Linking Parameters Between Parts and Assemblies in Autodesk Inventor

Platform: Autodesk Inventor Professional 2011
Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Author: Ndianabasi Udonkang
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This lesson was written as a response to a question asked by an anonymous reader in the lesson: Using and Understanding Linked Parameter in Autodesk Inventor. I hope this answers your question.
At a time in your design workflow, we might want to link an existing parameter in a part file to another part or assembly. This way, changes to the parameter will reflect in the other part or assembly. In this lesson, we are going learn to link an existing parameter in a part to another part or assembly.

PROCEDURES:

For this lesson, I have uploaded the dataset: Linking_parameter_between_parts_mod.zip to a public file server. Download the zip file, and extract the files to the directory of your active project.

1. Open linking_parameters_shaft_part.ipt.
2. Go to the Manage tab > Parameters panel and click on Parameters. Examine the existing parameters. The parameters are consumed in the model.
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4. 
5. Open linking_parameters_hole_part.ipt.
6. Go to the Manage tab > Parameters panel and click on Parameters. Examine the existing parameters. The parameters are also consumed in the model.
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8. Our aim is link the Shaft_Dia parameter in the linking_parameters_shaft_part.ipt to the Hole_Dia parameter in the linking_parameters_hole_part.ipt. So that if the Shaft_Dia parameter is changed, the Hole_Dia parameter will update accordingly.
9. Switch to linking_parameters_hole_part.ipt. Go to the Manage tab > Parameters panel and click on Parameters. On the Parameters dialog box, click Link at the bottom of the dialog box.
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11. On the Open dialog box, change the Files of type to Inventor file (*.ipt, *.iam). Select linking_parameters_shaft_part.ipt and click Open.
12. On the Link Parameter box, double click the Shaft_Dia to add it to the parameters that would be linked from linking_parameters_shaft_part.ipt to linking_parameters_hole_part.ipt. Click Ok
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14. The Shaft_Dia has been linked to the active part.
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16. On the row for Hole_Dia, click the equation 100 mm and then click the arrow. Click List Parameters and select Shaft_Dia. Click Done to close the Parameters dialog box. Save the file.
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18. The Hole_Dia parameter has been equated to the Shaft_Dia parameter.
19. Open linking_parameters_shaft_part.ipt. Change the Shaft_Dia parameter to 200mm. Save the file. Open linking_parameters_hole_part.ipt. Click Local Update on the Quick Access Toolbar. The Hole feature updates accordingly.

This method can be used for linking parameters between parts and assemblies and vice versa. I hope this tutorial was useful. Drop a comment you liked this or ask any questions. Have a lovely day.

Working With Visual Styles in Autodesk Inventor

Platform: Autodesk Inventor Professional 2011

Level of difficulty: Beginners

Author: Ndianabasi Udonkang

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There are various ways of visualising designs in Autodesk Inventor. Visual styles provide a very convenient means of visualisation.

Visual styles available in Autodesk Inventor include:

1. Realistic
2. Shaded
3. Shaded with Edges
4. Shaded with Hidden Edges
5. Wireframe
6. Wireframe with Hidden Edges
7. Wireframe with Visible Edges Only
8. Monochrome
9. Watercolor
10. Illustration.

To change the visual style of a part or assembly, go to the Ribbon > View tab > Appearance panel and click on the Visual Styles drop-down list. Choose any visual style on the list.

REALISTIC The realistic visual style provides high-quality shading, texture, and colours as defined in the Autodesk Material library

SHADED The shaded visual style displays components as smooth shaded objects but without visible model edges. Standard colours are used.

SHADED WITH EDGES The Shaded with Edges visual style displays components as smooth shaded objects with visible model edges displayed as solid lines. The Edge colour comes from component colour assignment.

SHADED WITH HIDDEN EDGES The Shaded with Hidden Edges visual style displays components as smooth shaded objects with visible hidden edges displayed as dashed lines.

WIREFRAME The Wireframe visual style displays components are wireframe objects with face visibility turned off. All edges are displayed with one colour.

WIREFRAME WITH HIDDEN EDGES The Wireframe With Hidden Edges visual style displays components are wireframe objects with face visibility turned off and hidden edges visibility turned on. Visible edges are shown in solid lines while hidden edges are shown in dashed lines.

WIREFRAME WITH VISIBLE EDGES ONLY The Wireframe with Visible Edges Only visual style displays components as wireframe objects with all hidden edges turned off. Model edges are displayed as solid lines.

MONOCHROME The Monochrome visual style displays components in simplified monochrome (black and white) appearance with visible and hidden model edges turned off.

WATERCOLOR The Watercolor visual style displays components with hand-painted watercolor effect. Non-photorealistic color effect are applied and background or canvas is textured.

ILLUSTRATION The Illustration visual style displays components with an hand sketch visual effect. Edges color are displayed with one colour.