Today, we introduce another really helpful tool to you: the pointLinker

Why do you need it? Here’s why:

Inventor can import point data from an Excel file, but once the data has been imported, the link with the Excel file is not retained. If updates to the point data in the Excel file are required, the data must be manually re-imported and the associated model has to be re-constructed. This is time consuming, inefficient and nerve-wracking.

The coolOrange pointLinker plug-in allows Inventor users to import points from an Excel file, retaining a link to that file. Data can be imported (as with the existing command), updated from the Excel file, or mapped to another Excel file.

Like the other coolOrange plug-ins you can download it from the Inventor App Store and easily install it. Just run the msi file and follow the instructions.

In the Tools panel of Inventor parts, you will find a new command pointLinker. When the pointLinker command is run, the pointLinker dialog appears. Importing one Excel file will generate one row in the form. You have the option to generate points, lines or connect the points with a spline.

By pressing the Import button, the add-in asks you to select one Excel file. If you select the item, the corresponding entities will be highlighted.

To update or resolve, select the item and right-click. Update will update the item with new date and original Point Type. Resolve will ask you to select another Excel file and import it with its data, with original Point Type.

That’s all, nothing more to it :) Have fun!