Inventor automation options
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| iLogic rules | Rules inside parts and assemblies; quick configurators |
| Inventor API add-ins (C# / VB.NET) | Professional tools with UI, integration and performance |
| External applications | Batch tools driving Inventor from outside |
| Inventor Server / Apprentice | Reading properties and files without full Inventor |
| APS Design Automation for Inventor | Cloud-based model and drawing generation for web apps |
What the Inventor API can automate
- Parametric parts: change parameters, suppress features, swap materials.
- Assemblies: place and constrain components, replace parts, create patterns.
- Drawings: create views, dimensions, balloons, parts lists and title blocks.
- BOMs: read structured and parts-only views; export to ERP.
- Sheet metal: flat patterns and DXF export for cutting.
- Frame Generator and Content Center: standard profiles and parts.
- iProperties: read and write metadata in bulk.
iLogic example
' iLogic: size a conveyor from parameters
If Length > 3000 Then
Component.IsActive("Support_Mid") = True
SupportCount = Ceil(Length / 1500) - 1
Else
Component.IsActive("Support_Mid") = False
End If
iProperties.Value("Project", "Description") = "Conveyor L=" & Length & " W=" & Width
InventorVb.DocumentUpdate()When to move from iLogic to an add-in
iLogic is excellent for rules tied to specific models. When rules grow to thousands of lines, need to be shared across many products, or must connect to ERP and databases, a compiled add-in with proper source control and testing is more maintainable.
Vault integration
Inventor automation is often combined with Autodesk Vault: generating new file names from Vault numbering schemes, copying design templates with Copy Design, and publishing outputs through Vault Job Processor.
Cloud automation
With APS Design Automation, Inventor configurators can run in the cloud: a web page collects options, Inventor generates the model and drawing on Autodesk's servers, and results are returned as PDF, STEP or viewable 3D.
Start with iLogic, grow into add-ins, and move to the cloud when customers need self-service.
Inventor automation with ENGIMANDI
As an Autodesk Development Partner, we build iLogic rules, Inventor add-ins and Design Automation solutions. See Autodesk CAD customisation and automation.