Structural part lengths from library

[chris.sones827586]

I'm running into a problem with the library parts. This is when i import something that requires a length.

When I set my parts list into the drawings my quantity reads the length and not the total number of parts. Does someone know how to fix this?

Thanks

[Bunny]

Edit the parts list style, and add more columns to the list. The UNIT QTY property will give either a number, i.e. for a 1" plate, or a length, i.e. 15.25" for bar/rod, etc. The ITEM QTY property will give you the number of items of the same type, i.e. number of 1/2-13x1.25 SHCS's or number of 4x1/2x12 lengths of FB. How you define your STOCK NUMBER and DESCRIPTION properties comes into play here. The QTY property gives the total value of the parts, i.e total fastener count or total length of all similar dimension FB, I-Beams, etc. Again, the STOCK NUMBER and DESCRIPTION properties will affect this value.

Try adding various columns and properties to a list, and you will get a sense of how the list will respond based on your part definitions.

[chris.sones827586]

Thanks, that helps. I didn't realize they had a couple different quantity columns to choose from. I've been working with an existing template that needs an overhaul I think.

I haven't been messing with the stock number yet, but it may come into play in the future when we start standardizing some parts that will be consistent from project to project.

I have been using the description. I work more with structural steel. So I put the profile into the description and this pulls it into the parts list (description column). I've thought about somehow changing this, but haven't come up with anything better yet. I'd like it to automatically determine the profile and place it in the parts list. Sometimes I forget to change it, or modify a part different, which displays the wrong info in the parts list.I wish I could get it more automated so I don't have to think about checking back and forth. Its time consuming.

Thanks for the reply.

[Bunny]

You're welcome. I also do alot of steel projects. One thing which has made my life immeasurably easier was to create custom content, such as that for I-Beams and Channels. This way I can define what I want the parts lists to display and how to display it. Once all the definitions are set, you shouldn't have to worry about the list displaying incorrect information.

[chris.sones827586]

to create custom content, such as that for I-Beams and Channels. This way I can define what I want the parts lists to display and how to display it. Once all the definitions are set, you shouldn't have to worry about the list displaying incorrect information.

Can you explain the steps on how you do this. I'd be interested in learning how to see if it would help me out.

Thanks

[Bunny]

I would start by getting familiar with the functionality of the Content Center and editor, and why it behaves the way it does (I guessed on the Inventor version):

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Invento...95-Content_595

Once you get a feel for it, decide upon one type of family to customise, i.e ANSI W. Once you have this done, you can add whatever you want to your family, such as custom copes, alignment holes, RBS's, etc...

Feel free to PM if you wish.