How do you manage file names in Inventor or AutoCAD?

I seem to constantly get into discussions with companies about how they should manage their file names and part numbers, but there is usually never a clear cut best practice. Usually different approaches are needed for multiple document types, and this usually leads to confusion in most environments. Once a naming convention is decided, the File Naming tools in Vault Workgroup or Collaboration 2010 can be used to ensure each new CAD document has a unique file name.

This tool can be configured in the Administrative Options area:

When in the Numbering Schemes dialog, multiple schemes can be created and saved for different purposes. If you would like one of the schemes to automatically be assumed for your CAD files, just set it as the default.

A Numbering scheme can consist of several different elements including auto-generated sequences, fixed text, drop-down lists, free text and delimiters.

When saving files in the CAD software, a default naming scheme will automatically suggest the file name.

Contributed by Ben of the Tata Technologies CAD Geeks

How Solid Bodies can Make Components

Some that are using the new 2010 have noticed that new Solid bodies folder in the part modeling browser. This tool allows us to specify different features inside a single part as unique solids. Before Inventor 2010 all features that were modeled in a single part existed to create that sinlge part. Mass properties and inertial properties were calcualted on all the geometry in that part file. With the New Solid option inside of the common 3d features like Extrusion, Revolve, Loft, Sweep, etc you can specify multiple solid bodies in one part file, instead of them automatically joining as they have in the past. Also new is the the Make Components command that works great with the Solid Bodies feature. You can use the Make Components command to take all those solid bodies from the single part and turn them into parts of an actual assembly. Imagine a combination of some of the more complex derived component and skeletal modeling approahces that some of us have taken in the past. I am currently talking to a number of users about how this will help in creating some of their more complex assembly designs. For a quick example of the workflow required. Take a look at the video below.

Watch the Soild Bodies, Make Components Here!

Added by Rodney, another one of those CAD Geeks.

Electrical - 2010 Update 1 Released

As of August 25th 2009 Autodesk has released service pack 1 for AutoCAD Electrical 2010. Below I have listed the areas of the software which this service pack or update relates to.

Circuit Builder can become unstable with huge drawing extents.
Circuit Builder does not support nested circuits inserted from single marker block.
Insert/Edit Components/Footprints
Insert Connector From List becomes unstable when performing File Pick cancellation.
Changing the scale changes the length in Din Rail insertion.
The INST/LOC attribute's visibility changes when editing a component.
Component pin values can be deleted when assigning catalog without pin list.
PLC Database Editor crash when editing a module on 64 bit operating system.
Wire Connection does not synchronize with Symbol Builder library.
Migration Utility
Migration Utility fails to run on 64 bit operating system.
Project Database Service
Project Database Service can become unstable under certain conditions.
Project Manager
Project Manager becomes unstable upon hitting TAB key.
Reports
Adding an ITEM sort option on BOM report.
One-line data is not listed on certain schematic reports.
Wire From/To report ignores Wire Tee markers when determining wire sequencing.
Content in Description field can be missing from PLC report.
Terminals
Terminal Strip Editor becomes unstable when changing terminal level numbers and rebuilding strips.
Terminal Strip Editor fails for terminal with copied catalog from another terminal.
Wires
Auto wire connection can be broken when inserting a motor.
Multiple wire numbers can get inserted on a wire when performing remove and re-insert wire number.

You can find this update at:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=13777929&linkID=9240738

Assigning Decals in Autodesk Showcase

Graphics add the finishing touch to any image and Showcase allows you to apply them quickly and easily. This weeks tip will walk you through the process of creating your own custom decal and applying it to you model.

Click HERE to watch the video

Created by Aaron... Your Alias CAD Geed!

Using Parameters in iProperties

More recently I have seen a large demand to customize the information within iProperties. One great way to do this is take advantage of the expressions that can be created in iProperties using either other iProperties or parameter values that have been created during the modeling process. Using Parameter values in expressions in iProperties can allow a user to automate such common iProperties such as description. The keys to doing this successfully are to carefully name your parameters ( User Parameters work best), export those parameters so that they will be shown on the custom tab of the iProperties, and create the correct expression. There is a simple example here in the video to get you started.

Check out the video here!

Added by Rodney, another one of those CAD Geeks.