When files are assigned to Items, they are given specific Item File Link types. The Item File Link type defines how the Item
relates to the linked file.
After a link has been created you can modify the link type or remove the link. Removing the link will disassociate the file
from the Item.
Note Item File Links are not the same as attaching a file to an item. For more information regarding attaching files to items
please see Attach a File to an Item in the previous section.
Item File Link Types
| Primary
|
|
A file with a primary link is the primary definition for the Item. Properties are read from this file on Item assign and
update. Properties can be written back to the file as well. When the Item is released the primary link file will be locked.
A state change cannot be executed if the link needs updating.
|
| Secondary
|
|
A file with a secondary link is a secondary or duplicate definition for the Item. Properties are not read from this file
on Item updates, though properties can be written back to the file. When the Item is released the secondary link file will
be locked. A state change cannot be executed if the link needs updating.
|
| Primary Subcomponent
|
|
A file containing the primary definition for a subcomponent. Properties are read from and can be written back this file. When
the Item is released the file will be locked. A state change can be executed if the link needs updating.
|
| Secondary Subcomponent
|
|
A file containing a secondary or duplicate definition for a subcomponent. Properties are not read from this file, though properties
can be written back to the file. When the Item is released the file will be locked. A state change can be executed if the
link needs updating.
|
| Standard Component
|
|
A file with a Standard Component link contains standard content. Properties are read for the Standard Component only at Item
assign, and properties cannot be written back to the file. When the Item is released the file is locked. Subcomponents also
receive Standard Component links.
|
| Tertiary
|
|
A file with a tertiary link is a design document file such as an .idw, .ipn, or .dwg file. These links are automatically
assigned when the corresponding model file is assigned to Item. Files with Tertiary links are locked when the Item is released.
|
Subcomponent Links
Subcomponents are components which are not defined by a single unique file, but instead are defined internally as part of a
file. Subcomponents can be virtual components in Inventor, or part references and structured components in AutoCAD Mechanical.
Subcomponents are often defined multiple times in many different files and assemblies.
A subcomponent link is established when a part (component) is defined within a file, but it is not the component defined by
the file.
For example, in AutoCAD Mechanical, the user can have a whole assembly drawn and defined in one file. The assembly would receive
a primary link to an item because the file is the definition of the assembly. All subassemblies and parts in the assembly
would get subcomponent links from the assembly file to items.
In Inventor you can get subcomponents by using virtual parts. For instance, a user may add a virtual part for grease to their
assembly. There is no physical part file modeled for grease, so it is solely defined within the assembly. That virtual grease
component would receive a subcomponent from the assembly file to an item.
Primary and Secondary Subcomponent Link Rules
There are primary and secondary subcomponent links.
If a file is assigned to an item, and a subcomponent is found for which there is no existing Item, then a Primary Subcomponent
link will be assigned to the file. If a pre-existing item is found then a Secondary Subcomponent link will be assigned.
If a Primary Subcomponent is later defined in its own file, then a Primary link will be assigned to the new file and the Primary
Subcomponent link will change automatically to a Secondary Subcomponent link.
Basic Item File Link Tasks
Follow these instructions to perform basic Item File Link tasks.
Change an Item File Link Type
- Select an Item in the Item Master.
- Right-click and select Edit...
- Select the General tab in the Item dialog.
- In the Associated files: field select the file for which you would like to change the link type.
- Right-click and select a different link type.
- Save and close the Item.
NoteTertiary link types cannot be modified.
Remove an Item File Link
- Select an Item in the Item Master.
- Right-click and select Edit...
- Select the General tab in the Item dialog.
- In the Associated files: field select the file for which you would like to remove the link to the Item.
- Right-click and select Remove Link.
- Save and close the Item.
NoteTertiary link types cannot be removed as described above.
Remove a Tertiary Link to a .IDW
- Select an Item in the Item Master.
- Select the General tab.
- In the Associated files: field select the .idw file for which you would like to remove the link to the Item.
- Right-click and select Go to Folder.
- Open and check out the .idw file.
- Delete all views for the part or assembly to which the Item is assigned.
- Save and check in the .idw file.
- Go to the Item Master and select the Item.
- Right-click and select Update. After update is complete the link to the .idw file will be removed from the Item.
