tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33189296516542849462024-03-14T06:10:16.225+01:00Autodesk Inventor TutorialsMy own little contributions to the learning of digital prototyping!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-68583631021887386762013-06-24T10:27:00.000+01:002013-06-24T10:31:00.251+01:00Using the Fillet Tool ( Fillet Feature ) - Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012/2013</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span class="divheader-font-settings"><u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </span></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG</div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/ndianabasiudonkang">LinkedIn</a></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series</div>
<br />
<h2 align="center" class="bodyheader1" style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946" id="top" name="top"></a>TOPIC: <span class="bodyheader1" style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">USING THE FILLET TOOL - part 2</span></h2>
<br />
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol>
<li>Download the <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/uptrdtzyrjo1ndh/constant_radius_fillet.ipt">dataset</a>. <strong><em>The dataset files were created with Inventor 2011 to ensure compatibility with newer versions of Inventor.</em></strong><em></em></li>
<li>Save it to a project folder of an existing Inventor project. Set the project active. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-and-managing-projects-and.html">Inventor Projects and Project Files</a>.</li>
<li>If there is any concept you do not understand, check out previous lesson: <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/using-fillet-tool-fillet-feature.html">USING THE FILLET TOOL (FILLET FEATURE) - OVERVIEW.</a></li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader3">
INTRODUCTION</h3>
The Fillet tool can be used for creating various types of fillets/rounds. One of them is the constant-radius fillet. The constant-radius fillet applies only one radius at a time on any particular edge. To speed things up while creating fillets or rounds, we are going to learn how to use the All Fillets and All Rounds selection modes. The All Fillets mode allows you to select all interior edges on your part so that you can quickly apply fillets to them, while the All Round mode allows you to select all exterior edges on your part so that you can quickly apply rounds to them.<br /><br /><img alt="figure 2" height="301" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_17_zps113d5173.jpg" width="367" /><br />
This lesson is a sequel to <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/using-fillet-tool-fillet-feature.html">USING THE FILLET TOOL (FILLET FEATURE) - OVERVIEW</a>. Endeavour to read it before continuing here.<br /><br />
<h3 class="bodyheader3">
OBJECTIVES</h3>
At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able to:<br />
<ol>
<li>Describe and create a constant-radius edge fillet,</li>
<li>Describe and create an edge fillet using the All Fillets selection mode,</li>
<li>Describe and create an edge fillet using the All Round selection mode.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
LOCATING THE FILLET TOOL</h3>
The Fillet tool could be found on:<br />
<ol>
<li><strong><em><u>RIBBON</u></em></strong>: Model tab > Modify panel > Fillet<br />
<br />
<img height="137" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_1_zps830054c6.jpg" width="308" /></li>
<li><em><strong><u>SHORTCUT</u></strong></em>: F<br />
</li>
</ol>
<div class="bodyheader2">
procedures for creating a constant-radius fillet</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
In this section, we are going to learn how to create a constant-radius fillet.</div>
<ol>
<li>Open the dataset file, constant_radius_fillet.ipt</li>
<li>Press F on your keyboard to launch the fillet tool. The Fillet dialog box is displayed (see Figure 3).<br /><br /><img alt="Figure 4" height="275" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_5_zps3ff1dcf6.jpg" width="350" /><br />
</li>
<li>We are going to round all the edges on the top face of the part. On the Fillet dialog box > Constant tab and under Radius column, click 2mm. Type 20mm and press Enter. This sets 20mm as the new fillet radius.</li>
<li>Now click on all the edges on the top face of the part, one after the other. You model should resemble the Figure 5 below. The dialog box (see Figure 4) indicates that 6 edges have been selected.<br /><br /><img alt="Figure " height="253" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_9_zpsa47f4692.png" width="350" /><br /><br /><img alt="Figure" height="278" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_10_zps579e4329.png" width="350" /></li>
<li>Click OK to create the Fillet (see Figure 6).<br /><br />
<img alt="FIGURE 6" height="305" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_12_zps53552f93.png" width="350" /></li>
</ol>
<div class="bodyheader3">
ALTERNATIVE METHOD</div>
This is an alternative and faster method to the one above.<br />
<ol>
<li> Launch the Fillet tool.</li>
<li>On the Fillet dialog box, set the radius to 20mm.</li>
<li>On the right-hand side of the Fillet dialob box, set the Select Mode to "Loop."</li>
<li>Point at one of edges on the top face, and ensure that it highlights the top face. When the top face is highlighted, click.</li>
<li>Press OK to create the fillet.<br /><br /><img height="288" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_11_zps9d7cbe35.png" width="350" /><br /><br /><img height="305" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_12_zps53552f93.png" width="350" /></li>
</ol>
<div class="bodyheader2">
REFERENCE</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
1. Autodesk Inventor 2010: Official Training Courseware.<br/></div>
<div class="divfooter">
I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</div>
<div class="divfooter">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946#top" target="_top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Contents</a></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-91296012022810019792013-06-14T16:28:00.000+01:002013-06-14T16:28:15.869+01:00Using the Fillet Tool ( Fillet Feature ) - Overview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<body class="normal-font-settings">
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012/2013</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span class="divheader-font-settings"><u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </span></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG</div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/ndianabasiudonkang">LinkedIn</a></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series</div>
<br />
<h2 align="center" class="bodyheader1" style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946" id="top" name="top"></a>TOPIC: USING THE FILLET TOOL (FILLET FEATURE) - OVERVIEW</h2>
<br />
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol>
<li>If there is any concept you do not understand, check out previous lessons <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html" title="Table of Content"><strong>here</strong></a>.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
INTRODUCTION</h3>
Fillets are smooth and round features commonly found on a edges of parts. Fillets are primarily used to reduce stresses on machine components/parts to reduce the potential of fatigue failure due to high stresses, and for aesthetic reasons. For the case of aesthetics, large filleted edges can be found on common household appliance e.g. coffee makers, reading lamps, hair dryers, phones, etc. These fillets help to improve handling experience (or ergonomics). So you can hold on to a phone without feeling acute pressure inside your palms because of the filleted edges of the phone.<br />
The Fillet tool allows you to parametrically add a fillet feature to your part/component. This fillet could be a constant-radius fillet (where one radius is used to create the entire fillet) or a variable-radius fillet (where more than one radius is used to define the fillet along the edge). The Inventor Fillet tool offers an easy but powerful means of applying and modifying fillet features in your design.<br />
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
OBJECTIVES</h3>
At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able to:<br />
<ol>
<li>Describe the purposes of fillets on parts/components.</li>
<li>Explain the difference between fillets and rounds and give an example of how they are used.</li>
<li>Use the Fillet tool to create constant radius fillets.</li>
<li>State the guidelines for creating fillets.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
LOCATING THE FILLET TOOL</h3>
The Fillet tool could be found on:<br />
<ol>
<li><strong><em><u>RIBBON</u></em></strong>: Model tab > Modify panel > Fillet<br />
<br />
<img alt="figure 1" height="142" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_1_zps830054c6.jpg" width="292" /></li>
<li><em><strong><u>SHORTCUT</u></strong></em>: F</li>
</ol>
<div class="bodyheader3">
DEFINITION AND TYPES OF FILLETS</div>
A fillet is defined by a single constant radius, or in the case of a variable fillet, by more than one radius. Technically, there are two types of fillets, namely, "Fillet" and "Round." The term "fillet" is used when a fillet is applied to an interior (or internal) corner/edge, (where the faces forming the corner/edge have an angle of 180 degrees or less between them). Fillets will also add material to your component/part. On the other hand, the term "round" is used when a fillet is applied to an exterior (or external) corner/edge. A round removes material from your component/part when created.<br />
Figure 2 shows a part whose three (3) interior edges have been filleted, while Figure 3 shows a part whose exteior edges have been rounded. Note that both fillets and rounds are created with the Fillet tool.<br />
<img alt="Figure 2" height="211" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_2_zps39f6bdf7.jpg" width="350" /><br />
<img alt="FIGURE 3" height="325" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_3_zps316e61f1.jpg" width="350" /><br />
<div class="bodyheader2">
CATEGORIES OF FILLETS</div>
On the fillet dialog box, there are three important categories of fillets or rounds that can be created, namely:<br />
<ol>
<li>Edge Fillet,</li>
<li>Face Fillet, and</li>
<li>Full-Round Fillet.</li>
</ol>
<div class="bodyheader3">
EDGE FILLET</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
As the name implies, an edge fillet is created along an edge of a part. An edge is formed by two adjacent faces, therefore, the Fillet tool will reshape the two shared face to create the desired fillet or round. Figure 4 shows a part with a single edge fillet.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img height="260" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_6_zps90d9454f.png" width="346" /></div>
<div class="bodyheader3">
FACE FILLET</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
A face fillet adds a fillet or round between two selected face sets, which need not share an edge. Figure 5 shows part with a face fillet applied between the top face and the left face.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img height="309" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_7_zps4a8d4b1d.png" width="350" /></div>
<div class="bodyheader3">
full-round fillet</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
A full-round fillet adds a fillet or round that is tangent to three selected adjacent faces. The center face set is replaced by a variable-radius fillet. As can be seen in Figure 6, as full-round fillet is applied between the top, right, and bottom face of the part. The center (right) face is totally replaced with a fillet, which is tangent to all the three selected faces.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img height="326" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Using_Fillet_Chamfer_Tool/using_fillet_chamfer_8_zps5d197a48.png" width="350" /></div>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
CONSTANT-RADIUS FILLET OPTIONS</h3>
The Constant Filet tab of the Fillet Dialog box contains the following creation methods and options.<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0">
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="20"><div align="center">
</div>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="80"><div align="center">
<strong>OPTION</strong></div>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="400"><div align="center">
<strong>DESCRIPTION</strong></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="20">1.</td>
<td valign="top" width="80">Edge</td>
<td valign="top" width="400">Adds fillets or rounds to one or more edges of a part. All fillets and rounds created in a single operation become a single feature.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="20">2.</td>
<td valign="top" width="80">Face</td>
<td valign="top" width="400">Adds fillets or rounds between two selected face sets. The face sets do not need to share an edge.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="20">3.</td>
<td valign="top" width="80">Full Round</td>
<td valign="top" width="400">Adds fillets or rounds that are tangent to three adjacent faces. The center face is replaced by the fillet.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="20">4.</td>
<td valign="top" width="80">Select Mode</td>
<td valign="top" width="400">Mode selection enables easy selection of objects to fillet. <br />
<ol>
<li><u><strong>Select Edge</strong></u>, for edge selection priority, enables you to select individual edges on the part. So you have control of what edge to select</li>
<li><strong><u>Loop</u></strong>, for face selection priority, allows you to select all edges on a particular face in one click. </li>
<li><strong><u>Feature</u></strong>, for feature priority selection, allows you to select what feature to apply the fillet to. This works on parts with multiple features, so it gives your control over which feature to apply the fillet to, thereby ensuring that your do not select edges any other feature.</li>
</ol>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="20">5.</td>
<td valign="top" width="80">Solids</td>
<td valign="top" width="400">This button is only available when multiple solid bodies exist in the part file. When this is the case, the user can click the solids button to select one or more solid bodies to use with the All Fillets and All Rounds selection options.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="20">6.</td>
<td valign="top" width="80">All Fillets</td>
<td valign="top" width="400">Use the All Fillets check box to quickly select all fillet edges on the part. Select them both to have all edges on the part selected.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">7.</td>
<td valign="top">All Rounds</td>
<td valign="top" width="400">Use the All Rounds check box to quickly select all round edges on the part. Select them both to have all edges on the part selected.</td>
</tr>
</table>
<br />
<div class="bodyheader2">
GUIDELINES FOR CREATING FILLETS</div>
Although both fillets and chamfers are relatively simple shapes, they are often a challenge to create with consistency where multiple edges intersect. Following the guidelines presented here can improve your success in creating these features.
<ol>
<li>Avoid creating all of your fillets with a single feature. You will have a greater success creating and changing features with less edges selected.</li>
<li>Create these features on parallel edges of a part first. When you create additional features, you can select the resulting face to complete the remaining edges at the same time.</li>
<li>Pressing CTRL while clicking removes geometry from the selection.</li>
<li>Because fillets are considered finish features, consider creating them toward the end of the design process after all other features have been defined.</li>
<li>Avoid including fillets in your sketch geometry and instead create them as part features.</li>
</ol>
In the next two lessons, we are going to look at how to create constant-radius and variable-radius fillets, face fillets, and full-round fillets.<br />
<div class="bodyheader2">
REFERENCE</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
1. Autodesk Inventor 2010: Official Training Courseware.</div>
<div class="divfooter">
I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</div>
<div class="divfooter">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946#top" target="_top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Contents</a></div>
</body>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-87158987805112380082013-01-19T00:13:00.000+01:002013-01-21T03:26:44.186+01:00Using the Sweep Tool (Swept Feature)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012/2013</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span class="divheader-font-settings"><u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </span></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG</div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/ndianabasiudonkang">LinkedIn</a></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series</div>
<br />
<h2 align="center" class="bodyheader1" style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946" id="top" name="top"></a>TOPIC: USING THE SWEEP TOOL (SWEPT FEATURE)</h2>
<br />
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol>
<li>Download the <a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/18lSEO8w/using_sweep_tool_handle_3D_ske.html">dataset</a>. <b><i>The dataset files were created with Inventor 2011 to ensure compatibility with newer versions of Inventor.</i></b><i></i></li>
<li>Extract the content of the zip file using any unzipping utility.</li>
<li>Save the extracted file to a project folder of an existing Inventor project. Set the project active. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-and-managing-projects-and.html">Inventor Projects and Project Files</a>.</li>
<li>Go through the tutorial: <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2011/06/using-understanding-work-features-in.html">Using and Understanding Work Planes in Autodesk Inventor</a>. It will help you understand how to create work plane, which is important for creating with swept features.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
INTRODUCTION</h3>
<br />
Swept features are one of the <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/types-of-features-in-autodesk-inventor.html">sketched features </a>found in Autodesk Inventor. Swept features are created with the Sweep Tool. The term "sweep" in the context of swept features means extruding a sketch along a path, or curve. While the "Extrude Tool" sweeps along a straight line, the "Sweep Tool" sweeps the profile along the specified curve. The curve could be a straight line or any other complex two-dimensional or three-dimensional path. The Sweep tool requires <b><i>two unconsumed and visible sketches in order to create a swept feature</i></b>. One of the sketches must contain the profile to be swept (profile sketch), while the other sketch must contain the curve along which the profile will be swept (path sketch). The path sketch could be a 2D sketch or 3D sketch.<br />
<br />
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
OBJECTIVES</h3>
At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able to:<br />
<ol>
<li>Explain the concept of sweeping and swept features.</li>
<li>Use the Sweep tool for creating a Swept Feature.</li>
<li>Create a work plane that is parallel to an existing plane but coincident with a point along a path.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
LOCATING THE SWEEP TOOL</h3>
The Sweep tool can be found on:<br />
<ol>
<li><b><i><u>RIBBON</u></i></b>: Model tab > Create panel > Sweep<br />
<br />
<img alt="figure 1" height="147" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Sweep_Tool/using_sweep_tool_01_zps871f83ce.png" width="300" /></li>
</ol>
<div class="bodyheader2">
CREATING A WORK PLANE FOR SWEPT PROFILES</div>
<br />
<div class="normal-font-settings">
One of the important techniques to be mastered when one is considering creating a swept feature is that of creating of work planes. Work planes are the basis for creating the profile and path sketches. You could start by creating the profile sketch first and the path sketch later, or vice versa. The choice is yours.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
In this section, we are going to create a work plane and then create a path sketch on that work plane. The dataset file, <i>using_sweep_tool_handle_3D_sketch.ipt,</i> contains two 2D sketches containing 2D points which are used for creating a 3D sketch. We are going to create a work plane which is concident with the right endpoint of the 3D curve and parallel with th XZ plane (See Figure 2).<br /><br />
<img alt="figure 2" height="238" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Sweep_Tool/using_sweep_tool_02_zpsbdc63b32.png" width="350" /><br />
</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Let us now create the work plane.</div>
<div class="bodyheader3">
CREATING THE WORK PLANE</div>
<ol>
<li>Open <i>using_sweep_tool_handle_3D_sketch.ipt</i>.</li>
<li>Go the Model tab > Work Features panel > Plane. Click the flyout below Plane and select Parallel to Plane through Point (See Figure 3).<br />
<br />
<img alt="figure 3" height="300" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Sweep_Tool/using_sweep_tool_03_zpsa4edf0e6.png" width="350" /></li>
<li>Expand the Origin folder and click on the XZ plane (See Figure 4). Next click the right endpoint (highlighted in Figure 2).<br />
<br />
<img alt="FIGURE 4" height="361" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Sweep_Tool/using_sweep_tool_04_zps6563130a.png" width="250" /></li>
<li>A new work plane is created.</li>
</ol>
Next we create a profile sketch on the newly-created work plane.<br />
<div class="bodyheader3">
CREATING THE PROFILE SKETCH & THE SWEPT FEATURE</div>
<ol>
<li>Right click on the newly-created work plane on the graphics window. Click <i>New Sketch</i> on the shortcut menu. A new sketch is created.</li>
<li>Refer to Figure 5. Click View Face on the Navigation Bar and click the name of new sketch (Sketch3 or Sketch4, depending) on the Model Browser.</li>
<li>Create two concentric circles with diameters 30mm and 26mm (as shown in Figure 5).</li>
<li>Click Finish Sketch and press "F6" on your keyboard.</li>
<li>Click Sweep on the Create panel (See Figure 1).</li>
<li>See Figure 7. Click the region between the two concentric circles as your profile. Next click the 3D curve as your path. Click OK to create the swept feature.</li>
<li>Right click the work plane (still visible on the graphics window) and click Visibility on the shortcut menu to turn off its visibility.</li>
<li>The completed model is shown in Figure 8.</li>
</ol>
<img alt="FIGURE 5" height="270" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Sweep_Tool/using_sweep_tool_05_zps189e607f.png" width="80" /><br />
<img alt="FIGURE 6" height="204" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Sweep_Tool/using_sweep_tool_06_zps4c530cd2.png" width="350" /><br />
<img alt="FIGURE 7" height="215" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Sweep_Tool/using_sweep_tool_07_zpse84379a9.png" width="350" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="FIGURE 8" height="249" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Sweep_Tool/using_sweep_tool_08_zps6d2e9dfc.png" width="400" /><br />
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I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-72012931461341137222013-01-18T02:09:00.000+01:002013-01-18T02:15:59.368+01:00Using the Revolve Tool (Revolution Feature)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012/2013</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span class="divheader-font-settings"><u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </span></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG</div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/ndianabasiudonkang">LinkedIn</a></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series</div>
<br />
<h2 align="center" class="bodyheader1" style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946" id="top" name="top"></a>TOPIC: USING THE REVOLVE TOOL (REVOLUTION FEATURE)</h2>
<br />
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol>
<li>Download the <a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/ca0Sq_Ed/using_revolve_tool.html">dataset</a>. <b><i>The dataset files were created with Inventor 2011 to ensure compatibility with newer versions of Inventor.</i></b><i></i></li>
<li>Extract the content using any unzipping utility.</li>
<li>Save the files to a project folder of an existing Inventor project. Set the project active. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-and-managing-projects-and.html">Inventor Projects and Project Files</a>.</li>
<li>Go through the tutorial: <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2011/06/understanding-and-using-sketch.html">Understand and Using Sketch Linetypes and Geometry in Autodesk Inventor</a>. It will help you understand terms like normal geometry, centerline geometry and construction geometry.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
INTRODUCTION</h3>
Revolution is the process of sweeping a profile around a center axis. Revolution is used for creating parts that will be machined out through<i> turning on a lathe machine.</i> Such parts usually consists of circular features arranged around a common axis.<br />
In Autodesk Inventor, a revolution feature is created using the Revolve tool. Table 1 shows examples of 2D sketches and the resulting models after a revolution operation. When creating a sketch that would be used for revolution, some facts have to be put into consideration. These include:<br />
<ol>
<li>Imagine that the part to be created is sectioned longitudinally (that is, along its axis).</li>
<li>Sketch out the quarter-section of the part.</li>
<li>Draw a center line that represents the longitudinal axis of the part.</li>
<li>The center line should be drawn with the Centerline geometry settings toggled on.</li>
<li>When creating dimensions, dimension between the centerline and any other sketch geometry. This will create a diameter dimension that shows you the actual diametric dimension of the part.</li>
</ol>
It is also important to know when to use Revolve tool for creating circular features and when to use the Extrude tool for creating cylindrical features.<br />
<ol>
<li> If you are creating a step shaft (that is, a shaft with varying cross-sectional areas along its longitudinal axis), then you should use the Revolve tool. This way, you will have an overview of the contour of the shaft from the beginning. You could easy make changes to the shaft profile just in one sketch.</li>
<li> If you are creating a simple shaft with a constant cross-sectional area, then it is very efficient to use the Extrude tool to create a cylinder feature that represents the shaft.</li>
<li>If you are creating a delicate circular model like a table-water bottle, then the Revolve tool will be the best tool to use. But your sketch must reflect all the delicate curves and grooves commonly found on such consumer products.</li>
</ol>
<table border="1" id="table_1" style="width: 426px;">
<tr>
<th scope="col" width="14">#</th>
<th scope="col" width="80">Sketch Geometry</th>
<th scope="col" width="310">Sketch and Resulting Model</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1.</td>
<td>Triangular Sketch</td>
<td><img alt="triangular sketch and conical feature" height="172" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_01_zps4687b9f2.png" width="300" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Rectangular sketch</td>
<td><img alt="rectangular sketch and resulting cylinder" height="193" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_02_zpscd528401.png" width="350" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Rectangular sketch (with a gap between the profile and the axis)</td>
<td><img height="163" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_04_zps6b133c6f.png" width="350" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Any other profile.</td>
<td><img height="207" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_05_zpsdd86c31a.png" width="350" /></td>
</tr>
<caption>
<span id="TABLE1"><i><b>Table 1: A table Showing Different Sketches and Resulting Revolution Features </b></i><b></b></span>
</caption>
</table>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
OBJECTIVES</h3>
At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able:<br />
<ol>
<li>Explain the principle behind the creation of revolved features using the Revolution.</li>
<li>Use the Revolve tool for creating an Revolution Features.</li>
<li>Use the centerline geometry for defining the axis of revolution.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
LOCATING THE REVOLVE TOOL</h3>
The Revolve tool could be found on:<br />
<ol>
<li><b><i><u>RIBBON</u></i></b>: Model tab > Create panel > Revolve<br />
<br />
<img alt="figure 1" height="147" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_03_zps0b89d95c.png" width="300" /><br />
<br />
</li>
<li><u><i><b>SHORTCUT: </b></i></u>When you are in the Sketch environment and are through with the necessary sketches, simply press "R" on your keyboard to launch the Revolve tool.</li>
</ol>
With no further ado, let's get started. We are going to create a lot of revolved models, in order to enhance the understanding of the tool.<br />
<i>The dataset files contain base sketches for the models we are about to create. You could quickly use them for the exercises or create your own sketches from the scratch.</i><br />
<div class="bodyheader2">
creating a centerline geometry</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
When you are creating a sketch that is meant to be revolved, it is advisable to uniquely define a line that will be used as the axis of revolution. This is often done by creating a line with a centerline geometry property. <i>However, Inventor will works perfectly well with a line created with the normal geometry property. The difference is that when you explicitly define a single centerline in your sketch, Inventor will automatically recognise and select that centerline when you launch the Revolve tool.</i> This way, your design intent is established right from the sketch and you will not pass through the hassle of selecting the axis of revolution when the Revolve dialog box comes on!</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
In case you are not familiar with the types of geometry in Autodesk Inventor, read this lesson: <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2011/06/understanding-and-using-sketch.html">Understand and Using Sketch Linetypes and Geometry in Autodesk Inventor</a>.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
You can create a centerline geometry in two ways:</div>
<ol>
<li><u>FROM AN EXISTING NORMAL GEOMETRY</u>. In this method, you create the centerline as a normal geometry in the sketch environment. (Normal geometry are continuous, and are color-coded green when not fully constrained and navy blue when fully constrained.) After creating the normal geometry, click to select it. Go to the Format panel and click Centerline. This will toggle on Centerline for that particular geometry and effectively converts it to Centerline geometry.</li>
<li><u>DURING SKETCH GEOMETRY CREATION.</u> In this method, you, first of all, go to the Format panel and toggle on the Centerline tool. Then go on and create the geometry as required. Inventor will create a centerline geometry. When you are through with creating the centerline, go back to the Format panel and toggle off the Centerline tool. <i>I do not have to tell what will happen if the Centerline tool is not toggled off!</i></li>
</ol>
<img alt="FORMAT PANEL" height="174" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_07_zps206912de.png" width="300" /><br />
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
MODELLING A wheel CAP</h3>
In this exercise, we are going model a wheel cap for an infant scooter. <br />
<ol>
<li>Open the dataset file <i>using_revolve_tool-CAP.ipt</i>. If you want to create the sketch yourself, refer to Figure 2 for the sketch.<br /><br />
<img alt="figure 2" height="433" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_cap-sketch_zpsb4bfee63.png" width="400" /></li>
<li>Take some time to study the sketch. Take note of the normal geometry used for the profile that is to be revolved. Also take note of the centerline geometry, which will be used as the axis of revolution.</li>
<li>With the file opened, press "R" on your keyboard, or click Revolve on the Model tab > Create panel.</li>
<li>Inventor immediately selected the closed profile and the centerline, and displays a preview. Click OK to finish the revolution.</li>
<li><a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/03/navigation-in-autodesk-inventor-orbit.html">Orbit</a> or change the view using the <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/03/navigation-in-autodesk-inventor_15.html">viewcube</a> to see the other side of the model.</li>
</ol>
<div class="bodyheader2">
MODELLING AN INFANT-SCOOTER WHEEL</div>
Let us create another revolved model. In this exercise, we are going model a wheel for an infant scooter. <br />
<ol>
<li>Open the dataset file <i>using_revolve_tool-WHEEL.ipt.</i> If you want to create the sketch yourself, refer to Figure 3 for the sketch.<br /><br />
<img alt="WHEEL SKETCH" height="488" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_WHEEL-SKETCH_zpsc82f9ef0.png" width="350" /></li>
<li>Take note of normal geometry, construction geometry, and centerline geometry used in the sketch. Also take note of the diametric dimension created between the centerline geometry and two of the normal linetype entities.</li>
<li>With the file opened, press "R" on your keyboard, or click Revolve on the Model tab > Create panel.</li>
<li>Inventor immediately selected the closed profile and the centerline, and displays a preview. Click OK to finish the revolution.</li>
<li><a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/03/navigation-in-autodesk-inventor-orbit.html">Orbit</a> or change the view using the <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/03/navigation-in-autodesk-inventor_15.html">viewcube</a> to see the other side of the model.</li>
</ol>
<div class="bodyheader2">
USING THE REVOLVE TOOL TO REMOVE A PORTION OF A MODEL</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Just like the <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2013/01/using-extrude-tool-extrusion-feature.html">Extrude</a> tool, we can use <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2013/01/boolean-operations-in-autodesk-inventor.html">boolean operations</a> (Join, Cut, Intersect) with the Revolve tool. </div>
<div class="bodyheader3">
APPLICATION & DOCUMENT OPTIONS</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Before we begin, let's customise our application and document:</div>
<ol>
<li>Go to Tools tab > Options panel > click Application Options.</li>
<li>On the Application Options dialog box, click on the Sketch tab.</li>
<li>Ensure that the lower section of sketch settings are as shown in the image below. Click Ok to exit.<br />
<br /><img alt="application options" height="285" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_10_zps4876bc4d.png" width="350" /></li>
<li>Go to Tools tab > Options panel > click Document Options.</li>
<li>On the Documents Options dialog box, click on the Sketch tab.</li>
<li>Set the X & Y Snap Spacing to 10mm. Click Ok to exit.<br /><br />
<img alt="DOCUMENT OPTIONS" height="243" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_11_zps91ec50fc.png" width="286" /><br />
</li>
</ol>
<div class="bodyheader3">
BASE SKETCH & BASE FEATURE</div>
You could jump-start by opening <i>using_revolve_tool-GROOVE-sketch1.ipt</i>. Or you could follow the steps below:<br />
<ol>
<li>Create a new part file using the template Standard (mm).ipt.</li>
<li>Create the sketch shown in Figure 4. </li>
<li>Make sure that the rectangle is centered around the Origin of the Sketch. Do the following:
<ol>
<li>Ensure that you are looking at the sketch. Press "Page Up" on your keyboard and click Sketch1 on the Browser to Look At your sketch.</li>
<li>On the sketch environment, go the Constraint panel > Horizontal constraint.</li>
<li>Click the midpoint of the left vertical line and then click the sketch origin.</li>
<li>On the Constraint panel, launch the Vertical constraint tool.</li>
<li>Click the midpoint of the bottom horizontal line and then click the sketch origin.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<br />
<img alt="figure 4" height="189" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_08_zpsa15d8134.png" width="350" /><br />
<li>Press "S" on your keyboard, or click Finish Sketch to exit the Sketch environment.</li>
<li>Press "E" on your keyboard to launch the Extrude tool. Set the distance to 200mm. Click OK to create the extrusion. Double click the mouse wheel to <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/03/navigation-in-autodesk-inventor-zoom.html">Zoom Extents</a>. See Figure 5 for the base feature.<br /> <img alt="FIGURE 5" height="540" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_09_zpse62b4ce8.png" width="350" /></li>
</ol>
<div class="bodyheader3">
SECOND SKETCH & GROOVE</div>
You could jump-start by opening <i>using_revolve_tool-GROOVE-sketch2.ipt</i>. Or you could continue with the steps below:<br />
<ol>
<li>Right click on the top face of the base feature. Click New Sketch on the shortcut menu. Press "Page Up" on your keyboard and click Sketch2 on your Browser.</li>
<li>Create the sketch shown in Figure 6. Apply geometric constraints like symmetric and collinear to reduce the number of dimensions required to stabilise the sketch. Make sure the bottom line of the sketch passes through the sketch origin (as highlighted in Figure 6). <br /><br />
<img alt="figure 6" height="236" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_12_zps2a663076.png" width="350" /></li>
<li>Select the four reference geometry that were auto-projected on sketch creation. Click Construction on the Format panel. This converts the reference geometry to reference construction geometry.</li>
<li>Select the vertical line passing through the center of the sketch. Convert it to a construction geometry.</li>
<li>Press "S" on your keyboard to exit the sketch environment. Your sketch is ready.</li>
<li>Press "E" to launch the Extrude tool. Set the Boolean operation to <i>Cut</i> and Extents Distance to <i>150mm</i>. Click Ok to create the extrusion.</li>
<li>Orient the model using the viewcube the orientation shown in Figure 7.<br /><br />
<img alt="FIGURE 7" height="373" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_13_zps94c4cbc6.png" width="350" /></li>
</ol>
<div class="bodyheader3">
THIRD SKETCH AND REVOLVED GROOVE</div>
You could jump-start by opening <i>using_revolve_tool-GROOVE-sketch3.ipt</i>. Or you could continue with the steps below:<br />
<ol>
<li>Click on the inner face of the groove (highlighted in Figure 7). Right click and select New Sketch on the shortcut menu.</li>
<li>Press "Page Up" on your keyboard and click on Sketch3 on your Browser. Press "F7" on your keyboard to slice the sketch.</li>
<li>Refer to Figure 8 and select the 7 reference geometry shown in light blue. Convert them to construction geometry.</li>
<li>Draw a vertical line passing through the center of the sketch. Use the midpoint of the bottom horizontal line as the start point. Convert it to a centerline geometry (See Figure 8).<br /><br />
<img alt="figure 8" height="190" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_14_zps9317857d.png" width="350" /></li>
<li>Now draw two normal lines from point A to B and from point C to D as shown in Figure 9. These two lines will help in closing the sketch, else we won't be able to create a solid revolution.<br /><br />
<img alt="FIGURE 9" height="204" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_15_zpsa8829922.png" width="350" /></li>
<li>Press "F6" to view the sketch in the Home View. </li>
<li>Press "R" to launch Revolve tool. Set the Boolean options to <i>Cut</i> and leave the Extents at <i>Full</i>. See Figure 9.<br /><br />
<img alt="figure 9" height="205" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_16_zps959cfb79.png" width="350" /></li>
<li>Click Ok to create the revolution. See Figure 10.<br /><br />
<img alt="figure 10" height="373" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Revolve_Tool/using_revolve_tool_17_zpsb6e5f4eb.png" width="350" /></li>
<li>Compare your result with <i>using_revolve_tool-GROOVE-completed.ipt</i>.</li>
</ol>
This is the end of a long tutorial. I took tremendous time to develop the tutorial so that new users could follow up. If you did not understand some concepts, please refer to the <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Table of Contents page</a> for other introductory lessons. Cheers!<br />
<br />
<div class="divfooter">
I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</div>
<div class="divfooter">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946#top" target="_top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Contents</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-32550460370889223922013-01-03T23:47:00.000+01:002013-01-03T23:50:17.597+01:00Using the Extrude Tool (Extrusion Feature) - Part II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012/2013</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span class="divheader-font-settings"><u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </span></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG</div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/ndianabasiudonkang">LinkedIn</a></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series</div>
<br />
<h2 align="center" class="bodyheader1" style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946" id="top" name="top"></a>TOPIC: USING THE EXTRUDE TOOL (EXTRUSION FEATURE) - PART II</h2>
<br />
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol>
<li>Download the <a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/uX9aokwZ/using_extrude_tool.html">dataset</a>. <b><i>The dataset files were created with Inventor 2011 to ensure compatibility with newer versions of Inventor.</i></b><i></i></li>
<li>Extract the content using any unzipping utility.</li>
<li>Save the files to a project folder of an existing Inventor project. Set the project active. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-and-managing-projects-and.html">Inventor Projects and Project Files</a>.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
INTRODUCTION</h3>
This is the continuation of the lesson "Using th Extrude Tool (Extrusion Feature)." In this lesson, we are going to explore other Extents options found in Extrude dialog box in Autodesk Inventor. An understanding of the uses of each of the Extents options is important especially when complex designs are being created.<br />
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
EXTENTS OPTIONS</h3>
The Extents options determine the methods for ending an extrusion and set its depth. Extrusions can be a specific depth or can terminate on a work plane, construction surface, or part face (including planar, cylindrical, spherical or toroidal face). The Extents options include:<br />
<ol>
<li>Distance,</li>
<li>To next face/body,</li>
<li>To selected face/point,</li>
<li>Between two faces/planes,</li>
<li>Through All.</li>
</ol>
<img alt="FIGURE 1" height="230" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_20_zpsd74696dc.png" width="300" /></body>
<br />
<u><b>DISTANCE</b></u><br />
The distance option extrudes in one direction only. It is the default option for creating extrusions in Inventor. With this option, the extrusion distance is simply typed into the value input box. One can combine the distance option with the direction controls (Direction 1, Direction 2, Symmetric, and Asymmetric) to achieve the desire extrusion. Most of the extrusion done in the first part of this lesson were carried out using the Distance option.<br />
<b><u>TO NEXT BODY/FACE</u></b><br />
This option is used when the extrusion is desired to terminate at the next possible face or plane in the specified direction. This option is not available for base features or assembly extrusions.<br />
<ol>
<li>Open the file <i>Front_Frame_Extrusion_Lesson 2.ipt</i>. The model contains an unconsummed sketch.</li>
<li>Re-orient the view as shown in Figure 2. </li>
<li>Launch the Extrude tool and set the Extents to To Next Body/Face. Click OK.</li>
<li>The Resulting solid is shown in Figure 3.</li>
</ol>
<img alt="FIGURE 2" height="204" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_21_zpsbaaa9405.png" width="300" /><br />
<img alt="FIGURE 3" height="276" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_22_zps7e842193.png" width="300" /><br />
<b><u>TO SELECTED FACE/POINT</u></b><br />
<i><b>Part Environment:</b></i> When you choose To Selected Face/Point, next, select an ending point, vertex, face, or plane on which to terminate the extrusion. For points and vertices, the extrusion will be terminated on a plane parallel to the sketch plane which passes through the selected point or vertex. For faces or planes, the extrusion will be terminated on the selected face, or on a face that extends beyond the termination plane.<br />
<i><b>Assembly Environment</b></i><b>:</b> For assembly extrusions, sketch points, vertices, faces, and planes that reside on other components can be selected. Work planes and work points must reside on the same assembly level as the assembly extrusion being created to be selected.<br />
If you terminate the extrusion on a face or plane, use options on the More tab to indicate a more specific solution when termination options are ambiguous, such as on a cylinder or irregular surface. On the More tab, Alternate Solution flips direction, selecting the termination face at the maximum distance. Select Minimum Solution to terminate on the first encountered face.<br />
<u><b>BETWEEN TWO FACES/PLANES</b></u><br />
<i><b>Part Environment:</b></i> For part extrusions, selects beginning and ending faces or planes on which to terminate the extrusion. <br />
<i><b>Assembly Environment</b></i><b>:</b> For assembly extrusions, selects a face or plane on which to terminate the extrusion. Faces and planes that reside on other components can be selected. The selected faces or planes must reside on the same assembly level as the assembly extrusion being created. Not available for base features.<br />
After you select the start and termination planes, use options on the More tab to indicate a more specific solution when termination options are ambiguous, such as on a cylinder or irregular surface. On the More tab, Alternate Solution flips direction, selecting the termination face at the maximum distance. Select Minimum Solution to terminate on the first encountered face.<br />
<ol>
<li>Open the file <i>Front_Frame_Extrusion_Lesson 3.ipt</i>. The model contains an unconsummed sketch and two work planes.</li>
<li>Launch the Extrude tool. Click inside the smaller chord as the extrusion profile. See Figure 4.</li>
<li>For Extents, choose Between Two Faces/Planes.</li>
<li>For Starting plane/face, select the inner work plane (shown in green in Figure 4). </li>
<li>For Ending plane/face, select the outer work plane (shown in blue in Figure 4).</li>
<li>Clik OK to finish. The completed feature is shown in Figure 5.</li>
</ol>
<img alt="figure 4" height="251" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_23_zpsf714807b.png" width="300" /><br />
<img alt="figure 5" height="258" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_24_zps74810d67.png" width="300" /><br />
<b><u>THROUGH ALL</u></b><br />
The Through All option is used to extrude the profile through all features and sketches in the specified direction. We have demonstrated this option in previous lessons.<br />
<b><u>REFERENCES</u></b><br />
<ol>
<li>Autodesk Inventor 2011 Help System.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<div class="divfooter">
I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</div>
<div class="divfooter">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946#top" target="_top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Contents</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-16083846505206440502013-01-03T23:32:00.001+01:002013-01-03T23:39:19.671+01:00Using the Extrude Tool (Extrusion Feature)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012/2013</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span class="divheader-font-settings"><u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </span></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG</div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/ndianabasiudonkang">LinkedIn</a></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series</div>
<br />
<h2 align="center" class="bodyheader1" style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946" id="top" name="top"></a>TOPIC: USING THE EXTRUDE TOOL (EXTRUSION FEATURE)</h2>
<br />
<h3 class="bodyheader2" style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol class="normal-font-settings">
<li>Download the <a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/uX9aokwZ/using_extrude_tool.html">dataset</a>. <b><i>The dataset files were created with Inventor 2011 to ensure compatibility with newer versions of Inventor.</i></b><i></i></li>
<li>Extract the content using any unzipping utility.</li>
<li>Save the files to a project folder of an existing Inventor project. Set the project active. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-and-managing-projects-and.html">Inventor Projects and Project Files</a>.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2" style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
INTRODUCTION</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Extrusion is simply defined as the process of giving a 2D sketch a perpendicular height. That means converting the 2D sketch to a 3D entity; if your sketch was drawn on the X-Y plane, then your extrusion will proceed in the Z direction (which is perpendicular to the X-Y plane). You could also say that: extrusion is the process or technique of adding a height to a 2D sketch, thereby, effectively creating a 3D model.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
In Autodesk Inventor, the extrusion process creates extruded features, and is carried out through the Extrude tool. The table below shows examples of 2D sketches and the resulting models after an extrusion operation.</div>
<table border="1" id="table_1" style="width: 400px;">
<tr>
<th scope="col" width="13">#</th>
<th scope="col" width="134">Sketch Geometry</th>
<th scope="col" width="105">Sketch Image</th>
<th scope="col" width="96">Resulting Extrusion Feature</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1.</td>
<td>Circle</td>
<td><img alt="circle sketch" height="95" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_01_zpsb9245799.png" width="100" /></td>
<td><div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="cylinder" height="100" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_02_zpse85a3876.png" width="57" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Cylinder</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Rectangle</td>
<td><img alt="rectangle sketch" height="100" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_03_zps165bbb6d.png" width="165" /></td>
<td><img alt="box" height="100" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_04_zps33f96d9b.png" width="73" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Other Geometry</td>
<td><img alt="Other Geometry" height="83" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_05_zps0e7994ba.png" width="100" /></td>
<td><img alt="Resulting Model" height="82" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_06_zps9873e401.png" width="100" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Any open sketch</td>
<td><img alt="Any open sketch" height="100" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_09_zps10deeacb.png" width="64" /></td>
<td><div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="Resulting Surface" height="100" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_10_zps5d9051ff.png" width="150" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Note: When an open profile is extruded, the result is always a surface.</div>
</td>
</tr>
<caption>
<span id="TABLE1"><i><b>Table 1: A table Showing Different Sketches and Resulting Extrusion Features </b></i><b></b></span>
</caption>
</table>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
You might need to make references to the following lessons in order to understand this lesson:</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/understanding-2d-constriants-in.html">Understanding Constraints in Autodesk Inventor - Part 1</a></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/understanding-2d-constraints-in.html">Understanding Constraints in Autodesk Inventor - Part 2</a></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2011/06/understanding-and-using-sketch.html">Understand and Using Sketch Linetypes and Geometry in Autodesk Inventor</a></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/types-of-features-in-autodesk-inventor.html">Types of Features in Autodesk Inventor</a></div>
<h3 class="bodyheader2" style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
OBJECTIVES</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able:</div>
<ol class="normal-font-settings">
<li>Explain the process of extrusion.</li>
<li>Understand the principle of the Extrusion Feature in Autodesk Inventor.</li>
<li>Use the Extrude tool for creating an Extrusion Feature.</li>
<li>Understand the uses of the Join, Cut, and Intersect options of the Extrude dialog box.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2" style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
LOCATING THE EXTRUDE TOOL</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
The Extrude tool could be found on:</div>
<ol class="normal-font-settings">
<li><b><i><u>RIBBON</u></i></b>: Model tab > Create panel > Extrude<br />
<br />
<img alt="Locating the SteeringWheel" height="177" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_08_zpsc4bba853.png" width="403" /><br />
<br />
</li>
<li><u><i><b>SHORTCUT: </b></i></u>When you are in the Sketch environment and are through with the necessary sketches, simply press "E" on your keyboard to launch the Extrude tool.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2" style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
BASE SKETCHES & FEATURES</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
A Base Sketch is the first sketch found on your Model Browser, irrespective of its name. It is the first sketch that was created in the model.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
A Base Feature is the first feature created from the base sketch. The base feature is usually a sketched feature (i.e. Extruded, Revolved, Swept, or Lofted features).</div>
<h3 class="bodyheader2" style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
CREATING EXTRUDED FEATURES</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
In this lesson, it is assumed that you are familiar with Inventor's Sketch environment. If you are new to Inventor's Sketch environment, you might have to read previous lessons in this blog. Check out the <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Table of Contents</a>. The tutorial was created with Inventor 2011.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
You might want to read the tutorial on "<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2013/01/boolean-operations-in-autodesk-inventor.html">Boolean Operations in Autodesk Inventor.</a></span>"</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
In this section, we are going to create a Front Frame part for an infant scooter.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<b>BASE FEATURE</b></div>
<ol class="normal-font-settings">
<li>Open the dataset file <i>Front_Frame_Extrusion_Lesson.ipt</i>. The file was created with Inventor 2011 to ensure compatilibility with newer versions of Inventor.</li>
<li>Press E to launch the Extrude tool. Alternatively, go to Model tab > Create panel > Extrude tool.</li>
<li>Click on the Left and Right profiles. Set the extrusion distance to 60mm, and click OK to finish.</li>
</ol>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
This is the base feature.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="FIGURE 2" height="209" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_11_zpsb4774969.png" width="350" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<b>SECOND SKETCH AND FEATURE</b></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Now, we are going to create a second sketch and second feature. </div>
<ol class="normal-font-settings">
<li>Click on the right-hand side of the base feature as shown in Figure 3. Click Create Sketch on the mini-toolbar to create a new sketch using the selected planar face.</li>
<li>Press Page Up and click on the planar face shown in Figure 3 to Look At the face.</li>
<li>Create the geometry as shown in Figure 4.</li>
<li>Launch Project Geometry: Sketch tab > Draw panel > Project Geometry.</li>
<li>Project the edges of the face next the face on which the current sketch is based. Refer to Figures 5 and 6 for guidance.</li>
<li>Next we convert all the projected (or reference geometry) to construction geometry. Select all the projected geometry.</li>
<li>Go to Sketch tab > Format panel and click Construction. See Figure 7.</li>
<li>Apply geometric constraints as shown in Figure 8. The completed sketch should be as shown in Figure 9.</li>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="FIGURE 3" height="284" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_12_zps0bf01314.png" width="344" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="FIGURE 4" height="389" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_13_zps87119f5f.png" width="300" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="FIGURE 5" height="270" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_14_zps80f26897.png" width="300" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="FIGURE 6" height="364" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_15_zps0159dc7e.png" width="300" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="FIGURE 7" height="410" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_16_zpsc803d5f3.png" width="300" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="FIGURE 8" height="507" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_17_zpsab1a9da4.png" width="300" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="FIGURE 9" height="259" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_18_zps287d692f.png" width="300" /></div>
<li>Now, we are through with our sketch. Let's create the extrusion. Press E to launch the Extrude tool.</li>
<li>On the Extrude dialog, set Extents to All. Also set the Boolean operation to Intersect.</li>
<li>Click OK to finish the extrusion. The resulting solid is shown in Figure 10.</li>
</ol>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="figure 10" height="222" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Using_Extrude_Tool/using_extrude_tool_19_zps6a4c670a.png" width="300" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
In the next lesson, we are going to explore the Extents options found on the Extrude dialog box.<br />
</div>
<div class="divfooter">
I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</div>
<div class="divfooter">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946#top" target="_top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Contents</a></div>
</body>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-27996851280908640162013-01-03T06:00:00.001+01:002013-01-03T06:00:12.271+01:00Boolean Operations in Autodesk Inventor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</style><u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012/2013</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span class="divheader-font-settings"><u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </span></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG</div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/ndianabasiudonkang">LinkedIn</a></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series</div>
<br />
<h2 align="center" class="bodyheader1" style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946" id="top" name="top"></a>TOPIC: BOOLEAN OPERATIONS IN AUTODESK INVENTOR </h2>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol class="normal-font-settings">
<li>Download the <a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/4-wGEfEN/BOOLEAN_OPERATIONS.html">dataset</a>. <b><i>The dataset files were created with Inventor 2011 to ensure compatibility with newer versions of Inventor.</i></b><i></i></li>
<li>Extract the zipped file, and save the contents to a project folder of an existing Inventor project. Set the project active. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-and-managing-projects-and.html">Inventor Projects and Project Files</a>.</li>
<li>Take some time and familiarise yourself with Direct Manipulation in Autodesk Inventor. Check out this lesson: <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2013/01/blog-post.html">Direct Manipulation in Autodesk Inventor</a>.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
INTRODUCTION</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
A typical solid part is often made up of numerous features that are craftily combined to form the model. When, you are creating such a model in a CAD application like Inventor or AutoCAD, you have to split the modelling operation into various stages. A good designer should be able to quickly determine the feature that should be created first, and those that should be created subsequently. The subsequent features would be combined with the first feature (usually called the base feature) with the help of join, cut, or intersect operations. These are the Boolean Operations in Autodesk Inventor: <b><i>JOIN, CUT, and INTERSECT.</i></b><i></i> The Boolean Operations are found in the Extrude, Revolve, Loft, and Sweep tools.</div>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
OBJECTIVES</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able:</div>
<ol class="normal-font-settings">
<li>Describe the reason for the using boolean operations in your design workflow,</li>
<li>Describe the three basic boolean operations used in Autodesk Inventor,</li>
<li>Create simple models using these boolean operations.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
JOIN OPERATION</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
The JOIN operation is used for joining a sketched solid feature to an existing solid feature. The result is a bigger solid that consists of all the volume enclosed by the newly formed sketched feature and the existing solid. In simpler terms, use the JOIN operation to add more features to your base feature.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="FIGURE 1" height="279" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Boolean_Ops/BOOLEAN_OPERATIONS-02_zps9f746053.png" width="350" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Let's have some fun, by creating the Gland part shown above. </div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<b><u>BASE FEATURE</u></b></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
We are going to start by creating the base of the Gland part. The dataset file already contains the base sketch for the Gland.</div>
<ol class="normal-font-settings">
<li>Open the file <i>Gland.ipt</i> from the extracted zipped file.</li>
<li>Press F6 to set the view to the Home view.</li>
<li>Press "E" on your keyboard to launch the Extrude tool (or go to Model tab > Create panel > Extrude tool on your Ribbon).</li>
<li>Set the Extrusion distance to 14mm and click OK or the green tick mark.</li>
</ol>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="Figure 2" height="218" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Boolean_Ops/BOOLEAN_OPERATIONS-03_zps44aa4604.png" width="400" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<b><u>CREATING A NEW SKETCH USING A PLANAR FACE</u></b></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Now, we are going to create a new sketch on the top face of our base feature.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="Figure 3" height="258" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Boolean_Ops/BOOLEAN_OPERATIONS-04_zpsf7ca4a54.png" width="350" /></div>
<ol class="normal-font-settings">
<li>Click the top of the base feature. The Direct-Manipulation mini-toolbar is display. Click Create Sketch.</li>
<li>Press Page Up and click the top of the base feature to Look At the new sketch.</li>
<li>In the Sketch environment, press C to launch the Circle tool. Click the centerpoint of the sketch as the center of the circle.</li>
<li>Type 55 as the diameter of the circle, and press the Enter key.</li>
<li>Press F6 to view the sketch in the Home view. Press E to launch the Extrude tool.</li>
<li>To select your extrusion profile, click inside the 55-mm diameter circle. Use 14mm as the extrusion distance. Leave other settings as they are. Use Figure 4 as your reference.</li>
<li>Click OK to finish the feature.</li>
</ol>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="Figure 4" height="264" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Boolean_Ops/BOOLEAN_OPERATIONS-05_zps4ddff4f1.png" width="500" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="Figure 5" height="259" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Boolean_Ops/BOOLEAN_OPERATIONS-06_zpsa031fc7d.png" width="350" /></div>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
CUT OPERATION</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
The CUT operation is used for cutting a sketched feature from an existing solid feature. The result is a new solid that encloses the volume enclosed by the original solid but not by the newly formed sketched feature. In other words, the CUT operation subtracts the volume defined by the new sketched feature from that of the original sketched feature.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Let's demonstrate this by creating a hole from the center of our Gland part.</div>
<ol class="normal-font-settings">
<li>Click on the top face of the newly-created cylindrical feature. Click Create Sketch.</li>
<li>Press Page Up and select the top face of the cylinder to Look At the Sketch. Press C to launch the Circle tool.</li>
<li>Click the center of the sketch as the center of the circle, and type 36 as the diameter of the new circle.</li>
<li>Press F6 to return to the Home view. Press E to launch the Extrude tool.</li>
<li>Click within the 36-mm circle as the profile.</li>
<li>Click the Distance Arrow manipulator and drag it downwards, making it cut through the solid model (See Figure 6).</li>
<li>Go to the In-Canvas Display > Extents control > Select Through All.</li>
<li>Click OK.</li>
<li>Go on and add other features. Have fun.</li>
</ol>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="Figure 6" height="309" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Boolean_Ops/BOOLEAN_OPERATIONS-07_zps8937a17a.png" width="350" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="Figure 7" height="216" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Boolean_Ops/BOOLEAN_OPERATIONS-08_zps766e6005.png" width="350" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Points to Note: </div>
<ol class="normal-font-settings">
<li>By clicking and dragging the manipulator through the existing solid, the system changes the boolean mode from Join to Cut. Drag the manipulator above and through the model and observe the subtle changes in the Extrude dialog box.</li>
<li>You could explicitly specify the Cut operation by clicking Cut on the Extrude dialog or via the In-Canvas display.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
INTERSECT OPERATION</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
The INTERSECT operation creates a new feature or solid by retaining the volume common to the existing sketched feature and the newly formed sketched feature.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Let us create an interesting design using the INTERSECT operation.</div>
<ol class="normal-font-settings">
<li>Open the file <i>DataSet_Intersection.ipt.</i> The file contains an extruded feature and an unconsumed sketch.</li>
<li>Reorient the view to appear as shown in Figure 8. Use the ViewCube.</li>
<li>Press E to launch the Extrude tool.</li>
<li>On the Extrude dialog box, click on Intersect. Also select All on the Extents group. Refer to Figure 9.</li>
<li>Click OK to finish the extrusion.</li>
<li>Click the visible work plane. Right click and click Visibility to make it invisible.</li>
</ol>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Now, you can appreciate the power of INTERSECTION. Go on and have fun. Think about any other crafty feature you could create with the INTERSECTION operation.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="Figure 8" height="335" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Boolean_Ops/BOOLEAN_OPERATIONS-09_zpsc213a17c.png" width="350" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="Figure 9" height="261" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Boolean_Ops/BOOLEAN_OPERATIONS-10_zps0efe4e9f.png" width="450" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="Figure 10" height="251" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Boolean_Ops/BOOLEAN_OPERATIONS-11_zps85fe4145.png" width="300" /></div>
<br />
<div class="divfooter">
I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</div>
<div class="divfooter">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946#top" target="_top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Contents</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-31009383081049099282013-01-03T05:36:00.002+01:002013-01-03T05:37:30.547+01:00Direct Manipulation in Autodesk Inventor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012/2013</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span class="divheader-font-settings"><u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </span></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG</div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/ndianabasiudonkang">LinkedIn</a></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series</div>
<span class="normal-font-settings"><br />
</span>
<br />
<h2 align="center" class="bodyheader1">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946" id="top" name="top"></a>TOPIC: DIRECT MANIPULATION</h2>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
INTRODUCTION</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Direct Manipulation is a new modelling workflow that was introduced in Autodesk Inventor 2011. Direction Manipulation provides mini-toolbars and manipulators, as well as dynamic real-time feature previews, which provide efficient, predictable, and rich interaction. Efficiency is improved because the need to leave the graphics area to interact with the ribbon, dialog boxes, and browser is significantly reduced. Efficiency is further improved because dynamic accurate feature previews remove the guesswork from feature definition. Direct Manipulation improves the overall ease of use in your part modelling workflows.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Direct Manipulation is object-oriented. You interact directly with features in the canvas. You use it when you create and edit features.</div>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
OBJECTIVES</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able:</div>
<ol>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Describe the purpose of Direct Manipulation.</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Describe the various components of Direct Manipulation.</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Use Direct Manipulation for feature definition and creation.</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Use Direct Manipulation for feature editing.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
COMPONENTS FOUND IN DIRECT MANIPULATION</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
There are various tools and features found in Direct Manipulation. They include:</div>
<ol>
<li class="normal-font-settings">The In-Canvas Display,</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Manipulators,</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Mini-toolbars,</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Selection tags,</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Value input box, and</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Dynamic previews.</li>
</ol>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
These tools are contextually available in the graphics window, and are directly, proximally associated with the feature to which you specify focus. Direct Manipulation has been added to Extrude, Fillet, Chamfer, Revolve, Hole, and Work features.</div>
<h3 class="bodyheader3">
THE IN-CANVAS DISPLAY</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
The in-canvas display is a user interface that is overlaid on the graphics window to support Direct Manipulation operations. It typically contains a mini-toolbar featuring command options, manipulators, a value input box, and selection tags. The mini-toolbar enables direct and predictable interaction with the 3D model. OK and Cancel buttons are located at the bottom of the in-canvas display to confirm or cancel an operation.<br />
<br />
<img alt="The In-Canvas Display" height="295" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Direct_Manipulation/Direct_Manipulation_01_zpse2b65438.png" width="400" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
The in-canvas display can be relocated to any part of the graphics window by simply clicking and dragging it to any desire location (See Figure 6).</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="handle for relocating in-canvas display" height="235" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Direct_Manipulation/Direct_Manipulation_08_zpsd8a3b29b.png" width="241" /></div>
<h3 class="bodyheader3">
MANIPULATORS</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Manipulators are in-canvas interactive objects that enable the user to easily manipulate objects for various modeling and editing tasks. <br />
<br />
<img alt="MANIPULATOR" height="130" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Direct_Manipulation/Direct_Manipulation_02_zpsaae85d71.png" width="243" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
:There are three types of manipulators in Direct Manipulation, namely:</div>
<ol>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Rotational Arrow Manipulator,</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Distance Arrow Manipulator, and</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Sphere Manipulator.</li>
</ol>
<span class="normal-font-settings">
<!--UList-->
</span>
<br />
<ul>
<li class="normal-font-settings"><u>The rotational arrow manipulator is used for dynamically revolving 2D profiles around a single axis, or to rotate a work plane around an edge. </u></li>
<li class="normal-font-settings"><u>The distance arrow manipulator is used for dynamically dragging the extrusion distance of one or more 2D profiles, or dragging the distance of an offset parallel work plane. </u></li>
<li class="normal-font-settings"><u>The sphere manipulator is used for locating the center of a hole, or for adjusting the taper angle of an extrusion.</u></li>
</ul>
<h3 class="bodyheader3">
MINI-TOOLBARS</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
The mini-toolbars display in-canvas buttons that provide quick access to frequently used commands and command options. They are located in close proximity to a selected object in the graphics window. Button flyouts display command options where appropriate. (See Figure 3, Toolbar 1)</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
When an edge is selected, the mini-toolbar displays Fillet and Chamfer command buttons. A Cancel button is also displayed. (See Figure 3: Toolbar 2)</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
When a face is selected, the mini-toolbar displays command buttons to perform Edit Feature, Edit Sketch, or Create Sketch operations. A Cancel button is also displayed. (See Figure 3: Toolbar 3)</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
When a sketch is selected, the mini-toolbar displays Extrude, Revolve, Hole, and Edit Sketch command buttons. A Cancel button is also displayed. (See Figure 3: Toolbar 4)</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="mini-toolbars" height="250" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Direct_Manipulation/Direct_Manipulation_03_zps52d56cd6.png" width="288" /></div>
<h3 class="bodyheader3">
SELECTION TAGS</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Selection tags are labels that appear in the in-canvas display and prompt for the selection of profiles, faces, and axes for feature creation and editing. </div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="SELECTION TAGS" height="140" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Direct_Manipulation/Direct_Manipulation_04_zpsecbce462.png" width="166" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Once a profile, face, or axis has been selected, selection tags assume a nearly transparent appearance to indicate that the selection has been satisfied.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="FIGURE 5: TRANSPARENT SELECTION TAGS" height="142" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Direct_Manipulation/Direct_Manipulation_05_zpsdfab5464.png" width="155" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
If you wish to return to profile selection mode, simply click on the Profile Selection tag and then add or remove the desire profiles. This process works for face selection and axis selection.</div>
<h3 class="bodyheader3">
VALUE INPUT BOX</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
The value input box is used to enter numeric values for modeling and editing operations.While a manipulator is in use, the value input box updates in real time to show you the value of the parameter being manipulated. You could quickly enter the parameter value into the Value Input Box or right click to lookup a parameter from the parameter table of the current file. It is located just above the mini-toolbar in the in-canvas display.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="VALUE INPUT BOX" height="38" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Direct_Manipulation/Direct_Manipulation_07_zps632c2d03.png" width="157" /></div>
<h3 class="bodyheader3">
DYNAMIC PREVIEWS</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Dynamic Previews is fully integrated in Direct Manipulation. With dynamic preview, you can see real-time previews of your designs for various parameters during the feature definition process. This saves you the stress of guess work during feature definition and creation. While dragging the manipulators, dynamic preview actively shows you how your design will look for the current parameters settings.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="dynamic previews" height="340" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Direct_Manipulation/Direct_Manipulation_09_zps00d69cc1.png" width="400" /></div>
<h3 class="bodyheader2">
EXTRUDING WITH DIRECT MANIPULATION</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
For Extrude, the most commonly used controls are replicated from the dialog box to the graphics window. Drag the distance arrow to change the extrude distance and extrude direction. This feature is particularly useful when you want to preview various extrude distances rapidly. Enter a value in the value input box to specify an exact distance. Use the Profile selection tag to return to profile selection mode after you use the manipulator or the value input box. As always, use the Ctrl key to add or remove profiles. </div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
The <i><b>Boolean, Direction, and Distance controls</b></i> function the same as previous versions of Inventor.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="extrude controls" height="391" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Direct_Manipulation/Direct_Manipulation_10_zps4e293571.png" width="400" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
The <i><b>sphere manipulator</b></i> is used to specify a taper for the extrusion.</div>
<h3 class="normal-font-settings" style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
OTHER NOTES ABOUT DIRECT MANIPULATION</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
You can access features directly in the graphics window. For example, select and edge and a mini-toolbar appears with tools relevant for manipulating the edge. If the preview option is selected in the dialog box, the dynamic preview provides real-time feedback.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
When you select a feature e.g fillet, Direct Manipulation allows you to quickly edit the fillet by clicking on the mini-toolbar and changing the fillet radius using the manipulator or the input box.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
When you select a sketch. You can use the mini-toolbar to edit, extrude, revolve, or use the sketch for hole placement.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Direct Manipulation for revolved features is very similar to extruded features. Drag the rotational arrow manipulator to preview the revolve.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Holes also use a manipulator and real-time preview. Drag the sphere manipulator to preview placement. When you enter values for reference distances, the padlock icon becomes active, indicating the value is locked in that direction. Click the icon to unlock and enter another value or drag the sphere manipulator. Other controls and specifications are in the dialog box, as in previous releases. </div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Direct Manipulation has also been applied to work features. When you specify a work plane through an edge, at an angle to a face, a rotational manipulator is attached to the work plane preview. Select a work plane and use the mini-toolbar to edit the offset distance or start a sketch.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
References: </div>
<ol>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Autodesk Inventor 2011 Help System.</li>
</ol>
<span class="normal-font-settings">
<br />
</span>
<br />
<div class="divfooter">
I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</div>
<div class="divfooter">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946#top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Contents</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-70071717834006835062013-01-03T05:22:00.001+01:002013-01-03T05:22:24.857+01:00Navigation in Autodesk Inventor - The SteeringWheel Tool<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012/2013</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span class="divheader-font-settings"><u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </span></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG</div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ng.linkedin.com/in/ndianabasiudonkang">LinkedIn</a></div>
<div class="divheader-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series</div>
<span class="normal-font-settings"><br />
<br />
</span>
<br />
<h2 align="center" class="bodyheader1" style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946" id="top" name="top"></a>TOPIC: NAVIGATION IN AUTODESK INVENTOR - THE STEERINGWHEEL TOOL</h2>
<span class="normal-font-settings"><br />
</span>
<br />
<h3 class="bodyheader2" style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Download the <a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/bfrrVnVj/Navigation_Dataset_Steering_Wh.html">dataset</a>. </li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Save it to a project folder of an existing Inventor project. Set the project active. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-and-managing-projects-and.html">Inventor Projects and Project Files</a>.</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Open the part file: Menu Browser <img alt="menu browser" src="http://s1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Redefining A Sketch Plane/redefining_a_sketch_plane_03.png" /> > Open menu > Open > Navigation_Infant_Scooter_Front_End_Assy.iam</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2" style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
INTRODUCTION</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Navigation in Autodesk Inventor embodies those operations carried out in order to view the model from different positions, directions (or orientations) and perspectives. When you navigate around your model, the position and orientation of the model with respect to the user-coordinate system is not altered.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
Autodesk Inventor contains very interesting tools that allows you to have complete control of how your model is viewed and positioned in your Graphics Area.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
The SteeringWheel is a User-Interface tool that brings together all your basic navigation tools ( Pan, Zoom and Orbit) and even more tools like Walk, Up/Down, Look, Rewind, and Center. The SteeringWheel provides easily access to all your navigation tools just around your mouse. When activated, the SteeringWheel is attached to the mouse.</div>
<h3 class="bodyheader2" style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
OBJECTIVES</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able:</div>
<ol style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li class="normal-font-settings">Explain the concept of navigation in Autodesk Inventor.</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Explain the functions of the SteeringWheel tool.</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Use the SteeringWheel for PANNING.</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Use the SteeringWheel for ZOOMING.</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Use the SteeringWheel for ORBITING.</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Use the SteeringWheel for REWINDING through previous views of the model.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2" style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
LOCATING THE STEERINGWHEEL</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
The SteeringWheel can be located on the following places:</div>
<ol style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li class="normal-font-settings"><b><i><u>RIBBON</u></i></b>: View tab > Navigation panel > Full Navigation Wheel<br /><br />
<img alt="Locating the SteeringWheel" height="85" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_26.png" width="400" /><br /><br />
</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings"><b><i><u>NAVIGATION BAR</u></i></b><br /><br />
<img alt="Locating the SteeringWheel on the Nav Bar" height="276" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_27.png" width="148" /><br /><br />
</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader2" style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
TYPES OF STEERINGWHEEL</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings">
<img alt="Figure 3" height="283" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Navigation In Autodesk Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_28_zpsd9530af6.png" width="277" /></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
There are four types of SteeringWheel in Autodesk Inventor, namely:</div>
<ol style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li class="normal-font-settings">Full Navigation Wheel,</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Mini Full Navigation Wheel,</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Mini View Object Wheel, and</li>
<li class="normal-font-settings">Mini Tour Building Wheel.</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="bodyheader3" style="background-color: #0099ff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
FULL NAVIGATION WHEEL</h3>
<span class="normal-font-settings">
</span>
<img alt="Figure 4" height="236" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Navigation In Autodesk Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_29_zps350bc408.png" width="268" /><br />
<div class="normal-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
The Full Navigation Wheel is the big and complete version of the SteeringWheel, and by far the most widely used. As shown in Figure 4, it consists of the eight (8) tools, namely: ZOOM, ORBIT, PAN, REWIND, LOOK, CENTER, WALK, AND UP/DOWN tools.</div>
<h3 class="normal-font-settings" style="background-color: #0099ff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
MINI FULL NAVIGATION WHEEL</h3>
<span class="normal-font-settings">
</span>
<img alt="Figure 3" height="131" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Navigation In Autodesk Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_30_zps5af8f6be.png" width="255" />
<br />
<div class="normal-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
The Mini Full Navigation Wheel contains all the tools found on the Full Navigation Wheel, however, it is reduced to a very small circular tool. You can switch between the tools by slightly rotating the mouse around the mini navigation wheel.</div>
<h3 class="normal-font-settings" style="background-color: #0099ff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
MINI VIEW OBJECT WHEEL</h3>
<span class="normal-font-settings">
</span>
<img alt="Figure 6" height="193" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Navigation In Autodesk Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_31_zps30326c4d.png" width="259" />
<br />
<div class="normal-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
The Mini View Object Wheel displays those common navigation tools that are used to view objects in your model. The tools found on the Mini View Object Wheel include ZOOM, PAN, ORBIT, and REWIND.</div>
<h3 class="normal-font-settings" style="background-color: #0099ff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
MINI TOUR BUILDING WHEEL</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
The Mini Tour Building Wheel displays the navigation tools that can aid in navigating around large models/ designs, for example, plant design (with large vessels, frames, and pipes) that was done with Inventor Professional. The tools found on the Mini Tour Building Wheel include LOOK, WALK, REWIND, and UP/DOWN.</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<img alt="Figure 7" height="137" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Navigation In Autodesk Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_32_zpsbfc3e842.png" width="284" /></div>
<h3 class="bodyheader2" style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
NAVIGATING WITH THE STEERINGWHEEL</h3>
<div class="normal-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Navigating with the SteeringWheel is very simple and intuitive. <b>Any of the tool on the SteeringWheel can be executed by clicking and holding the left button of a mouse.</b> The functions of the ZOOM, PAN, and ORBIT tools worked just the same way as it works when executed by other methods. Learn more by following the links below:</div>
<div class="normal-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/03/navigation-in-autodesk-inventor-pan.html">Navigation in Autodesk Inventor - The PAN tool</a></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/03/navigation-in-autodesk-inventor-zoom.html">Navigation in Autodesk Inventor - The ZOOM tool</a></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/03/navigation-in-autodesk-inventor-orbit.html">Navigation in Autodesk Inventor - The ORBIT tool</a></div>
<div class="normal-font-settings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
One other important tool on the SteeringWheel is the REWIND tool. The REWIND tool allows you to step backwards (or rewind) through the previous views of your models. The steps are display like video frames (or thumbnails) so that you can use your mouse to move to the particular thumbnail you wish to go back to. Releasing the mouse at that thumbnail takes you back to that previous view. As you navigate around your model, the previous views are saved to the navigation history. The REWIND tool allows you to retrieve this navigation history.</div>
<span class="normal-font-settings"><br />
</span>
<br />
<div class="divfooter" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</div>
<div class="divfooter" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946#top" target="_top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html" target="_top">Contents</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-39088340095629478142012-03-15T23:37:00.000+01:002012-03-15T23:37:56.618+01:00Navigation In Autodesk Inventor - The ViewCube Tool<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="header" id="header">
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series</div>
</div>
<div class="body" id="body" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<h2 align="center" style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="" id="top" name="top"></a>TOPIC: NAVIGATION IN AUTODESK INVENTOR - THE VIEWCUBE TOOL</h2>
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol>
<li>Download the <a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/bfrrVnVj/Navigation_Dataset_Steering_Wh.html">dataset</a>. </li>
<li>Save it to a project folder of an existing Inventor project. Set the project active. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-and-managing-projects-and.html">Inventor Projects and Project Files</a>.</li>
<li>Open the part file: Menu Browser <img alt="menu browser" src="http://s1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Redefining%20A%20Sketch%20Plane/redefining_a_sketch_plane_03.png" /> > Open menu > Open > Navigation_Infant_Scooter_Front_End_Assy.iam</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
INTRODUCTION</h3>
Navigation in Autodesk Inventor embodies those operations carried out in order to view the model from different positions, directions (or orientations) and perspectives. When you navigate around your model, the position and orientation of the model with respect to the user-coordinate system is not altered.<br />
Autodesk Inventor contains very interesting tools that allows you to have complete control of how your model is viewed and positioned in your Graphics Area.<br />
The VIEWCUBE is a user interface tool that is used for changing to preset standard and isometric views of your model, and for orbiting around your model. The preset views are:<br />
<ol>
<li><u>Six orthographic views</u>
<ol>
<li>Front,</li>
<li>Top,</li>
<li>Back,</li>
<li>Bottom,</li>
<li>Right, and</li>
<li>Left.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><u>Eight Isometric views</u>
<ol>
<li>SE Isometric,</li>
<li>NE Isometric,</li>
<li>SW Isometric,</li>
<li>NW Isometric, etc.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
OBJECTIVES</h3>
At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able:<br />
<ol>
<li>Explain the concept of navigation in Autodesk Inventor.</li>
<li>Explain the functions of the ViewCube tool.</li>
<li>Use the ViewCube for changing the preset views of the model.</li>
<li>Use the ViewCube for orbiting around the model.</li>
<li>Use the ViewCube settings for controlling the behaviours of the ViewCube.</li>
<li>Set the view of the model to either perspective or orthographic view.</li>
<li>Properly set various options on the ViewCube Options dialog box.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
LOCATING THE VIEWCUBE</h3>
The ViewCube is, by default, located at the upper-right corner of the Graphic Area - just above the Navigation Bar and below the Document Window Control Buttons. Refer to Figure 1.<br />
<img alt="Figure 1" height="160" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_19.png" width="187" /><br />
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
PARTS OF THE VIEWCUBE</h3>
The ViewCube consists of the following:<br />
<ol>
<li>Clickable faces,</li>
<li>Clickable corners,</li>
<li>Home View icon,</li>
<li>Compass (not activate by default), and</li>
<li>ViewCube menu drop-down arrow.</li>
</ol>
Figure 2 shows all the parts of a ViewCube with no compass. While Figure 3 shows the ViewCube with a compass.<br />
<img alt="Figure 2" height="166" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_20.png" width="242" /><br />
<img alt="Figure 3" height="198" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_21.png" width="217" /><br />
<b><u>FACES:</u></b> The faces and corners are hotspots on the Viewcube (i.e. they are clickable). Each face is labelled with its preset standard view. Click on any face changing the view of your model to the preset standard view indicated on that face of the ViewCube.<br />
<b><u>CORNERS:</u></b> Clicking on any corner of the ViewCube, allows you to change the view of your model to any of the eight preset isometric views.<br />
<b><u>HOME VIEW CUBE:</u></b> The Home View Cube changes your view to the default or home view of your model. By default, the Home View is the SE (south East) Isometric view. The Home View can be set to any other view at any time.<br />
<b><u>COMPASS:</u></b> The compass is any interest addition to the ViewCube. It allows you to perform constrained orbit operation when it is clicked and dragged around.<br />
<h4 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
CHANGING PRESET VIEWS THROUGH THE VIEWCUBE</h4>
You can change to any of the standard or isometric views through the ViewCube by simply clicking on the faces or corners of the ViewCube.<br />
Let's do the following exercise:<br />
<ol>
<li>Make sure that the assembly provided in the dataset is opened in Autodesk Inventor.</li>
<li>Go to the ViewCube, and click the Home View icon.</li>
<li>On the ViewCube, click the Right face. This activates the Right view.<br />
When a standard view is activated, four triangular markers are shown beside the four sides of the active ViewCube face.Two oppositely-directed curved arrows are also shown at the upper-right area of the ViewCube. Refer to Figure 4.</li>
<li>Click the right triangular marker. This rotates the ViewCube to reveal the Top view.<br /><br />
<img alt="Figure 4" height="157" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_22.png" width="203" /><br /></li>
<li>Click the bottom marker on the ViewCube. This changes the view to the Back view.</li>
<li>Click the counter-clockwise arrow at the upper-right area of the ViewCube. This rotates the ViewCube counter clockwise.</li>
<li>On the ViewCube, click the Home View icon.</li>
</ol>
<h4 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
ORBITING WITH THE VIEWCUBE</h4>
The ViewCube can be used for orbiting around the model. <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/03/navigation-in-autodesk-inventor-orbit.html">Go to this lesson to learn more about the ORIBT tool in Autodesk Inventor.</a><br />
Let's do the following exercise:<br />
<ol>
<li>On the ViewCube, click the Home View icon.</li>
<li>Position the mouse pointer over the ViewCube, click and hold the left button, then drag the mouse around. This technique activates the ORBIT tool, implicitly.</li>
</ol>
<h4 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
THE VIEWCUBE MENU</h4>
The ViewCube Menu contains so many functionalities that makes the ViewCube even more interesting. <br />
You can access the Viewcube Menu by right-click on the ViewCube or by clicking on the ViewCube Menu drop-down arrow as shown in Figure 2.<br />
The following can be found on the ViewCube Menu [1]:<br />
<br />
<table border="3" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<caption>
ViewCube Menu
</caption>
<colgroup>
<col></col>
<col></col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><i>Go Home</i></td>
<td>The default view of the model. You can change the default view using Set current view as home. You can navigate to the Home position by selecting this option from the context menu or by clicking the Home icon displayed just above the ViewCube.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Orthographic</i></td>
<td>A display mode where all points of a model are projected along parallel lines to the screen.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Perspective</i></td>
<td>A display mode where a model is displayed in three-point perspective, very similar to the way objects in the real world are perceived by the human eye.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Perspective with Ortho Faces</i></td>
<td>A display mode where the model is displayed in orthographic projection when one of the faces of the ViewCube is active. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Lock to current selection</i></td>
<td>The center and distance does not change regardless of whether objects are selected or deselected.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Set current view as Home</i></td>
<td>Defines the current view as the default view:<br />
<ul>
<li>Fixed Distance: Sets a Home view that defines both the direction of the view and the extent of the model that fills the view. </li>
<li>Fit to View: Sets a Home view that defines the direction of the view, with the extent always ‘view all’. The initial Home view of Legacy documents is set to Fit to View.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Set current view as</i></td>
<td>Uses the current view to redefine: <br />
<ul>
<li><i>Top view </i></li>
<li><i>Front view </i></li>
</ul>
The front view that is defined in the top-level assembly file prevails as the front view when you edit a part in the context of an assembly file.<br />
Set the ViewCube orientation relative to the model by aligning the current view to look at the TOP or FRONT of the model, then use Set current view as with the appropriate selection.
<br />
The ViewCube Bottom view determines the orientation of the model ground plane. Redefining the ViewCube affects the model ground plane, ground shadows, and ground reflections.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Reset Front</i></td>
<td>Rests the front view to the default setting. <br />
<div>
<div>
NoteThe front view that is defined in the top-level assembly file prevails as the front view when you edit a part in the context of an assembly file.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
NoteThis is also the orientation assigned to migrated legacy files. </div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Options</i></td>
<td>Opens the ViewCube Options dialog box.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Help Topics</i></td>
<td>Launches the online Help system and displays the topic on the ViewCube.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORTHOGRAPHIC AND PERSPECTIVE PROJECTIONS</h4>
In orthographic projections, all points of a model are projected along parallel lines to the screen WHILE in perspective projections, a model is displayed in three-point perspective (i.e parts of the model that is farther away from you diminish toward three points). The following diagrams will help us understand better.<br />
<img alt="perspective projection" height="367" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_23.png" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="orthographic projection" height="429" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_24.png" width="400" /><br />
<h4 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
VIEWCUBE OPTIONS</h4>
The ViewCube Options dialog box contains settings for altering and adding more functionalities to the ViewCube. Figure 7 shows the ViewCube Options dialog box. This dialog box can be accessed by right clicking on the ViewCube and clicking <i>Options...</i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="ViewCube options dialog box" height="601" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_25.png" width="400" /><br />
<table border="3">
<caption>
ViewCube Options dialog box Settings
</caption>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><i><b>Application Options</b></i></td>
<td>Overall settings for the Viewcube</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Show the ViewCube on window create</i></td>
<td>When this check box is enabled, the ViewCube is displayed in the Graphics Area, by default, when any window is opened in Autodesk Inventor </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>All 3D Views</i></td>
<td>When this radio button is enabled, the ViewCube is displayed in all 3D views.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i><b>Display</b></i></td>
<td>Set preferences for the display of the ViewCube.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Only in Current View</i></td>
<td>When this radio button is enabled, the ViewCube is displayed only in the current view.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>On Screen Position</i></td>
<td>Allows you to change the default position of the ViewCube to any of the following: Top Right, Bottom Right, Top Left, or Bottom Left.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>ViewCube Size</i></td>
<td>Allows you to set the ViewCube size to Tiny, Small, Normal, or Large.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Inactive Opacity</i></td>
<td>Allows you to set the opacity ( opposite of transparency) of the ViewCube when it is not in use. The inactive opacity can be set to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100%. An inactive opacity of 100% means that the ViewCube will always be shown even when it is inactive. An opacity of 0% means that the ViewCube will be invisible when it is inactive. Whatever the settings may be, the ViewCube visibility is fully restored when the cursor is hovered over it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i><b>When Dragging on the ViewCube</b></i></td>
<td>Set preferences for dragging on the ViewCube.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Snap to the closet View</i></td>
<td>While being dragged, the ViewCube and the scene rotate like an arcball. If Snap to closest view is selected, the viewpoint snaps to one of the fixed views when it is angularly close to one of the fixed views.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>When Clicking on the ViewCube</b></td>
<td>Set preferences for clicking on the ViewCube.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fit-to-View on view change</td>
<td>If selected, clicking the ViewCube rotates around the center of the scene and zooms out to fit the scene into the viewport. When dragging the ViewCube, the view changes to look at the scene center prior to the drag (but does not zoom) and continues to use that as the pivot point while dragging. If not selected, clicking or dragging the ViewCube rotates around the current pivot point and does not zoom in or out.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Use animated transitions when switching views</td>
<td>An animated transition displays when you click on a section of the ViewCube to help visualize the spatial relationship between the current viewpoint and the selected viewpoint.<b></b><br />
<b><i>Note:</i></b> When navigating about 3D scenes that contain vast amounts of geometry, the application frame rate can drop significantly and make it difficult for the system to smoothly animate a viewpoint transition.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Keep model upright</td>
<td>When clicking on edges, corners, or faces of the ViewCube, the orientation algorithm normally attempts to turn the viewpoint so that upside-down orientations of the scene are avoided. <br />
<div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Default ViewCube Orientation</b></td>
<td>Set preferences for the default orientation of the ViewCube. When a new part or assembly is created from a template, it inherits the orientation from the base template.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Front View Plane</td>
<td>Sets the model-space plane to which the front plane of the ViewCube should align.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top View Plane</td>
<td>Sets the model-space plane to which the top plane of the ViewCube should align.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Document Settings</b></td>
<td>Set preferences for the display of the Compass. By default, the display is off.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Show the Compass below the ViewCube</i></td>
<td>Sets the preference for the display of the Compass.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><i>Angle of North</i></td>
<td>Sets the angle between the ViewCube FRONT face and the Compass direction North.</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
REFERENCES:</h4>
1. Autodesk Inventor 2011 Help System</div>
<div class="footer" id="footer" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br />
I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946#top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Contents</a></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-74275351069100077052012-03-13T00:19:00.002+01:002012-03-13T00:19:50.941+01:00Navigation In Autodesk Inventor - The PAN Tool<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="header" id="header">
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series.</div>
</div>
<div class="body" id="body" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<h2 align="center" style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946" id="top" name="top"></a>TOPIC: NAVIGATION IN AUTODESK INVENTOR - THE PAN TOOL</h2>
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol>
<li>Download the <a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/bfrrVnVj/Navigation_Dataset_Steering_Wh.html">dataset</a>. </li>
<li>Save it to a project folder of an existing Inventor project. Set the project active. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-and-managing-projects-and.html">Inventor Projects and Project Files</a>.</li>
<li>Open the part file: Menu Browser <img alt="menu browser" src="http://s1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Redefining%20A%20Sketch%20Plane/redefining_a_sketch_plane_03.png" />> Open menu > Open > Navigation_Infant_Scooter_Front_End_Assy.iam</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
INTRODUCTION</h3>
Navigation in Autodesk Inventor embodies those operations carried out in order to view the model from different positions, directions (or orientations) and perspectives. When you navigate around your model, the position and orientation of the model with respect to the user-coordinate system is not altered.<br />
Autodesk Inventor contains very interesting tools that allows you to have complete control of how your model is viewed and positioned in your Graphics Area.<br />
The Pan tool is used for moving the Graphics Area around. <br />
Now let's use this analogy to help us visualize the work of the Pan tool. Imagine the drawing board used for manual drawings. The drawing board, itself, represents the application (i.e Inventor). So your ruler, T-square, pencil, compass, protractor,eraser, etc are the various provided in Autodesk Inventor. The drawing sheet placed on the drawing board represents the graphics area - this is where you carry out this design. So you draw or design on the graphics area just as you would draw on a drawing sheet.<br />
Now, imagine having a very big drawing board - the type that contain B-grade sheets, but you have an A-grade drawing sheet on it. You can move this drawing sheet to different positions on the drawing board. The effect here is that, the actual designs on the drawing sheet will move with the sheet but the position of the design with respect to the drawing sheet is not altered. <i><u>This is the PANNING effect!</u></i><u></u> <br />
So the PAN merely moves the Graphics Area around (with the designs/models on it) but the position of the designs/models with respect to the User Coordinate System is unaltered.<br />
Only the MOVE tool can translate (or relocate) a model with respect to the user coordinate system - this is equivalent to erasing and redrawing the design on another location on a drawing sheet.<br />
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
OBJECTIVES</h3>
At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able:<br />
<ol>
<li>Explain the concept of navigation in Autodesk Inventor.</li>
<li>Explain the concept of the PAN tool.</li>
<li>Locate and use the PAN tool in Autodesk Inventor.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
LOCATING THE PAN TOOL</h3>
We can locate the PAN tool in the following ways:<br />
<h4 align="left" style="background-color: magenta; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
1. RIBBON</h4>
You can locate the PAN tool on the Ribbon by going to the View tab > Navigate panel and clicking on Pan - <img align="absbottom" alt="pan tool icon" height="27" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_02.png" width="54" /><br />
Refer to Figure 1 for guidance.<br />
<img alt="Figure 1" height="63" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_01.png" width="450" /><br />
Once the PAN tool is launch, the mouse pointer arrow will change to a HAND pointer. Then you simply press down the left button on your mouse and drag the mouse to pan your design.<br />
<h4 align="left" style="background-color: magenta; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
2. NAVIGATION BAR</h4>
The PAN tool can also be launched from the Navigation Bar. The Navigation Bar is found at the right-hand side of the Graphics Area (in Inventor 2011 and above). Refer to Figure 2 for guidance.<br />
<img alt="Figure 2" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_03.png" /><br />
Once the PAN tool is launch, the mouse pointer arrow will change to a HAND pointer. Then you simply press down the left button on your mouse and drag the mouse to pan your design.<br />
<h4 align="left" style="background-color: magenta; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
3. MOUSE WHEEL</h4>
The fastest way to launch the PAN tool is to use the mouse wheel of your external (or USB) mouse. You simply press down the mouse wheel and then drag the mouse the pan your design.<br />
<br />
<b><i><u><span style="background-color: lime;">TO DO:</span></u></i></b> Use the above-mentioned techniques to PAN the assembly in the dataset.</div>
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<br />
I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946#top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Contents</a></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-24194788780446441172012-03-12T23:54:00.001+01:002012-03-13T00:09:48.742+01:00Navigation In Autodesk Inventor - The Orbit Tool<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="header" id="header">
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series.</div>
</div>
<div class="body" id="body" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<h2 align="center" style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946" id="top" name="top"></a>TOPIC: NAVIGATION IN AUTODESK INVENTOR - THE ORBIT TOOL</h2>
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol>
<li>Download the <a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/bfrrVnVj/Navigation_Dataset_Steering_Wh.html">dataset</a>. </li>
<li>Save it to a project folder of an existing Inventor project. Set the project active. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-and-managing-projects-and.html">Inventor Projects and Project Files</a>.</li>
<li>Open the part file: Menu Browser <img alt="menu browser" src="http://s1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Redefining%20A%20Sketch%20Plane/redefining_a_sketch_plane_03.png" /> > Open menu > Open > Navigation_Infant_Scooter_Front_End_Assy.iam</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
INTRODUCTION</h3>
Navigation in Autodesk Inventor embodies those operations carried out in order to view the model from different positions, directions (or orientations) and perspectives. When you navigate around your model, the position and orientation of the model with respect to the user-coordinate system is not altered.<br />
Autodesk Inventor contains very interesting tools that allows you to have complete control of how your model is viewed and positioned in your Graphics Area.<br />
The ORBIT tool is used for viewing the model from different directions.<br />
A simple analogy will help us understand the tool better. Now, imagine that you are a video cameraman taking motion pictures (which of course is your job). You have a person or object you are videoing, and you are going around the person or object (that is, the person or object is stationary). When you playback the video, it will appear as if the person or object was rotating, meanwhile the person or object was stationary during the entire shoot. The ORBIT tool mimics this process by allowing you to going around your model and viewing it from different angles and sides. During the entire process, the model is never rotated (that is, it's angular position with respect to the user coordinate system is never altered). <u><b>This is the ORBITING effect.</b></u><br />
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
OBJECTIVES</h3>
At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able:<br />
<ol>
<li>Explain the concept of navigation in Autodesk Inventor.</li>
<li>Explain the concept of the ORBIT tool.</li>
<li>Locate and use the ORBIT tool in Autodesk Inventor.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
LOCATING THE ORBIT TOOL</h3>
We can locate the ORBIT tool in the following ways:<br />
<h4 align="left" style="background-color: magenta; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
1. RIBBON</h4>
You can locate the ORBIT tool on the Ribbon by going to the View tab > Navigate panel and clicking on Orbit - <img align="absbottom" alt="orbit tool icon" height="30" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_09.png" width="81" /><br />
Refer to Figure 1 for guidance.<span class="body" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img alt="Figure 1" height="64" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_10.png" width="400" /></span><br />
<br />
<h4 align="left" style="background-color: magenta; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
2. NAVIGATION BAR</h4>
The ORBIT tool can also be launched from the Navigation Bar. The Navigation Bar is found at the right-hand side of the Graphics Area (in Inventor 2011 and above). Refer to Figure 2 for guidance.<br />
<img alt="Figure 2" height="239" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_11.png" width="66" /><br />
<h4 align="left" style="background-color: magenta; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
3. MOUSE WHEEL</h4>
The fastest way to launch the ORBIT tool is to use the mouse wheel of your external (or USB) mouse. To use this shortcut, you first of all hold down the SHIFT key on your keyboard, then while the SHIFT key is still being held down, press and hold down the mouse wheel and drag the mouse. This will execute the ORBIT tool.<br />
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
COMMON FEATURES OF THE ORBIT TOOL</h3>
Here we are going to discus the features you will always notice when you launch the ORBIT tool. Refer to Figure 3 for guidance.<br />
<img alt="Figure 3" height="364" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_16.png" width="400" /><br />
<b><u>THE RETICLE</u></b><br />
The reticle appears once the ORBIT tool is launched. The reticle consists of two horizontal handles, two vertical handles and a circle.<br />
<b><u>THE MOUSE POINTER</u></b><br />
The Mouse pointer changes at different positions around the model. <br />
<ol>
<li>When the pointer is positioned far from the model, it appears as shown in Figure 4. Clicking the Graphics Area exits the Orbit tool.<br />
<br /><img alt="Figure 4" height="363" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_15.png" width="400" /><br />
</li>
<li>When the pointer is placed inside the reticle, it appears as shown in Figure 3.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
TYPES OF ORBIT TOOL</h3>
There are two ways you can use the ORBIT tool in Autodesk Inventor, namely:<br />
<ol>
<li>(Free) Orbit, and</li>
<li>Constrained Orbit.</li>
</ol>
<blockquote>
<h4 align="left" style="background-color: magenta; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
1. (FREE) ORBIT</h4>
The Free Orbit tool is used for orbiting the model in screen space. Screen space is the coordinate system that corresponds to present position of your Graphics Area. It does not have anything to do with the orientation of your model.<br />
To demonstrate Free Orbit, let's do the following:<br />
<ol>
<li>Make sure that the assembly supplied in the dataset is opened.</li>
<li>On the View tab > Navigation panel > Click Home View.</li>
<li>On the View tab > Navigation panel > Click the drop-down arrow beside Orbit and click the Orbit.</li>
<li>Click and drag the left horizontal handle of the reticle. Notice how the model is orbited about the vertical screen axis.</li>
<li>Click and drag the top vertical handle of the reticle. Notice how the model is orbited about the horizontal screen axis.</li>
<li>Click and drag inside the reticle. Notice how the model is orbited freely in the screen space (i.e. about all the screen axes).</li>
</ol>
<h4 align="left" style="background-color: magenta; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
2. CONSTRAINED ORBIT</h4>
The Constrained Orbit tool is used for orbiting the model about axes in model space. Model space corresponds to the current user coordinate system indicated by the UCS Icon at the lower-left corner of the Graphics Area.<br />
To demonstrate Constrained Orbit, let's do the following:<br />
<ol>
<li>Make sure that the assembly supplied in the dataset is opened.</li>
<li>On the View tab > Navigation panel > Click Home View.</li>
<li>On the View tab > Navigation panel > Click the drop-down arrow beside Orbit and click the Constrained Orbit.</li>
<li>Click and drag the left horizontal handle of the reticle. Notice how the model is orbited about the vertical model axis which corresponds to the Z axes (as if the model was on a turntable).</li>
<li>Click and drag the top vertical handle of the reticle. Notice how the model is orbited about the horizontal model axes (as if the turntable was being tilted).</li>
<li>Click and drag inside the reticle. Notice how the model is orbited freely in model space (i.e. about all the model axes).</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
Later, we will learn about an additional feature added to the ORBIT tool when used via the SteeringWheel.</div>
<div class="footer" id="footer" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br />
I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946#top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Contents</a></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-59764967481173820452012-03-11T22:32:00.002+01:002012-03-11T22:32:57.838+01:00Navigation In Autodesk Inventor - The ZOOM Tool<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="header" id="header">
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series.</div>
</div>
<div class="body" id="body" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<h2 align="center" style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946" id="top" name="top"></a>TOPIC: NAVIGATION IN AUTODESK INVENTOR - THE ZOOM TOOL</h2>
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol>
<li>Download the <a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/bfrrVnVj/Navigation_Dataset_Steering_Wh.html">dataset</a>. </li>
<li>Save it to a project folder of an existing Inventor project. Set the project active. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-and-managing-projects-and.html">Inventor Projects and Project Files</a>.</li>
<li>Open the part file: Menu Browser <img alt="menu browser" height="25" src="http://s1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Redefining%20A%20Sketch%20Plane/redefining_a_sketch_plane_03.png" width="25" /> > Open menu > Open > Navigation_Infant_Scooter_Front_End_Assy.iam</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
INTRODUCTION</h3>
Navigation in Autodesk Inventor embodies those operations carried out in order to view the model from different positions, directions (or orientations) and perspectives. When you navigate around your model, the position and orientation of the model with respect to the user-coordinate system is not altered.<br />
Autodesk Inventor contains very interesting tools that allows you to have complete control of how your model is viewed and positioned in your Graphics Area.<br />
The ZOOM tool allows you to magnify or de-magnify the view of your model in the Graphics Area.<br />
Now let's use this analogy to help us visualize the work of the ZOOM tool. Imagine you discovered a blueprint of a secret government facility with lots of very tiny prints not easily readable by the naked eyes. You would probably use a hand glass( or lens) to magnify the prints so that you could easily read them. Now, the hand lens merely magnifies the view of the prints without affecting the actual sizes of the prints on the blueprint. This is the <u><b>ZOOMING</b></u> effect.<br />
So the ZOOM tool merely allows you to magnify (increase) or de-magnify (decrease) the view of the model, without affecting the actual size of the model.<br />
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
OBJECTIVES</h3>
At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able:<br />
<ol>
<li>Explain the concept of navigation in Autodesk Inventor.</li>
<li>Explain the concept of the ZOOM tool.</li>
<li>Locate and use the ZOOM tool in Autodesk Inventor.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
LOCATING THE ZOOM TOOL</h3>
We can locate the ZOOM tool in the following ways:<br />
<h4 align="left" style="background-color: magenta; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
1. RIBBON</h4>
You can locate the ZOOM tool on the Ribbon by going to the View tab > Navigate panel and clicking on Zoom - <img align="absbottom" alt="pan tool icon" height="27" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_05.png" width="54" /><br />
Refer to Figure 1 for guidance.<br />
<img alt="Figure 1" height="63" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_04.png" width="450" /><br />
Once the ZOOM tool is launch, the mouse pointer arrow will change to a HAND-LENS pointer. Then you simply press down the left button on your mouse and drag the mouse to zoom your design.<br />
<h4 align="left" style="background-color: magenta; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
2. NAVIGATION BAR</h4>
The ZOOM tool can also be launched from the Navigation Bar. The Navigation Bar is found at the right-hand side of the Graphics Area (in Inventor 2011 and above). Refer to Figure 2 for guidance.<br />
<img alt="Figure 2" height="357" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_06.png" width="125" /><br />
Once the ZOOM tool is launch, the mouse pointer arrow will change to a HAND-LENS pointer. Then you simply press down the left button on your mouse and drag the mouse to zoom your design.<br />
<h4 align="left" style="background-color: magenta; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
3. MOUSE WHEEL</h4>
The fastest way to launch the ZOOM tool is to use the mouse wheel of your external (or USB) mouse. To use this shortcut, you simply roll the mouse wheel forward or backward. By default, rolling the mouse wheel forward, zooms out (i.e. de-magnifies) the model. While, rolling the mouse wheel backwards, zooms in (i.e. magnifies) the model.<br />
<b><i><u><span style="background-color: lime;">TO DO:</span></u></i></b> Use the above-mentioned techniques to ZOOM the assembly in the dataset supplied.<br />
<h4 align="left" style="background-color: magenta; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
THE ZOOM OPTIONS</h4>
<img alt="Figure 4" height="245" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_07.png" width="206" /><br />
The ZOOM options (sorry if I'm caught using an AutoCAD terminology) are the various ways you can use the ZOOM tool. In Inventor, we have:<br />
<ol>
<li>The ZOOM All;</li>
<li>The (Dynamic or Realtime) ZOOM;</li>
<li>The ZOOM Window; and</li>
<li>The ZOOM Selected.</li>
</ol>
<blockquote>
<b><u><span style="color: lime;">ZOOM All</span></u></b><br />
The ZOOM All option allows you to bring all visible objects of your parts and assembly into view (i.e the Graphics Area is filled with all visible objects).<br />
To use ZOOM All, do the following:<br />
<ol>
<li>On the View tab > Navigation panel > Click the drop-down arrow beside Zoom All to reveal the other Zoom options. Refer to Figure 4.</li>
<li>Click Zoom All. If the model have been panned out of view, it will be brought inside the Graphics Area.</li>
<br />
<b><u>Note</u></b>: You can also launch it from the Navigation Bar. Also note that if the Zoom All is already the default icon, you can click on it directly without having to click the drop-down arrow. This can be applied to any of the options.
</ol>
<b style="color: lime;"><u>(Dynamic or Realtime) ZOOM</u></b><br />
The ZOOM option is known as Zoom Realtime in AutoCAD. It allows you to dynamically zoom in or out of your model (i.e it allows you to see how your model is zoom in or out in realtime).<br />
To use the (Dynamic or Realtime) Zoom, do the following:<br />
<ol>
<li>On the View tab > Navigation panel >Click the arrow beside Zoom All to reveal the other Zoom options. Refer to Figure 4.</li>
<li>Click Zoom. The mouse pointer will change to a big, black, bold, double-headed arrow.</li>
<li>Click and hold the left-mouse button and drag the mouse up or down to zoom out or in, respectively.</li>
</ol>
<b style="color: lime;"><u>ZOOM Window</u></b><br />
The ZOOM Window option allows you to zoom into a particular portion of your Graphics Area. When you use the ZOOM Window option, the Graphics Area is filled portion or area specified.<br />
To use the ZOOM Window option, do the following:<br />
<ol>
<li>On the View tab > Navigation panel >Click the arrow beside Zoom All to reveal the other Zoom options. Refer to Figure 4.</li>
<li>Click Zoom Window. The mouse pointer will change to a two mutually perpendicular lines.</li>
<li>Click on the Graphics Area and draw a bounding box over the portion of the Graphics Area (which could be your model) you wish to zoom into. Refer to Figure 5.</li>
</ol>
<img alt="Figure 5" height="238" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Navigation%20In%20Autodesk%20Inventor/navigation_in_inventor_08.png" width="400" /><br />
<b style="color: lime;"><u>ZOOM Selected</u></b><br />
The ZOOM Selected option allows you to zoom into a particular object of your part or assembly.<br />
To use the ZOOM Selected option, do the following:<br />
<ol>
<li>On the View tab > Navigation panel >Click the arrow beside Zoom All to reveal the other Zoom options. Refer to Figure 4.</li>
<li>Click Zoom Selected. </li>
<li>On the Model Browser, click Clip:1. The Graphics Area is filled with Clip.</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
<i><b style="color: magenta;"><u>HOT TIP:</u></b></i><br />
You can perform Zoom All with your mouse. To do this, double click your mouse wheel!</div>
<div class="footer" id="footer" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br />
I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318929651654284946#top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Contents</a></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-19392426440506439342012-03-10T22:49:00.002+01:002012-03-10T22:52:12.949+01:00Navigation In Autodesk Inventor - Overview<meta name="keywords" content="autodesk inventor, tutorials, beginners, pan, zoom, steering wheel, navigation bar, view face" />
<div class="header" id="header">
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series.</p>
</div>
<div class="body" id="body" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<h2 align="center" style="color:#F00; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#6FF"><a name="top" id="top"></a>TOPIC: NAVIGATION IN AUTODESK INVENTOR - OVERVIEW</h2><br />
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol>
<li>Download the <a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/bfrrVnVj/Navigation_Dataset_Steering_Wh.html">dataset</a>. </li>
<li>Save it to a project folder of an existing Inventor project. Set the project active. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-and-managing-projects-and.html">Inventor Projects and Project Files</a>.</li>
<li>Open the part file: Menu Browser <img src="http://s1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Redefining A Sketch Plane/redefining_a_sketch_plane_03.png" width="25" height="25" alt="menu browser" />> Open menu > Open > Navigation_Infant_Scooter_Front_End_Assy.iam</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">INTRODUCTION</h3>
<P>Navigation in Autodesk Inventor embodies those operations carried out in order to view the model from different positions, directions (or orientations) and perspectives. When you navigate around your model, the position and orientation of the model with respect to the user-coordinate system is not altered.</P>
<P>Autodesk Inventor contains very interesting tools that allows you to have complete control of how your model is viewed and positioned in your Graphics Area.</P>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">OBJECTIVES</h3>
<P>At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able:</P>
<ol>
<li>Explain the concept of navigation in Autodesk Inventor.</li>
<li>Outline the tools available for navigation in Autodesk Inventor.</li>
<li>Explain the basic concept of the navigation tools.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR NAVIGATION IN AUTODESK INVENTOR</h3>
<h4 style="color:#00F; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#F0F" align="left">1. PAN Tool</h4>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Pan tool is used for moving the graphics area around.</p>
<h4 style="color:#00F; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#F0F" align="left">2. ZOOM Tool</h4>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Zoom tool is used to magnify or de-magnify the view of your models.</p>
<h4 style="color:#00F; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#F0F" align="left">3. ORBIT Tool</h4>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Orbit tool is used for viewing your model from different directions.</p>
<h4 style="color:#00F; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#F0F" align="left">4. SteeringWheel Tool</h4>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The SteeringWheel is a graphical tool that brings together all the navigation tools including Pan, Zoom, Orbit, Rewind, Look, Walk, Up/Down, and Center.</p>
<h4 style="color:#00F; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#F0F" align="left">5. ViewCube Tool</h4>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Viewcube is a UI element that is used for changing the views of the model in the Graphics Area.</p>
<h4 style="color:#00F; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#F0F" align="left">6. View FaceTool</h4>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The View Face tool is used for reorienting the Graphics Area normally to a planar face, plane, or sketch.</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Other related lessons are:</p>
<ol>
<li>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Navigation in Autodesk Inventor - The PAN tool</p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Navigation in Autodesk Inventor - The ZOOM tool</p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Navigation in Autodesk Inventor - The ORBIT tool</p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Navigation in Autodesk Inventor - The SteeringWheel tool</p>
</li>
<li>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Navigation in Autodesk Inventor - The Viewcube tool</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</p>
</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-30611135169651597862012-03-07T00:31:00.000+01:002012-03-07T00:31:12.555+01:00Redefining A Sketch Plane In Autodesk Inventor<meta name="keywords" content="autodesk inventor, tutorials, base feature, base sketch, redefine, default work planes, xy plane" /><div class="header" id="header">
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011/2012</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series.</p>
</div>
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<h2 align="center" style="color:#F00; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#6FF"><a name="top" id="top"></a>TOPIC: REDEFINING A SKETCH PLANE IN AUTODESK INVENTOR</h2><br />
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">BEFORE YOU BEGIN</h3>
<ol>
<li>Download the <a href="http://www.4shared.com/zip/ehGUMWP3/Redefining_A_Sketch_Plane_Pivo.html">dataset</a>. </li>
<li>Save it to a project folder of an existing Inventor project. Set the project active. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/creating-and-managing-projects-and.html">Inventor Projects and Project Files</a>.</li>
<li>Open the part file: Menu Browser <img src="http://s1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/Redefining A Sketch Plane/redefining_a_sketch_plane_03.png" width="25" height="25" alt="menu browser" /> > Open menu > Open > Redefining_A_Sketch_Plane_PivotBracket.ipt</li>
</ol>
<p>To learn more about work planes, check out this lesson: <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2011/06/using-understanding-work-features-in.html">Using and Understanding Work Planes in Autodesk Inventor</a>.</p>
<p>You may also be interested in this lesson: <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-share-sketch-in-autodesk.html">How to Share a Sketch in Autodesk Inventor</a>.</p>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">INTRODUCTION</h3>
<P>Any sketch in Autodesk Inventor is created on (or is based on) a plane. This plane is called a <em><strong>"Sketch Plane."</strong></em> A sketch plane could be the <u><em>default work planes found under the Origin folder in the Model Browser, user-created work planes, or the planar faces of your models.</em></u><em></em></P>
<P>When you create a new part file in Autodesk Inventor, a new sketch, by default, is automatically created on a default work plane known as the <em><strong>"XY plane."</strong></em> These settings can be modified on your Application Options dialog box > Part tab > Sketch on new part creation area as shown in Figure 1.</P>
<P><img src="http://s1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Redefining%20A%20Sketch%20Plane/redefining_a_sketch_plane_01.png" width="400" height="490" alt="Figure 1" /></P>
<P>So you will most likely begin the part by sketching (using the default settings) and then creating your base feature. But after creating the base feature (and probably other features), you discover that the part is not positioned in the coordinate system the way you intended it to. So what do you do? The answer is simple: redefine the sketch plane.</P>
<P><strong><em><u>NOTE</u></em></strong>: Changing the view orientation of the model using the viewcube and locking the view as your Home View does not change the position of the model with respect to the coordinate system.</P>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">OBJECTIVES</h3>
<P>At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able:</P>
<ol>
<li>Change the Sketch on new part creation settings on the Application Options dialog box,</li>
<li>Use the Viewcube to navigation to a required orientation of the model on the Graphics Area,</li>
<li>Redefine the plane on which a sketch was created.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">REDEFINING THE SKETCH PLANE</h3>
<p>When you redefine a sketch plane, you are changing the plane on the basis of which it was created. For example, if a base sketch of a model, was created on the default x-y plane, you can redefine the sketch plane and assign it to say the default YZ plane or any other custom plane.</p>
<p>Let's see how we define the sketch plane of the base sketch of the model from the dataset. Figure 2 shows how we intend the model to be positioned after redefining the sketch plane of the base sketch (called Sketch1). Sketch1 was created on the default XZ plane</p>
<p><img src="http://s1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Redefining%20A%20Sketch%20Plane/redefining_a_sketch_plane_02.png" width="400" height="384" alt="Figure 2" /></p>
<ol>
<li>On the Model Browser, expanding the Origin folder to reveal the default work planes.</li>
<li>Still on the Model Browser, expand Extrusion1 (the base feature) to reveal Sketch1 (the base sketch). Refer to Figure 3 for guidance.<br /><br />
<img src="http://s1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Redefining%20A%20Sketch%20Plane/redefining_a_sketch_plane_04.png" width="177" height="315" alt="Figure 3" /> <br /><br />
</li>
<li>On the Model Browser, Right-click Sketch1 and click Redefine.</li>
<li>On the Model Browser, click the XY plane.</li>
<li>The model is repositioned with respect to the user coordinate system.</li>
<li>Save and close the model.</li>
</ol>
<p><img src="http://s1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Redefining%20A%20Sketch%20Plane/redefining_a_sketch_plane_05.png" width="329" height="291" alt="Figure 4" /></p>
<P>I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</P>
</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-26488340444344204472012-02-24T22:43:00.000+01:002012-02-24T23:20:17.552+01:00How to Share a Sketch in Autodesk Inventor<meta name="keywords" content="autodesk, inventor, tutorials, sketch, how to share a sketch, sharing, visibility, Share Sketch, viewcube, extrude tool, extrusion" />
<div class="header" id="header">
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2012</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series.</p>
</div>
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<h2 align="center" style="color:#F00; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#6FF"><a name="top" id="top"></a>TOPIC: HOW TO SHARE A SKETCH IN INVENTOR</h2><br />
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">INTRODUCTION</h3>
<P>For <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/types-of-features-in-autodesk-inventor.html">sketched features</a> to be created, Autodesk Inventor require visible sketches. And more often, a sketch could contain geometry and loops that can be reused across many features. After the first sketch feature is created, the sketch is consumed by that feature and must be shared if other features must have access to the sketch. Sharing of sketches in the simplest way of reusing sketches and saving lots of time.</P>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">OBJECTIVES</h3>
<P>At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able to:</P>
<ol>
<li>Create a simple sketch in Autodesk Inventor,</li>
<li>Constrain the sketch with dimensional and geometric constraints,</li>
<li>Create an Extrusion feature, and</li>
<li>Share an existing sketch.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">SHARING A SKETCH IN AUTODESK INVENTOR</h3>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0F0; background-color:#F00">CREATING THE SKETCH GEOMETRY</h3>
<P>Let's begin this section by drawing a simple sketch with Inventor. Do the following (refer to Figure 1 for the completed sketch):<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/How%20to%20Share%20a%20Sketch/sharing_a_sketch_01.png" width="400" height="206" alt="Figure 1" /><br /></P>
<ol>
<li>Launch Inventor. When Inventor is open, click CTRL + N, to launch the New File dialog box.</li>
<li>Go to the Metric tab of the New File dialog box, and select Standard (mm).ipt template. Click OK to create a new part file.</li>
<li>Press C to start the Circle tool. Create a circle of diameter 20mm that is centered on the sketch.</li>
<li>Start another circle that is centered on the upper-left side of the first circle (Refer to Figure 2). Draw the circle towards the circumference of the first circle. A tangent constraint is inferred. Click the circumference of the first circle while the glyph is still showing.</li>
<li>Repeat step 4 and draw another circle centered at the upper-right side of the first circle. (Refer to Figure 3 for guidance.).</li>
<li>Press L to launch the Line tool. Create a horizontal line above the two top circles.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/How%20to%20Share%20a%20Sketch/sharing_a_sketch_02.png" width="400" height="302" alt="figure 2" /><br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/How%20to%20Share%20a%20Sketch/sharing_a_sketch_03.png" width="400" height="241" alt="figure3" /><br /><br /></li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0F0; background-color:#F00">CONSTRAINING THE SKETCH</h3>
<OL>
<li>Now, on the Sketch tab > Constrain panel, launch the Coincident Constraint tool.</li>
<li>Click the left endpoint of the line and click the left circle.</li>
<li>Repeat step 8 for the right circle.</li>
<li>On the Sketch tab > Constrain panel, launch the Tangent Constraint tool.</li>
<li>Click the line and the left circle.</li>
<li>Repeat step 11 for the right circle.</li>
<li>On the Sketch tab > Constrain panel, launch the Equal Constraint tool.</li>
<li>Click the left and right circles.</li>
<li>Press D to launch the Dimension tool. Click the left circle. Apply a dimension of 25 mm.</li>
<li>Click the line and the centerpoint of the center circle. Click the 25-mm dimension that was applied to the left circle. Press Enter. A reference dimension is created.</li>
<li>The status bar should be displaying "fully constrained."</li>
<li>On the Sketch tab > Modify panel, launch the Trim tool. Click the inner segment of the center circle to trim it off. (Refer to Figure 1 for guidance).</li>
<li>Press S to exit the sketch environment. Save the file.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0F0; background-color:#F00">CREATING THE EXTRUSION FEATURE</h3>
<ol>
<li>At the upper-right corner of the Graphics Area, click the Home icon on the Viewcube.<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/How%20to%20Share%20a%20Sketch/sharing_a_sketch_04.png" width="100" height="77" alt="home icon on viewcube" /><br /></li>
<li>Press E to launch the Extrude tool. The Extrude dialog box is displayed. The sketch has three closed profiles (or loops). So Inventor can not automatically select anyone for you. Select all the three profiles. Note that you can remove a profile by holding down CTRL and reselecting the profile.</li>
<li>On the Shape tab > Extents area, type 10mm as the height of extrusion.</li>
<li>Click OK to create the Extrusion1 feature (confirm the name from your Model Browser). Sketch1 is now consumed by Extrusion1.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0F0; background-color:#F00">SHARING SKETCH1</h3>
<ol>
<li>On the Model Browser, expand the Extrusion1 feature. Sketch1 is seen to be located under Extrusion1.</li>
<li>Right click Sketch1. On the shortcut menu, click Share Sketch. (See Figure 5)</li>
<li>Sketch1 is shared and is now added as a first-level object on the Model Browser. (See Figure 6).</li>
<p><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/How%20to%20Share%20a%20Sketch/sharing_a_sketch_05.png" width="241" height="340" alt="figure 5" /><br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/How%20to%20Share%20a%20Sketch/sharing_a_sketch_06.png" width="400" height="261" alt="figure 6" /><br />
</p>
<li>Click the Home icon on the Viewcube. (See Figure 4).</li>
<li>On the Navigation bar, launch the Orbit tool. (See Figure 7)<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/How%20to%20Share%20a%20Sketch/sharing_a_sketch_07.png" width="89" height="252" alt="figure 7" /><br /><BR />
<strong><u>HOT TIP</u></strong>: You can also execute the Orbit tool by Holding down the Shift key and Press and drag the mouse wheel on a 3-button mouse.<BR />
<BR /></li>
<li>Click and drag the center of the reticle ( See Figure 8) and reorient the model to appear as shown in Figure 9<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/How%20to%20Share%20a%20Sketch/sharing_a_sketch_08.png" width="400" height="346" alt="figure 8" /><br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/How%20to%20Share%20a%20Sketch/sharing_a_sketch_09.png" width="400" height="266" alt="Figure 9" /><br />
</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0F0; background-color:#F00">CREATING ANOTHER EXTRUSION FEATURE</h3>
<ol>
<li>Press E to launch the Extrude tool. Sketch1 has been shared, so we reuse it for creating another sketched feature.</li>
<li>Click the central profile, and use 20 mm as the height of extrusion. Click the direction 2 button to flip the direction upwards if it's directed downwards.<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/How%20to%20Share%20a%20Sketch/sharing_a_sketch_10.png" width="400" height="215" alt="figure 10" /><br /></li>
<li>Click OK to finish the Extrusion2 feature.</li>
<li>Right click Sketch1 on the Model Browser, and click Visibility to turn off the visibility of the sketch. Save the file.</li>
<li>The model is completed.<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/How%20to%20Share%20a%20Sketch/sharing_a_sketch_11.png" width="387" height="364" alt="figure 11" /><br /></li>
</ol>
<p>This method can be used for creating very complex parts from one sketch. But it's also a good workflow to create the sketches when needed.</p>
<P>I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</P>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-87601486662045671862012-02-24T00:09:00.000+01:002012-02-24T00:17:57.568+01:00Creating a Cylinder at an Angle to a Hemisphere<meta name="Keywords" http-equiv="Keywords" content="autodesk, inventor, tutorials, extrusion, work planes, default work planes, hemisphere, angle" /><div class="header" id="header">
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2012</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series.</p>
</div>
<div class="body" id="body" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<h2 align="center" style="color:#F00; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#6FF"><a name="top" id="top"></a>TOPIC: CREATING A CYLINDER AT AN ANGLE TO A HEMISPHERE</h2>
<br />
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">INTRODUCTION</h3>
<P>This article was written as a reply to a question asked by one of my blog readers. He wanted to know how to draw a cylinder at an angle to a hemisphere as shown below.</P>
<P><img src="http://s1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Cyliinder%20at%20Angle%20to%20Hemisphere/cylinder_at_angle_to_hemisphere_01.png" width="400" height="412" alt="completed exercise" /></P>
<P>So this was the reply:</P>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">CREATING THE CIRCULAR BASE</h3>
<ol>
<li> Create a new part file. A new sketch should open by default.</li>
<li>In the Sketch environment, sketch a circle (say diameter 100mm). Use the center of the sketch as the center of the circle.</li>
<li>Immediately press E to initiate the Extrude tool. Extrude to a
height (say 5mm).</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">CREATING THE HEMISPHERE</h3>
<ol>
<li> Press S to launch the Sketch tool immediately. Click the top face
of the circular base as the sketch plane. Sketch a semicircle (say of
diameter 80mm). You can use the Arc tool(Center Point option).</li>
<li>Join the endpoints of the semicircle with a line. Constrain the
line to pass horizontally through the center of the sketch. If
necessary, use the Trim tool to clean up the sketch.</li>
<li>Make the line a centerline geometry. You can do this by selecting
the line and clicking on the Centerline tool on the Sketch Tab> Format Panel.</li>
<li>Press R to launch the Revolve tool immediately. Set the angle of
revolution to 180 degrees. Click Ok.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">CREATING THE INCLINED CYLINDER</h3>
<p> Now I'm assuming that you followed my procedure. By constraining the
circle that was used to create the circular base to the center of
Sketch1, I ensured that the feature is entered in the graphics area.
So I can reuse some of my default work planes and work axes without
creating unnecessary new ones. </p>
<ol>
<li>On the Model Browser, expand the Origin folder. Right click the XZ
Plane and click Visibility to make the XZ plane visible.</li>
<li> Repeat step 1 above to make the X Axis visible.</li>
<li>Press ] to launch the Work Plane tool. Click the XZ Plane and the X Axis (they should be visible on the graphics area). You can also
select them through the Model Browser. This technique is used to
create a work plane at an angle to a plane about an axis.</li>
<li>Now set the angle of rotation to say 125 degrees. Click OK. A work
plane is created (let's call it Work Plane 1).<br /><br />
Now we are going to create an offset work plane parallel to Work Plane 1.<br /><br />
</li>
<li>Press ] to launch the Work Plane tool. Click and drag Work Plane 1
upwards above the hemisphere. Set the distance to say 50mm(Check if
the distance is +ve or -ve. Also ensure that the new work plane is
slightly above the hemisphere to your desired distance). Click OK. A
new work plane is created. (Let's call it Work Plane 2.)</li>
<li> Now press S to launch the Sketch tool. Select Work Plane 2 as the
sketch plane to use.</li>
<li> Create a circle of say diameter 25mm at the center of the new sketch.</li>
<li> Press E to launch the Extrude tool. On the Extrude dialog box > Shape tab > Extents Area, set the Extents to "To Next". Click Ok. A
cylinder is created from the Work Plane 2 to the hemisphere.</li>
<li>Save file.</li>
</ol>
<P>I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</P>
</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-63506742781541302822012-02-23T22:29:00.001+01:002012-02-24T06:28:49.637+01:00TYPES OF FEATURES IN AUTODESK INVENTOR<meta name="keywords" content="autodesk, inventor, tutorials, features, sketched features, placed features, work features" /><br />
<div class="header" id="header"> <p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2012</p><p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </p> <p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG </p> <p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></p> <p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">This is a continuation of the series of lessons for new Inventor Users. Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series.</p></div><div class="body" id="body" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <h2 align="center" style="color:#F00; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#6FF"><a name="top" id="top"></a>TOPIC: TYPES OF FEATURES IN AUTODESK INVENTOR</h2><br /><br />
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">INTRODUCTION</h3> <P>Autodesk Inventor is a feature-based parametric modelling application. Inventor is said to be feature based because each modification that is made to a component is regarded as a feature. So in a design workflow for a component, you would most likely make use of extrusion, swept, lofted, revolved, threaded, hole, rib, fillet, shell, and chamfer features . If you are also experienced with surface modelling, you would likely use features like sculpt, thicken, patch, and trim. Learn more about Inventor in the Lesson:<strong> <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-is-autodesk-inventor.html">What is Inventor?</a></strong></P><p>There are three types of features in Inventor, namely:</p> <ol> <li>Sketched Features,</li>
<li>Placed Features, and</li>
<li>Work Features.</li>
</ol><h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">OBJECTIVES</h3> <P>At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able to:</P> <ol> <li>Explain the following: sketched features, placed features, and work features.</li>
<li>Differentiate between sketched featues, placed features, and work features.</li>
</ol><h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">SKETCHED FEATURES</h3><P>Sketched Features are those features that are built, or constructed from 2D or 3D sketches. <em>A sketched feature is always the starting feature when you want begin a new part.</em> The first sketched feature that is added to a part is called the "<em><strong>base feature</strong></em><strong></strong>." Sketched features can be used during standard part modelling, surface modelling, and plastic part modelling. The table below shows some examples of sketched features.</P><table width="500" border="2" align="center" cellpadding="1"> <tr>
<th width="23" scope="col">#</th>
<th width="301" scope="col">Type of Modelling </th>
<th width="162" scope="col">Examples of Sketched Features</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1.</td>
<td>Standard part modelling</td>
<td>Extrusion, Revolution, Sweep, Loft, Emboss, Rib, and Coil.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Surface modelling</td>
<td>Extrusionsrf, Revolutionsrf, Sweepsrf, and Loftsrf.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Plastic part modelling</td>
<td>Grill, and Rest.</td>
</tr>
</table><p>Sketched features always require visible sketches. Visible sketches are those sketches that can be seen on the Graphics Area. They should not be consumed by other features. If you have a sketch that is consumed by another feature, simply share the sketch to make it visible and available for use by other sketched features. Consumed sketches are those sketches that have been used to create sketched features. A consumed sketch is always located under the sketch feature in the model browser.</p><p><img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Types%20of%20Features%20in%20Inventor/types_of_features_01.png" width="189" height="200" alt="Sketch1 consumed by Extrusion1" /></p><p>Sketched features can be located on the Create and Plastic Parts panel of the Model tab of a part environment.</p><p><img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Types%20of%20Features%20in%20Inventor/types_of_features_02.png" width="380" height="239" alt="create and plastic parts panels" /></p><h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0"">PLACED FEATURES</h3><P>Placed features are those features that do not strictly require sketches for their creation. They are mostly used for modifying (or adding features) to an existing the model - the reason they are called "<strong><em>Modifying Tools</em></strong>." Examples of placed features are Hole, Fillet, Chamfer, Shell, Draft, Thread, Split, and Combine features for modifying standard part models, and Thicken/Offset, Stitch, Sculpt, Patch, and Trim for modifying surface models.</P><P>Placed features are located on the Modify and Surface panels of the Model tab of a part environment.</P><P><img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Types%20of%20Features%20in%20Inventor/types_of_features_03.png" width="446" height="237" alt="modify and surface panels" /></P><h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">WORK FEATURES</h3><P>Work features are modeling aids. From the first sketch to the last feature of your model, work features are used to aid the modeling process. And as the design becomes more complex, you will need the help of work features to find your way out! These work features can be used for creating sketches, for constraining of components in the assembly environment, for feature termination (in both part and assembly designs), and for creating other work features.<br /><br />
There are three types of work features in Autodesk Inventor, namely:</P><ol> <li>Work planes;</li>
<li>Work axes; and</li>
<li>Work points.</li>
</ol><p>There are about four lessons dedicated to work features. Please check them out below:</p><p><a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2011/06/using-understanding-work-features-in.html">Using and Understanding Work Planes in Autodesk Inventor</a></p><p><a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2011/07/using-understanding-work-features-in.html">Using and Understanding Work Axes in Autodesk Inventor</a></p><p><a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2011/07/using-and-understanding-work-features.html">Using and Understanding Work Points in Autodesk Inventor</a></p><p><a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2011/07/using-and-understanding-grounded-work.html">Using and Understanding Grounded Work Point in Autodesk Inventor</a></p><p> </p><P>I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I will answer ASAP. Thank you.</P></div><div class="footer" id="footer" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <p><a href="#top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Contents</a></p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-34476072585179345212012-02-21T23:16:00.000+01:002012-02-21T23:16:03.401+01:00UNDERSTANDING 2D CONSTRAINTS IN AUTODESK INVENTOR® - PART 2<div class="header" id="header">
<p style="font-family:monospace">/**<br />
*PROLOGUE<br />
* I'm beginning a series of lesson tailored for my friends out there who are learning Autodesk Inventor from the scratch. The lessons are going to be arranged in sequence so that the reader can grow in confidence with each lesson. <br />
*I'm assuming that the reader is new to the world of "digital prototyping" or is migrating from a non-Autodesk product. Whatever might be the case, I'm wishing you a happy learning experience. <br />
*I would also encourage the readers to post comments about the articles. Comment about my methodology, content, useful, in fact anything on your mind. You are also free to suggest to me topics to write about. Thank you. <br />
*/</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2012</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series.</p>
</div>
<div class="body" id="body" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<h2 align="center" style="color:#F00; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#6FF"><a name="top" id="top"></a>TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING 2D CONSTRIANTS IN AUTODESK INVENTOR® - PART 2</h2><br />
This is the second part of the lesson on Understanding 2D Constraints in Autodesk Inventor. You may be interested in the <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/understanding-2d-constriants-in.html">Part 1.</a><br /><br />
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">OBJECTIVES</h3>
<p>At the end of this lesson the reader should be able to:</p>
<ol style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<li>Explain the constraints settings: <a href="#constraint_inference">Constraint Inference</a>, <a href="#constraint_persistence">Constraint Persistence</a>, and <a href="#persistent_dimension">Persistent Dimension</a>.</li>
<li>Confidently apply dimensional constraints, or dimensions in a sketch.</li>
<li>Confidently apply geometric constraints in a sketch.</li>
<li>Use the <a href="#persistent_dimension">Automatic Dimensions and Constraints tool</a>, and</li>
<li>Show and Hide Sketch Constraints.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">CONSTRAINT SETTINGS</h3>
<ol>
<li>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0F0; background-color:#F00">CONSTRAINT INFERENCE<a name="constraint_inference" id="constraint_inference"></a></h3>
During sketch creation, Autodesk Inventor helps you infer or suggest constraints that will be created based on the orientation of your geometry or its position with respect to other geometry. For example, while sketching with the Line tool, if you sketch the line vertically, Autodesk Inventor will display a vertical glyph near the line telling you the constraint that is most likely to be created if you create the line segment. If you approach another line in the sketch perpendicularly, Inventor infers a perpendicular constraint. If you are creating a circle and the circumference is taken close to a line geometry, Inventor will infer a tangent constrain.<br /><br />
If Constraint Inference is turned off, Inventor will not infer constraints during sketch creating, thereby, leaving with an enormous task to carefully applying the necessary constraints after sketch creation. This is not a good workflow. Inferred constraints may or may not be actually applied to the geometry after the sketch operation. This depends on another setting known as Constraint Persistence.</P>
HOT TIP: You can temporarily disable constraint inference by holding down the CTRL key during sketch creation. Try it out!</P>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0F0; background-color:#F00">CONSTRAINT PERSISTENCE<a name="constraint_persistence" id="constraint_persistence"></a></h3>
<p>Constraint Persistence is a setting that simply ensures that the constraints inferred while you are creating a geometry is actually applied after the geometry have been created. For example, if a vertical constraint is inferred while you are sketching a vertical line, constraint persistence ensures that the Vertical Constraint is actually applied to the geometry after it has been created. If Constraint Persistence is turned off, the constraints are merely inferred but not applied. </p>
<p>Also note that Constraint Persistence has nothing to do if Constraint Inference has been turned off, so it is automatically disabled if Constraint Inference is turned off.</p>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0F0; background-color:#F00">PERSISTENT DIMENSION<a name="persistent_dimension" id="persistent_dimension"></a></h3>
<P>Persistent Dimension setting allows you to easily define dimensional constraints, or dimensions for your sketch geometry during sketch creation. For example, while creating a circle, after specifying the centerpoint, you can quickly type in the dimension of the circle, say 20mm. This dimension is applied or persists after the circle has been created. So you do not need to apply a dimension to the circle afterwards.</P>
</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">LOCATING THE CONSTRAINT SETTINGS ON THE RIBBON</h3>
<ol>
<li>While you are in the sketch environment, Go to the Ribbon > Sketch tab > Constrain panel.</li>
<li>Click the section of the panel that bears the name "Constrain" with a downward-pointing arrow beside it.</li>
<li>This expands the Constrain panel revealing the constraint settings.</li>
</ol>
<p><img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraint_part2_01.png" alt="locating constraint settings" width="455" height="301" align="middle" /></p>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">AUTOMATIC DIMENSIONS AND CONSTRAINTS<a name="autodimension" id="autodimension"></a></h3>
<P>Sketches in Inventor must be made as stable as possible throught the use of geometric and dimensional constraints. Most times, dimensions and geometric constraints are applied to the sketch geometry until the status bar showed the message "fully constrained" (just in front of the Capacity Meter). A fully-constrained sketch is stable and cannot be easily disorganized. A fully-constrained sketch also gives rise to a stable "sketched feature." Sketched Features are those features that are created from sketches through tools like Extrude, Revolve, Loft, Sweep, Emboss, Rib, etc. The other category of features is the "Placed Features." Placed Features are those features that do not "strictly" require a sketch for their creation e.g. Thread, Hole, Fillet, Chamfer, Shell etc.</P>
<P>There are times when you have carefully applied dimensions and geometric constraints to your sketch, but the Status Bar still shows you, for instance, "3 dimensions needed." This message means that you still have 3 constraints to applied, either dimensional or geometrical. Then, the Automatic Dimensions and Constraints tool comes handy. The Automatic Dimensions and Constraints tools allows the application to automatically apply missing constraints. Experienced designers use the tool as a hinting tool (just the way you use the Hint tool in computer card games). More often, you will find out that some of the constraints suggested by the Automatic Dimensions and Constraints tool are unnecessary.</P>
<P> Inventor displayed fully-constrained geometry on your sketches with a color ( often blue) that is different from those that are not fully constrained. So once all the geometry in your sketch are displayed with this color, the message on the Status Bar could be ignored. However, to be on the safe side, use the Automatic Dimensions and Constraints tool to confirm.</P>
<P>The Automatic Dimensions and Constraints Tool can be found on the Sketch tab > Constrain panel as shown in Figure 2.<a name="figure2" id="figure2"></a><br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraint_part2_02.png" width="305" height="183" alt="autodimensions tool" /></P>
<blockquote>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0F0; background-color:#F00">USING THE AUTOMATIC DIMENSIONS AND CONSTRAINTS TOOL</h3>
<blockquote>
<p>Let's start this section by creating a simple sketch. This sketch will help us learn how to use some of the geometric constraint we learnt in <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/understanding-2d-constriants-in.html">Part 1</a> of this lesson. </p>
<p>The sketch should look like this (Figure 3) after creation.<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraint_part2_12.png" width="400" height="281" alt="completed sketch" /><br /><br /> To create the sketch do the following:</p>
</blockquote>
<ol>
<li>With Inventor opened, Press CTRL + N to launch the New File dialog box. Go the Metric tab and select the template Standard (mm).ipt. A new part file is created and a sketch labelled Sketch1 on the Model Browser is created and opened for editing.</li>
<li>Press C to launch the Circle tool. Click the center of the sketch as the centerpoint of the circle and draw a circle of approximately 8 mm. If you are using Inventor 2011 and above, do not type in 8mm right now. This is will apply a dimensional constraint of 8mm.</li>
<li>Go to the Draw panel and click the arrow beside Arc; launch the Arc (Center Point option) tool.</li>
<li>Draw two arcs, one on each side of the circle as shown below.
</li>
<li>Draw a horizontal line above the arcs.<br /><br /><img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraint_part2_13.png" width="384" height="187" alt="arcs with circle" /><br /><br />
Now, let's start constraining.</li>
<li>On the Constrain panel, launch the Coincident Constraint tool. Click the bottom endpoint of the left arc and then click the the circle. This makes the end of the arc to coincide with the circle.</li>
<li>Repeat step 6 to constrain the top endpoint of the left arc with the left endpoint of the line.</li>
<li>Repeat step 6 and 7 for the right arc.</li>
<li>On the Constrain panel, launch the Tangent Constraint tool. Click the left arc and click the circle. A tangent constraint is applied between the left arc and the circle.</li>
<li>Click the left arc and click the line. A tangent constraint is applied between the left arc and the line.</li>
<li>Repeat step 9 and 10 for the right arc.</li>
<li>Click Finish on the Exit panel. Save the file.</li>
</ol>
<p>To edit the sketch and use the Automatic Dimensions and Constraints tool, do the following:</p>
<ol>
<li>On the Model Browser, double click Sketch1 to open the sketch for editing.</li>
<li>If the sketch is not oriented normal to your screen, click the View Face tool on the Navigation Bar and click Sketch1 on the Model Browser. Sketch1 should be normal to the screeen now. Note: The Navigation Bar is found at the right-hand side of the Graphics Area.</li>
<li>Launch the Automatic Dimensions and Constraints Tool (<a href="#figure2">see Figure 2</a>). The Auto Dimension dialog box is launched. Inventor displays that there are 4 missing constraints. <br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraint_part2_03.png" width="308" height="200" alt="autodimension dialog box" /><br /><br /></li>
<li>In the Auto Dimension dialog box, you can specify whether to automatically apply dimensions, geometric constraints or both. Click Apply. Four constraints are applied and Inventor now displays that the sketch is fully constrained. Click Done to close the dialog box. <br />
NOTE: You can always remove the constraints that were automatically added by relaunching the Auto dimension dialog box and clicking Remove.<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraint_part2_04.png" width="400" height="266" alt="Sketch1 autodimensioned" /><br /><br /></li>
<li>Now, let's modify the constraints. Delete the 7.009mm dimension. Select the dimension and hit Delete on your keyboard.</li>
<li>Launch the Equal Constraint tool. Sketch tab > Constrain panel > <img src="../../Pictures/Inventor/inventor_2D_constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_14.png" width="26" height="25" alt="equal constraint icon" /></li>
<li>Select the 7.219-mm arc and select the undimensioned arc. Both arcs now have the same radius of 7.219 mm.</li>
<li>Launch the Dimension tool by hitting "D" on your keyboard. Click the 7.219 mm dimension. Change it to 8 mm. The other arc also updates.</li>
<li>While the Dimension tool is still active click on the 7.724-mm dimension. Now click the 8-mm dimension of the left arc. d14 is input into the Edit Dimension box. Press Enter. We've just created a reference dimension. The 8-mm dimension of the bottom arc references the dimension of the left arc, making them equal. So dimension of the left arc is changed, that of the bottom arc also changes.</li>
<li>Click the linear dimension 10.379mm. Change it to 10mm.</li>
<li>Click Finish Sketch on the Exit panel.</li>
<li>Save the File<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraint_part2_06.png" width="400" height="257" alt="completed sketch" />.<br /><br /></li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">SHOWING AND HIDING CONSTRAINTS IN A SKETCH</h3>
<P>You can show display constraints globally or specifically in your sketch. The global method displays all the constraints applied in your sketch. You can also choose to display only some specific constraints.</P>
<P><img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraint_part2_07.png" width="400" height="290" alt="showing all constraints" /></P>
<P>To show all constraints in a sketch, do the following:</P>
<ol>
<li>Right click on the Graphics Area. On the shortcut menu, click Show All Constraints.</li>
<li>Alternatively, hit F8 on your keyboard.</li>
</ol>
<p>To hide all constraints in a sketch, do the following:</p>
<ol>
<li>Right click on the Graphics Area. On the shortcut menu, click Hide All Constraints.</li>
<li>Alternatively, hit F9 on your keyboard.</li>
</ol>
<p>To show specific constraints apply to a geometry, do the following:</p>
<ol>
<li>Go to the Sketch tab > Constrain panel > <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraint_part2_09.png" width="24" height="23" alt="show constraints icon" /><br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraint_part2_08.png" width="398" height="160" alt="show constraints location" /><br /><br /></li>
<li>On the Graphics Area, select the geometry for which you wish to display constraints.</li>
<li>The constraints will be displayed.</li>
<li>Press F9 to hide the constraints.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #00F; background-color:#0F0">CONSTRAINT VISIBILITY AND CONSTRAINT OPTIONS DIALOG BOXES</h3>
<P>Inventor provides a way of disabling the display of some constraints and what constraint is inferred if Constraint Inference is active.</P>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0F0; background-color:#F00">CONSTRAINT VISIBILITY DIALOG BOX</h3>
<P>The Constraint Visibility dialog box allows you to select which constraints you want to display when you launch "Show All Constraints."</P>
<P>To launch the Constraint Visibility dialog box, do the following:</P>
<ol>
<li>Right click on the Graphics Area, click Constraint Visibility... to launch the dialog box.</li>
</ol>
<P><img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraint_part2_10.png" width="346" height="329" alt="constraint visibility dialog box" /></P>
<h3 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #0F0; background-color:#F00">CONSTRAINT OPTIONS DIALOG BOX</h3>
<P>The Constraint Options dialog box allows you to choose which geometric constraints will be inferred during sketch creation when Constraint Inference is active. You can also select the scope of the Inference, i.e. choose which geometry you want Constraint Inference to infer constraints for.</P>
<P>To launch the Constraint Options dialog box, do the following:</P>
<ol>
<li>Right click on the Graphics Area. Click on Constraint Options... to launch the dialog box</li>
</ol>
<P><img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraint_part2_11.png" width="337" height="363" alt="constraint option dialog box" /></P>
<P>I hope you learnt a lot from this lesson. If you have any questions, please drop a comment, and I answer ASAP. Thank you.</P>
</div>
<div class="footer" id="footer" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="#top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Index</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-41107949465731884422012-02-19T23:31:00.002+01:002012-02-20T00:19:11.454+01:00UNDERSTANDING 2D CONSTRAINTS IN AUTODESK INVENTOR® - PART 1<div class="header" id="header">
<p style="font-family:monospace">/**<br />
*PROLOGUE<br />
* I'm beginning a series of lesson tailored for my friends out there who are learning Autodesk Inventor from the scratch. The lessons are going to be arranged in sequence so that the reader can grow in confidence with each lesson. <br />
*I'm assuming that the reader is new to the world of "digital prototyping" or is migrating from a non-Autodesk product. Whatever might be the case, I'm wishing you a happy learning experience. <br />
*I would also encourage the readers to post comments about the articles. Comment about my methodology, content, useful, in fact anything on your mind. You are also free to suggest to me topics to write about. Thank you. <br />
*/</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2012</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series.</p>
</div>
<div class="body" id="body" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<h1 align="center" style="color:#F00; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#6FF"><a name="top" id="top"></a>TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING 2D CONSTRIANTS IN AUTODESK INVENTOR® - PART 1</h1><br />
<h2 style="color:#00F; background-color:#0F0" font-family:="font-family:" arial,="Arial," helvetica,="Helvetica," sans-serif="sans-serif"">INTRODUCTION</h2>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Some of the questions that are usually asked by new Inventor users who are migrating from AutoCAD are:</p>
<ol type="i" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<li>How to do I perform object snap in Inventor?</li>
<li>How to do I perform object snap tracking?</li>
<li>How to do I calculate rectangular and polar coordinates in Inventor? Etc.</li>
</ol>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well, in the lesson, I'll try to answer these questions.</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The first thing you have know about Inventor is that it is a 3D parametric design software. It is called a parametric modelling software because the sizes of the geometry and the relationship of between the geometry in your sketches, the height or extent of your extrude feature, the relationship between parts in an assembly, etc, are all controlled and driven by parameters. </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">In AutoCAD, the familiar and common workflow is to create precise geometry by using the commands on the Draw panel or toolbar. So if you want a horizontal line of say 200mm, you have to use polar tracking to set the direction of the line to either 0 or 180 degrees, and then type the precise length of 200. So you must always create precise geometry from the word "go." When dimensions (AutoCAD) are placed in the drawing, the dimensions merely report the size of the line. You cannot use the dimension to control the length of the line. In AutoCAD 3D, you use 3D modifying tools like 3D Move, 3D Rotate, and 3D Align to assembly various parts to form an assembly. AutoCAD does not associate or define any strict relationship between those parts as they are being assembled.</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">However, in Autodesk Inventor, the story changes. In Inventor sketch environment, you do not need to bother yourself by creating precise geometry from the start. That is why it is called "a sketch." You simply sketch approximate sizes and orientations of your geometry and then use Inventor 2D Constraints to define strict sizes and relationship between the sketch geometry. In the assembly environment, you use Inventor 3D constraints to define strict relationships between parts, or components in the assembly. This way, the sketch, model, or assembly is stable, and cannot be easily rearrange or scattered deliberately or inadvertently. The only to rearrange or edit the sketch, model, or assembly is to edit or redefine the constraints that were applied to the sketch geometry or part (or components). These constraints that help define these sizes and relationships are known as parameters.</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">It is worth noting that parametric design was introduced into AutoCAD from AutoCAD 2010. So, you can redefine constraints in AutoCAD just like you can do in Inventor. But I can tell you, you may use them easily unless you have worked with a parametric design application like Inventor.</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">In Autodesk Inventor, we have two types of constraints, namely:</p>
<ol style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<li>2D constraints, and</li>
<li>3D constraints.</li>
</ol>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">2D constraints are only available in the Sketch Environment. They are used to define the sizes of geometry and the relationship between them in the Sketch Environment - which is Autodesk Inventor 2D environment.</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">3D constraints are only available in the Assembly Environment. They are used to define the relationship between parts, or components in an assembly.</p>
<h2 style="color:#00F; background-color:#0F0" font-family:="font-family:" arial,="Arial," helvetica,="Helvetica," sans-serif="sans-serif"">OBJECTIVES</h2>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able to:</p>
<ol style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<li>Explain the concept of constraints in Autodesk Inventor</li>
<li>Differentiate between drawing in AutoCAD and sketching in Inventor.</li>
<li>Explain the types of 2D constraints.</li>
</ol>
<h2 style="color:#00F; background-color:#0F0" font-family:="font-family:" arial,="Arial," helvetica,="Helvetica," sans-serif="sans-serif""> USING 2D CONSTRAINTS IN THE SKETCH ENVIRONMENT</h2>
<p style = "font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Before we continue, Let me say, for the records, that 2D constraints can perform what Object Snaps, Object Snap Tracking, and Polar Tracking does in AutoCAD and even more. By the time you begin sketching with 2D constraints in Autodesk Inventor, you will be amazed by their sheer power! So let's continue.</p>
<p style = "font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">There are two types of 2D constraints in Autodesk Inventor, namely: </p>
<ol style = "font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<li>Dimensional constraints, and</li>
<li>Geometric constraints.</li>
</ol>
<p style = "font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Dimensional constraints are simply parametric dimension. The dimensions drive or determine the sizes and orientations of geometry in the sketch. For example dimensional constraints (or simply dimensions) can set a line to be 200mm. Nothing can make that line become 200.0001 mm unless the parametric dimension is edited. You can also apply a dimension that makes the angle between two lines to be 60 degrees.</p>
<p style = "font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Geometric constraints defines the geometric relationship between geometry in the sketch. For example, an horizontal line, a circle centered at the endpoint of a line geometry, a line that is perpendicular to another line, or a circle that is tangent to another circle.</p>
<p style = "font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The goodies for working with 2D constraints in the Inventor Sketch Environment are located on the Sketch tab > Constrain panel. In this lesson, we are going to focus on Geometric Constraints only. Dimensional constraints will be treated in the second part of this lesson.<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_01.png" width="350" height="164" alt="Figure 1" /><br/>
<br/>
We have the following geometric constraints in Inventor: <a href="#coincident_constraint">Coincident constraint</a>, <a href="#collinear_constraint">Collinear constraint</a>, <a href="#concentric_constraint">Concentric constraint</a>, <a href="#fixed_constraint">Fixed Constraint</a>, <a href="#parallel_constraint">Parallel constraint</a>, <a href="#perpendicular_constraint">Perpendicular constraint</a>, <a href="#horizontal_constraint">Horizontal constraint</a>, <a href="#vertical_constraint">Vertical constraint</a>, <a href="#tangent_constraint">Tangent constraint</a>, <a href="#smooth_constraint">Smooth constraint</a>, <a href="#symmetric_constraint">Symmetric constraint</a>, and <a href="#equal_constraint">Equal constraint</a>. </p>
<p style = "font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The dimensional constraint is simply the Dimension tool. </p>
<h3 style="font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #000; background-color: #Fcf">OVERVIEW OF THE GEOMETRIC CONSTRAINTS</h3>
<ol style="font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<li><em><strong><a name="coincident_constraint" id="coincident_constraint"></a>COINCIDENT CONSTRAINT.</strong></em><br/>
<br/>
Symbol: <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_03.png" width="26" height="25" alt="Coincident Constraint" /><br/>
<br/>
Access: Sketch tab > Constrain panel > <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_03.png" width="26" height="25" alt="Coincident Constraint" /><br/>
<br/>
The coincident constraint is use to constrain a point on a geometry to touch other geometry in your sketch. For example, you may want to constraint the endpoint of an horizontal line to meet the center of a circle. The coincident constraint glyph <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_15.png" width="23" height="22" alt="coincident glyph" /> is shown at the point where the endpoint of the line coincides with the center of the circle.<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_02.png" width="650" height="208" alt="coincident constraint demo" /><br/><br/>
<u><strong>HOT TIP</strong></u>: To see the constraints that are currently applied to the geometry in your sketch, simply right click in your sketch and click <em>Show All Constraints</em> on the short-cut menu, or press F8 on your keyboard. The constraints are displayed as glyphs. When you hover your cursor over a glyph, the sketch geometry associated with that glyph are highlighted.<br/>
<br/>
</li>
<li><em><strong><a name="collinear_constraint" id="collinear_constraint"></a>COLLINEAR CONSTRAINT.</strong></em><br/>
<br/>
Symbol: <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_04.png" width="28" height="23" alt="collinear constraint icon" /><br/>
<br/>
Access: Sketch tab > Constrain panel > <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_04.png" width="28" height="23" alt="collinear constraint icon" /><br/>
<br/>
The collinear constraint constrains two or more line segments or ellipse axis to lie on the same line. In Figure 3, the top-most line is constrained to be collinear with the right-hand line of the closed geometry.<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_16.png" width="650" height="212" alt="collinear constraint demo" /><br/>
<br/>
</li>
<li><em><strong><a name="concentric_constraint" id="concentric_constraint"></a>CONCENTRIC CONSTRAINT.</strong></em><br/>
<br/>
Symbol: <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_05.png" width="23" height="22" alt="concentric constraint icon" /><br/>
<br/>
Access: Sketch tab > Constrain panel > <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_05.png" width="23" height="22" alt="concentric Constraint icon" /><br/>
<br/>
The concentric constraint is used to define a concentric relationship between any two circles or arcs. Concentricity means that both circles or arcs have the same centerpoint. In Figure 4, the 2-diameter circle is constrained to be concentric with the 4-diameter circle.<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_17.png" width="650" height="225" alt="concentric constraint demo" /><br/>
<br/>
</li>
<li><em><strong><a name="fixed_constraint" id="fixed_constraint"></a>FIXED CONSTRAINT.</strong></em><br/>
<br/>
Symbol: <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_06.png" width="23" height="21" alt="FIXED CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
Access: Sketch tab > Constrain panel > <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_06.png" width="23" height="21" alt="FIXED CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
The fixed constraint is used to fixes points and curves in position relative to the sketch coordinate system. For example, when you apply fixed constraint to a circle, the circle can no longer be translated. That is, its position is fixed relative to the sketch coordinate system.<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_18.png" width="512" height="261" alt="FIXED CONSTRAINT DEMO" /><br/>
<br/>
</li>
<li><em><strong><a name="parallel_constraint" id="parallel_constraint"></a>PARALLEL CONSTRAINT.</strong></em><br/>
<br/>
Symbol: <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_07.png" width="24" height="25" alt="PARALLEL CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
Access: Sketch tab > Constrain panel > <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_07.png" width="24" height="25" alt="PARALLEL CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
The parallel constraint is used to define parallel relationships between line segments in your sketch.
In Figure 6, parallel constraints are applied to opposite lines in the sketch in addition to a <a href="#horizontal_constraint">horizontal constraint</a> applied to the top line.<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_19.png" width="650" height="182" alt="parallel constraint demo" /><br/>
<br/>
</li>
<li><em><strong><a name="perpendicular_constraint" id="perpendicular_constraint"></a>PERPENDICULAR CONSTRAINT.</strong></em><br/>
<br/>
Symbol: <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_08.png" width="28" height="22" alt="PERPENDICULAR CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
Access: Sketch tab > Constrain panel > <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_08.png" width="28" height="22" alt="PERPENDICULAR CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
The perpendicular constraint is used to define perpendicularity between two lines.
In Figure 7, the inclined line is constrained to be perpendicular to the horizontal line.<br/>
<br/>
<a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_20.png" width="650" height="159" alt="perpendicular constraint demo" /></a><br/>
<br/>
</li>
<li><em><strong><a name ="horizontal_constraint" id="horizontal_constraint"></a>HORIZONTAL CONSTRAINT.</strong></em><br/>
<br/>
Symbol: <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_09.png" width="22" height="25" alt="horizontal constraint icon" longdesc="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com" /><br/>
<br/>
Access: Sketch tab > Constrain panel > <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_09.png" width="22" height="25" alt="horizontal constraint icon" longdesc="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com" /><br/>
<br/>
The horizontal constraint is used to constrain lines, ellipse axes, and pairs of points to lie parallel to the X axis of the sketch coordinate system.
In Figure 8, horizontal constraint is applied to the left line. Horizontal constraint is also applied to constrain the left endpoint of the right line horizontally to the midpoint of the right-hand line of the rectangle.<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_21.png" width="650" height="171" alt="horizontal constraint demo" /><br/>
<br/>
</li>
<li><em><strong><a name="vertical_constraint" id="vertical_constraint"></a>VERTICAL CONSTRAINT.</strong></em><br/>
<br/>
Symbol: <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_10.png" width="24" height="25" alt="VERTICAL CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
Access: Sketch tab > Constrain panel > <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_10.png" width="24" height="25" alt="VERTICAL CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
The vertical constraint is used to constrain lines, ellipse axes, and pairs of points to lie parallel to the Y axis of the sketch coordinate system. In Figure 9, a vertical constraint is applied to constrain the top vertex of the triangle to be vertical with the midpoint of the lower line of the triangle.<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_22.png" width="644" height="253" alt="vertical constraint demo" /><br/>
<br/>
</li>
<li><em><strong><a name="tangent_constraint" id="tangent_constraint"></a>TANGENT CONSTRAINT.</strong></em><br/>
<br/>
Symbol: <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_11.png" width="25" height="24" alt="TANGENT CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
Access: Sketch tab > Constrain panel > <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_11.png" width="25" height="24" alt="TANGENT CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
The tangent constraint is used to constrain lines, arcs, ellipses, ends of splines, and other geometry to be tangent to other geometry in the sketch. Figure 10 demonstrates the capability of the tangent constraint with the help of other constraints. It is quite interesting to see how the four disjointed geometry have been brought together parametrically through constraints.<br/>
<br/>
This is a how the geometry to the right of Figure 10 was achieved.<br/>
<ol type = "i">
<li>Coincident constraint applied between arc 1 and circle, and also between arc 2 and circle.</li>
<li>Tangent constraint applied between arc 1 and circle, and also between arc 2 and circle.</li>
<li>Horizontal constraint applied between centerpoint of arc 1 and centerpoint of circle, and also applied between centerpoint of arc 2 and centerpoint of circle.</li>
<li><a href="#equal_constraint">Equal constraint</a> applied between arc 1 and arc 2.</li>
<li>Coincident constraint applied between the free endpoint of arc 1 and the left endpoint of the line. </li>
<li>Tangent constraint applied between arc 1 and the line.</li>
<li>Step v and vi repeated for arc 2 and the line.</li>
<li>The line is dragged upwards above the circle.</li>
</ol>
<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_23.png" width="650" height="179" alt="tangent constraint demo" /><br/>
<br/>
</li>
<li><em><strong><a name="smooth_constraint" id="smooth_constraint"></a>SMOOTH CONSTRAINT.</strong></em><br/>
<br/>
Symbol: <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_12.png" width="25" height="20" alt="SMOOTH CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
Access: Sketch tab > Constrain panel ><img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_12.png" width="25" height="20" alt="SMOOTH CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
The smooth constraint is used to apply a G2 continuity condition between a spline and a line or arc. G2 continuity condition smoothens out the curvature of the spline as it joins the line. Smooth constraint is important during complex-shape design which can be done with Inventor or better with Autodesk Alias Design.<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_24.png" width="650" height="303" alt="smooth constraint demo" /><br/>
<br/>
</li>
<li><em><strong><a name="symmetric_constraint" id="symmetric_constraint"></a>SYMMETRIC CONSTRAINT.</strong></em><br/>
<br/>
Symbol: <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_13.png" width="26" height="23" alt="SYMMETRIC CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
Access: Sketch tab > Constrain panel ><img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_13.png" width="26" height="23" alt="SYMMETRIC CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
The symmetric constraint is used to constrain curves to be symmetrical to other curves about a line of symmetry - which could be a line geometry or a work axis. Symmetric constraint is also established between curves when you use the Mirror tool. In Figure 12,
symmetric constraint is applied between the two circle with the center horizontal line as the line of symmetric, also between the two arcs with the center vertical line as the axis of symmetry.<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_25.png" width="650" height="206" alt="Symmetric constraint demo" /><br/>
<br/>
</li>
<li><em><strong><a name="equal_constraint" id="equal_constraint"></a>EQUAL CONSTRAINT.</strong></em><br/>
<br/>
Symbol: <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_14.png" width="26" height="25" alt="EQUAL CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
Access: Sketch tab > Constrain panel ><img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_14.png" width="26" height="25" alt="EQUAL CONSTRAINT ICON" /><br/>
<br/>
The equal constraint is used to constrain one geometry to be equal in size to another geometry in your sketch. Equal constraint is inferred when you use the <a href="#symmetric_constraint">symmetric constraint</a>. <br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Autodesk%20Inventor%202D%20Constraints/inventor_2D_constraints_26.png" width="496" height="177" alt="equal constraint demo" /><br/>
<br/>
</li>
</ol>
<p>In the next lesson - <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com">Understanding Constraints in Autodesk Inventor - Part 2</a>, we are going to do a little practical on what we have learnt in this lesson. </p>
</div>
<div class="footer" id="footer" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="#top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Index</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-48721954334610213372012-02-19T22:02:00.000+01:002012-02-19T22:30:46.041+01:00Creating and Managing Projects and Project Files in Autodesk Inventor®<div class="header" id="header"><p style="font-family:monospace">/**<br />
*PROLOGUE<br />
* I'm beginning a series of lesson tailored for my friends out there who are learning Autodesk Inventor from the scratch. The lessons are going to be arranged in sequence so that the reader can grow in confidence with each lesson. <br />
*I'm assuming that the reader is new to the world of "digital prototyping" or is migrating from a non-Autodesk product. Whatever might be the case, I'm wishing you a happy learning experience. <br />
*I would also encourage the readers to post comments about the articles. Comment about my methodology, content, useful, in fact anything on your mind. You are also free to suggest to me topics to write about. Thank you. <br />
*/</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2012</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series.</p>
</div>
<div class="body" id="body">
<h1 align="center" style="color:#F00; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#6FF; text-align: center;"><a name="top" id="top"></a>TOPIC: CREATING AND MANAGING PROJECTS AND PROJECT FILES IN AUTODESK INVENTOR®</h1>
<h2 style="font-family:Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; background-color:#0F0; color:#00F; text-align: left;">INTRODUCTION</h2>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">As a digital prototyping application, Autodesk Inventor is, quite often, used for large-scale designs that might involve hundreds of separate design files including part, assembly, presentation, and drawing files. For Inventor to able able to easily locate or reference files, related files must be properly organized and linked together. This organization is easily done through the concept of "Projects."
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><em>A project is simply a group of settings that "defines the locations of all files associated with a project, including where design data are stored, where you edit files, how many versions of the file are retained when you save a file, Content Center configuration settings, and the project type. Project file information is used to locate referenced files."</em></strong>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">As an example, you might have been given a contract to design or re-design a gas cooker unit. You would set up a new project that is probably called "Gas Cooker Design." You would assign the project location to a sub-directory of your "My Documents" directory called "Gas Cooker Design." (As you would see soon, Inventor helps you create directory with the same name as the project.) This way, all files generated during the design phase are stored in this "Gas Cooker Design" directory.<em> It is also advisable create sub-directories for parts, assembly, drawing, and presentation files in your project directory. This is a good housekeeping skill.</em> If your designs require image or spreadsheet files, you could also store them in sub-directories of the project directory.
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">A project definition is stored in a file whose file extension is ".ipj". So our hypothetical project might be saved in your file system (or hard disk) as Gas Cooker Design.ipj. This is called a "<strong>Project File</strong>." A project file created in say Autodesk Inventor 2012 cannot be opened by any previous version of Autodesk Inventor say Autodesk Inventor 2010. It's a good practice to backup design files and project files before migrating them to a new version of Autodesk Inventor.
<H2 style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color:#00F; background-color:#0F0">OBJECTIVES</H2>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">At the end of this lesson, the reader should be able to:
<ol style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<li>Describe the purpose of Projects.</li>
<li>Describe the purpose of Project Files.</li>
<li>Set up an Autodesk Inventor Projects.</li>
<li>Edit an existing Project.</li>
</ol>
<h2 style="color:#00F; background-color:#0F0; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">SETTING UP A NEW AUTODESK INVENTOR PROJECT</h2>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Now we are going to look at how set up an Autodesk Inventor Project File. To set up a new Project File, follow the following steps:</p>
<ol style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<li>On Autodesk Inventor, Click <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Creating%20and%20Managing%20Autodesk%20Inventor%20Projects/inventor_project_file_01.png" width="36" height="34" alt="menu broswer button" /> > Manage > Projects (OR) Ribbon > Get Started tab > Launch Panel > Projects.</li><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Creating%20and%20Managing%20Autodesk%20Inventor%20Projects/inventor_project_file_03.png" width="424" height="626" alt="Figure 1" /><br /><br />
<li>The Projects dialog box is shown in Fig. 2.<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Creating%20and%20Managing%20Autodesk%20Inventor%20Projects/inventor_project_file_04.png" width="684" height="550" alt="Figure 2" /><br />
On the Projects dialog box, click the New button (at the bottom). The Inventor project wizard dialog box opens.</li>
<li>On the Inventor project wizard dialog box, click the New Single User Project radio button and click Next.</li>
<li>In the Project File area > Name field, type the name of the new project, say Gas Cooker Design. The Project (Workspace) Folder and Project file to be created field are automatically filled. <br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Creating%20and%20Managing%20Autodesk%20Inventor%20Projects/inventor_project_file_05.png" width="806" height="499" alt="Figure 3" /> <br />
The Project (Workspace) Folder can be redefined by clicking the button beside it. Click Next and Finish. Click Ok to close the message box.</li>
<li>The Gas Cooker Design project is created as shown in Figure 4. The tick preceding the name of the project indicates that the project has been made active.<br />
When a project is made active, all designs are placed in the project folder that was defined during the project setup.</li>
<li>Click Done to close the Projects dialog box.<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Creating%20and%20Managing%20Autodesk%20Inventor%20Projects/inventor_project_file_06.png" width="806" height="547" alt="Figure 4" /></li>
</ol>
<h2 style="background-color:#0F0; color:#F00; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">EDITING AND CUSTOMIZING PROJECTS</h2>
<br />
<h3 style="font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #000; background-color: #Fcf">THE UPPER PANE OF THE PROJECTS DIALOG BOX</h3>
<p style="font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #000; background-color: #FFF">The upper pane of the Projects dialog box lists all the projects whose shortcuts are located in your ..../My Documents/Inventor folder. The following actions can be carried in the upper pane:</p>
<ol style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<li>Single Click: If you single click on any project name, you can edit the options for that specific project in the lower pane of the Projects dialog box.</li>
<li>Double Click: If you double click on any project name, the project is set active or current.</li>
<li>Right Click: If you right click on any project name, a shortcut menu appears with the following: Rename, Browse, New, and Delete.<BR /><BR />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Creating%20and%20Managing%20Autodesk%20Inventor%20Projects/inventor_project_file_07.png" width="238" height="183" alt="FIGURE 5" /><BR />
<ol type="i">
<li>Rename: Allows you to rename the project. Note that you cannot rename an active project.</li>
<li>Browse...: If you have a project file that is not listed on the upper pane of the Projects dialog box, use Browse to browse to its location in system. Once the the project file is located and opened, a shortcut is created in your .../My Documents/Inventor folder.</li>
<li>New...: This launches the Inventor project wizard so that you can set up a new project.</li>
<li>Delete: This deletes the selected project. Note that you cannot delete an active project.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #000; background-color: #Fcf">THE LOWER PANE OF THE PROJECTS DIALOG BOX</h3>
<p style="font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The lower pane of the Projects dialog box contains project-specific settings. Here you can edit the project type,<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Creating%20and%20Managing%20Autodesk%20Inventor%20Projects/inventor_project_file_08.png" width="684" height="550" alt="Figure 6" /><br /><br />
location, Style Library access permission, Workspace settings, Libraries, etc.</p>
<ol style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<li> Type: Defines the type of the active project as single user, shared, semi-isolated, or vault.
<ol type="i">
<li>Single user type is used when you work alone and all the files in your project are in one location, except for library locations.</li>
<li>Vault type is used if the project will be executed by many designers who will have to check out files from the vault edit them and check them into the vault for other designers to be able to have access to them. You must have Autodesk Vault client and Autodesk Vault Server installed ( or have access to the Server) to be able to use the Vault type effectively.</li><br />
</ol>
</li>
<li>Location: Indicates the location of the selected project.</li><br />
<li>Included Files: This is used to link other project files to the selected project file so that all files belonging to the linked projects will be available in the selected project. Select Included Files and click on the Edit button <img src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/Creating%20and%20Managing%20Autodesk%20Inventor%20Projects/inventor_project_file_09.png" width="21" height="23" alt="Edit button" /> beside the lower pane to browse to a project file.</li><br />
<li>Use Style Library: Defines the Style Library access permission of users of this project. Right click Use Style Library to access the various access permissions.
<ol type="i">
<li> <em>Use Style Library = Yes</em> uses the style library defined in the style library folder options. The library is writable so all designers can create and edit the styles and save them to the style library, replacing previous style definitions. </li>
<li> <em>Use Style Library = Read Only</em> prohibits designers from saving new and changed styles to the style library. Library definitions cannot be replaced. </li>
<li> <em>Use Style Library = No</em> prevents a style library from being used. Styles used in project documents can be accessed only through styles created with the Style Editor, imported into the document, or present in the document template. </li><br />
</ol>
</li>
<li>Workspace: Shows the location were your files are saved for the selected project.</li><br />
<li>Libraries: Shows paths to locations of files that are referenced and used, but not modified as part of the project. Each project can have one or more libraries.</li><br />
<li>Options: When expanded Options shows the Project-specific options
<ol>
<li><em>Old Versions to Keep On Save:</em> Sets the number of versions to store in the <em>OldVersions</em>\ folder for each file saved. The first time a file is saved in a project, an <em>OldVersions</em>\ folder for that file is created. When the file is saved, the prior version is moved automatically to its <em>OldVersions</em>\ folder. After the number of old versions reaches the maximum, the oldest version is deleted when a newer version is moved into the folder. Click the variable, and then change it to the maximum number of file versions to keep in all <em>OldVersions</em>\ folders in the project.</li><br />
<li><em>Using Unique File Names:</em> Specifies intent to create unique names for all files in the project (including the subfolder). Not applicable for library locations.
<ol type="i">
<li>Select Yes to indicate that no duplicate file names are used in the project. If a file is moved into the project, Autodesk Inventor searches through all editable project locations to find the file name, even if it was last accessed from a different folder. </li>
<li>Select No to indicate that duplicate file names exist in the project. If No, and duplicate file names are found when resolving files, the Resolve Files dialog box opens so you can browse to the correct file to manually reestablish the link.</li><br />
</ol>
</li>
<li><em>Name:</em> Shows the name of the project. Right-click Name and select Edit to change the name. The name updates in the Select Project pane, but does not update the folder name. </li><br />
<li><em>Shortcut:</em> Shows the name of the shortcut to the active project. Stores shortcuts in the projects folder. The project name is taken from the name of the target project file, not the name of the shortcut. Right-click the name of the shortcut, and then click Edit. Enter a new name. You can select Delete to delete the shortcut. The shortcut is deleted from the projects folder, but the project is not deleted.</li><br />
<li><em>Owner:</em> Identifies the project owner, typically the lead engineer or CAD administrator.</li><br />
<li><em>Release ID:</em> Identifies the version of the released project data. If a project is used as a library by another project, the release ID may be useful in identifying which project to use.</li><br />
<li><em>Imported Components Folder Name:</em> If you select to save imported component files to your Workspace, this folder is created and the component files are saved to it. </li><br />
<li><em>Imported Top Level Assemblies Folder Name:</em> If you select to save imported assembly files to your Workspace, separate from your parts, this folder is created and the assembly files are saved to it.
</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I hope you learnt a lot in this lesson. If you have a problem, please post a comment and I'll reply ASAP. Thank you.</p>
</div>
<div class="footer" id="footer">
<p><a href="#top">Jump To the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Contents</a></p>
<p style="font:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #000; background-color: #FFF">References:</p>
<ol style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<li> Autodesk Inventor Help System.
</li>
</ol>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-57341115813564546542012-02-19T21:44:00.001+01:002012-02-23T22:32:51.161+01:00WHAT IS AUTODESK INVENTOR?<meta name="Keywords" http-equiv="Keywords" content="autodesk, inventor, tutorials, what is autodesk inventor?, digital prototyping, design validation, design visualization, design documentation, design optimize, product design, parts, assemblies, cable and harness, piping and tubing, stress analysis, dynamic simulation, presentation" /><div class="header" id="header" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<p style="font-family:monospace">/**<br />
*PROLOGUE<br />
* I'm beginning a series of lesson tailored for my friends out there who are learning Autodesk Inventor from the scratch. The lessons are going to be arranged in sequence so that the reader can grow in confidence with each lesson. <br />
*I'm assuming that the reader is new to the world of "digital prototyping" or is migrating from a non-Autodesk product. Whatever might be the case, I'm wishing you a happy learning experience. <br />
*I would also encourage the readers to post comments about the articles. Comment about my methodology, content, useful, in fact anything on your mind. You are also free to suggest to me topics to write about. Thank you. <br />
*/</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2012</p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG </p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></p>
<p style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Check out this blog's <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">table-of-content page</a> for more topics in this series.</p></div>
<div class="body" id="body" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<h1 align="center" style="color:#F00; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color:#6FF"><a name="top" id="top"></a>TOPIC: WHAT IS AUTODESK INVENTOR®?</h1>
<p>Autodesk Inventor is a design application developed by Autodesk Inc, USA. Autodesk Inventor is a <u>Digital Prototyping</u> software and can be used for part design, assembly design, creation of presentation views of assemblies, and creation of associative engineering drawings of your part, assembly and presentation files.</p>
<p>Autodesk Inventor is a 3D feature-based parametric modelling design application. Inventor is said to be feature based because each modification that is made to a component is regarded as a feature. So in a design workflow for a component, you would most likely make use of extrusion, swept, lofted, revolved, threaded, hole, rib, fillet, shell, and chamfer features . If you are also experienced with surface modelling, you would likely use features like sculpt, thicken, patch, and trim. These features that can be modified anytime during the design process with Autodesk Inventor. This is also a big distinguishing factor between Inventor and AutoCAD. In AutoCAD, it is difficult to edit modification made to a 3D model even with the availability of the SHOWHIST and SOLIDHIST system variables. For instance, I can change the diameter and/or depth of a hole that was created on a model at any time during the design stage. Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com"><strong>Types of Features in Autodesk Inventor</strong>.</a></p>
<p>Inventor is also said to be a parametric modeler because the sizes of these features and their relationship with each other; the relationship of one part to another in an assembly; the forces, pressures, and moments applied for stress analysis; and the forces, torques, velocity, and acceleration applied in dynamic simulation environment are all parameters! These parameters are actively involved in controlling the shape and
behavior of the part or assembly being created, and during simulations and visualizations.</p>
<p>Autodesk Inventor is a digital prototyping software. Digital prototyping provides engineers, designers, manufacturers, salesmen, and marketers the ability to design, optimize, validate, simulate, and visualize their designs digitally before it is built physically. Digital prototyping can also be defined as an integrated process that involves the gathering of design data digitally to generate products (models and assemblies) whose <u>form, fit, and function</u> can be <u>tested, optimized and validated.</u> With digital prototyping, you do not start by building and testing a physical prototype - a workflow that is now regarded as being very expensive and obsolete. Rather, you design the part or assembly in a computer, validate and optimize to reduce errors and correct likely problems, and visualize the model to see how it will appear when it is physically built. With digital prototyping, a designer can save the tremendous cost that is associated with the building of physical prototypes. </p>
<p>In Inventor, one is able to design a part or component. After designing it, you can open the design model in the <em><u>Stress Analysis</u></em> environment where you can apply real-life constraints (forces, moments, gravity, etc) on it to see if the component can withstand such loads. With the results, the designer is able to make changes until the components meet the design specifications. Also, the designer can open his assembly inside the <em><u>Dynamic Simulation</u></em> environment where he can apply joints between parts and forces to mimic real-life situations. So the designer is able to see how his assembly will performance in real time with respect to the applied parameters.</p>
<p>Most new users who are migrating from AutoCAD are usually confused at first and tend to misuse the tools in Inventor. This is because they do not understand the difference between designing with Inventor and AutoCAD. For example, while AutoCAD makes use of <u>precise sketches</u> for 3D modeling, Inventor makes use of <u>parametric sketches</u>. This means that the size and shape of the 3D model can be easily modified by changing the size and shape of the underlying sketch. Inventor stores values like the length of a line, the angle between two lines or the height of cylinder as parameters. It's also important to add that such parametric models created with inventor will automatically update once the any dimension defining it’s geometry is changed. Therefore Inventor could be said to be a <u>dimension-driven parametric modeler.</u> Learn more about <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2011/06/understanding-and-using-sketch.html"><strong>sketches</strong></a>, <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2011/08/using-and-understanding-parameters-in.html"><strong>parameters</strong></a>, and <strong><a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/2012/02/understanding-2d-constriants-in.html">constraints</a></strong>.</p>
<p>There is associativity between all Inventor files that make use of any other Inventor file. For example, if a presentation file and drawing file are created based on a part file, the presentation file and drawing files will update to reflect any changes made to the part file at any time.</p>
<p>Apart from being able to optimize and validate designs, Inventor Professional can be used for creation of <em><u>Weldment</u></em> assemblies (that is assemblies containing parts that need to be joined together through welding processes e.g. frames). Inventor has another environment for creation of photorealistic images called the <em><u>Inventor Studio</u></em>. While the <em><u>Presentation</u></em> environment is used for creating exploded and animated views of one’s assemblies (which can be used by maintenance engineers during the maintenance of the machine). The <em><u>Piping and Tubing</u></em> environment is there to help you design your pipes and tubes faster and accurately. Imagine the tubes behind your refrigerator, Inventor can help you design that. As if those weren't enough, Inventor Professional also comes with an environment for <em><u>Cable and Harness</u></em> design. Now imagine all the complex interconnection of cables and harnesses under the hood (bonnet) of a car, Inventor can design those and still yell for more!</p>
<p>Learn more from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_prototyping">Wikipedia</a> and <a href="http://usa.autodesk.com/digital-prototyping">Autodesk</a>.</p>
<p>Autodesk Inventor is mainly an application for mechanical engineering designers. Autodesk Inventor comes in various product lines including:</p>
<ol>
<li>Autodesk Inventor;</li>
<li>Autodesk Inventor Routed System Design;</li>
<li>Autodesk Inventor Tooling and Mold Design;</li>
<li>Autodesk Inventor Simulation;</li>
<li> Autodesk Inventor Professional.</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li type="square">Autodesk Inventor is customized to have only 3D mechanical design capabilities including standard part design, plastic part design, sheet-metal part design, assembly design, design visualization with Inventor Studio, design documentation, design automation, and design presentation.</li>
<li>Autodesk Inventor Routed System Design is customized to have all the capabilities of the standard Autodesk Inventor in addition to Cable and Harness design and Piping and Tubing designs.</li>
<li>Autodesk Inventor Tooling and Mold Design has all the capabilities of the standard Autodesk Inventor in addition to Tooling and Mold designs.</li>
<li>Autodesk Inventor Simulation has all the capabilities of the standard Autodesk Inventor in addition to design simulation and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).</li>
<li>Autodesk Inventor Professional has the capabilities of all the products mentioned above.</li>
</ul>
<p>In conclusion, Autodesk Inventor wields a lot of power. Though the software might have some limitations (just has every other thing man does do), but the greatest limitation is in the user of the software. So maximize the potentials in Autodesk Inventor and change your world.</p>
<p>Find out more at <a href="http://usa.autodesk.com/products">Autodesk</a>.</p>
</div>
<div class="footer" id="footer" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="#top">Jump to the Top</a> | <a href="http://inventortutorials.blogspot.com/p/blog-table-of-content.html">Index</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-8141463454413488372012-02-11T16:24:00.002+01:002012-03-09T01:10:09.843+01:00Understanding Autodesk Inventor User Interface<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-family: monospace;">
/**<br />
<br />
*PROLOGUE<br />
* I'm beginning a series of lesson tailored for my friends out there who are learning Autodesk Inventor from the scratch. The lessons are going to be arranged in sequence so that the reader can grow in confidence with each lesson. <br />
<br />
*I'm assuming that the reader is new to the world of "digital prototyping" or is migrating from a non-Autodesk product. Whatever might be the case, I'm wishing you a happy learning experience. <br />
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*I would also encourage the readers to post comments about the articles. Comment about my methodology, content, useful, in fact anything on your mind. You are also free to suggest to me topics to write about. Thank you. <br />
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*/</div>
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<u>PLATFORM:</u> AUTODESK INVENTOR PROFESSIONAL 2011<br />
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<u>LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY:</u> BEGINNERS<br />
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<u>AUTHOR</u>: NDIANABASI UDONKANG<br />
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<u>FOLLOW ME ON</u>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></div>
<h1 style="background-color: #66ffff; color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING THE AUTODESK® INVENTOR USER INTERFACE</h1>
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Hello! Welcome to the series of lessons tailored for our friends who are seeking for extra materials to enlighten them as they begin their journey into the interesting world of digital prototyping.<br />
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In this lesson, we are going to discuss the various parts of the Autodesk Inventor user interface with the aim of knowing their names and understanding what they do. This lesson is suitable beginners and even those experienced CAD guys who want to know the real names of the various components of the user interface.</div>
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At the end of the lesson, the reader should be able to:</div>
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<li>Know the names of the various parts of the Inventor user interface (UI), and</li>
<li>Know the functions of the various parts of the Inventor UI,</li>
</ol>
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This lesson is based on the interface of Autodesk Inventor Professional 2011 and is applicable to the interface of Inventor 2010 and Inventor 2012. Autodesk Inventor is a very large application consisting of so many modules or environment. The modules or environment available in your application depend on the type of Autodesk Inventor you installed. We have:</div>
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<li>AutoCAD Inventor Suite;</li>
<li>AutoCAD Inventor Professional Suite;</li>
<li>AutoCAD Inventor Routed System Suite;</li>
<li>AutoCAD Inventor Simulation Suite; and</li>
<li>AutoCAD Inventor Tooling Suite.</li>
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[The AutoCAD prefixes signifies that the Suite is bundled with both Inventor and AutoCAD.]</div>
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Also the interface might vary based on the current task being performed. Extra tools will be loaded into the application when you are carrying out routed system design, sheet metal design, simulation, or weldment designs. <br />
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Before we start, I advise that you download Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 to your local computer for easy reference. Simply right click on an image and select Save Image As.... Let's get started.</div>
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AREAS OF THE INVENTOR USER INTERFACE</h2>
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Let's begin by discussing the various areas of the user interface. Fig. 1 shows the Inventor user interface when a part file is opened (i.e. the model environment). The figure has been divided into areas are numbered. A schematic of the interface is shown in Fig. 2. Â The legend shows the names of the various parts.</div>
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<img alt="Figure 1" height="391" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_16.png" width="643" /></div>
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<img alt="Figure 2" height="392" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_18.png" width="637" /></div>
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1. APPLICATION MENU OR MENU BROWSER</h3>
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<img alt="Figure 3" height="29" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_07.png" width="29" />The Application Menu or Menu Browser is found at the top left corner of the Inventor user interface. When clicked on, it display a fly-out that with menus and tools for file operations. The fly-out is shown in Fig. 3.</div>
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<img alt="Figure 4" height="553" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_15.png" width="378" /></div>
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As shown, we have the New, Open, Save, Save As, Export, Manage, Vault Server, Print, and Close menus plus the iProperties tool. Each menu contains tools with related functions, however, they all typical operate your files. The Menu Browser also stores the a list of recently-opened files so that you can easily reopen a file. At the bottom is the Options button for launching the Application Options dialog box and the Exit Inventor button for closing Inventor. <br />
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HOT TIP: Double clicking the Menu Browser icon closes Inventor. Try it out!</div>
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2. QUICK ACCESS TOOLBAR</h3>
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The Quick Access Toolbar (Fig. 4) is strip containing tools that are frequently used during the design process. It is found at the right of the Menu Browser. Tools like New, Open, Save, Undo, Redo, Local Update/ Global Update, Selection Priorities, etc are displayed on the Quick Access Toolbar. </div>
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<img alt="Figure 5" height="48" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_06.png" width="410" /></div>
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So you can save yourself some sweat by using the Quick Access Toolbar. The downward-pointing arrow at the end of the Quick Access Toolbar can be used to load more tools on the strip.</div>
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3. THE TITLE BAR</h3>
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The Title Bar (Fig. 5) is the by the right of the Quick Access Toolbar. </div>
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<img alt="Figure 6" height="56" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_17.png" width="576" /></div>
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The Title Bar displays the name of the application being used and, if there is sufficient space, the name of the file currently being used.</div>
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4. THE INFO CENTER</h3>
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The Info Center is found by the right of the Title Bar. The Info Center consists of tools that can be used to obtain information about Autodesk Inventor both locally and over the internet.</div>
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<img alt="Figure 7" height="69" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_08.png" width="524" /></div>
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The tools available on the Info Center are the search bar, Subscription Center, Communication Center, Favorites, and Help. You can type in keywords into the Search Bar and hit enter on your keyword and Inventor will display topics, from the local help system, related to those keywords. The Subscription Center can be used by users who have subscribed for Inventor to access the online Subscription Advantage. The Communication Center is can inform the user about news, software updates, and blogs about Inventor. The Favorites tool is used to access your favourite or saved topics. When you search for an article with search bar, click the "star" icon by the right of the topics to add them to your Favorites list (See Fig. 7 & Fig. 8). The Help tool is used to open the Autodesk Inventor Help browser.</div>
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<img alt="Figure 8" height="594" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_19.png" width="314" /></div>
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<img alt="Figure 9" height="195" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_20.png" width="330" /></div>
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5. THE APPLICATION WINDOW CONTROL BUTTONS</h3>
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These buttons are found at the top right corner of the Inventor Window, and are used to minimize, restore down/ maximize or close the application.</div>
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<img alt="Figure 10" height="69" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_21.png" width="369" /></div>
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6.RIBBON TABS</h3>
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The Ribbon Tabs (Fig. 10) are the found just below the first row (containing the Quick Access Toolbar, Title Bar, and Info Center). The Ribbon is the user interface element that replaced toolbars in almost all Autodesk applications. The Ribbon is divided into Tabs, Panels, and Icons. The Ribbons Tabs are collections of Panels. That is each Tab contains a unique set of Panels. For example, when you are in the model environment, you will see, by default, seven tabs: Model, Inspect, Tools, Manage, View, Environments, and Get Started Tabs. When you click a tab, a set of panels is displayed which is different from those of other tabs.</div>
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<img alt="Figure 11" height="183" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_22.png" width="539" /></div>
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7. RIBBON PANELS</h3>
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Ribbon Panels are used to group Icons or tools that perform closely-related functions. The Model tab consists of the Sketch, Create, Modify, Work Features, Pattern, Surface, Plastic Part, Harness, and Convert panels. Each of these panels contains tools (represented by Icons) that are closely related e.g. the Sketch panel contains tools for working in 2D and 3D sketch environments while the Create panel contains tools for creating model features. </div>
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<img alt="Figure 12" height="95" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_23.png" width="559" /></div>
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8. THE RIBBON</h3>
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The Tabs, Panels, and Icons or tools make up the Ribbon (Fig. 12). The Ribbon is a very nice way of compressing hundreds of Inventor icons (tools) into a small area of the UI thereby freeing valuable real estate for your graphics area. The Ribbon can further be displayed in various modes to free even more space for those who are not satisfied with the present space. When you click on the downward-pointing arrow beside the last tab on the Ribbon, you can display the Ribbon in three modes:</div>
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<li>Minimize to Tabs,</li>
<li>Minimize to Panel Titles, and</li>
<li>Minimize to Panel Buttons (See Fig. 13).</li>
</ol>
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<img alt="Figure 13" height="76" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_24.png" width="601" /></div>
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<img alt="Figure 14" height="198" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_25.png" width="409" /></div>
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9. DOCUMENT WINDOW CONTROL BUTTONS</h3>
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These set of buttons are found at the top right corner of the Graphics Area (12) and just below the Ribbon. They are used to minimize, restore down/ maximize, and close the current file. See Fig. 1 & Fig. 2.</div>
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10. NAVIGATION VIEWCUBE</h3>
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The Viewcube is a UI element that used for changing the views of the model in the Graphics Area (12). The Viewcube is a cube with hotspots at its vertices, edges, and faces. The hotspots are clickable and will pre-highlight when you hover the cursor over them. Clicking on any of the four faces of the Viewcube changes the view to the corresponding Orthographic views: Front, Back, Top, or Bottom. Clicking on the corners, or vertices changes the view to the Isometric views. You can also use the Viewcube perform Orbiting operations by clicking and drag it.<br />
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The Viewcube options can be accessed by right clicking the Viewcube. On the shortcut menu are tools for displaying the model in perspective or parallel projection.</div>
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<img alt="Figure 14" height="155" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_20.png" width="194" /></div>
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<img alt="Figure 15" height="346" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_26.png" width="294" /></div>
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11. NAVIGATION BAR</h3>
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The Navigation Bar (Fig. 16) is found just below the Viewcube. It contains all tools for model navigation: Zoom, Pan, Orbit, SteeringWheel, and the View Face tools.</div>
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<img alt="Figure 16" height="412" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_09.png" width="202" /></div>
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12.GRAPHICS AREA/ WINDOW</h3>
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The Graphics Area (See Fig. 1 & 2) is the big space at the middle of the UI. It is the area where your models and drawing sheets are displayed. The appearance of the graphics area be set in the Application Options dialog box.</div>
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13. MODEL BROWSER</h3>
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The Model Browser (Fig. 18) is a critical part of the Autodesk Inventor UI. It usually docked by default by the left of the graphics area. The Model Browser displays the features, components, parts, and other information about your designs. The model browser typical displays the features, components or parts according to the order they created (though they could be rearranged). <br />
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The model browser for an assembly file is almost identical to that of a part file but for its top row. At the top of the model browser for a part file, there are two buttons: Browser Filters and Find. The Browser Filters button is used to hide some details like Work Features, UCS, Documents, Notes and Warnings in the Browser. The Find button opens the Find Part Sketches dialog box that helps in locating and modifying sketch elements and features.<br />
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The model browser for an assembly file has four buttons: Browser Filters, Design View Representation, Modeling and Assembly Views, and Find. The Design View Representation button can be used for easily switch between user-created design views. The Modeling and Assembly Views button is used to switch between modeling and assembly views. A major difference between the modeling and assembly view is that the modeling view puts all the assembly constraints in a folder.</div>
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<img alt="Figure 18" height="512" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_12.png" width="318" /></div>
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<img alt="Figure 19" height="441" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_27.png" width="269" /></div>
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14. USER COORDINATE SYSTEM (UCS) ICON</h3>
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The UCS Icon is found at the bottom left corner of the graphics area. The UCS Icon indicated the default directions or orientation of the default work axes (X, Y, and Z axes). The UCS Icon has three axes that are color coded with red, green, and blue. The red, green, and blue axis represents the X, Y, and Z axes respectively.</div>
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<img alt="Figure 20" height="135" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_28.png" width="163" /></div>
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15. STATUS BAR</h3>
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The Status Bar is used to display message, tips, or information to the user. It is found at the bottom of the UI. When the user is idle, the status bar displays "Ready" meaning that it is ready to perform any task assigned to it.</div>
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<img alt="Figure 21" height="56" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_14.png" width="196" /></div>
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16. DOCUMENT SWITCHING TABS</h3>
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The Document Switching Tabs are found at the bottom of the Graphics Area just behind the Model Browser. They are only displayed when more than one file is opened in Inventor (Fig. 22).</div>
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<img alt="Figure 22" height="48" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_13.png" width="288" /></div>
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On the Document Switching Tabs are buttons for cascading, tiling, viewing, and switching between multiple windows.</div>
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17. CAPACITY METER</h3>
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The Capacity Meter provides very useful information about the amount of memory used by Inventor. The meter has three indicators: total number of occurrences in the active document, total number of files open in the session, and amount of memory used by the session.</div>
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<img alt="Figure 23" height="82" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk Inventor Tutorials/user_interface_29.png" width="225" /></div>
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Fig. 23 shows a typical capacity meter from an assembly file. It indicates that total number of occurrences of components in the active assembly is 13, and there are 10 unique files opened in the assembly. The color changes from green to yellow when more than 60% of the memory allotted to Inventor is used, then red once 80% has been used.<br />
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So that is all. If you have any questions let me know.</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-84970131881437782362012-01-28T09:57:00.000+01:002012-01-28T09:57:32.263+01:00APOLOGY: ARTICLES' IMAGES ARE NOT LOADINGI want to use this medium to apologise to all my readers for the inability to see images in some articles on this blog. The server on which the images were hosted is currently down.<br />
<br />
I'm, right now, working on hosting the images on a more reliable server to avoid future hitches. Thank you for your understanding.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318929651654284946.post-69975921099676054642011-11-14T13:06:00.002+01:002012-02-19T21:46:06.513+01:00Using Selection Priority Modes to Create Selection Sets in Autodesk Inventor<p>Platform: Autodesk Inventor Professional<br />
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Level of difficulty: Beginners</p><p><br />
<br />
Author: Ndianabasi Udonkang<br />
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Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuzzydesigner">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ndianabasi.udonkang">Facebook</a></p><p>Components, parts, features, and sketches must be selected before they can be edited or modified in anyway. Autodesk Inventor provides <strong><em>selection priority modes </em></strong>to enable the user create <strong><em>selection sets</em></strong>. A selection set is simply those components, parts, features, or sketches that you have selected on your graphics area. The selection priority modes available depend on the active environment. So, the some priority modes available in the assembly environment might not be available in the part environment, drawing environment, and presentation environment.<br />
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In this lesson, we are going to learn how to create selection sets with the help of priority modes. We are also going to use an assembly from the tutorial_files project that is shipped with Autodesk Inventor. <br />
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Close and save all opened file. On the Ribbon, go to the Get Started tab > Launch panel and click on the Projects command. <br />
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<img width="365" height="165" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/selection_priority_1.png"><br />
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On the Projects dialog box, double click on the project <em>tutorial_files</em> to make it current or active. Click Done.<br />
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<img width="244" height="248" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/selection_priority_2.png"></p><p><br />
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<h3 style="color:#f00"><u>COMPONENT PRIORITY</u></h3><br />
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The component priority mode allows the selection of only the first-level components of an active (or edited) assembly. When component priority is on, children parts or components of a subassembly cannot be selected individually.<br />
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STEPS</p><ol><li>Click the Open tool on the Quick Access Toolbar.</li>
<li><img width="375" height="56" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/selection_priority_3.png"></li>
<li>In the Open dialog box, open Tube & Pipe folder > Accumulator folder > Accumulator.iam.</li>
<li><img width="350" height="306" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/selection_priority_4.png"></li>
<li>Take some time and observe the Browser at the left-hand side of the Inventor window. There are only two subassemblies on the first-level of the active assembly: Tube & Pipe Runs and Mount Frame. The rest are parts.</li>
<li>On the Quick Access Toolbar, click on the Selection Priority drop-down.</li>
<li><img width="409" height="64" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/selection_priority_5.png"></li>
<li><img width="351" height="426" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/selection_priority_6.png"></li>
<li>On the list, click Select Component Priority.</li>
<li>Point and click the Mount Frame subassembly graphics window. The entire subassembly is selected. Note that the individual frames making up the subassembly cannot be selected.</li>
</ol><p><strong style="color:#0F0"><em><u>HOT TIP: </u></em></strong> The selection priority list can also be accessed via a shortcut menu. Just hold down the Shift key and right-click the mouse while the cursor is positioned within the graphics window!<br />
<p><br />
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<img width="197" height="329" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/selection_priority_7.png"><br />
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<h3 style="color:#f00"><u>PART PRIORITY</u></h3><br />
<br />
The part priority mode allows the selection of individual parts in the active or inactive assembly or subassembly. When a subassembly is edited in-place, the parts belonging to the edited subassembly and those belonging to the parent assembly can be selected.<br />
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STEPS:</p><ol><li>With the accumulator assembly still open, go to the Quick Access Toolbar. Click on the Selection Priority drop-down and click Select Part Priority.</li>
<li>Now, point at the various parts of the assembly and notice that all the individual part can be selected including those belonging to the two subassemblies (Mount Frame & Tube & Pipe Runs).</li>
<li>Double click on the Mount Frame subassembly in the Browser to edit it in-place. Other components of the parent assembly are grayed out.</li>
<li><img width="309" height="253" src="http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u407/fuzzydesigner/Autodesk%20Inventor%20Tutorials/selection_priority_8.png"></li>
<li>With the part priority mode still active, point the mouse over the assembly. Notice that the individual frames making up the Mount Frame subassembly can be selected in addition to other parts that do not belong to the active assembly.</li>
<li>Click Return at the right of ribbon to return to the parent assembly.</li>
</ol><h3 style="color:#f00"><u>FEATURE PRIORITY</u></h3><br />
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The feature priority mode allows the selection of features on any part in the active part or assembly. Features located on part not belonging to the active part or assembly cannot be selected. Sketched, placed, and work features can be selected in this mode. Sketched features are those features that are created with the Extrude, Revolve, Loft, Sweep, Rib, Coil, and Emboss tools. Placed features are those features that are created with the Fillet, Chamfer, Hole, Shell, Draft, and Thread tools. Work features include work planes, work axes, and work points.<br />
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STEPS:</p><ol><li>With the accumulator assembly still open, go to the Quick Access Toolbar. Click on the Selection Priority drop-down and click Select Feature Priority.</li>
<li>In the graphics area, point the cursor over the assembly. Notice that only features are selected.</li>
<li>Double click on any component on the Browser to edit it in-place. Notice that only the features belonging to the edited component is selected and those belonging the inactive components cannot be selected.</li>
<li>Click on Return at the right end of the ribbon to return to the parent assembly.</li>
</ol><h3 style="color:#f00"><u>FACES AND EDGES PRIORITY</u></h3><br />
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The Faces and Edges priority mode allows the selection of only faces and edges of an active. Faces and edges of parts that do not belong to the active part cannot be selected.<br />
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STEP:</p><ol><li>With the accumulator assembly still open, go to the Quick Access Toolbar. Click on the Selection Priority drop-down and click Select Faces and Edges Priority.</li>
<li>Point the cursor over the assembly. Notice that only the faces and edges of the parts are selected.</li>
</ol><h3 style="color:#f00"><u>SKETCH FEATURE PRIORITY</u></h3><br />
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The Sketch Feature priority mode allows the selection of only visible sketches and model edges and vertices of any part in the assembly.<br />
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STEP:</p><ol><li>With the accumulator assembly still open, go to the Quick Access Toolbar. Click on the Selection Priority drop-down and click Select Sketch Feature priority.</li>
<li>Point the cursor over the assembly. Notice that only model edges and vertices are selected. If there is any visible sketch, it can also be selected in the mode.</li>
</ol>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10953220001597036104noreply@blogger.com1