Retrieving New Part Number(s) using the Vault / Product Stream

Are you using the Vault, Product Stream (Vault Manufacturing) and getting frustrated when you need to go somewhere else to pull a new part number for the part or assembly you are designing within Inventor or for that matter, within AutoCAD? We can show you a new way to use the Vault and/or Product Stream to your benefit.

CAD Enhancement Inc can create an add-on tool that allows you to pull a new part number and rename your model with it. The way this tool functions is while you are working within Inventor and have your model up on the screen (either as a separate file or in place within an assembly), you will have the capability to pull the next number available and rename your model to this new part number. You can also define as many schemas (part number structures) as you desire to complete your processes.

If you do not use the Vault and/or Product Stream (Vault Manufacturing) or any comparable product this can be done quite simply by providing a database file that could be utilized in the same manner.

Feel free to contact CAD Enhancement, Inc to inquire about the possibility of creating this tool for your Engineering Department.


Patrick K. Johnson

Creating DXF Check-in

Are you a manufacturer that needs to provide data for your vendors or your own shop to use for fabrication purposes?

It is one thing to send the drawing, but being able to send the data that substantiates the drawing using a DXF file is where the end user discovers they can cut their engineering time and the realization is made that sending a DXF file is more usable and cost effective for them.

The DXF can consist of flats for sheet metal fabricators to bring into their software for CNC Operations to punch, laser, water jet, etc. What the Vault and Product Stream (Vault Manufacturing) allows you to do is to have the DXF created during the check-in process. This way you can be assured the DXF always matches up to the latest check-in file within the Vault.

As long as you have a driver that can create PDFs, you can use this same process to automatically create PDF files during check-in.
This process can occur without the users even knowing that it is being done. Another advantage of using this process is that while the automation of creating a DXF or PDF is occurring during check-in you are assured of the files being the most ‘up to date’ and matching the last version of the checked-in file.


Patrick K. Johnson