⚙️ Autodesk Inventor Frame Generator: Quickly design steel structures.
The Frame Generator is a dedicated module in Inventor that allows engineers and designers to create skeletal frame structures such as racks, skids, or chassis based on wireframes created in assembly files.
1. Basic working principles (The Core Concept)
The Frame Generator works by converting 2D/3D Sketch Lines or Edges of Parts into standard Structural Members with actual cross-sections (e.g. I-beam, C-channel, Square Tube).
Skeletal Model: You start by creating a 3D Sketch in the Assembly file to define the outline of all the frames.
Member Insertion: Use the Insert Frame command to select a line in the 3D Sketch and define a Family (standard such as ANSI, DIN), Size , and Material . Inventor automatically creates each structural member as a separate Part (.ipt) file in the Assembly.
2. Key Engineering Functions
Frame Generator's unique tools focus on fabrication preparation and engineering details:
| Function | Specialized duties | Application for accuracy |
| Miter | 45 Degree Miter Cut: Used to neatly and accurately join angled pieces, especially at 90 degree frame corners. | Create a weld corner that is correct according to manufacturing standards. |
| Notch | Contour Cutting: Used to cut the end of one part to follow the shape of another part where it meets (often used for round or square pipes that meet). | Makes fit-up possible and saves time in detailed modeling. |
| Trim/Extend | Part Length Adjustment: Used to trim or extend the ends of structural parts so that they meet precisely with the plane or face of another part. | Automatically manage the exact length of all structural parts. |
| End Cap | End Plate/Channel Closure: Automatically generates end plates at the ends of structural members. | Prepare the workpiece for welding and painting. |
| Reuse | Part Reuse: Allows users to quickly select pre-built parts and re-place them in other locations. | Reduce errors in selecting various sizes and standards |
3. Benefits of engineering work
Using a Frame Generator not only speeds up design, it also has a positive impact on production and document management:
Automatic BOM: Inventor automatically generates a Bill of Materials (BOM) for all structural parts, including the correct cut lengths for cutting.
Simulations Ready: Structures created with Frame Generator can be easily used for engineering analysis (Stress Analysis/FEA) because they are systematically created parts.
Design Iteration: Resizing the structure is easy: simply edit the original 3D Sketch and all structural parts will automatically update.
| Key Focus | Inventor Frame Generator , Steel Structure Design , Metal Structure, 3D Sketch Inventor, Fast Structural Design | Autodesk Inventor Frame, Frame Generator, Steel Structure Design, 3D Sketch, Structural Members |
| Special techniques | Automatic Trim Extend, Miter, Notch, Bill of Materials, Frame Corner Cutting commands | Miter, Notch, Trim/Extend, Automatic BOM, Cut Length, Weldment Design |
| Objective/Level | Engineering, Machine Part Design, Advanced Inventor, Save Design Time, 3D CAD | Engineering Design, Machine Component Design, Advanced Inventor, CAD Productivity, 3D Modeling |
Frame Generator Overview
This figure illustrates the main idea of building steel structures quickly with the Frame Generator.
