iParts / iAssemblies (Inventor)
Family-table-driven configurations — one part file representing a family of variants via an embedded factory table.
Definition
An iPart is an .ipt with an embedded factory table. Each row defines parameter values, feature suppression, and iProperties for one member of the family. iAssemblies do the same at the assembly level. When inserted into an assembly, the user picks the member from a dialog.
Why it matters
iParts replace hundreds of nearly-identical files with one parent file containing a table. Fasteners, brackets, pulleys, gears commonly ship as iParts.
Technical Deep Dive & Core Mechanics
From a geometric perspective, iParts / iAssemblies (Inventor) represents a parametric boundary representation (B-Rep) mechanism within Inventor. The underlying geometric modeling kernel—whether Parasolid, ACIS, or a proprietary solver—maintains a strictly ordered history tree (Feature Manager). Each operation stores topological references (faces, edges, vertices) that are re-evaluated sequentially during model regeneration.
Common pitfalls
- iPart members with feature combinations that can't be modelled — open-as-member produces errors.
- Forgetting to publish iPart members to content centre — limits reuse.
- Long iPart tables (1000+ members) — slow Inventor on insert.
This concept is a core structural element of the Inventor drafting and engineering environment developed by Autodesk. Autodesk's Windows-native parametric MCAD — strong on large mechanical assemblies, sheet metal, frame generator, and integration with Autodesk Vault and Revit.
Relevant Inventor FAQs
❓ What's the difference between Inventor and Fusion 360?
Inventor is Windows-only desktop, file-based, deep MCAD with Vault integration. Fusion 360 is cross-platform (Win/Mac), cloud-data, broader scope (CAM, electronics, generative design), simpler assemblies. Inventor for established mechanical engineering teams; Fusion 360 for makers, small teams, integrated CAM workflows.
❓ Can Inventor open SOLIDWORKS files?
Indirectly. Inventor doesn't natively read .sldprt/.sldasm; export from SOLIDWORKS to STEP or Parasolid, then open in Inventor. Features import as static geometry without parametric history.
❓ What's in the Product Design & Manufacturing Collection?
Inventor, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Mechanical, Inventor Nastran (FEA), Inventor Tolerance Analysis, Factory Design Utilities, Inventor CAM, Vault Basic, ReCap Pro, and Fusion 360 (selected modules). Most production Inventor users are on PDMC rather than standalone Inventor.
⚡ Concept Self-Test
🎓 Recommended Practice Lessons
Step-by-step practical exercises and certification-aligned paths chosen by our editors to master this concept:
Autodesk Inventor Professional Design & Engineering Specialization
The Complete Autodesk Inventor 2026 Masterclass: From Beginner to Pro
🌳 Semantic Crossroads & Navigation Pathways
Trunk-Branch-Leaf ModelCore glossary, interactive graph, and domain-wide concept index.
Parent design environments and platforms implementing this method natively.