences. |
Specify Range
Specifies a range of values for selected cells or columns when using the iPart Author. When the iPart is placed, you can enter values within that range.
Access |    In the table, right-click a column, and then select Custom Parameter Column. Right-click again, and then select Specify Range for Column. |
Sets minimum, default, and maximum values for a Custom Parameter column. |
Minimum | Click the arrow to select the limit (less than or equal, or no lower bound). If less than or equal, enter a value to represent the bottom end of the range. This value must be less than the default or maximum. |
Default | Shows the current value of the parameter. This value must be greater than the minimum and less than the maximum. |
Maximum | Click the arrow to select the limit (less than or equal, or no upper bound). If less than or equal, enter a value to represent the top end of the range. This value must be greater than the default or minimum. |