Last month, we explored some of the differences between using AutoCAD® and Autodesk Inventor®, and learned how to make a simple sketch into a powerful parametric sketch.
Let's take that same sketch and create a 3D model with additional features, then create 2D drawing views that reflect the model features and dimensions.
Here's the file from last month:
Last month, we created a paper napkin sketch, dimensioned, constrained, and anchored to the part origin. We finished the sketch and set our view to isometric and saved the file.
As a new guide to learning in Inventor, we have introduced this month
the ability to view multiple flash videos to clarify the steps outlined in this article. Flash Player 8 or above is required to view to linked videos.
As soon as we exited the sketch (Finish sketch), the toolbar panel changed from the SketchPpanel to the Part Features panel. We can now select the Extrude command to extrude the sketch profile into a solid.
First we will make sure that our sketch is in an isometric view, so that we can determine the direction of extrusion. Right mouse button and select isometric view.
Once we have our isometric view, let's pick the extrude command from the part features panel. Since our sketch is a close profile, we will not have to select inside the sketch to tell Inventor what we wish to extrude.
Next, let's set a distance for our extrusion of 1.5 inches.
Inventor by default will extrude in the positive Z direction of the sketch. We can also extrude in the negative Z direction.... or, extrude midplane in both directions.
We will choose to extrude in the negative Z direction. Pick okay to complete the extrusion, and in the command.
View this video on creating a feature in Inventor
Let's repeat the process and create a second sketch in our part file. We will create a new sketch on the chamfered side of this part.
Pick on the chamfered side of the part to highlight the face. RMB and select New Sketch. A new sketch, Sketch2, is created and you are now again in sketch mode. You will notice that the Part Features panel has switched back to the 2D Sketch Panel.
We will now select the Look At icon in order to orient the sketch parallel to our screen. It is always best to sketch with the view parallel to the screen.
Our next step will be to create a circle centered in this face. To accomplish this easily, we will create a construction line which is a dashed line, diagonal across the face.
After the construction line is created, we will select the circle command and move our cursor to the middle of the construction line. A green dot will appear indicating that we are at the midpoint of the construction line. Select the midpoint to begin the center of the circle. Drag the circle out and pick a position inside the edges of the face.
We will dimension the circle to a diameter of one inch. Pick on the dimension command (D) to create the dimension. Pick on the circle and drag the dimension line out and pick a point. You may now enter the dimension value. If the dimension value input box does not appear, you may double pick on the dimension to launch the input box.
Once the dimension is placed, you may RMB and select done, then RMB Finish Sketch. You will notice that when you finish the sketch, the Part Features panel will reappear. RMB and select Isometric View.
Select the extrude command, pick inside the circle to highlight, and extrude the circle .25 inches in the positive Z direction.
This part feature is now complete.
View this video on creating the second feature.
By now, you should begin to realize that while using Inventor is very different from the AutoCAD environment, it will not be difficult to learn how to model a part in Inventor.
In this next section, we will create a 2D drawing from our Inventor model that contains orthographic views and an isometric view. In addition we will begin to apply dimensions to the drawing.
View this video on creating the 2D Drawing.
View this video on dimensioning the 2D Drawing.
Coming Next Month:
In June, we will introduce the new Area Loft in Autodesk Inventor 2008. Area loft allows powerful control over cross section volumes while lofting. This extra control is handy in creating accurate flow shapes in manifolds and other parts requiring precise control over loft volumes.
Want to give Inventor a try?
If you would like to try Autodesk Inventor, contact your local reseller for a trial copy, complete with a getting started manual.
In addition to the 30-day trial copy, there is a 180-day learning edition also available from your reseller; however files created in the learning edition are watermarked and must not be used in a commercial version of Autodesk Inventor. The watermark will contaminate files created in the commercial version rendering them unusable.
If you have questions regarding the use of Autodesk Inventor, please do not hesitate to e-mail me or visit the AUGI Manufacturing discussion forums.
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Submitted by Dennis Jeffrey, an Autodesk Inventor Certified Expert and Autodesk Implementation Certified Expert. Dennis is the founder of Tekni Consulting LLC, a firm specializing in Autodesk Manufacturing Solutions implementation, training, and consulting. Dennis has been using Autodesk Mechanical Products since 1987 with the introduction of the Autodesk Pioneer Program, which became AutoSolid. He has been supporting manufacturing customers with Autodesk products since 1986. He is also the author of Creative Design With Mechanical Desktop™ and Creative Design With Autodesk Inventor™, in addition to being a four-year instructor at Autodesk University. Dennis is also a moderator for the AUGI manufacturing forums as well as an AUGI Wish List reviewer and columnist. You can contact him at djeffrey@teknigroup.com and visit his website at http://teknigroup.com.
