MatWeb the materials database resource

MatWeb is not a new website but we are receiving more requests for places to find materials databases for use in your various CAD packages.  With the increasing uptake of simulation software there is a growing demand for easy access to established material properties.

MatWeb has datasheets for over 100,000 metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites that are categorised according to name, properties, and also trade name.  The site offers premium services, one of the benefits being that you can export those directly into your software package.

Whilst it is not universally complete it is one of the best resources that exist on the web to date, and if they don't have what you are looking for then its best to get in touch with the material producers directly.

S.C.

Mapping AutoCAD Block Attributes into Vault

In Vault, when you want to map properties from an Inventor file into Vault, it is a simple case of selecting that file at the mapping stage and choosing from the list of properties which are then populated in the Import Properties dialogue.

With AutoCAD block attributes, it's not so straightforward.  For these, you have to index them first on the ADMS console, which effectively requires access to your Vault server.

On the ADMS Console, go to Tools > Index Block Attributes

Create a New entry and give it the exact name of your AutoCAD block.  Here we are entering "Title1-1" which contains no link to any AutoCAD file - it is just a reference for now.

Adding an index for a block called "Title1-1"

Once you have the index in place, Vault will then be able to extract attributes from any AutoCAD file with a block which has that name, as properties.

On the Vault client, go to Tools > Administration > Vault Settings > Behaviours tab > Properties button

From here, either edit or create a new property and ensure it has an association.  It doesn't have to have the same name as the block but for clarity we have done so in this instance:

At the Import Properties stage, when you select the AutoCAD file containing the block, this window will now become populated with the attributes contained within.

Vault 2013 Re-Index File Property Improvements

Several controls have been added to the Re-Index File Property tool in the 2013 Autodesk Data Management Server (ADMS) console, enabling Administrators to filter by extension, provider and date range to help reduce the number of files affected by a Re-index operation.

To run a Re-Index File Property, log in to ADMS 2013 console on your server, then expand the Vaults folder to reveal your Vault (name may vary depending on configuration). Select your Vault to highlight it, then go to the Actions menu > Re-Index File Properties.

Modify Visible Inventor File Properties for Windows Explorer

When you hover over an Inventor file in Windows Explorer you might have seen a small list of File Properties appear, as below:

Use Excel to extract a BOM from your Inventor Assembly

Below is an example of an Excel macro, which allows you to choose an Inventor Assembly and pull some BOM information in at the active cell position. This example just pulls in the part number, description and quantity but you can modify it to pull through the property information you require.

Click here to download a Text file containing the VBA code that you will need for the Excel macro.

Show a Document Revision and Lifecycle State in Inventor Browser

Within the Inventor Vault Browser we can tell a lot about a files status with regards to whether it is checked in or out, whether you have the latest version an older version or a newer version. You can also turn on some extra information if you are using Document Release in either Vault Workgroup, Vault Collaboration or Vault Professional.