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Mastering Autodesk® Inventor® 2011 and Autodesk® Inventor LT™ 2011: Autodesk® Official Training Guide

Name: Mastering Autodesk® Inventor® 2011 and Autodesk® Inventor LT™ 2011: Autodesk® Official Training Guide
Author: Nat Coalson
ISBN: 9780470882870

by Nat Coalson

August 2010

Beginner

936 pages

27h 15m

English

Sybex

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Copyright
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Introduction
Who Should Read This BookThe Mastering SeriesWhat Is Covered in This BookHow to Contact the Authors
1. Inventor Design Philosophy
1.1. Understanding Parametric Design1.1.1. Creating a Base Sketch1.1.2. Creating a Base Feature1.1.3. Adding More Features1.1.4. Using the Part in an Assembly1.1.5. Making Changes1.1.6. Understanding History-Based Modeling1.1.7. Looking Closer at Sketch Dimensions1.1.7.1. Driven Dimensions1.1.7.2. Driving Dimensions1.1.8. Part Modeling Best Practices1.1.8.1. Keep Sketches Simple1.1.8.2. Create Simple Features From Simple Sketches1.1.8.3. Pattern And Mirror At The Feature Level1.1.8.4. Create Sketch-Based Features And Then Placed Features1.1.8.5. Understand Dependent And Independent Features1.1.9. Assembly Modeling Best Practices1.1.9.1. Understand File Linking And Relationships1.1.9.2. Always Maintain At Least One Grounded Component1.1.9.3. Make Your Models Mimic The Manufacturing Process1.1.9.4. Constrain To Origin Geometry1.2. Understanding the "Feel" of Inventor1.2.1. Understanding the Intuitive Interface1.2.2. Using General Tools vs. Specific Commands1.2.3. When in Doubt, Right-Click1.3. Using the Inventor Graphic Interface1.3.1. Inventor Title Bar1.3.2. Inventor Graphics Window Tools1.3.2.1. Exploring The View Cube1.3.2.2. A Look At The Navigation Bar1.3.3. The Ribbon Menu1.3.3.1. The Get Started Tab1.3.3.2. The View Tab1.3.4. The Browser Pane1.3.4.1. Using The Browser1.3.4.2. Edit A Part1.3.4.3. Return To The Assembly1.3.5. Task-Based Dialog Boxes1.4. Learning the File Types in Inventor1.4.1. Why So Many File Types?1.4.2. Drawing Files in Inventor1.4.2.1. Working With Dwgs1.4.3. Creating DWG Files from Inventor Drawings1.5. Moving from AutoCAD to Inventor1.6. 3D models vs. 3D Virtual Prototypes1.6.1. What Is a 3D Virtual Prototype?1.6.2. Why a 3D Virtual Prototype?1.6.2.1. Fewer Physical Prototypes1.6.2.2. Using All The Tools1.6.2.3. More Than Just 3D1.7. Understanding Functional Design1.7.1. The Design Accelerator1.7.2. The Bolted Connection Generator1.7.3. The Frame Generator1.7.4. The Inventor Studio1.7.5. AutoLimits1.7.6. The Content Center1.8. The Bottom Line
2. Data and Projects
2.1. What Is an Inventor Project?2.1.1. Project Files and Search Paths2.1.1.1. Job Based .Ipj Setups2.1.1.2. Single .Ipj Setups2.1.1.3. Item Based Setups2.1.2. Library Folders2.1.2.1. Library Editor .Ipj Files2.1.3. Content Center Files2.1.4. How Search Paths and Project Files Are Used2.2. Exploring Project File Types2.3. Creating the Project File2.3.1. Creating Single-User Projects2.3.1.1. The Inventor Project Wizard2.3.1.2. The Projects Dialog Box2.3.1.2.1. Included Files2.3.1.2.2. Workspace2.3.1.2.3. Workgroup2.3.1.2.4. Style Library2.3.1.2.5. Library Options2.3.1.2.6. Shortcuts to Frequently Used Files2.3.1.2.7. Folder Options2.3.1.2.8. Project Options2.3.1.2.9. Versioning and Backup2.3.1.2.10. File naming Conventions2.3.1.3. The Projects Dialog Box'S Tool Panel2.3.2. Creating Multiuser Projects2.4. The Bottom Line
3. Sketch Techniques
3.1. Exploring the Options and Settings for Sketches3.1.1. Application Options3.1.2. Document Settings3.2. Sketching Basics3.3. Creating a Sketch in a New Part3.3.1. Creating a New Part File from a Template3.3.2. Creating Lines Using the Line Tool3.3.3. Understanding Sketch Constraints3.3.4. Using Degrees of Freedom to View Under-Constrained Sketch Elements3.3.5. Using Dimensions to Fully Constrain a Sketch3.3.6. Understanding the Save Options3.3.7. Making a Sketch Active for Edits3.3.8. Using Construction Geometry3.3.9. Using the Polygon Tool and Creating an Aligned Dimension3.3.10. Using Offset and Creating a Three Point Rectangle3.3.11. Creating Driven Dimensions3.4. Taking a Closer Look at Sketch Constraints3.4.1. Tangent Constraint3.4.2. Perpendicular Constraint3.4.3. Parallel Constraint3.4.4. Coincident Constraint3.4.5. Concentric Constraint3.4.6. Collinear Constraint3.4.7. Horizontal Constraint3.4.8. Vertical Constraint3.4.9. Equal Constraint3.4.10. Fix Constraint3.4.11. Symmetric Constraint3.4.12. Smooth Constraint3.5. Gaining More Sketch Skills3.5.1. Creating Arcs3.5.2. Creating Automatic Tangents with the Line Tool3.5.3. Understanding Point/Center Points3.5.4. Projecting Geometry3.5.5. Learning More About Dimensions3.5.5.1. Using One General Dimension Tool to Do It All3.5.5.2. Setting Up Automatic Dimensions3.5.5.3. Working with Sketch Centerlines3.5.6. Measuring Geometry3.6. Creating Sketches from AutoCAD Geometry3.6.1. Importing Existing AutoCAD Designs3.6.2. Copying and Pasting Existing AutoCAD Designs into Inventor3.7. Creating and Using 3D Sketches3.7.1. Creating a 3D Path3.7.2. Using the 3D Coordinate Triad and Precise Redefine3.7.3. Exploring More 3D Sketch Tools3.7.3.1. Including 3D Geometry3.7.3.2. Using an Intersection Curve3.7.3.3. Using the Project Curve to Surface Tool3.7.3.4. Using a Helical Curve3.7.3.5. Using a Silhouette Curve3.7.3.6. Refining and Constraining a 3D Sketch3.8. Best Practices for Working with Sketches3.9. The Bottom Line
4. Basic Modeling Techniques
4.1. Exploring Application Options and Settings for Part Modeling4.1.1. Specifying Global Settings4.1.2. Specifying Document-Specific Settings4.1.2.1. The Standard Tab4.1.2.2. The Units Tab4.1.2.3. The Sketch Tab4.1.2.4. The Modeling tab4.1.2.5. The Bill Of Materials Tab4.1.2.6. The Default Tolerance Tab4.2. Creating Basic Part Features4.2.1. Simplifying Your Sketches4.2.2. Creating a Base Feature4.2.3. Creating a Second Feature4.2.4. Creating a Sketch-Based Hole Feature4.2.5. Creating a Rectangular Hole Pattern4.2.6. Editing Sketches and Features4.2.6.1. Editing A Sketch4.2.6.2. Editing A Feature4.2.7. Repairing Features And Sketches4.3. Exploring the Extrude Tool4.3.1. Extruding with Cut and Taper4.3.2. Extruding with Intersect4.3.3. Extruding Surfaces from Open Profiles4.3.4. Extruding Solids from Open Profiles4.3.5. Extruding with To4.3.6. Extruding with To Next4.3.7. Extruding Between4.3.8. Extruding Multibodies4.4. Creating Revolved Parts and Threads4.4.1. Creating Revolved Cylindrical Parts4.4.2. Creating Extruded Cylindrical Parts4.4.3. Creating Threaded Features4.4.3.1. Cosmetic Threads4.4.3.2. Physical Threads4.5. Creating Work Features4.5.1. Work Planes4.5.2. Work Axes and Work Points4.6. Creating Fillets4.6.1. Edge Fillets4.6.1.1. Constant Fillets4.6.1.2. Variable Fillets4.6.1.3. Setbacks4.6.2. Face Fillets4.6.3. Full Round Fillets4.6.4. Creating Fillets4.7. Hole Features4.7.1. Using the Thread and Clearance Spreadsheets4.7.2. Creating Holes in Parts4.7.3. Setting Tolerance Values in Holes4.8. Bend Parts4.9. The Bottom Line
5. Advanced Modeling Techniques
5.1. Creating Complex Sweeps and Lofts5.1.1. Creating and Using Sweeps5.1.1.1. Creating 2D Paths5.1.1.2. Creating The Sweep Profile5.1.2. Exploring Sweep Options5.1.2.1. Path & Guide Rail Option5.1.2.2. Path & Guide Surface Option5.1.3. Creating Loft Features5.1.3.1. Loft With Rails5.1.3.2. Patch And Stitch Surfaces5.1.3.3. Using the Shell Tool5.1.3.4. Area Loft5.1.3.5. Centerline Loft Feature5.1.4. Creating a Part Using Loft and Sculpt5.2. Creating Multi-body Parts5.2.1. Creating Multiple Solids5.2.2. Using One Solid to Shape Another5.2.2.1. Move Bodies5.2.2.2. Split Solids5.2.2.3. Make Part and Make Components5.3. Creating Derived Parts and Assemblies5.3.1. Creating Derived Parts5.3.2. Deriving a Part File5.3.3. Deriving an Assembly File5.3.4. Modifying Derived Parts5.3.5. Using the Component Derive Tool5.3.6. Using Nonlinear-Derived Part Scaling5.4. Working with Patterns5.4.1. Rectangular Patterns5.4.2. Circular Patterns5.4.3. Patterns Along Curves5.4.4. Spiral Patterns5.4.5. Pattern Solids5.4.6. Dynamic Patterns5.5. Setting Parameters and iProperties5.5.1. iProperties5.5.2. Part Parameters5.5.2.1. User Parameters5.5.2.2. Reference Parameters5.5.2.3. Formatting Parameters5.5.2.4. Parameter Functions5.5.3. Assembly Parameters5.6. Adding Part Tolerances5.6.1. Tolerances in Sketches5.6.2. Setting Global File Tolerances5.6.3. Limits Fits5.7. Troubleshooting Failures with the End-of-Part Marker5.7.1. Step 1: Editing the First Feature5.7.2. Step 2: Moving the EOP Marker Down One Feature at a Time5.8. The Bottom Line

6. Sheet Metal
6.1. Understanding Sheet-Metal Parts6.2. Getting to Know the Features6.2.1. Starting with a Base Feature6.2.1.1. Face6.2.1.2. Contour Flange6.2.1.3. Contour Roll6.2.1.4. Lofted Flange6.2.2. Creating Secondary Flange Features6.2.2.1. Flange6.2.2.1.1. Creating Basic Flanges6.2.2.1.2. Control Flange Widths6.2.2.2. Contour Flange6.2.2.3. Hem6.2.2.4. Face6.2.3. Adding, Removing, or Deforming Material6.2.3.1. Cut6.2.3.2. Punch Tool6.2.3.3. Corner Round and Chamfer6.2.3.4. Corner Seam6.2.3.4.1. Creating a Basic Corner Seam6.2.3.4.2. Understanding Corner Seam Gap and Overlap Settings6.2.3.4.3. Understanding Corner Seam Extend Options6.2.3.5. Fold6.2.3.6. Bend6.2.3.6.1. Exploring Bend Options6.2.3.6.2. Using the Bend tool to create an Enclosure6.2.3.7. Rip6.2.3.8. Unfold and Refold6.2.3.8.1. Unfolded vs. Flat Pattern6.2.3.8.2. Unfolding and Refolding Sheet Metal Parts6.2.3.8.3. Unfolding and Refolding Contour Rolls Features6.2.3.9. Project Flat Pattern6.3. Using Sheet-Metal Templates and Rules6.3.1. What Are Sheet-Metal Rules?6.3.1.1. Creating a Sheet-Metal Rule6.3.1.2. Sheet-Metal Rules vs. Sheet-Metal Styles6.3.1.3. Unfold Rules6.3.1.3.1. K-Factors6.3.1.3.2. Bend Tables6.3.1.3.3. Bend Compensation6.3.2. Working with Styles and Templates6.4. Authoring and Reusing Punches6.4.1. Exploring Punches and iFeatures6.4.2. Creating Successful Punches6.4.2.1. Avoiding Work Geometry6.4.2.2. Setting the Parameters Within Your Punch6.4.3. Using Alternate Representations6.4.4. Placing Your Punch6.4.5. Patterning Your Punch6.5. Working with the Flat Pattern6.5.1. Exploring the Flat Pattern Edit Features6.5.2. Adding Manufacturing Information to the Flat Pattern6.5.3. Using the Flat Pattern Definition Dialog Box6.5.4. Manufacturing Your Flat Pattern6.6. Using Sheet-Metal iPart Factories6.6.1. Consuming Sheet-Metal Rules6.6.2. Using Folded and Flat Members6.6.3. iParts for Fold Progression6.7. Modeling with Non-Sheet-Metal Features6.7.1. Selecting Problematic Features6.7.2. Using Surface-Based Workflows6.8. Working with Imported Parts6.8.1. Setting Yourself Up for Success6.8.2. Converting Components6.9. Annotating Your Sheet Metal Design6.9.1. Creating a View of Your Sheet-Metal Design6.9.2. Adding Bend, Punch, and Flat Pattern Annotations6.10. Harvesting Legacy Sheet-Metal Templates6.10.1. Parameter Indirection6.10.2. The Hidden Tools of Harvesting6.10.2.1. Style Management Wizard6.10.2.2. Style Library Manager6.11. The Bottom Line
7. Part and Feature Reuse
7.1. Working with iParts7.1.1. Creating and Modifying iParts7.1.1.1. Modifying the Parameter List7.1.1.2. Creating the iPart7.1.1.3. Editing the iPart Table7.1.1.4. Including and Excluding Features7.1.1.5. Including or Excluding Work Features in iParts7.1.1.6. Working with Threaded iPart Features7.1.1.7. Working with Sheet-Metal iParts7.1.1.8. Changing Color in iParts7.1.1.9. Exploring the Authoring Options7.1.1.10. Generating Member Files7.1.1.11. Creating Custom iParts7.1.1.12. Testing the iPart7.1.1.13. Editing the iPart Factory7.1.2. Using iParts in Designs7.2. Working with iFeatures7.2.1. Creating iFeatures7.2.1.1. Placing an iFeature7.2.1.2. Editing an iFeature File7.2.2. Creating Punch Features7.2.2.1. Creating Punch Features7.2.2.2. Placing a Sheet-Metal Punch Feature7.3. Reusing Existing Geometry7.3.1. Copying Features7.3.2. Cloning7.3.3. Linking Parameters Between Two Files7.3.4. Copying Sketches7.4. Introducing Content Center7.4.1. Configuring Content Center7.4.1.1. Installing the Content Center for a Stand-Alone User7.4.1.2. Installing Content Center for a Collaborative Environment7.4.1.3. Managing Your Memory Footprint7.4.1.4. Configuring Content Center Libraries in the Project Files7.4.2. Using Content Center7.4.2.1. Placing Components into an Assembly7.4.2.2. Placing Parts from Content Center7.4.3. Customizing Content Center Libraries7.4.3.1. Creating Custom Libraries for ADMS Installs7.4.3.2. Creating Custom Libraries for Desktop Content7.4.3.3. Copying Existing Libraries into Custom Libraries7.4.3.4. Setting Category Properties7.4.3.5. Editing a Custom Content Center Family7.4.4. Publishing Parts to Content Center7.4.4.1. Preparing the Part for Publishing7.4.4.2. Publishing the Part7.5. The Bottom Line
8. Assembly Design Workflows
8.1. Assembly Constraints8.1.1. How Constraints Work8.1.2. Degrees of Freedom8.1.3. Grounded Components8.1.4. Working with Constraints8.1.4.1. Mate Constraint8.1.4.1.1. Using Rotate and Move8.1.4.1.2. Editing and Deleting Constraints8.1.4.1.3. Mate to Edges, Centerlines, and Vertices8.1.4.2. Angle Constraint8.1.4.3. Tangent Constraint8.1.4.4. Insert Constraint8.1.5. Motion Constraints8.1.5.1. Rotation Constraint8.1.5.2. Rotation-Translation Constraint8.1.5.3. Transitional Constraints8.1.6. Additional Constrain Tools and Options8.1.6.1. Using the Assemble Tool to Place Constraints8.1.6.2. Constraint Audio Notification8.1.6.3. Constraint Sets8.1.6.4. Constraint Limits8.1.6.5. Driving Constraints8.1.6.6. Contact Solver8.1.6.7. Redundant Constraints and Constraint Failures8.2. Understanding Subassemblies8.2.1. The Power of Subassemblies8.3. Top-Down Design8.3.1. Developing an Efficient Assembly Workflow8.3.2. Layout Sketches8.3.3. Flexibility8.4. Adaptivity8.4.1. Creating Adaptivity8.4.2. Removing Adaptivity from Parts8.5. Assembly Features8.6. Managing the Bill of Materials8.6.1. Parts-Level BOM Control8.6.2. Assembly-Level BOM Control8.6.2.1. Adding and Removing Columns8.6.2.2. BOM Structure Designations8.6.2.3. BOM View Tabs8.7. Assembly Reuse and Configurations8.7.1. Copying Designs8.7.2. Using Representations8.7.2.1. View Representations8.7.2.2. Positional Representations8.7.2.3. Level of Detail Representations8.7.3. Using iAssemblies8.8. The Bottom Line
9. Large Assembly Strategies
9.1. Selecting a Workstation9.1.1. Physical Memory vs. Virtual Memory9.1.2. 64-bit Systems vs. 32-bit Systems9.1.3. Hardware9.1.3.1. RAM9.1.3.2. Graphics Cards9.1.3.3. Hard Drives9.1.3.4. Processors9.2. Working with Performance Settings9.2.1. Working with Drawing Settings9.2.1.1. Display Line Weights9.2.1.2. View Preview Display9.2.1.3. Memory Saving Mode9.2.1.4. Shaded Views9.2.2. Working with Model Display Settings9.2.2.1. Appearance9.2.2.2. Edge Display9.2.2.3. Display Quality9.2.2.4. View Transition Time (Seconds)9.2.2.5. Minimum Frame Rate (Hz)9.3. Working with General Settings9.3.1.9.3.1.1. Enable Optimized Selection9.3.1.2. Update Physical Properties On Save9.3.1.3. Undo File Size9.3.1.4. Capacity Meter9.3.2. Working with System Settings9.3.2.1. Adjusting the Virtual Memory Paging File Size9.3.2.2. Disabling Common Visual Effects9.4. Large Assembly Best Practices9.4.1. Working with the Model9.4.2. Improving File Open Time9.4.3. Reducing Assembly Constraints9.4.3.1. Adaptivity9.4.3.2. Selection Tools9.4.3.3. View Representations9.4.3.4. Find9.4.4. Opening the Model9.4.5. Working with Large Assembly Drawings9.4.5.1. Creating Large Assembly Drawing Views9.4.5.2. Reducing Hidden Lines9.4.5.3. Creating Title Block Logos9.4.5.4. Reducing the Number of Sheets and Views per Drawing File9.5. Managing Assembly Detail9.5.1. LOD Strategies9.5.2. Substitute LODs9.5.3. Subassembly LODs9.6. Simplifying Parts9.6.1. Removing or Suppressing Unneeded Features9.6.2. Working with Colors9.7. The Bottom Line
10. Weldment Design
10.1. Exploring Weldment Design Methodologies10.2. Modeling Preparations10.3. Exploring Cosmetic Welds10.4. Creating Weld Beads10.5. Creating Fillet Welds10.5.1. Creating Intermittent Fillet Welds10.6. Creating Groove Welds10.7. Performing Machining Operations10.8. Exploring Weld Properties and Combinations10.8.1. Weld Properties10.8.2. Replication10.8.3. Groove and Fillet Weld Combinations10.8.4. Split Technique10.9. Using the Weld Symbol10.10. Understanding Bead Property Report and Mass Properties10.11. Creating Drawing Documentation10.11.1. Weldment Design Stages10.11.2. End Fill10.11.3. Drawing Weld Symbol10.11.4. Caterpillar10.12. Generating a Bill of Materials and Parts List10.13. The Bottom Line
11. Functional Design
11.1. Geometric Modeling vs. Functional Design11.2. A General Introduction to Design Accelerators11.2.1. Design Accelerators Input11.2.2. Design Accelerators Output11.2.3. Design Generators and Content Center11.3. Bolted Connections11.4. Calculators11.5. Generators11.5.1. Gear Generator11.5.2. Key Connections11.5.3. Shaft Generator11.5.4. Cam Generator11.5.5. Spring Generator11.6. The Bottom Line
12. Documentation
12.1. Working in the Presentation Environment12.1.1. Creating a Basic Explosion12.1.1.1. Accessing an IPN Template12.1.1.2. Creating an IPN View12.1.1.3. Creating Linear Tweaks12.1.2. Creating Advanced Presentations12.1.2.1. Creating Rotational Tweaks12.1.2.2. Understanding Tweak Trails12.1.2.3. More About Tweaks12.1.2.3.1. Create Multiple Views/Explosions12.1.2.3.2. Save Camera12.1.2.4. Understanding Group, Reorder, and Animate Tweaks12.1.2.5. Creating Assembly Instructions12.1.2.6. Publishing IPNs to DWF12.2. Using the Drawing Manager12.2.1. Creating Templates and Styles12.2.1.1. Understanding Template Locations12.2.1.2. Choosing a File Format12.2.2. Utilizing Drawing Resources12.2.2.1. Sheet Size12.2.2.2. Multiple Sheets12.2.2.3. Creating a Border12.2.2.4. Creating a Title Block12.2.2.5. iProperties12.2.2.6. General File Properties12.2.2.7. Prompted Entry12.2.2.8. Sketched Symbols12.2.2.9. AutoCAD Blocks12.2.2.10. Sheet Formats12.2.2.11. Transfer Drawing Resources12.2.3. Editing Styles and Standards12.2.3.1. Object Defaults12.2.3.2. Creating Styles12.2.3.3. Working with Substyles12.2.3.4. Drawing Style Administration12.2.4. Creating Drawing Views12.2.4.1. Creating a Base View12.2.4.2. Creating Projected Views12.2.4.3. Moving and Copying Views12.2.4.4. Creating Sections Views12.2.4.5. Slice Views12.2.4.6. Using Breakout Views12.2.4.7. Using Detail Views12.2.4.8. Creating Break Views12.2.4.9. Cropping Views12.2.4.10. Using Draft Views12.2.4.11. Creating Overlay Views12.2.5. Annotating Part Drawings12.2.5.1. Using Centerline and Center Marks12.2.5.1.1. Centerline12.2.5.1.2. Centerline Bisector12.2.5.1.3. Center Mark12.2.5.1.4. Centered Pattern12.2.5.1.5. Automated Centerlines12.2.5.2. Creating Dimensions12.2.5.2.1. General Dimensions12.2.5.2.2. Dimension Filters12.2.5.2.3. Recovering Model Dimensions12.2.5.2.4. Baseline Dimensions and Baseline Sets12.2.5.2.5. Chain Dimensions and Chain Sets12.2.5.2.6. Ordinate Dimensions and Ordinate Sets12.2.5.2.7. Dimensions in Isometric Views12.2.5.2.8. Formatting and Editing Dimensions12.2.5.2.9. Hole and Thread Notes12.2.5.2.10. Leadered Symbols12.2.5.2.11. Drawing Text12.2.5.2.12. General Tables12.2.5.2.13. Hole Tables12.2.6. Annotating Assembly Drawings12.2.6.1. Assembly Representations12.2.6.2. Reference Data in Drawing Views12.2.6.3. Interference and Tangent Edge Display12.2.6.4. Parts Lists12.2.6.5. Balloons12.2.6.6. Center of Gravity Display12.2.7. Working with Sheet-Metal Drawings12.2.7.1. Flat Pattern Views12.2.7.2. Bend Centerlines and Extents12.2.7.3. Bend and Punch Notes12.2.7.4. Bend Tables12.2.7.5. Punch Tables12.2.8. Working with Weldment Views12.2.9. Working with iParts and iAssembly Drawings12.2.10. Sharing Your Drawing Outside Your Workgroup12.3. The Bottom Line
13. Inventor Tools Overview
13.1. Exploring the AEC Exchange13.1.1. Model Simplification13.1.2. Model Authoring13.1.3. Model Publishing13.2. Using AutoLimits13.2.1. Creating AutoLimits13.2.2. Editing AutoLimits13.3. Introduction to iLogic13.4. Using the Design Assistant13.4.1. Using the Find Files Tool13.4.2. Using the Where Used Tool13.4.3. Renaming, Copying, and Replacing Files13.4.3.1. Renaming Files with Design Assistant13.4.3.2. Copying Files with Design Assistant13.4.3.3. Replacing Files with Design Assistant13.4.4. Using Pack And Go13.5. Using the Drawing Resource Transfer Wizard13.6. Using Style Tools13.6.1. Using the Style Library Manager13.6.2. Using the Style Management Wizard13.6.2.1. Harvesting Styles13.6.2.2. Purging Styles13.7. Exploring the Supplier Content Center13.8. Using the Task Scheduler13.8.1. Creating a Task for Migrating Files13.8.2. Performing Sequential Tasks13.8.3. Performing Custom Tasks13.8.4. Tweaking Multi-Process Settings13.8.5. Publishing DWF Files and Filenames13.9. Using iProperties13.9.1. Copying iProperties to Drawings13.9.2. Creating Expressions with iProperties13.9.3. Working with the DA and iProperties13.9.4. Creating Design Property Reports13.10. Using the Measure Tools13.10.1. Using Measurement Helpers13.10.2. Measuring in Assemblies13.11. Participating in the CIP and CER13.11.1. Participating in the CIP13.11.2. Participating in CER13.12. Using Miscellaneous Tools13.12.1. Using the Autodesk Multi-Sheet Plot Tool13.12.2. Using the Add-In Manager13.12.3. Using the Project Editor13.13. The Bottom Line
14. Exchanging Data with Other Systems
14.1. Importing and Exporting Geometry14.1.1. DWG14.1.1.1. Importing 3D Solids14.1.1.2. Importing 2D Data14.1.1.3. Units, Templates, Constraints, and Configurations14.1.2. Mechanical Desktop (MDT) DWG14.1.3. STEP and IGES14.1.4. SAT14.2. Using Inventor File Translators14.2.1. CATIA14.2.2. Pro/ENGINEER14.2.3. Unigraphics and Parasolids14.2.4. SolidWorks14.2.5. IDF Board Files14.2.6. Placing Components from Other CAD Systems14.3. Working with Imported Data14.3.1. Working in the Construction Environment14.3.2. Editing Imported Data Using Inventor Fusion14.4. Viewing DWF Markup14.4.1. Publishing a DWF or DWFx File14.4.2. Reviewing and Marking Up DWF and DWFx Files14.4.3. Accessing DWF or DWFx Markups in Inventor14.5. The Bottom Line
15. Frame Generator
15.1. Accessing the Frame Generator Tools15.2. Exploring the Frame Generator File Structure15.3. Exploring the Anatomy of a Frame Member15.4. Inserting Frame Members15.4.1. Specifying a Structural Shape15.4.2. Changing the Orientation15.4.2.1. Adjusting Orientation15.4.3. Selecting Placement Geometry15.4.3.1. Insert Selection Methods15.4.3.2. Batch Selection Tools15.4.4. Create a Basic Frame15.4.5. Aligning Frame Members15.4.6. Using the Change Tool15.5. Adding End Treatments15.5.1. Miter15.5.2. Trim/Extend to Face15.5.3. Trim to Frame Member15.5.4. Notch Frame Members15.5.5. Lengthen/Shorten Frame Member15.6. Maintaining Frames15.6.1. Remove End Treatments15.6.2. Frame Member Information15.6.3. Refresh15.7. Performing Calculations and Analysis15.7.1. The Beam and Column Calculator15.7.1.1. Calculating Section Properties15.7.1.1.1. Select an Object15.7.1.1.2. Use the Region Properties Tool15.7.1.1.3. Use the Section Button15.7.1.2. Beam Calculation Tab15.7.1.2.1. Loads & Supports15.7.1.2.2. Calculation Properties15.7.1.2.3. Results15.7.1.3. Beam Graphs Tab15.7.1.4. Column Calculator Tab15.7.1.5. HTML Results15.7.1.6. File Naming15.8. Publishing Frame Members15.8.1. Authoring a Part15.8.1.1. Creating a Rubber Bumper15.8.2. Publishing a Part15.9. Frame Assemblies and BOMs15.10. The Bottom Line
16. Inventor Studio
16.1. Exploring the Inventor Studio Environment16.2. Creating and Managing Studio Styles16.2.1. Exploring the Surface Styles Dialog Box16.2.1.1. Looking at the Basic Tab16.2.1.1.1. Category16.2.1.1.2. Color16.2.1.1.3. Display Interior Faces16.2.1.2. Looking at the Reflection Tab16.2.1.3. Looking at the Opacity Tab16.2.1.3.1. Opacity16.2.1.3.2. Refraction16.2.1.4. Looking at the Diffuse Map Tab16.2.1.5. Looking at the Bump Map Tab16.2.1.6. Getting and Assigning Surface Styles16.2.2. Exploring Lighting and Lighting Styles16.2.2.1. Lighting Styles16.2.2.1.1. General Tab16.2.2.1.2. Indirect Tab16.2.2.1.3. Shadows Tab16.2.2.1.4. Position Tab16.2.2.1.5. Adding a New Light16.2.2.1.6. Creating a New Lighting Style16.2.2.2. Discrete Lights16.2.2.2.1. General Tab16.2.2.2.2. Illumination Tab16.2.2.2.3. Shadows Tab16.2.2.2.4. Directional Tab16.2.2.2.5. Point Tab16.2.2.2.6. Spot Tab16.2.2.3. Local Lights16.2.3. Exploring the Scene Styles Dialog Box16.2.3.1. Looking at the Background Tab16.2.3.1.1. Solid Color16.2.3.1.2. Color Gradient16.2.3.1.3. Image16.2.3.1.4. Image Sphere16.2.3.2. Looking at the Environment Tab16.2.3.2.1. Direction & Offset16.2.3.2.2. Show Shadows16.2.3.2.3. Show Reflections16.2.3.2.4. Reflection Image16.2.3.3. Matching Your Camera to an Image16.2.4. Composing and Rendering Images16.2.4.1. Creating and Using Cameras16.2.4.1.1. Camera Tool16.2.4.1.2. Current View16.2.4.2. Rendering Images16.2.4.2.1. General Tab16.2.4.2.2. Output Tab16.2.4.2.3. Style Tab16.3. Animating with Studio16.3.1. Using Animation Tools16.3.1.1. Using Animation Timeline16.3.1.2. Using Animation Favorites16.3.1.3. Using Common Animation Controls16.3.1.4. Using Animate Component16.3.1.5. Using Animate Fade16.3.1.6. Using Animate Constraints16.3.1.7. Using Animate Parameters16.3.1.8. Using Animate Positional Representations16.3.1.9. Using Animate Camera16.3.1.10. Using Animate Light16.3.1.11. Dynamic Simulation to Studio16.3.2. Using Video Producer16.3.3. Rendering Video or Animations16.3.4. Additional Resources16.4. The Bottom Line
17. Stress Analysis and Dynamic Simulation
17.1. Introduction to Analysis17.2. Conducting Stress Analysis Simulations17.2.1. Simulation Guide17.2.2. Static Stress vs. Modal Analysis17.2.3. Simplifying Your Model17.2.4. Specifying Materials17.2.5. Applying Simulation Constraints17.2.6. Applying Loads17.2.7. Specifying Contact Conditions17.2.8. Generating a Mesh17.2.8.1. Mesh Settings17.2.8.2. Local Mesh Control17.2.8.3. Mesh Errors17.2.9. Running the Simulation17.2.10. Interpreting the Results17.2.11. Using the Result, Scaling, Display, and Report Tools17.2.12. Conducting Parameter Studies17.2.13. Conducting a Frame Analysis17.2.14. Frame Constraints17.2.15. Frame Loads17.2.16. Connections17.2.17. Results17.3. Conducting Dynamic Simulations17.3.1. Working with Joints17.3.1.1. Standard Joints17.3.1.2. Rolling Joints17.3.1.3. Sliding Joints17.3.1.4. 2D Contact Joints17.3.1.5. 3D Contact Joints17.3.2. More on Working with Joints17.3.3. Working with Redundancy17.3.4. Working with Environmental Constraints17.3.4.1. Modifying the Initial Position17.3.4.2. Joint Torques17.3.4.3. Imposed Motion17.3.4.4. Using the Input Grapher17.3.4.4.1. Input References17.3.4.4.2. Laws17.3.4.4.3. Freeing and Application Conditions17.3.4.4.4. More Functions17.3.4.5. External Forces17.3.4.5.1. Loads17.3.4.5.2. Gravity17.3.5. Running a Simulation17.3.5.1. Simulation Player17.3.5.2. Output Grapher17.4. Exporting to FEA17.5. Using the Dynamic Simulation Information in Stress Analysis17.5.1. Additional Resources17.6. The Bottom Line
18. Routed Systems
18.1. Tube and Pipe18.1.1. Understanding Routes, Runs, and Assembly Structure18.1.2. Exploring the Tube and Pipe Styles18.1.2.1. The Tube & Pipe Styles Dialog Box18.1.2.2. Authoring Tube and Pipe Components18.1.3. Placing Fittings18.1.4. Creating Routes18.1.5. Exporting ISOGEN Files18.2. Cable and Harness18.2.1. Creating and Placing Electrical Parts18.2.1.1. Authoring Electrical Components18.2.1.2. Creating a Connector18.2.1.3. Place Pin Groups18.2.2. Creating a Harness18.2.3. Placing Wires18.2.4. Using the Cable And Harness Library18.2.5. Placing Cables18.2.6. Placing and Editing Segments18.2.7. Copying Cable and Harness Designs18.2.8. Creating Nailboard Drawings18.3. The Bottom Line
19. Plastics Design Features
19.1. Using Plastic Part Templates19.2. Creating Thicken/Offset Features19.3. Creating Shell Features19.4. Creating Split Features19.5. Creating Grill Features19.6. Creating Rule Fillet Features19.7. Creating Rest Features19.7.1. Delete Face Tool19.8. Creating Boss Features19.9. Creating Lip and Groove Features19.10. Creating Snap Fit Features19.11. Creating Rib and Web Features19.12. Creating Draft Features19.13. Mold Design Overview19.13.1. Inventor Tooling19.14. The Bottom Line
A. The Bottom Line
A.1. Chapter 1: Inventor Design PhilosophyA.2. Chapter 2: Data And ProjectsA.3. Chapter 3: Sketch TechniquesA.4. Chapter 4: Basic Modeling TechniquesA.5. Chapter 5: Advanced Modeling TechniquesA.6. Chapter 6: Sheet MetalA.7. Chapter 7: Part and Feature ReuseA.8. Chapter 8: Assembly Design WorkflowsA.9. Chapter 9: Large Assembly StrategiesA.10. Chapter 10: Weldment DesignA.11. Chapter 11: Functional DesignA.12. Chapter 12: DocumentationA.13. Chapter 13: Inventor Tools OverviewA.14. Chapter 14: Exchanging Data with Other SystemsA.15. Chapter 15: Frame GeneratorA.16. Chapter 16: Inventor StudioA.17. Chapter 17: Stress Analysis and Dynamic SimulationA.18. Chapter 18: Routed SystemsA.19. Chapter 19: Plastics Design Features
B. The Autodesk Certification Exams
B.1. Inventor 2011 Exam Preparation RoadmapB.1.1. Assessment TestsB.1.2. ATC® Instructor-Led CoursesB.1.3. Recommended Experience Levels for Inventor 2011 Certification ExamsB.1.3.1. 2011 Certified Associate ExamB.1.3.2. 2011 Certified Professional Exam

Overview

Expert authors Curtis Waguespack and Thom Tremblay developed this detailed reference and tutorial with straightforward explanations, real-world examples, and practical tutorials that focus squarely on teaching Inventor tips, tricks, and techniques. The authors extensive experience across industries and their Inventor expertise allows them to teach the software in the context of real-world workflows and work environments. They present topics that are poorly documented elsewhere, such as design tactics for large assemblies, effective model design for different industries, strategies for effective data and asset sharing across teams, using 2D and 3D data from other CAD systems, and improving designs by incorporating engineering principles.

Mastering Inventor 2011 begins with an overview of Inventor design concepts and application before exploring all aspects of part design, including sketching, basic and advanced modeling techniques, working with sheet metal, and part editing. The book then looks at assemblies and subassemblies, explaining real-world workflows and offering extensive detail on working with large assemblies.

Weldment design is detailed next before the reader is introduced to the functional design using Design Accelerators and Design Calculators. The detailed documentation chapter then covers everything from presentation files to simple animations to documentation for exploded views, sheet metal flat patterns, and more. The following chapters explore crucial productivity-boosting tools, data exchange, the Frame Generator, and the Inventor Studio visualization tools. Finally, the book explores Inventor Professional's dynamic simulation and stress analysis features as well as the routed systems features (piping, tubing, cabling, and harnesses).

Mastering Inventor's detailed discussions are reinforced with step-by-step tutorials, and readers can compare their work to the downloadable before-and-after tutorial files. It also features content to help readers pass the Inventor 2011 Certified Associate and Certified Professional exams and will feature instructor support materials appropriate for use in both the training and higher education channels. Mastering Inventor is the ultimate resource for those who want to quickly become proficient with Autodesk's 3D manufacturing software and prepare for the Inventor certification exams.

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