Inserting iProperties into Annotations

During a follow up call with a client, I was asked "When creating documents to define our designs we can easily create associated relationships between the modeled geometry and the dimensions, what about using the iProperties in our drawing annotations to create similar automated associations?" I generally cover this workflow during training sessions, however, after drinking from the "fire hose" of new stuff it is easy for the student to forget. 

The Text editor in Inventor allows us to insert the iProperties from different sources. With this technique, your annotations will update in the drawing if the information in the model files change.

For our example, we will add the following Inventor iProperties to add information to our standard note.  (This same methodology can be used with other iProperties or custom iProperties.)

• Material
• MASS
• Vendor

1. From the Drawing Annotations Panel Start the Text tool and begin creating your note. In the “Type” window select “Properties - Model” for your source.

 2. From the “Properties” drop down, select “Material” from the list.

 3. Insert the selected property by clicking on the “Add Text Parameter” button.

 4. Your selected property will be shown in the editor window.

Repeat the process to insert the MASS and the Vendor iProperties.

For the MASS iProperty change the source to “Physical Properties – Model”

Mass Property

Vendor Property

Results

The note you created will be linked to the property from the 1^st model inserted into your drawing.

TIP: Create a Sketch Block of your general notes in your drawing templates using the above workflows.

About the Author

Manufacturing Applications Expert<br><br>Hal has been working closely with clients since 1997 to develop and deliver integrated solutions utilizing Autodesk products including AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, Inventor and Vault. His qualifications range from mechanical design engineering to pre-sales and post-sales consulting for the integration of mechanical software solutions. Hal has over 15 years of mechanical design experience in a variety of industry disciplines. He has worked as a Product Design Engineer to design, develop, fabricate and test new surgical instruments for use in Endoscopic and Open Surgery, specific applications for product use include: vessel ligation, wound closure, endoscopic instrumentation and specialty surgical devices. Hal has been awarded two U.S. Patents for medical devices he developed. Additionally during his tenure, Hal developed and maintained Engineering Documentation and CAD Standards and provided CAD product training and support for all users and new hires.

Follow on Linkedin More Content by Hal Carruthers