Use existing family tables in Windchill for IFX

[ZC_10909252]

My company has been using family tables for fasteners for quite a while and we want to try to use intelligent fastener. All the family tables are stored in Windchill. Is there a way we can use those pre-existing models/family tables with IFX without causing issues across our assemblies?

[BenLoosli]

Just an FYI - There are 2 levels to IFX, the free version which does not allow customization and the purchased full version which can be customized.

You may need to update your family tables so they work with the IFX parameters.

[Van_AG]

Yes it is possible with IFX full version.

Point from "%Creo_Common_Files%\ifx\configuration\ifx_options.xml" to

• FOLDER_FOR_CATALOGS - shared folder witch contains ifx catalog file(s)
• FOLDER_FOR_FASTENER_DATA - shared folder witch contains ifx fastener data files
• PATH_ABS_LIBRARY - shared folder witch contains FOLDER_FOR_CATALOGS and FOLDER_FOR_FASTENER_DATA.
  
  

In catalog file(s) enumerate names of generic fastener models from your PDM library.

In each data file enumerate file names of instances models and the variable properties (lengths, diameters, etc.).
Each data file must be named as generic model.

Creo users may use fastener as usually from PDM library or thru IFX from PDM library too.
You don't need any changes in your existing fastener models from the PDM library and in your existing assemblies.

And yes, this way assumes using only your models, not IFX OOTB catalog and data

[OliverGräbner]

Hi,

you can use your pre-existing models/family tables with IFX.

There are two possibility.

1. Add the name of the instance to your *.dat file

Simply add the instance-name of the existing file to the correct size in your *.dat file (first column).

In some cases the generic name is also required – but if you are on Windchill, only the instance name is ok.

See also: To Add a Legacy Fastener and Integrating and Customizing Parts

2. Use the Family-Table mapping function from IFX

Fastener Data Files

Search for ‘#FAMTAB‘ and ‘FAMPRT’ for more details.

See also page 16 and 17: IntelligentFastener_BuW_Roadshow_2017-05-09.pdf

[anursingh]

Hi @ZC_10909252,

I wanted to see if you got the help you needed.

If so, please mark the appropriate reply as the Accepted Solution. It will help other members who may have the same question.
Please note that industry experts also review the replies and may eventually accept one of them as solution on your behalf.
Of course, if you have more to share on your issue, please pursue the conversation. 

Thanks,
Anurag