I don't believe I've ever seen this before . . .

[Glenn Schroeder]

I'm working in a Part with a child feature above a parent feature in the tree. I used a sketch to drive a Structural Member function, then used that same sketch to create a Composite Curve (to use in the Assembly to pattern another component).

The sketch was absorbed into the Composite Curve feature, which put it below it's child feature.

[matt]

I'm working in a Part with a child feature above a parent feature in the tree. I used a sketch to drive a Structural Member function, then used that same sketch to create a Composite Curve (to use in the Assembly to pattern another component).

The sketch was absorbed into the Composite Curve feature, which put it below it's child feature.


image.png

This happens all the time and you don't even realize it. Sketches are parents of extruded features, yet the sketch is listed down the tree. If you make an initial sketch, then build a lot of other stuff, then use the initial sketch in a feature, that sketch will be listed under the last feature in the tree even though it was the first thing created.

A great way to work around this is to use the Flat Tree View which is Ctrl-T or RMB on the top item in the tree, go to Tree Display, and Show Flat Tree View. (doesn't work so well for sheet metal)

[bnemec]

This happens all the time and you don't even realize it. Sketches are parents of extruded features, yet the sketch is listed down the tree. If you make an initial sketch, then build a lot of other stuff, then use the initial sketch in a feature, that sketch will be listed under the last feature in the tree even though it was the first thing created.

A great way to work around this is to use the Flat Tree View which is Ctrl-T or RMB on the top item in the tree, go to Tree Display, and Show Flat Tree View. (doesn't work so well for sheet metal)
image.png

Man I hate this behavior in SW. Seems the "Flat Tree View" setting does not work in sheet metal?

[DanPihlaja]

Man I hate this behavior in SW. Seems the "Flat Tree View" setting does not work in sheet metal?

It does for me (SW 2018 SP5):
Normal tree:

Flat tree view:

Edit:

Although I now notice that it does not expand sketched bends:

[bnemec]

It does for me (SW 2018 SP5):
Normal tree:
image.png

Flat tree view:
image.png

Edit:

Although I now notice that it does not expand sketched bends:
image.png

I should have been more specific. I hate the way sketches are absorbed into the feature that uses them and the work around is flaky at best.

Am I doing something wrong?
2019 SP4

[zxys001]

yeah, for some dumb reason, I don't think sheetmetal allows the show flat tree?

[DanPihlaja]

yeah, for some dumb reason, I don't think sheetmetal allows the show flat tree?

Correct. I am seeing the same thing.

In fact, if you use an extrusion process to create your part, then convert it to sheet metal, all the items BEFORE your conversion will expand with flat tree, the all the items AFTER your conversion that specifically require the sheetmetal portion of the software, will not expand.

[bnemec]

Correct. I am seeing the same thing.

In fact, if you use an extrusion process to create your part, then convert it to sheet metal, all the items BEFORE your conversion will expand with flat tree, the all the items AFTER your conversion that specifically require the sheetmetal portion of the software, will not expand.

So everything it normal then. 1/2 implemented behavior. Apparently the sheet metal group didn't get the memo about the flat feature manager. Inventor 2015 was so much better about this.

[mattpeneguy]

Correct. I am seeing the same thing.

In fact, if you use an extrusion process to create your part, then convert it to sheet metal, all the items BEFORE your conversion will expand with flat tree, the all the items AFTER your conversion that specifically require the sheetmetal portion of the software, will not expand.

Well, at least they're consistent...

[mattpeneguy]

yeah, for some dumb reason, I don't think sheetmetal allows the show flat tree?

It's very likely the reason it doesn't work is that the sheet metal people didn't even know there was a flat tree option.

I have seen first hand that they don't properly test any of the functionality they roll out...That's what us users are here for. Used to be there was something called Beta testing. SW issues SP numbers for that phase.

[zxys001]

It's very likely the reason it doesn't work is that the sheet metal people didn't even know there was a flat tree option.

I have seen first hand that they don't properly test any of the functionality they roll out...That's what us users are here for. Used to be there was something called Beta testing. SW issues SP numbers for that phase.

We've got a special purpose!

[mike miller]

We've got a special purpose!

"We rely on our customers!" takes on a whole new meaning with these guys.