What is iLogic?

iLogic is a rule system integrated into Autodesk Inventor that allows design automation and the creation of intelligent parametric 3D models. This technology enables the introduction of conditional logic into assemblies and parts.

iLogic uses the VB.NET (Visual Basic .NET) language to create rules that can control virtually all aspects of an Inventor model: dimensions, constraints, material properties, component visibility, and much more.

A Concrete Example

Imagine you're working on a part that needs to be cut from sheet metal. The part thickness is calculated to withstand a particular stress. The calculation result gives you a theoretical thickness, 0.73 mm for example. But obviously, you won't find such a thickness commercially available. You need to round it to an existing value, like 8/10th for example. You can't do this with an equation, so this is where iLogic comes into play.

To solve this problem, you can create a Thickness rule that will choose a thickness from a list of standard thicknesses based on your theoretical thickness.

For example, you can use the iLogic method MultiValue.FindValue():

' Create an array of values
Dim values = { 0.8, 1, 1.2, 1.6, 2, 3, 4 }

' Search for an appropriate value for the thickness with the MultiValue.FindValue() method.
' This method will first filter the list of values to retain only thicknesses
' greater than or equal to the theoretical thickness.
' So if for example, we have ep_theo = 1.1, the values 0.8 and 1 will be eliminated and only
' the values 1.2, 1.6, 2, 3, 4 will remain.
' MultiValue.FindValue() will then select the value closest to ep_theo from the remaining values,
' which is 1.2.
ep = MultiValue.FindValue(values, ">=", ep_theo)

Main Features

Automation of repetitive tasks: iLogic eliminates the need to manually modify parameters by creating rules that automatically adapt to design changes.

Advanced conditional logic: The system allows implementation of complex "if-then-else" conditions to create intelligent behaviors in your models.

Dynamic user interface: Rules can automatically generate custom forms allowing users to enter parameters without knowing the model's internal workings.

Native integration: Unlike third-party solutions, iLogic is fully integrated into Inventor, ensuring perfect compatibility and optimal performance.

Practical Applications

iLogic use cases are numerous and varied. In the manufacturing industry, it enables the creation of product configurators that automatically generate variants according to customer specifications. For example, a furniture manufacturer can develop a parametric table where modifying the length automatically adjusts the number and position of support legs.

In the mechanical engineering sector, iLogic facilitates the creation of standardized part families. A rule can automatically select appropriate hardware according to the thickness of assembled materials, or adjust housing dimensions based on the size of the motor it must protect.

The tool also excels in managing complex assembly configurations. Rules can control component visibility, modify their properties, and even remove or add parts according to the needs of the selected configuration.

Concrete Benefits

Implementing iLogic brings tangible benefits to design teams. The drastic reduction in product variant development time is the most immediate advantage. Where it previously took hours to manually create each configuration, iLogic automatically generates variants in seconds.

Standardization of design processes represents another major asset. iLogic rules encapsulate best practices and design constraints, ensuring consistency across different projects and designers.

The reduction in human errors is also a significant benefit. By automating calculations and adjustments, iLogic eliminates the risks of oversight or inconsistency that can occur during complex manual modifications.

Implementation and Learning

Learning iLogic requires a basic understanding of programming, but Autodesk has designed the interface to be accessible to designers without extensive computer training. The integrated rule editor offers simplified syntax, code snippets, and wizards that guide users in creating common rules.

Designers can start with simple rules, such as automatic iProperty creation, before progressing to more complex logic involving multiple conditions and interactions between different parameters.

Conclusion

iLogic represents much more than a simple automation tool: it's a paradigm shift that transforms static CAD models into intelligent and adaptive systems. By freeing designers from repetitive tasks, this technology allows them to focus on innovation and creativity, while ensuring increased quality and consistency in their work.

For companies seeking to optimize their design processes and reduce product development times, iLogic constitutes a strategic investment that paves the way toward a new era of intelligent and automated design.

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