The Big Frame Up:

Using and Customizing the Autodesk Inventor ® Frame Generator

Sean Dotson, PE – RND Automation & Engineering
Walt Jaquith – Simplex Manufacturing

MA31-2

When building complex welded frames, the skeletal modeling method cannot be beat for power,
flexibility, and versatility. The introduction of the Frame Generator in Autodesk Inventor R11 offers
these advantages in a simple point and click interface. In this class, we’ll learn how to use the Frame
Generator to build simple frames and then delve deeper into the application to learn how to add your
own frame members and custom profiles to the Frame Generator library.

Key Topics:
o Learn basic concepts of skeletal modeling in the context of the Frame Generator
o Learn how to use the Frame Generator to create simple frames
o Learn how to easily and quickly modify these frames
o How to add additional sizes to existing Frame Generator library

About the Speakers:

Sean Dotson, PE (sdotson@rndautomation.com)

Based in Sarasota, Florida, Sean is the president of RND Automation & Engineering L.L.C. He has
worked in the custom machinery industry for over 10 years building industrial automation and
material handling machinery. An Autodesk Inventor Certified Expert, he is perhaps best known for his
numerous tutorials on advanced Autodesk Inventor subjects, which he offers free-of-charge at his
website; www.sdotson.com. Sean also owns and moderates www.mcadforums.com, an online
discussion group for CAD professionals.

Walt Jaquith, (wjaquith@comcast.net)

Living just 30 minutes away from Autodesk’s Oregon offices, Walt Jaquith has been around Inventor
from its beginning, and has been designing in 3D using Autodesk products since 1993. Prior to that
Walt worked “the other side of the wall” as a fabricator, mechanic and general troubleshooter. He has
at least some experience in most mechanical engineering disciplines, and has served as the manager
of both CAD departments and fabrication crews. Currently Walt works as an independent design
contractor.
 The Big Frame Up – Using & Customizing the Autodesk Inventor Frame Generator

INTRODUCTION

Introduced as a new feature in R11, Frame Generator is an automation tool designed to simplify the
creation of structural frameworks in Autodesk Inventor. Based on the time-tested and reliable
Derived Part functionality, Frame Generator allows the control of a frame assembly’s layout through
the manipulation of a single master part file. As such, Frame Generator is another tool in Inventor’s
increasingly comprehensive arsenal of adaptive technologies.

Figure 1 – Frame Generator Truss Assembly and Skeleton

ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN INVENTOR: A QUICK REVIEW

Autodesk Inventor offers a number of tools for centralizing control of a project:

• Part Adaptivity:Part configuration is controlled using 3D constraints in the Assembly.

• Skeletal Modeling: Assembly and part configuration are controlled using a master part file via
Inventor’s derived part functionality.
• Frame Generator: Skeletal modeling techniques with automation routines and profile libraries
added to simplify the process.
• Spreadsheet-Driven Projects: Part/Assembly configuration is controlled externally by linking
parameters to an MS Excel spreadsheet.

Note that these various technologies are not mutually exclusive, and may often be combined in ways
that accentuate the strengths of each technique.

We can see that Frame Generator is a skeletal modeling tool at its core. Although Frame Generator
simplifies many of the more complex processes inherent to the skeletal modeling technique, it is still
necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of skeletal modeling in order to reap the maximum
benefits from Frame Generator.

SKELETAL MODELING BASICS

Skeletal modeling begins with a part file containing geometry which represents an entire assembly.
The various objects in the skeleton file that represent the assembly’s individual parts are created in

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their correct relationship to each other, and constraint relationships are established so that the entire
assembly behaves as expected during updates. This master file is then inserted into other part files
using the derived part tool. The part’s geometry is created by extruding the derived sketch objects.
When the assembly is created, the parts can simply be grounded in place because their relationships
are managed by the skeleton file.

A) The Skeleton File:

The skeleton file is the master

file that drives all the parts in
the skeletal assembly.
Sketches and other objects are
created in the skeleton to
represent the various parts in
their proper relationships. The
layout of the assembly is
driven by specific design
priorities rather than
necessarily following either a
“top down” or “bottom up” Figure 2 - Platform Skeleton, Note Browser Names
strategy. This simply means
that the most important and driving design parameters are represented first, and dependant
parameters are added according to order of importance until the layout is complete.

Skeleton files often contain only a few simple sketches. However, more complex skeletons may
contain many sketches, as well as work geometry, surfaces and even solids. Any geometric object in
a part file—and parameters as well--may be used as referenced objects in a skeletal assembly. This
extreme versatility makes the concept of the skeletal master very powerful. However, it does mean
that careful management is needed to keep the master file manageable as complexity increases.
For working with Frame Generator, the skeleton file is somewhat simplified, because it is not
necessary to create any profiles for extrusion. This means that a Frame Generator skeleton is
typically comprised of a series or paths, similar to what would be used with the Sweep command.

B) The derived relationship:

Once the master file is created, that file is derived into the individual part files, where the geometry
can be extruded to form the part. In a skeletal assembly, every part is often derived from the same
skeleton. The derived part feature allows control of various elements of the process, allowing a
complex master file to be simplified in each part file so that just the essential elements must be dealt
with.

The derived part functionality is the backbone of the entire skeletal modeling concept, and as such, is
also the backbone of Frame Generator. This is fortunate, as derived part functionality is a very
mature, stable and long-standing feature in Inventor. With Frame Generator, the derived part
process is managed automatically, and is largely transparent to the user.

C) Assembling the skeletal assembly:

Because all the parts in a skeletal assembly are derived from a common master, they all share
common reference points in their origin geometry. This means that a skeletal assembly need not be

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assembled using assembly constraints in the conventional manner. Many skeletal assemblies have no
assembly constraints at all; the parts are simply grounded in place. They keep their proper
relationships because they are modeled in position according to the skeleton file rather than each
being modeled independently.

In Frame Generator, the parts are placed and grounded automatically. No assembly constraints are
used, and the user need not bother with part placement at all.

SKELETAL MODELING THE FRAME GENERATOR WAY

This section briefly lists the steps in creating a Frame Generator project. Compare the procedures
below to the steps listed in the previous section to gain a deeper understanding of the similarities and
differences between conventional skeletal modeling and Frame Generator modeling.

A) The Frame Generator Skeleton:

As with any skeletal project, a Frame Generator frame begins with a skeleton file. Careful planning
during the initial stages of laying out this master file is essential to a stable and predictable Frame
Generator assembly. As noted above, the technique of laying out a Frame Generator skeleton is very
similar to any other skeletal master. The process is normally simplified somewhat because it is not
necessary to create part profiles.

C) The Frame Generator Assembly:

Once the skeleton file has been created, it is inserted as the first part into an empty assembly. The
creation and placement of parts occurs concurrently, with much of the work handled automatically by
the Frame Generator tools:

• A part file that is used as a skeleton file in a Frame Generator assembly is automatically
tagged as a reference file in the BOM so it will not appear in the parts list.
• Parts are created in-place within the assembly (this differs from the conventional skeletal
modeling procedure, where parts are typically created
individually, and placed manually).
• The derived part functionality is handled by Frame
Generator. The designer need not invoke the derived
part tool, or even leave the assembly environment.
• A sub-directory is created in the folder that contains the
assembly file. All individual part files for the frame are
automatically named and placed in this folder. The user
is given the opportunity to change the name and
location of the part files if desired.

D) End Treatments:

When structural members are created in Frame Generator, they are

automatically extruded according to the “paths”, or simply between
two picked end points in the master file. Their ends must be
subsequently “treated” to mate them correctly to joining members.
Frame Generator offers an array of end treatment tools for mating
THE FRAME GENERATOR
steel members. Figure 3 -BAR
PANEL Frame
Generator Panel Bar

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E) Component Editing:

After the structural members are created it is sometimes necessary to change their configuration in
some way. Frame Generator tools are provided for editing the members. Both the end treatment
and the overall size and orientation or the frame member can be edited.

F) Query Tools:

A set of query tools are provided for gathering general information on a frame member, and also for
running beam/column calculations on the various members.

The completed Frame Generator frame will consist of an assembly or series of

assemblies that can be used as the basis of a complete project. Adaptivity is
maintained to the skeleton file, allowing updates to the master to cascade
through the project, updating each frame member as needed.

A SURVEY OF FRAME GENERATOR FUNCTIONALITY

The Frame Generator tools are not invoked until the skeleton file has been
created, and placed within an assembly. At that point, the assembly browser
can be changed to show the Frame Generator palate.

A) Adding Frame Members

Frame members are added to the assembly via the Insert Frame Members tool, and using the
geometry from the skeleton file to dictate component placement. Frame Generator’s Insert dialog
box offers a number of options for controlling the profile, orientation and general configuration of the
new frame member(s).

Figure 4 - The Frame Generator Frame Member Dialog

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 The Big Frame Up – Using & Customizing the Autodesk Inventor Frame Generator

From the Frame Member section, the following choices can be made:

1. Governing standard for the profile.

2. Profile Type. Common steel types are represented.
3. Size of the profile. Industry-standard steel sizes are available.
4. Material style, selected from Inventor’s material style list.
5. Color Style.

As with any Inventor part, the material and color styles can also be modified after the frame members
are placed. Placement of the new member can be made in one of two ways:

6. By Edge. Any straight, continuous line from the skeleton may be selected.
7. By End Point. Any two points or corners may be selected, and the new member will be placed
between them. This method allows one member at a time to be placed.

Orientation of the new member can be controlled in a variety of ways:

8. Insert Point. This will determine the profile’s attitude to the path.
9. Offset. Both vertical and horizontal offset may be altered to position the new member away from
the path.
10. Mirror Component. This is useful when placing asymmetrical profiles such as C-channels.
11. Rotation. The profile may be rotated as required to align the member correctly.

12. Prompt for File Name. When this box is checked, a dialog box comes up when the new members
are created. Default file names are generated, and may be changed if desired. When the box is un-
checked, the file is automatically created using the default file name.

• A skeleton path may be used more than once. For instance, a hand rail kick-panel might
follow the same path as a supporting channel. The kick panel would be created using offset
values to place it correctly.
• As long as the orientation and configuration are the same, multiple members can be placed at
once by choosing more than one path from the skeleton. If members are placed using the
point method, they must be placed one at a time.

B) Adding End Treatments

Five end treatment tools are available for trimming, notching and extending the ends of Frame
Generator members. The tools are used singly for simple joints, or may be combined for more
complex connections.

• Trim to Frame Members. This tool will modify two joining frame members at
once, creating an overlapping butt-joint.
• Notch Frame Members. One member will be notched to fit the profile of the
frame member it joins. Useful for welded C and W-beam joints.
• Lengthen Frame Member. Simply adds additional length to a member beyond
the path of the skeleton. Using a negative value will shorten the member.
Material may be added to one or both ends.
• Miter Corners. This tool will create a miter on the ends of two frame members
on a plane bisecting the angle between them. The path of the member dictates
the resolution of the miter.
• Trim and Extend to Face. Adjusts the end of any frame member to a non-
parallel face. Multiple members can be treated at once.

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More points on end treatments:

• Care is required when end-treating

complex frame joints to avoid cyclic
dependencies among the frame
members. The Trim and Extend to Face
tool is particularly susceptible to this if
used too many times on one joint.
Consider using the Trim to Frame
Member tool instead.
• When creating complex joints, the order
of application of the various end
treatments can influence the success of
the joint. For instance, a mitered corner
should be placed before other end
treatments in the same joint. Figure 5 - Various End Treatments
• Members need not be touching for end for a Truss
treatments base on faces to be
successful.

C) Frame Member Editing Tools

Two tools are available for editing frame members after they are created and end-treated.

• Change Frame Members. This tool takes the user back to the Frame Member dialog
that was used to create the frame member. All parameters with the exception of
the Standard and Type can be modified to update the part.
• Rebuild to Original. This tool removes all end treatments from selected frame
members, allowing the end treatments to be re-applied in a different fashion.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CREATING SKELETON FILES

• Remember that skeleton files are not restricted to sketch geometry. Solids, surfaces, work
geometry and even components derived from another assembly can be used to create a
skeleton file.
• 3D sketches are often particularly useful in reducing the work associated with creating
skeleton files. Once the basic overall geometry of the frame is established, a single 3D sketch
might hold dozens of secondary paths, created as 3D lines without the need to place individual
sketches on various planes.
• Remember to observe the correct path orientation for members that you are planning on
mitering.
• Add any desired global parameters to the skeleton file. Check the Export Parameter option in
the Parameter dialog box to make the parameter available in all parts and assemblies that
reference the skeleton by linking to that file in the parameter dialog.
• For ease in navigating the skeleton file’s various sketches and features, give them unique
names in the browser. These names will carry through to the dependant parts, making it
much easier to quickly find a needed feature.

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 The Big Frame Up – Using & Customizing the Autodesk Inventor Frame Generator

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR WORKING WITH FRAME GENERATOR FRAMES

• Conventional Inventor part features such as holes, chamfers and extrusions can be added to
any Frame Generator member after they are created.
• Frame Generator skeletons can be used to create regular part as well as Frame Generator
members. Normal skeletal techniques are used to create a derived part from the skeleton file.
• A skeleton file may be used as the basis for more than one assembly. This is useful when a
frame has more than one weldments or frame, and motion studies are required. Each sub-
frame can be created from the same skeleton, with their relationship to each other correctly
defined.

Figure 6 - A Multi-Level Tower Frame

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CUSTOMIZING THE FRAME GENERATOR

While the Frame Generator has a lot of sizes an shapes it might be missing a few that you regularry
use. There is a way to edit the database and add new shapes and sizes. However it is not an easy
process.

Autodesk does not officially endorse or support editing the Frame Generator database. The following
techniques have been developed through experimentation and trial and error. They may not be
100% correct. There is a chance that files created using these methods may not be usable in future
releases. You may need to make changes to the DB in future releases for your new files to work with
the Frame Generator.

If you are not comfortable with these methods please do not attempt to edit the databse. And of
course, make backups of ALL files before you begin.

The procedure to customize the frame generator is rather complex. Detailed tutorials on how to
customize the Frame Generator are available here:

• http://www.mcadforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4987
• http://www.mcadforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6285

In this handout we will outline the steps for each process.

Most of the files we will deal with are located in the following (and sub) directories:

C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor 11\Frame Generator\SHARED\Profilesystems

A) Adding Profile Sizes to A Family

1. Open the family database file (e.g. ANSI.mdb) and see what sub-family database you
need to edit (e.g. ANSI_L_EQUAL.mdb). See Figure 7.
2. Determine what IPT template files controls the profile’s shape.
3. Open the template IPT file and make a note of what dimensions control what aspects of
the profile.
4. Open the sub-family database (e.g. ANSI_L_EQUAL.mdb) and find a row close to the size
you want to add. See Figure 8.
5. Copy the row and paste in a new row.
6. Change the RID column to a unique number (this is the row index number and must be
unique).
7. Edit the dimensional entries (e.g. GEO_B or GEO_H) in the database for your new entry.
8. Open the Localization.XML file. Find the family and sub-family section that corresponds to
the database table you just edited. See Figure 9.
9. Copy an existing Designation entry and edit it to match the information you just entered in
the database. The Internal Designation entry should match the CODE column in the
database.
10. Save all files, close all files and then restart Inventor. Your new profile size should be
available in the Frame Generator.

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Figure 7 - ANSI Database Tables

Figure 8 - ANSI_L_EQUAL Table

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Figure 9 - Editing the Localization.xml File

B) Adding a New Shape to the Frame Generator Database

1. Create a new directory in the Profilesystems folder named the same as your profile family
name (e.g. CustomTube). This is the PROFILE STANDARD.
2. Create a new IPT in the folder. In the IPT you should create3 sketches
a. AFG_Detailed
b. AFG_Medium
c. AFG_Simplified
3. In each sketch, create the desired geometry. The Detailed sketch should contain the actually
profile geometry. The Simplified sketch should only contain a bounding box shape of the profile.
The Medium sketch should contain a “modified bounding box” shape (bounding shape without
fillets etc.) Be sure that at a minimum that each sketch contains dimension named GEO_H and
GEO_B (height and base).
4. Make a copy of the ANSI database and delete all tables except for one profile table (e.g.
ANSI_ASIC_FLAT) and the Profiles table.
5. Rename the ANSI_ASCI_FLAT table to whatever name you want (e.g. SQ_TUBE). This is the
PROFILE_ YPE.

PROFILE STANDARD CustomTube

PROFILE TABLE SQ_TUBE

6. Open the Profiles table and delete all but one row. Edit the row pointing to the new Template
IPT file and new Profile table. Edit the other columns as you see fit. A few things to note about
this table:
a. TemplateFilename: The IPT file you created in step 2.
b. DisplayName: What the FG displays in the dialogue box (pulldown B)
c. ProfileTable: Tell the FG what table to use for this STANDARD
d. ProfileType: This MUST be set to CUSTOM
e. Units: Set to in, cm, mm etc…

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7. Rename the profile table to what you set it in step 6c (e.g. SQ_TUBE). Delete the existing
data and entre your data as required. A few notes about the columns:
a. Code: This will be the “Internal Name” in the Localization.xml file
b. Designation: What will be used as the base file name of the members
c. Article: This will be used as the Stock Number as well as in pulldown C
d. RID: The record entry, must be a unique integer
e. MAS: No idea, still trying to figure that one out…
f. GEO_B: The value of this parameter
g. GEO_H: The value of this parameter
h. Note that you may continue to add additional parameters as required

Figure 10 - The Frame Generator Dialogue

8. Now open the Localization.xml file and copy a ProfileStandard branch and all sub
branches. Paste it into the file.
9. Edit the data you copied as follows:
a. Profile Standard Internal Name = PROFILE STANDARD (CustomTube)
b. Profile Standard Display Name: What is displayed in pulldown A (Standard)
c. ProfileType Internal Name = PROFILE TABLE (SQ_Tube)
d. ProfileType Display Name: What is displayed in pulldown B (Type)
e. Designation InternalName: Same as what is in the CODE column
f. Designation CommaVersion: What is displayed in pulldown C (Size) if using
the comma as designator system (European)
g. Designation PeriodVersion: What is displayed in pulldown C (Size) if using the
comma as designator system (US)

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Figure 11 - Editing the Localization.xml file

In the R11 ProfileSystems folder there is a folder named Custom. It has a custom profile
template and access table already filled out. It’s good practice to see if you can add this
into the Localization.xml file without errors.

CLOSING NOTES
Be sure to stop by www.mcadforums.com to get any updates we might make to this
document. Also be sure to check out www.autodesk.com/auonline for a video session of
this class.

Thank you for your time and happy modeling!

Sean & Walt

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