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

Book description

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.

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
  2. Preface
  3. Acknowledgments
  4. About the Authors
  5. Introduction
    1. Who Should Read This Book
    2. The Mastering Series
    3. What Is Covered in This Book
    4. How to Contact the Authors
  6. 1. Inventor Design Philosophy
    1. 1.1. Understanding Parametric Design
      1. 1.1.1. Creating a Base Sketch
      2. 1.1.2. Creating a Base Feature
      3. 1.1.3. Adding More Features
      4. 1.1.4. Using the Part in an Assembly
      5. 1.1.5. Making Changes
      6. 1.1.6. Understanding History-Based Modeling
      7. 1.1.7. Looking Closer at Sketch Dimensions
        1. 1.1.7.1. Driven Dimensions
        2. 1.1.7.2. Driving Dimensions
      8. 1.1.8. Part Modeling Best Practices
        1. 1.1.8.1. Keep Sketches Simple
        2. 1.1.8.2. Create Simple Features From Simple Sketches
        3. 1.1.8.3. Pattern And Mirror At The Feature Level
        4. 1.1.8.4. Create Sketch-Based Features And Then Placed Features
        5. 1.1.8.5. Understand Dependent And Independent Features
      9. 1.1.9. Assembly Modeling Best Practices
        1. 1.1.9.1. Understand File Linking And Relationships
        2. 1.1.9.2. Always Maintain At Least One Grounded Component
        3. 1.1.9.3. Make Your Models Mimic The Manufacturing Process
        4. 1.1.9.4. Constrain To Origin Geometry
    2. 1.2. Understanding the "Feel" of Inventor
      1. 1.2.1. Understanding the Intuitive Interface
      2. 1.2.2. Using General Tools vs. Specific Commands
      3. 1.2.3. When in Doubt, Right-Click
    3. 1.3. Using the Inventor Graphic Interface
      1. 1.3.1. Inventor Title Bar
      2. 1.3.2. Inventor Graphics Window Tools
        1. 1.3.2.1. Exploring The View Cube
        2. 1.3.2.2. A Look At The Navigation Bar
      3. 1.3.3. The Ribbon Menu
        1. 1.3.3.1. The Get Started Tab
        2. 1.3.3.2. The View Tab
      4. 1.3.4. The Browser Pane
        1. 1.3.4.1. Using The Browser
        2. 1.3.4.2. Edit A Part
        3. 1.3.4.3. Return To The Assembly
      5. 1.3.5. Task-Based Dialog Boxes
    4. 1.4. Learning the File Types in Inventor
      1. 1.4.1. Why So Many File Types?
      2. 1.4.2. Drawing Files in Inventor
        1. 1.4.2.1. Working With Dwgs
      3. 1.4.3. Creating DWG Files from Inventor Drawings
    5. 1.5. Moving from AutoCAD to Inventor
    6. 1.6. 3D models vs. 3D Virtual Prototypes
      1. 1.6.1. What Is a 3D Virtual Prototype?
      2. 1.6.2. Why a 3D Virtual Prototype?
        1. 1.6.2.1. Fewer Physical Prototypes
        2. 1.6.2.2. Using All The Tools
        3. 1.6.2.3. More Than Just 3D
    7. 1.7. Understanding Functional Design
      1. 1.7.1. The Design Accelerator
      2. 1.7.2. The Bolted Connection Generator
      3. 1.7.3. The Frame Generator
      4. 1.7.4. The Inventor Studio
      5. 1.7.5. AutoLimits
      6. 1.7.6. The Content Center
    8. 1.8. The Bottom Line
  7. 2. Data and Projects
    1. 2.1. What Is an Inventor Project?
      1. 2.1.1. Project Files and Search Paths
        1. 2.1.1.1. Job Based .Ipj Setups
        2. 2.1.1.2. Single .Ipj Setups
        3. 2.1.1.3. Item Based Setups
      2. 2.1.2. Library Folders
        1. 2.1.2.1. Library Editor .Ipj Files
      3. 2.1.3. Content Center Files
      4. 2.1.4. How Search Paths and Project Files Are Used
    2. 2.2. Exploring Project File Types
    3. 2.3. Creating the Project File
      1. 2.3.1. Creating Single-User Projects
        1. 2.3.1.1. The Inventor Project Wizard
        2. 2.3.1.2. The Projects Dialog Box
          1. 2.3.1.2.1. Included Files
          2. 2.3.1.2.2. Workspace
          3. 2.3.1.2.3. Workgroup
          4. 2.3.1.2.4. Style Library
          5. 2.3.1.2.5. Library Options
          6. 2.3.1.2.6. Shortcuts to Frequently Used Files
          7. 2.3.1.2.7. Folder Options
          8. 2.3.1.2.8. Project Options
          9. 2.3.1.2.9. Versioning and Backup
          10. 2.3.1.2.10. File naming Conventions
        3. 2.3.1.3. The Projects Dialog Box'S Tool Panel
      2. 2.3.2. Creating Multiuser Projects
    4. 2.4. The Bottom Line
  8. 3. Sketch Techniques
    1. 3.1. Exploring the Options and Settings for Sketches
      1. 3.1.1. Application Options
      2. 3.1.2. Document Settings
    2. 3.2. Sketching Basics
    3. 3.3. Creating a Sketch in a New Part
      1. 3.3.1. Creating a New Part File from a Template
      2. 3.3.2. Creating Lines Using the Line Tool
      3. 3.3.3. Understanding Sketch Constraints
      4. 3.3.4. Using Degrees of Freedom to View Under-Constrained Sketch Elements
      5. 3.3.5. Using Dimensions to Fully Constrain a Sketch
      6. 3.3.6. Understanding the Save Options
      7. 3.3.7. Making a Sketch Active for Edits
      8. 3.3.8. Using Construction Geometry
      9. 3.3.9. Using the Polygon Tool and Creating an Aligned Dimension
      10. 3.3.10. Using Offset and Creating a Three Point Rectangle
      11. 3.3.11. Creating Driven Dimensions
    4. 3.4. Taking a Closer Look at Sketch Constraints
      1. 3.4.1. Tangent Constraint
      2. 3.4.2. Perpendicular Constraint
      3. 3.4.3. Parallel Constraint
      4. 3.4.4. Coincident Constraint
      5. 3.4.5. Concentric Constraint
      6. 3.4.6. Collinear Constraint
      7. 3.4.7. Horizontal Constraint
      8. 3.4.8. Vertical Constraint
      9. 3.4.9. Equal Constraint
      10. 3.4.10. Fix Constraint
      11. 3.4.11. Symmetric Constraint
      12. 3.4.12. Smooth Constraint
    5. 3.5. Gaining More Sketch Skills
      1. 3.5.1. Creating Arcs
      2. 3.5.2. Creating Automatic Tangents with the Line Tool
      3. 3.5.3. Understanding Point/Center Points
      4. 3.5.4. Projecting Geometry
      5. 3.5.5. Learning More About Dimensions
        1. 3.5.5.1. Using One General Dimension Tool to Do It All
        2. 3.5.5.2. Setting Up Automatic Dimensions
        3. 3.5.5.3. Working with Sketch Centerlines
      6. 3.5.6. Measuring Geometry
    6. 3.6. Creating Sketches from AutoCAD Geometry
      1. 3.6.1. Importing Existing AutoCAD Designs
      2. 3.6.2. Copying and Pasting Existing AutoCAD Designs into Inventor
    7. 3.7. Creating and Using 3D Sketches
      1. 3.7.1. Creating a 3D Path
      2. 3.7.2. Using the 3D Coordinate Triad and Precise Redefine
      3. 3.7.3. Exploring More 3D Sketch Tools
        1. 3.7.3.1. Including 3D Geometry
        2. 3.7.3.2. Using an Intersection Curve
        3. 3.7.3.3. Using the Project Curve to Surface Tool
        4. 3.7.3.4. Using a Helical Curve
        5. 3.7.3.5. Using a Silhouette Curve
        6. 3.7.3.6. Refining and Constraining a 3D Sketch
    8. 3.8. Best Practices for Working with Sketches
    9. 3.9. The Bottom Line
  9. 4. Basic Modeling Techniques
    1. 4.1. Exploring Application Options and Settings for Part Modeling
      1. 4.1.1. Specifying Global Settings
      2. 4.1.2. Specifying Document-Specific Settings
        1. 4.1.2.1. The Standard Tab
        2. 4.1.2.2. The Units Tab
        3. 4.1.2.3. The Sketch Tab
        4. 4.1.2.4. The Modeling tab
        5. 4.1.2.5. The Bill Of Materials Tab
        6. 4.1.2.6. The Default Tolerance Tab
    2. 4.2. Creating Basic Part Features
      1. 4.2.1. Simplifying Your Sketches
      2. 4.2.2. Creating a Base Feature
      3. 4.2.3. Creating a Second Feature
      4. 4.2.4. Creating a Sketch-Based Hole Feature
      5. 4.2.5. Creating a Rectangular Hole Pattern
      6. 4.2.6. Editing Sketches and Features
        1. 4.2.6.1. Editing A Sketch
        2. 4.2.6.2. Editing A Feature
      7. 4.2.7. Repairing Features And Sketches
    3. 4.3. Exploring the Extrude Tool
      1. 4.3.1. Extruding with Cut and Taper
      2. 4.3.2. Extruding with Intersect
      3. 4.3.3. Extruding Surfaces from Open Profiles
      4. 4.3.4. Extruding Solids from Open Profiles
      5. 4.3.5. Extruding with To
      6. 4.3.6. Extruding with To Next
      7. 4.3.7. Extruding Between
      8. 4.3.8. Extruding Multibodies
    4. 4.4. Creating Revolved Parts and Threads
      1. 4.4.1. Creating Revolved Cylindrical Parts
      2. 4.4.2. Creating Extruded Cylindrical Parts
      3. 4.4.3. Creating Threaded Features
        1. 4.4.3.1. Cosmetic Threads
        2. 4.4.3.2. Physical Threads
    5. 4.5. Creating Work Features
      1. 4.5.1. Work Planes
      2. 4.5.2. Work Axes and Work Points
    6. 4.6. Creating Fillets
      1. 4.6.1. Edge Fillets
        1. 4.6.1.1. Constant Fillets
        2. 4.6.1.2. Variable Fillets
        3. 4.6.1.3. Setbacks
      2. 4.6.2. Face Fillets
      3. 4.6.3. Full Round Fillets
      4. 4.6.4. Creating Fillets
    7. 4.7. Hole Features
      1. 4.7.1. Using the Thread and Clearance Spreadsheets
      2. 4.7.2. Creating Holes in Parts
      3. 4.7.3. Setting Tolerance Values in Holes
    8. 4.8. Bend Parts
    9. 4.9. The Bottom Line
  10. 5. Advanced Modeling Techniques
    1. 5.1. Creating Complex Sweeps and Lofts
      1. 5.1.1. Creating and Using Sweeps
        1. 5.1.1.1. Creating 2D Paths
        2. 5.1.1.2. Creating The Sweep Profile
      2. 5.1.2. Exploring Sweep Options
        1. 5.1.2.1. Path & Guide Rail Option
        2. 5.1.2.2. Path & Guide Surface Option
      3. 5.1.3. Creating Loft Features
        1. 5.1.3.1. Loft With Rails
        2. 5.1.3.2. Patch And Stitch Surfaces
        3. 5.1.3.3. Using the Shell Tool
        4. 5.1.3.4. Area Loft
        5. 5.1.3.5. Centerline Loft Feature
      4. 5.1.4. Creating a Part Using Loft and Sculpt
    2. 5.2. Creating Multi-body Parts
      1. 5.2.1. Creating Multiple Solids
      2. 5.2.2. Using One Solid to Shape Another
        1. 5.2.2.1. Move Bodies
        2. 5.2.2.2. Split Solids
        3. 5.2.2.3. Make Part and Make Components
    3. 5.3. Creating Derived Parts and Assemblies
      1. 5.3.1. Creating Derived Parts
      2. 5.3.2. Deriving a Part File
      3. 5.3.3. Deriving an Assembly File
      4. 5.3.4. Modifying Derived Parts
      5. 5.3.5. Using the Component Derive Tool
      6. 5.3.6. Using Nonlinear-Derived Part Scaling
    4. 5.4. Working with Patterns
      1. 5.4.1. Rectangular Patterns
      2. 5.4.2. Circular Patterns
      3. 5.4.3. Patterns Along Curves
      4. 5.4.4. Spiral Patterns
      5. 5.4.5. Pattern Solids
      6. 5.4.6. Dynamic Patterns
    5. 5.5. Setting Parameters and iProperties
      1. 5.5.1. iProperties
      2. 5.5.2. Part Parameters
        1. 5.5.2.1. User Parameters
        2. 5.5.2.2. Reference Parameters
        3. 5.5.2.3. Formatting Parameters
        4. 5.5.2.4. Parameter Functions
      3. 5.5.3. Assembly Parameters
    6. 5.6. Adding Part Tolerances
      1. 5.6.1. Tolerances in Sketches
      2. 5.6.2. Setting Global File Tolerances
      3. 5.6.3. Limits Fits
    7. 5.7. Troubleshooting Failures with the End-of-Part Marker
      1. 5.7.1. Step 1: Editing the First Feature
      2. 5.7.2. Step 2: Moving the EOP Marker Down One Feature at a Time
    8. 5.8. The Bottom Line
  11. 6. Sheet Metal
    1. 6.1. Understanding Sheet-Metal Parts
    2. 6.2. Getting to Know the Features
      1. 6.2.1. Starting with a Base Feature
        1. 6.2.1.1. Face
        2. 6.2.1.2. Contour Flange
        3. 6.2.1.3. Contour Roll
        4. 6.2.1.4. Lofted Flange
      2. 6.2.2. Creating Secondary Flange Features
        1. 6.2.2.1. Flange
          1. 6.2.2.1.1. Creating Basic Flanges
          2. 6.2.2.1.2. Control Flange Widths
        2. 6.2.2.2. Contour Flange
        3. 6.2.2.3. Hem
        4. 6.2.2.4. Face
      3. 6.2.3. Adding, Removing, or Deforming Material
        1. 6.2.3.1. Cut
        2. 6.2.3.2. Punch Tool
        3. 6.2.3.3. Corner Round and Chamfer
        4. 6.2.3.4. Corner Seam
          1. 6.2.3.4.1. Creating a Basic Corner Seam
          2. 6.2.3.4.2. Understanding Corner Seam Gap and Overlap Settings
          3. 6.2.3.4.3. Understanding Corner Seam Extend Options
        5. 6.2.3.5. Fold
        6. 6.2.3.6. Bend
          1. 6.2.3.6.1. Exploring Bend Options
          2. 6.2.3.6.2. Using the Bend tool to create an Enclosure
        7. 6.2.3.7. Rip
        8. 6.2.3.8. Unfold and Refold
          1. 6.2.3.8.1. Unfolded vs. Flat Pattern
          2. 6.2.3.8.2. Unfolding and Refolding Sheet Metal Parts
          3. 6.2.3.8.3. Unfolding and Refolding Contour Rolls Features
        9. 6.2.3.9. Project Flat Pattern
    3. 6.3. Using Sheet-Metal Templates and Rules
      1. 6.3.1. What Are Sheet-Metal Rules?
        1. 6.3.1.1. Creating a Sheet-Metal Rule
        2. 6.3.1.2. Sheet-Metal Rules vs. Sheet-Metal Styles
        3. 6.3.1.3. Unfold Rules
          1. 6.3.1.3.1. K-Factors
          2. 6.3.1.3.2. Bend Tables
          3. 6.3.1.3.3. Bend Compensation
      2. 6.3.2. Working with Styles and Templates
    4. 6.4. Authoring and Reusing Punches
      1. 6.4.1. Exploring Punches and iFeatures
      2. 6.4.2. Creating Successful Punches
        1. 6.4.2.1. Avoiding Work Geometry
        2. 6.4.2.2. Setting the Parameters Within Your Punch
      3. 6.4.3. Using Alternate Representations
      4. 6.4.4. Placing Your Punch
      5. 6.4.5. Patterning Your Punch
    5. 6.5. Working with the Flat Pattern
      1. 6.5.1. Exploring the Flat Pattern Edit Features
      2. 6.5.2. Adding Manufacturing Information to the Flat Pattern
      3. 6.5.3. Using the Flat Pattern Definition Dialog Box
      4. 6.5.4. Manufacturing Your Flat Pattern
    6. 6.6. Using Sheet-Metal iPart Factories
      1. 6.6.1. Consuming Sheet-Metal Rules
      2. 6.6.2. Using Folded and Flat Members
      3. 6.6.3. iParts for Fold Progression
    7. 6.7. Modeling with Non-Sheet-Metal Features
      1. 6.7.1. Selecting Problematic Features
      2. 6.7.2. Using Surface-Based Workflows
    8. 6.8. Working with Imported Parts
      1. 6.8.1. Setting Yourself Up for Success
      2. 6.8.2. Converting Components
    9. 6.9. Annotating Your Sheet Metal Design
      1. 6.9.1. Creating a View of Your Sheet-Metal Design
      2. 6.9.2. Adding Bend, Punch, and Flat Pattern Annotations
    10. 6.10. Harvesting Legacy Sheet-Metal Templates
      1. 6.10.1. Parameter Indirection
      2. 6.10.2. The Hidden Tools of Harvesting
        1. 6.10.2.1. Style Management Wizard
        2. 6.10.2.2. Style Library Manager
    11. 6.11. The Bottom Line
  12. 7. Part and Feature Reuse
    1. 7.1. Working with iParts
      1. 7.1.1. Creating and Modifying iParts
        1. 7.1.1.1. Modifying the Parameter List
        2. 7.1.1.2. Creating the iPart
        3. 7.1.1.3. Editing the iPart Table
        4. 7.1.1.4. Including and Excluding Features
        5. 7.1.1.5. Including or Excluding Work Features in iParts
        6. 7.1.1.6. Working with Threaded iPart Features
        7. 7.1.1.7. Working with Sheet-Metal iParts
        8. 7.1.1.8. Changing Color in iParts
        9. 7.1.1.9. Exploring the Authoring Options
        10. 7.1.1.10. Generating Member Files
        11. 7.1.1.11. Creating Custom iParts
        12. 7.1.1.12. Testing the iPart
        13. 7.1.1.13. Editing the iPart Factory
      2. 7.1.2. Using iParts in Designs
    2. 7.2. Working with iFeatures
      1. 7.2.1. Creating iFeatures
        1. 7.2.1.1. Placing an iFeature
        2. 7.2.1.2. Editing an iFeature File
      2. 7.2.2. Creating Punch Features
        1. 7.2.2.1. Creating Punch Features
        2. 7.2.2.2. Placing a Sheet-Metal Punch Feature
    3. 7.3. Reusing Existing Geometry
      1. 7.3.1. Copying Features
      2. 7.3.2. Cloning
      3. 7.3.3. Linking Parameters Between Two Files
      4. 7.3.4. Copying Sketches
    4. 7.4. Introducing Content Center
      1. 7.4.1. Configuring Content Center
        1. 7.4.1.1. Installing the Content Center for a Stand-Alone User
        2. 7.4.1.2. Installing Content Center for a Collaborative Environment
        3. 7.4.1.3. Managing Your Memory Footprint
        4. 7.4.1.4. Configuring Content Center Libraries in the Project Files
      2. 7.4.2. Using Content Center
        1. 7.4.2.1. Placing Components into an Assembly
        2. 7.4.2.2. Placing Parts from Content Center
      3. 7.4.3. Customizing Content Center Libraries
        1. 7.4.3.1. Creating Custom Libraries for ADMS Installs
        2. 7.4.3.2. Creating Custom Libraries for Desktop Content
        3. 7.4.3.3. Copying Existing Libraries into Custom Libraries
        4. 7.4.3.4. Setting Category Properties
        5. 7.4.3.5. Editing a Custom Content Center Family
      4. 7.4.4. Publishing Parts to Content Center
        1. 7.4.4.1. Preparing the Part for Publishing
        2. 7.4.4.2. Publishing the Part
    5. 7.5. The Bottom Line
  13. 8. Assembly Design Workflows
    1. 8.1. Assembly Constraints
      1. 8.1.1. How Constraints Work
      2. 8.1.2. Degrees of Freedom
      3. 8.1.3. Grounded Components
      4. 8.1.4. Working with Constraints
        1. 8.1.4.1. Mate Constraint
          1. 8.1.4.1.1. Using Rotate and Move
          2. 8.1.4.1.2. Editing and Deleting Constraints
          3. 8.1.4.1.3. Mate to Edges, Centerlines, and Vertices
        2. 8.1.4.2. Angle Constraint
        3. 8.1.4.3. Tangent Constraint
        4. 8.1.4.4. Insert Constraint
      5. 8.1.5. Motion Constraints
        1. 8.1.5.1. Rotation Constraint
        2. 8.1.5.2. Rotation-Translation Constraint
        3. 8.1.5.3. Transitional Constraints
      6. 8.1.6. Additional Constrain Tools and Options
        1. 8.1.6.1. Using the Assemble Tool to Place Constraints
        2. 8.1.6.2. Constraint Audio Notification
        3. 8.1.6.3. Constraint Sets
        4. 8.1.6.4. Constraint Limits
        5. 8.1.6.5. Driving Constraints
        6. 8.1.6.6. Contact Solver
        7. 8.1.6.7. Redundant Constraints and Constraint Failures
    2. 8.2. Understanding Subassemblies
      1. 8.2.1. The Power of Subassemblies
    3. 8.3. Top-Down Design
      1. 8.3.1. Developing an Efficient Assembly Workflow
      2. 8.3.2. Layout Sketches
      3. 8.3.3. Flexibility
    4. 8.4. Adaptivity
      1. 8.4.1. Creating Adaptivity
      2. 8.4.2. Removing Adaptivity from Parts
    5. 8.5. Assembly Features
    6. 8.6. Managing the Bill of Materials
      1. 8.6.1. Parts-Level BOM Control
      2. 8.6.2. Assembly-Level BOM Control
        1. 8.6.2.1. Adding and Removing Columns
        2. 8.6.2.2. BOM Structure Designations
        3. 8.6.2.3. BOM View Tabs
    7. 8.7. Assembly Reuse and Configurations
      1. 8.7.1. Copying Designs
      2. 8.7.2. Using Representations
        1. 8.7.2.1. View Representations
        2. 8.7.2.2. Positional Representations
        3. 8.7.2.3. Level of Detail Representations
      3. 8.7.3. Using iAssemblies
    8. 8.8. The Bottom Line
  14. 9. Large Assembly Strategies
    1. 9.1. Selecting a Workstation
      1. 9.1.1. Physical Memory vs. Virtual Memory
      2. 9.1.2. 64-bit Systems vs. 32-bit Systems
      3. 9.1.3. Hardware
        1. 9.1.3.1. RAM
        2. 9.1.3.2. Graphics Cards
        3. 9.1.3.3. Hard Drives
        4. 9.1.3.4. Processors
    2. 9.2. Working with Performance Settings
      1. 9.2.1. Working with Drawing Settings
        1. 9.2.1.1. Display Line Weights
        2. 9.2.1.2. View Preview Display
        3. 9.2.1.3. Memory Saving Mode
        4. 9.2.1.4. Shaded Views
      2. 9.2.2. Working with Model Display Settings
        1. 9.2.2.1. Appearance
        2. 9.2.2.2. Edge Display
        3. 9.2.2.3. Display Quality
        4. 9.2.2.4. View Transition Time (Seconds)
        5. 9.2.2.5. Minimum Frame Rate (Hz)
    3. 9.3. Working with General Settings
      1. 9.3.1.
        1. 9.3.1.1. Enable Optimized Selection
        2. 9.3.1.2. Update Physical Properties On Save
        3. 9.3.1.3. Undo File Size
        4. 9.3.1.4. Capacity Meter
      2. 9.3.2. Working with System Settings
        1. 9.3.2.1. Adjusting the Virtual Memory Paging File Size
        2. 9.3.2.2. Disabling Common Visual Effects
    4. 9.4. Large Assembly Best Practices
      1. 9.4.1. Working with the Model
      2. 9.4.2. Improving File Open Time
      3. 9.4.3. Reducing Assembly Constraints
        1. 9.4.3.1. Adaptivity
        2. 9.4.3.2. Selection Tools
        3. 9.4.3.3. View Representations
        4. 9.4.3.4. Find
      4. 9.4.4. Opening the Model
      5. 9.4.5. Working with Large Assembly Drawings
        1. 9.4.5.1. Creating Large Assembly Drawing Views
        2. 9.4.5.2. Reducing Hidden Lines
        3. 9.4.5.3. Creating Title Block Logos
        4. 9.4.5.4. Reducing the Number of Sheets and Views per Drawing File
    5. 9.5. Managing Assembly Detail
      1. 9.5.1. LOD Strategies
      2. 9.5.2. Substitute LODs
      3. 9.5.3. Subassembly LODs
    6. 9.6. Simplifying Parts
      1. 9.6.1. Removing or Suppressing Unneeded Features
      2. 9.6.2. Working with Colors
    7. 9.7. The Bottom Line
  15. 10. Weldment Design
    1. 10.1. Exploring Weldment Design Methodologies
    2. 10.2. Modeling Preparations
    3. 10.3. Exploring Cosmetic Welds
    4. 10.4. Creating Weld Beads
    5. 10.5. Creating Fillet Welds
      1. 10.5.1. Creating Intermittent Fillet Welds
    6. 10.6. Creating Groove Welds
    7. 10.7. Performing Machining Operations
    8. 10.8. Exploring Weld Properties and Combinations
      1. 10.8.1. Weld Properties
      2. 10.8.2. Replication
      3. 10.8.3. Groove and Fillet Weld Combinations
      4. 10.8.4. Split Technique
    9. 10.9. Using the Weld Symbol
    10. 10.10. Understanding Bead Property Report and Mass Properties
    11. 10.11. Creating Drawing Documentation
      1. 10.11.1. Weldment Design Stages
      2. 10.11.2. End Fill
      3. 10.11.3. Drawing Weld Symbol
      4. 10.11.4. Caterpillar
    12. 10.12. Generating a Bill of Materials and Parts List
    13. 10.13. The Bottom Line
  16. 11. Functional Design
    1. 11.1. Geometric Modeling vs. Functional Design
    2. 11.2. A General Introduction to Design Accelerators
      1. 11.2.1. Design Accelerators Input
      2. 11.2.2. Design Accelerators Output
      3. 11.2.3. Design Generators and Content Center
    3. 11.3. Bolted Connections
    4. 11.4. Calculators
    5. 11.5. Generators
      1. 11.5.1. Gear Generator
      2. 11.5.2. Key Connections
      3. 11.5.3. Shaft Generator
      4. 11.5.4. Cam Generator
      5. 11.5.5. Spring Generator
    6. 11.6. The Bottom Line
  17. 12. Documentation
    1. 12.1. Working in the Presentation Environment
      1. 12.1.1. Creating a Basic Explosion
        1. 12.1.1.1. Accessing an IPN Template
        2. 12.1.1.2. Creating an IPN View
        3. 12.1.1.3. Creating Linear Tweaks
      2. 12.1.2. Creating Advanced Presentations
        1. 12.1.2.1. Creating Rotational Tweaks
        2. 12.1.2.2. Understanding Tweak Trails
        3. 12.1.2.3. More About Tweaks
          1. 12.1.2.3.1. Create Multiple Views/Explosions
          2. 12.1.2.3.2. Save Camera
        4. 12.1.2.4. Understanding Group, Reorder, and Animate Tweaks
        5. 12.1.2.5. Creating Assembly Instructions
        6. 12.1.2.6. Publishing IPNs to DWF
    2. 12.2. Using the Drawing Manager
      1. 12.2.1. Creating Templates and Styles
        1. 12.2.1.1. Understanding Template Locations
        2. 12.2.1.2. Choosing a File Format
      2. 12.2.2. Utilizing Drawing Resources
        1. 12.2.2.1. Sheet Size
        2. 12.2.2.2. Multiple Sheets
        3. 12.2.2.3. Creating a Border
        4. 12.2.2.4. Creating a Title Block
        5. 12.2.2.5. iProperties
        6. 12.2.2.6. General File Properties
        7. 12.2.2.7. Prompted Entry
        8. 12.2.2.8. Sketched Symbols
        9. 12.2.2.9. AutoCAD Blocks
        10. 12.2.2.10. Sheet Formats
        11. 12.2.2.11. Transfer Drawing Resources
      3. 12.2.3. Editing Styles and Standards
        1. 12.2.3.1. Object Defaults
        2. 12.2.3.2. Creating Styles
        3. 12.2.3.3. Working with Substyles
        4. 12.2.3.4. Drawing Style Administration
      4. 12.2.4. Creating Drawing Views
        1. 12.2.4.1. Creating a Base View
        2. 12.2.4.2. Creating Projected Views
        3. 12.2.4.3. Moving and Copying Views
        4. 12.2.4.4. Creating Sections Views
        5. 12.2.4.5. Slice Views
        6. 12.2.4.6. Using Breakout Views
        7. 12.2.4.7. Using Detail Views
        8. 12.2.4.8. Creating Break Views
        9. 12.2.4.9. Cropping Views
        10. 12.2.4.10. Using Draft Views
        11. 12.2.4.11. Creating Overlay Views
      5. 12.2.5. Annotating Part Drawings
        1. 12.2.5.1. Using Centerline and Center Marks
          1. 12.2.5.1.1. Centerline
          2. 12.2.5.1.2. Centerline Bisector
          3. 12.2.5.1.3. Center Mark
          4. 12.2.5.1.4. Centered Pattern
          5. 12.2.5.1.5. Automated Centerlines
        2. 12.2.5.2. Creating Dimensions
          1. 12.2.5.2.1. General Dimensions
          2. 12.2.5.2.2. Dimension Filters
          3. 12.2.5.2.3. Recovering Model Dimensions
          4. 12.2.5.2.4. Baseline Dimensions and Baseline Sets
          5. 12.2.5.2.5. Chain Dimensions and Chain Sets
          6. 12.2.5.2.6. Ordinate Dimensions and Ordinate Sets
          7. 12.2.5.2.7. Dimensions in Isometric Views
          8. 12.2.5.2.8. Formatting and Editing Dimensions
          9. 12.2.5.2.9. Hole and Thread Notes
          10. 12.2.5.2.10. Leadered Symbols
          11. 12.2.5.2.11. Drawing Text
          12. 12.2.5.2.12. General Tables
          13. 12.2.5.2.13. Hole Tables
      6. 12.2.6. Annotating Assembly Drawings
        1. 12.2.6.1. Assembly Representations
        2. 12.2.6.2. Reference Data in Drawing Views
        3. 12.2.6.3. Interference and Tangent Edge Display
        4. 12.2.6.4. Parts Lists
        5. 12.2.6.5. Balloons
        6. 12.2.6.6. Center of Gravity Display
      7. 12.2.7. Working with Sheet-Metal Drawings
        1. 12.2.7.1. Flat Pattern Views
        2. 12.2.7.2. Bend Centerlines and Extents
        3. 12.2.7.3. Bend and Punch Notes
        4. 12.2.7.4. Bend Tables
        5. 12.2.7.5. Punch Tables
      8. 12.2.8. Working with Weldment Views
      9. 12.2.9. Working with iParts and iAssembly Drawings
      10. 12.2.10. Sharing Your Drawing Outside Your Workgroup
    3. 12.3. The Bottom Line
  18. 13. Inventor Tools Overview
    1. 13.1. Exploring the AEC Exchange
      1. 13.1.1. Model Simplification
      2. 13.1.2. Model Authoring
      3. 13.1.3. Model Publishing
    2. 13.2. Using AutoLimits
      1. 13.2.1. Creating AutoLimits
      2. 13.2.2. Editing AutoLimits
    3. 13.3. Introduction to iLogic
    4. 13.4. Using the Design Assistant
      1. 13.4.1. Using the Find Files Tool
      2. 13.4.2. Using the Where Used Tool
      3. 13.4.3. Renaming, Copying, and Replacing Files
        1. 13.4.3.1. Renaming Files with Design Assistant
        2. 13.4.3.2. Copying Files with Design Assistant
        3. 13.4.3.3. Replacing Files with Design Assistant
      4. 13.4.4. Using Pack And Go
    5. 13.5. Using the Drawing Resource Transfer Wizard
    6. 13.6. Using Style Tools
      1. 13.6.1. Using the Style Library Manager
      2. 13.6.2. Using the Style Management Wizard
        1. 13.6.2.1. Harvesting Styles
        2. 13.6.2.2. Purging Styles
    7. 13.7. Exploring the Supplier Content Center
    8. 13.8. Using the Task Scheduler
      1. 13.8.1. Creating a Task for Migrating Files
      2. 13.8.2. Performing Sequential Tasks
      3. 13.8.3. Performing Custom Tasks
      4. 13.8.4. Tweaking Multi-Process Settings
      5. 13.8.5. Publishing DWF Files and Filenames
    9. 13.9. Using iProperties
      1. 13.9.1. Copying iProperties to Drawings
      2. 13.9.2. Creating Expressions with iProperties
      3. 13.9.3. Working with the DA and iProperties
      4. 13.9.4. Creating Design Property Reports
    10. 13.10. Using the Measure Tools
      1. 13.10.1. Using Measurement Helpers
      2. 13.10.2. Measuring in Assemblies
    11. 13.11. Participating in the CIP and CER
      1. 13.11.1. Participating in the CIP
      2. 13.11.2. Participating in CER
    12. 13.12. Using Miscellaneous Tools
      1. 13.12.1. Using the Autodesk Multi-Sheet Plot Tool
      2. 13.12.2. Using the Add-In Manager
      3. 13.12.3. Using the Project Editor
    13. 13.13. The Bottom Line
  19. 14. Exchanging Data with Other Systems
    1. 14.1. Importing and Exporting Geometry
      1. 14.1.1. DWG
        1. 14.1.1.1. Importing 3D Solids
        2. 14.1.1.2. Importing 2D Data
        3. 14.1.1.3. Units, Templates, Constraints, and Configurations
      2. 14.1.2. Mechanical Desktop (MDT) DWG
      3. 14.1.3. STEP and IGES
      4. 14.1.4. SAT
    2. 14.2. Using Inventor File Translators
      1. 14.2.1. CATIA
      2. 14.2.2. Pro/ENGINEER
      3. 14.2.3. Unigraphics and Parasolids
      4. 14.2.4. SolidWorks
      5. 14.2.5. IDF Board Files
      6. 14.2.6. Placing Components from Other CAD Systems
    3. 14.3. Working with Imported Data
      1. 14.3.1. Working in the Construction Environment
      2. 14.3.2. Editing Imported Data Using Inventor Fusion
    4. 14.4. Viewing DWF Markup
      1. 14.4.1. Publishing a DWF or DWFx File
      2. 14.4.2. Reviewing and Marking Up DWF and DWFx Files
      3. 14.4.3. Accessing DWF or DWFx Markups in Inventor
    5. 14.5. The Bottom Line
  20. 15. Frame Generator
    1. 15.1. Accessing the Frame Generator Tools
    2. 15.2. Exploring the Frame Generator File Structure
    3. 15.3. Exploring the Anatomy of a Frame Member
    4. 15.4. Inserting Frame Members
      1. 15.4.1. Specifying a Structural Shape
      2. 15.4.2. Changing the Orientation
        1. 15.4.2.1. Adjusting Orientation
      3. 15.4.3. Selecting Placement Geometry
        1. 15.4.3.1. Insert Selection Methods
        2. 15.4.3.2. Batch Selection Tools
      4. 15.4.4. Create a Basic Frame
      5. 15.4.5. Aligning Frame Members
      6. 15.4.6. Using the Change Tool
    5. 15.5. Adding End Treatments
      1. 15.5.1. Miter
      2. 15.5.2. Trim/Extend to Face
      3. 15.5.3. Trim to Frame Member
      4. 15.5.4. Notch Frame Members
      5. 15.5.5. Lengthen/Shorten Frame Member
    6. 15.6. Maintaining Frames
      1. 15.6.1. Remove End Treatments
      2. 15.6.2. Frame Member Information
      3. 15.6.3. Refresh
    7. 15.7. Performing Calculations and Analysis
      1. 15.7.1. The Beam and Column Calculator
        1. 15.7.1.1. Calculating Section Properties
          1. 15.7.1.1.1. Select an Object
          2. 15.7.1.1.2. Use the Region Properties Tool
          3. 15.7.1.1.3. Use the Section Button
        2. 15.7.1.2. Beam Calculation Tab
          1. 15.7.1.2.1. Loads & Supports
          2. 15.7.1.2.2. Calculation Properties
          3. 15.7.1.2.3. Results
        3. 15.7.1.3. Beam Graphs Tab
        4. 15.7.1.4. Column Calculator Tab
        5. 15.7.1.5. HTML Results
        6. 15.7.1.6. File Naming
    8. 15.8. Publishing Frame Members
      1. 15.8.1. Authoring a Part
        1. 15.8.1.1. Creating a Rubber Bumper
      2. 15.8.2. Publishing a Part
    9. 15.9. Frame Assemblies and BOMs
    10. 15.10. The Bottom Line
  21. 16. Inventor Studio
    1. 16.1. Exploring the Inventor Studio Environment
    2. 16.2. Creating and Managing Studio Styles
      1. 16.2.1. Exploring the Surface Styles Dialog Box
        1. 16.2.1.1. Looking at the Basic Tab
          1. 16.2.1.1.1. Category
          2. 16.2.1.1.2. Color
          3. 16.2.1.1.3. Display Interior Faces
        2. 16.2.1.2. Looking at the Reflection Tab
        3. 16.2.1.3. Looking at the Opacity Tab
          1. 16.2.1.3.1. Opacity
          2. 16.2.1.3.2. Refraction
        4. 16.2.1.4. Looking at the Diffuse Map Tab
        5. 16.2.1.5. Looking at the Bump Map Tab
        6. 16.2.1.6. Getting and Assigning Surface Styles
      2. 16.2.2. Exploring Lighting and Lighting Styles
        1. 16.2.2.1. Lighting Styles
          1. 16.2.2.1.1. General Tab
          2. 16.2.2.1.2. Indirect Tab
          3. 16.2.2.1.3. Shadows Tab
          4. 16.2.2.1.4. Position Tab
          5. 16.2.2.1.5. Adding a New Light
          6. 16.2.2.1.6. Creating a New Lighting Style
        2. 16.2.2.2. Discrete Lights
          1. 16.2.2.2.1. General Tab
          2. 16.2.2.2.2. Illumination Tab
          3. 16.2.2.2.3. Shadows Tab
          4. 16.2.2.2.4. Directional Tab
          5. 16.2.2.2.5. Point Tab
          6. 16.2.2.2.6. Spot Tab
        3. 16.2.2.3. Local Lights
      3. 16.2.3. Exploring the Scene Styles Dialog Box
        1. 16.2.3.1. Looking at the Background Tab
          1. 16.2.3.1.1. Solid Color
          2. 16.2.3.1.2. Color Gradient
          3. 16.2.3.1.3. Image
          4. 16.2.3.1.4. Image Sphere
        2. 16.2.3.2. Looking at the Environment Tab
          1. 16.2.3.2.1. Direction & Offset
          2. 16.2.3.2.2. Show Shadows
          3. 16.2.3.2.3. Show Reflections
          4. 16.2.3.2.4. Reflection Image
        3. 16.2.3.3. Matching Your Camera to an Image
      4. 16.2.4. Composing and Rendering Images
        1. 16.2.4.1. Creating and Using Cameras
          1. 16.2.4.1.1. Camera Tool
          2. 16.2.4.1.2. Current View
        2. 16.2.4.2. Rendering Images
          1. 16.2.4.2.1. General Tab
          2. 16.2.4.2.2. Output Tab
          3. 16.2.4.2.3. Style Tab
    3. 16.3. Animating with Studio
      1. 16.3.1. Using Animation Tools
        1. 16.3.1.1. Using Animation Timeline
        2. 16.3.1.2. Using Animation Favorites
        3. 16.3.1.3. Using Common Animation Controls
        4. 16.3.1.4. Using Animate Component
        5. 16.3.1.5. Using Animate Fade
        6. 16.3.1.6. Using Animate Constraints
        7. 16.3.1.7. Using Animate Parameters
        8. 16.3.1.8. Using Animate Positional Representations
        9. 16.3.1.9. Using Animate Camera
        10. 16.3.1.10. Using Animate Light
        11. 16.3.1.11. Dynamic Simulation to Studio
      2. 16.3.2. Using Video Producer
      3. 16.3.3. Rendering Video or Animations
      4. 16.3.4. Additional Resources
    4. 16.4. The Bottom Line
  22. 17. Stress Analysis and Dynamic Simulation
    1. 17.1. Introduction to Analysis
    2. 17.2. Conducting Stress Analysis Simulations
      1. 17.2.1. Simulation Guide
      2. 17.2.2. Static Stress vs. Modal Analysis
      3. 17.2.3. Simplifying Your Model
      4. 17.2.4. Specifying Materials
      5. 17.2.5. Applying Simulation Constraints
      6. 17.2.6. Applying Loads
      7. 17.2.7. Specifying Contact Conditions
      8. 17.2.8. Generating a Mesh
        1. 17.2.8.1. Mesh Settings
        2. 17.2.8.2. Local Mesh Control
        3. 17.2.8.3. Mesh Errors
      9. 17.2.9. Running the Simulation
      10. 17.2.10. Interpreting the Results
      11. 17.2.11. Using the Result, Scaling, Display, and Report Tools
      12. 17.2.12. Conducting Parameter Studies
      13. 17.2.13. Conducting a Frame Analysis
      14. 17.2.14. Frame Constraints
      15. 17.2.15. Frame Loads
      16. 17.2.16. Connections
      17. 17.2.17. Results
    3. 17.3. Conducting Dynamic Simulations
      1. 17.3.1. Working with Joints
        1. 17.3.1.1. Standard Joints
        2. 17.3.1.2. Rolling Joints
        3. 17.3.1.3. Sliding Joints
        4. 17.3.1.4. 2D Contact Joints
        5. 17.3.1.5. 3D Contact Joints
      2. 17.3.2. More on Working with Joints
      3. 17.3.3. Working with Redundancy
      4. 17.3.4. Working with Environmental Constraints
        1. 17.3.4.1. Modifying the Initial Position
        2. 17.3.4.2. Joint Torques
        3. 17.3.4.3. Imposed Motion
        4. 17.3.4.4. Using the Input Grapher
          1. 17.3.4.4.1. Input References
          2. 17.3.4.4.2. Laws
          3. 17.3.4.4.3. Freeing and Application Conditions
          4. 17.3.4.4.4. More Functions
        5. 17.3.4.5. External Forces
          1. 17.3.4.5.1. Loads
          2. 17.3.4.5.2. Gravity
      5. 17.3.5. Running a Simulation
        1. 17.3.5.1. Simulation Player
        2. 17.3.5.2. Output Grapher
    4. 17.4. Exporting to FEA
    5. 17.5. Using the Dynamic Simulation Information in Stress Analysis
      1. 17.5.1. Additional Resources
    6. 17.6. The Bottom Line
  23. 18. Routed Systems
    1. 18.1. Tube and Pipe
      1. 18.1.1. Understanding Routes, Runs, and Assembly Structure
      2. 18.1.2. Exploring the Tube and Pipe Styles
        1. 18.1.2.1. The Tube & Pipe Styles Dialog Box
        2. 18.1.2.2. Authoring Tube and Pipe Components
      3. 18.1.3. Placing Fittings
      4. 18.1.4. Creating Routes
      5. 18.1.5. Exporting ISOGEN Files
    2. 18.2. Cable and Harness
      1. 18.2.1. Creating and Placing Electrical Parts
        1. 18.2.1.1. Authoring Electrical Components
        2. 18.2.1.2. Creating a Connector
        3. 18.2.1.3. Place Pin Groups
      2. 18.2.2. Creating a Harness
      3. 18.2.3. Placing Wires
      4. 18.2.4. Using the Cable And Harness Library
      5. 18.2.5. Placing Cables
      6. 18.2.6. Placing and Editing Segments
      7. 18.2.7. Copying Cable and Harness Designs
      8. 18.2.8. Creating Nailboard Drawings
    3. 18.3. The Bottom Line
  24. 19. Plastics Design Features
    1. 19.1. Using Plastic Part Templates
    2. 19.2. Creating Thicken/Offset Features
    3. 19.3. Creating Shell Features
    4. 19.4. Creating Split Features
    5. 19.5. Creating Grill Features
    6. 19.6. Creating Rule Fillet Features
    7. 19.7. Creating Rest Features
      1. 19.7.1. Delete Face Tool
    8. 19.8. Creating Boss Features
    9. 19.9. Creating Lip and Groove Features
    10. 19.10. Creating Snap Fit Features
    11. 19.11. Creating Rib and Web Features
    12. 19.12. Creating Draft Features
    13. 19.13. Mold Design Overview
      1. 19.13.1. Inventor Tooling
    14. 19.14. The Bottom Line
  25. A. The Bottom Line
    1. A.1. Chapter 1: Inventor Design Philosophy
    2. A.2. Chapter 2: Data And Projects
    3. A.3. Chapter 3: Sketch Techniques
    4. A.4. Chapter 4: Basic Modeling Techniques
    5. A.5. Chapter 5: Advanced Modeling Techniques
    6. A.6. Chapter 6: Sheet Metal
    7. A.7. Chapter 7: Part and Feature Reuse
    8. A.8. Chapter 8: Assembly Design Workflows
    9. A.9. Chapter 9: Large Assembly Strategies
    10. A.10. Chapter 10: Weldment Design
    11. A.11. Chapter 11: Functional Design
    12. A.12. Chapter 12: Documentation
    13. A.13. Chapter 13: Inventor Tools Overview
    14. A.14. Chapter 14: Exchanging Data with Other Systems
    15. A.15. Chapter 15: Frame Generator
    16. A.16. Chapter 16: Inventor Studio
    17. A.17. Chapter 17: Stress Analysis and Dynamic Simulation
    18. A.18. Chapter 18: Routed Systems
    19. A.19. Chapter 19: Plastics Design Features
  26. B. The Autodesk Certification Exams
    1. B.1. Inventor 2011 Exam Preparation Roadmap
      1. B.1.1. Assessment Tests
      2. B.1.2. ATC® Instructor-Led Courses
      3. B.1.3. Recommended Experience Levels for Inventor 2011 Certification Exams
        1. B.1.3.1. 2011 Certified Associate Exam
        2. B.1.3.2. 2011 Certified Professional Exam

Product information

  • Title: Mastering Autodesk® Inventor® 2011 and Autodesk® Inventor LT™ 2011: Autodesk® Official Training Guide
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: August 2010
  • Publisher(s): Sybex
  • ISBN: 9780470882870