Export Inventor File

Description

The Export Inventor File node automates the process of exporting Autodesk Inventor documents into various output formats such as DXF, DWF, STEP, ADSK, PDF, or BOM (Bill of Materials).

This node is typically used in workflows that handle drawing automation, CAD file processing, or integration with document management systems such as Vault or SharePoint.

It connects to a locally installed Autodesk Inventor instance and uses the MinuteView Inventor Service to open the source document and perform the export according to the selected type.

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How to Use

When added to a workflow, this node provides the following configuration fields:

Field	Type	Description	Required	Visible When
Source File Full Path	Text	Full file path to the Inventor file to export (e.g., .ipt, .iam, .idw, .dwg).	✅	Always
Export Type	Picklist	The desired export format. Options: DXF, DWF, STEP, ADSK, PDF, BOM	✅	Always
Output File Path	Text	Optional path for the exported file. If left blank, the output will be saved in the same folder as the source file.	❌	Always

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Supported Export Types

Export Type	Description	Output File Extension	Typical Use
DXF	Exports sheet metal flat pattern or drawing views to DXF format.	.dxf	CNC profile cutting or fabrication documentation
DWF	Publishes the document as a DWF/DWFx file using the built-in Inventor Publisher.	.dwf or .dwfx	Viewing in Autodesk Design Review
STEP	Exports part or assembly geometry to neutral 3D exchange format.	.stp / .step	Sharing 3D models with non-Inventor users
ADSK	Exports model to Autodesk Exchange Package format.	.adsk	Interoperability with Revit and other Autodesk products
PDF	Exports 2D drawings to PDF format.	.pdf	Document control, review, or release
BOM	Exports the Bill of Materials from an assembly or drawing to Excel format.	.xlsx	Material reporting or downstream ERP integration

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Default Behavior

If the Output File Path is not specified, the node automatically generates the output file in the same directory as the source Inventor file:

Export Type	Example Default Output
DXF	C:\Projects\Part1.dxf
DWF	C:\Projects\Part1.dwfx
STEP	C:\Projects\Part1.step
ADSK	C:\Projects\Part1.adsk
PDF	C:\Projects\Drawing1.pdf
BOM	C:\Projects\Assembly1.xlsx

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Example Configuration

Setting	Example Value
Source File Full Path	C:\Vault\Designs\Bracket.iam
Export Type	STEP
Output File Path	C:\Exports\Bracket.step

Result:
The node opens the specified Inventor assembly and exports it as a STEP file to C:\Exports\Bracket.step.

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Example – Bill of Materials Export

Setting	Example Value
Source File Full Path	C:\Vault\Assemblies\PumpAssembly.iam
Export Type	BOM
Output File Path	(leave blank)

Result:
A structured Bill of Materials is exported to C:\Vault\Assemblies\PumpAssembly.xlsx, and BOM data (item count and details) is added to the workflow output.

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Outputs

After execution, the node provides the following output variables:

Output Variable	Type	Description
ExportedFilePath	Text	Full path to the exported file.
BOMData	Object (optional)	Collection of BOM items (only when Export Type = BOM).
BOMItemCount	Number (optional)	Total number of BOM items exported.
statusReturn	Text	"Completed" if export succeeded, "Fail" if it failed.
taskMessage	Text	Status message (e.g., “Export operation completed successfully”).

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Example Output (BOM Export)

{
  "ExportedFilePath": "C:\\Vault\\Assemblies\\PumpAssembly.xlsx",
  "BOMData": [
    { "PartNumber": "P-001", "Description": "Impeller", "Quantity": 1 },
    { "PartNumber": "P-002", "Description": "Casing", "Quantity": 1 },
    { "PartNumber": "P-003", "Description": "Fasteners", "Quantity": 8 }
  ],
  "BOMItemCount": 3,
  "taskMessage": "BOM export successful - 3 items exported",
  "statusReturn": "Completed"
}

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Status Messages

Status	Description
Completed	The export operation was successful.
Fail	Export failed (file missing, format unsupported, or Inventor error).

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Error Handling

If export fails, the node logs the detailed error in the workflow log and returns a Fail status. Common causes include:

• Invalid or missing source file path
• Unsupported export type
• Inventor not available or not responding
• Document could not be opened (e.g., permissions or dependencies missing)
• BOM export attempted on a part file instead of an assembly

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Notes

• Requires Autodesk Inventor to be installed and licensed on the automation server.
• The node uses the MinuteView Inventor Service (invService) to handle file operations.
• All file paths can include dynamic placeholders (e.g., {workingFolder}, {FileName}).
• The export will overwrite any existing file at the output path.
• The BOM export option only applies to assembly (.iam) or drawing (.idw) files that contain a structured Bill of Materials.
• Exported files can be uploaded, emailed, or attached to a record using downstream workflow nodes.

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Example Workflow Usage

1. Use a Vault Get File or File Copy node to retrieve an Inventor file to a local working folder.
2. Add an Export Inventor File node to export the file to the required format (e.g., PDF or STEP).
3. Chain a Data Operations or Upload File node to move the exported file to a designated location.
4. Optionally, use Email Notification or Webhook Trigger nodes to notify users upon export completion.

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Category: CAD → Autodesk Inventor Task Name: ExportInventorFile