Refer to the screenshots for how to run the app.

If it is the first time to install this app then start Autodesk® Inventor® -> go to Add-in Manager via tab "Tools" -> button "Add-ins" -> select "iChords" from the list -> uncheck "Block" -> check "Load Automatically" -> "Loaded/Unloaded" -> click OK.

In the drawing environment under tab "iChords" click    to run the app.

The inputs in the iChords - Plate Formatter interface are explained row by row as follows.

Units: Switch units between mm/kg and inch/lb. 

 Plate Thickness: Select or input plate thickness

•  Select the value from existing parameters - t, THICKNESS, Thickness, THK
• New Thickness - Check to input new thickness

 Size Parameter Names: Display and set up the custom names for length, width and thickness

 Button Setting>>: 

• Size Parameter Names
• Bend Radius Rule: AA-BBB - thickness up to AA, the bend radius factor is BBB
• Flat Bar Sizes: one line for one width with a format: width x t1,t2,t3,t4,t5...

 Bend Radius Factor: Define bend radius, can be overwritten if it is different from the rules in the setting

 Plate Type: Description in front of the plate thickness

•  Custom - if checked, a custom prefix description can be input or selected from the dropdown list, the latest 10 custom descriptions will be saved for future use

 Convert To Sheet Metal: 

•  Unchecked - Size parameters created but need to be linked manually
• Checked - Size parameters created and linked to the model

 Stock Number Format: Preview or example of the stock number format

 Plate Description: Input a new description or use the same as stock number

 Material: select from materials available from current part document

 Once the part is converted to sheet metal, a new sheet metal style "iChords Plate Formatter" will be created and used for future formatting. In "Sheet Metal Defaults", option "Use Thickness From Rule" will be checked and material will be set as "By Sheet Metal Rule (material name)".

The installer that ran when you downloaded this app/plug-in from Autodesk App Store will start installing the app/plug-in. OR, simply double-click the downloaded installer to install the app/plugin.

You can unload the plugin without uninstalling it by unchecking the "Loaded/Unloaded" check box associated with the plugin in the Inventor Add-In Manager. You may have to restart Inventor to completely unload the application.

To uninstall this plug-in, exit the Autodesk product if you are currently running it, simply rerun the installer, and select the "Uninstall" button. OR, you can uninstall it from 'Control Panel/Programs and Features' (Windows 7/8.1/10/11), just as you would uninstall any other application from your system.

Error occurs when a sheet metal flat pattern cannot be created. The orientation of flat pattern created might be wrong then the flat pattern needs to be deleted and created manually.