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Fundamentals
Work Environment
Parts
Assemblies
Drawings
Collaboration and Visualization
Design Optimization
System Performance
Glossary
Autodesk Inventor >
Fundamentals
Getting started
Basic 3D Workflow
Transition from 2D
Transition from SolidWorks
About Help
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals >
Getting started
Environments
Concept Procedure
Work in Environments
Once you enter an environment, all commands that enable you to work within
that environment are available for you. Each specialized environment has a
unique tab, called a contextual tab, with commands specific to that environment.
For example, when you enter the Studio environment, a new tab labeled Renter is
displayed.
To exit Environments
User Interface
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Return
Access: On the Quick Access toolbar, click the arrow on the Return
button, and select an option.
Use Return to quit in-place editing and quickly return to the desired
environment. The destination depends on which modeling environment you
are working in.
Return (to Returns to the previous editing state. For example,
previous) Return (to previous) in the sketch environment returns to
the part that contains the sketch.
Return to Returns to the parent component in the browser. For
Parent example, when editing a part in a subassembly, Return to
Parent changes the edit target to the subassembly. When
editing a sketch, Return to Parent changes the edit target
to the part that owns the sketch.
Return to Top Returns to the top model in the browser, regardless of
how deep the edit target is in the browser hierarchy.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started >
Application Menu
Concept Procedure
The Search field displays at the top of the Application Menu. Search results can
include menu commands, basic tooltips, and command prompt text strings. You
can enter a search term in any language.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Tools in the Application
Window > Application Menu >
Print Model
Print Drawing
To print a model
To print a drawing
To print a note
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Tools in the Application
Window > Application Menu >
Recent Documents
Concept Procedure
You can view the list of recent documents, or open documents from the right
pane of the Application Menu when no first level item is selected:
Click Open
Documents
to view open
documents.
Click Recent
Documents
to view
recent
documents.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Tools in the Application
Window > Application Menu >
You can view the list of recent documents, or open documents from the right
pane of the Application Menu when no first level item is selected:
Click Open
Documents
to view open
documents.
Click Recent
Documents
to view
recent
documents.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Tools in the Application
Window > Application Menu >
Preview Documents
When you hover over a file in either of the lists, a preview of the file is displayed
along with the following information:
You can also include a thumbnail of the file next to the files in the list. To change
the file icon to a thumbnail preview, click the drop-down list at the top of the
Recent Documents or Open Documents lists and choose a small, medium, or large
thumbnail.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Tools in the Application Window >
2. On the Customize menu, click the command name you want to display
on the Quick Access toolbar.
A check mark next to a command name indicates it is displayed on the
Quick Access toolbar.
To move the Quick Access toolbar menu above or below the ribbon
2. On the Customize menu, click Show Above the Ribbon to display the
Quick Access toolbar above the ribbon, or Show Below the Ribbon to
display the Quick Access toolbar below the ribbon.
A check mark next to a command name indicates it is displayed on the
Quick Access toolbar.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Tools in the Application Window >
Status Bar
Concept Quick Reference
Capacity Meter
The Capacity Meter provides several pieces of information with regards to memory
consumption. 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.
The meter can be used in Inventor Only: Restricts the display to just the
Autodesk Inventor process. The color changes from green to yellow when
more than 60% of the allotted space is used, then red once 80% has been
used.
When hovering over the Capacity Meter, the tooltip displays details of used and
available memory.
Document tab
Concept Quick Reference
Capacity Meter
The Capacity Meter provides several pieces of information with regards to memory
consumption. 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.
The meter can be used in Inventor Only: Restricts the display to just the
Autodesk Inventor process. The color changes from green to yellow when
more than 60% of the allotted space is used, then red once 80% has been
used. The capacity meter is not available in 64 bit operating systems..
When hovering over the Capacity Meter, the tooltip displays details of used and
available memory.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Tools in the Application Window >
Keytips
Use the keyboard to access the Application Menu, Quick Access toolbar,
and ribbon.
Press the Alt key or F10 to display shortcut keys for common tools in the
application window. Keytips allow you to perform tasks without using your mouse.
When you select a keytip, more keytips are displayed for that tool. Keytips
appear as underlined characters to indicate which key or combination of keys on
the keyboard must be pressed to activate a command.
Keytips allow you to navigate in the Application Menu and in the ribbon using
only the keyboard. Use the keyboard arrows to navigate to commands on the
ribbon and Application Menu
Glossary
application button
The button that is displayed in the top-left corner of the application. If you
click the application button, the Application Menu is displayed.
Application Menu
The menu that is displayed when you click the application button. The
Application Menu contains common tools for creating, saving, and publishing
a file.
push pin
A push pin-shaped button used on the ribbon and in the Application Menu.
On the ribbon, push pins are used to keep a ribbon panel expanded. In the
Application Menu, push pins keep an item in the list of recently opened
items.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started >
The Ribbon
Concept Procedure
To move a command from the expanded panel to the main panel on the ribbon
To export a .xml file containing command from the User Commands panel
1. Click the ribbon minimize button to the right of the ribbon tabs.
Shortcut menu: Right-click the ribbon tab bar, click Minimize, and then click one
of the minimize options.
Pointing device: Double-click the name of the active ribbon tab.
Right-click the ribbon tab bar and select Ribbon Appearance and make a
selection.
To move a command from the expanded panel to the main panel on the
ribbon
Right-click anywhere inside the ribbon. Under Panels, click or clear the
name of a panel.
Right-click the ribbon tab bar and click Show Panel Titles.
Right-click the ribbon tab bar, click Ribbon Docking and make a
selection.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > The Ribbon >
Important The User Commands panel is created when you specify one or more
commands in the Customize User Commands dialog box. You can create a unique
User Commands panel for each tab. The User Commands are only for the active
Tab. If commands are not available for the active environment, they are disabled.
Color Themes
You can control the color of the icons in the ribbon using the Application
Options dialog box, Colors tab, Color Theme settings. Click the Amber Icon
Color Theme icon to display the ribbon icons for the amber icon color
theme. To use the cobalt icon color theme, click the Cobalt Icon Color
Theme icon.
The cobalt color icon theme closely matches the icon colors in other Autodesk
products. The amber icon color theme is similar to Autodesk Inventor 2009.
Note In addition to changing the icon color, you can control the color of the
Applicaton frame in the Colors tab in the Aplication Options dialog box using the
Application Frame setting.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > The Ribbon >
Glossary
A ribbon tab that is displayed only when a particular type of object, such as
a hatch or table, is included in a selection. Toolbars can be changed to
contextual tabs in the CUI.
expanded panel
floating panel
A ribbon panel that is not attached to the rest of the ribbon or application
frame.
horizontal ribbon
The ribbon, when it is oriented across the top of the file window.
push pin
A push pin-shaped button used on the ribbon and in the Application Menu.
On the ribbon, pins keep panels expanded. In the Application Menu, pins
keep an item in the list of recently viewed items.
ribbon
A palette that displays buttons and controls used for both 2D drawing and
annotation and 3D modeling, viewing, and rendering. See also ribbon tab
and ribbon panel and slide-out panel. (RIBBON)
ribbon panel
ribbon tab
The most general control on the ribbon. Ribbon tabs contain ribbon panels,
which contain buttons or other controls.
vertical ribbon
The ribbon when it is oriented vertically, usually on the left or right of the
file window.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started >
Enhanced Tooltips
Concept Procedure
3. Click OK.
3. Click OK.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started >
InfoCenter
Overview of InfoCenter
Concept Procedure
Note You can rearrange categories within a group, but you cannot move them
into other groups.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > InfoCenter > Find Information Using
InfoCenter >
1. In the InfoCenter box, click the down arrow next to the Search button.
4. Click Add.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > InfoCenter > Find Information Using
InfoCenter >
RSS Feeds. Receive information from RSS feeds to which you subscribe.
RSS feeds generally notify you when new content is posted. You are
automatically subscribed to several default RSS feeds when you install
the program.
You can customize the items that display in the Communication Center panel.
Product language
Click the link in the balloon message to open the article or announcement.
2. Click the star icon that is displayed next to the link that you want to
remove from the Favorites panel.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > InfoCenter > Find Information Using
InfoCenter >
1. In the InfoCenter box, click the down arrow next to the Search button.
3. In the InfoCenter Settings dialog box, in the left pane, click RSS Feeds.
Click Remove.
6. Click OK.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > InfoCenter > Find Information Using
InfoCenter >
Glossary
Communication Center
InfoCenter
You can use InfoCenter to search a variety of information sources with one
query. You can also easily access product updates and announcements.
RSS feed
Subscription Center
Navigation tools
View Cube
Concept Procedure
ViewCube Options
Application Options
Display
Document Settings
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Navigation tools > View Cube >
ViewCube Menu
Concept Procedure
Orthographic
Perspective
Home View
Concept Procedure
1. In the model, select one or more objects to define the center point of
the view.
2. Click one of the preset locations on the ViewCube, or click and drag
the ViewCube to reorient the view of the model.
The ViewCube reorients the view of the model based on the center
point of the selected objects.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Navigation tools > View Cube >
Glossary
3D view
Any view where the UCS icon appears in rendered colored form: current
visual style is not 2D Wireframe.
compass
A visual aid that indicates the directions North, South, East, and West in
the current model.
Home view
A special view saved with the drawing that is controlled through the
ViewCube. The Home view is similar in concept to the default, initial view
presented when a drawing is first opened.
roll arrows
Curved arrows located above the ViewCube with which you can rotate the
current view 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise.
selection sensitivity
The ability to define the pivot point for reorienting a model based on the
current selection.
ViewCube
User interface element that displays the current orientation of a model. You
can interactively rotate the current view or restore a preset view.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Navigation tools >
SteeringWheels
Concept Procedure
To display a Wheel
To close a wheel
Overview of SteeringWheels
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
SteeringWheels Options
Access:
Display
Navigation Options
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Navigation tools > SteeringWheels >
Wheel Menu
Concept Procedure
Click the down arrow in the lower-right corner of the wheel or right-click
on the wheel.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Navigation tools > SteeringWheels >
Navigation Wheels
Concept Procedure
2D Navigation Wheel
With this wheel, you can access basic 2D navigation tools; it is particularly useful
when you do not have a pointing device with a scroll wheel. The wheel includes
the Pan and Zoom tools.
Rewind. Restores the most recent view orientation. You can move
backward or forward by clicking and dragging left or right.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Navigation
tools > SteeringWheels > Navigation Wheels >
Navigation Tools
Concept Procedure
To specify the target point for the Zoom and Orbit tools
To look around and walk through a model with the Look tool
To adjust the height of the current view from the Walk tool
Center Tool
Concept Procedure
To specify the target point for the Zoom and Orbit tools
1. Display one of the Full Navigation wheels or the big View Object wheel.
5. Use the Zoom or Orbit tool to reorient the view of the model.
If you are using one of the Full Navigation wheels, hold down the CTRL
key before using the Zoom tool.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Navigation
tools > SteeringWheels > Navigation Tools >
Forward Tool
Concept Procedure
2. Click and hold down the Forward wedge within the scope of the model.
The Drag Distance indicator is displayed.
Note If you click the Forward wedge once, the model moves forward
50% of the distance between the current location and the pivot point.
3. Drag the cursor up or down to change the distance from which you
view the model.
Look Tool
Concept Procedure
1. Display a wheel.
3. In the SteeringWheels Options dialog box, select Invert Vertical Axis for
Look Tool.
Dragging downward and upward lowers and raises the target point of
the current view.
4. Click OK.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Navigation
tools > SteeringWheels > Navigation Tools >
Orbit Tool
Concept Procedure
1. Display one of the wheels other than the big View Object or Tour
Building wheels.
3. Press and hold down the scroll wheel or middle button on your pointing
device and drag to orbit the model.
Pan Tool
Concept Procedure
Rewind Tool
Concept Procedure
1. Display a wheel.
3. While holding down the button on your pointing device, drag to the left
or to the right to restore a previous view.
Dragging to the left restores an older previous view. Dragging to the
right restores a view that is newer than the one you are currently
viewing. You must have previously used the Rewind tool to see views
available on the right. The current position in the navigation history is
indicated by the orange box dragged along the Rewind History panel.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Navigation
tools > SteeringWheels > Navigation Tools >
Up/Down Tool
Concept Procedure
1. Display one of the Full Navigation wheels or the Tour Building wheels.
Walk Tool
Concept Procedure
To adjust the height of the current view from the Walk tool
1. Display one of the Full Navigation wheels or the mini Tour Building
wheel.
Press and hold down the SHIFT key to enable the Up/Down
tool; drag up or down.
Zoom Tool
Concept Procedure
1. Display one of the wheels other than the big Tour Building wheel.
Glossary
basic wheels
big wheels
mini wheels
rewind
selection sensitivity
The ability to define the pivot point to reorienting a model based on the
current selection.
SteeringWheels
tool message
A small instructional message that appears over the drawing window and is
specific to the active navigation tool from a SteeringWheel.
tracking menu
A cluster of buttons that follows the cursor as you move it over the window.
wheel
wheel surface
wheel wedge
wheels
A reference to more than one of the individual user interface elements that
make up SteeringWheels. See also SteeringWheels.
wrap around
Behavior in which the cursor wraps around the window and appears on the
opposite side to allow the continuation of a drag operation instead of
stopping at the edge of the drawing area.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started >
Navigation Bar
Concept Procedure
Pan views
Rotate views with the Free Orbit and Constrained Orbit command
Viewing commands
The viewing commands manipulate the view in the graphics window of the active
part, assembly or drawing, or a view in the Engineer's Notebook. You can use
viewing commands to manipulate the view while performing other operations. For
example, rotating a part during a fillet operation so that you can select edges that
are otherwise hidden.
Changes the cursor into cross hairs that are used to define a
frame for the view. The elements within the frame zoom to fill
the graphics window.
Glossary
navigation bar
Interface element from which you can access both unified and product-
specific navigation tools from a centralized location.
Navigation tools that are common across multiple Autodesk programs. The
unified navigation tools include Autodesk ® ViewCube® and SteeringWheels
navigation tools.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started >
Views of models
Concept Procedure
Display shadows
Navigating a model in 3D
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Views of models >
Orthographic views
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Display shadows
On the View tab, Appearance panel, click the down arrow on the Shadow
command.
Choose one:
Perspective views
Concept Procedure
Navigating a model in 3D
Tip You can adjust camera position and lens focal length simultaneously to set
the amount of perspective distortion. For instance, for a given view or view path,
you may need a wider angle lens. Use SHIFT+CTRL+F3.
Note The term "camera mode" indicates only the particular view method used for
models in the graphics window. It is not meant to indicate that you can record
actions that take place in the graphics window by choosing either Perspective
Camera mode or Orthographic Camera mode.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started >
Sketch
Construction
Model
Sheet Metal
Assembly
Weldments
Drawing
Presentation
State
Substitute
Analysis
Notebook
Application
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Getting started > Browser Icon Reference >
Sketch
Project Cut Edges displays cut model edges projected onto the
sketch plane.
Project to displays 3D sketch geometry created by
Surface at projection of a curve onto a surface at the
Closest Point closest points. Projection directions are
defined by the surface normals.
Construction
Model
Sheet Metal
Assembly
Weldments
Drawing
Presentation
State
Substitute
Analysis
Notebook
Application
Basic 3D Workflow
3D modeling concepts
DWG geometry workflow
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Basic 3D Workflow >
3D modeling concepts
Concept Procedure
3D Animation
You can develop, play, and record animations of exploded views to show the
order and path of tweaks in a complex assembly. Use it to show a detailed
presentation of the prototype or the finished product being designed.
When starting a design using existing DWG geometry, the workflow is as follows:
1. Create a part.
To create a part using DWG geometry, first import your DWG geometry into an
Autodesk Inventor part sketch. The following tutorials each start with the same
DWG file to create part features. The final tutorial creates a part within an
assembly, and then shows how to place the previously created parts into position
in the assembly.
1. Create a part.
Using DWG Tutorial 3 - Create a box and assemble with the panel and
door
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals >
Transition from 2D
Basic foundations
Use your AutoCAD geometry
AutoCAD terms
More concepts
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Transition from 2D >
Basic foundations
2D to 3D Comparison
Keystroke Reference
Autodesk Inventor file types
Dimension Commands
Geometry Creation Commands
Geometry Editing Commands
Insert commands
View Commands
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Transition from 2D > Basic foundations >
2D to 3D Comparison
Constraints
File types
Dimensions
Views
Boolean operations
Keystroke Reference
Note The following applies only when default multi-character Command Aliases
are loaded. See Customize - Keyboard tab for information on how to enable or
disable default multi-character Command Aliases.
Autodesk Inventor has many predefined shortcut keys and command aliases. You
can also define your own custom shortcut keys and command aliases. A command
alias is an alphanumeric character or character sequence that can be used to
start a command. A shortcut can be defined using any of the following keys or
key combinations:
Any combination of Shift, Ctrl, and Alt keys along with an alphanumeric
character.
Other keys, including function can have reserved shortcuts assigned to them, but
these keys are not user-definable.
Using the defined key, combination of keys, or character sequence, you can start
a command like an AutoCAD command alias. The following table represents a
subset of the more shortcut keys and command aliases which are predefined in
Autodesk Inventor 2010. You can see all predefined shortcut keys and command
aliases by selecting Tools tab Options panel Customize and clicking the
Keyboard tab.
Warning: The following table does not apply if other definitions are imported, or
the Autodesk Inventor 2010 definitions are edited.
Note Some shortcut keys and command aliases are only active in specific
environments.
Unlike AutoCAD and Mechanical Desktop, which maintain one file with multiple
types of data, Autodesk Inventor maintains data in multiple associated files.
Related files are associated to each other. When you change a file, its dependent
files are updated. For example, when you change an assembly, drawing views and
presentations of that assembly update automatically.
You can translate the following file types (See Access files from other CAD
systems):
.dwg (AutoCAD)
.dxf
.iges
.sat
.step
Note You can translate or open an AutoCAD DWG file. You can only open an
Autodesk Inventor DWG file (.dwg).
Dimension Commands
This table shows AutoCAD Dimension commands and the corresponding Autodesk
Inventor Dimension commands in 2D Sketch environment.
In AutoCAD, you usually create 2D geometry to the precise size required. While
creating sketches for part features in Autodesk Inventor, you often use 2D Sketch
commands to create geometry quickly (with no regard to size). You then control
the precise size and position by adding dimensional and geometric constraints.
Line Line
Polyline Line
Polygon Polygon
Spline Spline
Ellipse Ellipse
Text Text
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Transition from 2D > Basic foundations >
You edit the 2D sketches in Autodesk Inventor using the 2D editing commands to
update their 3D parts. You can also find a group of 3D editing commands to
modify 3D parts.
Copy Ctrl+C
Mirror Mirror
Offset Offset
Rectangular pattern
Move Move
Rotate Rotate
Trim Trim
Extend Extend
Chamfer Chamfer
Fillet Fillet
Note Use the Move and Rotate commands in Autodesk Inventor to copy at the
same time.
Insert commands
The following file types can be imported into an open Autodesk Inventor file using
the appropriate Insert command:
3. From a Part file, click Manage tab Insert panel Import to import
SAT and IGES files into Autodesk Inventor files.
View Commands
The mouse scroll direction for real-time zoom in AutoCAD is opposite to Autodesk
Inventor by default.
Access: In the Open dialog box, select the .dwg file that does
not contain Autodesk Inventor data, and then click Options.
Note Once a .dwg file contains Autodesk Inventor data, you can no longer import
the file into Autodesk Inventor. The file can only be opened as an Autodesk
Inventor drawing (.dwg).
Drawing Settings
Open Opens the file with full visual fidelity. All
Autodesk Inventor data creation commands are
available.
Import Imports and translates AutoCAD data into
Autodesk Inventor.
Click Tools tab Options panel Application Options and select the
Drawing Tab.
The Non-Autodesk Inventor DWG options control the default value for
the File Open Options dialog box. Select Open or Import.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Transition from 2D >
AutoCAD terms
Here is a list of common terms and command names used in AutoCAD with links
to the Help topic in Inventor.
More concepts
Concept Procedure
Autodesk Inventor does not have a specific area of the user interface that is an
exact parallel to the command line in AutoCAD. Autodesk Inventor does provide a
means of accessing product functionality through keyboard shortcuts and
command aliases.
Assembly designs are often started using a technique called top-down design (or
skeletal modeling). You can begin the solid modeling process using sketches that
represent some (or all) of the parts in your assembly. Individual part models are
then created using geometry from a single sketch in the context of the assembly
model. Assembly models are also frequently created using a bottom-up approach
in which previously created part models are placed together to represent the final
assembly.
Other tools allow you to take advantage of the power of your computer while
assisting you with the functional aspects of your design. These tools allow you to
verify the engineering integrity of: bolted connections, shafts, gear train designs,
bearing life, springs, and structural loads all using three-dimensional models and
design parameters unique to your design.
The idea that geometry within Autodesk Inventor behaves differently depending
on the constraints that were applied is one that often hinders new users
transitioning from a 2D drawing application.
Autodesk Inventor uses the same Microsoft Windows and TrueType fonts used by
most Windows-based programs. When you translate 2D data from a DWG file,
you can map the fonts in the DWG file to the fonts used by Autodesk Inventor.
Note If you do not require AutoCAD objects translated into Autodesk Inventor
objects, you can directly open any AutoCAD DWG (.dwg) file in Autodesk
Inventor, and then view, plot, and measure the file contents. Objects display
exactly as they do in AutoCAD. In addition, all the AutoCAD data is selectable for
Copy/Paste so you can open an AutoCAD DWG file in Autodesk Inventor, and then
copy and paste AutoCAD entities into an Autodesk Inventor sketch.
Mapping fonts
Text styles
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Transition from 2D > More concepts >
In Autodesk Inventor, data is stored in multiple files with different file types.
When you translate data from AutoCAD or Mechanical Desktop, choose the
destination file type based on the type of data you are translating and how you
use it.
When you import AutoCAD data into a drawing, dimensions are placed on the
drawing sheet as drawing dimensions. The geometry is placed on a sketch
associated to a draft view. You can promote the dimensions to the sketch and
use them to control the size of the geometry parametrically.
1. Click Open.
4. In the Layers and Objects Import Options dialog box, select Next.
You can also promote the dimensions to sketch dimensions after importing an
AutoCAD file.
After a dimension is promoted, it behaves the same way as any sketch dimension.
You can edit it or change its format and display.
You can specify a template to use when translating a Mechanical Desktop part.
If the part template you use contains a material format with the same
name as the Mechanical Desktop material, the Autodesk Inventor
material format is applied to the translated part.
If the part template does not contain a matching material format, the
translator adds a format to the translated part and uses the material
data from the Mechanical Desktop file to define the new material format.
After the file is translated, the material format can be edited and used in the
same way as a format created in Autodesk Inventor.
Since AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor have different options for numeric formats,
some attributes are converted when dimensions are translated.
The following options are available when you are working with DWG files:
You can directly open a DWG file, and the AutoCAD data remains
AutoCAD data in Autodesk Inventor.
You can save a file as an Autodesk Inventor drawing (.dwg) and the
AutoCAD data is saved as AutoCAD data.
You can import a .dwg file. The AutoCAD data is translated into
Autodesk Inventor data.
You can export a .dwg file. The Autodesk Inventor data is translated into
AutoCAD data.
Paper space layouts are displayed as sheets in Autodesk Inventor. AutoCAD data
can be viewed, plotted, and measured, and is selectable for delete and
copy/paste. All Autodesk Inventor drawing commands are available in
sheets/layouts. You can place views and create annotations on a layout created in
AutoCAD and the Autodesk Inventor data coexists with the AutoCAD data.
While Autodesk Inventor drawing data and AutoCAD data can coexist in the same
file, some data is shared between both applications. Blocks, layers, and
sheets/layouts are editable by both AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor. Dimension
and text styles, while not equal, are synchronized such that supported changes
made in one application are duplicated in the other application.
For more information, see Working directly with DWG in Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk Inventor Part, (.ipt), Assembly (.iam) and Drawing (.idw) files
Autodesk Inventor requires separate file types for models and drawings.
Exploded assembly views are saved as .ipn files and later used in a
drawing view in an IDW or DWG file.
Autodesk Inventor models are created full-scale. When creating a drawing of an
Autodesk Inventor part or assembly model, drawing views are created using a
scale factor appropriate to the drawing sheet size. It is like the AutoCAD
workflow, which uses model space to draw and paper space (layouts) to annotate
and plot.
Autodesk Inventor > Fundamentals > Transition from 2D > More concepts >
Since it was first introduced in 1986, AutoLISP has been a mainstay for users
working with AutoCAD. Autodesk Inventor utilizes Microsoft Visual Basic for
Applications (VBA) as its extensibility language. Because of the syntactical
differences between LISP and BASIC, and the database schemas and application
programming interface (API) differences between AutoCAD and Autodesk
Inventor, there is no reliable means of automatically converting AutoLISP to VBA
is practical.
Many AutoLISP routines are used to automate the creation and editing of
commonly used geometries. Autodesk Inventor provides built-in functionality for
automating the creation of features, parts, and assemblies that are used
repeatedly. While not intended to replace AutoLISP, consider the capabilities of
iFeatures, iParts, and iAssemblies in cases where they apply.
Like the AutoCAD User Community, Autodesk Inventor users have been actively
extending their productivity by creating and sharing VBA add-in applications. It is
possible that user-created solutions exist that can replace your regularly used
AutoLISP routines.
About Help
The Autodesk Inventor Help system is available from the Help menu, the Help
icon, or through context-sensitive links. If you are new to Inventor, use the Get
Started tab on the ribbon to learn about Inventor. Key features of the Help are:
Two Help home pages. Choose the one that fits for you. The default is
for new or experienced Inventor users. The other is for users
transitioning from AutoCAD or are new to using 3D software.
The Help menu on the main application menu bar has many resources
to help new users learn Inventor and experienced learners to continue
learning.
1. On the InfoCenter toolbar, to the right of the Help button, click the
drop-down arrow.
4. Click OK.
Autodesk Inventor >
Work Environment
Measurement units
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Note To change the default units system applied when you create new files,
change the default units in the templates that you use to create files.
Units
Examples
Defined Display as value (in Display as
Parameter edit box) expression (in edit
box)
LENG = 1 mm + 2 1 mm + 2 mm LENG = 1 mm + 2
mm mm
LENG = 3 mm 3 mm LENG = 3 mm
Autodesk Inventor > Work Environment > Work environment in Autodesk Inventor >
Components
Parts and subassemblies are created in part files or created in place in assembly
files. The features of components originate as sketches that can be fully or
partially dimensioned. Feature volume is specified using feature-creation
commands and supplying key values. Features can be resized by changing
dimension values or redefined by specifying different angles or termination
methods or relationships to other features.
Select filters
Specifies the elements that can be selected when using the Select command filter
sets in drawings.
Access: On the Quick Access toolbar, click the arrow on the Select
command and then click Edit Select Filters.
Style Libraries
Transition legacy projects to a style library
Modify styles
Work with styles
Textures on parts
Styles in sheet metal parts
Styles in drawings
Dimension styles in drawings
Autodesk Inventor > Work Environment > Styles and Style Libraries >
Style Libraries
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Harvest styles from Autodesk Inventor files and place them in a target
style library.
Purge styles from Autodesk Inventor files. Purging removes unused style
information and can be beneficial in large assemblies by reducing
required memory.
Use the Style Management Wizard when transitioning to using a style library with
your design project.
All files must migrate to the latest version of Autodesk Inventor. Files that
are not migrated are skipped during batch processing, including assemblies
that are migrated but contain components that are not migrated.
Welcome page Describes the Harvest Styles and Purge Styles
processes.
Projects to Lists all defined projects by Name and Project Location.
Manage page The active project is indicated by a check mark. Its
settings for Style Library and path are summarized
below the window. Double-click to select a project and
make it active. The Style Management Wizard uses the
active project to resolve all file paths during processing.
Files to Process Selects files to process in a detailed view.
Add Specific Files button Browses to the folder that
contains the files to process. Selected files are listed by
file name, file type, and path.
Add All Files in Active Project button Lists all files by
file name, type, and path. Clear the check box to
exclude a file from processing.
Alternate methods of adding files to the list:
Drag and drop files from Microsoft Windows
Explorer. Drop them in the list to add them.
Get all files referenced by a specific file by
right-clicking the file in the process list, and
right-clicking the file in the process list, and
then selecting Get Referenced Files. Adds all
files that the selected file is dependent on to
the list.
Get all drawings or presentations that use
a specific file by right-clicking a file in the
process list. Select Drawings and
Presentations, and then Get All. Adds to the
process list all drawings and presentations in
the project search paths that use the specific
file.
Select Chooses a harvest or purge operation.
Management Harvest Styles into Target Style Library specifies the
Options page target style library.
Use Source Project Style Library
Automatically selects the style library specified
in the project. Clear the check box of files you
want to exclude from processing.
Create a New Style Library Opens the New
Style Library dialog box. Specify to copy an
existing style library or create an empty library.
Browse to the folder where the library will be
stored, and if copying, the source style library
you are copying.
Select an Existing Style Library Lists the
Default Style Library and any project that uses
a style library. Use the Browse button to browse
to a specific library.
Purge All Unused Styles from Files automatically
deletes unused styles from selected documents. Styles
not saved to a styles library are permanently lost.
Begin Batch Starts batch processing, using previously selected
Processing options.
Press Pause to halt the processing temporarily or Cancel
to stop.
Autodesk Inventor > Work Environment > Styles and Style Libraries >
By default, all pre-R9 projects migrated to Autodesk Inventor 9 or newer are set
to not use a Style Library. It insures that active projects can continue to progress
without requiring users to take Style Libraries into consideration. Most of the new
styles functionality is available without using a library.
Note While using a style library on new projects is simple, transitioning to style
libraries in the middle of a project requires careful consideration.
Use the following general procedure to create a Style Library and template set for
existing projects.
Modify styles
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Update styles
Updates styles in the current document, and optionally, in referenced files (child
documents), to match the styles in the style library.
Click a column heading to sort contents. All columns resort to correspond with
the new order.
Document Name Shows file name in which the style is used.
Style Name Lists styles in the current document.
Type Identifies the style type.
Changed Indicates if a style was changed in the document or
library. If the style does not match the library, it is
marked Not in Library.
Update? Switches individual styles to update. If Yes, the style
in the document is updated to match the version in
the style library. If No, the current document style
definition remains in effect.
Click the Update Styles in all Child Documents check box to update styles in
referenced files. Child document file names are listed in the document name
column. Clear the check box to update styles in the parent document only. Not
available in part documents.
Click Yes to All to update all document styles to the library version or No to All
to preserve the changed styles in the current document.
Autodesk Inventor > Work Environment > Styles and Style Libraries >
Access: Click Manage tab Styles and Standards panel Styles Editor
In the browser pane, click Sheet Metal Unfold, and then click
the sheet metal unfold style name to display the selections and
values used while unfolding in the right portion of the dialog.
Click the expand/collapse “+” to the left of the Sheet Metal Unfold entry in
the left-hand portion of the Style and Standard Editor dialog box to display the
list of existing rules. Select an existing sheet metal unfold rule to display its
option settings.
Back - return to the previously edited style. You are prompted to save the
previous edits.
New - create new styles. Select the Add to Standard check box to add to the
available styles list in the active standard style.
Location Filter - show Local Styles or All Styles (from the library) in the
browser.
Linear
Bend Table
Custom Equation
Done - after saving changes, click to dismiss the Styles and Standard Editor
dialog.
Autodesk Inventor > Work Environment > Styles and Style Libraries >
Textures on parts
Concept Procedure
Note You can also store custom bump maps and reflection files in the surfaces
library in the Autodesk Inventor Studio environment. Refer to: Working with
custom bump maps and reflection files in a shared environment.
Example
Step 1: Create a project file specifically for editing and defining styles.
4. Select the color style you want to assign a custom texture to. For this
example select Blue.
6. Select the Project Library option and select the textures folder.
7. Select a texture.
Note: Refer to steps 2 -3 in Step 1.
Note If you relocate the styles library folder, its subfolders and the
texture files come with it.
8. Right-click the edited color style (Blue) and select Save to Styles
Library. Repeat steps 5 - 9 to assign custom textures to other color
styles.
Step 3: Configure the read-only styles library project file for users.
1. Open the Project Editor and switch to the project file where the users
are going to work. Set the Folder Option Styles Library path to the
styles library location defined by the administrator. In the previous
example, the path specified is:[shared network
folder]:\Inventor\Styles\.
2. Under Libraries, add an entry named Styles that points to the same
folder as defined previously.
Note Enter the path in both places to provide access to the custom
textures.
Access: Click Manage tab Styles and Standards panel Styles Editor
In the browser pane, click Sheet Metal Unfold, and then click
the sheet metal unfold style name to display the selections and
values used while unfolding in the right portion of the dialog.
Click the expand/collapse “+” to the left of the Sheet Metal Unfold entry in
the left-hand portion of the Style and Standard Editor dialog box to display the
list of existing rules. Select an existing sheet metal unfold rule to display its
option settings.
Back - return to the previously edited style. You are prompted to save the
previous edits.
New - create new styles. Select the Add to Standard check box to add to the
available styles list in the active standard style.
Location Filter - show Local Styles or All Styles (from the library) in the
browser.
Linear
Bend Table
Custom Equation
Done - after saving changes, click to dismiss the Styles and Standard Editor
dialog.
Autodesk Inventor > Work Environment > Styles and Style Libraries >
Styles in drawings
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Line Type Displays the location of the .lin file. Click the
Definition File browse button to locate and load a .lin file.
Available Line Displays the available line types associated with
Types the selected line type. Select the line type to add
or SHIFT-select to load multiple line types, and
then click OK.
Autodesk Inventor > Work Environment > Styles and Style Libraries >
Options depend on which note type is selected on the Units tab of the Dimension
style dialog box.
Hole notes
Chamfer notes
Bend notes
Autodesk Inventor > Work Environment >
Default Sets the default label assigned to new sheets in the drawing
Sheet browser. As a new sheet is added, the label is used with an
Label incremental number (for example, Sheet1, Sheet 2, Sheet3).
Click in the box and enter the label.
Colors Sets the display colors for elements of the sheet. Click a color
button to open the Color dialog box and select the color for the
associated element.
Sheet Sets the background color for the sheet. The
color of views, symbols, and other elements
does not change, so set a background color
that provides good contrast.
Sheet Sets the outline color for the sheet.
Outline
Highlight Sets the color of highlighted elements (when
the cursor passes over them).
Selection Sets the color of selected elements.
Autodesk Inventor > Work Environment > Customize Autodesk Inventor >
Access: Ribbon: Tools tab Options panel Customize, and then click
the Keyboard tab.
Keyboard
Buttons
Autodesk Inventor > Work Environment > Customize Autodesk Inventor >
Autodesk Inventor has many predefined command aliases, which you can use to
start commands from the keyboard. In addition to the predefined aliases, you can
assign new custom aliases or change the existing definitions.
1. Select Tools tab Options panel Customize, and then click the
Keyboard tab.
2. In the Categories list, click the command category that you want.
4. In the command box, click in the Keys column next to the associated
command. Enter the shortcut, using any of these methods:
Tips for creating and using custom shortcut keys and command alias
character sequences
Autodesk Inventor > Work Environment > Customize Autodesk Inventor >
Access:
Keys
List of assigned keys in use as command aliases and custom shortcuts, in the
active environment. Click an alias or shortcut in the list to execute the associated
command.
Command Name
Buttons
Autodesk Inventor >
Parts
2D sketches
3D sketches
Dimensions
Constraints
Work geometry and work features
Part modeling overview
Part features
Plastic Features
iFeatures and iParts
Part faces and bodies
Solid modeling
Part Analysis
Construction Environment and Importing Data
Sheet Metal Parts
Autodesk Inventor > Parts >
2D sketches
Sketch environment
Sketch coordinate system
Path sketches
Profile sketches
Projected geometry
Projected loops
Attach sketches to new planes (Redefine)
Slice graphics to reveal sketch planes
Plan and create sketches
Sketch blocks
Work with sketches
Linetype of sketch geometry
Sketch properties
Splines
Sketch points
Use text in part sketches
Images in sketches
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > 2D sketches >
Sketch environment
All sketch geometry is created and edited in the sketch environment. All
operations on sketch geometry, such as dimensioning and constraining, take place
when the sketch environment is active.
You can control the spacing and number of grid lines or turn off the sketch grid.
The sketch grid is aligned with the sketch plane for the coordinate system.
Moving or rotating the coordinate system origin reorients the sketch grid.
Tip When a sketch command like Line is active, right-click to turn Snap to Grid
on and off. Clear the check mark to sketch without grid snap or reselect to snap
to the specified grid settings.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > 2D sketches >
Path sketches
Concept Procedure
2. Select one line segment, click the drop-down menu in the Measure
distance dialog box, and then select Add to Accumulate.
3. Click the drop-down menu in the Measure distance dialog box again,
and select Restart.
4. Select the next line segment, click the drop-down menu on Measure
distance dialog box, and then select Add to Accumulate.
5. Click the drop-down menu on the Measure distance dialog box again,
and select Restart. Select the next line segment to measure, click the
drop-down menu again, and then select Add to Accumulate. Continue
this selection method for each line segment you want included in the
total.
6. When you are done making your selection and want to view the total
length of the selected line segments, click the drop-down menu on the
Measure distance dialog box, and select Display Accumulate.
Note Restart clears the current selection set so you can add to the
measured lengths.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > 2D sketches >
Profile sketches
Concept Procedure
A profile may be a single loop, multiple loops, intersecting loops, or islands. You
can sketch on a planar face and select one or more loops as the profile. All loops
selected in a single operation are one profile.
Note To resize the profile sketch or redefine values in the feature, select the
feature in the browser. Right-click and choose Edit Sketch or Edit Feature from
the menu. When finished with changes, click Update.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > 2D sketches >
Projected geometry
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Projected geometry
As reference geometry, projected edges, loops, and vertices update when the
originating geometry changes. You can right-click on the reference geometry and
select Break Link to change the reference geometry to normal. When the
geometry is changed to normal, it no longer updates with the parent geometry
and can be edited independently.
Project geometry
Projected loops
Concept Procedure
The Project Geometry command selects edges and loops or all loops on a face
and projects them onto a sketch plane. When there is more than one loop
selection possible, the Select Other tool cycles through and highlights each.
A projected loop places a Projected Loop entry in the browser under the Sketch
symbol.
3. In the graphics window, click the loop you want to project. When the
Select Other tool displays, cycle through geometry until the loop
highlights, and then select it.
Note When the geometry is a closed spline, circle, or ellipse, a face
may be highlighted because there are several possible selections.
Continue to cycle through selections until the geometry you need is
highlighted.
Note When creating a part in an assembly, you can project loops from an existing
part to the sketch of the new part. You can select edges, loops, or a face. The
projected geometry is associative to the parent part and a Reference symbol is
nested beneath the sketch symbol in the browser.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > 2D sketches >
1. In the browser, select the sketch you want to attach to a face or plane.
Slice graphics
1. Rotate the model so that the portion you want to slice away faces you.
3. Right-click and select Slice Graphics or press F7 (the shortcut key for
Slice Graphics). The model is sliced at the sketch plane. Its boundaries
are shown in wireframe.
Rectangles
Access: On the Sketch tab, Draw panel, click the down arrow below the
Rectangle command, then click the command for the Rectangle
type.
Sketch blocks
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Block properties
Modifies the sketch block Insert Point, name or description. Available when editing
a sketch block.
Paste Options
Pastes copied AutoCAD data from the clipboard to an Autodesk Inventor 2D
sketch. Specifies preferences for units, endpoint constraints, geometric
constraints, and blocks.
Sketch properties
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Geometry Properties
The Geometry Properties dialog box displays or changes the line color, line type,
line type scale, and line weight of selected sketch geometry.
Line Displays the line color of the selected sketch geometry and
Color provides a pull-down list of available color selections so that
you can change the setting. The default line color is the
color scheme set in the Applications Options dialog box,
Colors tab.
The Select option from the pull-down list opens the Color
dialog box , enabling you to choose another basic color or
create a custom color to add to the selection list.
Line Displays the line type of the selected geometry and
Type provides a pull-down list of available line type selections so
that you can change the setting. The default line type is
Continuous.
The Other option at the bottom of the pull-down list opens
the Select Line Type dialog box, enabling you to add other
line types to the selection list.
Note To load an AutoCAD .lin file, click Load at the bottom
of the Select Line Type dialog box. For more information,
see Load Line Type (LIN file).
Scale When the check box is selected, enables you to view or
change the line type scale. The smaller the scale, the more
repetitions of the pattern are generated per unit. For
example, with a setting of .05, two repetitions of the
pattern in the line type definition are displayed for each
unit. Short line segments that cannot display one full line
type pattern are displayed as continuous. You can use a
smaller line type scale for lines that are too short to display
even one dash sequence.
The default scale is 1.00.
Line Displays the line weight of the selected geometry and
Weight provides a pull-down list of available line thicknesses. The
default line weight is 0.010 in or 0.25 mm, whichever unit
is set in the Document Settings dialog box, Units tab.
The line weight value represents the actual thickness of the
line on paper. To specify how line weights display on the
screen, see Document settings - Sketch tab.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > 2D sketches >
Splines
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Curvature Settings
Provides a visual analysis of the curvature and overall smoothness. The curvature
comb plot shows curvature with a series of connected spines radiating outward
from the curve. The relative length of the curve is equal to the curvature of the
curve at the point where the spine originates. Longer spines indicate areas of
higher curvature, and shorter spines indicate lower curvature.
Definition
Sets appearance of analysis results along each curve and edge of the selected
geometry.
Sketch points
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
For 3D sketches in which the points are connected by lines, tangent corner bends
can be created automatically if Auto-bend with 3D line creation is selected on the
Tools tab Options panel Application Options Sketch tab.
Select the appropriate connectivity option and click OK. Click Cancel to exit
without saving the change.
Geometry-Text
Use Geometry-Text to create and align text to sketch geometry.
Geometry
Font attributes
Zoom buttons
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > 2D sketches >
Images in sketches
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Image properties
Rotates or mirrors artwork added to a sketch and sets transparency mask.
3D sketches
3D sketch environment
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > 3D sketches >
3D sketch environment
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Silhouette Curve
Note To break the associativity, expand the 3d Sketch in the browser. Select the
Silhouette Curve nested under the sketch, and select Break Link from the context
menu.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts >
Dimensions
Parametric dimensions
Part dimension tolerances and properties
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Dimensions >
Parametric dimensions
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Settings
Tolerance
Evaluated size
Autodesk Inventor > Parts >
Constraints
Introducing constraints
Plan constraints
Constrain sketches
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Constraints >
Introducing constraints
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Constraints >
Plan constraints
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Constraint Options
Selects constraints and reference geometry available for inference.
Constrain sketches
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Tangent constraint
Parts and assembly files contain a default set of work features (planes, axes, and
the origin center point) which can be displayed or hidden. In 3D sketch, part and
assembly files, you can define work plane, work axes and points.
When a part is used in an assembly, its visible work features are visible in the
assembly. To work in an uncluttered view, turn off all or some of the work
features.
Work planes
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Work planes
Work planes can be placed at any orientation in space, offset from existing faces,
or rotated around an axis or edge. A work plane can be used as a sketch plane
and dimensioned or constrained to other features or components. In an assembly,
you can create a work plane between two planar faces on separate components.
Each work plane has its own internal coordinate system. The order in which
geometry is selected determines the origin and positive directions of the
coordinate system axes.
In a part, a work plane can be created in-line while you are using another work
feature command. The Work Plane command terminates as soon as the work
plane is created.
Note Optionally, resize a workplane. Right-click a workplane and clear the check
mark from Auto-resize, if necessary. Click a grip handle on one of the workplane
corners and drag to resize.
Work axes
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Work axis
You can create a work axis on the following types of geometry:
A linear edge.
A sketch line.
A 3D sketch line.
A line and plane to create a work axis coincident with the line projected
onto the plane along the normal of the plane.
Note If appropriate, resize a work axis. Right-click a work axis and clear the
check mark from Auto-resize, if necessary. Click a grip handle on one of the work
axis ends and drag to resize.
In a part, a work axis can be created in-line while using another work feature
command. The Work Axis command terminates as soon as the work point is
created.
Work points
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Work points
Work points can be placed on holes and cuts in part faces, model surfaces,
construction surfaces, and base surfaces. When Loop Select Mode is active, you
can place a work point on any closed loop.
Point.
In a part, an ungrounded work point can be created in-line while using another
work feature command. The Point command terminates as soon as the work point
is created.
3D Move/Rotate command
Concept Quick Reference
3D Move or Rotate
Select triad segment Values are relative to the selected geometry. Express
values as numeric values, parameters, or expressions.
Redefine alignment or position Activates the X, Y, and Z edit boxes. You can
enter new coordinates to redefine the triad alignment or position. The triad moves
to the newly entered coordinates.
Click a triad axis, and click an edge, work axis, or sketch line.
Click the triad sphere, and click a vertex, edge midpoint, work point, or
sketch point to reposition.
Apply places a grounded work point at the position of the triad, either by clicking
with the cursor or to apply entered coordinates. A grounded work point is placed
each time you click Apply.
Undo reverses the last placed point and moves the triad to the previous position.
Hide work features when they are consumed by another work feature.
Create in-line work features. For example, click the Point command,
right-click, and then select Create Axis or Create Plane. Continue to
right-click and create work features until the work point is created.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Work geometry and work features >
Reference geometry
You can use reference geometry in a profile or path sketch or to constrain other
sketch geometry. For example, you can use a reference edge as one segment of a
profile or as the termination point for other sketch curves.
Reference planes
Concept Procedure
To view reference planes, right-click in the graphics window and click Home View.
Note Click the Sketch command, and then click a reference plane to set it as the
sketch plane.
UCS Settings
Set the UCS preferences such as UCS prefix in the browser or the UCS visibility in
the graphics window.
Access:
In a part or assembly document, click Tools Document
Settings Modeling tab in the dialog box. Click Settings in the
User Coordinate System area.
To be certain you have incorporated edits to all geometry in a part file, use
Rebuild All. Autodesk Inventor regenerates the entire file, even if some geometry
did not require an update.
By contrast, the Update command regenerates only the geometry that has
significant edits held in memory. If the Defer Update option is selected (on
Assembly tab of the Application Options dialog box), you can continue working
without incorporating edits to geometry until you click Update.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part modeling overview >
Multi-body parts
Concept Procedure
A multi-body part is a top down workflow which allows you to create and position
multiple solid bodies within a single part document. This technique is especially
useful for designing plastic parts. A top down workflow eliminates the need for
complex file relationships and projecting edges between parts. You can control
visibility, define a separate color, and calculate the mass for each body. When you
complete the design, you can export the individual solid bodies as part files
directly into an assembly.
1. Create a model representing the exterior shape of the finished part or,
import a finished industrial design surface set and use stitch to create a
solid model.
6. Use Move Bodies to accurately position the bodies in the part file.
8. Add additional features such as holes, grills, lips, and bosses to each
body as required.
Note Different bodies can share the same feature such as a fillet or a hole.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part modeling overview >
Part browser
Concept Quick Reference
Part browser
Shows and hides selected features, filters contents, manages access to feature
and sketch editing, and provides alternate access to functions in the context
menu.
Access: In a part file, click item to select, then right-click to display the
context menu.
Filters
Part templates
Concept Procedure
3. If needed, change the grid setting and the sizes of the origin work
planes to accommodate the average part size.
Note The file standard.ipt in the Templates folder is the default part template. To
replace the default template, rename it to save the original file, and then save
the new file with the standard.ipt name.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part modeling overview >
Use these tips to help create parts and troubleshoot design issues:
Part features
Feature properties
Controls the adaptive status of individual properties for sketched features and
overrides the part color for specified features.
Hole features
Feature Color
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features >
Create features
Concept Procedure
Bend a part
Bend features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Bend Part
Use Bend Part to bend a portion of a part. After you define the tangency location
of the bend using a bend line, you can specify the side of the part to bend, the
direction of the bend, and its angle, radius, or arc length.
Boundary Patch
Note You cannot apply tangent boundary conditions to selected sketches or edges
that have two adjacent faces.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features > Create features >
Chamfer features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Chamfer
Method
Coil features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Coil
Creates a helix-based feature or body. Used to create coil springs and threads on
cylindrical surfaces.
Coil shape
Coil size
Coil ends
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features > Create features >
Extruded features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Extrude
Selection
Output
Operation
Extents
Match Shape
More tab
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features > Create features >
Face draft
Applies draft to specified faces of a feature. The draft angle is calculated from a
fixed or tangent edge, a fixed face of an existing feature, or a work plane.
Fillet features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Fillet feature
Constant tab
Variable tab
Setbacks
Face
(More)
Hole features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Hole Dimensions
Displays and sets hole dimensions.
Access: Right-click the hole feature in the model browser and select
Hole Diameter Sets the value for the hole diameter. Key in the
value or click the arrow to do one of the
following:
Select a value.
Use the Measure command.
Show Dimensions.
Set tolerances in the Tolerance dialog
box.
Counterbore Sets the value for the counterbore or countersink
Diameter diameter.
Hole Depth Sets the value for the hole depth.
Counterbore Sets the value for the counterbore or spot face
Depth depth.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features > Create features >
Loft features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Section Dimensions
Use the Section Dimensions dialog box to control the area/scale of placed and
selected sections, and the location of placed sections.
menu.
Section Position Specifies the position of the placed section. After initial
section placement, the position can only be controlled
by editing the value in the dialog box.
Proportional Dimensions are relative along
Distance the length of the centerline.
Sections are placed with respect
to the length of centerline.
Absolute Distance Dimensions are placed along
the absolute distance of the
centerline. For example, if the
centerline is 16 inches, you can
place a dimension halfway (8
inches).
Driving Section Driving sections allow control of section position and
size.
Driven Section Driven sections provide feedback on section size,
without altering the area loft. Driven Sections allow
control only of position.
control only of position.
Section Size Allows 2 methods of sizing placed sections
Area Scales section to match
specified area value.
Dimensions are relative along
the length of the centerline.
Scale Factor Scales section to match
specified scale factor.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features > Create features >
Revolved features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Revolve
Shape
Output
Operation
Extents
Match Shape
Infer iMate
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features > Create features >
Creates ribs (closed, thin-walled support shapes) and webs (open, thin-walled
support shapes) using an open profile.
For ribs, the profile is projected to the next face. For webs, the profile is projected
a specified distance to define its depth. If appropriate, the profile can be extended
until it intersects geometry.
Shell features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Shell
Shell tab
More tab
(More)
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features > Create features >
Sweep features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Sweep
Creates a feature or new solid body by sweeping one or more sketch profiles
along a selected path. If using multiple profiles, they must exist in the same
sketch. The path can be an open or closed loop, but must pierce the profile plane.
Note If multiple profiles in different sketches are required, use the Loft command.
Shape
Type
Specifies the type of sweep to create. In addition to the path, guide rail sweeps
require the selection of an additional curve or rail to control profile scale and
twist. Guide Surface sweeps require the additional selection of a surface to control
profile twist.
Output
Operation
Specifies whether the sweep joins, cuts, or intersects with another feature or
creates a new solid body. Not available for base features, but required for all
other sweep features.
Cut Removes the volume created by the sweep feature from another
feature or body.
Intersect Creates a new feature from the shared volume of the
sweep feature and another feature or body. Material not included in
the shared volume is deleted. Not available in the assembly
environment.
New solid Creates a new solid body. This is the default selection if
the sweep is the first solid feature in a part file. Select to create a
new body in a part file with existing solid bodies. Each body is an
independent collection of features separate from other bodies. A
body can share features with other bodies.
Automatically advances to the next selector once a single selection is made. Clear
the check box when making multiple selections.
Preview
Provides a solid preview of the sweep based on the current selections. If Preview
is enabled and no preview appears in the graphics window, there is a good
chance the sweep feature was not created.
Tip To save computation time for complex sweeps, clear the Preview check box,
provide all the needed input in the dialog box, and then enable the Preview
again.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features > Create features >
Thread features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Threads
Location
Specification
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features > Create features >
3. Delete most or all of the data rows (row 4 and below), and add data
rows as required.
4. Rename the worksheet name (thread type name) and custom thread
type name (cell B1/C1).
We recommend that you use similar rules to add a new clearance type in the
Clearance.xls file.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features >
Placed features
Placed features are common engineering features that do not require a sketch
when you create them with Autodesk Inventor. When you create these features,
you usually provide only the location and a few dimensions. The standard placed
features are shell, fillet, chamfer, face draft, hole, and thread.
These are some of the commands for placed features, located on the Model tab:
Dialog boxes define values for placed features, such as the Hole dialog box in the
following illustration.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features >
Note A component cannot be both adaptive and flexible at the same time. You
can need to see the same subassembly with its components in multiple positions
in an assembly. If so, turn off adaptive status and then turn on flexible status .
Right-click the adaptive subassembly in the assembly browser and clear the
check mark beside Adaptive. The Flexible option can now be selected.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features >
For parts, surface features and work features are automatically consumed by
default to communicate feature dependencies. Because automatic consumption
can result in unwanted deep nesting of browser nodes, you can change the
consumption behavior for all features or for individual features.
To change the default consumption behavior for all features, select the
Note The end-of-part marker cannot be rolled back between consumed features
without sharing, such as between an extruded feature and its consumed sketch. If
you do not want work features and surface features to be consumed, clear the
check mark.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features >
Deleted features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Delete feature
Deletes one or more selected features from the graphics window or the browser.
If applicable, you can also delete consumed sketches and work or surface
features, dependent 2D and 3D sketches, sketched features, or dependent work
features.
Colors on the dialog box correspond to the highlight color of the selected
geometry in the graphics window.
Additionally Delete
Note If you do not delete the dependent sketches and features, the retained
sketches and features enter the sick state. An alert symbol is placed next to the
affected sketch and feature entries in the browser. Use Redefine to re-associate
the sketch to another planer face or work plane in the assembly.
Note Grounded work planes are automatically created when you retain a
dependent sketch. You can constrain the work planes in the part environment or
use the Reattach Sketch command to move the sketches onto other work planes.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features >
Mirrored features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Mirrored features
Any work plane or planar face can serve as the plane of symmetry to mirror
selected features. A mirrored feature is a reverse copy of the selected feature. In
an assembly, only sketched features can be mirrored.
For parts, use the Mirror the Entire Solid option to mirror a body including
features which cannot be mirrored individually. The pattern of the body can also
include work features and surface features.
(More)
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part features >
Rectangular pattern
Duplicates one or more features or bodies and arranges the resulting occurrences
by a specific count and spacing in a rectangular pattern or along a linear path in
one or both directions. Rows and columns can be lines, arc, splines, or trimmed
ellipses.
Solid is available if the part file contains more than one solid
body. Selects the solid body to receive the pattern.
Solid If there are multiple solid bodies in the file, the Solid
selection arrow is available. Select the body to include in the
pattern. Only one body can be selected.
Join Attaches the pattern to the selected solid body. Use this
option to pattern the solid as a single unified body.
Direction 1
Direction 2
(More)
Autodesk Inventor > Parts >
Plastic Features
A multi-body part is a top-down workflow. You create and position multiple solid
bodies within a single part document. This technique is especially useful for
designing plastic parts. A top-down workflow eliminates the need for complex file
relationships and projecting edges between parts. You can control visibility, define
a separate color, and calculate the mass for each body. When you complete the
design, you can export the individual bodies as part files directly into an
assembly.
The plastic part commands in Inventor are rules-based tools designed to create
complex plastic part features automatically.
Note The plastic part commands are not exclusively for plastic parts. For
example, the Rule Fillet command can create fillets on any type of feature based
on specified design rules.
Boss features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Access: Ribbon: Model tab Plastic Part panel Boss , and click
the Ribs tab.
Rib thickness
Rib draft
Shoulder length
Shoulder top offset
Shoulder radius
Lip features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Lip
Creates a Lip or Groove feature on the thin wall of a part.
Shape
Lip
Groove
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Plastic Features >
Rest features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Rest
Creates a Rest feature using a closed sketch. The Rest feature creates a thin-
walled face that cuts across a thin-walled target body. The face is then joined to
the body by walls of the same thickness.
Shape tab
More tab
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Plastic Features >
Grill features
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Grill
Creates a Grill feature using the various patterns included in one or more 2D
sketches.
Boundary
Island
Ribs
Spars
Draft
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Plastic Features >
Snap fit
Creates a Snap fit feature using points of 2D sketches or 3D work points and
direction elements.
Style specification
Shape tab
Rule-based fillet
The user interface is organized as a table, each row contains one rule and the
related source selection set.
Source
Selection indicator
Selection list
Radius
Rule
Convexity options
(More)
Autodesk Inventor > Parts >
iFeature environment
iFeature fundamentals
Sketches in iFeatures
Advanced iFeature placement
Add Placement Help to iFeatures
iPart Fundamentals
iParts in Assemblies
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > iFeatures and iParts >
iFeature environment
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
For iFeatures that contain thread features or threaded holes, use the Threads tab
to specify the thread type in the table. Add the thread variables to the table that
you want to vary, and then set the specifications for each row. The specifications
correspond exactly to options in the Threads.xls spreadsheet and the Thread
feature dialog box.
iFeature table
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > iFeatures and iParts >
iFeature fundamentals
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Edit iFeatures
Edits parameter names, size, and instructions for placement of iFeatures. If the
selected feature has geometrically dependent features, they can be also edited.
Note Feature parameters can also be edited when the feature is placed.
Environment:
Part
Selected Features
Size Parameters
Position Geometry
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > iFeatures and iParts >
Sketches in iFeatures
Create an iFeature from a sketch, and then use the sketch points to position
geometry or use the sketch as a layout when creating other features.
You can position an iFeature when placing it in a part file by selecting any
sketched line or point.
Insert iFeatures
Places an iFeature in a part file on a work plane or a planar face. When you place
the iFeature, you can modify its orientation, position, and size, as needed.
Table-driven iFeatures are identified by a table icon in the left pane of the dialog
box. You can select from listed key parameters to specify a specific instance of
the iFeature.
Environment:
Part
Select
Position
Size
Precise position
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > iFeatures and iParts >
You can link or embed a document in an iFeature to assist you in placing the
iFeature in a part The linked or embedded document, such as a Word document,
HTML file, or spreadsheet, is shown in the browser as an icon, nested under the
3rd Party icon. You select the document in the browser and designate it as
Placement Help.
iPart Fundamentals
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Specify Range
Specifies a range of values for selected cells or columns when using the iPart
Author. When the iPart is placed, you can enter values within that range.
Environment:
Part
Sets minimum, default, and maximum values for a Custom Parameter column.
Minimum Click the arrow to select the limit (less than or equal,
or no lower bound). If less than or equal, enter a
value to represent the bottom end of the range. This
value must be less than the default or maximum.
Default Shows the current value of the parameter. This value
must be greater than the minimum and less than the
maximum.
Maximum Click the arrow to select the limit (less than or equal,
or no upper bound). If less than or equal, enter a
value to represent the top end of the range. This
value must be greater than the default or minimum.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > iFeatures and iParts >
iParts in Assemblies
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Environment:
Parts and Assemblies
Keys tab
Tree tab
Table tab
Autodesk Inventor > Parts >
Splits part faces, trims the entire part and removes one of the resulting sides, or
splits a solid into two bodies. Split Face allows faces on both sides of the split to
have draft applied. Also allows selection of 3D curves to split faces.
Note The Trim Solid and Split Solid options are disabled upon selection of 3D
curve as a split tool.
Method
Select
Faces
Remove
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part faces and bodies >
Body properties
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Body Color Style: Select the dropdown list to assign a unique color to the
selected bodies.
Strip Overrides: Select the check box to remove color overrides from individual
faces contained in the selection. Clear the check box to leave individual color
overrides intact.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part faces and bodies >
Joins one or more solid bodies by combining their volume. A join adds the volume
of the toolbodies to the base. A cut removes the volume of the toolbodies from
the base. Intersect modifies the base solid from the shared volume of the
selected bodies.
Select
Operation
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part faces and bodies >
Move Bodies
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Moving bodies
Spatially moves solid bodies any direction in a multi-body part file. The bodies
may be imported derived components, or part bodies created using normal
modeling commands.
Direction
Specifies the edge or axis to define the linear
move direction.
Replace faces
Replaces one or more part faces with a different face. The part must completely
intersect the new face.
Access: Ribbon: Model tab Surface panel Replace Face
Delete Face
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Thicken/Offset tab
More tab
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part faces and bodies >
Face color
Access: Click one or more faces in the graphics window, right-click, and
then select Properties.
Face Color Style Sets color for the selected face. Click the down
arrow to list available colors.
Changed face color overrides only the base color
of features with an applied texture.
In an assembly with multiple instances of a part,
all instances update with a changed face color.
In a feature pattern, the face color is applied only
to the selected instance, not all instances of the
feature.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part faces and bodies > Finishes and decals on part faces >
Decal
Creates a decal feature by applying an image to a part face to represent
manufacturing requirements such as labels, brand name art, logos, and warranty
seals. The decal may be applied in a recessed area to provide clearance for
another component in an assembly or to prevent damage in packaging.
Shape description
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Extend surface
Makes surfaces larger in one or more directions by specifying a distance or a
termination plane.
(More)
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part faces and bodies >
Construction surfaces
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Selects parametric surfaces to stitch together into a quilt or solid body. Also
used to analyze whether surfaces are suitable for stitching. Creates a stitch
feature that can be edited later.
Stitch tab Surfaces. Selects individual or all surfaces to stitch together
into a quilt or analyze. Surfaces are highlighted in the graphics
window as they are selected.
Solid modeling
Access: Right-click the component in the browser, and select Edit Solid
to activate the solids environment. Then click Edit Base Solid
Plane
Extend or Contract
Distance
Autodesk Inventor > Parts >
Part Analysis
Analyses
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Part Analysis >
Analyses
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Simple
Advanced
Note To increase system performance in the Part modeling environment, turn off
the construction environment folder to prevent the data from being loaded into
memory.
See Assembly Tools for more information about Rename Browser Nodes.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Construction Environment and Importing Data >
Note By default, Autodesk Inventor applies the part name (file name of the
inserted part) to browser file nodes. Other CAD systems might apply the part
number property. When a STEP file is imported into Autodesk Inventor, its name
might differ from the name of the CAD system which generated the STEP file. To
avoid confusion, use the Rename Browser Nodes command to specify the browser
node naming scheme.
See Assembly Tools for more information about the Rename Browser Nodes
command.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Construction Environment and Importing Data >
Note By default, Autodesk Inventor applies the part name (file name of the
inserted part) to browser file nodes. Other CAD systems might apply the part
number property. When a STEP file is imported into Autodesk Inventor, its name
might differ from the name of the CAD system which generated the STEP file. To
avoid confusion, use the Rename Browser Nodes command to specify the browser
node naming scheme.
See Assembly Tools for more information about the Rename Browser Nodes
command.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Construction Environment and Importing Data >
Quality Check
Analyzes translated data and provides diagnostic information. Reports errors
found and suggests repairs. Analyzes data types separately or all at once.
Analysis can be stopped and restarted without repeating examination of already
analyzed data. Right-click a body, surface, or wireframe with an error to locate it
in the graphics window.
Topology Analysis lists bodies or surfaces with topology errors and groups them
by error type.
Topology errors
Geometry Analysis lists bodies or surfaces with geometry errors and groups
them by error type.
Geometry errors
Modeling Uncertainty lists bodies or surfaces with errors, but the system cannot
determine the exact error type.
Help message summarizes the error or state of the data. Suggests how to repair
the problem data.
Click for more help describes the data error in more detail.
Refit Face selects and repairs problem faces by attempting to refit them, using a
maximum allowable tolerance between faces. Enabled only when the system
detects geometry and modeling uncertainty issues.
Group Properties
Reverse Normal
Reverse the normal direction of a face or lump in the construction environment.
Select lump
Specifies all faces of a lump to be reversed.
Note A temporary arrow is displayed in the graphics screen, showing the current
normal direction. For a closed shell (solid), a green arrow indicates what the
system determines as the proper direction. A red arrow indicates what the system
determines as a backward direction.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Construction Environment and Importing Data >
Boundary Patch
Note You cannot apply tangent boundary conditions to selected edges that have
two adjacent faces.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Construction Environment and Importing Data >
Trim boundaries
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Extract Loop
Extracts one or more loops by untrimming a surface, leaving the wires intact, and
attempting to repair poor quality trimming curves. When extracted, loops are
changed to wires.
Stitched surfaces
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Unstitch
Unstitch selected faces from a body. The unstitched faces are then placed in
folders in the browser, according to data type.
Select
Promote wires
Promotes construction environment wire data and moves it to 3D sketches.
To enhance the appearance and visibility of solids, surfaces, and wires, you can
change their color. This can be useful in making a feature or body more visible for
communicating design intent.
Sheet metal fasteners are available through the Bolted Connection Component
Generator or through Content Center when sheet metal parts are used within
assembly models.
Like parts, assemblies, and drawings, all new sheet metal files are created by
Autodesk Inventor using a template. When you use a sheet metal template to
create a part, the Sheet Metal Rule defined in the template is automatically
applied to the new sheet metal part. If you use a part template and then convert
the model to sheet metal, the Material Style defined in the part will override the
Material Style defined in the Sheet Metal Rule of the sheet metal template.
You can create your own sheet metal templates with settings defined as Sheet
Metal rules and add them to the templates provided by Autodesk Inventor
2. On the ribbon, click Sheet Metal tab Setup panel Sheet Metal
Defaults.
5. Set any iProperties for the template file that you want to be inherited
by any files created from the template.
Note The file sheet metal.ipt in the Templates folder is the default sheet metal
template. To replace the default template, remove sheet metal.ipt and replace it
with a template that has the same name.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Sheet Metal Parts >
Access Ribbon: Sheet Metal tab Setup panel Sheet Metal Defaults
Sheet Metal Rule - drop-down listing of all sheet metal rules. List contains all
sheet metal rules within the local file if the filter setting in the Style and
Standard Editor is set to Local. List contains all sheet metal rules within the
style library if the filter setting in the Style and Standard Editor is set to All
Styles. Sheet metal rules contain the selections and values which are used to
define Material Style, Thickness, Bend, Corner, and Flat Pattern options.
Use Thickness from Rule - check box which enables/disables the Thickness
value field.
Thickness - Value field which reflects the thickness. When the Use Thickness
from Rule check box is checked the field is inactive and reports the thickness
specified in the selected Sheet Metal Rule. When the Use Thickness from Rule
check box is not checked, the field is active and allows a thickness value to be
manually input. Fly-out provides ability to obtain thickness value through
Measure, Show Dimensions, List Parameters or by selecting from a list of
recently entered values.
Note If the active part is a sheet metal iPart factory and the iPart table was
created with Thickness as a column in the table the Use Thickness from Rule
check box is disabled on this dialog box.
Material Style - Drop-down listing of all material styles. List contains all materials
within the local file if the filter setting in the Style and Standard Editor is set to
Local. List contains all materials within the style library if the filter setting in the
Style and Standard Editor is set to All Styles.
Unfolding Rule - drop-down listing of all sheet metal unfolding rules. List
contains all unfolding rules within the local file if the filter setting in the Style
and Standard Editor is set to Local. List drop-down contains all unfolding rules
within the style library if the filter setting in the Style and Standard Editor is
set to All Styles. Sheet metal unfolding rules define: linear unfolding method vs.
bend table-driven bends, KFactor values, and bend table tolerance options within
the sheet metal style.
OK - Click to accept all style changes made and dismiss the dialog box.
Cancel - Click to close the dialog box and ignore any changes that were made
while the dialog box was open.
Apply - Click to apply any style changes that were made while keeping the dialog
box open for further changes.
Note Any changes that are made to a style from the style library must be saved
to the style library if they are to be available to other users of that style.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Sheet Metal Parts >
Note If you do not see a PEM category in your list of component categories in
Content Center, you may need to configure your Project file by adding the
Inventor PEM library. Additional information on setting up and using the Content
Center can be found here.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Sheet Metal Parts >
Bend Edit
Corner Edit
Bend Edit
Corner Edit
Bend Edit
Bends
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Bend Extension
Access:
Located on the Shape tab of the: Face, Bend, and Contour
Flange sheet metal feature dialog boxes.
Contour Flanges
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Corner Edit
Access: Click the Corner Seam Edit glyph in the graphics window
over the corner you wish to modify.
Overlap
Relief
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Sheet Metal Parts > Sheet Metal Features >
Contour Roll
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Shape
Rolled Angle
Unfolding Unrolling
Corner Chamfers
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Method
Corner Rounds
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Corner Seams
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Access:
Click the Corner tab on the Contour Flange, Flange, or Corner
Seam dialog box.
Note Not all options described are available or valid for each
feature that shares this tab.
Use this option to define the Default corner relief when two bends intersect.
Use this option to define the Default corner relief to display in the flat pattern
when three bends intersect.
Note The folded model does not display the selected relief option.
No Replacement As indicated, no
replacement of the "as modeled" geometry is
made in the flat pattern.
Relief Size - Allows you to input a value to change the size of the Corner Relief
of the selected feature from the default which is defined in the Sheet Metal Style
using the named parameter: CornerReliefSize.
Miter Gap - Allows you to input a value to change the size of an automatically
applied gap between flanges when the Auto-Miter option is enabled. When
enabled, the value displayed defaults to the system named parameter: GapSize
which is defined in the Sheet Metal Style.
2 Bend/3 Bend Corner - Indicates which type of corner relief applies to the
selected geometry. These radio buttons are active when a choice must be made
between the type of corner being specified. They are inactive and serve as an
indicator of the type of corner selected at all other times.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Sheet Metal Parts > Sheet Metal Features >
Cuts
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Shape
Extents
Extent Type drop-down select field - Allows the selection of the type of
extent:
Distance Default method. Establishes the depth and
direction of the cut. The cut is perpendicular to the
sketch plane.
To Next Cut terminates on the next plane or face.
Selects the direction for the cut.
To Selects an ending face or plane on which to
terminate the cut. You can terminate the cut on the
selected face, or on a face that extends beyond the
termination plane. In an assembly, the face or plane can
be on another part.
From - To Selects beginning and ending faces or planes
on which to terminate the extrusion. In an assembly,
the faces or planes can be on other parts.
All Extrudes the profile through all features and sketches
in the specified direction. Select the direction of the cut
or extrude the cut equally in both directions.
Thickness value field - Allows the thickness of the cut to be specified:
Offset
Flips the direction of the cut from the default setting. Useful
when the cut sketch is created on a reference plane.
Results in no material removal when the sketch is created
on a sheet metal face.
Faces
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Access:
While creating a Sheet Metal feature, click the Unfold Options
tab on the feature creation dialog box.
Unfold Rule - Drop-down selection field that allows the selection of any
previously defined Unfold rule.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Sheet Metal Parts > Sheet Metal Features >
Feature Patterns
Sheet metal features behave much the same as solid features in patterns. For
example:
Fold features usually extend along an entire edge and may not be good
candidates for patterns.
A sheet metal cut (without the cut across bend option) is like an
extruded cut. You can get different results using the Identical compared
to Adjust to Model termination method.
Cut across bend features pattern results differ depending on the bend
geometry and termination method. Compare results when using Identical
and Adjust to Model methods.
Flanges
Contour flanges
Hems
When you are not certain of the results, experiment with termination methods
and the number of pattern instances to determine the best approach.
Show Me how to create a circular pattern of sheet metal features
Flanges
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Corner Edit
Access: Click the Corner Seam Edit glyph in the graphics window
over the corner you wish to modify.
Overlap
Relief
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Sheet Metal Parts > Sheet Metal Features >
Folds
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Shape
Unfold Options
Bend
Hems
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Shape
Unfold Options
Bend
(More)
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Sheet Metal Parts > Sheet Metal Features >
Lofted Flange
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Allows editing of the bend radius and unfold rule for individual bends within a
selected bend zone of a lofted flange.
Access:
Select Edit Bends from the context menu of the Bend child-
feature of a Lofted Flange. Within the graphics window, select
the Bend Zone Edit glyph then select an individual Bend Edit
glyph on a specific bend within the bend zone.
Punch Tools
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Preview
Geometry
Size
Finish - Creates the Sheet Metal Punch iFeature on the face of the part.
Cancel - Discards all input and closes the Punch Tool dialog box.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Sheet Metal Parts > Sheet Metal Features >
Rip
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Shape
Gap Offset Direction (available for Single Point and Point to Point rip types)
The dialog box displayed during either the Unfold and Refold workflow differs only
in the labeling of the functions as either Unfold or Refold. This reference covers
both dialog boxes. The dialog box contains three selection sections, a contextual
illustration, and a set of buttons along the bottom.
Access:
Sketches (C)
Unfold - Flat faces Unfold - No flat faces Refold - Flat faces Refold - No flat faces
present present
Directed Reorder
Sequential Reorder
Individual Override
Access:
With the Flat Pattern browser node selected, click Extents.
Update - Updates the values in the width and length field when a migrated file
has not had the flat pattern width and length values updated. Button is inactive
when the values are up to date.
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Sheet Metal Parts > Sheet Metal Flat Patterns >
Used to edit the Bend Order sequence. Allows input of sequence number override
and allows override value to be unique or duplicate.
Cosmetic Centerline
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Convert flat pattern sketch line geometry to Cosmetic Centerlines that carry
manufacturing attributes including bend extent lines, bend direction, and bend
angle.
Manufacturing Information
; Use an ASCII file editor to customize the values to your specific conditions. All
bend radius columns must contain values.
;-----------------------------------------------------------------------
; S = sheet thickness
; R = bending radii
; A = opening angle
; T1 = Tolerance (+/-) for sheet thickness S (valid for the whole file)
; bending radii R in the tables. For model bend radii that fall
;-----------------------------------------------------------------------
;L = A+ B-x
;-----------------------------------------------------------------------
;
;-----------------------------------------------------------------------
/Ucm
/T10.000100
/T20.010000
/T30.010000
*** TABLE 1
;sheet thickness
/S0.050000
; bending
radii
/R 0.500000 1.000000 1.500000 2.000000
; opening -------------------- correction value x ------------------
angle -
/A 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000
/A 5.000000 0.029508 0.026252 0.024359 0.023024
/A 10.000000 0.059349 0.053004 0.049384 0.046881
/A 15.000000 0.089863 0.080765 0.075755 0.072419
/A 20.000000 0.121398 0.110057 0.104168 0.100510
/A 25.000000 0.154319 0.141429 0.135353 0.132067
/A 30.000000 0.189014 0.175462 0.170086 0.168059
/A 35.000000 0.225899 0.212779 0.209200 0.209526
/A 40.000000 0.265428 0.254063 0.253600 0.257602
/A 45.000000 0.308101 0.300062 0.304289 0.313537
/A 50.000000 0.354475 0.351613 0.362380 0.378726
/A 55.000000 0.405180 0.409660 0.429132 0.454742
/A 60.000000 0.460932 0.475279 0.505980 0.543377
Autodesk Inventor > Parts > Sheet Metal Parts >
Sheet metal custom unfold equation bounding conditions edit dialog box
Allows edit of the bounding condition associated with a specific custom unfold
equation.
Access:
When the Unfold Method selected on the Style and Standard
dialog box is Custom Equation, double-click a Bounding
Condition cell on the dialog box.
Top Row
Bottom Row
Use Export Face As to export all loops on a single planar face. The command is
available within the part, sheet metal, or assembly environments. The face loops
can be exported to either .dxf or .dwg file format. The loop data is processed
during the publishing routine. All geometry is moved to a location where
coordinates have positive values and the outer profile is converted into a polyline.
This option is helpful for certain types of manufacturing equipment which require
a polyline for direct consumption of .dxf and .dwg data. Export Face As is
available while working on the flat pattern of a sheet metal part to export the
entire flat pattern when the creation of a polyline is required.
In the sheet metal environment, Export Face As is available for both the flat
pattern and the folded part.
Use Save Copy As to export sheet metal flat patterns to .sat, .dxf, and .dwg file
formats. You can export the entire flat pattern by selecting Save Copy As from
the flat pattern browser node context menu while the flat pattern is displayed.
The Save Copy As command is recommended if there is no polyline requirement
for the exported flat pattern. Save Copy As produces the most complete and
accurate representation of the flat pattern. For example, the loops on all faces
are exported; all data are classified and exported to appropriate layers;
countersunk holes show the correct inner diameter, and so on.
Click Options in the Save Copy As dialog box to customize the file version being
exported. For .dxf and .dwg file types, additional options are available to
customize post-process routines using an xml script.
There are two controlling .xml files. FlatPattern.xml is used by the Save Copy As
command when exporting from the flat pattern. FaceLoops.xml is used by the
Export As Face command. Before you export, depending on your particular
workflow requirements, you may want to set up the flat pattern export options in
the relevant .xml file. The .xml files by default are stored in the:
Assemblies
Build assemblies
Bills of materials
Representations
Functional design overview
Component Generators
Calculators
Content Center
Build structural frames with Frame Generator
Weldments
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies >
Build assemblies
Fundamentals
Top-down design
Components
Constraints
Modifications
Features
Productivity Tools
Physical Properties
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies >
Fundamentals
Assembly tools
Add Part
Add Assembly
Component Derive
File migration
Using Autodesk Inventor, you can manipulate component size and position, see
assemblies in various views, see assemblies with components in different
positions, select components based on certain criteria, and make components
visible or invisible.
Click a link below to learn more about how and when to use these commands. In
each topic, click the Procedure tab to go to a step-by-step procedure.
Move components
Move an unconstrained component, a component and all components
constrained to it, or simulate mechanical motion by driving constraints.
Flexible assemblies
Each flexible assembly instance solves separately, so that each instance
can be in a unique position.
Adaptive components
All instances of an adaptive assembly adapt size and position relative to
constrained objects.
Positional representations
Capture kinematic "snapshots" of assemblies to evaluate various
assembly positions and conduct motion studies. Retrieve later for further
analysis or modification.
Dependencies in assemblies
All new assembly files are created with a template. You can create your own
templates and add them to the templates provided by Autodesk Inventor.
Note The file standard.iam in the Templates folder is the default assembly
template. To replace the default template, remove standard.iam and replace it
with a template that has the same name.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Fundamentals >
Assembly browser
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Assembly browser
Graphically illustrates assembly hierarchy. Shows and hides selected components,
filters, and arranges contents, manages access to component and constraint
editing, and provides alternate access to functions from the context menu.
Controls assembly feature roll back and participation of components in each
feature.
Browser filters
Representations
Browser views
Find
Restructure assemblies
You can move one or more existing components, including component patterns,
within an assembly or from one assembly to another assembly. You must have
read and write privileges to the origin and target assembly files.
A component does not move relative to other components in the graphics window,
even when you change its position in the assembly browser. Constraints between
components that originate from the same parent assembly or subassembly are
retained.
Create browser folders and use them based on your design needs. You can
choose to populate your assembly browser with folders before you have placed a
single component. Then, as you place components and create features, you move
the browser nodes into the appropriate folders. Alternatively, you can completely
design your assembly, then define your folders and move browser nodes into
them. Use these techniques, or a combination thereof, to order and simplify your
assembly browser.
You have two methods available to create your browser folders. You can create
empty folders, or pre-select browser nodes and add them to new folders.
Delete folder
Tips
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Fundamentals >
3. On the View tab, Appearance panel, click one of the Section View
commands, then select any planar or work plane to define the cutting
plane.
When creating a part in an assembly, you can project edges, loops, and faces
from one part into the sketch of the new part feature. By default, the resulting
geometry is a cross-part sketch.
The Cross Part Geometry Projection option on the Assembly tab of the Application
Options dialog box makes the projected geometry associative to the parent part
by default. If you later want to make the associative part independent of its
parent part in the assembly, you can break the associative link.
To begin, open the assembly containing the part with the link you want to break:
1. In the browser, expand the assembly hierarchy, right-click the part you
want to make independent, and then select Edit.
Resolve Link
Provides a method to specify the current location of a file that is not found
automatically when you open an Autodesk Inventor assembly.
Access: The Resolve Link dialog box opens if the automatic search for a
referenced file fails when the referencing file is opened. The
automatic search fails to find a file if:
The file was moved from one subfolder to another within a storage
location or a library.
The file was moved from one subfolder to another within a storage
location.
(More)
Search for Check to activate the search for other unresolved
other references using the information you enter in the
unresolved Substitution Rule section. Remove the check
references mark if you do not want to search for other
using the unresolved references using the information you
using the unresolved references using the information you
following rule. enter.
Substitution Use this section if you can enter path information
Rule to locate missing components.
Leading portion The portion of the existing referenced relative
of the path to replace to find the missing referenced
Referenced component.
relative Path to
replace
Replacement Enter the path to a location where the missing
Path referenced component can be found.
Replacement Enter the name of the library where the missing
Library referenced library component can be found.
Available only if the missing component is
referenced from a library.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies >
Top-down design
Skeletal Modeling
Note Use the common origin workflow to derive shape and position to your new
components. Use the position independent workflow to derive shape only. With
position independent components, changes to the position of sketch geometry in
your layout do not require component revisions. Also use the position independent
workflow with sketch blocks to create kinematic layouts; Make Components
translates sketch constraints to equivalent assembly constraints to achieve the
kinematic behavior.
Common origin
Position independent
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Top-down design >
Layout
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Make layout
Creates a layout part in an assembly.
Access:
Use sketch blocks in your layout to represent components. Once a sketch block is
created, you can easily add instances of the block to your layout. For components
used in multiple locations, it provides a quick, associative method for adding them
to the design. Any changes to the block definition are propagated to all block
instances.
A powerful use of sketch blocks is the creation of flexible, nested blocks. This type
of block allows you to simulate assembly and subassembly kinematics in your
layout. You can evaluate your design and change the design before you make
components. You can also evaluate the impact of any changes in your design. If
changes to the sketch block definition are made, the block instances are updated.
Make part
Creates a part file and derives the selected objects from the source part into the
new part.
Access:
Components
Assembly components
Choose the first assembly component
Place components in assemblies
Adjust visibility of components
Create parts in assemblies
iAssemblies
iAssembly auto-capture
Assembly components in patterns
Copied assembly components
Mirrored assembly components
Occurrence properties in components
Use colors to distinguish components
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Components >
Assembly components
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Note You can open multiple files that are in sequence by holding down the SHIFT
key. You can also select multiple files that are not in sequence by holding down
the CTRL key.
If you must relocate the grounded component, use one of the following methods.
Adjust the visibility or enabled status from either the context menu or the
Properties dialog box, Occurrence tab.
Show Me
Note It is possible to turn off component visibility but have the component still be
enabled. This technique is useful for quickly removing a needed component from
view. Enabled components are loaded in an assembly file, while only the graphic
portion of not enabled components are loaded. The assembly calculates faster
because the data structure of not enabled components is not present, but its
graphics are useful for a frame of reference.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Components >
iAssemblies
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
iAssembly Author
Author overview
iAssembly tabs
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Components >
iAssembly auto-capture
When editing an iPart or iAssembly factory, you can use conventional modeling
commands to make edits that affect the table. This technique efficiently creates a
factory without requiring the table editor or Excel to make modifications.
Use the Edit Scope selector to switch the modeling scope between Edit Member
(the active row) and Edit Factory (all rows).
For Edit Member Scope, model edits that can be configured modify the active row
of the table. If a column for a modified item is not yet in the table, it is created,
with the new value set for the active row and the original value set for all other
rows. If the item is already configured in the table, the modification only changes
the cell in the current row. Other members are not updated with the change.
For Edit Factory Scope, edits to items that are already configured adjust all cells
in the column to match the new value. New columns are not created for
modifications to items that are not already in the table.
Note Use caution when applying a global change to all factory members. You
could inadvertently change a required value that works in the current member but
causes errors in another member.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Components >
Pattern components
Duplicates one or
more components
and arranges the
resulting occurrences
in a circular or
rectangular pattern.
Rectangular and
circular patterns can
use patterned
features on a part to
set number and
spacing.
Component
Associative tab
Rectangular tab
Circular tab
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Components >
Copy Components: File Name, which enables you to designate the file
name. For more information about the File Names dialog box, see the
Mirror/Copy Components: File Names reference.
You can switch between the two dialog boxes.
panel Mirror
When the components to mirror are selected, click Next in the
Mirror Components dialog box to open the Mirror Components:
File Names dialog box.
Copied Components: Ribbon: Assemble tab Component
panel Copy
When the components to copy are selected, click OK in the
Copy Components dialog box to open the Copy Components:
File Names dialog box.
Name
Properties
2. On the Quick Access toolbar, click the down arrow on the Color box.
The color is applied to the component. If you create a design view representation,
the color preference is saved with that view.
Constraints
Introducing constraints
Assembly constraints overview
Degrees of freedom in assemblies
Assembly constraint errors and recovery
Component collision and contact
iMates
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Constraints >
Introducing constraints
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Constraints >
Selections
Show Preview
Select the check box to preview the constraint to apply. Constraint set UCS to
UCS results in three Mate constraints, created between the corresponding pairs of
YZ, XZ, and XY planes.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Constraints >
2. Right-click the component, and then clear the Grounded check mark.
Use Isolate to turn off visibility of all components except the components you
selected.
2. Right-click, and then select Isolate. All unselected components are set
to Invisible status.
When the Design Doctor displays, use Isolate as a treatment to find the
constraint.
1. Activate the Contact Solver. On the ribbon, click Tools tab Options
panel Document Settings Modeling tab.
Note On the context menu, clear the check mark on Visibility or Enabled to
remove the components from analysis for contact, interference, or collision.
Reference components are analyzed regardless of visibility or enabled status.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Constraints >
iMates
Concept Procedure
Create iMates
Modify an iMate
A good candidate for an iPart factory is a basic part you use often in different
sizes, materials, or mounting configurations. When you transform a part to an
iPart factory, you define the parameters and properties that must change for each
part.
You can also create a table-driven iPart and use it to create a table-driven
iFeature if the entire part is going to be used as an iFeature. Use the Extract
iFeature command to save the iPart as an iFeature. Once the table-driven
iFeature is saved to the catalog location, use the iFeature Author to make
changes to the table.
Note There is no link between the original iPart and the iFeature. Save the part
file if you want to preserve a copy of the original iPart.
In the iPart Author table, you define individual members of the iPart factory by
specifying its values. If you prefer, you can add or edit members in an embedded
Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. For standard iParts, each table row is a member of
the iPart.
In previous versions, legacy iParts concatenated Key values to create a file name.
Now, a Member column in the iPart table generates a default file name based on
the factory name. Each member name is incremented. Optionally, click Options in
the iPart Author dialog box to set up a different naming scheme, or enter a new
name in the member cell.
Note Add the file locations to the active project because iPart members are
stored according to your search paths in the active project.
iMate fundamentals
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Create iMate
Assembly tab
Motion tab
Modifications
Edit assemblies
Move and rotate assembly components
Replace assembly components
Delete assembly components
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Modifications >
Edit assemblies
Concept Procedure
When significant changes have been made to a part file or assembly component
(for example, editing a part in the assembly, placing a constraint, or editing a
constraint), Global Update is the default choice.
You can trigger Update automatically or set an option to defer updates while you
continue to work. When deferring updates, part positions will not change until you
use the Update command.
To defer updates:
2. Click the Assembly tab, and then select the Defer Update check box to
defer updates until you click Update in the active file.
To manually apply edits to a part file or to one or all components of the current
assembly:
1. Click the arrow beside the Update command on the Quick Access
toolbar.
The Back icon is always included so that you can back out of your selections
and deselect the geometry while keeping the command active.
Line (linear edge, work axis, centerline, implicit ray) as first selection,
followed by:
Circle - Vector (circular edge, arc edge) as first selection, followed by:
Move
Second Third
Option Result for selection set:
Selection Selection
Selection
Plane (planar face, work plane) as first selection, in Grip Snap followed
by:
Entity
Icon Tool tip description of behavior
Selected
Drag Planar
You can replace one assembly component with another component or replace all
occurrences of the component in the current assembly. If possible, constraints are
retained, unless the replacement part has a different shape. In that case, some
constraints may not survive and must be reapplied.
Note When you replace a component with a member of an iAssembly or iPart, the
Open dialog box browses to the factory file of the member. You can select a
different member of the factory or create a new member using the Place iPart or
Place iAssembly dialog box.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Modifications >
Press CTRL-X to cut the component from the assembly and move it to
the Clipboard. The component is deleted from the current assembly, but
can be pasted into another file.
Features
Assembly features
3D sweep features
Sketches in assemblies
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Features >
Assembly features
Concept Procedure
To roll back the state of assembly features in the assembly, in the browser, drag
the EOF symbol up the feature tree. When rolled back, anything under the EOF
node is temporarily not included in the model. When you drag the EOF symbol
back down the tree within the list of assembly features, those features are added
back into the model.
2. Click and drag the EOF symbol up the tree to any location within the
list of assembly features.
4. Click and drag the EOF symbol back down the tree to add features
back in.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Features >
3D sweep features
Concept Procedure
Spline
2D and 3D sketch
Revolve
Extrude
Sweep
Circular pattern
Step 6: Prepare for the Sweep command by creating a profile for the
spring
Sketches in assemblies
Projected geometry
Constraint behavior
Shared sketches
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies >
Productivity Tools
Add Part
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Create Part
This command provides a streamlined version of the Inventor default command,
Create Component, to create an empty part file. You name and save a part file
you create using the Create Part dialog box.
Add Assembly
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Create Assembly
This command provides a streamlined version of the Inventor default command
Create Component, to create an empty assembly file. You name and save the
assembly you create using the Create Assembly dialog box.
Create Part
This command displays the dialog box during the save portion of the Save and
replace component workflow..
Move and align the origin of the selected component to the origin of the
assembly.
The selected component is moved and grounded within the assembly and
repositioned within the assembly browser structure.
Note If the selected component has existing assembly constraints that prevent it
from being moved to and aligned with the assembly origin, additional conflicting
constraints are applied. Your assembly displays a red Recover indication. The
component is grounded and repositioned within the assembly browser node
structure.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Productivity Tools >
Component Derive
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Create Part
This command provides a streamlined Derive Component workflow. You use the
Create Part (or Create Assembly) dialog box to name and save the new part (or
assembly) file.
Select, place, and constrain a new component aligned to and coincident with the
origin of a selected component within an existing assembly.
4. Click Open to place the component and close the dialog box.
The component you select is placed and constrained in the assembly with its
origin aligned to and coincident with the origin of the component you initially
selected within the assembly.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Productivity Tools >
To sort the components, click Assemble tab Productivity panel Alpha Sort
Component.
Update Substitutes
Concept Procedure
Update Substitutes
3. The informational dialog box closes, and the substitute parts update.
Note Refresh the view of your assembly to see the updated substitute parts.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Productivity Tools >
Create Substitutes
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Create Substitute
This command creates a substitute part for every subassembly within the active
assembly. The Create Substitute dialog box provides a means to select the
subassemblies for which to create a substitute part, and for naming the resulting
substitute parts.
Physical Properties
Center of gravity
Mass properties
Check for interference between components
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Physical Properties >
Center of gravity
Concept Procedure
The center of gravity symbol contains three selectable work planes and a
selectable work point. Select the work planes to measure distance along the
perpendicular axis. Use the work point to measure straight line distance.
Mass properties
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
The measurement units are controlled by the Document Settings Units tab.
Update
Clipboard
General Properties
Inertial Properties
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build assemblies > Physical Properties >
Assembly interference
Interference Analysis
Interference Detected
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies >
Bills of materials
Bills of materials
Manage item numbers in bills of materials
Structure of bills of materials
Bill of Materials Editor
Parts lists and BOMs in iAssemblies
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Bills of materials >
Bills of materials
A bill of materials is a table that contains information about the parts within an
assembly. The table includes quantities, names, costs, vendors, or any other
information someone building the assembly needs. Quantities on the bill of
materials are updated when a part is added or removed from the assembly.
You can modify values on the bill of materials by changing the design properties
in the Properties dialog box or in the Bill of Materials dialog box.
Within a drawing, you can create a similar document called a parts list. The parts
list derives data generated by the assembly and the Properties dialog box (as
reflected by the bill of materials). The placed parts list can then be edited, with
changes to its structure and content. Data in the parts list derived from the
Properties dialog box can be edited in the property dialog box. The data can be
overridden in the Edit Parts list dialog box. You can publish parts list to the DWF
format.
The Item Column displays item numbers in the bill of materials. Every item is
automatically assigned an item number. The item number can be edited as
needed. Changes to item numbers update automatically in the parts list and
balloons.
Virtual components
Equivalent Components
Renumber
Access: In the Bill of Materials dialog box, select the Structured or Parts
Only tab. Click Renumber.
The radio buttons for selection control are set based on preselection. When two or
more rows are preselected the dialog box defaults to Selected Rows. For
preselection of none or one, the default is set to All Rows and the radio buttons
are disabled.
The BOM Structure iProperty defines the status of the component in the bill of
material (BOM). BOM Structure has five basic options: Normal, Phantom,
Reference, Purchased, and Inseparable.
Tip You can set a default value for BOM Structure on the Design BOM tab of the
Document Settings dialog box. The BOM Structure for all components is set to
this value, until it is overridden at the component instance level.
Multiple assemblies exist within an iAssembly. In the BOM, separate QTY and Item
QTY columns display for each member as the item count is affected individually
for members with component suppression.
The BOM view displays the active member. Click the iAssembly down-arrow to
access remaining list or display all members.
The Bill of Material editor displays quantities for members within an iAssembly.
You can only edit the quantity of the QTY column per member.
Note Item QTY refers to a column choice that displays a calculated quantity for an
item which is separate from a QTY for an item. You can edit a QTY for an item.
The Item QTY is calculated and you cannot edit it.
You can create a Parts List of selected members or a traditional single assembly
parts list. You can also create an aggregate parts list of specified members.
However, only one BOM view is provided containing the aggregate list of items
and Item numbers.
Representations
View representations
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
View representations
A View representation preserves an assembly display configuration so that you
can recall it by name the next time you work on the assembly.
Storage Location
Flexible assemblies
Concept Procedure
To remove flexibility, right-click a flexible subassembly, and then clear the check
mark.
Positional representations in
assemblies
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Override Objects
For assemblies that participate in a positional representation, the Override Objects
dialog box overrides suppression status or constraint value, grounding status,
offset values, and flexibility status. Used to make in-process adjustments to
positions of objects in the current positional representation. Items with overrides
are indicated by bold text in the browser, with the override value in parentheses.
You cannot override values in the master positional representation. The master
positional representation is the default state of the assembly, where all modeling
tasks are performed
Tip You can quickly override one or a few values without accessing the Override
Objects dialog box. For example, right-click a constraint in the browser and select
Modify (Override). Or, right-click a component name and select Grounded
(Override) to change the grounding state.
Positional Representation
Constraint tab
Pattern tab
Component tab
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Representations >
Shrinkwrap assemblies
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Shrinkwrap assemblies
Style
Functional design is a knowledge content tool that represents the trend to move
from geometrical descriptions to capturing knowledge.
Designers use functional design to analyze the function of their products and the
design problems they are trying to solve, rather than spending time on the
modeling operations necessary to create 3D representations.
Functional design is not only a set of functions. It supports design by function and
adds mechanical content and intelligence. Using functional design, you can create
mechanically correct components automatically by entering simple or complex
mechanical attributes.
Within Autodesk Inventor, the following areas are part of Functional Design:
Design Accelerator
Frame Generator
AutoLimits
Content Center
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Functional design overview >
Design Accelerator
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Delete
Use the Delete dialog box to delete components.
When you delete a feature using Functional Design commands it affects the whole
connection. Then, you can decide if you want to delete affected features as well.
You can use equations wherever you can enter a numeric value. For example, you
can write equations in the Edit Dimensions dialog box, feature dialog boxes, and
the Parameters dialog box. Equations can vary in complexity, and you can use
them to calculate feature sizes, calculate assembly constraints offsets or angles,
or simulate motion among several components.
2 ul *(6+3)
The following table lists the algebraic operators supported by Autodesk Inventor.
Operator Meaning
+ addition
- subtraction
% floating point modulo
* multiplication
/ division
^ power
( expression delimiter
) expression delimiter
; delimiter for multi-argument functions
The following table lists the unit prefixes supported by Autodesk Inventor.
Prefix Symbol Value
exa E 1.0e18
peta P 1.0e15
tera T 1.0e12
giga G 1.0e9
mega M 1.0e6
kilo k 1.0e3
hecto h 1.0e2
deca da 1.0e1
deci d 1.0e-1
centi c 1.0e-2
milli m 1.0e-3
micro micro 1.0-6
nano n 1.0-9
Pi co p 1.0e-12
femto f 1.0-15
atto a 1.0e-18
When you use unit prefixes in an equation, enter the prefix symbol. Do not enter
the prefix itself. For example, an equation that includes the unit "nanometer"
might look like this equation: 3.5 ul * 2.6 nm.
When you add the unit prefix for name to the meter unit, your equation is
calculated based on the length of 2.6 nanometers.
Note Prefix symbols are case sensitive. Enter them exactly as they appear in the
previous table.
Supported Functions
Note Function names are case sensitive. Enter them exactly as they appear in the
previous table.
The following table lists the reserved system parameters supported by Autodesk
Inventor.
Parameter Value
PI 3.14159265358979323846264338328
E 2.71828182845904523536
Unit Types
The unit type that you use with an equation depends on the type of data that you
are evaluating. For example, to evaluate a linear or angular value, you typically
use a unit type of millimeters, inches, or degrees (mm, in, or deg).
Some equations must return a unitless value, for example, an equation to solve
the number of occurrences in a pattern. You designate a unitless value with the
characters ul. For example, 5 ul means that the equation has been evaluated and
returned the number 5, as in the number of occurrences in a pattern.
Note Keep units consistent within equations containing parameters that represent
different unit types. You can do this using the Isolate function. For example, to
calculate the number of occurrences for a pattern that is based on one occurrence
for each unit of a parameter named Width, your linear equation would be:
isolate(Width;mm;ul)
The number of Occurrences value in a dialog box requires a unitless (ul) result,
but you are referencing the unit width, which is a linear value. Convert the Width
parameter to a unitless value.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Functional design overview >
Component Authoring
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
To display Part Template Parameters dialog box, on the Layout tab select the
Parameter Category.
The Part Template Parameters dialog displays all part template parameters that
can be valid for mapping in a tree structured by parameter categories.
Note You can save all the information you insert during the Authoring process,
and publish it to the Content Center Library.
What if the table columns are not presented in the Category Parameters
tab (Template parameters mapping to Category Parameters)
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Functional design overview >
When working with Design Accelerator generators and calculators there are many
features that can help you to work faster and efficiently:
Items lists – drag : You can drag in most of the generators. You can
change the order of generated components. For example, in the Bolted
Connection Generator, you can change the order of nuts and washers.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Functional design overview >
When you open any generator and calculator, a prompt is displayed with the
option to save the design accelerator generator or calculator to the assembly
before you continue. Change the assembly name and folder or accept the default,
and click Save. An assembly node is added to the browser structure. The
component is designed in this assembly.
Material Database
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
According to the specified values of wire diameters and the ultimate tensile
strength, generator uses the ultimate tensile strength value if you design a spring
of an appropriate wire diameter. For example, you set the wire diameter value in
this table to 0,072 and the ultimate tensile strength value to 232692. If you set
the wire diameter value in the Design tab to 0,072, generator automatically
inserts the ultimate tensile strength value (232692) to the Ultimate Tensile
Strength edit field of the Calculation tab.
If generator does not find the ultimate tensile strength value for inserted wire
diameter in the table, the value is calculated. Generator finds the closest lower
and upper wire diameter values and approximately calculates the ultimate tensile
strength.
The data from material database are stored in the XML format in ...Design
Data\Design Accelerator\Tables\Materials folder. If you edit the data, tables in
XML format are by default stored in ...Design Data\Design
Accelerator\Tables\Custom folder.
Access: On the ribbon, click the Design tab. Open Compression Spring,
Tension Spring, or Torsion Spring, Calculation tab. Check the
box next to the Material edit field to open Material Database
dialog box. Double-click the last column, Wire Diameters.
Add item Adds a row for new wire diameter and ultimate
tensile strength values.
Delete item Removes selected row with data from the table.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies >
Component Generators
Modify length/hole
Specifies hole and bolt parameters that you can change.
For holes, you can change type, diameter, designation, and class.
The dialog box differs depending on whether the selected component is a bolt or a
hole.
Modify Hole
Type You have several options to select the type of
hole. Depending on the selected option, the hole
is adjusted. For example, if you select the Loose
option and click OK, you can see that the hole
dimensions are changed in the Design tab.
Threaded - Hole Diameter is always driven. It
designs the threaded hole type.
Designation For some holes, there are more possible
dimensions for the bolt type. Specify the hole
more accurately by selecting the appropriate
designation.
Modify Bolt
Custom Length Check the box to select the bolt length from the
drop-down list. Values in the list depend on the
type of the selected bolt.
type of the selected bolt.
When you enter a user parameter and return to
the Design tab of the Bolted connection
Generator, the part item with user dimensions is
displayed with a green background.
You can also change the length of bolt in the
graphics window using the 3D grip. Drag the grip
to the appropriate length. The edit field of the
part is displayed with a green background in the
Design tab.
Double-click the 3D grip to edit the bolt length.
Design tab
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Component Generators >
Torque
Use the dialog box to enter parameters of shaft torque.
Loading Conditions
Specifies the influence of production and operating parameters on the connection
acceptability.
Joint Type
Fixed Splines are firmly joined by pressing or fixed by
rings, avoiding axial movement.
Flexible Splines are flexibly joined to allow axial
movement.
Crowned Uses external splines with crowned teeth for
misalignment up to 5 degrees.
Note This option is available for Involute Splines
only and if the ANSI Standard is selected.
Ka - Application factor
This coefficient reflects the effect of the character and the type of loading on
decrease of the loading capacity or the coupling. It is determined according to
empirical values given in the following table:
Wear-life factor
This coefficient reflects effects of wear of contact surfaces during the appropriate
service life of the coupling (measured in number of revolutions) on increase of
the loading capacity the coupling. It is determined according to empirical values
given in the following table:
Total number of Kw
revolutions
[millions]
0.01 4.0
0.1 2.8
1 2.0
10 1.4
100 1.0
1000 0.7
10000 0.5
Note only for flexible joints.
In couplings with two keys, the loading is not distributed exactly uniformly onto
the two keys due to production and assembly inaccuracies. The actual load
bearing surface of the coupling is lower than the load bearing surface determined
theoretically. The ratio between the theoretical and actual load bearing surface of
the coupling is defined by the coefficient of distribution of the loading. With
regards to the accuracy of bearing, the size of the coefficient is given in a range
from 0.6 to 0.8.
The factor indicates the load is not spread evenly on all the spline teeth because
of production and assembly inaccuracy. At a common and higher mounting
accuracy, it is assumed that half of the teeth carry the load (Ks = 0.5). For
splines with higher production inaccuracy, the load is only carried by one third of
the teeth (Ks = 0.3).
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Component Generators >
Note This dialog box is available only if you select the ISO or CSN spline type and
Metric Method in the Strength Calculation area on the Calculation tab.
Joint type
Fixed Joins splines firmly by pressing or fixed by rings
avoiding axial movement.
Working Conditions
Specifies the type of working conditions.
Tooth Side
Specifies the type of tooth sides.
advantageous - 1 -2
advantageous 2.5 - 4 4 -7
medium 6 - 10 10 - 14
advantageous 8 - 12 12 - 20
The factor indicates the load is not spread evenly on all the spline teeth because
of production and assembly inaccuracy. At a common and higher mounting
accuracy, it is supposed that one half of teeth carry the load (Ks = 0.5), for
splining with higher production inaccuracy the load is only carried by one third of
teeth (Ks = 0.3).
Calculation Tab
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Component Generators >
Loading Conditions
Specifies the influence of production and operating parameters on the connection
acceptability.
Joint Type
Fixed Splines are firmly joined by pressing or fixed by
rings, avoiding axial movement.
Flexible Splines are flexibly joined to allow axial
movement.
Crowned Uses external splines with crowned teeth for
misalignment up to 5 degrees.
Note This option is available for Involute Splines
only and if the ANSI Standard is selected.
Ka - Application factor
This coefficient reflects the effect of the character and the type of loading on
decrease of the loading capacity or the coupling. It is determined according to
empirical values given in the following table:
Wear-life factor
This coefficient reflects effects of wear of contact surfaces during the appropriate
service life of the coupling (measured in number of revolutions) on increase of
the loading capacity the coupling. It is determined according to empirical values
given in the following table:
Total number of Kw
revolutions
[millions]
0.01 4.0
0.1 2.8
1 2.0
10 1.4
100 1.0
1000 0.7
10000 0.5
Note only for flexible joints.
In couplings with two keys, the loading is not distributed exactly uniformly onto
the two keys due to production and assembly inaccuracies. The actual load
bearing surface of the coupling is lower than the load bearing surface determined
theoretically. The ratio between the theoretical and actual load bearing surface of
the coupling is defined by the coefficient of distribution of the loading. With
regards to the accuracy of bearing, the size of the coefficient is given in a range
from 0.6 to 0.8.
The factor indicates the load is not spread evenly on all the spline teeth because
of production and assembly inaccuracy. At a common and higher mounting
accuracy, it is assumed that half of the teeth carry the load (Ks = 0.5). For
splines with higher production inaccuracy, the load is only carried by one third of
the teeth (Ks = 0.3).
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Component Generators >
Add Motion
You can define your own motion. You must specify the motion name and the file
name.
Access: On the Design tab, Power Transmission panel, click Disc, Linear,
or Cylindrical Cam. On the Design tab click Add next to the
Motion Function pull-down list.
File Format
The Motion file is a text file that contains 2 columns of values delimited by tabs or
characters ";" or "|".
The first column represents the position in segment. The first value must be zero
(start of segment). The last value must be 1, or all values are transformed by
1/last value in the table. For example, if the last value in the table is 30,
generator recalculates value 1/30. The values must be listed ascendingly.
The second column represents an elevation at position. The first value must be
zero. The last value must be 1, or all elevation values are transformed by 1/last
value in the table. The values must be listed ascendingly.
Example of the values of the Polynomial motion of third degree. You can copy the
values from the table directly to the TXT file.
0;0
0.1;0.028
0.2;0.104
0.3;0.216
0.4;0.352
0.5;0.5
0.6;0.648
0.7;0.784
0.8;0.896
0.9;0.972
1;1
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Component Generators >
Accuracy
Displays a dialog box for input of accuracy standard and accuracy degree.
Access: On the Design tab, Power Transmission panel, click Spur Gear
or Bevel Gear. In the Spur Gears or Bevel Gears Component
Generator, Calculation tab, click Accuracy.
Accuracy
Displays a dialog box for input of accuracy standard and accuracy degree.
Access: On the Design tab, Power Transmission panel, click Spur Gear
or Bevel Gear. In the Spur Gears or Bevel Gears Component
Generator, Calculation tab, click Accuracy.
Accuracy
Displays a dialog box for input of accuracy standard and accuracy degree.
If the load is not constant during bearing life, use the dialog box to enter
additional loads.
To enter the load values, double-click the edit fields. You can insert Time values
either in absolute values or in percent.
For calculation of Equivalent Dynamic Load P used in Bearing Life Calculation, the
time ratio of the loading conditions is crucial, not the absolute values of the
loads.
The diagram on the Calculation tab displays the impact of individual element to
the Equivalent Dynamic Load P value.
Calculation tab
Advanced...
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Component Generators >
Calculation Options
Load
Dimensions
Spring Coils
Spring Material
Check of Buckling
Fatigue Loading
Assembly Dimensions
(More)
Results
Summary of Messages
Toolbar buttons
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Component Generators >
Access: Ribbon: Design tab Spring panel Extension and click the
Calculation tab.
Calculation Options
Loads
Dimensions
Spring Prestress
Spring Material
Assembly Dimensions
Spring Coils
(More)
Results
Summary of Messages
Toolbar Commands
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Component Generators >
Calculation Option
Loads
Spring Mounting
Dimensions
Spring Coils
Spring Material
Assembly Dimensions
(More)
Results
Summary of Messages
Toolbar Commands
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Component Generators >
Note The list of springs depends on the selected standard in the Spring Type list.
Click the Add icon to insert new spring size. Enter all required values for new
spring size.
The following table lists the data displayed for each spring size:
Coordinates
Controls the X and Y coordinates of the pulley given by precise input. The Fixed
position by coordinates placement type must be selected for the pulley.
Coordinates
Controls the X and Y coordinates of the pulley given by precise input. The Fixed
position by coordinates placement type must be selected for the pulley.
Note This dialog box is displayed only if you select the roller chain sprocket.
Service Factor
Displays the list of factors and appropriate values.
To edit the field manually, you can enter the value in the Calculation tab, or you
can select a value from the table.
To insert a value on the Calculation tab, click the white field with a value, and
click OK.
Access: On the ribbon, click the Design tab, Fasten panel, select any
Pin Generator. On the Calculation tab, click next to the
Service Factor edit field.
Pernament Fit
Running Fit
Modify Pin
Changes pin parameters (tolerance class, type, length, and so on).
Access: On the ribbon, click the Design tab, Fasten panel. Click any Pin
Generator, Design tab, Items area, click the Custom Properties
commands.
When you select an o-ring, the displayed options depend on the type of selected
o-ring, axial or radial.
Apply and OK commands are grayed out. They become available when you specify
the placement geometry and select a family with a valid o-ring member. At that
point you can insert an o-ring into the assembly.
Radial o-rings
Axial o-rings
Menu Commands
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies >
Calculators
Calculator
Loads
Dimensions
Weld Design
Diagrammatic pictures of weld design are changed according to the selected weld
type. Choose the corresponding weld design.
Results
Displays the reports about calculation. To open the Summary of Messages area at
the bottom of the tab, double-click the double line at the bottom of the tabs or
click the chevron.
Toolbar buttons
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Calculators >
Calculator
Dimensions
Results
Assessments of the joint strength, including the results of the strength check, are
presented in the Results section. If input parameters are changed, refresh the
values in this section by clicking the Calculate button (F5 key).
Displays the reports about calculation. To open the Summary of Messages area at
the bottom of the tab, double-click the double line at the bottom of tabs or click
the chevron.
Toolbar buttons
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Calculators >
Calculator
Loads
Loading is entered through torque.
Dimensions
Enter the dimensions of the cone hub joint.
d, D, L Taper Calculates the pin taper ratio for the specified pin
Ratio diameters and joint length.
d, D, Taper Calculates the joint length for the specified pin
Ratio L diameters and taper ratio.
d, L, Taper Calculates the major pin diameter for the
Ratio D specified taper ratio, minor pin diameter, and
joint length.
D, L, Taper Calculates the minor pin diameter for the
Ratio d specified taper ratio, major pin diameter, and
joint length.
Joint Properties
Type of Loading Using the roll-down menu, select the Type of
loading.
Material Check the check box to open Material Database
and select a material. Edit the properties of the
material, if needed.
Allowable Allowable pressure in the joint is entered by
Pressure selection from the list according to the joint
character or by typing a value into the input
field.
Results
Summary of Messages area opens at the bottom of the tab when you double-click
the double line at the bottom of tabs or if you click the chevron at the bottom of
the tabs. It displays the reports about calculation.
Toolbar buttons
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Calculators >
Tolerance
In the Tolerance dialog box, you can enter individual chain element dimensions
and tolerances.
Calculator
The Limits and Fits Mechanical calculator takes recommendations from ISO 286 or
ANSI B4.1. The option to select a standard is available within the More Options
area. (To display the More Options area, click More in the lower right corner
of the Calculation tab.) Each standard has its own profile and the units of the
nominal diameter and deviations are millimeters for ISO and inches for ANSI.
Conditions
Tolerances
Tolerance Zones
Specify the limits and fits. Selected fit is displayed in a graphic form.
(More)
Results
To display the Results area on the right side of the Calculation tab, double-click
the double line on the right or click the chevron.
The area displays numerical values for the tolerances. Click Calculate to calculate
the values.
Hole
Midpoint
Toolbar buttons
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Calculators >
Calculator
Required Load
Dimensions
Enter dimensions for press fit. If you enter values that do not correspond with
other dimensions, the values are displayed in red.
Outer Diameter Enter outer diameter of the hub.
Shaft Diameter External shaft diameter in place of contact.
Inner Diameter Internal shaft diameter of hollow shaft. If solid shaft is
considered use 0.0.
considered use 0.0.
Connection Length Enter length of pressure connection.
This part of the panel is used to find standard fit for shaft and hub.
Fit Symbol Standard hub and shaft fit that is calculated
based on ISO or ANSI standard.
Change... Opens the Limits and Fits Mechanical Calculator -
Interference Fit dialog box. You can adjust the
maximum and minimum interference. Click OK to
return to the Calculation tab.
Fundamental If the corresponding standard fit for the
Deviations calculated maximum possible and minimum
possible interference cannot be found, the limit
deviations are calculated and numerically
expressed. In the tolerance field, you can adapt
the limit deviations. You cannot exceed
maximum possible or minimum possible
interference. If so, the calculated interferences
are shown in red and display an error message.
To adapt limit deviations, clear the check box for
the Specify manually option in the Fundamental
Deviations box.
Note : When you click Calculate, Design
Accelerator presents a new solution or calculates
new limit deviations. Your changes are not saved.
When you edit the fields, partial results are
calculated. It is not necessary to start the
calculation again.
Advanced
Hub Material
Opens the Material Database where you select a material. Edit the properties
of the material, if needed.
Material can be selected form predefined values. All properties that are used
in calculation are displayed and can be modified if "user" material is selected.
Shaft Material
Opens the Material Database where you select a material. Edit the properties
of the material, if needed.
Material can be selected form predefined values. All properties that are used
in calculation are displayed and can be modified if "user" material is selected.
Temperature
Results
Displays the results of strength proportion calculation. Also, the hub warming
temperature is shown, which can be reduced by using shaft cooling.
Summary of Messages
Toolbar buttons
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Calculators >
Screw Calculator
Results
Displays the calculated and limit stresses in the screw and pressure in
the thread.
Toolbar buttons
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Calculators >
Restraint
Use this dialog box to enter parameters of a restraint.
Plate Calculator
Calculates flat plates of the circular, square, and rectangular shape with uniformly
distributed load over the surface, or with load concentrated at the center.
Tip
Toolbar buttons
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Calculators >
Start Energy
Displays a dialog for energy calculation.
Rotation Energy
Moment of Enter value of Moment of Inertia of the braked
Inertia element.
Revolutions Enter the value for Revolutions of the braked
element.
Rotary Energy Calculated value of the Rotary Energy.
Kinetic Energy
Mass Enter value of Mass of the braked element.
Speed Enter value of Speed of the braked element.
Kinetic Energy Calculated value of the Kinetic Energy.
Start Energy Calculated value of Start Energy.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies >
Content Center
Library configurations for team members are saved in the Autodesk Inventor
project and can be edited in Project Editor. Each team member can create a
personal project using the project file (.ipj) as a template, or include a common
project (.ipj) file that is configured with the shared libraries. This enables each
team member to have the same configuration.
Note You cannot include a project file in an Autodesk Vault project file. Autodesk
Vault does not support included project files.
If you are connecting to a vault database and the Content Center libraries
database, the administrator creates the vault project file first and makes it the
active project. Then the administrator configures the Content Center libraries in
the Configure Libraries dialog box.
Overview
In Autodesk Vault Server Console, create the user accounts for anyone
requiring editing permissions. Communicate user account information
and the Login procedure to each member in the team.
The server console displays the list of Content Center libraries currently available
on the server.
Note An .mdf and an .idf file comprise one library and must be maintained as a
pair for both Import and Export.
Access
Start Programs Autodesk Autodesk Data Management
Autodesk Vault (Server Console).
Note For information on the location of the libraries see the Autodesk Data
Management Server (version) Implementation Guide. The guide is installed as a
PDF in Program Files > Autodesk > ADMS [version] > Help.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Content Center >
Update Tool
Use the Update Tool guide to migrate and synchronize user libraries.
Access:
In addition, there are subfolders for the server, client, and Web client installations
(named Server, Vault, and WebClient, respectively). Each installed product writes
to its own log file in one of those subfolders. So, you sometimes see edm_wse.log
and msde.log under Server\ too.
You can use a log file to track system operations, warning, and errors.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Content Center >
Customize Selection
Use the Customize Selection dialog box to select or reorder properties displayed
in the Detail List view.
Access: In the Content Center dialog box, click View > Detail List on
the menu. Then right-click a column heading on the Detail List
table and click Customize.
Advanced Search
Use Search for searching in Content Center Library. You can search in the entire
Library, or you can search for a part that matches specific criteria in the
Advanced Search dialog box.
Access: In the Content Center dialog box, click Search , and then
click Advanced Search on the Quick Search bar.
Basic Tab
Name To specify a name as search criteria, select the
check box and enter a name in the text field.
To specify a description as search criteria, select
the check box and enter a description in the text
field.
Part Number To specify a Part Number as search criteria,
select the check box and enter a Part Number in
select the check box and enter a Part Number in
the text field.
Standard To specify a Standards search criteria, click the
drop-down arrow and select from the list.
Material To specify a Material as search criteria, select the
check box and click the button next to the Value
field. Then select appropriate materials in the
Select Materials dialog box, and click OK.
Advanced Tab
Define more Defines a search condition.
criteria
Parameter Select a parameter from the list of category
parameters.
Condition Select a condition operator for the selected
parameter.
For string parameters, choose Contains, Starts
with, Ends by, or In List operator.
Value Defines a value, list of values, or range for the
selected parameter.
Notes:
Enter a value with the unit for numeric values. If
the unit is not specified, centimeters are used as
the default unit.
If you select In List operator, use a semicolon to
separate individual values.
If you select Material as Parameter, click the
button next to the Value field to select materials
from the list.
Add to list Adds the search condition to the list of search
criteria.
Find items that Displays the search criteria to use when Search
match these Now is clicked.
criteria
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Content Center >
Note The available options depend on how the dialog box is accessed
Select tab
Table View
Family Information
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Content Center >
AutoDrop
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
AutoDrop
Use AutoDrop to automatically size and place standard content.
Toolbar commands
Change size inserts the part and opens the Part Family dialog
box where you can edit the component.
Flip flips the bearing. It changes the bearing side used for
mating (for example for tapered roller bearings).
The bearing is always inserted to mate the adjacent planar
face, regardless of the flip. With some bearings, which look the
same from both sides, the flip has no visible effect. If the
particular bearing family template does not have iMates defined
from both sides of the bearing, the Flip command is not
available.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Content Center >
Access: Click Manage tab Content Center panel Editor to open the
Content Center Editor dialog box. Then locate the category,
family, or families to add materials and do one of the following:
Select a category, right-click, and click Material Guide.
Select families (or one family), right-click, and click
Material Guide.
Select a family, right-click, and select Family Table. In
the Family Table dialog box, select family members
(rows) to add material to, right-click, and click
Material Guide.
Publish feature
Use the Publish Feature to select an Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, or Hole feature
and its parameters and publish to a Content Center library. For hole features with
multiple hole center points, you can publish the hole in two ways. You can publish
either with all center points or publish the hole as a single hole without existing
center points.
Parameters tab
Properties tab
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies >
Frame Generator
Apply or Modify End Treatments
BOMs and Cut Lists
Structural Shape Authoring
Tips for generating frames
Frame Generator browser
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build structural frames with Frame Generator >
Frame Generator
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Resolve errors
Errors can occur when inserting, changing, or updating frame members. Problems
can also occur while you use commands such as Miter or Lengthen/Shorten Frame
Member. While most errors produce a logical error message, an uncommon and
unknown error can result in a message stating the error is unknown.
Miter
Trim to Frame
Trim to Face
Notch
Lengthen
Promote/Demote
Other
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build structural frames with Frame Generator >
Access: On the ribbon, click the Design tab. Click the Frame panel
A bill of materials is a table that contains information about the parts within an
assembly. It includes quantities, names, costs, vendors, and other needed
information. Quantities on the bill of materials are updated when a part is added
or removed from the assembly
The Frame Generator is integrated with the bill of materials and drawing
functionality in Autodesk Inventor. Frame members behave like other Autodesk
Inventor parts in Bills of Material (BOMs) and Parts List, and support ballooning
and cut list roll-up.
The BOM functionality in Autodesk’s Inventor software supports three of the most
common structural frame bills of material:
A unique part number for frame members with identical stock, length,
and cut treatments.
A single part number per frame stock type. Often, the part number is
the stock number.
Cut Lists
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Build structural frames with Frame Generator >
Layout
Category
Use the pull-down menu to view the list of available publishing categories. When
you select a category, the graphics and selection prompts adjust appropriately to
guide authoring.
Geometry Mapping
In the geometry mapping group box, define the structural shape. Two geometry
types are listed.
Base Extrusion
Select Geometry Parts authored for Frame Generator require a base
extrusion feature. If there is only one extrusion feature in the part, it is
automatically selected. If there is more than one feature, the user has
to manually select the base feature.
A selection preview provides dynamic visual feedback from the sketch of the
extrusion feature you select. The preview is available after you select a category
for authoring and the extrusion feature is selected.
Parameter Mapping
Lists the parameters for the selected category. Enables mapping of table columns
to category parameters.
All steel shape categories provide the same parameters to map to the appropriate
part table column names. Mapping is required for parameters displayed with a
light yellow background.
Publish Now
Available when all geometries are selected and required parameters are mapped.
Completes the authoring of the part and starts the Publish part command.
OK
Available when all of the geometries are selected. Saves the authoring of the part
and then closes the dialog box.
Cancel
Frame members
You can promote and demote frame members in the browser using the
context menu. Ensure that the subassemblies that contain the frame
members are grounded after demoting. Note that the drag function is
not available for promoting or demoting frame members in the browser.
Frames are automatically updated while you edit the skeleton model. To
ensure best performance of Frame update, put only skeleton lines for
locating frame members into a skeleton model.
You must keep the reference skeleton model in sync with the Frame
assembly. Each frame member must have a corresponding line in the
reference skeleton part. Consistency between the frame assembly and
the reference skeleton model might be broken if you do one of the
following:
Replace the reference skeleton components
Replace the reference skeleton file on disk
Check out inconsistent skeleton files from the Vault.
End treatments
If you create frame members using multiple edges and the Merge
feature, you cannot apply automatic end treatments to them with Frame
Generator commands. Instead, you can apply cuts and trims using
standard modeling commands within Autodesk Inventor to edit the part
directly.
Frame members are based on the same standard, family, and size as
Metal Shapes in the Content Center. Frame members created with
Frame Generator have identical Stock Numbers to the numbers found in
Content Center.
Frame Generator leaves the Part Number blank when the frame member
is created.
Note If the Part Number is left blank, Autodesk Inventor populates the
file name for a part number upon creation. You can change this part
number.
Uses the Assembly browser to organize and manage machine frame entities.
When you insert the first frame member, a prompt is displayed with the option to
save the skeletal model as an assembly before you continue. When you save the
skeletal model as an assembly, a folder is created in the project workspace with
the name of the frame assembly, and a second prompt is displayed to specify the
name for the frame assembly. When you click OK to confirm the name of the
frame assembly, an assembly node is added to the browser structure. The frame
is designed in this assembly.
Weldments
Weldments environment
Templates for weldments
Strategies for designing weldments
Weld bead feature types
Weld feature groups
Welding symbols on models
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Weldments >
Weldments environment
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
All new weldment files are created with a template. When you start a new
weldment, settings from the default weldment template are applied to the
weldment. You can create your own templates, and then add them to the
templates provided by Autodesk Inventor.
4. Specify the weld bead material type, visibility, and enabled status.
Note The "weldment.iam" file in the Templates folder is the default assembly
template. To replace the default template, remove "weldment.iam" and replace it
with a template that has the same name.
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Weldments >
You design your weldments based on how you want to create and maintain
welding symbols and weld bead annotations (caterpillars and end fills) in your
drawings.
You can create and maintain your welding symbols and weld bead annotations
using fully automated, partially automated, or manual methods. You can also
create specialized views of the different weld states in your drawing.
Use of the weldment environment supports the automatic creation and updating
of model welding symbols and weld bead annotations in the drawing environment.
It also supports the creation of specialized weld state views in drawings.
Cosmetic welds
Creates a cosmetic weld feature in a weldment assembly. A welding symbol may
be created simultaneously with the feature, but may be created in a separate
operation.
The weld bead and the welding symbol are separate features in the welds folder
of the browser. The welding symbol and the weld bead feature are not associated,
so you can specify any welding symbol values for any weld bead feature. When
consumed by a welding symbol, the cosmetic bead is a child node of the welding
symbol.
Cosmetic weld beads are useful when the design does not require interference
analysis or the aesthetic appearance of solid weld beads. Their approximate
physical properties can be included in mass properties.
Access: Right-click the Welds folder in the browser and select Edit. On
the ribbon, click Weld tab Weld panel Cosmetic.
The Bead box specifies the parameters for constructing the cosmetic bead.
Select Mode Sets the selection preference for areas on which to
apply the cosmetic weld bead. Edge is the default.
Chain automatically selects tangent, contiguous edges.
Loop selects a closed loop.
Extents Determines the method for ending a cosmetic weld. A
cosmetic weld can terminate on a work plane or
extend across all selected geometry for a full-length
weld. Click the arrow to select the extent method.
All creates the weld on all features and sketches in
the specified direction.
From-To select beginning and ending faces or planes
on which to terminate the weld feature. In a
weldment, the faces or planes may be on other parts,
but must be parallel.
Area Sets the cross-sectional area for a cosmetic weld bead
so the physical properties of the cosmetic bead can be
calculated.
Select Create Welding Symbol to expand the dialog box to set welding
symbol parameters. Click this link to go to the Model Welding Symbol
Reference .
Autodesk Inventor > Assemblies > Weldments >
Drawings
Drawings overview
Create drawing views
Drawing annotations
Drawing annotations for GOST / ESKD
Exploded views and presentations
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings >
Drawings overview
Drawing Environment
Drawing Browser
Templates for drawings
Sheet Formats
Create drawings
Deferring automatic updates to drawings
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawings overview >
Drawing Environment
Each new drawing is created from a template. When you install Autodesk
Inventor, your selection of a default drafting standard sets the default template
used to create drawings. Use this template or another predefined template,
modify one of the predefined templates, or create your own templates to enforce
conventions.
A drawing becomes a template when you save it in the Templates folder. For
example, if you have a drawing file that contains the setup you want to use for
other drawings, save a copy of it in the Autodesk\Inventor [version]\Templates
folder. The next time you create a drawing file, the new template is available.
The active standard has a default set of styles. Add or edit styles in the current
document, and if you want other designers to use the custom styles, save them
to the style library. Usually, the style library, which contains a master version of
all styles, is managed by the CAD Administrator.
Autodesk Inventor drawings also include elements that are not part of the named
standard. Copy, edit, or delete the elements as needed to customize them for
your company. Save the changes to sheets and views, for example, in the
drawing template, so they are available to other designers.
If you must supply customers with AutoCAD files, create a DWG template in
Autodesk Inventor using an AutoCAD file that contains the appropriate layers,
blocks, title blocks, and borders you need to deliver to your AutoCAD customers.
Specify the object defaults for these properties in the Styles Editor.
Note Autodesk Inventor needs a valid drawing template file when opening
AutoCAD .dwg files directly. By default, Autodesk Inventor uses the Standard
drawing template files (Standard.idw or Standard.dwg) located in the Templates
folder for the current project or in the Default Templates location. Override this
behavior by specifying a full path and file name to any Autodesk Inventor drawing
(*.idw;*.dwg) in the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\Inventor\RegistryVersion[version]\Applets\DrawingLayout\Preferences\General\Standard
Template Override
Setting properties
Drawing Browser
Concept Quick Reference
Drawing browser
Shows the Drawing Resources, sheets, and views in a drawing or template.
Drawing Resources
Sheets
Views
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawings overview >
Updating styles
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawings overview >
Sheet Formats
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Horizontal Sets the number and style for the horizontal zones.
Zones Number of Zones sets the number of horizontal
zones. Enter the number in the box.
Label Sets the label style for horizontal zones. Click
to select an option.
Vertical Sets the number and style for the vertical zones.
Zones Number of Zones sets the number of vertical
zones. Enter the number in the box.
Label sets the label style for vertical zones. Click to
select an option.
Label Zones Bottom/Right sets the base point for zone labeling
From to the bottom right corner of the drawing border.
Top/Left sets the base point for zone labeling to
the top left corner of the drawing border.
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawings overview >
Create drawings
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Select Source Drawing and Resources page Selects the source drawing, shows
a preview image, and lists drawing resources.
Select Target Drawings page Selects the target drawing or multiple drawings.
Navigate to the appropriate folder.
Select Option page Specifies how to handle drawing resources in the target file
that have the same name as drawing resources in the source file.
Yes replaces drawing resources in the target file with the same name as
resources in the source file.
No gives a unique name to target drawing resources that have the same name as
those in the source file. The copied resource is named Copy of ResourceName.
The target drawing version retains its original name.
When you change part and assembly models, associated drawings are updated
automatically.
You can defer the automatic updates for a drawing, keeping it static until you
change its update status.
Multi-sheet plot
Plots a collection of drawing sheets of one or more sizes. You can schedule
plotting so that several jobs print in a batch at a specified time.
Page Setup
Select Project
Preview
Print
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Create drawing views >
5. Click the drawing sheet to place the view and close the dialog box.
Note After the view is created, you can edit the drawing view and select a
different Level of Detail representation.
For more information about creating and annotating drawings using Level of Detail
representations, see the following sections:
Drawing views
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Manages properties for view edges, symbols, feature and component selection
priorities, trails, user-defined symbols, and sketch geometry.
Note You can load and use line types from AutoCAD *.lin files as the line type for
an edge property.
You can rotate a view to make a selected edge vertical or horizontal, or rotate an
edge precisely by specifying an angle. You cannot rotate a view that has a
dependent section or auxiliary view, or an associated sketch.
When you rotate a base view with a dependent detail view, the detail view
maintains its relationship to the base view. Other dependent views do not rotate
with the base view.
Access: Select the view, right-click, and then select Rotate from the
menu.
Note When you rotate views, annotations maintain their associativity to the
views.
Method of Alignment
Direction
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Create drawing views >
Sketches in drawings
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Format Text
Use the Format Text dialog box to set the attributes for a drawing or sketch text.
Style
Text attributes
Font attributes
Parameters
Symbol
Zoom buttons
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Create drawing views >
You can select geometry in a drawing view and project it to a sketch associated
with the view. You can then use the projected geometry in the sketch.
The following image shows how model geometry can be projected into a sketch.
In this particular example, the projected geometry is used to help define sketched
lines.
Projected geometry remains associated to the parent geometry. If you change the
geometry in the model, the projected geometry updates when the drawing is
updated.
1. Create a sketch attached to a drawing view, or open
an existing sketch.
2. On the ribbon, click Sketch tab Draw panel
Project Geometry.
3. Select the geometry to project.
4. Right-click, and then select Done [ESC] to project
the selected geometry to the sketch.
Tip On the Quick Access toolbar, click the arrow next to Select and change the
filter to Select Part to select all geometry in a part in the view.
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Create drawing views >
Section views
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Break Out
Access: Ribbon: Place Views tab Modify panel Break Out, and then
Detail Views
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Detail View
Creates and places a detailed drawing view of a specified portion of a parent view.
The view is created without an alignment to the parent view. When creating a
detail view of a presentation, trails are visible, but can be turned off if necessary.
Access: Ribbon: Place Views tab Create panel Detail
View/Scale Label
Style
Display
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Create drawing views >
Overlay Views
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Overlay View
Creates an overlay view to show an assembly in multiple positions in a single
view. A base view, projected, or auxiliary view is the parent for an overlay view.
Break Operations
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Break
Style
Orientation
Display
Gap
Symbol
Crop Operations
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Crop Settings
Use to set boundary type and visibility of crop cut lines for crop operations.
Slice Operations
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Slice
Creates true zero-depth section views in a drawing.
Select Sketch
By default, this command is already activated when the dialog appears. Select an
unconsumed Sketch for defining the Slice sketch geometry. Valid sketches include
the following:
Must contain at least one open profile (only open profiles are used for
the Slice sketch geometry).
Override the browser context menu settings and slice all parts in the view, if they
are crossed by the Slice sketch geometry.
Not checked
The Slice operation obeys the browser context menu settings for each component.
Checked
The browser settings are overridden. All components crossed by the Slice sketch
geometry participate in the Slice. Components that are not crossed by the Slice
sketch geometry do not participate in the Slice operation.
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Create drawing views >
The workflow differs according to the combination of bodies and surfaces in a file.
Drawing annotations
Suppressed annotations
Dimensions in drawings
Centerlines and center marks
Symbols and sketched symbols
Tables
Hole notes
Hole tables
Balloons
Parts lists
Text in drawings
Text in drawing sketches
Weld annotations in drawings
Revision tables and revision tags
Sheet metal annotations in drawings
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawing annotations >
Suppressed annotations
Some leaders also have secondary leaders that reference other features
or components than the primary leader. If only a primary leader is
present and attached to a suppressed feature or invisible component, it
is suppressed.
If multiple leaders exist, and the primary leader is attached to a
suppressed feature or invisible component, it is not suppressed.
Dimensions in drawings
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Ordinate dimensions
Note Individual ordinate and baseline dimension set members are valid sources
only, but the entire set is a target.
Basic
Tables
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Table Layout
For tables formatted by a Table style, changes the title, the location of the
heading, row spacing, table wrap preference, and sort order.
Access: Right-click the table, and select Edit. In the Edit Table dialog
box, right-click a column heading, and then select Table Layout
or click the Table Layout command.
Heading and Sets the options for naming and formatting tables.
Table Title specifies the title to display on the table and in
Settings the browser. Enter the title in the box or leave it
blank if you want to use the name of the .xls or .csv
file as the title . Select the Title check box if you
want the title to display.
Text Styles shows the styles associated with the
title, column header, and cell data.
Direction specifies the direction of the item
numbers in the table. Set to ascending or
descending order.
Heading specifies the placement of the heading in
the table. Set top, bottom, or no heading.
Line Spacing sets single, double, or triple spacing
between lines of text.
Heading Gap shows the preset value.
Row Gap shows the preset value.
Table Direction to Wrap Table sets the wrap to Left or
Wrapping right,
Select the Enable Automatic Wrap check box and
then specify the maximum rows and number of
sections. Not available if the check box is not
selected.
Note To change the default settings, click Manage tab Styles and Standards
panel Styles Editor. In the Style and Standard Editor dialog box, click Table
and edit values. The changed values are valid for the current document only,
unless you select click Manage tab Styles and Standards panel Save to
replace the library style. Use caution because the changed setting could affect all
other documents that use the style.
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawing annotations >
Hole notes
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Values Adds values and symbols to the Edit Field. Click a value or
and symbol to add it to the hole note. To remove, place the cursor
and symbol to add it to the hole note. To remove, place the cursor
Symbols after the value or symbol in the Edit Window and backspace.
Hole diameter
Hole depth
Counterbore/Spotface diameter
Counterbore/Spotface depth
Thread pitch
Thread class
Thread depth
Hole tables
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Note To change the default column format for properties in hole tables, click
Manage tab Styles and Standards panel Styles Editor, and edit the Hole
Table style.
Access: Right-click a hole table and select Edit Hole Table. On the
Formatting tab of the Edit Hole Table dialog box, right-click a
Property in the Column Settings area, and then select Format
Column.
Select a hole table or punch table style in Style and Standard
Editor. On the Formatting tab of the style panel, right-click a
Property in the Column Settings area, and select Format
Column.
Balloons
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Parts lists
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Access: Click Export in the Edit Parts List or Edit Table dialog box .
Text in drawings
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Align text
Access: Within a drawing with at least two text boxes selected: right-
mouse click and select Align from the context menu.
Alignment
Vertical
Offset Data entry field. Used to input the offset distance from the
selected edge of the first text box.
Geometry-Text
Use Geometry-Text to create and align text to sketch geometry.
Geometry
Font attributes
Zoom buttons
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawing annotations >
If the model in the drawing view is a weldment that contains fillet welds, the
dialog box displays the available data from the model.
Note Once placed, a welding symbol does not update if the model changes. To
add welding symbols that maintain association to the model, set the weldment
options on the Options tab of the Create View dialog box when you place a view,
or right-click the view, and select Get Model Annotations Get Welding Symbol.
Sets the layout and content of the welding symbol. Symbols and values change,
depending on the specified weld type and the active drafting standard. Choose
the weld type and secondary fillet type, if applicable, and then specify the
corresponding attributes.
Formatting
Options
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings >
Sheet Format
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Sheet Format
Accept default format or change default sheet format. Add custom size, custom
format. Some change options are available from the browser context menus.
Access:
Ribbon: Annotate (ESKD) tab Drawing Sheets panel
Sheet Format
Right-click the Sheet, and select Sheet Format from
the context menu.
Title Block
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Materials
Select and manage materials. Some default materials are covered in the dialog
box. New materials can be added to the list. Changes to a material display in the
drawing title block while the material is selected.
Note Click the column title once to sort, click a second time to reverse the sort
order.
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawing annotations for GOST / ESKD > Drawing Annotations >
Leader Text
Procedure Quick Reference
Leader Text
Surface Texture
Surface Texture
Full dialog
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawing annotations for GOST / ESKD > Drawing Annotations >
Welding Symbol
Procedure Quick Reference
Select Standard
Soldering Symbol
Procedure Quick Reference
Soldering Symbol
Symbol
Weld Specifies the weld index that refers to the full welding
Index annotation. You can use a combination of typing text
and selections from the context menu.
Full dialog
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawing annotations for GOST / ESKD > Drawing Annotations >
Gluing Symbol
Procedure Quick Reference
Gluing Symbol
Symbol
Weld Specifies the weld index that refers to the full welding
Index annotation. You can use a combination of typing text
and selections from the context menu.
Full dialog
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawing annotations for GOST / ESKD > Drawing Annotations >
Stitching Symbol
Procedure Quick Reference
Stitching Symbol
Symbol
Weld Specifies the weld index that refers to the full welding
Index annotation. You can use a combination of typing text
and selections from the context menu.
Full dialog
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawing annotations for GOST / ESKD > Drawing Annotations >
Stitching by Staples
Procedure Quick Reference
Stitching by Staples
Staples Symbol
Weld Specifies the weld index that refers to the full welding
Index annotation. You can use a combination of typing text
and selections from the context menu.
Full dialog
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawing annotations for GOST / ESKD > Drawing Annotations >
Datum Identifier
Procedure Quick Reference
Datum Identifier
Identifier
Marking Symbol
Procedure Quick Reference
Marking Symbol
Symbol
Stamping Symbol
Procedure Quick Reference
Stamping Symbol
Symbol
Surface Covering
Procedure
The surface covering symbol draws a dashed-dotted offset curve for surfaces that
require a covering. This command is used with the ESKD Leader Text command
to provide detailed information for the surface covering.
To add one or more surface covering symbols, complete the following steps:
Technical Requirements
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Access:
Ribbon: Annotate (ESKD) tab Format panel Technical
Requirements Settings
Text Settings
Text Height: H Text height of a requirement line.
Line Spacing Distance between lines in the Technical
Requirements, in terms of H.
Item Spacing Distance between items.
Left Indent Indent distance for first line in item.
Column Width Width of column containing the requirements.
Use period after Check to add a period after the item number.
numbers
Text Location
Horizontal Offset Horizontal offset from top left corner of the
title block.
Vertical Offset Vertical offset from top left corner of the title
block.
Line Limit Set the number of lines that appear in the
requirement.
Alternate Text
Location
Horizontal Offset Horizontal offset from top left corner of the
title block.
Vertical Offset Vertical offset from drawing sheet bottom
border.
Line Limit (2nd Defines the number of lines for second
column) column. If technical requirements contain too
many items, which fill completely the first
and second columns, the remaining items are
allocated in the third column.
allocated in the third column.
Limit for Sets the limit for widow/orphan lines. If this
Widow/Orphan parameter is set to 0, there is no elimination
lines of widow/orphan lines.
Autodesk Inventor > Drawings > Drawing annotations for GOST / ESKD >
Parts List
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Access:
Ribbon: Annotate (ESKD) tab Table panel Parts List Print
Editing the parts list includes changing the content by adding or removing
information, formatting the parts list, and changing the update behavior.
From the parts list, click twice in the cell you want to change or click
the text in the cell. A cursor appears in the cell.
Note Your changes are not permanent until you click OK and close the dialog box
or until you place the parts list on the drawing.
Undo Action
Redo Action
Delete Entry
Add category
Remove category
Renumber category
Sort category
Before making the changes described, be sure to place the parts list on the
drawing. All of the following procedures are accessed from a context menu.
Procedures for all items on the context menu are not covered in this topic. The
procedures covered include editing the parts list from the drawing, editing the
table style, rotate the parts list, view the bill of materials, and delete the parts
list.
To edit the parts list from the drawing, complete the following steps:
1. From the drawing, right-click the parts list. A context menu appears.
2. From the context menu, click Edit Parts List.... The Parts List dialog
box appears.
4. Click OK to save the changes. The Parts List dialog box closes and the
parts list on the drawing is updated.
Export information from the parts list to an Excel spreadsheet. You can use the
default spreadsheet, choose another spreadsheet provided with the application, or
add your own spreadsheet.
1. From the Parts List dialog box toolbar, click the Export button. The
Save As dialog box appears.
2. In the Save As dialog box, navigate to the folder where you want to
save the file.
4. Click OK to begin the export and save the file. When the export is
complete, the Save As dialog box closes.
Note To view the exported file, either open the file from Excel or from Windows
Explorer.
Tweak Component
Create Tweak
Transformations
Clear
Autodesk Inventor >
The context menus for browser content in the studio environment is different
from the menus in the assembly environment.
Whenever animation objects are added to lists, browser, and so on, they are
followed by a number in sequence. This is to allow multiple object creation
without name duplication. You can easily change names by slow double-clicking
the name in the browser and then entering the name you want to use.
Productions
Animations
Lighting (style)
Cameras
Animation Favorites
Local Lights
Representations
Origin
Model Nodes
General tab
Illumination tab
Shadows tab
Directional tab
Point tab
Spot tab
Rendering Images
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Render Image
Specifies general settings for rendering images.
When you select the Realistic or Illustration style, it is applied to the entire image.
Only one style can be applied at one time. Changes to the applied style must be
done as a post process in an image editor.
General tab
Rendering Tutorial
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Render and animate with Inventor Studio >
Animating in Studio
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Render Animation
Specifies general settings for rendering animations.
When you select the Realistic or Illustration style, it is applied to the entire image
or animation. Only one style can be applied at one time. Changes to the applied
style must be done as a post process in an image editor.
General tab
Output tab
Rendering Tutorial
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization >
Translate data
Choose a translator
Choose from the list of potential translators to import the selected file. The
translators listed depend on the type of file selected.
Available Translators for (file type). Lists the translators that can be chosen to
import the selected file.
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Translate data >
DWG Translation
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Access: Click Open and select the appropriate file. If you are
importing a DWG file, click Options, select Import options, and
then click OK. Click Open to start the DWG File wizard.
Model/Layout Options
When you create a Autodesk Inventor file, you use a template to set the
measurement units of the file, specify common file properties, and include
elements or even content that is common between files.
You can develop as many templates as you need and make them available for
creating new files.
When you import AutoCAD or Mechanical Desktop files in Autodesk Inventor, you
can choose templates to use in the Import Destination Options dialog box for
creating the part, assembly, and drawing files that result.
A drawing becomes a template when you save it in the Templates folder. For
example, if you have a drawing file that contains the setup you want to use for
other drawings, save a copy of it in the Autodesk\Inventor [revision]\Templates
folder. The next time you create a drawing file, the new template is available.
Remove any unwanted content from the templates. It can include sketch
geometry, features, or standard drawing views.
Set file properties that are common to the files you import.
You can export an Autodesk Inventor drawing file in AutoCAD format to translate
the content into AutoCAD objects and to access to the AutoCAD geometric
entities in the view blocks (for example, lines, arcs circles, and so on).
Access: In the Save Copy As dialog box, change the file type to
AutoCAD Drawings (.dwg), and then click Options. When you
finish the settings in each dialog box, click Next to open the
subsequent dialog box.
Click the following choices to display information about the settings in each dialog
box.
Export Destination
Mapping Options
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Translate data >
Access: In the File Save As dialog box, set the file type to BMP, and
then click Options.
Enter an integer.
Resolution
Set X and Y both to 0 to generate an image the same size as the on-
screen image in the current active view.
Set both X and Y to non-zero values to center the field of view the
same as the on-screen image, but the portion of the scene included in
the view may be different. .
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization >
Share data
Publish to DWF
DWF markup
Insert objects
AEC exchange
Engineers Notebook
Task Scheduler application
Use i-drop to access parts within Web pages
Communication Center
CAD Manager Control Utility
Subscription Center
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Share data >
Publish to DWF
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
DWF markup
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Sheet Properties
Displays the sheet properties and a preview of the sheet.
The information is informational only. You cannot edit the edit field.
Access:
Sheet Status
Sheet Name
Parent File
File Location
File Size
Modified
Last Save by
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Share data >
Insert objects
Procedure
You can link or embed external files (such as spreadsheets or word processing
documents) in an Autodesk Inventor model or drawing. When you insert an
object, a 3rd Party folder is added as the first folder in the browser. All linked or
embedded files are found under the 3rd Party folder.
2. In the Insert Object dialog box, choose the options to achieve the
desired result:
To create a file, select the object type and select Create New.
The application for the object type opens so that you can
create the object. The new object is embedded in the model or
drawing and does not exist as a separate file.
AEC exchange
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Check Design
Contains information related to the model and building components.
Design
In the Export Building Components dialog box, click
Check Design.
A check mark next to a node indicates the item is OK. An exclamation next to a
node indicates the item needs attention.
Click Clipboard to copy the data to the operation system clipboard and make it
available to paste in a word processing or spreadsheet application.
The Model Complexity it determined by the number of faces and the number of
components in the model as follows:
Engineers Notebook
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Note list
Browser menu
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Share data >
Task Scheduler is a separate application that performs automated tasks and acts
as a batch processor in Autodesk Inventor and other applications.
Use the Task Scheduler to organize and define one or more time-consuming tasks
from different types of programs, and execute the tasks in a specified order at a
time that you schedule. Close the Task Scheduler window, and the tasks you
scheduled run at the specified time.
Task Scheduler contains predefined task managers for executing common tasks,
and a custom task manager for defining your own tasks. A Sequential Task
manager is provided to set up multiple predefined and custom tasks. The Migrate
Files task is used to migrate files directly from the Vault.
Migrate Files
Update Design
Print Files
Check In to Vault
Using i-drop parts requires ActiveX. If you do not have ActiveX installed on your
computer you can download it here:
http://www.autodesk.com/prods/idrop/download/idrop.cab
7. Replace my_part1.ipt with the name of the part you want to make
available as an iPart.
Note my_part1.ipt is referenced twice. Replace both instances with the
name of your part
10. Replace my_template1.xml with the name you have given your new
XML file.
12. Start Autodesk Inventor. On the ribbon, click Tools tab Web panel
Team Web.
Communication Center
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Communication Center
Until you configure the Communication Center, the only option available is to
select your country and update preference.
Access:
At the right end of the Status bar, click the Live Update icon.
Specify your country and preferred update frequency specifies the country
for which you want the Live Update information to localize.
Specify which information channels you want to view selects the information
channels you want Communication Center to access.
Settings
Channels
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Share data >
You can use a local patch list to specify the patches you want to receive from
Live Update. To create a local patch list:
1. Download a patch file and the associated patch list text file from the
Autodesk Web site.
4. Use the CAD Manager Control utility so users can access the
Communication Center.
Subscription Center
After you install the CAD Manager, go to the Subscription Center tab on the CAD
Manager Control Utility and select the Subscription Center check box. Go to Start
Programs Autodesk Tools CAD Manager Control Utility Autodesk
Inventor CAD Manager Control Utility.
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Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization >
Design Assistant
Design Assistant
Design Assistant maintains links between Autodesk Inventor files, locates
referenced files in folders, previews files with a thumbnail sketch, and manages
file properties.
Note If you drag an Autodesk Inventor file from Microsoft Windows Explorer into
an active Design Assistant session, the file in the active session is replaced with
the new file. Unsaved changes in the current file are lost.
Properties
Preview
Manager
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Design Assistant >
Package files
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
From Design Assistant, select an Autodesk Inventor file (.iam, .ipt, .idw,
.dwg (Autodesk Inventor Drawing), .ipn) in the browser, right-click, and
then select Pack and Go.
Rename files.
When you make changes, Design Assistant Manager updates any references in
associated assembly, part, or drawing files and displays the new relationships.
Use Design Manager only for files in a single-user or a shared project. You cannot
use Design Manager for files in a semi-isolated project
You cannot use Design Manager to work with links to external files such as
Mechanical Desktop parts, word processing, spreadsheet, or text files.
Note Before working with Autodesk Inventor files created in a previous release,
open them in the current release to migrate the data format.
Note
Lower browser
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Design Assistant >
iProperties
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Create projects
Edit projects
Project Setup
Sets the project file for the active Design Assistant work session. Design Assistant
uses the project file to determine the workspace and search paths available for
the session.
Access: The Projects Setup dialog box is displayed if the default project
location is not defined.
Project Folder:
Specifies the location of the Project Files to use for the active Design Assistant
work session.
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Design Assistant > Projects and
Libraries >
Project libraries
A library is a collection of related data files that you reference but usually don't
modify, such as a released data set, a set of commonly used components, iPart
factory parts, or standard parts. Libraries are located in a folder with a unique
name separate from other data files. A single library can be used across any
number of projects. You can use some or all files in a library.
In a project file, you right-click the Libraries location, and then use menu options
to browse to a folder. By assigning the folder as a library, you indicate that the
files are no longer editable using Autodesk Inventor. It is a good practice to use
Microsoft Windows Explorer to set your library folders and files as read-only.
References to library files include the library name, as well as the relative path
from the library folder to the referencing file. When resolving library references,
only the named library is searched. It is a good practice to avoid using duplicate
file names whenever possible, even for parts in different folders or different
libraries. If you cannot control where referenced parts originate or how they are
named, files in different libraries might have the same name. Autodesk Inventor
can resolve the reference because it knows which library to search in.
You can eliminate the need for each member of a design workgroup to set the
names and paths manually in their individual projects for the libraries to share.
Standard content
iPart Factory
Proxy libraries
Another design set
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Design Assistant > Projects and
Libraries >
Collaborative design
Concept Procedure
If you are working in a design team, the CAD Administrator typically sets up the
working environment and develops the projects for team members. A project
specifies the locations where Autodesk Inventor searches for files.
Before working on a collaborative project, specify the project to use and set
options.
A file status browser in the shared and semi-isolated projects shows the
status of all open files in a project, and checks files in and out to avoid
conflicting edits.
Autodesk Vault, when installed, isolates source files from files checked
out to designers. Changes must be checked in to the vault before they
are visible to other designers. Database queries access file properties,
references, and past configurations.
The Design Assistant tracks and manages file properties, links between
files, and other important information about Autodesk Inventor files.
Additional tools are provided for extended design teams. Tools for extended
design teams save all types of Autodesk Inventor design data into package
formats. Package formats optimize both 2D and 3D digital CAD data for
distributing outside the design department and viewing in Autodesk Streamline.
See the Autodesk Streamline Web site for additional product information and
purchase options.
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Design Assistant > Projects and
Libraries >
File versions
Each time you save changes, a new version of the file is created in your
workspace, and the previous version is moved to the OldVersions\ folder. Other
designers who are referencing the file continue to see the earlier version of the
file and do not see the new version until you check the file back in to the
workgroup location in semi-isolated projects, or save the file in shared projects,
and they refresh their view of the assembly.
Find String
Specifies a string (such as a referenced file name) and searches for it in all files
listed in the Design Assistant Manager browser.
Access:
Use Microsoft Windows Explorer to select an assembly file,
right-click, and then select Design Assistant.
Click the Manage icon to activate the Design Assistant Manager.
Select Tools Find String from the menu.
Search Enter the string into the box, and then click OK to
String initiate the search. When the search is complete, the
file names are highlighted in the Design Assistant
Manager browser.
Note The search on the string is case sensitive.
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Design Assistant > Projects and
Libraries >
In a project file, define a library for both the folder containing the iPart factory
part files and a corresponding proxy folder. After the libraries are added to the
project, you can add the iParts to an assembly.
3. In the lower pane, right-click the Libraries category, and then click Add
Path. Browse to the folder or enter the name of the library folder to
add a new library path for the iPart factory file.
If the proxy folder does not exist, use Microsoft Windows Explorer to create it
before you add the proxy path or use Add Path again and specify the new folder
path. Name the new library the same as the iPart factory library preceded with an
underscore character.
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Design Assistant > Projects and
Libraries >
Access:
In an assembly file, click Assemble tab Component panel
Place, and then select a Mechanical Desktop file in the Open
dialog box. The Link Mechanical Desktop File Options dialog box
opens so that you can specify the measurement units for the
file.
Note If the path to the selected file is not specified in the active project, a series
of dialog boxes are displayed so that you can add the path.
Add-In Manager
Drawing Resource Transfer Wizard
Autodesk Multi-Sheet Plot
Style Library Manager
Style Management Wizard
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Autodesk Inventor Tools >
Add-In Manager
Procedure Quick Reference
Add-In Manager
Lists the Autodesk Inventor add-ins that are installed on the system. You can
load or unload any displayed add-in.
Sort the list by name or load behavior by clicking the column header. Press CTRL
+ click to select multiple items on the list.
Description
Load Behavior
Note If you change the status of an add-in, the change is not effective until you
click OK.
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Autodesk Inventor Tools >
Select Source Drawing and Resources page Selects the source drawing, shows
a preview image, and lists drawing resources.
Select Target Drawings page Selects the target drawing or multiple drawings.
Navigate to the appropriate folder.
Select Option page Specifies how to handle drawing resources in the target file
that have the same name as drawing resources in the source file.
Yes replaces drawing resources in the target file with the same name as
resources in the source file.
No gives a unique name to target drawing resources that have the same name as
those in the source file. The copied resource is named Copy of ResourceName.
The target drawing version retains its original name.
Multi-sheet plot
Plots a collection of drawing sheets of one or more sizes. You can schedule
plotting so that several jobs print in a batch at a specified time.
Page Setup
Select Project
Preview
Print
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Autodesk Inventor Tools >
Creation Method selects how you want to create the library. Click the arrow to
choose Copy Existing Style Library, and then modify as appropriate or Create
Empty Style Library, and then select styles from one or more libraries.
New Style Library Location browses to the folder where you want to store the
new library.
Source Style Library to Copy browses to the library you want to copy when the
creation method is Copy. Unavailable when the creation method creates an empty
style library.
Autodesk Inventor > Collaboration and Visualization > Autodesk Inventor Tools >
Harvest styles from Autodesk Inventor files and place them in a target
style library.
Purge styles from Autodesk Inventor files. Purging removes unused style
information and can be beneficial in large assemblies by reducing
required memory.
Use the Style Management Wizard when transitioning to using a style library with
your design project.
All files must migrate to the latest version of Autodesk Inventor. Files that
are not migrated are skipped during batch processing, including assemblies
that are migrated but contain components that are not migrated.
Welcome page Describes the Harvest Styles and Purge Styles
processes.
Projects to Lists all defined projects by Name and Project Location.
Manage page The active project is indicated by a check mark. Its
settings for Style Library and path are summarized
below the window. Double-click to select a project and
make it active. The Style Management Wizard uses the
active project to resolve all file paths during processing.
Files to Process Selects files to process in a detailed view.
Add Specific Files button Browses to the folder that
contains the files to process. Selected files are listed by
file name, file type, and path.
Add All Files in Active Project button Lists all files by
file name, type, and path. Clear the check box to
exclude a file from processing.
Alternate methods of adding files to the list:
Drag and drop files from Microsoft Windows
Explorer. Drop them in the list to add them.
Get all files referenced by a specific file by
right-clicking the file in the process list, and
right-clicking the file in the process list, and
then selecting Get Referenced Files. Adds all
files that the selected file is dependent on to
the list.
Get all drawings or presentations that use
a specific file by right-clicking a file in the
process list. Select Drawings and
Presentations, and then Get All. Adds to the
process list all drawings and presentations in
the project search paths that use the specific
file.
Select Chooses a harvest or purge operation.
Management Harvest Styles into Target Style Library specifies the
Options page target style library.
Use Source Project Style Library
Automatically selects the style library specified
in the project. Clear the check box of files you
want to exclude from processing.
Create a New Style Library Opens the New
Style Library dialog box. Specify to copy an
existing style library or create an empty library.
Browse to the folder where the library will be
stored, and if copying, the source style library
you are copying.
Select an Existing Style Library Lists the
Default Style Library and any project that uses
a style library. Use the Browse button to browse
to a specific library.
Purge All Unused Styles from Files automatically
deletes unused styles from selected documents. Styles
not saved to a styles library are permanently lost.
Begin Batch Starts batch processing, using previously selected
Processing options.
Press Pause to halt the processing temporarily or Cancel
to stop.
Autodesk Inventor >
Design Optimization
Tip When command message dialog box is open, you can use the shortcut keys
to change the view in the graphics window.
Press F2 to pan.
Press F3 to zoom.
Press F4 to rotate.
Message list
Copy button
Options
Autodesk Inventor > Design Optimization >
AutoLimits
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
AutoLimits Settings
Use AutoLimits Settings to accept or to change defaults. Settings apply to all
AutoLimits created in the future, but do not affect previously created AutoLimits.
Tool tip In the AutoLimit Settings browser, click the Tool Tip
icon to set AutoLimits Tooltip Feedback options.
Select check boxes for the information to include in a
tooltip for an AutoLimit with defined boundaries.
Once the boundaries are created, place the cursor
over a browser icon of an object to show information
related to the AutoLimit. Clear the check box to turn
off tool tips.
Autodesk Inventor > Design Optimization >
Parameters in models
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Edit models
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
Measure command
On the Tools tab, Measure panel, use the Measure commands to measure
distance, angle, loop, or area. Results are displayed in the measurement box.
Export Objects
Enables you to specify which derivable objects to mark for export. Objects must
be marked for export in order for them to be derived. This optimizes the update
process, requesting changes to referencing documents on a per-object, rather
than per-file basis.
System Performance
Network license
Increase performance and capacity
Increase performance in file migration
Autodesk Inventor > System Performance >
Network license
License borrowing
Additional Information
Contact your CAD manager for more information about using Autodesk Inventor
with a network license.
Autodesk Inventor > System Performance >
You may find that by implementing LOD's, Shrinkwrap or Derived substitutes, and
using some of the other techniques described previously, you eliminate
performance issues. If not, the next section offers suggestions for adjusting the
Application Options to consume the least amount of resources.
The following settings on the tabs listed below can affect performance and/or
capacity:
General
File
Colors
Display
Hardware
Drawing
Sketch
Notebook
Autodesk Inventor > System Performance >
Access:
TIPS
In the Migrate Files dialog box, click Options tab Total Rebuild.
Although this method takes longer than selecting an entire project at a
time for migration, following these steps ultimately increases Autodesk
Inventor performance.
Migrate all part (.ipt) files first , next all subassemblies, and finally, the
main assembly.
The following method reduces the time to open an assembly model,
since Autodesk Inventor does not need to migrate files before opening
them.
Although this method may slow down the migration, it ultimately
increases Autodesk Inventor performance.
Note This method is a faster than selecting an entire project at a time
for migration within Autodesk Inventor
To ensure the full benefit of Memory Saving Mode, migrate all your
Autodesk Inventor R10 and earlier files. To facilitate this task, use Task
Scheduler. Access Task Scheduler: Programs Autodesk Autodesk
Inventor [release] Tools Task Scheduler.
1. In the Migrate Files dialog box, click Add. Select Add Folder
to migrate 2 or more part (.ipt) files, and then select From
Local or From Vault.
3. Click the down-arrow in the File name column, and select .ipt
to display only part files.
Glossary
active part
The part that is being edited. In an open part file, the part is active and
available for edit. In an assembly file, select the part in either the browser
or the graphics window before it can be edited. If a part or subassembly
was previously hidden or designated as background, it must be enabled
before activation. The active part may be edited. See also background,
enabled, and undisplayed parts.
active sketch
The current sketch to edit.
adaptive feature
A feature that can resize when constrained to other features. Individual part
features may be designated as adaptive using the context menu. Features
are constrained to a specified size, unless they are designated as adaptive.
adaptive part
Underconstrained part geometry can resize when designated as an adaptive
part in an assembly. Assembly constraints position adaptive parts relative to
other parts and adapt the part topology to fully constrained part features.
Features that were underconstrained in the part file can resize according to
assembly constraints and positions of other parts.
adaptive status
The status of a part that is not constrained to a specified size or shape.
Parts are rigid bodies by default, but may be designated as adaptive in the
context menu or the Occurrence tab of the Properties dialog box. Using
assembly constraints to adjust size and shape relative to other parts may
modify adaptive part topology. In assemblies, one occurrence sets the
adaptive status for multiple placements of a component.
adaptive subassembly
In the context of an assembly, designation of a component that contains
underconstrained parts or subassemblies. When an adaptive subassembly is
constrained within its parent assembly, or to a component in another
assembly, underconstrained geometry in an adaptive part resizes. For
example, adaptive piston and rod subassemblies are sized and positioned
when inserted in an air cylinder assembly.
aligned dimension
A linear dimension parallel to a line spanning the minimum distance
between two measurement points.
all styles
Styles in the current document and the style library.
all-around symbol
An open circle at the vertex of the welding symbol that indicates the weld is
to go around the entire joint.
angle constraint
An assembly constraint that controls the angle between planes on two
components in an assembly.
angle dimension
A dimension that denotes the angle formed by two lines.
arc
Geometry is defined four ways in sketches: center-point arc (specified by a
center point and two points on a curve), three-point arc (specified by two
endpoints and a radius), tangent arc (specified from the endpoint of a curve
to another point), and an arc tangent or perpendicular to a curve (created
by dragging with the line tool).
array
See pattern feature.
arrow side
In weld situations such as a T-shaped joint, there are two potential places
for a weld. The side of the joint to which the arrow points is known as the
arrow side. The arrow side weld is made with the instructions given below
the reference line for an ANSI symbol and above the reference line for all
other standards.
aspect ratio
The proportional relationship of height and width. For example, a bitmap
used in a sketch can be resized but it retains its original aspect ratio. The
proportions of the height to width do not change.
assembly
Two or more components (parts or subassemblies) considered as a single
model. An assembly typically includes multiple components positioned
absolutely and relatively (as required) with constraints that define both size
and position. Assembly components may include features defined in place in
the assembly. Mass and material properties may be inherited from
individual part files.
assembly constraints
Rules that determine how parts in an assembly are placed relative to other
parts in the assembly. Constraints remove degrees of freedom. Assembly
constraints include angle, flush, mate, and tangent. Constraints may be
placed between faces of features, part edges, points, inferred axes, and
part work features such as planes, axes, and points.
assembly features
Features (chamfers, extrude cuts, holes, weld beads) that are created and
saved in the assembly file. The topology is not passed down to the
component files. Used to define specific manufacturing processes such as
match drilling and post-weld machining.
assembly pattern
In an assembly, components arranged in a circular or rectangular pattern.
All elements in the pattern are identical. Assembly patterns are used to
place multiple bolts in holes, or to position any component or components in
a symmetrical arrangement. An assembly pattern can be associative to a
feature pattern, updating when the feature pattern is edited.
assembly presentations
See presentation views.
assembly structure
The hierarchical tree shown in the browser that graphically illustrates
relationships among components in the assembly model. The assembly
structure shows the ownership of constraints and components within a
subassembly. In general, component position in the assembly structure
compares to the sequence of assembly during manufacturing.
associative spline
When creating an offset from an ellipse, an associative spline is created
instead of a true mathematical ellipse if the offset selection point does not
display the parent ellipse axis. The result is a spline equidistant from the
ellipse.
attribute
A data management description of information associated with a part of
subassembly. In an assembly or a bill of materials, an attribute typically
refers to a file-level property to incorporate into a structured bill of
materials.
axis of revolution
The centerline of a revolved feature.
axonometric projection
A type of orthographic view created by projection lines that are
perpendicular to the viewing surface or plane, where a 3D model appears as
inclined, exposing the X, Y, and Z view planes simultaneously. For example,
an isometric view is axonometric.
base feature
The first feature created in a part. May be an imported base solid (.sat or
.step file format), in which case the base feature is a fixed size. Sketched
or placed features add details to the base feature and are positioned
relative to one another using dimensional or geometric constraints. The
base feature should represent the most basic shape in the part.
base solid
A model in SAT or STEP file format imported in Autodesk Inventor as a base
feature (the first feature in a model). A base solid is fully dimensioned; its
size can be changed only by commands in the Solids environment, but the
solid can be modified by adding features.
beam
Typically a horizontal structural member of a frame often analyzed for load
bearing capacity.
bend
In sheet metal design, a corner seam can be converted to a bend. A bend is
the small radius between faces that represents the fabrication process in
which bends are applied to a flat pattern to form a 3D part.
bend allowance
In sheet metal design, a factor applied when converting a bend to an
unfolded condition. Material thickness, material type, and bend radius are
used to calculate the amount of distortion.
bend lines
In sheet metal design, bend lines can be displayed in the flat pattern
drawing view to show the start, center, and end of the bend zone.
bend relief
In sheet metal design, a small notch cut at the end of a bend to prevent
material from tearing.
bend zone
In sheet metal design, the area where material deformation takes place,
often referred to in the flat pattern as the area between bend lines.
bill of materials
For an assembly, a document that describes components details such as
component name, material, and quantity. Bills of materials can be single or
multiple levels (exploded).
bottom-up design
A sequential assembly design technique that adds previously designed
components to an assembly model and positions the components using
assembly constraints.
bounding rectangle
A virtual rectangle that represents the extents of an image in Autodesk
Inventor. When an image is placed in a sketch, constraints and dimensions
can be applied to the bounding rectangle to position the image.
broken view
A drawing view that was divided with cosmetic break lines and
foreshortened. It allows a component view and its critical annotation areas,
which in an unbroken view are prohibitively small, to display at a legible
scale.
browser
The graphical hierarchy showing relationships among geometric elements in
parts, assemblies, and drawings. Icons represent sketches, features,
constraints, or attributes for each model. Objects are shown in the browser
in the order in which they were created. Objects can also be edited,
renamed, added, deleted, copied, and moved to a different location in the
browser.
cached data
In the computer memory, the last used solution that yielded usable sketch
or system data. For example, when a part containing an iSketch is edited
outside of the parent assembly, the assembly displays a message warning
that changes may not be reflected in the part because the last-known
(cached) data is used to represent the part in the assembly.
catalog
Microsoft Windows folder hierarchy. Catalog folders are used to manage
iFeatures in a user-defined hierarchy.
center point
A work point placed at the intersection of the default reference planes in a
part or assembly file.
centerline
The axis about which a profile is revolved (revolve feature) or swept (sweep
feature). To automate centerline selection, right-click a curve, and then
change the linetype to a centerline.
chamfer
A placed feature that bevels a part edge and is defined by its placement,
size, and angle.
child
In a hierarchical design relationship, a child element is dependent on
another (parent) element. A typical example is a feature, such as a cut, that
depends on a base feature. In the browser, the child, or dependent feature,
is indented under its parent. A child feature can be a parent to other
features. In most cases, deleting the child feature has no effect on the
parent feature.
circle
Geometry defined two ways in sketches: a center-point circle (defined by a
center point and a point on its circumference) and a tangent circle (defined
as tangent to three lines on its circumference).
coincident constraint
A geometric constraint that constrains two points together or constrains one
point to a curve. When this constraint is applied to the center points of two
circles, arcs, or ellipses, the result is the same as the concentric constraint.
collinear constraint
A geometric constraint that causes two or more line segments or ellipse
axes to lie along the same line. In an assembly, a collinear constraint is
achieved with a mate constraint between two lines, edges, or axes.
combine
Performs a cut, join, or intersect operation on selected solid bodies.
component
A part or subassembly placed into another assembly. Assembly components
can be single parts or combined parts that operate as a unit (or
subassembly). Components can be treated as parts within other assemblies.
composite iMate
A group of individual iMates, selected and named in the browser, that are to
be used as a unit. In an assembly, when a component with a composite
iMate is matched with another component with a composite iMate of the
same name, all constraints in the iMate collection solve at once.
concentric constraint
A geometric constraint that causes two circles, arcs, or ellipses to have the
same center point. The result is the same as that of a coincident constraint
applied to the centers of the curves.
configuration file
A file that specifies the options for opening AutoCAD or Mechanical Desktop
files, or saving files in DWG or DXF format.
connection point
A point that you can define for use in inferencing or snapping to other
geometry. You can add connection points and use them to position
sketched symbols, title blocks, and other drawing objects.
constant-radius fillet
A fillet that has the same radius along its entire length. Use the Constant
tab on the Fillet feature dialog box to select the edges and specify the
radius for a constant-radius fillet feature.
constraints
Rules that govern the position, slope, tangency, dimensions, and
relationships among sketch geometry or the relative position between parts
in an assembly. Geometric constraints control the shapes and relationships
among sketch elements or assembly components. Dimensional constraints
control size. Applying constraints removes degrees of freedom.
construction environment
Imported data resides in the construction environment until it is promoted
to the part environment. For example, when importing data in IGES or SAT
format, a Construction icon is placed in the browser, with data groups
nested below it. In the active construction environment, tools modify the
geometry, such as repairing errors in imported data.
construction geometry
Geometry used to assist in the creation of sketches or features, but not
used to define profiles or paths. The line style designates a curve as
construction geometry.
consumed sketch
A sketch incorporated into a feature, such as a sketch used in an extrusion.
By definition, the sketch is consumed by the feature.
context menu
The menu that appears when the right mouse button is clicked. Displays
commands and Help for the current operation.
coordinate system
The set of magnitudes (visually represented by the X, Y, and Z axes) that
determine the position of points, lines, curves, and planes in part and
assembly files. By default, a grid displays on the active sketch plane of the
coordinate system.
corner break
In sheet metal design, a corner break applies either a radius or chamfer
edge to the end of a flange.
corner relief
In sheet metal design, a small notch that prevents material from tearing is
placed where two bends join.
corner seam
In sheet metal design, a corner seam mates edges where two bends join,
including the alignment or overlap of edges, miter of angled flanges, and
inserts corner relief.
cosmetic welds
In a weldment model, cosmetic welds are graphic elements that indicate
welded edges. Cosmetic welds represent a wide range of weld types. They
do not add mass to the assembly and cannot be used in interference
checking. Cosmetic welds always reside in the Welds feature group.
curves
Geometric objects in a sketch, including lines, arcs, circles, splines, and
ellipses.
custom iPart
An iPart factory generates iParts, each of which has a unique instance with
parameters, properties, and other values that are maintained in an
embedded spreadsheet. Each row in the spreadsheet represents an
individual iPart with a unique instance. When a custom iPart is used in an
assembly, specific values specified during the iPart definition can be
modified (such as length, width, or thickness).
cut
In sheet metal design, cuts are sketched shapes that define material to
remove from a single face, a specified depth, or an entire 3D part.
cut length
For frames, the overall length of the raw stock required to create a
structural member (including enough material to accommodate end
treatments on either end).
cut list
A cut list is a table listing components with dimensions and cut treatment
information for fabrication and accounting purposes. Each treatment on a
frame member produces a custom property called CUTDETAIL(n), which you
can add as manufacturing notes in the cut list.
cut operation
One of 3 Boolean operations (cut, join, and intersect) that define the
relationship between a sketched feature and an existing feature. A cut
operation removes the volume of a sketched feature from an existing
feature. Not available for base features.
cutting plane
Used to display an assembly section temporarily for defining new features.
A cutting plane is an existing plane defined by default work planes within
the assembly or within one of the component parts of the assembly.
deck
The walking surface of a platform, typically constructed of diamond plate or
expanded metal.
degrees of freedom
The variables by which an object can move. In assemblies, a body floating
free in space with no constraints to another grounded body can be moved
along three axes of translation and around three axes of rotation. Such a
body is said to have six degrees of freedom. Constraints remove degrees of
freedom by restricting the ways sketch geometry can change or a free-
floating body can move.
demote
In the browser hierarchy, dragging a feature or component farther from the
top level.
dependent features
Features that are geometrically dependent on another feature, such as
chamfers and fillets.
derived part
A new part that uses an existing Autodesk Inventor part as its base feature.
A part can be scaled or mirrored when inserted into a file, and additional
features can further modify the body. A derived part is linked to the original
part and can be updated to reflect changes to the original part.
design elements
See iFeatures
design layout
A 2D master drawing or sketch that is drawn to scale with minimal detail to
capture the known design parameters of a problem or project. The design
layout is a dynamic document that becomes less useful as a project nears
completion. It is superseded by detailed part and assembly designs.
design properties
The file properties that can be used to find and manage Autodesk Inventor
files. Design properties are also used to maintain and update information
automatically in title blocks, parts lists, bills of material, and sketched
symbols. See also iProperties
diameter dimension
A dimension that controls the size of a circle or arc in a sketch or drawing
view. Can be stated as a numeric constant, as a variable in an equation, or
in a link to a parameter file. In drawing views, can be designated as a
driving dimension (resizes the model) or reference dimension (does not
resize the model).
dimension style
A group of settings that control the default format for dimensional
annotations in drawings. You set up dimension styles in a template or
drawing before you place dimensions, hole notes, and other annotations.
dimensional constraints
Parametric dimensions that control sketch size. When dimensions are
changed, the sketch resizes. Dimensional constraints can be expressed as
numeric constants, as variables in equations, or in parameter files.
downstream process
An operation that follows the selected operation in an order-dependent
process. For example, post-weld machining operations are downstream from
the weld bead and weld preparation operations.
draft
See face draft.
draft angle
A taper applied to part faces, for example, to allow extraction from a mold.
Draft angle can be applied when a sketch is extruded or can be applied to
selected faces.
draft plane
A planar face used to determine the direction of the draft angle.
draft view
A special view in a drawing that does not contain a representation of a 3D
model. A draft view has one or more associated sketches. Place a draft view
and construct a drawing without an associated model, or use a draft view to
provide detail that is missing in a model.
When you import an AutoCAD file to an Autodesk Inventor drawing, the
data is placed in a draft view. Dimensions, text, and other annotations are
placed on the drawing sheet and geometry is placed in the associated
sketch
drafting standards
Specific guidelines for drawing views, dimensions, notes, and annotations
that ensure uniform presentation of information. Drafting standards facilitate
the exchange of information among several users, vendors, and
manufacturers.
drawing resources
The sheet formats, title block formats, border templates, and sketched
symbols defined in a drawing or drawing template. Design resources are
listed in the Drawing Resources folder in the browser. You can define new
drawing resources and add them to the folder.
Use drawing resources to add new sheets, title blocks, or borders to a
drawing, or to add custom annotations to a drawing sheet or drawing view.
driven dimension
A nonparametric dimension enclosed in parentheses that shows the current
value of geometry. Its value updates when the geometry changes size, but
it does not resize geometry.
driving dimension
A parametric dimension that determines the size of sketch geometry and
resizes the sketch when its value changes.
duplicated feature
A feature that has been copied and arrayed in a rectangular or circular
pattern or mirrored.
edge
The curve joining two model faces.
edge chain
In a fillet feature, chains together all edges that are tangent to the edges
you select to fillet.
edge set
A group of edges selected during the creation of a 3D fillet feature. The
fillet radius and all fillet options are the same for all edges in a single edge
set.
edit in place
A component is activated (the edit target) and edited in the assembly
context. Except for the active component, all components are shown in
wireframe and cannot be selected. Edits are saved to the part or
subassembly file. Double-click the top-level assembly in the browser to
reactivate the assembly.
edit target
The file to which edits are saved when constraints are applied or when
assembly components are created or edited in place. The edit target can be
a part file, subassembly, or top-level assembly that is activated in place.
ellipse
Geometry created from the intersection of a cylinder and an angled plane.
enabled part
In an open assembly file, a part that is fully loaded in memory and can be
activated in place for editing. Placed parts are enabled automatically.
end treatment
The geometry of a structural member where it joins another structural
member of a frame. End treatments can include miters, coping, butt, and
others.
endpoint
An implicit point on the ends of curves. Endpoints can be included in
constraints, dimensions, and as snap points.
engineering notes
Notes attached to a feature, part, assembly, assembly constraint, or other
object to document the design process and decisions. Using Autodesk
Inventor, you can capture, edit, and manage engineering notes.
equal constraint
A geometric constraint that causes selected arcs and circles to have the
same radius or selected lines to have the same length.
equations
Mathematical expressions that range from simple numbers to complex
algebraic and trigonometric expressions that use parameters as variables.
Each parameter has a unique equation. You can enter an equation as the
value of a dimension, feature, offset, or parameter.
Autodesk Inventor equations support most common mathematic operators
but do not support addition or subtraction in exponents. Use the expression
ul/units to create a negative exponent (for example, ul/min equals min-1).
exploded view
A view in which parts of an assembly are separated for unobstructed
viewing. The direction and distance that parts can be moved are dependent
on the settings that you specify when setting up the view. Exploded views
are defined in an assembly presentation file and then used to add exploded
views to a drawing.
expression
A mathematical expression relates one set of terms to a syntactical
collection of other terms through mathematical operations, functions, and
Boolean logical operators. Unlike an equation (whose sides are equal), an
expression can include inequalities of greater than, greater than or equal to,
less than, less than or equal to, and other relationships.
external frame
Frames often required for platforms, access ways, and stairwells used to
operate and maintain complex machinery. You can build external frames
either at the time machines or equipment are installed, or concurrently with
the machinery.
extract
The process of copying a feature out of a part model and storing it in a
feature file. An extracted feature can be retrieved from a Windows folder
(catalog) and placed in a part file.
extruded feature
A feature created by adding depth to a sketched profile. Feature shape is
controlled by profile shape, extrusion extent, and taper angle. Unless the
extruded feature is the first feature, its relationship to an existing feature or
body is defined by selecting a Boolean operation (join, cut, or intersect) and
the participating bodies for the operation if multiple bodies exist. Optionally,
can create a new body.
face
A bounded surface that defines part of an object, such as a part face or a
face in a quilt.
face draft
A taper applied to part faces to cant a surface or allow a part to be
extracted from a mold. Draft is defined by specified faces, pull direction,
angle, and fixed edge or tangent surface.
feature
Parametric geometry that creates or modifies parts or assemblies.
Relationships among features are defined by geometric and dimensional
constraints. Types include sketched, placed, and duplicated features, work
(construction) features, and assembly features. Features combine to build
up a complex part or assembly model. Individual features can be modified
as needed.
feature constraints
See constraints.
feature file
A file created when you extract a feature, sketch, or subassembly to be
used as an iFeature. The iFeature is stored in a feature file (.ide) and can
be retrieved by name and placed in a part or assembly file.
feature participant
See participant components.
fillet curve
An arc of a specified radius placed at the corner or intersection of 2 lines
using the Fillet sketch tool.
fillet feature
A placed feature applied to edges and corners of a 3D model. A fillet feature
is defined by its type, radius, and placement.
fillet weld
See solid welds and cosmetic welds.
first-level component
A component linked directly to the top-level assembly icon in the assembly
browser. A first-level component can be an individual part or a subassembly
that contains multiple parts or other subassemblies.
fit point
A definition point that does not move when a spline is solved. Beginning and
endpoints, and internal points constrained to other geometry, are fit points.
flag
A symbol extending out of the vertex of the welding symbol which indicates
that to make the weld onsite. Welding symbols with no flag indicate to
apply the weld in the shop.
flexible assembly
A subassembly that can be positioned in a top-level assembly while allowing
its underconstrained positions to be driven or dragged from its parent level.
The capability is useful for kinematic mechanism design.
flush constraint
An assembly constraint that points the surface normals of selected faces in
the same direction. Placing a flush constraint removes three degrees of
freedom (two rotational and two translational). In the Mechanical Desktop,
a flush constraint is achieved using an assembly mate constraint and
selecting a surface normal solution.
fly through
A motion-oriented view of a part or assembly model. In Perspective Camera
mode, you can use the mouse and key commands to navigate internal
portions of a model with full range of motion between X, Y, and Z axes.
foreign component
Parts and assembly models created in another CAD system.
frame
A mechanical component typically composed of welded structural members
which serves as the foundation component of a machine or as an external
access platform. Frames are typically a single item within a bill of materials.
frame skeleton
A 2D/3D wireframe or solid body representation of the frame that consists
of straight line segments.
Gaussian curvature
The Gaussian curvature of a surface at a point is the product of the
principal curvatures at that point. The tangent plane of any point with
positive Gaussian curvature touches the surface at a single point, whereas
the tangent plane of any point with negative Gaussian curvature cuts the
surface. Any point with zero mean curvature has negative or zero Gaussian
curvature.
geometric constraints
Rules that define the geometric relationships of sketch elements and control
how a sketch can change shape or size. Some constraints are inferred
according to sketched shape and others may be manually applied to remove
degrees of freedom. Geometric constraints are coincident, collinear,
concentric, equal, fix, horizontal, parallel, perpendicular, tangent, and
vertical.
global parameters
Called global variables in the Mechanical Desktop.
graphics window
The active modeling area in which sketches, constraints, features, parts,
and assemblies are created and edited. In the graphics window, models can
be rotated, zoomed in and out, and view characteristics such as color,
material, and light defined.
ground shadow
Shadow cast below a visible model is updated dynamically as the model
rotates or moves. The effect is similar to a shadow cast on the ground
beneath a model.
grounded component
A part or subassembly for which all six degrees of freedom were removed
relative to the assembly origin. You can position the part or subassembly
without reference to other parts. It is fixed in space. The first part or
subassembly placed in an assembly file is grounded automatically, although
the ground can later be deleted and relocated, if needed.
heal
Autodesk Inventor can extend adjacent faces until they intersect, or heal,
when a face such as a fillet face is deleted. Healing is not possible if, for
example, a cube face is deleted.
hidden folder
A folder displayed in the browser for each sequence in an assembly
presentation. You can drag components into the hidden folder for a
sequence to hide them for the duration of that sequence in the animation.
hole
A geometric feature defined by hole type, placement, size, and dimensions.
A hole requires a center point sketch for its origin and placement.
hole tag
An alphanumeric identifier added to each hole included in a hole table.
horizontal constraint
A geometric constraint that positions selected lines, ellipse axes, or pairs of
points parallel to the X axis of the sketch coordinate system or positions 2
selected points (curve endpoint, center, midpoint, or sketch point) the same
distance from the primary axis (same Y coordinate).
horizontal dimension
A dimension that controls the size of curves that are parallel to the X-axis
in sketches and drawing views. Can be stated as a numeric constant, as a
variable in an equation, or in a link to a parameter file. In drawing views,
can be designated as a driving dimension (resizes the model) or a reference
dimension (does not resize the model).
iFeatures
Features, sketches, or subassemblies that can be used in more than one
design are designated as iFeatures and saved in a file with an .ide
extension. To add an iFeature to a part, use Windows Explorer to drag the
file name and drop it in the active part file. To change the size of an
iFeature, edit its sketch or feature definition or link it to parameters that
define its size. You can precisely position an iFeature using geometric
constraints and dimensions.
iMate
One half of a constraint defined in a component file. Used to position the
component automatically in an assembly when matched to an iMate with
the same name on another part. Can be given a unique name to describe
its use.
iMate definition
Created when you create or infer iMates on geometry. When matched in an
assembly, the solution is an iMate result.
iMate result
Assembly constraints that consume one or more iMate definitions.
in-place activation
The context switch from a parent-level assembly to a child of that
assembly, such as a subassembly or an individual part. The activated
subassembly or part may be edited, moved, constrained, or otherwise
modified. Activating a part, subassembly, or assembly in place changes the
edit target to the active object.
included geometry
Model edges, vertices, 2D lines and arcs inserted from existing parts into a
3D sketch using the Include tool. Included geometry is converted to 3D
geometry and can be used in a path sketch for a 3D sweep feature.
inconsistent constraint
A constraint that conflicts with a constraint already placed and, thus, cannot
be solved. In assemblies, examples of inconsistent constraints include a
requested mate constraint when a flush constraint is required (inverted face
normals), a rigid body topology conflict, or the Adaptive status not set.
infer iMates
A process by which assembly constraints are converted to iMate definitions
stored with the part.
insert point
A user-defined point at which the cursor is attached when a sketched
symbol is inserted into a drawing. If you do not specify an insert point for a
sketched symbol, the cursor is attached to the center of the symbol
geometry.
interference
The volume created when portions of multiple components occupy a
common space. The volume shared by the intersecting components is
displayed; individual components can be modified to eliminate interference.
intermittent weld
A weld that is not continuous along its length. Two or three values are
required depending on the standard. Possible values are length, pitch or
spacing, and number.
internal frame
A frame you can use as the base upon which to build a machine. You can
weld frames together, machine and then paint or otherwise finish them, or
bolt them together using materials left unfinished, such as stainless steel or
aluminum.
intersect operation
One of 3 Boolean operations (cut, join, and intersect) that define the
relationship between a sketched feature and an existing feature. An
intersect operation creates a feature from the shared volume of a sketched
feature and an existing feature. Material not included in the shared volume
is deleted. Not available for base features.
invisible part
See undisplayed part.
iPart
A part generated from an iPart Factory, whose multiple configurations are
each maintained in a row in an embedded spreadsheet defined in the iPart
Factory. The designer of the iPart Factory specifies parameters, properties,
features, iMates, and other values to include or exclude from individual
iParts. Standard iParts cannot be modified; Custom iParts contain some
values that may be modified when the part is used.
iProperties
File properties that can be used to find and manage Autodesk Inventor files.
iProperties are also used to maintain and update information automatically
in title blocks, parts lists, bills of material, and sketched symbols. See also
design properties.
isolated environment
A collaborative work environment in which designers copy all files from the
server into a personal workspace before working on them. The project file
for an isolated environment specifies the personal workspace and any
additional local paths.
isometric
A type of orthographic projection where a 3D model is situated so that each
of the three fundamental model planes (X, Y, and Z) has an equal degree of
exposure relative to the view angle of the observer.
joggle
In sheet metal design, a means to offset material so that material can be
overlapped.
join operation
One of three Boolean operations (cut, join, and intersect) that define the
relationship between a sketched feature and an existing feature. A join
operation adds the volume of a sketched feature to the existing feature. Not
available for base features.
joint
The location where one structural member becomes coincident with a second
structural member. In many frames, these locations are define welded
conditions. Joints are most common at either end of a structural member.
key values
A value used to define an iPart or a table-driven iFeature instance when
used in a model. An iPart or table-driven iFeature must have at least one
primary key and as many as eight secondary keys. Keys are numbered
when defined in the iPart factory and control available values when the iPart
is used. For example, selecting a primary key value filters available
secondary key values.
keyframe animation
An animation created by arranging objects and taking snapshots of them at
key moments during a sequence of movement or change. These key
moments or keyframes become the fixed points in time through which the
animation passes.
ladder
Platform frames often exist on multiple levels surrounding large equipment,
and these levels often require ladder access. Ladders can consist of several
parallel vertical structural members connected with various types of rungs.
leaf part
A single component in the assembly tree or a component in an assembly.
library feature
See iFeatures.
line
Straight curve bounded by two endpoints. The line tool on the Sketch
toolbar chains line segments together and creates arcs tangent or
perpendicular to existing curves. Segments and arcs are automatically
joined by coincident constraints at their endpoints.
local style
A style cached in the current document. By default, the styles associated
with a selected drafting standard are available in a document.
loft feature
A sketched feature specified by tangency condition, termination, and order
of sketches. Loft features blend 2 or more dissimilar sketch shapes on
nonintersecting sketch planes. Optionally, can create a new solid body.
loop
A closed sketch shape that can include sketched curves, edges, and planar
faces as boundaries.
lump
A group of faces that may contain some or no void. A part or surface body
should have at least one lump. For example, if you draw two separate
rectangles in a sketch and extrude both of them, the resulting part has two
lumps. If you create two separate lines (not connected) and extrude them,
the resulting surface has two lumps.
machining features
Assembly features added to the Machining folder in a weldment assembly.
Machining features are added after weld beads are applied to the weldment
assembly, often affecting multiple assembly components. Holes and extrude
cuts are typical post-weld machining features.
mask
A property that describes the transparency of an image inserted in a sketch.
When a mask is applied to an image, the mask color is determined by the
bottom right pixel of the image.
mass properties
See physical properties.
mate constraint
An assembly constraint that joins elements together with a surface normal
orientation and an optional offset. A planar mate constraint usually moves
two external part faces so that their surface normals point in opposite
directions. Mate constraints can be used to join points, lines, edges, or axes
together and to adapt diameters of unconstrained cylinders.
material properties
Properties defined by the material definition stored in individual part files.
Properties include Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, specific heat, density,
yield strength, ultimate strength, linear expansion, and thermal conductivity.
middle-out design
An assembly design technique that combines aspects of both top-down and
bottom-up techniques. Assemblies designed with the middle-out technique
usually have some fixed equipment or requirements, but also require
custom design solutions.
midpoint
The center of a line segment.
missing geometry
A constraint error that occurs in an assembly when a component is
constrained in position, but subsequent modifications are made to one of
the constrained parts. The geometry involved in the constraint is no longer
available. It can happen if the geometry was consumed by a subsequent
feature operation or if the feature containing the geometry was deleted or
suppressed.
missing tooth
In features or components arranged in a pattern, a position within the
logical definition that denotes a skipped or suppressed occurrence.
motion constraint
Specifies intended motion ratios between assembly components, either by
rotation (such as gears and pulleys) or rotation and translation (such as a
rack and pinion). The first selected component moves relative to the second
selected component.
multi-body part
A part file that contains more than one solid body. Each body can contain
an independent collection of features or shared features. Each solid can be
exported as a separate part file at the end of the design process.
multiview projection
A set of single plane orthographic views used to display an object through
one view plane per projection. For example, a first angle projection is one
view in a multiview projection set.
native component
A part or assembly created using Autodesk Inventor. A native component
can be created in a part file or in place in an assembly file.
nested profile
A profile enclosed within the boundary of another profile. Nested profiles can
be selected and extruded in a single command operation. For example,
concentric circles can be selected and extruded to form a tube.
new solid
An operation in a part file that creates a new body. The solid body can
contain a unique set of features separate from other bodies in a multi-body
part file. Features can also be shared with other bodies.
not enabled part
A part not required for editing in the current design session but that is
provided for context. Often, parts that are not enabled are completely
positioned and were placed early in the assembly design process. In an
open assembly file, parts are designated as not enabled in both the
graphics window and the browser and may not be selected.
numeric constant
A quantity taken to have a fixed value in a specific mathematical context.
Examples of numeric constants include pi, English and metric conversion
factors, and the freezing point of water.
occurrence
Placement of a component, usually in multiple-level assemblies, where a
component is replicated as a result of multiple placements of a single part
or subassembly.
offset geometry
Duplicates and positions selected sketch geometry a specific distance from
the original. By default, offset geometry is constrained equidistant from the
original geometry.
OLE object
A linked or embedded object that originates in an application external to
Autodesk Inventor.
origin indicator
A marker in a drawing view that sets the origin datum point for ordinate
dimensions or a hole table. The origin indicator for a view is placed when
the first ordinate dimension or hole table is added. A view can have only
one origin indicator.
other side
In weld situations such as a T-shaped joint, there are 2 potential places for
a weld. The side of the joint opposite the side to which the arrow points is
known as the other side. The other side weld is made with the instructions
given above the reference line for an ANSI symbol and below the reference
line for all other standards.
pad
Typically a piece of flat stock added to the end of a structural member to
provide stability where the member is bolted to another. Often, pads are
added along the length of a structural member to provide additional
material to be machined to close tolerances where additional components of
an assembly are attached.
parallel constraint
A geometric constraint that causes two or more lines or ellipse axes to have
the same slope and orientation.
parallel dimension
Linear dimension that shows the distance between two lines and has the
same slope as the lines.
parameters
Used to define the size and shape of features and to control the relative
positioning of components within assemblies. Can be expressed as
equations to define the relationships between geometric elements relative to
one another. Changes to one element update the other. You can link a
spreadsheet to a part or assembly and drive the parameters from cells in
the spreadsheet.
Can be defined to relate dimensions to functional requirements. For
example, the cross-sectional area of a part can be defined with specific
proportions and able to withstand a certain load (Area =
Load/Material_Strength*Factor_of_Safety).
parametric dimension
Dimensions are constraints that control sketch size. The sketch geometry
resizes when you change the dimension value. Together, geometric
constraints and dimensional constraints control the size and shape of
sketches used to create features. See also geometric constraint and
dimensional constraint.
part
A group of faces that define a closed volume.
part constraints
Geometric constraints that control the shapes and relationships among
sketch curves. See also geometric constraints.
part features
Parametric building blocks that are combined to create a part. Features can
be sketched, placed, and duplicated. Relationships between features are
maintained by geometric and dimensional constraints.
part model
A collection of geometrically and dimensionally related features that
represent a physical object. A part file contains a single part. If the part
was created in another CAD system, the part is a single solid with no
parametric relationships among its geometric elements. Parts may originate
as .SAT files, Mechanical Desktop parts, OLE objects, design (catalog)
elements, or custom parts. Custom parts can be created in part files, or in
place in assembly files. Parts are combined to form assemblies. In an
assembly, parts can be created in relation to the geometry and topology of
parts already in place.
participant component
An assembly component that is affected by an assembly feature. Participant
components are listed under the related assembly feature in the assembly
browser.
parting line
A work plane or sketched line, arc, or spline that shows where to split a
face or part.
parts list
In an assembly, a listing of components. Usually, a parts list is single-level
and consists of an item number or other designation, part name and
quantity. In some cases, parts list is a term used interchangeably with bill
of materials, although large organizations usually make a distinction.
path
The trajectory of a sweep feature. A path can be an open or closed loop
consisting of lines, arcs, ellipses, or circles, with a specified start point.
path file
See project file.
pattern element
In an assembly pattern, symmetrically arranged components. Each element
contains one or more instances (individual parts). In the assembly browser,
pattern elements are listed in a numbered sequence below the assembly
pattern object. Each element can be expanded to show the instances in the
element.
pattern feature
Multiple instances of a placed or sketched feature arrayed in a specified
pattern. Patterns are defined by type (rectangular or circular), orientation,
number of features, and spacing between features.
pattern instance
In an assembly pattern, the part or parts selected as an element. The
elements (one or more parts) are repeated in a symmetrical pattern, each
containing the same part instances. In the assembly browser, instances are
nested below each pattern element.
perpendicular constraint
A geometric constraint that causes two lines or ellipse axes to lie at right
angles to one another.
physical properties
Physical properties of a part, including mass, radii of gyration, volume,
principal moments, products, center of gravity, and principal axes. Mass
properties are calculated with respect to the sketch coordinate system and
the density assigned to an object through a material property attribute.
placed component
A part or subassembly created in a separate file, then selected and placed
in an assembly. One or more copies (occurrences) of the component can be
placed from one part or assembly.
placed feature
A feature that consists of a defined mechanical shape that serves a known
engineering function in a part or assembly. Examples are holes, chamfers,
fillets, shells, face drafts, and plane cuts.
planar face
A 2-dimensional (flat) part face.
point
A persistent sketch point, work point, curve endpoint, midpoint, or center
point.
post-weld machining
In weldment design, a machining operation that is performed after welds
were applied to the weldment. Machining operations often affect multiple
assembly components. Holes and extrude cuts are typical post-weld
machining features.
See also machining features and machining features group.
preparation features
Assembly features added to the Preparations folder in a weldment assembly.
Preparation features contribute to an optional metal removal process often
called a weld prep. They are added before welding to ensure adequate weld
strength. Chamfers are typical weld preparations. See also weld-prep.
presentation view
A specialized assembly view. You develop the specialized views, such as
exploded views, in a presentation file and then use them to create drawing
views or other presentations.
primary entity
Any line or arc with both of its endpoints in the selection set.
principal curvatures
The principal curvatures of a surface at a point are the minimum and
maximum of the normal curvatures at that point. (Normal curvatures are
the curvatures of curves on the surface that are lying in planes, including
the tangent vector at the given point.) The principal curvatures are used to
compute the Gaussian and Mean curvatures of the surface.
profile
A closed loop defined by sketched or reference geometry that represents a
cross section of a feature. An open profile defined by sketched segments,
arcs, or splines can define a surface shape or extend to boundaries to close
a region. A profile can enclose islands.
project
A means to organize Autodesk Inventor files and maintain valid links
logically between files. A project consists of a home folder, a project file
that specifies the paths to the locations of the files in the project, and the
local and network folders containing Autodesk Inventor files.
You can have as many projects as needed to manage your work. The
project file for each project must be maintained in the project home folder.
project file
A file that specifies the locations of files in a project. A project file is a text
file with an .ipj extension. We recommend that the file is maintained in the
home folder for the project. Specify the paths to all files to manage the
links and references between the Autodesk Inventor files in the project.
There are four types of locations that can be specified in the project file:
workspace, local search paths, work group paths, and libraries.
For most projects, a single work group location is sufficient.
Library folders are for any released or read-only parts referenced by the
project, but not created or edited by it. A project can reference documents
from several different library folders.
Workspaces are used where the Multi-user mode is set to Semi-isolated.
Creating a project file with the work group and library locations set to
reference shared folders using UNC paths is recommended.
If you work on collaborative projects, the project files can specify many file
locations and even reference a secondary project file.
projected geometry
Geometry (model edges, vertices, work axes, work points, or other sketch
geometry) projected onto the active sketch plane as reference geometry.
Can include edges of a selected assembly component that intersects the
sketch plane when it was cut in an assembly cross section.
promote
In the browser hierarchy, dragging a feature or component closer to the top
level.
promote surfaces
Imported surfaces are placed in the construction environment where tools
correct modeling defects such as gaps between surfaces. When corrected,
surfaces are promoted to the part environment where they can be edited
with feature tools.
property
A characteristic of a Microsoft Windows file that can be manipulated from an
application or Microsoft Windows Explorer. Properties include author or
designer and creation date and can also be unique properties assigned by
applications or users. Specifying properties can be useful when searching for
part or assembly files.
pull direction
The direction a mold is pulled from a molded or cast part. The definition of
draft for part faces includes the pull direction.
quilt
A group of connected faces that do not define a volume.
radial dimension
A dimension that controls the distance from the center point of a circle and
arc to a point on its circumference. Can be stated as a numeric constant, as
a variable in an equation, or in a link to a parameter file. In drawing views,
can be designated as a driving dimension (resizes the model) or reference
dimension (does not resize model).
radius
Distance from the center point of an arc or circle to a point on its
circumference.
rail
A structural member typically of round tube stock that often is placed
around platforms for safety reasons. Typical rail frames include hand rails,
vertical rail posts, and one or more intermediate/horizontal safety rails.
range
A limit placed on a variable. When a range is specified, the value of the
variable must lie between the minimum and maximum of the range.
reattach sketch
Moves a sketch and attaches it to a different sketch plane than the one on
which it originated. Use constraints and dimensions to position it and
modify sketch size as needed.
redundant constraint
Constraints placed on fixed topologies that do not remove degrees of
freedom, but do not conflict with previously placed constraints. It is marked
in the browser with a warning icon, but is allowed to exist because it
causes no harm.
reference dimension
In drawing views, a dimension that does not control the model size and is
not intended for inspection.
reference edge
A sketch curve created by projecting a model edge onto the sketch plane.
The curve can be a line, arc, circle, elliptical arc, or spline.
reference geometry
Sketch geometry created by projecting the edges, vertices, or work features
of another sketch onto the active sketch plane or onto the edges of a face
used to define the sketch plane. Reference geometry can be used to
constrain sketch geometry or included in a profile or path. Curves that
represent the boundary edges of a face used to create the sketch plane
cannot be deleted or trimmed, but projected curves can be deleted or
trimmed.
reference part
A simplified part that cannot be edited in Autodesk Inventor. An example is
a part imported from another CAD system in .sat or .stp format.
reference sketch
In an assembly, geometry that exists on one part can be projected onto the
sketch plane of a new part. The resulting cross-part sketch geometry is a
reference sketch. The size and position of the reference sketch is based on
the parent part. A reference sketch can be used like any other sketch
geometry to create a feature in the new part.
reference vertex
A sketch point generated by projecting a model vertex onto the sketch
plane.
refresh
A file menu command. Replaces any file in session that has outdated edits
compared to the saved version of the file on disk. All components and their
dependents are reloaded without closing the current assembly. If any
pending edits exist for a file needing refresh, a prompt appears enabling
Save Copy As to preserve the changes before conducting the refresh
operation.
region
A closed profile on a face or plane defined by sketched curves, edges, or
planes. An extruded region results in a solid body.
revolved feature
A solid feature created by revolving a profile around an axis. Unless the
revolved feature is the first feature, its relationship to an existing feature or
body is defined by selecting a Boolean operation (join, cut, or intersect),
and the participating bodies for the operation if multiple bodies exist.
Optionally, can create a new body.
rigid body
A component that cannot change shape or size and acts as a single unit
when moved, constrained, or rotated. For example, a subassembly is a rigid
body because its shape and size cannot change. Although it contains
multiple parts, a subassembly behaves as a single component when placed
in an assembly.
rotation constraint
A motion constraint that specifies rotation of one part relative to another
part using a specified ratio. Used to specify motion of gears and pulleys, for
example.
rotation-translation constraint
A motion constraint that specifies rotation of one part relative to translation
of a second part. Used to specify motion of a rack and pinion, for example.
rounds
Fillets created on convex edges.
same X coordinate
A Mechanical Desktop constraint replaced by the vertical constraint in
Autodesk Inventor.
same Y coordinate
A Mechanical Desktop constraint replaced by the horizontal constraint in
Autodesk Inventor.
SAT file
The native file format (ASCII) produced by the ACIS geometry-modeling
kernel.
scene
A complete definition of components, such as geometry, materials for that
geometry, lighting, a studio, and a viewpoint to create a realistic image.
search paths
The file locations specified in a project. When you open a file, Autodesk
Inventor searches all the paths specified in the active project to find any
referenced files.
secondary entity
Any line or arc that has only one of its endpoints in the selection set.
section
In an assembly, a view of the model defined by temporarily hiding portions
of components or features on one side of a specified cutting plane.
section plane
In a base body, a cross section that defines the plane about which the body
is extended or contracted.
selection window
Using the Select tool to size a window, selects geometry partially or
enclosed in the window.
sequence
A group of tweaks in the animation of an exploded assembly. Each task in
an animation consists of one or more sequences, which in turn consists of
one or more tweaks.
shape point
An internal point that defines the shape of a spline. Shape points can move
when a spline is solved. By constraining a shape point to other geometry, it
changes to a fit point.
shared sketch
A sketch used by more than one feature; for example, a sketch containing
hole centers for different hole features.
sheet sketch
A sheet sketch is associated to the underlying sheet and is created if no
drawing view is selected when entering the Sketch environment.
Note: If a drawing view is selected when entering Sketch environment, the
sketch and sketch geometry are associated to the view. It is referred to as
a view sketch.
sheets
Corresponds to a page that contains drawing views. Each sheet can contain
a sketch overlay that contains customized sketches that correspond to the
drawing views.
shell
A parametric feature used most frequently for cast or molded parts. From a
specified face, material is removed from the part, leaving a cavity with walls
of a specified thickness. Shells usually have walls of uniform thickness, but
individual faces can be selected and their thickness is specified. Shell walls
can be offset to the inside, outside, or both sides of the part, relative to the
original part surfaces.
skeleton
In Autodesk Inventor, one or more parts, contained in an *.ipt or *.iam file,
that are based on solids, 2D sketches, 3D sketches, or surfaces, and
represent the structure of a design. Edits to a skeleton produce design
changes on all associated geometry and designs.
skeleton part
In Frame Generator, a model which collects references in an *.ipt or *.iam
file that are used to build a structural frame. References can include solids,
2D or 3D sketches, and work geometry. Edits to a skeleton part produce
design changes on all associated geometry and designs.
sketch
A sketch consists of the sketch plane, a coordinate system, 2D curves, and
the dimensions and constraints applied to the curves. A sketch can also
incorporate construction geometry or reference geometry. Sketches are
used to define feature profiles and paths.
sketch constraints
See constraints.
sketch geometry
Curves that occur in sketches. Can include lines, points, rectangles, splines,
fillets, arcs, circles, and ellipses.
sketch plane
A planar face or work plane on which the current sketch is created.
sketched feature
A feature that originates from a 2D sketch. Extruding, sweeping, revolving,
or lofting a sketched profile creates feature volume. The volume created by
the sketched feature can be joined with, cut from, or defined where it
intersects with the volume of an existing feature.
sketched part
Originates from a custom sketch rather than from an imported solid or
predefined shape.
sketched symbol
A custom symbol you create and save as a Drawing Resource in a drawing
or drawing template. A sketched symbol can include sketched geometry,
linked or embedded bitmaps, and text. It can also contain data translated
from DWG files.
You can add a sketched symbol to a drawing sheet as an annotation.
slice graphics
Reveals hidden plane or face by temporarily slicing away a specified portion
of a model. The revealed plane can be used as a sketch plane.
solid body
An enclosed 3D body that has volume.
solid model
A model in SAT or STEP file format imported in Autodesk Inventor as a base
feature (the first feature in a model). A base solid is fully dimensioned. Its
size can be changed only by commands in the Solids environment, but the
solid can be modified by adding features.
spline
A smooth curve fitted to a sequence of points within a specified tolerance.
split
Split Face divides one or more faces at a specified parting line. Resulting
faces can have individual face draft applied. Trim Solid removes a section of
the part. Split Solid creates a multi-body part by dividing a solid object into
two separate bodies. Resulting bodies can have unique features that are not
shared with other bodies.
stairway
Platform frames often exist on multiple levels surrounding large equipment,
these levels often require stairway access. Stairways typically consist of C
channel structural members in parallel on an incline with one or more stair
treads depending on the rise required.
standard iParts
An iPart factory generates iParts, each of which has a unique configuration
whose parameters, properties, and other values are maintained in an
embedded spreadsheet. Each row in the spreadsheet represents an
individual iPart with a unique configuration. When a standard iPart is used in
an assembly, its values cannot be modified.
static drawing
A drawing file on which updates are deferred. A static drawing does not
update when the model changes and you cannot place views or make other
changes to the drawing data. The defer updates setting is on Drawing tab of
the Document Settings dialog box.
STEP file
An international format developed to overcome some of the limitations of
current data conversion standards. Files created in other CAD systems can
be converted to STEP format and imported in Autodesk Inventor.
stretchy feature
See adaptive feature.
structural member
A single piece of material used in the construction of a frame, typically
purchased in stock lengths and sizes. Common structural members include
steel angle iron, round/square/rectangular steel tubing, C channel, I beams,
and so on.
style
In assemblies, a style is the set of information that describes component
appearance. A style includes descriptors such as color diffusion, specular
color, ambient color, emissive color, opacity, shine, and material.
style library
Defined styles reside in the style library and are referenced in documents.
Styles in documents (local styles) can be modified as needed, but the
original style definition in the library is not affected.
subassembly
An assembly file used in another assembly. The subassembly behaves as a
single unit, such as a motor with a gear reducer. Parts can originate in part
files, as OLE objects, or as iFeatures, or can be imported from the
Mechanical Desktop or other CAD system.
suppressed feature
A feature whose geometry no longer appears in the graphics window. Any
features dependent on a suppressed feature are also suppressed.
Suppressed features are indicated in the browser by a shaded icon. A
feature can be unsuppressed. It and its dependent features are visible in
the graphics window and can be selected for editing.
surface
A 2-dimensional definition of forms and shapes or an object in 3-
dimensional space that defines area without volume.
surface normal
Solid bodies are bounded by surfaces. The surface normal is the outward-
pointing vector perpendicular to a particular point on a surface. When
assembly constraints are being placed, a surface normal vector appears. In
most cases, it can be flipped in the opposite direction.
sweep feature
A feature created by moving a profile along a path. A sweep feature usually
requires two sketches, a profile, and a path on intersecting planes. An
optional guide rail for scaling can be included in a third sketch. Unless the
sweep feature is the first feature, its relationship to an existing feature or
body is defined by selecting a Boolean operation (join, cut, or intersect),
and the participating bodies for the operation if multiple bodies exist.
Optionally, can create a new solid body.
tangent constraint
A geometric constraint that causes two curves to have the same slope at
the point where they intersect. For example, a line can be tangent to an
arc, circle, or ellipse, but two lines cannot be tangent to one another.
In assemblies, a tangent constraint can be applied between cylindrical,
conical, and toroidal faces or circular arc edges. On selected components,
one component moves toward another, and contacts at the point of
tangency. In assemblies, tangency can be inside or outside a curve,
depending on the direction of the selected surface normal.
taper
Sets positive or negative taper angle for sweeps, extrusions, and coils
normal to the sketch plane.
target point
A point in space that your line of sight passes through. In orthographic
camera mode, the point can be located on the X and Y axes. In perspective
camera mode, the point can be located on the X, Y, and Z axes. The target
point also serves as a center point for the Rotate tool.
task
An assembly or disassembly action in the animation of an assembly
explosion. Each task in an animation consists of one or more sequences.
template
An assembly, part, or drawing file that contains predefined file properties.
To create a file based on a template, you open a template file, create the
content, and then save it with a unique file name. Pre-defined properties
can include visible default reference planes, customized grid settings, color
scheme, drafting standards, and so on.
termination
The method selected to end an extruded, swept, revolved, or lofted feature.
Examples are fixed length or angle, extension through all faces or to the
next face, or equal extension from a selected plane.
title block
The area on a drawing sheet that identifies the owner, includes a description
of the drawing, and provides other relevant information.
toolbody
An intermediate volume produced when a swept, extruded, or revolved
feature is created.
top-down design
An assembly technique in which parts are designed in place within an
incomplete assembly, taking advantage of existing part placement and using
part features and positional information as the basis for the design or
modification of new parts. Parts designed in the assembly context are
designed relative to features on parts already in the assembly.
top-level assembly
The root of an assembly, under which all components are arranged in a
hierarchical structure, is automatically created when you create an assembly
file. In the browser, the top level of the assembly is represented by an icon
and by default, the file name. In an assembly file, double-click the top level
of the assembly to switch from part creation or editing (the part
environment) to assembly tasks (the assembly environment).
trails
Lines in an exploded view that show the relationship of a component to the
assembly. Trails indicate the direction and distance that a component was
moved to create the view.
transform
Change in position or direction or orientation, such as move or rotate.
tweaking
The process of moving a component in an assembly presentation to create
an exploded view.
tweaks
Adjustments made to assembly components in an exploded view. You
specify the distance and direction of movement to provide better visibility of
the components and their relationships.
type of draft
Face draft may be shadow and edge draft. Shadow draft selects continuous
tangent faces and drafts all edges in one operation. Edge draft is draft
applied to a single face that is not tangent to another face. Face draft is
shown in the browser as TaperShadow or TaperEdge.
unavailable geometry
See missing geometry.
unconsumed sketch
A sketch in a part or assembly model that was not used in a feature. An
unconsumed sketch can be used to show assembly layout and develop
design concepts. You can display unconsumed sketches in drawing views.
undefined geometry
See missing geometry.
underconstrained geometry
Features or parts with unsolved degrees of freedom are underconstrained.
Features and parts designated as adaptive have underconstrained geometry
that resizes when it is constrained to fixed geometry (all degrees of freedom
removed).
undisplayed part
A part or subassembly whose visibility was turned off in the assembly
context. Such parts are not opened or loaded into memory. Parts or
subassemblies are turned off when they are not needed for the current
modeling tasks.
update
A part or assembly is recalculated after significant changes. Update can be
triggered automatically or manually, allowing work to continue before a part
or assembly is updated. An update incorporates changes held in memory
from the current editing session and updates the display in the graphics
window and browser. Unlike Refresh, Update incorporates only edits made
to the active component, but does not retrieve the saved version from disk.
update all
Recalculates all components to incorporate changes held in memory,
including the top-level assembly. Update All can be triggered automatically
or manually, allowing work to continue before a part or assembly is
updated. Unlike Refresh, Update All incorporates only edits made locally,
but does not retrieve the saved version from disk.
upstream process
An operation that precedes the selected operation in an order-dependent
process. For example, weldment preparations are upstream from the weld
bead and post-weld machining operations.
variable-radius fillet
A fillet that has a radius that varies along its length. You set a different
radius for the start point and endpoint. The transition type determines the
shape of the fillet. Use the Variable tab on the Fillet feature dialog box to
select the edges and specify the radii for a variable-radius fillet feature.
vertex
The bounding point of two or more curves or model edges.
vertical constraint
A geometric constraint that positions selected lines, ellipse axes, or pairs of
points parallel to the Y-axis of the sketch coordinate system (same X
coordinate).
vertical dimension
A dimension that controls the size of curves that are parallel to the Y axis in
sketches and drawing views. Can be stated as a numeric constant, as a
variable in an equation, or in a link to a parameter file. In drawing views,
can be designated as a driving dimension (resizes the model) or reference
dimension (does not resize the model).
view sketch
If a drawing view is selected when entering Sketch environment, the sketch
and sketch geometry are associated to the view. It is referred to as a view
sketch.
Note: A sheet sketch is associated to the underlying sheet and is created
when no drawing view is selected when entering the Sketch environment.
visibility
A characteristic of an assembly component that determines whether it
appears in the graphics window. In large assemblies, it is useful to turn off
the visibility of components not needed in the current design.
void
A group of faces that define an internal hollow space. For example, when a
cube is shelled without removing a face, the result is a void inside the cube.
weld prep
An optional metal removal process done before welding to ensure adequate
weld strength. The metal removed is typically filled back in with the weld
bead. Chamfers are typical weld preps. See also preparation features group
and preparation features.
work axis
A construction feature that defines an axis in 3D space. A work axis is
useful when no geometry exists to use as an axis. Work axes can be
projected onto a sketch and incorporated into dimension and constraint
schemes.
work feature
Plane, axis, or point that can be projected onto a sketch as a reference
feature and used to construct new features. A work feature can be
incorporated into dimension and constraint schemes, but is not model
geometry.
work plane
A construction feature that defines the parametric location of a sketch plane
in 3D space. A work plane is useful when no planar face exists to use as a
sketch plane, for example, when sketching on curved or toroidal faces. A
work plane can be incorporated into dimension and constraint schemes.
work point
A construction feature that defines a point in 3D space. A work point can be
projected onto a sketch and incorporated into dimension and constraint
schemes.
workspace
The path to the work area on your local machine. Your workspace is
specified in the active project.