Many of us have a need to leverage work from an earlier project or design on a new project. In AutoCAD, that typically meant using Save As to create a new file and then getting to work on what is new and unique for the new project. With a 3D modeling tool like Inventor, with individual files for every component, more files for sub-assemblies to collect them all together, and a top-level assembly to see it all come together, Save As just doesn't produce the same results, to say the least. And don't get me started on copying all the drawings, presentations, and other related files that document the design.
So what are our options to reuse previous work in a new Inventor design? We are glad you asked. Here are two links to videos in our ProductivityNOW portal where our Application Expert, Walt Jaquith discusses all your options in detail.
The first video is a survey of 6 different tools for copying Inventor data, and discusses each one’s purpose, strengths and weaknesses. It covers:
- The Save and Replace Component tool
- The Assembly Copy command
- Pack and Go
- Design Assistant
- iLogic Copy
- Vault Copy Design
Survey of 6 Inventor Copy Tools
The second video singles out Design Assistant and Vault Copy Design, and does a head-to-head comparison between them.
We know you will find an option that meets your needs from all that Walt has detailed for you. If there's anything we can do to help you utilize these tools more effectively, please let us know.
Until next time, keep inventing!
Eric France
Manufacturing Solutions Team Manager