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    Autodesk Inventor 2024 Black Book
    Autodesk Inventor 2024 Black Book
    Autodesk Inventor 2024 Black Book
    Ebook1,786 pages8 hours

    Autodesk Inventor 2024 Black Book

    By Gaurav Verma

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    The Autodesk Inventor 2024 Black Book is the 5th edition of our series on Autodesk Inventor. With lots of features and thorough review, we present a book to help professionals as well as beginners in creating some of the most complex solid models. The book follows a step-by-step methodology. In this book, we have tried to give real-world examples with real challenges in designing. We have tried to reduce the gap between university use of Autodesk Inventor and industrial use of Autodesk Inventor. In this edition of book, we have included the enhancements made in latest version of the software. The book covers almost all the information required by a learner to master the Autodesk Inventor. The book starts with sketching and ends at advanced topics like Mold Design, Sheetmetal, Weldment, and MBD. Some of the salient features of this book are:

     

    In-Depth explanation of concepts

    Every new topic of this book starts with the explanation of the basic concepts. In this way, the user becomes capable of relating the things with real world.

     

    Topics Covered

    Every chapter starts with a list of topics being covered in that chapter. In this way, the user can easily find the topic of his/her interest easily.

     

    Instruction through illustration

    The instructions to perform any action are provided by maximum number of illustrations so that the user can perform the actions discussed in the book easily and effectively. There are about 2000 small and large illustrations that make the learning process effective.

     

    Tutorial point of view

    At the end of concept's explanation, the tutorial makes the understanding of user firm and long lasting. Almost each chapter of the book has tutorials that are real world projects. Moreover, most of the tools in this book are discussed in the form of tutorials.

     

    Project

    Projects and exercises are provided to students for practicing on demand.

     

    For Faculty

    If you are a faculty member, then you can ask for video tutorials on any of the topic, exercise, tutorial, or concept. As faculty, you can register on our website to get electronic desk copies of our latest books, self-assessment, and solution of practical. Faculty resources are available in the Faculty Member page of our website once you login. Note that faculty registration approval is manual and it may take two days for approval before you can access the faculty website.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherCADCAMCAE Works
    Release dateMay 7, 2023
    ISBN9798223778165
    Autodesk Inventor 2024 Black Book
    Author

    Gaurav Verma

    Gaurav Verma is currently a Full Professor at the Panjab University, Chandigarh, India (Dr. SS Bhatnagar University Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology, and Adjunct Faculty at the Department of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology). He is a former CV Raman Post-Doctoral fellow from the Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. His research focuses on the areas of applied nanoscience and nanostructured materials.

    Read more from Gaurav Verma

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      Book preview

      Autodesk Inventor 2024 Black Book - Gaurav Verma

      Chapter 0

      Basics of CAD, CAM, and CAE

      The major topics covered in this chapter are:

      •Introduction to CAD

      •Introduction to CAM

      •Introduction to CAE

      Introduction to CAD

      In earlier days of Mechanical industry, designer engineers had to draw every mechanical component on paper or cloth using drafter and geometry tools like pencils, markers, scale, erasers, and so on. But the age of manually drawing is gone and now a days, we use CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to create engineering drawings. There is a long list of CAD software available in market like Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo Parametric, and so on. Broadly there are two ways in which CAD software perform 3D modeling:

      •Parametric Modeling

      •Direct Modeling

      Parametric Modeling V/S Direct Modeling

      In Parametric Modeling, the model is create based on parameters. All the parameters that you specify while creating the model are recorded and can be changed any point of time while working on the model. Like, if you are creating a box in parametric modeling then its length, width, and height will be recorded with model and can be changed anytime. AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo Parametric are name of some of the software capable of performing Parametric modeling.

      In Direct Modeling, the model is created by direct approach rather than specifying parameters for model. To create a model with direct modeling approach, you place primitive shapes and them drag-drop the key points to change the shape of model. Although Direct Modeling is a nice approach to create models for animators but for Mechanical Engineers, Parametric modeling is an important requirement.

      2D Drawing

      2D Drawings are used to represent 3D objects on paper for manufacturing. 2D drawings are still the requirement of manufacturers for manufacturing any engineering product. There are various symbols and standards established to created 2D drawing for engineers. These drawings can be furthers divided into different categories based on their application areas like mechanical drawing, electrical drawing, electronic drawing, civil drawing and so on. Our concern for this book is mechanical drawings. For representing objects in mechanical 2D drawings, we use two type of projects of objects on paper: First Angle Projection and Third Angle Projects.

      First Angle Projection

      In First Angle Projection, the object is imagined to be in first quadrant; refer to Figure-1. In projection system, the vertical plane is used to generate Front view and horizontal plane is used to generate Top view. Now, assume these planes to be hinged at the center and if you move the horizontal plane clockwise then in First Angle projection, the Top view is placed below Front view while placing orthographic views and Left view is placed on the right of Front view; refer to Figure-2.

      The symbol for projection is always given in Title box of manufacturing drawings; refer to Figure-3. The symbol for Third Angle projection is given in Figure-3. For First Angle projection and Third Angle projection, the symbols are given in Figure-4.

      How to remember Projection Symbols

      Assume that is symbol for front view and is symbol for top view. Always remember if top view symbol comes after front view symbol then it is First Angle projection and if top view symbol comes before front view symbol then it is Third Angle projection.

      Third Angle Projection

      In Third angle projection, object is assumed to be in third quadrant so, the horizontal plane is above the object and vertical plane is behind the object. When we place orthographic views as per Third Angle projection then the Top view is placed above the Front view and Left side view is placed on the left of Front view; refer to Figure-5.

      The projections discussed earlier are used for Orthographic views. Apart from orthographic views, we also use Isometric and Trimetric views to represent 3D objects in 2D drawings. These views are discussed next.

      Axonometric Projections

      There are three types of axonometric projections; Isometric, Dimetric and Trimetric. These projections are discussed next.

      Isometric means equal measures. Isometric drawing is way of presenting designs/drawings in three dimensions. In order for a design to appear three dimensional, a 30 degree angle is applied to sides object. The cube shown in Figure-6 is as per isometric projection.

      In Trimetric projection, the projection of the three angles between the axes are unequal. Thus, three separate scales are needed to generate a trimetric projection of an object. Figure-7 shows an example of different projections.

      In Dimetric projection, two of an objects axes make equal angles with the plane of projection and the third angle is larger or smaller than the other two; refer to Figure-7.

      Drafting Standards

      Drafting Standards are the collection of rules defined for creating 2D drawings. In CAD software 2D drawings, following parameters are controlled by Drafting Standards:

      •Mechanical object behavior.

      •What layers Mechanical Objects are created on.

      •The properties of these layers.

      •Text heights and colors.

      •Projection settings for use with Power View.

      •Dimension styles.

      •Hole chart settings and formats.

      •Centerline format.

      •Section line format.

      •Thread line format.

      •Note text and leader formats.

      •Symbology formats.

      •Bill of Materials (BOM), parts list and balloon formats.

      There are various standards followed by different countries for drafting like, ANSI, BSI, CSN, DIN, GB, ISO JIS, GOST, and so on. ANSI drafting standard was developed by American National Standards Institute. This drafting standard is widely used by American manufacturers. ISO drafting standard was developed by International Organization for Standardization. ANSI and ISO are two most popular standards for drafting engineering drawing. Following are some of the major differences between the two standards:

      •ANSI dimensions are read horizontally. ISO dimensions are parallel to the dimension line.

      •ANSI dimensions are centered on the dimension line. ISO dimension are placed above the dimension line.

      •ANSI tends to use abbreviations. ISO uses symbols. (example: RAD, DIAM, 3 PLACES versus R, Ø, 3X)

      •Dimensions have a different syntax. ANSI: 1.000 DIAM 3 PLACES and ISO: 3X Ø 1.000

      3D Modeling

      Before the first CAD software was developed, manufacturers were using geometry tools like pencil, scale, drafter, and so on to create drawings. Since then the CAD software have developed a lot and so has the requirement of manufacturers. Now, 3D replication of object is created in the computer using various 3D Modeling tools and later the model is used to generate different views with annotations, perform analysis, or generate programs for CNC machines. There is a very long list of CAD software available in market.

      Following are some of the functions that can be performed using latest CAD software:

      •3D Modeling

      •Drafting (2D Drawing Creation and generation

      •Assembly (Top-Down Approach and Bottom-Up Approach)

      •3D Printing

      •Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

      •Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)

      You will learn about various aspects of CAD software later in this book. Now, we will discuss the role of CAD Engineer in mechanical industry.

      Role of CAD Engineer in Industry

      Following are some of the roles and responsibilities of a CAD engineer:

      •Configure, deploy, maintain, and upgrade CAD models as per the client requirement.

      •Design, develop, and engineer high quality models using 3D and 2D CAD tools for manufacturing and analysis.

      •Produce designs that meet targets for feasibility, performance, costs, quality, safety, legislation and timing.

      •Ensure that all work carried out is in compliance with company design, safety, quality, environmental compliance, and procedural standards.

      •Interact with architect and client, as necessary to obtain critical design information necessary to complete project within intended time frame.

      •Update and maintain product design files.

      •Assist in improving daily processes to ensure that the CAD systems meet customer requirements.

      •Train and guide Production Engineers on engineered design.

      •Determine limitations, assumptions and solutions in the design and development of CAD models.

      •Assist in implementation of CAD engineering applications.

      •Determine design specifications and parameters for CAD models.

      Documents Prepared by CAD Engineers in Automobile Industry

      A CAD Engineer is involved in designing of new parts and very soon gets involved in Design Engineer’s work. There are various documents that are prepared by CAD/Design Engineers in mechanical industries for development of new parts and processes. Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) has developed a standard packages of documentation for Automotive industries world-wide called PPAP. Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is used in automotive industry supply chains to establish confidence between supplier. Various documents that are prepared in PPAP package are given next.

      Design Records

      Design records means printed copy of engineering drawings of components to be manufactured. If the customer is responsible for designing, this is a copy of customer drawing that is sent together with the Purchase Order (PO). If supplier is responsible for designing then these drawings are released in supplier’s release system. Each and every feature must be ballooned or road mapped to correspond with the inspection results (including print notes, standard tolerance notes and specifications, and anything else relevant to the design of the part).

      Authorized Engineering Change (note) Documents

      The Authorized Engineering Change Documents (notes) are used to convey changes in original design. The detailed description of changes is noted in this document. Usually this document is called Engineering Change Notice, but it may be covered by the customer PO or any other engineering authorization.

      Engineering Approval

      This approval is usually the Engineering trial with production parts performed at the customer plant. A temporary deviation usually is required to send parts to customer before PPAP. Customer may require other Engineering Approvals.

      DFMEA

      A copy of the Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA) is reviewed and signed-off by supplier and customer. If customers are design responsible then customers may not share this document with the supplier. However, the list of all critical or high impact product characteristics should be shared with the supplier, so they can be addressed on the PFMEA and Control Plan.

      Process Flow Diagram

      A copy of the Process Flow, indicating all steps and sequence in the manufacturing process including incoming components.

      PFMEA

      A copy of the Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA), reviewed and signed-off by supplier and customer. The PFMEA follows the Process Flow steps, and indicates what could go wrong during the manufacturing of each component.

      Control Plan

      A copy of the Control Plan, reviewed and signed-off by supplier and customer. The Control Plan follows the PFMEA steps, and provides more details on how the potential issues are checked in the incoming quality, assembly process or during inspections of finished products.

      Measurement System Analysis Studies (MSA)

      MSA usually contains lists of Gauges and other measuring instruments required to measure critical or high impact characteristics, and a confirmation that gauges used to measure these characteristics are calibrated.

      Dimensional Results

      A list of every dimension noted on the ballooned drawing. This list shows the product characteristic, specification, the measurement results and the assessment showing if this dimension is OK or not OK. Usually a minimum of 6 pieces are reported per product/process combination.

      Records of Material / Performance Tests

      A summary of every test performed on the part. This summary is usually on a form of DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report), which lists each individual test, when it was performed, the specification, results and the assessment pass/fail. If there is an Engineering Specification, usually it is noted on the print. The DVP&R shall be reviewed and signed off by both customer and supplier engineering groups. The quality engineer will look for a customer signature on this document. In addition, this section lists all material certifications (steel, plastics, plating, etc.), as specified on the print. The material certification shall show compliance to the specific call on the print.

      Initial Sample Inspection Report

      The report for material samples which is initially inspected before prototype made.

      Initial Process Studies

      Usually this section shows all Statistical Process Control charts affecting the most critical characteristics. The intent is to demonstrate that critical processes have stable variability and that is running near the intended nominal value.

      Qualified Laboratory Documentation

      Copy of all laboratory certifications (e.g. A2LA, TS, NABL) of the laboratories that performed the tests reported in this section.

      Appearance Approval Report

      A copy of the AAI (Appearance Approval Inspection) form signed by the customer. Applicable for components affecting appearance only.

      Sample Production Parts

      A sample from the same lot of initial production run. The PPAP package usually shows a picture of the sample and where it is kept (customer or supplier).

      Master Sample

      A sample signed off by customer and supplier, that usually is used to train operators on subjective inspections such as visual or for noise.

      Checking Aids

      When there are special tools for checking parts, this section shows a picture of the tool and calibration records, including dimensional report of the tool.

      Customer-Specific Requirements

      Each customer may have specific requirements to be included on the PPAP package. It is a good practice to ask the customer for PPAP expectations before even quoting for a job. North America auto makers OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) requirements are listed on the IATF website.

      Part Submission Warrant (PSW)

      This is the form that summarizes the whole PPAP package. This form shows the reason for submission (design change, annual revalidation, etc.) and the level of documents submitted to the customer. There is a section that asks for results meeting all drawing and specification requirements: yes/no refers to the whole package. If there is any deviations the supplier should note on the warrant or inform that PPAP cannot be submitted.

      Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

      Augmented Reality

      Augmented Reality is a way to project information on different displays. Augmented Reality has vast application area from social media and entertainment industry to surgical procedures in hospitals; refer to Figure-8. The game Pokemon Go is an example of AR.

      Augmented Reality also finds applications in CAD. Although for mechanical engineers it is applicable to civil engineers as well. Civil engineers can project the image of a whole building designed in computer to the customers while there is no building at all. This way they can collect funding for a building project.

      Mechanical Engineers can show their final CAD design of a product to their customer without even starting a manufacturing step; refer to Figure-9. If customer approves the design then they can start manufacturing.

      Virtual Reality

      Virtual Reality is a computer simulated environment to show different types of objects and project real experience through our sensory system. Virtual Reality shuts you from real world and keeps you inside a computer simulated environment. VR is very common with smart phones these days. For CAD engineer, VR can be a life saver sometimes. Using Virtual Reality, you can assemble different components of a large machine virtually and then find any shortcoming based on the experience.

      Introduction to CAM

      The story of CAM starts with CNC machines. CNC represent Computer Numeric Control. CNC machines used numeric codes generated by CAM software to perform various operations. A CAM software takes the input from user and based on specified parameters, it generates CNC programs with G-codes and M-codes. There are various software available for CAM like MasterCAM, BobCAM, EdgeCAM and so on. These software are specialized for CAM. Now a days, most of the CAD software also come with CAM modules like SolidWorks, Creo Parametric, and so on. The NC codes generated by these CAM software depend on the controller hardware installed on your machine. There are various controllers available in the market like Fanuc controller, Siemens controller, Heidenhain controller, and so on. The numeric codes change according to the controller used in the machine. These numeric codes are compiled in the form of a program, which is fed in the machine controller via a storage media. The numeric codes are generally in the form of G-codes and M-codes. For understanding purpose, some of the G-codes and M-codes are discussed next with their functions for a Fanuc controller.

      Code Function

      G00 - Rapid movement of tool.

      G01 - Linear movement while creating cut.

      G02 - Clockwise circular cut.

      G03 - Counter-clockwise circular cut.

      G20 - Starts inch mode.

      G21 - Starts mm mode.

      G96 - Provides constant surface speed.

      G97 - Constant RPM.

      G98 - Feed per minute

      G99 - Feed per revolution

      M00 - Program stop

      M02 - End of program

      M03 - Spindle rotation Clockwise.

      M04 - Spindle rotation Counter Clockwise.

      M05 - Spindle stop

      M08 - Coolant on

      M09 - Coolant off

      M98 - Subprogram call

      M99 - Subprogram exit

      Once you have created an NC program in CAM software, you can simulate the cutting operations in software to check the toolpaths; refer to Figure-10.

      Role of CAM Engineer

      A CAM engineer works closely with CAD engineer and in most of the small industries, CAD engineer and CAM engineer is the same person. Various tasks that a CAM engineer perform in industry are given next.

      •Modifying model as per the customer requirement.

      •Deciding machining strategy and tools required for machining the part.

      •Creating CNC programs depending on NC controller for the machine.

      Introduction to CAE

      CAE means Computer Aided Engineering. Software like Ansys, Cosmol, SolidWorks Simulation, and so on are dedicated to perform different types of analyses. The types of analyses that can be performed using CAE software are given next.

      •Structural Analysis

      •Thermal Analysis

      •Computational Flow Analysis

      •Mold Flow Analysis

      •Electronic Circuit Analysis

      •Topology Optimization and many others.

      Static Analysis

      This is the most common type of analysis we perform. In this analysis, loads are applied to a body due to which the body deforms and the effects of the loads are transmitted throughout the body. To absorb the effect of loads, the body generates internal forces and reactions at the supports to balance the applied external loads. These internal forces and reactions cause stress and strain in the body. Static analysis refers to the calculation of displacements, strains, and stresses under the effect of external loads, based on some assumptions. The assumptions are as follows.

      •All loads are applied slowly and gradually until they reach their full magnitudes. After reaching their full magnitudes, load will remain constant (i.e. load will not vary against time).

      •Linearity assumption: The relationship between loads and resulting responses is linear. For example, if you double the magnitude of loads, the response of the model (displacements, strains and stresses) will also double. You can make linearity assumption if:

      1.All materials in the model comply with Hooke’s Law that is stress is directly proportional to strain.

      2.The induced displacements are small enough to ignore the change is stiffness caused by loading.

      3.Boundary conditions do not vary during the application of loads. Loads must be constant in magnitude, direction, and distribution. They should not change while the model is deforming.

      If the above assumptions are valid for your analysis, then you can perform Linear Static Analysis. For example, a cantilever beam fixed at one end and force applied on other end; refer to Figure-11.

      If the above assumptions are not valid, then you need to perform the Non-Linear Static analysis. For example, force applied on an object attached with a spring; refer to Figure-12.

      Modal Analysis (Vibration Analysis)

      By its very nature, vibration involves repetitive motion. Each occurrence of a complete motion sequence is called a cycle. Frequency is defined as so many cycles in a given time period. Cycles per seconds or Hertz. Individual parts have what engineers call natural frequencies. For example, a violin string at a certain tension will vibrate only at a set number of frequencies, that’s why you can produce specific musical tones. There is a base frequency in which the entire string is going back and forth in a simple bow shape.

      Harmonics and overtones occur because individual sections of the string can vibrate independently within the larger vibration. These various shapes are called modes. The base frequency is said to vibrate in the first mode, and so on up the ladder. Each mode shape will have an associated frequency. Higher mode shapes have higher frequencies. The most disastrous kinds of consequences occur when a power-driven device such as a motor, produces a frequency at which an attached structure naturally vibrates. This event is called resonance. If sufficient power is applied, the attached structure will be destroyed. Note that armies, which normally marched in step, were taken out of step when crossing bridges. Should the beat of the marching feet align with a natural frequency of the bridge, it could fall down. Engineers must design in such a way that resonance does not occur during regular operation of machines. This is a major purpose of Modal Analysis. Ideally, the first mode has a frequency higher than any potential driving frequency. Frequently, resonance cannot be avoided, especially for short periods of time. For example, when a motor comes up to speed it produces a variety of frequencies. So, it may pass through a resonant frequency.

      Thermal analysis

      There are three mechanisms of heat transfer. These mechanisms are Conduction, Convection, and Radiation. Thermal analysis calculates the temperature distribution in a body due to some or all of these mechanisms. In all three mechanisms, heat flows from a higher-temperature medium to a lower temperature one. Heat transfer by conduction and convection requires the presence of an intervening medium while heat transfer by radiation does not.

      There are two modes of heat transfer analysis.

      Steady State Thermal Analysis

      In this type of analysis, we are only interested in the thermal conditions of the body when it reaches thermal equilibrium, but we are not interested in the time it takes to reach this status. The temperature of each point in the model will remain unchanged until a change occurs in the system. At equilibrium, the thermal energy entering the system is equal to the thermal energy leaving it. Generally, the only material property that is needed for steady state analysis is the thermal conductivity.

      Transient Thermal Analysis

      In this type of analysis, we are interested in knowing the thermal status of the model at different instances of time. A thermos designer, for example, knows that the temperature of the fluid inside will eventually be equal to the room temperature(steady state), but designer is interested in finding out the temperature of the fluid as a function of time. In addition to the thermal conductivity, we also need to specify density, specific heat, initial temperature profile, and the period of time for which solutions are desired.

      Thermal Stress Analysis

      The Thermal Stress Analysis is performed to check the stresses induced in part when thermal and structural loads act on the part simultaneously. Thermal Stress Analysis is important in cases where material expands or contracts due to heating or cooling of the part to certain temperature in irregular way. One example where thermal stress analysis finds its importance is two material bonded strip working in a high temperature environment.

      Event Simulation

      The Event Simulation analysis is used to study the effect of object velocity, initial velocity, acceleration, time dependent loads, and constraints in the design. The results of this analysis include displacements, stresses, strains, and other measurements throughout a specified time period. You can perform this analysis when you need to check the effect of throwing a phone from some height or similar cases where motion is involved.

      Shape Optimization

      The Shape Optimization is not an analysis but a study to find the shape of part which utilizes minimum material but sustains the applied load up to required factor of safety.

      There are various equations and parameters involved in analysis by CAE software and results are displayed in the form of tables & graphical representations.

      Role of CAE Engineer

      The CAE engineer performs many tasks related to analyses like checking and deciding material of product, defining real-world scenario for the analysis in software, preparing mesh model of product for analysis, running different types of analyses, and analyzing the results.

      Chapter 1

      Starting with Autodesk Inventor

      The major topics covered in this chapter are:

      •Starting Autodesk Inventor 2024.

      •Starting a new document.

      •Autodesk Inventor Interface.

      •Opening a document.

      •Closing documents.

      •Basic Settings for Autodesk Inventor Professional

      Downloading and Installing Autodesk Inventor Student Edition

      Autodesk gives a free license of 1 Year for students to practice on Autodesk Inventor and many other software. You cannot use a student edition in manufacturing products but you can use this edition to learn software. The procedure to download and install latest Autodesk Inventor educational version is given next.

      •Open the link https://www.autodesk.com/education/edu-software/overview in your Web Browser. The web page for Autodesk software will be displayed; refer to Figure-1.

      •If you do not have an Autodesk Student account then click on the Get started button on this page and create your account.

      •If you have an Autodesk account then click on Sign In link button on this page and sign in with your student account details.

      •After signing in, the web page of Autodesk educational software will be displayed. Scroll-down the page and click on Get product link button of Inventor Professional section. You will be asked to select the Operating system, Version, and Language of the software.

      •Set the parameters as required and click on INSTALL drop-down button, the two options will be displayed; refer to Figure-2. Click on the DOWNLOAD option and the software will begin to download. After downloading the software, install the software by accepting the license terms and following the instructions as displayed.

      Starting Autodesk Inventor

      I hope you have installed Autodesk Inventor 2024 in your system, so that you can follow instructions given in this book!!

      There are various ways to start Autodesk Inventor but we will use the fastest general method to start Autodesk Inventor in Microsoft Windows.

      •Click on the Start button at the Taskbar. The menu of application shortcuts will be displayed.

      •Type Autodesk Inventor (in Microsoft Windows 10). The applications with the name Autodesk Inventor will be displayed which is only one in our case; refer to Figure-3.

      •Click on the Autodesk Inventor Professional 2024-English link button. Note that if you have created a desktop icon of Autodesk Inventor then you can double-click on that icon to start application. The application will start along with Migrate Custom Settings dialog box; refer to Figure-4.

      •If you want to migrate the customization and options from the previous version of software into this version of software then select the check boxes of parameters which you want to migrate and click on OK button from the dialog box.

      •If you do not want to migrate the customization then select Clear All button and click on OK button from the dialog box. The application interface will be displayed as shown in Figure-5.

      Autodesk Inventor Interface

      Autodesk always keeps on improving the interface of Inventor for better usability. The interface of Autodesk Inventor 2024 is displayed as shown in Figure-5. Various components of interface are displayed in Figure-6.

      Ribbon

      Ribbon is the area of the application window that holds all the tools for designing and editing; refer to Figure-7. Ribbon is divided into Tabs which are further divided into Panels. Each panel is collection of tools dedicated to similar operations. The tools in these panels will be discussed in this chapter and subsequent chapters.

      File menu

      The options in the File menu are used to manage the overall functioning of Autodesk Inventor. Once, you click on the File button at the top-left corner of the window, the File menu will be displayed as shown in Figure-8. Various options of the File menu are discussed next.

      Creating New File

      Like other products of Autodesk, there are many ways to create a new file. To create a new file, use the New option from the File menu or click on the New button from Home tab; refer to Figure-9. You can also use the New button from the Quick Access Toolbar at the top-left of the application window; refer to Figure-10 or press CTRL+N from the keyboard.

      We will discuss the method of starting new file using File menu here. You will learn about the other methods later in the book.

      Starting a New File using File menu

      •Click on the File button at the top in the Ribbon. The File menu will be displayed.

      •Hover the cursor on the New option in the menu. The options for creating new file will be displayed in the New cascading menu; refer to Figure-11.

      There are five options in the New cascading menu viz. New, Assembly, Drawing, Part, and Presentation. The functions of these options are discussed next.

      The New option is used to create new file by using the templates saved in the Autodesk directory.

      The Assembly option is used to create assembly file. On clicking the Assembly option, the Assembly environment is displayed. An assembly file contains the assembly of various parts created in Inventor. For example, you can save the assembly model of motorbike in the form of assembly file in Autodesk Inventor. You will learn more about the assembly files and Assembly environment, later in the book.

      The Drawing option is used to create the 2D representation of the model created in Part or Assembly environment of Autodesk Inventor. You will learn more in the later chapters.

      The Part option is used to create the part file for any real-world model. A real-world model means a model that can be manufactured. Although, you can create unreal objects in Autodesk Inventor but that is not the purpose of this software, for creating those objects you should use animation software.

      The Presentation option is used to create 3D representations of the model for presentation to the client.

      We will start with the Part environment and then discuss the predefined templates.

      •Click on the New option from the New cascading menu in the File menu. The Create New File dialog box will be displayed; refer to Figure-12.

      •Expand the en-US node from the Templates category and select desired folder from English or Metric in the Templates area at the left of dialog box. If you select the English folder then the templates with English units (Feet and Inches) will be displayed in the right of the dialog box. If you select the Metric folder from the left of the dialog box then the templates with Metric units (Meters, Millimeters) will be displayed in the right of the dialog box.

      •To start a new file with unit as mm, click on the Metric folder and then click on the Standard (mm).ipt icon from the right of the dialog box; refer to Figure-13.

      •Click on the Create button from the dialog box. The new file will open and part environment will be displayed; refer to Figure-14.

      Opening a file

      Similar to creating new file, there are many ways to open files in Autodesk Inventor like, using the Open option from the File menu, using the Open button from the Quick Access Toolbar, or pressing the CTRL+O key from the keyboard. Here, we will discuss the procedure to open a file by using the Open option from the File menu.

      Opening a File using File Menu Options

      •Click on the File menu button at the top-left corner of the application window. The File menu will be displayed.

      •Hover the cursor on the Open option in the File menu. The Open cascading menu will be displayed; refer to Figure-15.

      There are various options in Open cascading menu to open a file. The procedures of opening files by using each of these options are given next.

      Opening Inventor file and other CAD files

      •Click on the Open option from the Open cascading menu in the File menu. The Open dialog box will be displayed as shown in Figure-16.

      •Click on the Files of type drop-down and select the format of file you want to open; refer to Figure-17.

      •Browse to the location of file by using general Microsoft Windows functions and double-click on the file to open it.

      Note that you will learn more options of Open dialog box later in the book.

      Opening AutoCAD Drawing file in Autodesk Inventor

      •Click on the Open DWG option from the Open cascading menu in the File menu. The Open dialog box will be displayed similar to the one displayed in previous topic.

      •Note that the file type is locked to AutoCAD DWG files only. So, browse to desired AutoCAD file and click on it.

      •Click on the Open button from the dialog box. The file will open in the layout mode which we will discuss later in the book.

      Opening file from Content Center

      Like other Autodesk products, Autodesk Inventor gives you access to the library of standard parts like, Gear, bearing, connector, etc. The procedure to open parts from Content Center is given next.

      •Click on the Open from Content Center option from the Open cascading menu in the File menu. The Open from Content Center window will be displayed; refer to Figure-18.

      •Click on the plus sign (+) of a category from the left pane of window to check sub-categories.

      •To open any part, double-click on it from the Content Center window. In some of the cases, you will be asked to select the size of component like in Figure-19.

      •After selecting the size, click on the OK button. The part will open.

      Importing AutoCAD DWG files

      Importing models of other software can reduces lots of extra work of rebuilding the base sketch for Inventor models. In Autodesk Inventor, we can directly use the AutoCAD drawing files for creating or manipulating the model. The procedure to import the AutoCAD Drawing files is given next.

      •Click on the Import DWG option from the Open cascading menu in the File menu. The Import dialog box will be displayed as shown in Figure-20.

      •Double-click on desired file from the dialog box. The DWG/DXF File Wizard dialog box will be displayed; refer to Figure-21.

      •The format of file will be recognized automatically and the relevant radio buttons will become active on this page. The file we are using is a dwg file, so it will show only AutoCAD or AutoCAD Mechanical File radio button as active. If there is any configuration saved with the file then it will appear in the Configuration drop-down. Select desired options and click on the Next button. The Layers and Objects Import Options dialog box will be displayed; refer to Figure-22.

      •Select desired layers/objects from the Selective import list box and check the preview in the right of the dialog box. Once the preview is as per your requirement, click on the Next button from the dialog box. The Import Destination Options dialog box will be displayed; refer to Figure-23.

      •Since, we do not have a 3D model in our drawing, so we are not selecting the 3D Solids check box from the 3D data options area of the dialog box. If you need a 3D model to be imported from the AutoCAD drawing file then select this check box and specify the relevant parameters. Similarly, you can select other check boxes in the 3D data options area to import respective components of file.

      •By default, the Detected Units radio button is selected in the Import Files Units area of the dialog box, so the units of imported files are used. If you want to import the file in different unit then select the Specify Units radio button from the area and select desired unit from the drop-down below the radio button.

      •Select the Constrain End Points check box if you want to constrain all the open end points of the imported drawing model. After selecting this check box, you can select the Apply geometric constraints check box for applying geometric constraints of Autodesk Inventor. Select the Import parametric constraints check box if you want to import the geometric constraints applied in AutoCAD.

      •Select the AutoCAD Blocks to Inventor Blocks check box if you want to import blocks from the AutoCAD and convert them into Inventor blocks.

      •Select the Proxy objects to user defined symbols check box to copy all the objects as user defined symbols in Autodesk Inventor.

      •In the Destination for 2D Data area, select desired radio button to define location where imported 2D data will be placed in Inventor file.

      •Similarly, specify the other parameters as desired and click on the Finish button from the dialog box. The view will be placed at the center of the drawing sheet; refer to Figure-24. Also, the tools related to drawing view will be displayed in the Ribbon. We will discuss these tools later in the book.

      Importing CAD files

      •Click on the Import CAD Files tool from the Open cascading menu in the File menu. The Open Document dialog box will be displayed as shown in Figure-25.

      •Double-click on desired CAD file from the dialog box. The Import dialog box will be displayed; refer to Figure-26. Note that depending on the type of document, you might get different dialog box for specifying parameters. We get this dialog box when you are opening part file created by Creo Parametric.

      •There are two radio buttons in Import Type area of the dialog box; Reference Model and Convert Model. If you select the Reference Model radio button then you cannot make changes in the model imported. You can use it in your inventor model as referenced, make more features on it, and can use it in assembly and drawing as well. On selecting the Reference Model radio button, the options related to Object Filters will be displayed with Inventor Length Units drop-down. Select the check boxes for objects to be imported from the Object Filters area and select desired unit from the Inventor Length Units drop-down.

      •If you select the Convert Model radio button then the imported model will be converted to inventor format. After selecting this radio button, specify the name of converted file in the Name edit box and set the location of the new file.

      •Select the Individual or Composite option from the Surfaces drop-down in the Part Options area of the dialog box. The Individual option is used to create individual surfaces of the model whereas selecting the Composite option will create a combined surface feature.

      •Click on the Select tab from the Import dialog box. The options in the dialog box will be displayed as shown in Figure-27.

      •Click on the Load Model button from the dialog box. The objects of the selected model will be displayed; refer to Figure-28.

      •Objects with plus sign will be imported and the other objects will be skipped.

      •Click on the plus sign against the part to skip it from importing and click on the OK button from the dialog box. The object will be displayed in the modeling area.

      Load Data Exchange

      The Load Data Exchange option is used to import part of a shared revit project into Inventor assembly for creating suitable models. For using this option, there must be a common project shared with your team members and an administrator of your project can share view of the model with you via data exchange. To use this option, you must have paid subscription of Autodesk Docs.

      Opening Sample Files

      The Open Samples tool in Open cascading menu of the File menu is used to download and open the sample files provided by Autodesk for Inventor. On clicking this tool, a web page will be displayed in your default Web Browser. Download and open the file as desired.

      Saving File

      Saving file is as important as planting trees in backyard!! Jokes apart, its very important to save the model created, so that you can reuse it later. There are many options in Autodesk Inventor to save files. These options are discussed next.

      Save option

      The Save option is used to save the active file. This option is available in the Save cascading menu of the File menu. The procedure to use this option is given next.

      •After creating the model, click on the Save option from the Save cascading menu in the File menu; refer to Figure-29 or press CTRL+S from keyboard.

      •If you are saving the file for the first time then the Save As dialog box will be displayed; refer to Figure-30.

      •Click on the Save in drop-down at the top in the dialog box and select desired location for saving file.

      •Specify desired name in the File name edit box and click on the Save button. The file will be saved by specified name in the selected location.

      •If you use the Save option after first time then the file will be over-written on the previous session of file.

      Save All option

      The Save All option does the same as the Save option do but it saves all the open files.

      Save As option

      The Save As option available in the Save As cascading menu is used to save the file with new name and at different location. The operation of this tool is same as the operation of Save option for the first time.

      Save Copy As option

      The Save Copy As option is used to save another copy of the current file. Note that if you select the Save Copy As option then the file will be saved with another name but it will not open in Inventor automatically.

      Similarly, you can use the Save Copy As Template option from the Save As cascading menu to save the current file in template format for reuse.

      Pack and Go option

      The Pack and Go option is used to package the currently active file and all of its referenced files into a single location. The procedure to use this option is discussed next.

      •After creating and saving the model, click on the Pack and Go option from Save As cascading menu in the File menu; refer to Figure-31. The Pack and Go dialog box will be displayed; refer to Figure-32.

      •The Source File box displays the path and the file name of the file to package.

      •Click on Browse button from Destination Folder box to find the appropriate destination for the packaged files or specify the path and folder name. If the folder does not exist, a prompt to create the folder will be displayed.

      •Select Copy to Single Path radio button from Options area to copy the referenced files to a single folder with the packaged file.

      •Select Keep Folder Hierarchy radio button from Options area to build a folder hierarchy under the destination folder that preserves the folder hierarchy under the original project locations and copies the selected file and its referenced and referencing files to the appropriate subfolders.

      •Select Model files Only radio button from Options area to copy only Autodesk Inventor model files (.ipt, .idw, .ide, .dwg) to the destination folder.

      •Select Include linked files radio button from Options area to copy all referenced files to the destination folder including spreadsheets, text files, and other files.

      •Select Skip Libraries check box from Options area to not copy the library files with the packaged file.

      •Select Collect Workgroups check box from Options area to collect workgroups and the workspace into a single root folder.

      •Select Skip Styles check box from Options area to not copy the styles with the packaged file.

      •Select Skip Templates check box from Options area to not copy the templates with the packaged file.

      •Select Package as .zip check box from Options area to package the files in .zip format.

      •The Project Files box in the Find referenced files area displays the default active project file. Click on the Browse button to search for a different project file.

      •Click on the Search Now button from Find referenced files area to search for files that are referenced from the selected file.

      •The Total Files box displays the total number of files to package.

      •The Disk Space Required box displays the disk space needed on destination media.

      •Select Search project file locations radio button from Search for referencing files area to search for referencing files in the workspaces, workgroups, and library locations specified in the project file.

      •Select Search in Folder radio button from Search for referencing files area to search for referencing files in the folder identified by the path in the field immediately below this option.

      •Select Include Subfolders check box from Search for referencing files area to search the selected folder and all subfolders for referencing files.

      •Click on Search Now button from Search for referencing

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