iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

Feedback English Sign in Help Autodesk WikiHelp Product help with community knowledge
2013 Inventor

Product Language Release

Share Lists Print HomeInventorEnglish2013HelpAutodesk InventorAssembliesBuild assembliesConstraintsiMatesiMate fundamentals

Create new page Edit page Upload video

iMate fundamentals
Table of contents
No headers Procedures | References
You can define constraint pairs in components, called iMates, that tell parts and subassemblies how to connect when inserted in an assembly. You can also define one half of the constraint pair limits to specify the allowable range of motion. Symbols identify iMates. The symbols show the type and state of the iMate.

You can define groups of iMates, called composite iMates. When placed and matched with

1 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32

iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

another composite iMate with the same name and number of members, all constraints in the group are sol ed. Creating iMates You create iMates as you create or modify a component or by inferring them automatically. You define half of a constraint pair on a component. The iMate definition is stored in the file, and when the component is placed in an assembly, it is automatically positioned !the iMate result ". #n the ribbon, use Manage tab $uthor panel iMate to define an iMate when creating or

modifying a component. #r, use the %nfer iMates chec& bo' when creating or editing hole features or e'trude and re ol e features with closed(loop circular edges. You can select two or more iMates in the browser, and then right(clic& to create a composite iMate. When placed in an assembly, all constraints are satisfied when matched to a component with a matching composite iMate. To con ert e'isting assembly constraints to iMate definitions, right(clic& a constraint in the browser and select %nfer iMates. You can create indi idual iMates or composite iMates. %nferred iMate definitions are sa ed with the component. The iMates created with this method do not replace the constraints that were originally placed in the acti e assembly. To replace original constraints with new iMates, manually delete the constraints and apply new iMates. What are inferred iMates? $n inferred iMate is automatically calculated based on a special algorithm that places the constraint in a location li&ely to be the most useful. %n an assembly, iMates can be inferred on selected components, features, or constraints. You can infer iMates on a closed(loop circular edge for e'truded, re ol ed, and hole features. When you create the feature, select the %nfer iMate chec& bo' to create an iMate automatically. )or e'ample, one or more insert iMates can be inferred for a hole or a re ol e feature. #r, right(clic& a feature in the browser and select %nfer iMate. You can gi e the iMate a name or accept the default name. *se infer iMates on a constraint when you ha e multiple components that must constrain to multiple instances of the same part in an assembly file. You create or infer iMates when you want geometry to use in assembly constraints. iMates also document the way you intend components to relate to one another. )or e'ample, the four mounting holes and the shaft of a motor can all ha e iMates. They identify the geometry that is li&ely to be constrained when the motor is placed in an assembly. The same iMates also ser e to document the interface of the motor. %t has a mounting interface !the four iMates on the holes" and a dri e interface !the iMate on the shaft that rotates". You can also create iMates on the electrical connectors on the motor to represent the electrical interface. How do iMates differ from assembly constraints? You define iMates when you create or edit a component, attaching them to critical placement features. +omponents that constrain to one another in an assembly each ha e one half of an iMate pair. When the components are placed in an assembly, the iMate hal es &now how to fit together.

2 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32

iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

You can retain constraints during component replacement by using matching iMates in both components. The components with the matching iMate definitions match so long as their properties match, not necessarily their geometric shape. )or e'ample, if their properties are the identical, an insert iMate definition can be e,ui alent on a circular edge and a circular arc. You define assembly constraints when you place a component in an assembly and match its position relati e to another component. $ component replacement without iMates retains assembly constraints only if the e'isting and new components are created from a common base !using Sa e +opy $s". *nless you use iMates each time you use a component, define how it fits together with other components. Using iMates in an assembly iMates are ideal for components that are used repeatedly and always constrained in the same way. You define an iMate once, sa ing time e ery time you place the component. +omposite iMates sol e multiple constraints with a single selection. *sing iMates, you can automatically place &ey assembly constraints when you place the component#n the placed component, an iMate definition is matched based on its properties. %f the iMate definition names and match lists do not match, the iMate definitions can still match. .owe er, pairings of iMate definitions whose names and match lists do match are preferred o er definitions that do not. When the two iMate hal es match in the assembly, a single consumed iMate result is created. $n iMate symbol is shown in the browser and on the components in the graphics window !although they are off by default". #n the ribbon, use /iew tab /isibility panel iMate 0lyphs option to control the display of iMate glyphs in the graphics window. %n the illustration, the rod and the housings ha e iMates with the same name. Multiple housings can ha e the same relationship defined as an iMate. You can use Replace +omponent to switch housings and retain the constraint relationship between the rod and housing. $ composite iMate definition can include multiple iMate definitions. %t could, for e'ample, set an offset distance, an insert a'is, mating faces, and a range of motion. When placed in an assembly, all constraints are satisfied when matched to a component with a composite iMate definition with the same number of members with matching properties. The composite iMate definitions whose names and match lists do match are preferred o er definitions that do not. Combining iMates in a composite %n the browser, you can select two or more iMates, right(clic&, and then select +reate +omposite. $ composite iMate is created in the browser with the indi idual iMates nested under it. You can use the default composite name or gi e it a more meaningful one. %n other parts that use the same iMate combination, create another composite iMate containing the same indi idual iMates. When matched with another composite iMate with the same name and number of members in an assembly, all constraints are sol ed at once. Procedures Create iMates

3 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32

iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

You can define constraint pairs in parts, called iMates, that tell parts how to connect when inserted in an assembly. %n the browser , an iMates folder contains all iMate definitions defined in the file. Pause your cursor o er an iMate to highlight it in the graphics window. You can define ma'imum, minimum, and resting position limits for an iMate.

You can select two or more iMates to create a composite iMate. When matched with another composite iMate with the same name and number of members, all iMates in the group are sol ed at once ! iMate result ". You can also con ert constraints between components in an assembly and automatically create multiple single iMates or a single composite iMate. These iMate definitions are sa ed with the part file. Create an iMate

1. #n the ribbon, clic& Manage tab

$uthor panel

iMate.

2. %n the +reate iMate dialog bo', the Mate constraint is automatically selected. *se the default or clic& $ngle, Tangent, or %nsert. 5. +lic& the $ssembly tab to create a stationary constraint or the Motion tab to create a motion constraint. #n the $ssembly tab3nter #ffset or $ngle, if appropriate. %n the Solution bo', clic& the result, according to the constraint type. There is no pictured solution for an $ngle constraint. #ptionally, clic& the More button to set ma'imum, minimum, or resting position limits. %n the graphics window, select the geometry to constrain. #n the Motion tab+lic& Rotation or Rotation(Translation. 3nter Ratio or 4istance, as appropriate. %n the Solution bo', clic& the result, according to the constraint type. %n the graphics window, select the geometry to constrain. 8. +lic& the button to e'pand the dialog bo'. $utodes& %n entor uses iMate names as the first criteria for matching iMates in an assembly. %f no names match, iMate properties are used to match. %n the 6ame bo', enter an iMate name, or lea e blan& and a default name is automatically created. #ptionally, clic& in the 7imits tab to set the ma'imum, minimum, and resting position limits. +hec& *se #ffset $s Resting Position and enter the re,uired alue in the #ffset alue bo' to specify the resting position. +lear the chec& bo' to disable. +hec& Ma'imum and enter a alue to specify the ma'imum limit position. +lear the chec& bo' to disable. +hec& Minimum and enter a alue to specify the minimum limit position. +lear the chec& bo' to disable. %n the Matching tab, select from the listed names, if a ailable, or clic& $dd 6ame to 7ist and enter a name. #ptionally, delete a name or use the up or down arrows to mo e the name in the list.

4 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32

iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

:. +lic& $pply to create the iMate. +ontinue to create iMates as needed or clic& #9 to ,uit. ;. Sa e the file.

Note %f you use the default iMate name, consider changing it to something more meaningful. +hoose
a name to correspond with the matching iMate in another part, and then use the browser to rename the iMate. )or e'ample, to identify the geometry, rename Mate1 to $'is1. Rename a secondary iMate, named Mate2, to )ace1.

Create a composite iMate 1. +reate multiple single iMates in a part or assembly. 2. %n the browser, clic& to e'pand the iMates folder. 5. .old down +TR7, and then clic& each iMate you want to include in the composite iMate. 8. Right(clic&, and then select +reate +omposite. :. #ptionally, clic& the composite iMate label, and then gi e it a name to describe its purpose or placement. ;. Sa e the file.
Note +hoose a name that corresponds with a matching composite iMate in another part or

assembly. You can replace parts in an assembly that were positioned using a common composite iMate. Then the composite iMate automatically positions the replacement using the pre iously defined constraints. Infer iMate definitions from existing components containing one or more constraints 1. Place constraints between components in an assembly. 2. %n the browser, select a component that has constraints. 5. Right(clic&, and select +omponent %nfer iMates.

Note iMate definitions cannot be inferred from assembly features.

8. %f the selected component is one of multiple placements of the same part !or assembly", indicate how to con ert the constraintsTo con ert constraints contained on the selected occurrence only, select the Selected #ccurrence #nly chec& bo'. To con ert constraints contained on all occurrences, clear the Selected #ccurrence #nly chec& bo'. :. Select the +reate +omposite iMates chec& bo' to group multiple inferred iMate definitions into one or more composite iMate definitions. $ composite iMate definition is created for each group of constraints that constrain the same two occurrences. ;. +lic& $pply. <. #ptionally, continue to select components for con erting additional constraints, and clic& $pply after each one. =. Sa e the file.

5 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32

iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

ip Rename the iMate in the browser, gi ing it a name to describe its purpose or placement.

Infer iMate definitions from existing constraints 1. Place constraints between components in an assembly. 2. %n the browser, select a constraint. 5. Right(clic& and select %nfer iMates. 8. 3nter a name for the iMate in the browser, gi ing it a name to describe its purpose or placement. :. Select the +reate +omposite iMates chec& bo' to group multiple inferred iMate definitions into one or more composite iMate definitions. $ composite iMate definition is created for each group of constraints that constrain the same two occurrences. ;. +lic& $pply. <. Sa e the file. Infer iMate definitions for existing features You can infer iMates on hole, re ol e, and circular e'truded part and assembly features. %nferred iMate definitions are placed only on closed loops. $utodes& %n entor places the inferred iMate on the edge most li&ely to be useful. %f you want the iMate placed on a different edge, delete the inferred iMate and manually create an iMate. 1. %n the browser, right(clic& a feature, and then select %nfer iMates. 2. %n the %nfer iMates dialog bo', do one3nter a name to apply to all inferred iMate definitions. 7ea e the 6ame field blan&. $ name is automatically assigned according to the constraint type, such as iMate-1 or iMate 2.
ip 0i e the iMate definition a name to describe its purpose or placement.

5. +lic& #9 to close the dialog bo'. 8. Sa e the file. Infer iMates for a new feature When you create a part or assembly feature, you can infer iMates on circular edges of e'trusions, re ol es, and holes. $ closed loop is re,uired. $utodes& %n entor places the inferred iMate on the edge most li&ely to be useful. %f you want the iMate placed on a different edge, delete the inferred iMate and manually create an iMate. 1. +reate the profile s&etch re,uired to create a feature with a circular edge. 2. +lic& the icon for 3'trude, Re ol e, or .ole. 5. Select alues and geometry as needed.

6 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32

iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

8.

Select the chec& bo' for %nfer iMates. %n the %nfer iMate dialog bo', enter an iMate name or lea e blan& and clic& #9. %f blan&, a name is automatically created according to the constraint type, such as i%nsert1.

:. +lic& #9 to create the feature and automatically create the iMate. ;. Sa e the file. Modify an iMate )or indi idual iMates, you can edit the constraint type, offset, angle, selected components, and direction. )or composite iMates, you can e'tract indi idual iMates, delete the composite iMate, and then redefine. %ndi idual iMates remaining in a composite are deleted when you delete the composite iMate.
Note This procedure presumes that the Position /iew is acti e. %f you ha e acti ated the

Modeling /iew, all constraints for each assembly are collected in an iMates folder below the assembly origin folder. !dit an indi"idual iMate 1. %n the graphics window, double(clic& to acti ate the component whose iMate you want to edit. 2. %n the browser, right(clic& the iMate and then select 3dit. 5. %n the 3dit +onstraint dialog bo', change alues as needed. %n the 6ame bo', you can change the iMate name. %n the Match 7ist, modify the priority of the names by ad>usting their order as needed. 8. When finished, clic& #9. #emo"e indi"idual iMates from a composite iMate %f you intend to delete a composite iMate, but want to retain indi idual iMates, first remo e indi idual iMates from the composite. 1. %n the browser, clic& to e'pand the composite iMate. 2. Right(clic& the iMate to remo e from the composite iMate, and then select Remo e. The iMate is remo ed from the composite and placed in the browser below the composite iMate symbol. 5. +ontinue to remo e indi idual iMates, as appropriate. 8. To delete a composite iMate, right(clic& the composite iMate, and then select 4elete.

Place components that ha"e matching iMates

*se Place +omponent to insert components with matching iMates in an assembly. You can place multiple instances of the component. When placing members of an iPart or i$ssembly factory, iMates are

7 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32

iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

matched according to how they are specified in the factory. #ne member can include iMates with no offset alue, while another can be offset a specified amount.

ip $t any time, you can right(clic& and select *se iMates to toggle off and on.

Match iMates automatically with the Interacti"ely place with iMates or the $utomatically generate iMates on place options 4uring component placement, you can automatically apply iMates. %n the )ile #pen dialog bo', select either %nteracti ely place with iMates or $utomatically generate iMates on place. You can also use the *se iMates selection on the conte't menu. The first match is the first name in the match list of the target component.
Note The iMate definition properties must always match for the iMate definitions to match.

iMate definitions with matching names and match lists, but without matching properties, do not match.
Note Match lists do not pre ent other iMates to match once all iMates in the match list are

consumed. The match list determines the order in which the iMates are consumed $ll possible match names are attempted before $utodes& %n entor tries to match iMate properties without consideration for names and match lists.
#pen an assembly file that contains one or more components with iMates #n the ribbon, clic& $ssemble tab +omponent panel or more defined iMate constraints, and then select it Place. ?rowse to a component with one

%n the #pen dialog bo', there are two choices to place components with iMates. #ne method is to select %nteracti ely place with iMates, and then clic& #pen. The component is placed and matched to a corresponding iMate. The command does not stop and you can continue to place multiple instances by using arious conte't menu choices. $n iMate symbol for each successful match is shown in the browser. $ second method is to select $utomatically generate iMates on place, and then clic& #pen. The component is placed, all possible iMate solutions are applied, and the command finishes. $n iMate symbol for each successful match is shown in the browser.

Note %f the component being placed does not automatically sol e, the selected component is
placed in the graphics window attached to the cursor . +lic& to place, right(clic&, and then select 4one. Repeat to select and place additional components with defined iMates. 3nsure that each time, in the #pen dialog bo', %nteracti ely place with iMates or $utomatically generate iMates on place is selected.

ip When placing components with iMates automatically, it is possible for the part to place outside
the current iewing area. To set the default window beha ior to @oom in on the placed part automatically, use the $ssembly application options.

Pre"iew iMate solutions during placement

8 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32

iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

When placing a component using iMates, use the pre iew mode to cycle through iMates on the component and on the target component. You can accept or discard solutions as needed. When the component is first pre iewed, it is transparent, to indicate that it is not yet placed in the assembly. $ccept the iMate result to place the component. %f the component has multiple iMate definitions, the component loses its transparency after the first iMate result is accepted. %t does not mean that all iMate definitions on the component are matched. 1. #pen an assembly file that contains one or more components with iMates. 2. #n the ribbon, clic& $ssemble tab +omponent panel Place. ?rowse to a component

with one or more defined iMate constraints, and then select it. %n the #pen dialog bo', select either %nteracti ely place with iMates or $utomatically generate iMates on place, and then clic& #pen. 5. When placing a component with iMates, clic& the mouse to accept the iMate pair pre iewed on the graphics window. %f no additional matches are possible, the component is placed and the ne't instance of the component is pre iewed. %f additional matches are possible, the component is constrained with the accepted match and pre iews the ne't match. 8. Press 3nter or right(clic& and select 4one to place the component with the selected iMates. $dditional options for resol ing iMates during placement are a ailable. *se the shortcut &ey or right(clic& and select from the conte't menu%hortcut &ey +TR7A% Context menu option Use iMates switches off and on. %f iMates are matched, discards all iMate matches and returns to regular Place +omponent. Place at all Matching iMates accepts any matches already accepted and generates matches for the remaining component iMate definitions and places the component. The ne't component instance is then pre iewed. %&ip remaining iMate results uses any accepted matches and places the component without e aluating any other solutions. The ne't component is then pre iewed. 'enerate remaining iMate results uses any accepted matches and generates other solutions. The ne't component is then pre iewed. #estart discards any accepted iMate matches and starts again to match iMates. Next or Pre"ious $ssembly iMate cycles forward and bac&ward through the iMates on the assembly. The placed components pre iewed at the new location each time one of the items is selected. Next or Pre"ious Component iMate cycles forward and bac&ward through iMates on the placed component. The component is pre iewed in its new orientation each time one of the items is selected. Next or Pre"ious Instance $ssembly iMate >umps to the ne't or pre ious instance, in the case of a multiple(instance assembly.

(((

Spacebar

+TR7 A 3nter

(((

RightB7eft arrow &eys

4ownB*p arrow &eys

+TR7 A RightB7eft arrow &eys

9 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32

iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

Place multiple components with iMates You can place multiple instances of a component when you select %nteracti ely place with iMates in the #pen dialog bo'. You can place one instance at a time or continue to place iMates so long as there are matching iMates in the assembly. 1. #pen an assembly file that contains one or more components with iMates. 2. #n the ribbon, clic& $ssemble tab +omponent panel Place. ?rowse to a component

with one or more defined iMate constraints, and then select it. 5. %n the #pen dialog bo', select %nteracti ely place with iMates and then clic& #pen. 8. %n the graphics window, clic& to place the component. :. To place additional instances, do one+ontinue to clic& to place additional instances. 3ach instance is matched to a corresponding iMate until you right(clic& and select 4one. Right(clic& and select Place at all Matching iMates. %nstances are added and matched until all iMates are satisfied. )or best results, plan and create in ad ance all possible iMate matches. 6ames in the match list are matched before iMate properties are matched. )or each component to match, include the match names of each half of the match pair. )or e'ample, +omponent $ must be named in the match list of +omponent ?C +omponent ? must be named in the match list of +omponent $.
Note %f you ha e set up components to constrain fully when placed, you can sol e all iMates at

once. 1. When selecting the component, be sure to select $utomatically generate iMates on place. 2. When the component is placed, all possible iMate solutions are applied and the command finishes. 5. %f you depressed %nteracti ely place with iMates it is still possible to sol e multiple iMates.When the component is placed and the first iMates are pre iewed, do not clic& to accept. 3'amine the components to ma&e sure they are constrained as needed. %f not, clic& the right arrow to pre iew the ne't assembly iMate. 8. +lic& to accept the match. :. When the ne't pair of iMates pre iews, right(clic& and select 0enerate Remaining iMate Results. Match iMates with the $( )drag shortcut When you select a component to match iMates, all unconsumed iMates on that component become isible. #nce you begin to drag a selected iMate, the iMate glyphs for all alid matching iMates become isible.
1. #pen an assembly file. 2. #n the ribbon, clic& $ssemble tab +omponent panel Place to place one or more components with defined iMates. Ma&e sure %nteracti ely place with iMates or $utomatically generate iMates on place are not selected.

10 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32

iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

5. Select a component containing iMates to match. 8. .old down $7T, clic& an iMate glyph and drag it o er a matching iMate glyph on another component. #nce you begin the drag, release $7T, if appropriate. When the second iMate glyph is highlighted and a snap sound indicates the components are constrained, clic& to place. +ontinue to select and match iMates as needed.

Note You can also match an iMate to geometry using this same method.

Match iMates with the Constrain command

1. #pen an assembly that contains parts to constrain. 2. .old down +TR7, clic& the components containing the iMate definitions to match, right(clic&, and then select iMate 0lyph /isibility. iMate glyphs on the selected components are displayed. 5. #n the ribbon, clic& $ssemble tab Position panel +onstrain.

8. +lic& an iMate glyph on a component. :. +lic& a matching iMate glyph on another component, and then clic& $pply. +ontinue to apply iMates as needed, and then clic& #9 to close the dialog bo'.

Control iMate "isibility You can turn iMate isibility on and off as needed. *se the right(clic& menu to turn isibility on and off for selected components. #n the ribbon, set the /iew tab /isibility panel iMate 0lyphs option to iew any e'isting iMate glyphs to position the component you are editing. The isibility of iMates changes according to the action being performed6ewly created iMates are displayed as they are created. #n selected components, all unconsumed iMates contained on that component are displayed. $ll iMates are off when a component is placed in an assembly. $ll iMates are off on components being placed using i4rop. 4uring an $7T(drag operation, all unconsumed iMates that are alid solutions for the iMate being matched are displayed. %et iMate "isibility for a selected occurrence 1. %n the browser or the graphics window, select one or more components. 2. Right(clic& and select iMate 0lyph /isibility. +lear the chec& mar& to turn off. 5. To turn on isibility, select one or more components in the browser, right(clic& and select iMate 0lyph /isibility.
Note To select multiple components, hold down the +TR7 &ey and select.

%et iMate "isibility when editing and positioning components 1. %n the browser or the graphics window, clic& a top(le el component or double(clic& a part or subassembly. 2. #n the ribbon, clic& /iew tab /isibility panel iMate 0lyphs to turn it on.

11 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32

iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

5. To turn off isibility, select a component in the browserC and clic& /iew tab panel #eferences iMate properties 4isplays default properties for iMates and allows some to be edited.
$ccess* %n the browser or the graphics window, right(clic& an iMate symbol and select Properties.

/isibility

iMate 0lyphs to deselect it.

Name

Shows the iMate name. %f a name was specified when the iMate was created, it is shownC otherwise, the default name is shown. #ptionally, you can enter a new name.

ip +hoose a name to describe the iMate function or other needed

characteristic. %uppress ype %olution Select the chec& bo' to suppress the iMate. Shows the constraint type. Shows the solution, where more than one is possible for a constraint. )or e'ample, a mate constraint can be either Mate or )lush. Shows the offset alue, if applicable. Shows the order the iMates are listed in the browser. When the component is added to an assembly, iMates are sol ed in the order shown. +hange the inde' number to reorder the iMates, as needed. Shows the ma'imum limit alue if applicable. Shows the minimum limit alue if applicable. $ uni,ue se,uential name assigned when the iMate is created. %f the part is an iPart or i$ssembly, the iMate is listed in the iPart or i$ssembly table. %n the table, the number cannot be edited but can be combined with a custom name. )or e'ample, if you gi e an iMate a custom name when created or edited in the part browser !)aceMate", the iPart names it )aceMate-iMDD1. The iMate name assigned by the iPart is listed in the browser when the iPart is used. Match (ist Shows the names used to match iMates when the component is placed. The top name in the match list is the first priority for matching to another iMate. #ptionally, uses $dd 6ame to 7ist to create new names to build a match list. +lic& 4elete to remo e a name from the list, or use the *p and 4own arrows to change the name order .

+ffset Index

Maximum Minimum iPart Identifier

Note When placing a component in an assembly, and matching an iMate,

priority is gi en to a match with another iMate named in the match list. Priority is dependent on the order of the names in the list.

Infer ,Component- iMates +reates iMate definitions for the selected components. $ ailable for components that ha e no e'isting iMate definitions. ?ased on the options selected, it creates either multiple single iMates or a single composite iMate for one or all occurrences of a selected component. The iMate definitions are created and stored in the file of the selected occurrence.
$ccess* %n the browser, right(clic& a component with one or more assembly constraints, and then select +omponent %nfer iMates.

12 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32

iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

Note $ ailable for components that ha e no e'isting iMate definitions.

Select whether to create multiple single iMates or composite iMates for one or all occurrences of the selected component. %elected +ccurrence +nly +reates iMates for the constraints contained only on the selected occurrence. +lear the chec& bo' to create iMates for constraints contained on all occurrences of the selected component in the assembly. $utomatically collects iMates created from inferred constraints into a single composite iMate. +lear the chec& bo' to create multiple single iMates. Selects the component whose constraints you want to con ert to iMates or composite iMates.

Create Composite iMates

%elect

Infer ,Constraint- iMates +on erts assembly constraints to iMate definitions that are stored with the part. ?ased on the options selected, either multiple single iMates or a single composite iMate is created for one or all occurrences of a selected component. The iMate definitions are created and stored in the file of the selected occurrence.
$ccess* %n the browser, right(clic& a constraint with one or multiple assembly constraints, and then select %nfer iMates.

Select whether to create multiple single iMates or composite iMates for one or all occurrences of the selected component. Name 3nter a name to apply to all inferred iMate definitions. %f you lea e the 6ame field blan&, the name is automatically assigned according to the constraint type. $utomatically collects iMates created from inferred constraints into a single composite iMate. +lear the chec& bo' to create multiple single iMates.

Create Composite iMates

Infer ,.eature- iMates +reates iMates on hole, re ol e, and circular e'truded part and assembly features.
Note %nferred iMate definitions are placed only on closed loops.
$ccess* %n the browser, right(clic& a feature, and then select %nfer iMates.

Name

3nter a name to apply to all inferred iMate definitions. %f you lea e the 6ame field blan&, the name is automatically assigned according to the constraint type.

Comments0
Powered by MindTouch Sign up for email Careers Investors Copyright 2012 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy Legal Notices &

13 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32

iMate fundamentals - WikiHelp

http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/2013/Help/1310-Autodesk1...

Trademarks

14 od 14

24/08/2012 15:32