Mass renaming of all parts in an assembly?

[Kevin Thorp]

The rules state we need to have our team number in all our part file names. For example team_0342_XXXXXXXX.

The problem is we found out about it after we created 500+ parts.

Is there an efficient way to rename all our parts (adding the "team_0342" prefix) without causing a chain-reaction of broken links in the assemblies?

[Molten]

I don't think there is. My suggestion would be to break the assembly down into parts so that if you have 10 people, each only need to rename and assemble 50 parts. Then assemble them all into 1 assembly. I know that is still a lot of work. Hopefully, someone else will post an easier method, but I have learned that Inventor can be really disagreeable about file names.

[grim]

There is no "bulk" rename method. You are correct in that renaming the filenames will "break" the links.

There is copy design functionality that will allow renaming of parts using a prefix, however that is only available if you are using Autodesk Vault to store your files.

My suggestion would be to use Design Assistant (Start Menu/Programs/Autodesk/Autodesk Inventor 2008/Design Assistant 2008).

[Logan]

You could import your final assembly into a 2D drawing and when it shows the i-properties names in the bottum right (if you set it up that way) you can rename them there and it will rename the part, and its i-properties will change.

[Logan]

Wait, does anyone know if its all parts or just the ones your team manufactured?

[krankin]

are you supposed to name every part that way or just the file that all of the individual parts are in.

[grim]

Kevin I believe I have the solution for you. I was digging around in the user tools in the SDK directory in Inventor. There is a utility called copy design located here: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor 2008\SDK\Tools\Users\CopyDesign

Read the readme file and see if this fits the bill. It looks like it will rename with a prefix while maintaining links.

[Kevin Thorp]

Thanks Grim & everybody. I'll give your suggestion(s) a try.

Is everyone else including their team number in all their file names? The rules seem pretty clear. I'd hate to be disqualified on a technicality.

[krankin]

as I interpret the rules you only need to prefix the top level folders, JPEG, DWF, and your main assembly file "team_XXXX" leaving the assembly data alone under the top level folders.
I'm not certain about this and it would probibally be better to play it safe unless some one can clarify exactly how Autodesk/FIRSTbase wants the files.

[Brandon Holley]

Theres no easy "find" --> "replace all"...however you can use the design assistant to make your life a lot easier.

Right click the main assembly out of a windows explorer box, and go to design assistant, you can then right click each part of the assembly, and click rename....you can change the name and the assembly will still kno which part to find.

[Kevin Thorp]

Requirements copied from the Autodesk rules (I added the boldface):

A set of drawings (.idw or .dwf) which document the basic dimensions of the design

The assembly data for your robot (.iam and .ipt) --- parts and assemblies. All of the above files should be named using your team number, for instance “team_0123.jpg.” or “team_0123.dwf.”

[dadstillsurfs]

I'm fairly new to Inventor, but our company is capable of "copying" projects by using a utility call "Pack and Go" to retain part / assembly relationships.