Inventor 2021 comes with some updates to their Frame Generator.  If you work with welded frames, you know what I am talking about.  The Frame Generator automates the process of building frames by allowing the placement and modification of each member of a frame.  It allows you to select the size and shape of each member, place them based on different orientations, and add and modify end treatments of each member joint.  It sure beats the heck out of modeling each piece of tubing and placing each individual part into an assembly.  It takes a quite lengthy process and cuts it down just a few minute transaction with a dialog window.

They previously added the ability to automate the naming of frame members and assemblies with the “File Naming Defaults” dialog window.  They are continuing their efforts to add options and functionality to this dialog. To get to this dialog, just open your Application options and navigate to the “File” tab; there is a button at the bottom.

How to get to the File Naming Defaults Dialog window in Inventor 2021

You can type in specific words that you may want to be incorporated into the file names, but you can also add fields into the file names by clicking the “+” button at the end of each name box.  Here you can add all sorts of things, whether they be the file name, project name, an item from the iproperties, parts of the date, or unique or indexed numbers.

They have added some more time saving items like adding a “Category” filter and preset configurations to allow you to setup frame members with the same settings at any time.  They have also added some buttons to the “Change Reuse” command that will zoom in and preview the member in its location, and while you are there, you can adjust its placement.

They have also updated the Trim, Notch, and Reuse commands.  The Trim command now also allows you to trim to curved members and the Notch command now includes the ability to notch the end of a member to fit I, T, and C shaped frame members.  They have made a significant upgrade to the Reuse command that allows you to select the member that you want to reuse and then window-select multiple members that you want to make.

All in all, if you use the frame generator already, you will notice the difference.  It will add many options and make your frame generation much faster.  You get all of these updates, all while following new file naming configurations.

Please watch Autodesk’s video here.