Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Essentials
52708-010000-1710A
Autodesk Trademarks
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GOVERNMENT USE
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in FAR 12.212 (Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights) and DFAR 227.7202 (Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software), as applicable.
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Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Chapter 1: Introduction to the Modeling Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Starting an Autodesk Inventor Design Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Autodesk Inventor Workflow Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Autodesk Inventor Workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Part Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Assembly Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Presentation Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Drawing Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Using Templates Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Projects in Autodesk Inventor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Project Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Project Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Project Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Creating Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Editing Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Exercise: Projects in Autodesk Inventor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 The User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 The Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 The Panel Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Menu Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Keyboard Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 3D Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Exercise: The User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Online Help and Tutorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Help Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 How To Popups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 What's New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Tutorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Visual Syllabus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Help For AutoCAD Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Autodesk Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Exercise: Online Help and Tutorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Challenge Exercise: Introducing the Modeling Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Rules for Creating Sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Sketch Coordinate System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Precise Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Editing Sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Sketch Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Exercise: Creating Sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Constraining Sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Constraining Sketches in Autodesk Inventor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Geometric Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Planning Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Showing and Deleting Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Show All Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Use Construction Geometry in the Sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Exercise: Constraining Sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Dimensioning Sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Parametric Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Driven Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Additional Options for Applying Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Automatic Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Displaying Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Guidelines for Dimensioning Sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Exercise: Dimensioning Sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Challenge Exercise: Introduction to Sketching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
ii
Contents
Feature Relationships - Join, Cut, and Intersect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Editing Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173 Exercise: Creating Revolved Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 Challenge Exercise: Creating Simple Sketched Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
iii
The Face Draft Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercise: Face Drafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating and Using Color Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating and Using Color Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercise: Creating and Using Color Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Challenge Exercise: Introduction to Placed Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iv
Contents
Editing Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346 Using ALT-Drag to Place Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348 Exercise: Constraining Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350 Adaptive Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351 Introduction to Adaptive Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352 Methods for Creating Adaptive Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354 Adaptive Sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356 Adaptive Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358 Adaptive Occurrence in Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361 Applying Assembly Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362 Tips and Considerations for Using Adaptivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362 Exercise: Adaptive Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363 Assembly Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364 The Analyze Interference Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365 The Analyze Faces Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368 Locating Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372 Exercise: Assembly Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374 Presentations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375 Creating a Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376 Creating Tweaks and Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380 Animating a Presentation View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384 Exercise: Presentations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386 Challenge Exercise: Assembly Modeling Fundamentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387 Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Assembly Section Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editing Section Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercise: Section Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Detail Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Detail Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editing Detail Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercise: Detail Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auxiliary Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Auxiliary Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editing Auxiliary Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercise: Auxiliary Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broken Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Broken Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editing Broken Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercise: Broken Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Break Out Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Break Out Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editing Break Out Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercise: Break Out Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Managing Views and Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aligning Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deleting a View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Copy Views between Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Moving Views between Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercise: Managing Views and Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dimensioning a Drawing View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retrieving Model Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Placing Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercise: Dimensioning a Drawing View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Annotation Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annotating Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annotating Centerlines and Center Marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Notes and Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Placing Balloons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercise: General Annotation Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Challenge Exercise: Introduction to Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
441 443 445 446 447 450 451 452 453 456 459 460 461 463 464 465 466 469 470 471 472 476 477 478 479 480 481 486 490 491 492 500 507 511 516 521 522 523
vi
Contents
Preface
Preface
Preface Preface
Introduction
Welcome to Autodesk Inventor 8 Essentials Courseware, a training manual for use in Authorized Training Centers and in corporate training and classroom settings. Although this manual is designed to be used as a teaching tool for instructor-led courses, it can also be used for self-paced learning. The primary objectives of the manual are to help you become productive quickly with the features and functionality of Autodesk Inventor 8, and to encourage self-learning through the use of the Autodesk Inventor Design Support System (DSS). This manual is part of the Autodesk Official Training Courseware (AOTC) series designed primarily for instructorled classes.
Note
Instructor-led training in either short or long courses is an effective method to learn computer application software. Autodesk Inventor is designed for easy learning. The integrated Design Support System (DSS) provides you with ongoing support as well as access to online documentation. Each chapter in this manual has instructional design so that it is easy to follow and understand. Each exercise is taskoriented and is based on real-world examples of mechanical engineering.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
Prerequisites
This course is designed to teach new users of Autodesk Inventor the essential elements of using Autodesk Inventor 8 for Mechanical Design. 2D Drafters wanting to learn the basics of 3D design techniques are also encouraged to attend this course. It is recommended that you have a working knowledge of Microsoft Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0/Windows 2000, or Windows XP, and a working knowledge of parametric solid modeling concepts.
Preface
Chapter Flow
Introduction and Objectives. Provides an introduction to the chapter theme and states specific learning objectives for the chapter. Topics. Each chapter is a collection of topics that together form the theme of the chapter. Each topic contains an Introduction, Concepts, Objectives, Prerequisite and Summary. Summary. Summarizes the chapter.
Tip
Notes can contain information that provides guidelines, constraints or warnings about the topic.
Note
Step 1.
Insert the Autodesk Inventor 8 Essentials CD-ROM into your computer and follow the instructions in the setup wizard. If the wizard does not automatically start, browse to the root directory of the CD and double-click Setup.exe. By default, the exercise files will be installed to the C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AOTC\Inventor 8\Essentials folder unless you use the Browse button to specify a different folder. The Essentials folder contains the files necessary to complete each exercise in the training manual.
2.
3.
Projects
Most engineers work on several projects at a time, and each project may consist of a number of files. To accommodate this, Autodesk Inventor uses projects to help organize related files and maintain links between files. Each exercise has a project file that stores the paths to all the files related to the exercise. When you attempt to open a file, Autodesk Inventor uses the paths in the current project file to locate other necessary files. To work on a different project, you set a new project active in the Project Editor.
Preface
In this chapter
After completing this chapter, you will be able to... Start an Autodesk Inventor design session. Create a design using various methods and workflows. Create and edit project files for use in different environments and situations. Identify the main interface components found in Autodesk Inventor software. Access the help system and other online resources for learning Autodesk Inventor software.
Getting Started
Overview Overview
Overview
In this lesson you will learn the Autodesk Inventor software interface, workflow, and file types.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Start an Autodesk Inventor design session. Understand the concept of Parametric Modeling. Understand the typical design workflow when using Autodesk Inventor. Understand the available file types in Autodesk Inventor. Understand how to use template files.
Getting Started
See "What's New" in Autodesk Inventor: This link opens a help file containing all the new features in this release. Learn about constraints: This option launches a multi-media presentation that will teach you about constraints. Learn about AutoCAD to Inventor Help: This option launches a help file specifically designed for AutoCAD users making the transition to Autodesk Inventor. Features include slide graphics with links to specific help files and other information related to the differences between the software applications. Learn how to build models quickly: This option opens the main page to a series of helpful tutorials such as Using Constraints, Creating a Part, Creating Assemblies, and Advanced Topics. Learn about projects: This option presents the Autodesk Inventor Help Site Map, with focus on the Autodesk Inventor Projects help links. Each link
New
In the Open dialog box, in the What To Do area, click New and a list of all available templates for creating Autodesk Inventor files will be displayed. Default Tab: Lists the default templates based upon the default units type you select during installation. English Tab: Lists the available English Unit templates. Metric Tab: Lists the available Metric Unit templates.
Open
In the Open dialog box, in the What To Do area, click Open and the three main areas of the Open dialog box will be displayed.
Locations: This window presents the folders defined in the active project file. Each folder icon represents a shortcut you can select to list its files and subfolders. Main Window: All files and folders contained in the selected location are listed in this window. Preview Window: This window will display a preview of the selected Autodesk Inventor file. Standard Windows Navigation Buttons: Autodesk Inventor uses standard Microsoft Windowsnavigation tools in all of its file related dialog boxes.
Projects
In the Open dialog box, in the What To Do area, click Projects and Projects - Select a project file areas will be displayed. List of Available Projects: Double click on the project to make it active. The active project will have a check mark next to the project name. The Project Location column displays the path where the project is stored. Project Definition Pane: This window displays the project categories and paths defined for each category.
Another key aspect to Inventor is it ability to create adaptive parts. Adaptivity enables you to create dynamic relationships between parts in an assembly. When one part changes, adaptive capabilities in Autodesk Inventor will enable the related parts to change without the need to create complex cross-part parametric equations. For example, when you create a 2D sketch in a parametric modeler, you focus only on the shape of the sketch. You do not need to draw your lines and circles at specific lengths or diameters. After you create the sketch you place the required dimensions and the sketch geometry will update to reflect the dimension values you enter. As you create these dimensions, they are stored as individual parameters which you can change at a later time. If the parameter changes, the geometry to which it has been applied will also change to reflect the new value of the parameter.
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The parametric capability then extends beyond the sketch level to the 3D feature level. When you extrude your 2D sketch, the depth of the extrusion is also stored as a parameter and is then used to drive the geometry representing the extrusion.
As you create your parametric model, the parameters are stored in a table that you can access later and change if necessary. These parameters are created automatically and are used by the application to resolve geometry as new features are added. Note: Is is possible to change these parameters to include formulas or use recognizable names such as Length and Width. After you create the part, you may use it in an assembly file along with other parts. The parametric capabilities are now extended to the assembly environment by using 3D Constraints to constrain the parts together. Constraint properties such as Offset and Angle values are stored as parameters within the assembly.
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After you create the parts and assembly, the parametric technology is extended to the drawing environment. Drawing views are created and maintain an associative link to the part and assembly. It is possible to retrieve the parametric dimensions used in creating the geometry as well as additional dimensions as required. If changes occur in the part or assembly files, those changes will be reflected in the drawing.
The image below represents the basic file references that exist in a typical parametric design.
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In this lesson you will learn the typical workflow of an Autodesk Inventor design session.
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If the design requires an exploded view, create the Presentation representing the exploded assembly. Creating 2D Drawings.
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Part Files
Part files represent the foundation of all designs using Autodesk Inventor. You use the part file to describe the individual parts which make up an assembly. The file extension is *.ipt
Principle
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Assembly Files
Principle
Assembly files consist of multiple part files assembled in a single file to represent your assembly. You use assembly constraints to constrain all of the parts to each other. The assembly file contains references to all of its component files. File extension: *.iam
Presentation Files
You use presentation files to create exploded views of the assembly. It is also possible to animate the exploded views to simulate how the assembly should be put together or taken apart. File extension: *.ipn
Principle
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Drawing Files
You use drawing files to create the necessary 2D documentation of your design. Drawing files include dimensions, annotations, and views required for manufacturing. When you use a drawing file to create 2D views of an existing 3D model, the views are associative to the 3D model and changes in model geometry are automatically reflected in the drawing. You can also use drawing files to create simple 2D drawings in much the same way you would use other 2D drawing programs. File extension: *.idw
Principle
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Autodesk Inventor offers template files for each type of file. Template files are categorized into two main groups: (a) English for english units, inch and feet and (b) Metric, for metric units such as millimeter and meter. The Open dialog box offers three tabs: (a) Default, (b) English, and (c) Metric. The Default tab presents templates based upon the default unit you select during installation, while the English and Metric tabs present template files for their respective units.
To create a new Autodesk Inventor file, click the tab representing the required unit type, then select the appropriate template and click Open.
Create a new folder containing at least one file in the templates folder of your Autodesk Inventor installation. The next time you create a new Autodesk Inventor file, a new tab will appear in the Open dialog box with the name of your new folder.
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Overview
You use project files to resolve path locations of Autodesk Inventor software files. When an assembly file is loaded, the location of the part files must be resolved. The same is true when loading a drawing or presentation files. In this lesson you will learn the concept and implementation of Autodesk Inventor software Project files.
Active Project
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Understand the concept of Projects Understand the concept of Autodesk Inventor project files Setup Autodesk Inventor Projects Create Autodesk Inventor Projects Edit Autodesk Inventor Project files
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Project Concepts
When you use Autodesk Inventor software to create designs, each one will consist of multiple files and file types. The design and documentation of a single part file will require at least two separate files: (a) a part file and (b) a drawing file. The design and documentation of assembly models will require a minimum three different file types: (a) assembly files, (b) part files, and (c) drawing files.
Project Concepts
Using separate files for each file type is critical for performance and is common among most parametric modeling systems. This is the sole purpose of project files. By storing path information for each project, Autodesk Inventor software knows exactly where to look for the required files when opening an assembly, presentation, or drawing file. The below image represents file dependencies that exist in a typical assembly design.
When you open an assembly, drawing, or presentation file, the active project file is used to resolve path locations to the referenced files.
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Project Files
When you create designs you probably organize them in different folder locations. The same is true for Autodesk Inventor Project files. You will generally create one project file for each design you create.
Project Files - Concept
There is no limit to the number of project files you can create, but only one project can be active at any time. In the below image, the active project is identified by the check mark.
Included File: In a semi-isolated environment, the master project shared by the design team is included in individual projects so that all data in the workgroup folder are accessible and managed from a single project. Workspace: A personal location where you edit your personal copy of design files in single-user, semi-isolated, and vault modes. For single-user and vault modes, the workspace should be the only defined editable location. Only one designer should use a project with a defined workspace in a single session of Autodesk Inventor at a time. Local Search Paths: Avoid using a local search path except for design exploration. Do not use it for design project data. Do not make a local search
Copyright 2004 Autodesk, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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path a subfolder of the workspace folder. Local search paths are searched after the workspace is searched. Workgroup Search Paths: Workgroup folder locations are defined in the project workgroup search path and are the master project locations used by shared and semi-isolated modes for file check out and check in. Libraries: You use this category to define search paths for part libraries. Part libraries can consist of standard off-the-shelf components that you use in your designs, or can also include common parts that you design. The common factors in all Libraries is that the path is considered by Autodesk Inventor software to be read-only and parts stored within a library search path rarely, if ever, change. If library folders are defined, each needs a descriptive name that should not change. Because the library name is stored in the reference, changing the library name later will break library references. Options: You use these properties to set specific options for the Project file.
When examining this diagram, you will see the assembly file is stored in a different location from the component files. Component files exist in the Components folder. Assembly files exist in the Robot Assembly folder.
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Because the Components folder is a sub-folder of the defined workspace, it is used to resolve the component locations. The Hex Cap Screw is stored in a folder defined as a Library category.
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Project Setup
How you setup your Projects will depend largely on the type of environment in which you are working. For example, setting up Projects for a single user environment will differ from multi-user environment.
Procedure
In this lesson you will learn how to setup Project files for both a single-user and multiuser environment.
Select Project Pane: Select a Project to edit or double-click on a Project to activate it. Note: You cannot edit the active Project or activate a different project, if there are files open in Autodesk Inventor software. Edit Project Pane: Select the category or right-click on the option you want to change. When you edit search paths they are divided into two sections: (a) Named Shortcut and (b) Category Search Path. The Named Shortcut will appear in the Open dialog box, enabling you to easily navigate to the search path. The Category Search Path stores the path location.
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When you use relative paths in your Project file, it is possible to physically move the entire folder structure to another location or storage device. As long as the folders maintain their relative location to the storage location of the Project file, Autodesk Inventor will be able to resolve the files as required.
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In the below image, the My Documents folder is selected to list all files. The Project file shortcuts in the right-hand pane of the Explorer window are not the actual project files. They are Windowsshortcuts to the actual project files.
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Options
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(.ipj) in the workgroup folder. Design team members share the workgroup location, where they make and save file changes. Design team members open, work on, and save the original files directly in the workgroup folders where they are stored, rather than copy them locally. Designers can see when someone has a file checked out and are prevented from replacing the work of one another. Note that checking out a file does not protect it from being moved, copied, or deleted using MicrosoftWindows Explorer. Design team members always have access to the most up-to-date versions when they open files or refresh them. A file status browser shows the check-out status of project files that are in the workgroup and workspace locations. You can check files in and out from the file status browser. Canceling a check out makes it available to other designers but does not restore it to its state before check out.
Options
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check out to revert the file back to the original file. One advantage semi-isolated mode has over vault mode is that each designer needs only enough workspace storage for files he or she is actively editing, and there is no need to update the workspace to see changes other designers have checked in. Each designer always has access to the latest checked-in changes, plus any personal changes. All design team members share a master project, which is included in their personal project, and defines the workgroup and library locations of the design project data files. Checking out files automatically copies them from the workgroup to your personal workspace for editing. Checked-out files are saved to your personal workspace after editing. Files not checked out continue to be referenced from the central work group location and cannot be saved. Design team members do not see changes to files saved by others until the files are checked in to the workgroup location. A file status browser shows the check-out status of project files that are in the workgroup and workspace locations. You can check files in and out from the file status browser. Upon file check in, the file is automatically copied from your personal workspace to the workgroup removed from your personal workspace, and the previous version moved to the OldVersions folder. The workgroup uses this new version when the file is opened or checked out in the future. Canceling a check out removes the file reservation, deletes the workspace version, and leaves the original file in the workgroup. No changes are saved to the file. When you save a file, the previous version is moved to the OldVersions folder. Any designer that already had the file open will continue to access that version until they refresh or close and reopen the file.
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Creating Projects
You begin to create project files via a wizard type interface. You are prompted to fill in the relevant information such as Type of Project, Project Name, Workspace Folder, and Libraries to import from other Projects. After the initial creation is complete, you proceed to adding the required paths to the categories you will use.
Procedure
Access Methods
You can use either the Autodesk Inventor internal project editor or the standalone project editor to create new projects. Menu Standalone Project Editor File > Projects Start > Programs > Inventor 8 > Tools > Project Editor
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3.
In the Name field, enter Flange-Assembly and in the Project (Workspace) Folder field, enter C:\Designs\FlangeAssembly. Click Next.
4.
If you have any projects with Libraries defined, they will appear in this list. This enables you to copy Library Paths from other project files. Click Finish to create the project. If you are prompted to create the path, click OK.
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3.
In the Name field, enter a name for the Master Project. In the Project (Workgroup) Folder, enter a path to the Workgroup folder and click Next.
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4.
If you have any projects with Libraries defined, they will appear in this list. This enables you to copy Library Paths from other project files. Click Finish to create the project. If you are prompted to create the path, click OK.
After you create your Master Project you create a Personal Project. 1. In the Open dialog box, in the Project Pane, select the Master Project to use for your Personal Project, then click New.
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2.
In the Autodesk Inventor project wizard dialog box, click New Semi-Isolated Workspace and click Next.
3.
In the Name field, enter a name for your Workspace Project and enter a path for your workspace. Verify the Master Project File is listed correctly and click Finish. If you are prompted to create the path, click OK.
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Editing Projects
You can use the internal Project Editor or the Standalone Project Editor located on the WindowsStart menu to edit projects. In the Select Project Pane, select the Project to edit. In the Edit Project Pane select the category or option you need to edit. Depending on the item you edit, different options will be available on both the shortcut menu and to the right of the Edit Project Pane.
Procedure
Command Access
There are two methods available for editing projects. Menu Standalone Project Editor File > Projects Start > Programs > Inventor 8 > Tools > Project Editor
When editing projects, right-clicking on the various categories or options will display the following shortcut menus.
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Open: This option opens the project file used in the included file link. Edit: This option edits the link to the included project file. Delete: This option deletes the link to the included project file.
Add Path: This option adds a path to the workspace category. Enter a named shortcut and search path in the fields below the category. Add Paths from File...: This option adds the workspace path contained in another project file. A dialog box will appear for you to select the project file. Paste Path: This option pastes a path that was copied to the clipboard. Delete Section Paths: This option deletes all paths from the category.
Add Path: This option adds a path to the workspace category. Add Paths from File...: This option adds the workspace path contained in another project file. A dialog box will appear for you to select the project file. Add Paths from Directory...: Select this option to add the path of a selected directory including all sub-directories. Paste Path: Select this option to paste a path that was copied to the clipboard. Delete Section Paths: Select this option to delete all paths from the category.
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Multi-User Options
Off: Use this option for a single-user environment where Check-In and Check-Out capabilities are not required because the data is not shared with others in a workgroup. Shared: Use this option in a workgroup environment where multiple users may access the same data files. This option enables you to take advantage of the Check-Out/CheckIn features. When you edit any file, you will be prompted to check the file out at which time, the file will remain in its current folder but will be locked from editing by other users. Semi-Isolated: Use this option in a workgroup environment where multiple users may be accessing the same data files. When you edit a file, you will be prompted to check the file out at which time the file will be copied to the workspace defined in your project. The original file remains in its original location, but it is locked from editing until you check-in the version contained in your workspace folder. Vault: Only available if Autodesk Vault is installed.
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2.
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Overview
In this lesson you will learn about the Autodesk Inventor 8 software interface.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Identify the Browser in the Assembly, Part, Presentation, and Drawing environments Identify the Panel Bar Identify the Standard toolbar and groups of standard tools Understand how the menu structure is context sensitive based upon the environment you are using Identify and use Keyboard Shortcuts Identify the 3D Indicator and what it represents
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The Browser
The Browser is one of your main interface components. It is context sensitive with the environment you use. For example, when you work on an assembly you use the browser to present information specific to the assembly environment. While you use the Part Modeling environment, the browser displays information that is relevant to part modeling.
Procedure
As you progress through this course, you will use the various browser modes.
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Note: If you select the Position View drop-down button you can select Modeling View to switch the browser to display the part features nested under the parts instead of the assembly constraints. This is useful when performing part modeling functions in the context of the assembly.
Presentation Environment
When you use the browser in the Presentation environment, it will display the Presentation views you create followed by the tweaks you use for the explosion. When you expand each weak you will see the part(s) included in each one. It is also possible button to switch the browser mode from Tweak View to Sequence View to select the or Assembly View.
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Drawing Environment
In the Drawing Environment, the browser displays the Drawing Resource folder containing sheet formats, borders, title blocks and sketched symbols. It will also display each sheet in the drawing along with the views you create for each.
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The Assembly Panel Bar is displayed below in the default Learning mode. The tool icons, names, and keyboard shortcuts are displayed.
Select the Assembly Panel drop-down menu and click Expert. The Panel Bar switches to Expert mode. Tools are displayed with icons only. This mode allows more area for the browser window. Note: You can also access the Expert mode. Right-click anywhere on the Panel Bar and select Expert.
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You use the Part Modeling Panel Bar to create sketched and placed features in the modeling environment.
You use the Sketch Panel Bar in the modeling environment and for assembly based sketching to create 2D parametric sketches, dimensions, and constraints.
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You use the Presentation Panel Bar to create presentation views, tweaks, and animate geometry in the presentation environment.
You use the Drawing Views Panel Bar in the drawing environment to create drawing views on the sheet.
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You use the Drawing Annotation Panel Bar in the drawing environment to add reference dimensions and other annotation objects.
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Toolbars
There are several toolbars available for you to use, but by default only the Standard toolbar is displayed.
Procedure
Customizing toolbars is beyond the scope of this course. Please refer to the Autodesk Inventor help system for more information.
Standard Toolbar
The Standard toolbar is displayed here in three separate images. It is organized into groups based upon functionality. This area of the toolbar displays tools for standard file and modeling operations.
This area of the toolbar displays standard viewing tools such as Zoom All, Zoom Window, Rotate, and others.
This area of the toolbar displays appearance related tools for controlling your model's appearance.
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Menu Structure
Autodesk Inventor software utilizes the standard pull-down menu structure common in all Windows application. The menu structure is context sensitive based upon the environment and mode you are using.
Procedure
As you are learning Autodesk Inventor, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the different options that appear on the menu while working in different environments.
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Keyboard Shortcuts
On the panel bar and menus, you will use keyboard shortcuts to access tools. For example, P for Place Component, N for Create Component. Entering the keyboard shortcut is the same as clicking the tool on the panel bar or menu.
Procedure
Where applicable, the keyboard shortcuts will be listed for the tools as they are explained.
3D Indicator
While using the Assembly, Part Modeling, and Presentation environments, the 3D Indicator is displayed in the lower left area of the graphics window. The indicator displays your current view orientation in relation to the X, Y, Z axis of the coordinate system.
Procedure
3D Indicator
Red: X-Axis
Green: Y-Axis
Blue: Z-Axis
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2.
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Overview
Autodesk Inventor software offers several types of online help and tutorial references. Standard Help files, context sensitive How-To presentations, and Tutorials are all available. In this lesson you will learn about the different resources available for learning Autodesk Inventor.
Visual Syllabus
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Understand Help Topics Use the How To Popups Access the Help Topic containing information on the new features in this Autodesk Inventor release Access tutorials Access the Visual Syllabus Access the Help for AutoCAD Users Access Autodesk Online
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Help Topics
A comprehensive Help Topics section installs by default. You can access the Help Topics window by using the F1 key or any of the other methods listed below. The Help Topics window is only one component of the Help System.
Procedure
Access Methods
You can use either of the following methods to launch the help topic. Menu Toolbar Help > Help Topics
Keyboard Shortcut
F1
Use standard point and click navigation techniques to navigate the help system. You can also enter search words in the left pane of the Help Topics window.
As you navigate to specific topics in the help system, icons may appear in the help topics representing specific tools. Click the icon to start the tool.
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How To Popups
The Help System is context sensitive. It presents information to you in a manner relevant to each task. Right-click in the graphics window, and on the shortcut menu, click How To. A help topic, or in some cases the Show Me help window, will be displayed containing information on the selected tool in an animated sequence.
Procedure
Access Methods
You can use the following method to launch the How To Popups. Shortcut Menu Right-click in the graphics window and on the shortcut menu, click How To.
The below image represents the type of information that is available in the context sensitive How To Popups. The animated sequence will play automatically and you can select the navigation buttons to navigate to specific sequence numbers.
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What's New
The What's New help topic contains information on all new features in the current release of Autodesk Inventor. All changes are organized into main categories such as Drawings, Part Modeling, and Sheet metal. Expand the category of interest and use standard point and click navigation to learn about the new features.
Procedure
Access Methods
You can use the following method to launch the What's New help topic. Menu Help > What's New
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Tutorials
There are several tutorials available covering a wide range of topics from Introduction to Advanced. From the main tutorial window, use standard point and click navigation techniques to select the topic of interest. The tutorials present step by step information on performing certain tasks in Autodesk Inventor.
Procedure
Access Methods
You can use the following method to access the tutorials. Menu Help > Tutorials
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Visual Syllabus
The Visual Syllabus presents topic specific information in an animated presentation. Start the Visual Syllabus, select the main topic, then select specific feature tools available. Information on the features you select will be presented to you in an animation.
Procedure
Access Methods
You can use the following method to access the Visual Syllabus. Standard Toolbar
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Access Methods
You can use the following method to access the Help for AutoCAD Users. Menu Help > Help for AutoCAD Users
The below image represents the main window of the Help for AutoCAD Users help topic. Use standard point and click navigation options to navigate to the topic of choice.
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Autodesk Online
Autodesk Online is an e-learning portal to training information available for Autodesk software users. The information is presented via HTML, PDF, and other web-friendly formats. Select the Autodesk Inventor Skill Builders link, you will be arrive at a special area of the Autodesk.com website dedicated to providing e-learning materials and tutorials for the Autodesk Inventor user.
Procedure
The Autodesk Online portal contains dynamic and new information. It is updated regularly.
Access Methods
You can use the following method to access the Autodesk Online. Menu Help > Autodesk Online
Autodesk Online
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2.
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In this exercise, you will create two new Autodesk Inventor Project files. (a) Create a new Semi-Isolated Project to be used as a Master Project, then create a Personal Workspace Project and use the Included file option to include the Master Project. Utilize the information contained in this chapter as well as the information contained in the Help System to create the required projects.
2.
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Chapter Summary
Summary
Starting a design session using Autodesk Inventor software. The typical workflow of creating a design in Autodesk Inventor as well as different assembly modeling concepts. The file types created by Autodesk Inventor and how to use them in your designs. The concept of project files and how they are used to maintain file references between Autodesk Inventor files. Creating and editing project files, and which types of projects are used for particular situations. The user interface for Autodesk Inventor software. Accessing different tools, through the use of keyboard shortcuts. Accessing several different resources for learning Autodesk Inventor software.
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Introduction to Sketching
Chapter Introduction
In this chapter you learn about... Different aspects of creating sketches in Autodesk Inventor software. The sketch environment and available sketch tools. Rules for creating efficient sketches. Using the sketch coordinate system. Using the Precise Input toolbar. Editing sketches and using the Sketch Doctor to fix problems with sketches. Constraining sketches using both automatic and manual 2D constraints. Geometric constraints and how they can be used. Planning and viewing constraints that have been applied to geometry. Using construction geometry to assist you in creating 2D sketches. Dimensioning 2D sketches. Placing parametric dimensions to control the size of sketch elements. Applying dimensions manually and automatically. Options for displaying dimensions. Guidelines for dimensioning sketches.
In this chapter
After completing this chapter, you will be able to... Create 2D sketches for use in 3D designs. Create sketches using the Precise Input toolbar. Edit sketches. Use the Sketch Doctor to assist in fixing problems with sketches. Plan and implement constraints on 2D sketches. Apply constraints manually and automatically. View and delete constraints that have been applied to geometry. Use construction geometry to assist in creating 2D sketch geometry. Apply dimensions to sketch geometry. Apply dimensions using both manual and automatic methods.
Creating Sketches
Overview Overview
Overview
The fundamental basis for all three-dimensional (3D) designs begins with a sketch. The two-dimensional (2D) geometry contained in the sketch is used to create base features as well as secondary features.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Understand the sketch environment Create sketch geometry Understand the rules for creating sketches Understand the Sketch Coordinate System Utilize the Precise Input interface to create sketch geometry Edit sketches Use the Sketch Doctor to fix sketch geometry
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Sketch Environment
When you create sketches, you work in an environment designed specifically for the creation of 2D geometry. Although the geometry varies from part to part, the environment in which the geometry is created is always consistent.
Concept
A typical part generally includes multiple sketches positioned along various planes. Each sketch contains different geometry. Because sketches represent the most fundamental part of your design, it is critical that you become comfortable with the environment in which they are created.
Following are some important features in the sketch environment: Sketch panel bar: Displays the 2D sketching tools available. Sketch origin indicator: Used to identify the current location and orientation of the sketch origin and axes. Sketch1: The first sketch in the part. This is automatically created when you create a new part. Sketch axes: Aligned with the sketch origin indicator, represents the X and Y axes of the sketch.
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Access Methods
Toolbar Select the Sketch tool > Select a face or plane to orient the sketch.
Shortcut Menu
Right-click the face of a part or a work plane, and on the shortcut menu click New Sketch.
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Sketch Tools
In the sketch environment, the Panel Bar automatically switches to display the available sketch tools. The 2D Sketch Panel contains all of the tools to assist in creating sketch geometry.
Procedure
In this lesson you learn about the most common sketch tools: Line, Arc, Rectangle, Circle, Fillet, and Chamfer. Editing tools are covered in a later chapter. If necessary, refer to the Help Topics for more information about sketch tools.
Line Tool
The Line tool enables you to create line segments on the sketch. Panel Bar
Shortcut Key
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3.
Pick a point to end the line segment. Drag the cursor in the direction of the next line segment, again paying attention to the Constraint Glyph indicating the automatic constraint.
4.
Pick a point to end the line segment. Continue drawing line segments as required. If the Constraint Glyph represents a constraint that you would like to change, scrub geometry on the sketch for the constraint to be applied and continue drawing the line segment. In the image sequence below, the first image shows that the third line segment is being constrained parallel to the first segment, the second image demonstrates by scrubbing a different sketch element, and the third image shows that the constraint is now inferred to the sketch element being scrubbed.
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5.
6.
Right-click in the graphics window, and click Done on the shortcut menu.
Circle Tool
The Circle tool enables you to create circles on the sketch. Panel Bar
Shortcut Key
SHIFT+C
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2.
Drag your cursor to a location representing the outside perimeter of the circle and pick that point to create the circle.
3. 4. 5.
Right-click in the graphics window, and click Done on the shortcut menu. To create a 3-Point Tangent Circle, on the Panel Bar, click the Tangent Circle tool. Select three parts of the geometry that the circle will be tangent to.
6.
Right-click in the graphics window, and click Done on the shortcut menu.
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Arc Tool
The Arc tool enables you to create arcs on the sketch. Panel Bar
Pick a point representing the start point of the arc. Note: Arcs are created in a counterclockwise direction so pick your start point accordingly.
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Right-click in the graphics window, and on the shortcut menu click Done.
Creating Tangent Arcs: On the Panel Bar, click the Tangent Arc tool and pick the geometry being used for the arcs tangency.
Drag your cursor and pick the endpoint of the arc. Note the Center Point Projection as you approach a 90-, 180-, or 270-degree arc.
Right-click in the graphics window, and click Done on the shortcut menu.
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Creating 3-Point Arcs: On the Panel Bar, click the Three Point Arc tool and pick the start point of the arc.
Drag your cursor to size the arc appropriately. Depending upon existing geometry and arc size, constraint glyphs may appear.
Right-click in the graphics window, and on the shortcut menu click Done.
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Rectangle Tool
The Rectangle tool enables you to create rectangles on the sketch. Panel Bar
3.
4. 5.
Right-click in the graphics window, and click Done on the shortcut menu Creating a Three-Point Rectangle: To create rectangles at angles other than 0 and 90 degrees. On the Panel Bar, click the Three Point Rectangle tool. Pick a point representing the first corner of the rectangle.
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6.
7.
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Right-click in the graphics window, and on the shortcut menu click Done.
Fillet Tool
The Fillet tool enables you to create fillets on the sketch. Panel Bar
Radius: Enter a radius for the fillet feature. Applies an equal constraint to all fillets you create during the current session of the Fillet tool.
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2.
Pick the corner of the geometry being filleted or select each line separately.
3.
Continue selecting geometry or corners to be filleted. Notice with the Equal option set, a dimension appears on only the first fillet you create.
4.
When you are finished adding fillets, right-click in the graphics window, and click Done on the shortcut menu.
Chamfer Tool
The Chamfer tool enables you to create chamfers on the sketch. Panel Bar
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This option will constrain secondary chamfers by referencing dimension parameters from the first chamfer created during this session of the Chamfer tool.
Distance: Enter a distance for the chamfer to be applied equally to both sides.
Distance1: Enter a value for one side of the chamfer. Distance2: Enter a value for the second side of the chamfer.
Distance: Enter a value for one side of the chamfer. Angle: Enter a value for the angle of the chamfer.
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3.
If necessary, change the options in the dialog box and continue selecting points or geometry to create additional chamfers.
4.
When you are finished adding chamfers, in the 2D Chamfer dialog box, click Done.
Creating Centerlines
You cannot draw centerlines. Instead, you can draw regular line segments using the standard Line tool. You then change the line segment to represent a centerline style. Using centerlines in your sketch will assist in creating revolve features and placing diametric profile dimensions.
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2.
Select the line segment and on the Standard toolbar, from the Styles drop-down list, select Centerline.
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Following are some rules for successful sketching: Keep the sketch simple. Do not fillet the corners of a sketch if you can apply a fillet to the edges of the finished 3D feature and achieve the same effect. Complex sketch geometry can be difficult to manage as designs evolve. Repeat simple shapes to build more complex shapes. Draw the profile sketch roughly to size and shape. Accept default dimensions until the shape is stabilized. Use 2D constraints to stabilize sketch shape before size. Use closed loops for profiles.
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In most cases, you will not need to edit the sketch coordinates but if required, you can right-click the sketch in the browser and on the shortcut menu, click Edit Coordinate System. You must exit the sketch before you edit the coordinate system so you can change the orientation of the axes and reposition the origin.
The sketch coordinate icon appears, showing its current origin and orientation.
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2.
To change the sketch coordinate's origin, select the origin of sketch coordinate icon, and then select a new point for the origin.
3.
The change the direction of the X or Y axis, click the axis then select a new edge to align the axis to.
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Precise Input
When creating sketch geometry it is possible to use the Precise Input toolbar to enter precise values or coordinates. This enables you to create sketch geometry at specific lengths or angles prior to placing parametric dimensions. It is also possible to use this tool to create sketch geometry based on relative coordinates from other model geometry.
Procedure
Access Methods
Use the following method to access the Precise Input tool: Toolbar View menu > Toolbars > Inventor Precise Input
Relative Origin: This option enables you to enter coordinates relative to a point you select. Relative Orientation: This option is used when moving faces on a base solid. It will rotate the axes of the active coordinate system. Relative Orientation is not available while sketching. Delta Input: This option sets the inputs as a delta to the last point picked or entered. The first point is relative to the origin. Subsequent points are relative to the last point picked or entered. Input Type: From the drop-down list, select a data format.
XY: This format specifies a coordinate relative to the origin. In the X and Y boxes, enter the desired values. X: This format specifies a coordinate by x coordinate and angle from the positive X axis. In the X and boxes, enter the desired values. Y: This format specifies a coordinate by y coordinate and angle from the positive X axis. In the Y and boxes, enter the desired values.
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d: This format specifies a coordinate by a distance and angle from the positive X axis. In the D and boxes, enter the desired values.
Process Overview
The following steps represent an overview for using the Precise Input tool. 1. Create a new sketch.
2.
On the View menu, click Toolbars > Inventor Precise Input to display the Inventor Precise Input toolbar.
3. 4.
On the 2D Sketch Panel Bar, click a sketch tool such as Line. To set your relative Precise Relative point, click the icon and pick a point on the sketch geometry. (Optionally enter offset values for the selected point.)
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5.
Click the Delta X Delta Y button to move the origin indicator to the last point. From the Input Type drop-down list, select the desired Input Type and enter the appropriate values in the corresponding boxes.
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8.
Right-click in the graphics window and click done on the shortcut menu.
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Editing Sketches
As you build your parametric model, you will be creating multiple sketches. When the sketch is used by a feature such as Extrude, Revolve, or Hole, the sketch becomes consumed by the feature and appears under the feature in the Browser. You can see each of the sketches in the Browser by expanding the particular feature(s). The ability to edit these features is fundamental to any parametric modeling session. As you edit the sketches, the changes are applied to the features based upon those sketches.
Procedure
Access Methods
The following methods can be used to edit sketches. Browser Browser Browser Double-click the sketch. Right-click the feature and click Edit Sketch. Right-click the sketch and click Edit Sketch.
In the image below, Sketch1 has been consumed by Extrusion1. You can expand the Extrusion1 feature to expose the consumed sketch. Editing the sketch places the model in a rolled back state, where only the features existing at the time this sketch was created are visible. Note the change in appearance in the browser as the background color changes indicating the active feature. When you edit sketches, you are returned to the sketch environment and the Panel Bar changes, providing you with access to all the sketch tools initially used in creating the sketch.
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Editing Sketches
On the Standard toolbar, click the Return tool to exit the sketch environment.
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Process Overview
The following steps represent an overview for editing sketches. 1. In the Browser, right-click the feature or sketch and click Edit Sketch on the shortcut menu.
Once the sketch has been activated for editing, you can make changes to geometry, dimensions, and constraints.
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2.
3.
When you are done editing the sketch, on the Standard toolbar, click the Return tool to exit the sketch and return to the part model. The changes in the sketch are applied to the 3D features of the part.
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Sketch Doctor
The Sketch Doctor is a tool that assists you in fixing common problems that can occur in your sketches. Common problems include redundant points, missing coincident constraints, and open loops.
Procedure
In this lesson you learn how to use the Sketch Doctor to fix common problems in sketches.
Access Methods
The following methods can be used to access the Sketch Doctor. Sketched Feature Dialog Box This icon is available in the Sketched Feature dialog box if a problem with the sketch is detected. While a sketch is activated, right-click and click Sketch Doctor.
Browser
In the Extrude dialog box, the presence of the Red Cross icon indicates that problems have been detected with the sketch. You click this button to start the Sketch Doctor, which will diagnose and assist you in fixing the problems detected. The Sketch Doctor can correct some problems, while other problems may require manual editing and correction.
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In the Sketch Doctor dialog box, click Diagnose Sketch to start the diagnosis.
In the Diagnose Sketch dialog box, you select the diagnostic tests to perform. By default, all tests are selected.
Detected problems are listed in the Sketch Doctor dialog box. You select the problem to recover and click Next.
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Sketch Problems
Tip
Most sketch problems occur when you import 2D geometry from other applications. Read the import options closely while importing geometry, and import only the geometry required for the sketch.
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Constraining Sketches
Overview Overview
Overview
You use geometric constraints to control the sketch geometry to which they have been applied. For example, a vertical constraint, applied to a line segment, forces that line segment to always be vertical. A tangent constraint added to an arc forces that arc to remain tangent to the geometry that it has been constrained. In this lesson you learn how to work with constraint sketches.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Understand the concept of constraining sketches Understand geometric constraints Understand how to plan constraints Show and delete constraints applied to 2D sketch geometry Use the Show All tool to show all constraints applied to a sketch Create and use construction geometry in the sketch
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As you create sketches, some constraints are inferred (applied automatically). In most cases the inferred constraints are sufficient for your initial constraints. As you continue to develop the sketch, you may need to add additional constraints to properly stabilize the sketch geometry. The following image illustrates the effect of constraints on sketch geometry. The sketch on the left was purposely drawn utilizing only some of the inferred constraints. The sketch on the right is the result of adding additional constraints such as vertical, horizontal, and colinear.
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Geometric Constraints
Procedure
Geometric Constraints
You can apply several different types of geometric constraints to your sketch geometry. Each constraint type offers a unique capability and is used to create a specific constraint condition. In this lesson you learn about the different constraints available and how they can be used.
Access Methods
The following methods can be used to access the 2D geometric constraints. 2D Sketch Panel
Shortcut Menu
The following image shows the 2D geometric constraints available from the 2D Sketch Panel.
Constraint
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Constraint
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Apply an Equal Constraint 1. 2. On the Panel Bar, click the Equal constraint tool. Select a circle, line, or arc.
3.
4.
Apply a Horizontal Constraint between a point and a midpoint 1. On the Panel Bar, click the Horizontal constraint tool.
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2.
3.
The geometry is now constrained horizontally based upon the two points selected.
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Apply a Symmetrical Constraint 1. 2. On the Panel Bar, click the Symmetric constraint tool. Select the first sketch element for the constraint.
3.
4.
Select a sketch element to be used for the symmetry line. Tip: You only need to select the symmetry line once during the current session of the Symmetric Constraint tool.
5.
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Planning Constraints
As you create sketch geometry, constraints are automatically applied. However, those constraints do not always completely represent your design intent. Therefore, you must add constraints or delete existing constraints.
Concept
In this lesson you learn how to plan constraints for your 2D sketch geometry. Following are some key concepts regarding constraint planning. Determine sketch dependencies. During the sketch creation process, determine how sketch elements relate to each other and apply the appropriate sketch constraints.
Analyze automatically applied constraints. As you create sketch geometry, some constraints are automatically applied. After the sketch is created, you should determine whether any degrees of freedom remain on the sketch. If required, delete the automatically applied constraints and apply constraints to remove the degrees of freedom.
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Use only needed constraints. When you apply constraints to your sketch geometry, take into account the design intent and the degrees of freedom remaining on the sketch. It is not necessary to fully constrain sketch geometry in order to create 3D features. In some situations you may be required to leave sketch geometry underconstrained. You can use the constraint-drag technique to see the remaining degrees of freedom on the sketch.
Stabilize shape before size. Before you place dimensions on your sketch elements, you should constrain the sketch to prevent the geometry from distorting. As you place the parametric dimensions, the sketch elements update to reflect the correct size. By stabilizing the geometry with constraints, you will be able to predict the effect the dimensions will have on the sketch geometry. If necessary use the Fix constraint to fix portions of the sketch.
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Place dimensions on large elements before small ones. By placing dimensions on larger elements first, you can minimize distortion on the sketch as it updates to reflect the dimensioned values.
Use both geometric constraints and dimensions. It is important to understand that constraints and dimensions work together to constrain the geometry. Some constraint combinations may distort underconstrained portions of your sketch. By using a combination of geometric constraints and parametric dimensions, you can correct this distortion and generate a sketch that is properly constrained and meets your design intent.
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Identify sketch elements that might change size. When constraining sketches, take into account features that may change as the design evolves. When you identify sketch features that may change, leave those features underconstrained. This will allow the feature to change as the design evolves. In the case of adaptive parts, you will intentionally leave features underconstrained to enable them to adapt to other parts in the assembly.
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Access Methods
The following method can be used to access the Show/Delete Constraints tool. 2D Sketch Panel
Viewing Constraints. On the Show Constraints toolbar, click the constraint. The geometry referenced by the selected constraint will be highlighted. Deleting Constraints. On the Show Constraints toolbar, select the constraint symbol and press DELETE, or right-click the selected constraint and click Delete. Lock the Constraint Toolbar. Click the PushPin icon on the Show Constraints toolbar to leave the toolbar displayed until you close it.
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Process Overview
The following steps present an overview for using the Show/Delete Constraints tool. 1. 2. On the Panel Bar, click the Show Constraints tool. Pause over, or select the geometry. Pausing over the geometry will display the Show Constraints toolbar temporarily until you move your cursor away from the toolbar. Selecting the geometry will display the toolbar permanently until you close it. You can lock the temporary toolbar by selecting the PushPin icon.
Select the constraint symbol to view the geometry referenced by the constraint.
4.
To delete the constraint, press DELETE, or right-click the constraint symbol and click Delete.
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Access Methods
The following methods can be used to access the Show All Constraints tool. Shortcut Menu Right-click in the graphics window and click Show All Constraints. (Sketch must be active.) F8 - Show all constraints F9 - Hide all constraints The Constraint toolbars will appear next to each sketch element. Click and drag on the vertical bars of the toolbars to move them to another location.
Keyboard Shortcut
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You can use construction geometry as a reference for dimensions to other normal sketch geometry as well as to constrain normal sketch geometry. In this lesson you learn how to create and constrain construction geometry.
Access Methods
Use the following method to access the Construction geometry style. Standard Toolbar
In the following image below, construction lines are used to position the slot from the center of the circle and along the angled construction line.
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2.
On the Standard toolbar, select Construction from the Styles drop-down list.
3.
On the Sketch Panel Bar, click one of the sketch tools to create the geometry. As you sketch the geometry it will be created as construction geometry.
4.
To switch back to normal geometry creation, on the Standard toolbar, select Normal from the Styles drop-down list.
5.
6.
You can convert normal geometry to construction geometry by selecting the geometry, then on the Standard Toolbar in the Styles drop-down list, select Construction.
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Dimensioning Sketches
Overview Overview
Overview
Dimensioning your sketches is a major part of constraining the 2D geometry. While geometric constraints stabilize the sketch and make it predictable, dimensions size the sketch according to your design intent. In this lesson you learn how to create and use various types of dimensions on your 2D sketch geometry.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Create various types of parametric dimensions Create and use driven dimensions on your sketch Use additional options when applying dimensions Create and apply dimensions to your sketch using the Automatic Dimensioning tool Use different formats when displaying dimensions on your sketch Understand best practices for dimensioning your sketch
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Parametric Dimensions
Adding parametric dimensions is the final step in fully constraining your sketch geometry. When you apply a parametric dimension to a sketch element, the sketch element changes size to reflect the value of the dimension.
Procedure
Unlike 2D CAD applications where dimensions are simply numeric representations of the size of the geometry, in a parametric 3D modeling application, dimensions are used to drive the size of the geometry. This technology enables you to quickly change a dimension and immediately see the effect the change has on the geometry. Several types of parametric dimensions are available but only one dimension tool is used to create them. Autodesk Inventor places the appropriate type of dimension based on the geometry that you select. When placing dimensions, the shortcut menu displays additional options for placing the dimension.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the General Dimension tool: Standard Toolbar
Keyboard Shortcut
The following image shows various types of dimensions that you can apply to sketch geometry.
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c.
Rightclick in the graphics window and click Done on the shortcut menu, or continue placing additional dimensions. Radial/Diameter Dimension: a. On the Panel Bar, click the General Dimension tool. b. Select the sketch element for the radial/diameter dimension and follow the sequence below.
c.
Rightclick in the graphics window and click Done on the shortcut menu, or continue placing additional dimensions.
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Angular Dimension: a. On the Panel Bar, click the General Dimension tool. b. Select the sketch each element for the angular dimension and follow the sequence below. c. When creating an angular dimension select each line at a point on other than their endpoints.
d.
Rightclick in the graphics window and click Done on the shortcut menu, or continue placing additional dimensions. Aligned Dimension: a. On the Panel Bar, click the General Dimension tool. b. Select the sketch element for the aligned dimension and follow the sequence below.
Position the cursor near the geometry. Click when the Aligned Dimension icon is displayed c.
Rightclick in the graphics window and click Done on the shortcut menu, or continue placing additional dimensions. Tip: You could also right-click before positioning the dimension and click Aligned on the shortcut menu to set the dimension type as an Aligned dimension.
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Entering Values
Autodesk Inventor understands specific units of measurement such as millimeter, centimeter, meter, inch, and foot. It is not necessary to enter the suffix of the default unit. If your part consists of multiple units of measurement you must enter the non-default unit suffixes. For example, if the default unit of measurement is millimeters, you would enter a value of 50 millimeters as 50 with no suffix. To specify a value of 50 centimeters in the same part, you would enter 50 cm. Autodesk Inventor evaluates the values as you enter them. Values shown in red indicate an improper value or format, while values shown in black are considered to be valid. Unit suffixes and parameters are case-sensitive. When you enter a unit suffix, it must be entered in lowercase. For example 50 cm would be evaluated correctly while 50 CM is not valid.
Radial/Diameter dimension options: When you place a dimension on a arc or circle, right-click in the graphics window and on the shortcut menu, click Diameter or Radius to switch the default mode of the current dimension. When dimensioning an arc, the default mode is Radius. When dimensioning a circle, the default mode is Diameter.
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two points at an angle, right-click in the graphics window and on the shortcut menu, click the desired dimension type.
Dimensioning to quadrants: When you need to place a dimension to the quadrant of a circle, place the cursor near the quadrant and look for the quadrant dimension glyph. Select the arc or circle at the point where the glyph appears.
Notice the parameter names d3, d4, d5 and so on. These names are automatically generated each time a dimension is placed. If you delete a dimension, its parameter is also deleted and the original dimension name is not used again in the current part file. You can rename the default dimension names and modify their values in the Parameters dialog box.
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Driven Dimensions
As you apply dimensions to your sketch geometry, these dimensions will be parametric by default. Each parametric dimension you apply reduces the degrees of freedom available on each sketch. Once all the degrees of freedom have been removed, the sketch is considered fully constrained and you are not allowed to place any additional constraints or parametric dimensions.
Principle
You create driven dimensions with the same dimension tool used for parametric dimensions. However, when you create a driven dimension, you must set the dimension style to Driven. On the Standard toolbar, from the Styles drop-down list, select Driven. This option is available only if the General Dimension tool is active or one or more existing dimensions are currently selected. Unlike parametric dimensions which force the geometry to change size based on the dimension value, driven dimensions are driven by the geometry. The value of a driven dimension changes if the geometry it has been applied to changes. Because driven dimensions do not force the geometry to change, they do not remove any degrees of freedom from the sketch.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the General Dimension tool and apply driven dimensions. Standard Toolbar
Keyboard Shortcut
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As you place dimensions on your sketch, if you attempt to apply a dimension that would overconstrain the sketch, you will be given the option to create the dimension as a driven dimension. Click Accept to create a driven dimension based on your selection.
The preceding image shows dimension d25 being created equal to dimension d24. When you want to reference other dimensions in a new dimension, with the Edit Dimension dialog box open, select an existing dimension to reference. The cursor
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changes to indicate that you are referencing an existing dimension. When you select the existing dimension, the parameter name of the dimension you selected is entered in the Edit Dimension dialog box.
Measure: Enables you to measure another sketch element or 3D feature. The resulting value is placed in the Edit Dimension dialog box. Show Dimensions: Enables you to select a feature on the 3D part to display the underlying dimensions. After the dimensions are displayed you can select a dimension for use in the existing dimension. The dimension being referenced can be used alone or in a formula. Tolerance: Displays the Tolerance dialog box enabling you to assign a tolerance to the parametric dimension. List Parameters: Lists the current User Parameters in a window, enabling you to select a User Parameter for use in the current dimension. This option appears only if User Parameters have been created. Recently Used Values: Displays a list of recently used values. Select any value for use in the current dimension.
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Automatic Dimensioning
The Auto Dimension tool applies constraints and dimensions to the entire sketch or only those sketch elements that are selected. The Auto Dimension tool is intended to be used in conjunction with the General Dimension tool and manually added or inferred constraints.
Procedure
For best results you should apply constraints and any dimensions you would prefer not be automatically calculated. Although you can use the tool to dimension all sketch elements automatically by not selecting any elements and clicking the Apply button, you should select the geometry based on how you want the automatic dimensions applied.
Access Methods
Use the following method to access the Auto Dimension tool. Standard Toolbar
The following options are available in the Auto Dimension dialog box: Curves: Select the sketch elements to be automatically dimensioned. If no sketch elements are selected, all elements are considered for dimensioning. Dimensions: When selected, applies dimensions to the sketch elements. Constraints: When selected, applies constraints to the sketch elements. Dimensions Required: Displays the number of dimensions required to fully constrain the sketch. Manually applied dimensions and/or constraints will affect this number. Tip: When this number is 2, consider using at least one fix constraint or constrain the geometry to the origin of the sketch. Apply: Applies dimensions and constraints to the selected geometry. Remove: Removes the dimensions and/or constraints applied by the Auto Dimension tool. This will not remove dimensions and/or constraints that you applied manually.
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2.
On the Panel Bar, click the Auto Dimension tool and select the geometry to be automatically dimensioned.
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3.
In the Auto Dimension dialog box, click the Apply button to apply dimensions and constraints to the selected geometry. Click Done to close the dialog box.
4.
5.
Use standard dimension editing techniques to adjust the dimension values as required.
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Displaying Dimensions
You can control how dimensions are displayed in the graphics window by using different dimension display options. While in an active sketch, right-click in the graphics window and on the shortcut menu, click Dimension Display. You then select a dimension display option.
Procedure
The following options are available on the Dimension Display submenu: Value: Dimension is displayed as nominal value.
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Use the General Dimension tool to place critical dimensions, and then use the Auto Dimension tool to speed up the dimensioning process. Use geometric constraints when possible. For example, place a perpendicular constraint instead of an angle dimension of 90 degrees. Place large dimensions before small ones. Incorporate relationships between dimensions. For example, if two dimensions are supposed to be the same value, reference one dimension to the other. With this relationship, if the first dimension changes, the other dimension changes as well. Consider both dimensional and geometric constraints to meet the overall design intent.
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In this exercise, you create a new part file and using the techniques and concepts learned in this chapter, create, constrain, and dimension a sketch as show here.
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Chapter Summary
Summary
Basic rules for creating sketches. How to create and edit 2D sketches. Fix common problems associated with sketches. How to constrain 2D sketches in Autodesk Inventor. About the types of constraints available and what types of geometry they can be applied to. How to use construction geometry when creating 2D sketches. How to apply parametric dimension to 2D sketches. What makes parametric and driven dimensions different. How to display dimensions Guidelines and best practices for dimensioning sketches.
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In this chapter
After completing this chapter, you will be able to... Create sketches and profiles for use in sketch features. Use the Sketch tool to create new sketches. Use existing part faces to define new sketch planes. Create reference geometry from existing part geometry. Create extruded features using the Extrude tool. Specify termination options when you create extruded features. Edit extruded features. Create revolved features using the Revolve tool. Edit revolved features.
Overview
Three-dimensional (3D) features that you create in Autodesk Inventor fall into one of two categories: sketched features or placed features. The term "sketched feature" refers to a 3D feature that is based on a 2D sketch. In this lesson you learn the concept of sketched features and how they are created.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Understand the concept of simple sketched features Identify consumed and unconsumed sketches in your model Identify the two different types of profiles and options for working with closed loop profiles Share sketch features
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You create your 3D model by using multiple sketches representing various profiles of the 3D part and building on those sketches with sketch features. The first sketch feature you create is considered the base feature. After you create the base feature, additional sketched and/or placed features are added to the 3D model. As you add the additional sketched features, options are available that control whether the secondary sketched features will add or remove material from the existing 3D geometry.
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Unconsumed Sketch
The image below shows the initial sketch before it is consumed by the sketched feature.
Unconsumed Sketch
Consumed Sketches
The following image shows sketches consumed by the sketched features. In the browser, the sketches are nested below the sketched feature in which they were used.
Consumed Sketches
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The following options are available on the Sketch shortcut menu: Edit Sketch: Activates the sketch environment for editing. Any changes you make to the sketch are reflected in the 3D geometry. Redefine: Enables you to redefine the plane on which the sketch was created. Any changes you make are reflected in the 3D geometry. Share Sketch: Shares the sketch making it available for additional sketch features. Edit Coordinate System: Activates the sketch enabling you to adjust the sketch coordinate system. For example, you could change the direction of the current X or Y axes, or reposition the sketch origin. Create Note: Attaches a note to the sketch using the Engineer's Notebook interface. Visibility: When a sketch is consumed by a feature, its visibility is automatically turned off. This option sets the visibility of the sketch to On.
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As you build more complex sketches, you may end up with multiple closed loop profiles. In this situation you have one sketch containing multiple closed profiles. The closed profiles in some cases may intersect each other. When you create sketched features from these types of profiles, you are able to select any individual closed profile or multiple closed profiles to be included in the feature.
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Under certain circumstances, sharing the sketch is an alternative to creating multiple sketches. When you share the sketch its geometry becomes available for an unlimited number of additional sketched features.
Access Methods
Use the following method to share a sketch. Shortcut Menu In the Browser, right-click on a consumed sketch and click Share Sketch.
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The following image shows a sketch that has been shared and is being used in two sketched features.
The hand indicates the sketch has been shared. The icon is colored indicating that the sketch (and any dimensions added) will remain visible, even after being consumed by the sketched feature. You must manually turn off visibility for a shared sketch.
Before you share a sketch, be certain this is the method you want to use to accomplish your design intent. After you share a sketch, there is no way to "un-share" or delete the shared sketch.
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2.
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Overview
Every sketch you create defines a 2D plane on which your sketch geometry is created. In this lesson you learn how to work with sketch planes, and you learn about creating and referencing sketch geometry.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Use the Sketch tool to create new sketch planes Define a new sketch plane based upon an existing part face Reference existing model edge geometry when you create sketches Create reference geometry
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Standard Toolbar
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Create a new sketch On the Standard toolbar, click the Sketch tool and select a plane or face on the part.
To exit the sketch, use one of the following methods: On the Standard toolbar, click the Sketch tool or On the Standard toolbar, click the Return button or, Right-click in the graphics window and click Finish Sketch on the shortcut menu.
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Standard Toolbar
Shortcut Menu
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Create a new sketch plane, offset from a selected face 1.On the Standard toolbar, click the Sketch tool 2.Click on the face and drag the sketch plane away from the selected face. An offset dialog box is displayed.
3.In the Offset dialog box, enter a value for the offset and click the green checkmark. The sketch plane is created offset from the selected face at the distance you specified.
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Create new sketch geometry and use the projected reference geometry for dimensions and/or constraints.
Direct model edge referencing in the context of an assembly: Create a new sketch on a face of the active part.
On the Panel Bar, click the Project Geometry tool and select a face on another part in the assembly. The new sketch geometry is created by projected the edges of the selected face. Note the appearance of the Adaptive indicator. This icon indicates the feature is adaptive to the referenced part in the assembly. If the source geometry projected onto the new sketch changes, this feature will automatically update to reflect the changes. This concept is known as
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To demonstrate Adaptivity, the source geometry on the first part in the assembly has been modified. As a result, the projected geometry updates to reflect the changes in the source part.
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When you project geometry from the same part, it is always associative to the original source geometry. If the source geometry changes, the reference geometry will also change. If you project geometry from another part in the assembly, the geometry is associative only if the Cross Part Geometry Projection option is selected. This option is found on the Assembly tab in the Options dialog box. If this option is not selected, the reference geometry is still created, however, it is not associative to the original source geometry. Adaptivity is beyond the scope of this chapter but is covered in greater detail later in this course.
Access Methods
You can use the following tools to create reference geometry: Panel Bar
Panel Bar
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2.
On the Panel Bar, click the Project Geometry tool and select the geometry to project onto the current sketch.
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To autoproject geometry during curve creation: 1. Create a new sketch on the existing part.
2.
Begin sketching the required geometry. Right-click in the graphics window and click AutoProject on the shortcut menu.
3.
Hover over the geometry to project. It will be automatically projected to the current sketch plane.
4.
Continue sketching the required geometry as required. Tip: You may consider turning off the AutoProject option until it is needed again. This will prevent the accidental projection of geometry while sketching over existing part features.
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Note: Some 3D features are used in this exercise that will be covered in greater depth later in the course.
2.
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Overview
One of the most common sketched features is the extruded feature. As you create these features you can adjust the feature relationship options for Join, Cut, and Intersect. After the feature is created, you can also edit the underlying sketch profiles used in the extruded feature. In this lesson you learn how to create extruded features using different termination options and how to edit the feature and profiles used to create them.
Index Slide
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Understand extruded features and how to create them Use the Extrude tool to create extruded features Understand the concept of using the Join, Cut, and Intersect options when you create extruded features Use the various termination options when you create extruded features Edit extruded features and the profiles used to create them
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Although it is possible to taper the faces of the extruded feature, the extrusion direction is always perpendicular to the sketch profile being used.
In this example, the sketch contains multiple closed loop profiles selected to form a single extruded feature with holes.
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Shortcut Menu
The Extrude dialog box is opened when you start the Extrude tool.
The following features and options are available in the Extrude dialog box: Profile: Click this button to select geometry to be included in the extrusion. A red arrow indicates that no profiles have been selected for the extrusion feature. Output: Specify the desired output option, Solid or Surface.
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Direction: Select the direction icon or click and drag the preview of the extrusion in the desired direction.
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On the Panel Bar, click the Extrude tool. Adjust the options as required and click OK.
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On the Panel Bar, click the Extrude tool. Adjust the options as required and click OK.
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On the Panel Bar, click the Extrude tool. Adjust the options as required and click OK.
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The feature relationship options are available in the Extrude dialog box.
Join: This option joins the result of the extruded feature being created to existing part geometry. Using this option results in material being added to the existing part. Note the green preview indicating material is being added.
Cut: This option cuts the result of the extruded feature being created from the existing part. Using this option results in material being removed from the existing part. Note the red preview indicating material is being removed.
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Intersect: This option removes material from the existing part by comparing the volume of the existing features and the feature being created and leaving only the volume shared between the existing features and the new feature. Note the blue preview indicating an Intersect relationship.
Specifying Termination
When you create extruded features, you can specify termination options for the feature in the Extrude dialog box. Depending on the option you choose, different interface options are available. Specifying termination options enables you to control where the feature starts and ends.
Procedure
Distance: This option extrudes the profile according to the distance specified.
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To Next: This option extrudes the profile to the next possible face or plane. Use the Terminator icon to select a solid or surface on which to terminate the extrusion.
To: This option extrudes the profile to terminate on the selected face or plane. If the selected termination face does not completely enclose the extrusion profile, select the extend face option to terminate the feature on the extended face.
From To: This option extrudes the profile by starting the extrusion at the face selected in the From option and ending the extrusion at the second face selected. If necessary, use the extend face options.
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All: This option extrudes the profile all the way through the part. If the part changes, the extruded feature will continue to go all the way through the part.
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Editing Features
After you create an extruded feature, you can edit it at any time. Because it is a sketched feature, there are two potential items that can be edited: the feature itself or the underlying sketch that was used to create the feature. When you edit the feature, you are presented with the same dialog box that you used when you created the feature. When you edit an extruded feature, you are able to change the parameters such as distance, feature relationships, and termination options and also reselect geometry to be included in the feature.
Procedure
When you right-click on a feature, the shortcut menu is displayed. The following options are available on the Feature shortcut menu: Edit Feature: Select this option to open the Extrude dialog box. All options used in creating the feature can be modified. Edit Sketch: Select this option to activate the sketch for editing. All sketch tools are available for editing the geometry. While editing the sketch, you can change dimensions and constraints, and add or remove geometry from the sketch. All changes are reflected in the extruded feature. Depending on the changes made at the sketch level, you may be required to edit the extruded feature.
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Using standard sketch tools, make the changes required to the sketch.
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On the Standard toolbar, click the Return button to exit the sketch. In the Browser, right-click the feature and click Edit Feature on the shortcut menu.
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In the Extrude dialog box, adjust the options as required to edit the feature and click OK.
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2.
Index Slide
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Overview
You create revolved features by revolving a profile about an axis. As you create these features, you can adjust the feature relationship options for Join, Cut, and Intersect. After you create the feature, you can also edit the underlying sketch profiles used in the revolved feature. In this lesson you learn how to create revolved features using different feature relationship options and how to edit the feature and profiles used to create them.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Understand revolved features and how to create them Use the Revolve tool to create revolved features Understand the concept of using the Join, Cut, and Intersect options when you create revolved features Edit revolved features and the profiles used to create them
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In this example, the sketch contains a single closed loop profile, reference geometry, and one centerline. The profile is revolved with the Cut feature relationship.
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Shortcut Menu
The following options are available in the Revolve dialog box: Profile: Click this button to select geometry to be included in the revolved feature. A red arrow indicates that no profiles have been selected for the revolved feature. Axis: Click this icon to select the line segment to use as the axis for the revolve feature. Tip: If the sketch contains a centerline it is selected automatically as the axis. Output: Select the desired output option: Solid or Surface. Extents: Select the desired option from the drop-down list. Angle: This option enables you to specify an angle and direction for the revolution.
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Full: This option revolves the profile 360 degrees. Direction: Select the direction icon or click and drag the preview of the revolve in the desired direction. This option is available only if the Extents option is set to Angle.
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On the Panel Bar, click the Revolve tool. In the Revolve dialog box, adjust the options as required and click OK.
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On the Panel Bar, click the Revolve tool. Select the geometry to be included in the revolved feature and adjust the options as required. Click OK.
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Join: This option joins the result of the revolved feature being created to existing part geometry. Using this option results in material being added to the existing part. Note the green preview indicating material is being added.
Cut: This option cuts the result of the revolved feature being created from the existing part. Using this option results in material being removed from the existing part. Note the red preview indicating material is being removed.
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Intersect: This option removes material from the existing part by comparing the volume of the existing features and the feature being created and leaving only the volume shared between the existing features and the new feature. Note the blue preview indicating an Intersect relationship.
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Editing Features
After the revolved feature is created, you can edit it at any time. Because it is a sketched feature, there are two potential items that can be edited: the feature itself or the underlying sketch that was used to create the feature. When you edit the feature, you are presented with the same dialog box that was used when you created the feature. When you edit a revolved feature, you are able to change the parameters such as angle and feature relationships, and also reselect geometry to be included in the feature.
Procedure
The following options are available on the shortcut menu when you right-click on a revolved feature. Edit Feature: Displays the Revolve dialog box. All options used in creating the feature can be modified. Edit Sketch: Activates the sketch for editing. All sketch tools are available for editing the geometry. While editing the sketch, you can change dimensions and constraints, and even add or remove geometry from the sketch. All changes will be reflected in the revolved feature. Depending on the changes made at the sketch level, you may be required to edit the revolved feature.
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2.
Using standard sketch tools, make the changes required to the sketch.
3. 4.
On the Standard toolbar, click Return to exit the sketch. In the Browser, right-click the feature and click Edit Feature on the shortcut menu.
5.
In the Revolve dialog box, adjust the options as required and click OK.
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In this exercise, you create a 3D Rack Slide part using the dimensions and geometry shown below. Create a new part file and using the concepts and techniques learned in this chapter, create a 3D model of the geometry described below. Name your part file Rack-Slide.ipt.
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Chapter Summary
Summary
The concept of creating sketched features and sharing sketches. How to identify consumed and unconsumed sketches. To use the Sketch tool to create new sketches. How to create new sketches on existing part faces. Different ways to create reference geometry from existing part edges. To create and edit extrude features using the Extrude tool. The effect of feature relationships on geometry. How to specify termination options when using the Extrude tool. To create and edit revolve features using the Revolve tool. The effect of feature relationships on geometry when using the Revolve tool.
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In this chapter
After completing this chapter, you will be able to... Locate and utilize the default work features. Create work planes. Create work axes. Create work points. Control the appearance of work features. Redefine work features.
Work Planes
Overview Overview
Overview
Work planes are planes that extend infinitely. You can use them to assist in creating geometry, placing constraints, and completing other modeling tasks. There are two main types of work planes: default work planes and user-defined work planes. In this lesson you learn to create and use work planes.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Locate, display and use the default work planes in part and assembly files How to use the Work Plane tool to create additional work planes Identify examples of work planes Control the visibility of work planes.
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When you create a new part file, the initial sketch is created on one of these default planes. You can create additional sketches and/or features using the model or the default work planes.
Access Methods
Use the following method to access the default work planes. Browser Expand the Origin folder in the browser.
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Basis for new sketches Basis for assembly constraints Feature termination options Basis for new work features
The following options are available to control the appearances of work planes. Visibility: This property is off by default. Right-click on the work plane and click Visibility on the shortcut menu to turn on the work plane visibility. Auto-Resize: This property is on by default and enables the visible size of the work plane to adjust according to the geometry in the current file. All work planes with this option enabled are resized equally. To prevent the work plane from resizing, select this option and clear the check mark. The following image represents the work plane size before and after creating geometry.
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In the image below, the work plane is created at a 30 degree angle from part face. The circular extrusion is created from the work plane extruding to meet the part face. As the angle of the part face changes, the work plane updates to maintain the 30 degree angle, and circular feature changes with the work plane.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Work Plane tool. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
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Offset from plane or surface Selection 2 - Release the mouse and enter an offset distance Result
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Angle from face/along an edge Selection 2 - Planar Surface on Part, Enter Angle Result
Result
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Work Axes
Overview Overview
Overview
A work axis is an axis that extends infinitely and is used to assist you in creating geometry, placing constraints, and completing other modeling tasks. There are two main types of work axes: default work axes and user-defined work axes. In this lesson you learn to create and use work axes.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Locate, display and use the default work axes in part and assembly files Create additional work axes using the Work Axis tool Identify examples of work axes Control the visibility of work axes
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Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the default work axes. Browser Expand the Origin folder and right-click on one of the default work axes.
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Right-click on an origin axis to access the following options. Visibility: This property is off by default. Right-click on the work axis and click Visibility on the shortcut menu to turn on the work axis visibility.
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Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Work Axis tool. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
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Work Axis at Intersection of Two Planes: On the Panel Bar, click the Work Axis tool and select a Plane or Planar Surface.
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Work Axis at Intersection of Two Planes: Selection 2 - Plane or Planar Surface Result
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Work Points
Overview Overview
Overview
Work points are used to represent a single point on the geometry or in space. Each part and assembly file contains one center point work point representing the 0,0,0 coordinate. You can create other work points that are parametrically attached to the geometry or grounded to a location specified. In this lesson you learn how to create and use both grounded and parametric work points.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Utilize the Center Point work point when creating geometry Create parametric work points Create grounded work points Identify methods used to create work points
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In this lesson you learn how to access and use the Center Point work point in your designs.
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Now that the center point is projected onto the sketch, you can create your initial sketch geometry relative to its position.
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Next add constraints and/or dimension referencing the center point work point. This insures that when the dimensions change, the sketch geometry stays in the same position relative the origin center point. This technique also positions your geometry relative to the other origin work planes and axes for later use.
After changing the dimensions on the sketch, the geometry is still centered around the projected center point.
You do not need to turn on the visibility of the center point to reference it in your design features. To project the center point, in the browser, expand the Origin folder and select it.
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Work points are used as construction geometry to assist in the creation of other geometry and features.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Work Point tool. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
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On the Panel Bar, click the Work Point tool and select a vertex on the part
Creating a work point the midpoint of an edge The work point is created on the midpoint of the selected edge
On the Panel Bar, click the Work Point tool and select the of an edge
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Creating a work point at the intersection of a edge and plane Select a plane or surface The work point is created at the intersection of the edge and plane
On the Panel Bar, click the Work Point tool and select an edge or axis
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After the grounded work points position has been set, it appears in the graphics window the same as a standard work point, and can be used in the same way as a standard work point. Grounded work points differ from standard work points in that they are not parametrically attached to the model geometry. Unlike standard work points which update their position to reflect changes in model geometry, grounded work points remain in their set position until manually moved.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Grounded Work Point tool. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
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The image above describes the transformation options when moving a grounded work point. When you select a Triad element for a move transformation, the fields available in the dialog box are based on the triad element selected. When you select an axis element on the Triad, the dialog box changes to enable you to input or drag an angle value.
2.
The work point triad appears at the selected location. To transform the grounded work point, you must select an element of the triad according to the
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transformation desired.
3.
Select the More tab to see additional options. Select the Redefine Alignment or Position option to realign the triad. In this image, the triad Y Axis is selected, and then the angled edge on the part is selected.
The previous steps results in the triad being aligned to the selected edge.
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In this image, the triad Y axis arrow element is selected enabling you to move the work point along the Y axis by entering a value or clicking and dragging the distance in the graphics window.
5.
The work point is displayed in the graphics window just like a standard work point. However, note the slightly different icon for grounded work points in the browser.
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To move the triad only, enabling you to transform the work point from a point other than its current position, in the 3D Move/Rotate dialog box select the More tab and then select the Move Triad Only option. Select the Redefine alignment or position option and select an element of the triad. In the image below, the triad is being relocated to the center of the part, where a standard work point exists. This would enable you to move or rotate the grounded work point from the new location.
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Clear the Move Triad Only option and click the Transform tab. Select an axis element on the triad and enter or drag and angle of rotation. Click Apply or OK to position the grounded work point at the current location.
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Work point at the intersection of a line or axis and a surface: Selection 2 - Surface Result
Work point at the intersection of a plane and a curve: Selection 2 - Curve Result
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In this exercise you create the Offset-Rod-Guide part by using the concepts and procedures you learned in this chapter. You create different types of work features, sketched features, and hole features.
Offset-Rod-Guide
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Chapter Summary
Summary
How to locate and utilize the default work planes contained in every part and assembly file. How to create new work planes using different methods to define them. How to control the appearance of work planes in your part and assembly files. How to use the default work axes as well as create new work axes. Y How to redefine and control the appearance of work axes in your model. How to use the default center point work point. How to create new work points, both parametric and grounded. How to redefine and control the appearance of work points in your model.
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In this chapter
After completing this chapter, you will be able to... Create and edit fillet features. Use the options on each tab of the Fillet dialog box to control how a fillet is created. Create and edit chamfer features. Use the three available methods for creating chamfer features. Create and edit hole and thread features. Create and edit thread features on your part by using the Thread tool. Create and edit shell features to remove material from a part. Use the options contained in the Shell dialog box. Create and edit rectangular and circular patterns. Apply face drafts to a part model by using the Face Draft tool. Create and use custom color styles on a part model.
Fillet Features
Overview Overview
Overview
Fillet features are among the most widely used features on any three-dimensional (3D) part. Fillets are commonly used when parts are designed to remove sharp edges and reduce the potential of stress cracking, and also for aesthetic purposes. They can exist on geometry in various sizes and shapes. The most common type of fillet feature is a constant radius fillet, however certain situations may call for the use of variable radius fillets. In this lesson you learn how to create both constant and variable radius fillets.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Use the Fillet tool to create constant and variable radius fillets
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Access Methods
You can use the following methods to access the Fillet tool. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
SHIFT+F
Edge Sets: An edge set consists of selected edges and a radius value. Edges: Displays the number of edges selected for this edge set. The arrow icon indicates you are in the selection mode and can continue to select the required edges.
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Radius: Specify a value for the radius of the fillet for each edge set. Although each edge set can have a different radius value, they are all treated as one fillet feature. The pencil icon indicates that the radius value is being edited. You cannot select additional edges until you select the edges field of the edge set. To remove selected edges from the edge set, select the appropriate edge set in the dialog box, then while holding the CTRL or SHIFT key, select the edges to be removed. Click to add: Select this area of the dialog box to create a new edge set. Each edge set consist of selected edges and a specific radius. Select mode area: Determines how edges are selected. Edge: Enables you to select or remove individual edges for the fillet.
Loop: Enables you to select or remove the edges of a closed loop on a face.
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All Fillets: Select this option to automatically select all concave edges and corners. If some edges have already been selected, a new edge set is created for the remaining edges. The manually selected edges are not included in the new edge set. You cannot remove individual edges from the All Fillets edge set.
All Rounds: Select this option to automatically select all convex edges and corners. If some edges are already selected, a new edge set is created for the remaining edges. The manually selected edges are not included in the new edge set. You cannot remove individual edges from the All Rounds edge set.
Edges: Select the edge to place a variable radius fillet. Only one edge is allowed per selection. Use the Click to Add area for additional edges.
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Point: List the start point and endpoint of the selected edge. Select additional points along the edge for more control over the variable radius.
Radius: Enter a radius value for the selected point. The point selected in the dialog box is highlighted on the edge.
Position: Specify a position along the selected edge for the selected point. Values represent the percentage from the start point. For example, .25 represents a distance 25% of the length of the edge from the start point. Smooth radius transition: Select this option to gradually blend the radius between points. Clear this option to create fillets with a linear transition between the points. On Off
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Setbacks Tab
Vertex: Select the vertex of three selected edges. Edge/Setback: Select each edge and specify a setback value for the edge. The value specified represents a distance along the selected edge from the vertex.
When you create fillets on three edges that meet at a vertex, using the Setbacks tab is optional. The following images represent the result of using the Setbacks tab. Not Using Setbacks Using Setbacks
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Roll along sharp edges: This option sets the solution method for the fillet when conditions would cause adjacent edges to be extended in order to maintain the radius. If this option is selected, the fillet radius varies when necessary to preserve the adjacent faces. If this option is not selected, the fillet radius remains constant and adjacent edges are extended as required to maintain the radius.
Rolling ball where possible: This option sets the corner style for the fillets.
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Automatic Edge Chain: When this option is selected, all edges tangent to the selected edge are selected automatically. Preserve All Features: When this option is selected, features that intersect the fillet feature are checked and their intersections are calculated. If this option is not selected, features that intersect with the fillet are not calculated. Only the selected edge is calculated during the fillet operation. In the following images, the cut feature would intersect the fillet feature. An error results when creating the fillet feature. Editing the fillet feature and enabling the Preserve All Features option fixes the problem and the fillet and cut features remain valid. Feature Intersecting Fillet
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3.
Click OK to create the fillet feature. Note in the browser only one fillet feature appears even though five edges were filleted in this example.
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3.
To add an additional point along the selected edge, drag the cursor along the selected edge and left click to add the point.
4.
After the additional point(s) is added, in the Radius box specify a radius for the fillet at the selected point and in the Position box specify a position along the edge for the new point.
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Chamfer Features
Overview Overview
Overview
You can place chamfer features on parts to serve different purposes from functional to aesthetic. Chamfers can exist on parts in various sizes and angles. In this lesson you learn how to create and edit chamfer features.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Use the Chamfer tool to create and edit chamfers
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Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Chamfer tool. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
SHIFT+K
When you use any of the above listed methods to access the Chamfer tool, the following options are available. There are three methods for creating chamfers, Single Distance, Distance/Angle, and Distance/Distance. Each method presents different options in the Chamfer dialog box.
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Distance: Specify a distance for the chamfer. The distance is applied to both sides of the selected edge resulting in a 45-degree chamfer.
Edges: Select the edge(s) to be chamfered. This option is disabled until you select a face. The edge(s) selected must be adjacent to the selected face. Face: Select a face adjacent to the edge you are chamfering. The angle is measured from this face. Distance: Specify a distance for the chamfer. The distance is measured from the selected edge along the selected face. Angle: Enter an angle for the chamfer. The angle is measured from the selected face.
Edge: Select the edge to be chamfered. When you use this method, only one edge can be chamfered at a time. Click this button to flip the sides of the selected edge for calculating Distance1 and Distance2. Distance1: Specify the first distance of the chamfer. This distance is measured along one of the adjacent faces. Distance2: Specify the second distance of the chamfer. This distance is measured along the opposite adjacent face.
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You can expand the Chamfer dialog box by clicking the [>>] button. Expanding the Chamfer dialog box presents the following options.
Edge Chain: The options control how the edges are selected. The edge selected and all tangentially connected edges. Only the edge selected. Setback: This option is available only when using the single distance method. When chamfering three edges that meet at a corner, this option determines the result of the corner.
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For the Distance/Angle method, select the Distance/Angle option. Select the face, and then select the edge(s) to be chamfered. Enter a distance and angle for the chamfer and click OK.
For the Distance/Distance method, select the Distance/Distance option. Select the edge to be chamfered. Enter distance values in the Distance1 and Distance2 fields.
Optionally flip the direction of the chamfer by clicking the Flip Direction icon.
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Overview
Hole features enable you to create parametric holes on your part. Although Hole features are considered to be placed features, they do require an unconsumed sketch representing the center point locations for the holes. You use the Thread tool to place both internal and external thread features on the part. In this lesson you learn how to use the Hole tool to create parametric hole features and how to use the Thread tool to create parametric thread features on existing geometry.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Use the Hole tool to create and edit hole features Use the Hole tool to create internal thread features and use the Thread tool to create external thread features
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When you create holes using the Hole tool, you must create a sketch containing the hole center points. You can create center points using the Point/Hole Center sketch tool, the endpoints of sketched lines, or points projected from other geometry in the part. When you start the Hole tool, you are presented with different options for the type of hole being created. You can create standard drilled holes, counterbored holes, and countersunk holes. Additional options for the drill point and thread options are also available.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Hole tool. Panel Bar
Shortcut Menu
Keyboard Shortcut
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The Holes dialog box includes the following options and specifications: Centers: Select the center points to use for the hole(s). If you create the sketch using the Point/Hole Center objects, the center points will be selected automatically. Other acceptable points include endpoints of lines, projected centerpoints of circles and arcs, and projected work points. You can also clear hole centers from the selection set by holding the CTRL key and selecting the center points. Type: Click the button representing the desired hole type: drilled, counterbore, and countersink. Termination: Select one of the following Termination types: Distance: This option enables you to specify a depth for the hole in the preview area of the dialog box. Through All: This option enables the hole to go all the way through the part. To: This option enables you to specify a face or plane to terminate the hole. Click this button to flip the direction of the hole.
Drill Point: Select either a flat bottom drill or standard tapered drill point. Optionally specify an angle other than the standard 118-degree drill point.
Tapped: This option enables tapped threads in the hole and expands the Hole dialog box. Thread Type: From the drop-down list, select the thread type.
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Full Depth: This option creates the threads at the full depth of the hole. If this option is not selected, you must specify a thread depth in the preview area of the dialog box. Nominal Size: From the drop-down list, select the nominal hole size. Pitch: From the drop-down list, select the thread pitch. Available pitches are based on the selected Nominal Size. Class: From the drop-down list, select the Class of thread. Diameter: Select the actual diameter used to create the hole. Minor: Creates the hole using the Minor Diameter of the selected thread size. Pitch: Creates the hole using the Pitch diameter of the selected thread size. Major: Creates the hole using the Major Diameter of the selected thread size. Tap Drill: Creates the hole using the Tap Drill diameter of the selected thread size.
Right Hand: Select this option for a right-hand thread. Left Hand: Select this option for a left-hand thread.
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On the Panel Bar, click the Hole tool. If you use the Point/Hole Center sketch object, the hole centers will be automatically selected. Adjust the options in the dialog box depending on the type of hole(s) you need to create. Click OK to create the hole(s).
In some situations it may be easier to draw construction line segments to locate the center points of the holes. Remember, the endpoints of lines can be used to locate hole features.
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5.
On the Panel Bar, click the Hole tool and then select the endpoints of the line segments. In the image below the endpoints are being selected and the Tapped option is being used. Select the Thread type from the drop-down list and adjust the other thread options as required. Click OK to create the threaded hole.
Note the bitmap representing a threaded hole. The bitmap will change according to the thread specification. Fine threads will appear fine while coarse threads appear coarse. Left-hand versus right-hand threads are also depicted correctly.
In the Threads area, set the Diameter option to Major. This creates the hole at the major diameter of the thread, thus preventing an interference being returned between the fastener and the hole.
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Thread Features
The Thread tool enables you to create thread features on external and internal surfaces. Many of the same options available for internal threads using the Hole tool are also available when you use the Thread tool. Threads are considered a placed feature, therefore, the Thread tool does not require an unconsumed sketch. All that is required is existing cylindrical surfaces to apply the thread feature.
Procedure
Access Methods
Use the following method to access the Thread tool. Panel Bar
The Location tab in the Thread Feature dialog box includes the following options and specifications: Face: Click the icon to select the face(s) to apply thread features.
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Display in Model: Select this option to display the thread bitmaps on the model. If this option is not selected, the thread feature is created but is not displayed on the geometry. Full Length: Select this option to apply the thread feature to the entire length of the selected face. When this option is not selected, the following options become available. Click this button to flip the direction of the thread feature. Length: Specifies the length of the thread feature on the selected face. Offset: Specifies the distance from the start face of the thread feature.
The Specification tab in the Thread Feature dialog box includes the following options and specifications: Thread Type: Select the required thread type. Nominal Size: The nominal thread size is automatically selected based upon the diameter of the selected face. Selecting a nominal size other than the size automatically selected may result in an error when you click OK. Pitch: Select the appropriate thread pitch from the drop-down list. Class: Select the appropriate thread class from the drop-down list. Right Hand: Select this option to generate a right hand thread. Left Hand: Select this option to generate a left hand thread.
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On the Specification tab, select the appropriate thread type and adjust the other settings as required by your design intent. Click OK to create the thread feature.
The thread feature appears on the model geometry as well as in the browser. Just like other parametric features, you can right-click the thread feature and click Edit Feature on the shortcut menu to edit the feature using the same dialog box used in creating the feature.
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Shell Features
Overview Overview
Overview
You use shell features to remove material from existing solid features. By using shell features, you can create the overall shape of your part and then create a cavity in the part by specifying a wall thickness for the faces. In this lesson you learn how to create and edit shell features.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Use the Shell tool to create shelled features
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Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Shell tool. Panel Bar
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Remove Faces: Click this icon to select the face(s) to remove from the shell feature. The remaining faces serve as walls for the shell feature. If you do not remove any faces from the shell feature, it will result in a cavity in the part with no open faces. Thickness: Specify value for the wall thickness. Direction: Click one of the direction buttons. Inside: The thickness is applied to the inside of the existing faces. Outside: The thickness is applied to the outside of the existing faces. Both: Half of the thickness is applied to each side of the face.
Unique face thickness: Select the Click to Add area of the dialog box to create unique face thicknesses for the shell feature. Select the face(s) and specify a unique wall thickness for the face. This value overrides the default thickness for the selected face(s) only.
2.
On the Panel bar, click the Shell tool and select the faces to remove from the shell operation. In the Thickness box enter a wall thickness.
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To assign unique wall thicknesses, click the [>>] button to expand the dialog box and select the Click to Add area and select the face(s) to assign a unique wall thickness. Under Unique Face Thickness, specify a thickness for the selected face(s). Click OK to create the shell feature.
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Pattern Features
Overview Overview
Overview
Pattern features are used to parametrically duplicate selected features. There are two types of patterns: Rectangular and Circular. Each type offers different options for creating the pattern. When you pattern a feature, you are creating parametric copies of that feature. If the original feature changes, the patterned features update to reflect those changes. In this lesson you learn how to create and edit Rectangular and Circular Pattern features.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Create and edit rectangular patterns Create and edit circular patterns
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When you create these patterns, they are associative to the original feature, so any changes in the original feature are reflected in the pattern occurrences.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Rectangular Pattern tool. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
SHIFT+R
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The Rectangular Pattern dialog box includes the following options and specifications: Features: Select the feature(s) to be patterned. Direction 1: Path: Select the path for Direction 1. This can be the edge of a part or a 2D sketch representing the path for the pattern. Use the Flip Direction button to flip the path direction. Enter the number of occurrences for the pattern. This number includes the original feature. Enter a value for the pattern distance. This value represents either total distance of the pattern or spacing between each feature. Select one of the following options from the drop-down list: Spacing: Distance value represents the spacing between each occurrence. Distance: Distance value represents the total pattern distance. Curve Length: Disables the Distance field and divides the curve length by the number of occurrences. Direction 2: This column is optional and contains the same options as Direction 1. Start: Sets the start point for the first occurrence. Pattern can start at any selected point.
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Termination Method: Identical: This is the default method which provides the best performance for large patterns. Using this method, each occurrence uses an identical termination method regardless of where they intersect other features. Adjust to Model: This method enables each occurrence termination to be calculated. This method requires more processing and can increase computational time on large patterns. Orientation Method: These options control the orientation of the patterned features. Identical: Occurrence orientation is identical to the first feature. Adjust to Direction 1 or Direction 2: Occurrences will be rotated as the path changes directions.
Right-click on an occurrence and click Suppress on the shortcut menu to suppress the selected occurrence. This option is not available on the first occurrence.
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On the Panel Bar, click the Rectangular Pattern tool and select the feature to be patterned. Click the Path button under Direction 1 and select a path, part edge, or origin axis for the pattern. Enter the number of occurrences and distance values and adjust the Spacing method accordingly. Optionally include information for Direction 2 and click OK.
3.
To create a pattern along a path, create a 2D sketch containing the path for the pattern.
4.
On the Panel Bar, click the Rectangular Pattern tool and select the feature(s) to be patterned. Click the Path button under Direction 1 and select the path for the pattern. Adjust the number of occurrence, distance, and spacing options as required and click OK. Optionally provide information for Direction 2.
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When you start the Circular Pattern tool, you must first select a feature to pattern. You then select a rotation axis which serves as the center of the pattern. Next you set the pattern properties such as number of occurrences and angle. There are also options for controlling the creation method and positioning method.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Circular Pattern tool. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
SHIFT+O
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The Circular Pattern dialog box includes the following options and specifications: Features: Select the feature(s) to be patterned. Rotation Axis: Select the rotation axis for the pattern. Valid selections include circular faces, work axes, or part edges. Placement: : Specify the number of occurrences for the pattern. This number includes the original feature. : Specify the angle for the pattern. The result of this angle is based on the Positioning Method chosen. : Flips the rotational direction of the pattern.
Creation Method: Identical: This the default method which provides the best performance for large patterns. Using this method, each occurrence uses an identical termination method regardless of where they intersect other features. Adjust to Model: This method enables each occurrence termination to be calculated. This method requires more processing and can increase computational time on large patterns. Positioning Method: Incremental: Sets the angle value to represent the angle between occurrences. Fitted: Sets the angle value to represent the total rotational angle of the pattern.
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Right-click on an occurrence and click Suppress on the shortcut menu to suppress the selected occurrence. This option is not available on the first occurrence.
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2.
On the Panel Bar, click the Circular Pattern tool and select the feature(s) to be patterned. Then click the Rotation Axis icon and select the feature representing the rotation axis for the pattern.
3.
Optionally click the [>>] button to expand the dialog box and adjust the options as required. Click OK to create the pattern.
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Face Drafts
Overview Overview
Overview
When you create designs for casting or molds, you need to apply draft angles to the faces to allow for the part to be pulled from the mold. This draft angle is referred to as a face draft. Depending on the design and manufacturing intent, you might apply the draft angle to all faces, or to single selected faces. In this lesson you learn how to apply draft angles to faces using the Face Draft tool.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Use the Face Draft tool to create and edit face drafts
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When you create the face draft feature, you can also choose between a Fixed Edge face draft or Fixed Plane face draft. In this lesson you learn how to create face drafts using each of these methods.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Face Draft tool. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
SHIFT+D
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The Face Draft dialog box includes the following options and specifications: Fixed Edge Method: This method creates a face draft on the selected face(s) and the selected edge remains fixed in place.
Fixed Plane Method: This method creates a face draft calculated from the location of the selected plane. The Pull Direction is normal to the selected plane. Depending on the position of the selected plane this method causes material to be added on one side of the plane and subtracted from the opposite side of the plane.
Pull Direction: Select a face, plane, edge, or axis to define the direction the part is pulled away from the mold. After you make the selection, you can use the Flip Direction button to flip the Pull Direction. Faces: Select the faces to apply the face draft feature. If using the Fixed Edge method, be certain to select the edge you want to remain fixed. Note: If you select an incorrect edge, use the CTRL or SHIFT key and reselect the edge to remove it from the selection set. Draft Angle: Specify an angle value for the face draft.
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2.
On the Panel Bar, click the Face Draft tool. In the Face Draft dialog box, select the Fixed Edge or Fixed Plane method and then select a face, plane, edge, or axis to define the Pull Direction.
3.
Select the faces to apply the face draft. If you are using the Fixed Edge method, select the face at a point closest to the fixed edge. In the Draft Angle box, enter an angle value. Click OK to create the face draft.
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Overview
As you create new parts using Autodesk Inventor, a default color style is assigned. You can assign different colors to parts and even create new custom color styles. In this lesson you learn how to create and assign color styles to parts.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Change and assign color styles to parts
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Color styles are stored within each part or assembly file. If you create a new color style, it is available only in the part or assembly in which it was created. You can copy these custom color styles to templates or other part files by using the Organizer tool, which is located on the Format pull-down menu. Use the following methods to create and apply color styles. Pull-Down Menu To Assign Colors - Standard Toolbar Format > Colors
Style Name: Enter a color style name. The list will update to reflect the closest match. When selecting a material from the list, the color style name will appear here. Color Tab: Located on this tab, is four color properties, Diffuse, Emissive, Specular, and Ambient. Select the color swatch next to each properties and select a color from the Custom Color dialog box. Appearance: Use the sliders to adjust the Shiny and Opaque color properties. Save: Click to save the changes to the selected color style.
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Delete: Click to delete the selected color style. New: Click to create a new color style. Apply: Click to apply the changes to the color style, and leave the dialog box open. Close: Click to close the dialog box.
Choose: Click to display the Texture Chooser dialog box. %Scale: Adjust the slider to scale the texture map. Rotation: Adjust the slider to rotate the texture map. Remove: Click to remove the selected texture from the color style.
Select a texture by dragging the slider in the preview window. Texture Library: Application Library: Select this option to display textures from the Application library. Project Library: Select this option to display textures stored within the current project.
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In this exercise you will utilize the procedures and concepts learned in this lesson to create a plastic handle. The handle is a two piece design for which you are creating one half of the handle.
2.
Plastic Handle
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Chapter Summary
Summary
How to create and edit fillet features on a part file. How to use the options on each tab of the Fillet dialog box to control how a fillet feature is created. Three methods available for creating chamfers and how to use each method. How to create and edit Hole and Thread features on a part model. The different options available in the Holes dialog box and how to use these options to create different types of holes. How to add thread features to a model. How to remove material from your part by using the Shell tool. How to use the options in the Shell dialog box and how they effect the shell feature. How to create and edit rectangular and circular patterns on a part model. The options available for each type of pattern and the effect of these options on the pattern features. How to edit a pattern and suppress feature occurrences in the pattern if required. How to use the Face Draft tool to apply draft angles to selected faces on a part model. Why face drafts are typically used and how these manufacturing methods correlate to options in the dialog box such as Pull-Direction. How to create and use custom color styles on a part model. How to create a custom color style that includes a texture map. How to adjust options in the Colors dialog box to effect the appearance properties of a new color style.
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Chapter Introduction
In this chapter you learn about... The assembly modeling environment and interface used to create assembly models. The Assembly Browser. Controlling the appearance of parts and features in the browser and using Design Views to save assembly views. The Place Component tool. Dragging components into the assembly and replacing components in the assembly. Creating components in the context of the assembly. Assembly based work features Using geometry projected from other parts in the assembly to help create new parts. Degrees of freedom Simulating motion in an assembly Placing assembly constraints. Adaptivity and how it can be used in the assembly. Analyzing components of an assembly. Locating components in and out of the assembly by using different versions of the Find tool.
In this chapter
After completing this chapter, you will be able to... Apply Bottom Up, Top Down, and Middle Out assembly techniques Use the browser to control different aspects of the assembly environment Activate components inplace within the assembly, resequence and reorder the assembly and use browser filters Create Design Views to save assembly views with specific display related characteristics Place components in an assembly using the Place Component tool Drag components into an assembly Replace existing components in an assembly Create new components in the context of the assembly Place assembly constraints Create basic adaptive features for parts used in an assembly
Completed Assembly
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Understand the concept of assembly modeling and the procedures you use to create an assembly model Navigate the assembly environment and identify the assembly coordinate system Use the Assembly Panel Bar
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These relationships can range from simple constraint based relationships that determine a components position in the assembly, to advanced relationships such as adaptivity, which enables a component to change size based upon its relationship to other components in the assembly.
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Bottom Up Assembly Modeling: Individual components for an assembly are designed outside of the assembly where they will be placed. Each part file is designed separate from the assembly and other parts. After you create the parts they are placed into the assembly and constrained to other parts. If changes to the parts are required, they are made outside of the assembly and will automatically be reflected in the assembly model. The image below represents a typical Bottom-Up approach to assembly modeling. Each part is designed separate from the assembly and other components. After the components are designed, they are placed into the assembly.
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Middle Out Assembly Modeling: This flexible approach closely represents the actual real-world design process. For example, a typical assembly would generally consist of components that are designed specifically for the assembly, and other standard off-the-shelf components such as nuts, bolts, or other standard hardware. So even if you design all of the non-standard components using a Top-Down approach, as soon as you insert the standard off-the-shelf components, you have essentially switched to Middle Out approach because you have included parts in the assembly that were created outside of the assembly. The image below represents a Middle Out approach to assembly modeling. Some components are being placed in the assembly, while others are being designed in the context of the assembly.
You can use all of the methods above and switch between them at anytime. You can begin the assembly using one method and change to a different one. As you become more proficient with the application, and understand the benefits to each modeling approach, you will be able to choose the best approach for a given task.
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Assembly Constraints
You use Assembly constraints to create parametric relationships between parts in the assembly. Just as you use 2D constraints to control 2D geometry, you use 3D constraints in an assembly to position parts in relation to other parts. There are four basic assembly constraints, each with unique solutions and options. Mate/Flush Constraint: Used to align part features such as faces, edges, or axis.
Angle Constraint: Used to specify an angle between two parts. Applied to faces, edges, or axes.
Tangent Constraint: Used to define a tangential relationship between two parts. Generally applied to circular faces and planar faces. One of the selected faces must be circular.
Insert Constraint: Used to insert one component into another. This constraint effectively combines a mate axis/axis and a mate face/face constraint. Generally applied to bolts, or pins, or any part that needs to be inserted into a hole on another part. Applied by selecting a circular edge on each part.
Each of these constraint types will be described in greater detail later in this chapter.
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Subassemblies
You use Subassemblies to organize large assemblies into smaller groups. A subassembly is essentially an assembly placed into another assembly. In the context of the overall assembly, the subassembly behaves as a single part. Components within the subassembly are constrained to each other, while the subassembly is constrained to the overall assembly as a single component. You must edit constraints within the assembly where they were created. To do so you activate the subassembly by double-clicking on the subassembly in the browser.
Assembly Sketching
You use Assembly sketching to create assembly based features such as holes, extrusions, and chamfers on parts in the assembly. The features however are not stored within the parts that are affected but are local to the current assembly and only effect the parts in the context of the current assembly. Assembly based sketches serve as the basis for assembly features. You can use these features in situations where assemblies share common parts but with features that are unique to the assembly. For example, you create an assembly which was designed to accommodate several different electric motors. Each motor type requires a different hole pattern and other cutouts for routing the wiring harness. The use of assembly features would enable you to create these motor-specific features at the assembly level, thus leaving the parts that are common to all assemblies, unaffected by the feature.
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Assembly Environment
The assembly environment in Autodesk Inventor software is virtually the same as the part modeling environment with the exception of tools that are unique to assembly modeling.
Principle
Assembly Panel Bar: Contains tools specific to assembly modeling. Assembly Browser: Lists all parts and their constraints. When a part is activated for editing, the browser functions are identical to the part modeling environment. Assembly Coordinate Elements: Identical to the part environment, each assembly also contains an independent coordinate system. Expand the Origin folder to expose the origin planes, axes, and center point. Assembly Components: Each component in the assembly is listed. Expand the components to expose the assembly constraints that have been applied. 3D Indicator: Displays the current view orientation relative to the assembly coordinate system.
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Note the keyboard shortcuts next to each icon. Enter these key sequences to start the related tool.
After you become familiar with the assembly tool icons, you can switch the panel bar to expert mode. At the top of the panel bar, select the Assembly Panel drop-down, then select Expert.
By setting the Panel Bar to expert mode, you will make more room available for the Assembly/Part browser.
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Completed Assembly
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Assembly Browser
Overview Overview
Overview
The Assembly Browser offers several options for working in the assembly environment and is your primary tool for interacting with the assembly components and features. In this lesson you will learn about the various options available through the Assembly Browser.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Activate and edit parts in the context of the assembly Control the visibility of parts in an assembly Resequence and Restructure an assembly Create browser filters and utilize them in an assembly Enable and disable components in an assembly Identify grounded components in an assembly and how they effect other assembly components Create and use Design Views
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In-Place Activation
In-Place Activation means you activate a part in the context of the assembly. In order to edit a part in the context of the assembly, you must activate the part. There are a few options available for activating a part in-place.
Procedure
In the Browser or graphics window, double-click on the part. In the Browser or graphics window, right-click on the part and on the shortcut menu click Edit. In the Browser or graphics window, right-click on the part and on the shortcut menu click Open. This option will open the part in a separate window. Any changes to the part are automatically reflected in the assembly.
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Assembly Browser - Active Part and Active Part in the Context of the Assembly
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Visibility Control
It is possible to control the visibility of all elements in the assembly. While you work in the context of the assembly, in the Assembly Browser or graphics window, right-click on an element in the assembly and select Visibility on the shortcut menu. Check mark indicates the part is currently visible.
Procedure
Browser Appearance
In the Assembly browser, parts with the visibility property turned off appear grey.
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Assembly Resequence
It is possible to resequence the order of parts in the assembly. Parts are displayed in the browser in the order in which they are placed or created. Resequencing the assembly enables you to place the parts in a more logical order.
Procedure
To resequence the assembly, in the browser, click and drag on the part and release the mouse at its new position.
Assembly Resequencing
Assembly Restructure
As you create your assembly, at some point you may need to organize the assembly by placing components into subassemblies. By restructuring the assembly you are creating subassemblies and placing existing parts into the subassembly.
Procedure
Access Methods
The following methods are available for restructuring your assembly. Shortcut Menu In the browser or graphics window, select one or more parts then right-click on a part and select Demote
Keyboard Shortcut
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When you restructure an assembly using the Demote tool, the Create In-Place Component dialog box appears.
New File Name: Enter a file name for the subassembly. New File Location: Enter or browse the location for the new subassembly. Template: Select a template to use for the new subassembly.
When restructuring parts into subassemblies, there is a potential that you will loose some assembly constraints during the restructuring process. When possible, you should restructure all parts to be included in the subassembly, at the same time. If you restructure the parts separately you will loose the assembly constraints and will need to recreate them. To restructure all parts in one step, select all the parts in the browser or graphics window and then select the Demote tool. This will place all selected parts into the new subassembly and maintain the constraints. Constraints applied to parts residing in the same assembly will be maintained if they are restructured into a new subassembly at the same time. Constraints applied to parts residing in different assemblies and subassemblies will not be maintained.
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Browser Filters
You can filter the display of information in the browser by using the browser filters. As your assembly grows in complexity, the browser filters can assist you by streamlining its information. At the top of the Assembly Browser, click the Filter button and the filter menu is displayed.
Procedure
Hide Work Features: Hides all work features including the Origin folders. Show Children Only: Displays only first level children. Hides parts contained within a subassembly when the top-level assembly is active. Hide Notes: Hides all notes attached to features. Hide Documents: Hides inserted documents. Hide Warnings: Hides warning symbols attached to constraints in the browser.
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When you examine the images above, note the appearance of the assembly constraints while in the Position View and the part features while in Modeling View. While in the Modeling View, note also the Constraints folder at the top. Expand this folder to expose the assembly constraints.
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Enabled Components
By default, when you place components into an assembly, they are enabled. When a component is enabled you have access to the component for editing and applying constraints. When a component is not enabled, it appears dimmed in the graphics window and its icon color in the browser changes to green.
Concept
When you open an assembly, the data structure of enabled components is available while components that are not enabled, only the graphics information is loaded. For large assemblies this is beneficial to increasing overall system performance.
In the browser or graphics window, right-click on the part and on the shortcut menu, click Enabled. A check mark indicates the part is currently enabled.
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Grounded Components
By default, the first part in each assembly is grounded. All degrees of freedom are removed from the component and it cannot be moved. When you apply constraints to a grounded component, the non-grounded component will move to validate the constraint while the grounded component remains fixed in its position.
Concept
Although the first part is grounded, there is no limit to the number of grounded parts that you can have in an assembly. You can also remove the grounded property from the first part in the assembly. When you ground parts you can use them to mimic real-world situation where some parts are fixed in position, while others will move relative to the parts to which they have been constrained. Grounded components appear in the browser with the Push Pin icon. In the browser or graphics window, right-click on the part and on the shortcut menu, click Grounded.
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Design Views
When you create a new assembly file, a separate Design View file is automatically created. Design Views are used to store assembly display configurations that you can recall the next time you work on the assembly.
Procedure
Several different properties are stored within the design view. For example, as you work on an assembly, you may need to turn the visibility off of several components to work on parts internally. If you save the display configuration as a new design view, you can recall that configuration by activating the design view. You can also use Design views as the basis for Drawing and Presentation views. Design Views are stored in the same directory as the assembly and by default have the same name as the assembly with an *.idv extension The following properties are stored within design view. Component visibility (visible or not visible) Sketch and work feature visibility Component enabled status Color and style properties applied in the assembly Zoom and viewing angle Browser display mode (Position or Modeling)
Access Methods
The following methods are available for accessing Design Views. Browser Menu Area
Each Design View file can contain multiple design views. By default there will be three design views created. system.nothing visible: Built-in design view that when activated will turn the visibility of all components off. system.all visible: Built-in design view that when activated will turn the visibility of all components on. UserName.default: This design view is automatically created and is based
Copyright 2004 Autodesk, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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Storage Location: Represents the current storage location for the design view file. New: Click to create a new design view file. Browse: Click to browse for a design view file. Design View: Lists the name of the currently selected design view. Enter a new design view name. Save: Click to save the current display configuration as a design view. Delete: Click to delete the selected design view. Apply: Click to activate the selected design view.
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Overview
As you create assemblies you place component geometry that represents the assembly's individual parts. In this lesson you will learn about several different ways you can place components into an assembly.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Use the Place Component tool to place parts into an assembly Utilize sources other than Autodesk Inventor software to place components Drag components into an assembly Replace components in an assembly
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The first component you place into the assembly will be automatically placed at the assembly's origin point (0,0,0) and will be grounded. You can place additional occurrences of the part by clicking different locations in the graphics window. After you place the part into the assembly, right-click in the graphics window and click Done on the shortcut menu.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Place Component tool. Panel Bar
Shortcut Menu
Keyboard Shortcut
Select the file to place into the assembly and click Open. To place files other than Autodesk Inventor software files, select the file type in the Files of type drop-down list.
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4.
The first component in the assembly is positioned automatically and is grounded. Optionally place additional components by clicking other locations in the graphics window, or press ESC to cancel.
5.
On the Panel Bar, click the Place Component tool and continue to place components into the assembly.
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Autodesk Inventor parts and assemblies. (*.ipt, *.iam) Autodesk Mechanical Desktop (*.dwg) AutoCAD (*.dwg) SAT files (*.sat) (ACIS/ShapeManager) IGES files (*.igs, *.ige, *.iges) STEP files (*.stp, *.ste, *.step) Pro Engineer (*.prt, *.asm)
Different capabilities are available with each of these formats. Some formats will be converted to Autodesk Inventor files when placed into an assembly, but others such as Autodesk Mechanical Desktop will be linked to the assembly. Any changes in the Autodesk Mechanical Desktop file, would be reflected in the assembly.
Supported Formats
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The image above represents an Autodesk Mechanical Desktop part used in an Autodesk Inventor assembly. Right-click on the part and then select Open to open the part in Autodesk Mechanical Desktop. Changes to the part would be reflected in the assembly.
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In the image below, the active part file, robo_hand.ipt is being dragged into the nonactive but open assembly.
In the image below, a component is being dragged into the assembly from a Windows Explorer window.
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When you drag components from a Windows Explorer window, make certain the location of the component is referenced in the current Project file. If not, the following message will appear.
The message means that the current location is not referenced in the Project file. As a result Autodesk Inventor may not be able to locate the file the next time the assembly is opened. Click OK to place the component in the assembly. If you place the component in the assembly, you must edit the Project paths before re-opening the assembly to include component location or move the component to a location identified within the current project.
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Replacing Components
As you build assemblies, you may need to replace components. For example when you start the assembly, you may not have access to all the required parts. In the meantime you place a proxy part in place of the final part. After you receive the required geometry, you can use the Replace tool to replace the proxy part with the final version.
Procedure
When you replace components in an assembly, some assembly constraints will be lost and need to be recreated. Autodesk Inventor software will attempt to retain the constraints, but the result depends largely on the differences in geometry between the existing component and the replacement component. When the component is replaced, the new version is placed in the same location as the existing version. The origin of the new component is coincident with the origin of the component being replaced. There are two versions of the Replace component tool: - Replaces only the selected component. - Replaces all occurrences of the selected component.
Access Methods
The following methods are available for access the Replace component tool. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
When you replace components in an assembly the Possible Constraint Loss dialog box will appear. Click OK to continue and replace the selected component, or click Cancel to cancel the operation.
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2.
On the Panel Bar, click the Replace component tool and in the Open dialog box, double-click on the replacement component. If the Possible Constraint Loss dialog box appears, click OK to replace the component.
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3.
To replace multiple occurrences of the same part, select one of the occurrences and on the Panel Bar, click the Replace All tool.
4. 5.
In the Open dialog box, double-click on the replacement component. Click OK in the Possible Constraint Loss dialog box.
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Overview
Creating components in an assembly enables you to design parts in the context of the assembly in which they will reside. This technique enables you to take advantage of other part features in the assembly to create new geometry and validate this new geometry based upon the design intent. In this lesson you will learn how to create components in the context of an assembly.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Create parts in the context of the assembly Use work features in assemblies Use 2D sketches in an assembly Use projected edges and features
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Access Methods
The following methods are available for accessing the Create Component tool. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
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New FIle Name: Enter a name for the new file. File Type: Select the file type in the drop-down list. Part: Select to create a new part file. Assembly: Select to create subassembly.
New File Location: Enter the location for the new part or assembly file. Template: Select a template to use for the new part or assembly file. Browse: Click to browse for a template file. Constrain sketch plane to selected face or plane: Selecting this option will place a flush constraint between the new part and the selected face.
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Select a face or plane to define the initial sketch plane on the new part.
4.
Use the sketching tools available to create new sketch geometry or project geometry from other parts in the assembly.
5.
6.
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On the Panel Bar, click the Create Component tool and enter the required values in the Create In-Place Component dialog box. Click OK to create the new subassembly.
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9.
The subassembly is automatically activated. You can now create new parts in the context of the subassembly or place components that have already been created.
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You will also find the Work Plane, Work Axis, and Work Point tools to create new assembly based work features.
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Using 2D Sketches
You can use 2D sketches in the assembly while you create new parts and validate design intent. As you do, it is not necessary to create 3D features in the initial design phases. You can create the fundamental sketch geometry you need to validate certain features and then exit the part and assign assembly constraints to the 2D parts in the same way you apply constraints to 3D features.
Procedure
Using this technique enables you to validate the part's intended function before spending the time required to develop the parts final form.
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2.
Exit the part and return to the assembly environment. Apply assembly constraints between the new 2D part and the existing parts.
3.
4.
Validate the components by constraint dragging the 2D parts and/or editing dimensions and/or other constraints.
5.
The 2D parts will react in the assembly the same way as a fully developed 3D part.
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When you project 2D geometry across parts in the assembly, the resulting geometry will either be associative reference geometry or static reference geometry. Each type offers unique benefits and drawbacks, some of which are beyond the scope of this course. The biggest difference between associative or static reference geometry is what happens to the projected geometry if the originating feature changes. Associative reference geometry maintains a link to the original part and changes if the feature from which it was projected changes. Static reference geometry is not linked back to the originating part and will not change if the source features change. The following table represents some key differences between Associative Reference geometry and Static Reference geometry.
Associative Reference
Receiving part is adaptive Degrees of freedom on receiving part are reduced. Geometry cannot be trimmed or dimensioned
Static Reference
Receiving part is not adaptive Degrees of freedom on receiving part are not effected. Geometry cannot be trimmed or dimensioned
For more information on the use of projected geometry, refer to the Autodesk Inventor Help system.
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To enable or disable the associative reference geometry, on the Tools menu click Application Options. In the Options dialog box, click the Assembly tab and adjust the option accordingly.
Cross Part Geometry Projection: Selecting this option will create associative reference geometry. Clearing this option will create static reference geometry. If this option is chosen Autodesk Inventor will assign an Adaptive status to the current part and active sketch. Although this adds a degree of flexibility in regards to the design process, it also adds a certain level of complexity to managing the geometry. Adaptivity will be introduced later in this chapter. In the image below, the projected geometry is associative. Note the appearance in the browser and the adaptive icon associated with the adaptive sketch, feature and part.
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In the image below, projected geometry is static. Note the appearance of the sketch in the browser. There is no adaptive icon or linked reference to the sketch. When projecting cross-part geometry, static reference geometry is magenta, while associative reference geometry is black.
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Moving Components
Overview Overview
Overview
There are several methods available for moving components in an assembly. The method you choose will largely depend upon the constraint condition of the components and/or the task you need to accomplish. In this lesson you will learn how to move components in an assembly.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Identify the remaining degrees of freedom on a part, and how they are affected by constraints Perform an unconstrained drag Perform a constrained drag Drive assembly constraints Move and rotate components in an assembly
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Degrees of Freedom
Each component in an assembly will initially have six degrees of freedom (DOF). They represent how you can move the component along or rotated about each of the X, Y, and Z axes. The degrees of freedom that enable a component to move along an axis, is Translational freedom, while the degrees of freedom that enable a part to rotate about an axis is Rotational freedom.
Concept
As you apply assembly constraints to components, you reduce the degrees of freedom for the components being constrained. When a part has no degrees of freedom remaining, it is considered to be fully constrained. You do not have to fully constrain any component in the assembly. In some cases you do not want to fully constrain a component. For example, if you have an assembly with components that are designed to move along a given axis, then you should leave the degrees of freedom to allow that movement.
The image above represents the DOF symbol that can be viewed on each part in the assembly.
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Grounded Components
Note
When components are grounded in an assembly, all degrees of freedom are removed. Because the first part in each assembly is automatically grounded, it has no degrees of freedom remaining.
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Mate constraint being applied. Three degrees of freedom are removed, three remain.
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Flush constraint being applied. Two degrees of freedom removed, one remains.
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Flush constraint being applied. No remaining degrees of freedom. Part is fully constrained.
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Unconstrained Drag
You can move unconstrained components by dragging them in the graphics window. It is sometimes necessary to move components in order to place assembly constraints.
Procedure
Unconstrained Drag
Constrained Drag
To perform a constrained drag you click and drag on a component that is constrained in the assembly. You are able to drag the component in the directions allowed by the remaining degrees of freedom. Other components constrained to the selected component will also move based upon their remaining degrees of freedom.
Procedure
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Constraint Drivers
As you build assemblies and add constraints to the parts, you may need to visualize the assembly in motion to see how the components interact with each other. Driving constraints makes this visualization possible.
Procedure
When you create assembly constraints, each constraint type contains a property representing an offset or angle value. When you drive a constraint, these values are assigned a Start and End value. You animate the assembly by driving the constraints through the range specified. While you drive the constraint, other assembly constraints are constantly evaluated and the assembly components are only allowed to move through the available degrees of freedom for each component.
Access Methods
The following methods are available for accessing the Drive Constraints tool. Shortcut Menu Right-click on a constraint and select Drive Constraint
Start: Enter a minimum value for the current constraint. For angular constraint, this value will be an angle format, for all other constraints, this value will represent a distance. End: Enter a maximum value for the current constraint. Pause Delay: Enter a delay in seconds to be applied between steps.
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Player Controls: Use the standard player controls to drive the constraint through its sequence. Click to record the sequence to a standard AVI format. Minimize dialog during recording: When selected, the dialog box will be minimized while recording the sequence. Drive Adaptivity: When selected, will allow adaptive parts to update if necessary based upon changes in the assembly. Collision Detection: When selected, the assembly is analyzed for interference as each component moves through its sequence. If a collision is detected, the motion is stopped at the point of interference. Increment: Select the method for calculating the increment of simulation. Amount of value: Uses the value below to increment each step of the sequence. Total # of steps: Uses the value below for the total number of steps for the sequence. Value: Enter a value for the increment method.
Repetitions: Start/End: Runs the sequence from its Start position to its End position. Start/End/Start: Runs the sequence from its Start position to its End position and back to its Start position.
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In the Drive constraint dialog box, enter a Start and End value, adjust other settings as required and click the Play button to drive the constraint.
3.
The assembly constraint is driven through its Start and End positions.
Although it is beyond the scope of this course, through the use of parameters and formulas it is possible to drive more than one constraint at a time. Refer to the Advanced Assembly Modeling course from Autodesk, Inc. for more information.
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To move or rotate a component in the assembly, select the appropriate tool then click and drag on the part being moved or rotated. After you move or rotate the component click the Update button on the Standard toolbar to reapply the assembly constraints.
Access Methods
The following methods are available for accessing the Move and Rotate Component tools. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcuts
V = Move G = Rotate
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When you rotate components, the 3D Rotate symbol appears similar to the 3D Rotate symbol when rotating views. Click and drag in the appropriate location to rotate the component.
If you move or rotate a grounded component, it will not move back to its original location after performing an Update.
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Constraining Components
Overview Overview
Overview
When you build assemblies you define parametric relationships between the parts in the assembly. The relationships created between parts using assembly constraints, realistically mimics real-world situations and operating conditions of the assembly components. You apply assembly constraints to the parts to define their position and available degrees of freedom. You use the Constraint tool or the ALT-Drag method to apply constraints without using the Place Constraint dialog box. After you apply the constraints, there are a couple of ways to view the constraints in the browser, and if necessary edit the constraints. In this lesson you will learn how to apply, view, and edit assembly constraints.
LCD-Mount Assembly
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Understand how assembly constraints effect individual parts in the assembly Apply and edit basic assembly constraints in the assembly View assembly constraints in the browser Use the ALT-Drag method to apply assembly constraints
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Placing Constraints
You apply each assembly constraint to either two components in the assembly or to one component and one assembly origin feature. When you start the Constraint tool, after you select the type of constraint, you will select one feature on each part to apply it. The geometry that you choose is dependent upon the type of constraint you apply. The features to which the constraints are applied can be geometric part features, or work features (work planes, axes, or points) at the assembly or part level.
Concept
There are four types of assembly constraints that can be applied between parts: mate, angle, tangent, an insert. The constraint type chosen will depend upon the part features and the design intent.
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In the image below, you could use a variety of different constraint solutions to assemble these two components. However after analyzing how the components will be put together, the proper constraint is used to mimic the real world process of assembling the two components.
When placing constraints on obstructed geometry or features, on the Standard toolbar, select the Hidden Edge Display options to display all edges on the parts.
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On the Panel Bar, click the Constraint tool and select the type of constraint to apply.
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Select the features to apply the constraints. Depending on the type of constraint, and the geometry chosen, you are given a preview of how the constraint will be applied.
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If necessary adjust the solution option and enter an offset or angle value.
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Click apply to create the constraint then continue to add additional constraints as required.
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Basic Constraints
There are four basic assembly constraints. Each are designed to create a certain constraint condition between the components in the assembly.
Procedure
Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
Type: Select the type of constraint to create. Selections: As you select features, the selection1 and selection2 buttons are automatically activated. If you need to change a selected feature, click the appropriate selection button and reselect the geometry. Pick Part First: This option limits the feature selections to the selected part. You must first select the part, then select the feature for the constraint. This option is usually used in situations where the feature you are attempting to constrain is obstructed by other parts in the assembly. Offset/Angle: The label for this field will change depending on the type of constraint you select. Enter a value for the offset or angle of the constraint. Solution: Each constraint type offers different solutions. Refer to the section below for available solution options for each. Preview Constraint: This option previews the constraint before applying. The components will move into position, enabling you to preview the constraint and confirm or change the constraint settings. Predict Offset and Orientation: Only available for Mate and Angle constraints, this option automatically inserts the angle or offset value if the offset field is blank. The offset or angle value is calculated based upon the
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part's current position and is inserted into the offset/angle field. To override this setting, enter the offset/angle value manually. This is useful in applying constraints without moving the geometry from its current position.
Mate Constraint
You use the mate constraint to mate selected geometry. Valid selections include faces, planes, axes, edges, and points. You can also enter an offset value to offset the geometry. Solution Options: Mate: Selected geometry will be mated to each other. Flush: Selected faces will be coplanar. The following represents examples using the Mate constraint.
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Angle Constraint
Use the angle constraint to specify an angle between faces, planes, or lines. Solution Options: Directed Angle: Using this solution option, the angle is measured by using the right-hand rule. Undirected Angle: This is the default solution and it allows either orientation of the angle constraint. This helps resolve situations in which the component's orientation flips during a constraint drive or drag.
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Tangent Constraint
Use the tangent constraint to define a tangency condition between one circular feature and plane or face, or between two circular features. Solution Options: Inside: Creates an inside tangent solution. Outside: Creates an outside tangent solution.
Insert Constraint
Use the insert constraint to insert a circular part feature into another circular part feature. This requires the selection of two circular edges. The center point of the edge is calculated and the result is a constraint in which the center lines are aligned and the selected edges are made coplanar. Solution Options: Opposed: This solution will force the face normals to be opposed. Aligned: This solution will align the face normals.
Insert Constraint
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Viewing Constraints
After you create the assembly constraints you can view them in the browser different ways. If you select a constraint in the browser it will highlight the geometry referenced by the constraint.
Procedure
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Editing Constraints
You can edit the constraint much the same way you edit placed features. Locate the constraint in the browser, then right-click on the constraint and on the shortcut menu, click Edit.
Procedure
Editing Constraints
When you edit a constraint, all edits are done in the same dialog box used to create the constraint. All options can be changed including the type of constraint.
Editing Constraints
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Using the Edit Dimension dialog box: In the browser, right-click on the constraint and on the shortcut menu, click Modify. The Edit Dimension dialog box will appear. Enter a new offset/angle value and press ENTER or click the green check mark.
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While holding the mouse button down, drag the part to the next feature to assign the constraint and release the mouse when the part is in place.
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LCD-Mount Assembly
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Adaptive Components
Overview Overview
Overview
Adaptivity is intended to give the designer a way to create parts that can adapt to the assembly in which they are being used. Historically, parametric modeling systems required the use of complex cross-part parametric equations in order for one part to change size if another part in the assembly changed. One problem with this technique, is that cross-part parametric equations could become so complex, that even the original designer could have problems managing the relationship and equations used in such an environment. With the introduction of Adaptivity, Autodesk Inventor enables the designer to create adaptive relationships between parts in an assembly, that do not require the use of complex cross-part parameters. Largely based upon assembly constraints, Adaptivity enables a part to change based upon changes in other parts in the assembly to which it has been constrained. Furthermore, with Autodesk Inventor you can mix both Parametric dimensions and adaptivity within the same part and/or assembly. Thus, you can control the design intent by using the most appropriate technique. Although an in depth discussion of Adaptivity is beyond the scope of the course, you will learn the essential aspects of creating adaptive assemblies using Autodesk Inventor.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Understand adaptive features and how you use them Create adaptive features and sketches Use adaptive occurrences in an assembly and control them with constraints
Copyright 2004 Autodesk, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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When you create a part containing adaptive features, their size is allowed to change when the assembly conditions require them to do so in order to successfully resolve constraints and associative sketches. You can use different approaches to create adaptive features, for example, you can design the part outside of the assembly and make specific features adaptive for later use, or create a part in the context of the assembly, and project geometry from other parts in the assembly, to automatically create adaptive features. In the example below, the gasket component was created by using an adaptive crosspart projection from the flange component. By changing dimensions on the flange component, the gasket features change to match the changes on the flange.
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Using an associative reference sketch to create a feature. When you create parts in the context of the assembly, you can project geometry from other parts onto the current sketch. Depending upon the current Application Options settings, this geometry will either be associative reference or static. When the result of the geometry you project is associative reference geometry, the sketch is automatically set to be adaptive and any changes to the originating geometry will reflect in the reference geometry. To access this setting, on the Tools menu, click Application Options and click the Assembly tab.
Use Associative Reference Sketches to Create a new component with features that need to mate with other features in the assembly. Create a new component with features whose size and position are dependent upon the features of other parts in the assembly. For example a flange and end cap. Create features that mate with a zero clearance. Create an underconstrained feature, and then make it adaptive. You create the sketch geometry and intentionally leave the geometry underconstrained. In order for a sketch feature to adapt, it must be underconstrained specifically on the elements of the sketch that you require to be adaptive. After you create the feature, in the browser, right-click on the
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Assign specific feature properties as adaptive. Each feature you create has specific properties can be set as adaptive. For example, a hole feature has the following properties that can be set as adaptive. Sketch (must be underconstrained) Hole Depth Nominal Diameter Counterbore Diameter Counterbore Depth Any or all of these features can be set as adaptive in the Feature Properties dialog box. Use Underconstrained Adaptive Features to Create adaptive relationships with 2D layout sketch geometry. Create adaptive relationships when there is no existing geometry to project. Create adaptive relationships before you know which parts in the assembly you will constrain the adaptive features to. Adapt a feature to a component in another assembly level. Creating mating features and control assembly clearances with constraint offset values.
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Adaptive Sketches
You create adaptive sketches by projecting cross-part geometry as associative reference geometry. If the originating geometry changes, the changes are automatically reflected in the referencing associative sketch.
Procedure
In the image above, the Adaptive-Gasket's base feature sketch geometry is projected from the underlying flange part. If changes to the flange's sketch geometry occur, they will be automatically reflected in the projected adaptive sketch.
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On the Tools menu, click Application Options. In the Options dialog box, click the Assembly tab and confirm that the Enable Associative Edge/Loop Geometry Projection During In-Place Modeling is selected, then click OK.
3.
Create a new part in the context of the assembly and activate the sketch to receive to associative reference geometry. With sketch activated, on the Panel Bar, click the Project Geometry tool and select the edges or loops to be projected onto the new
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part. To project single edges, select the edges specifically, to project a loop, select a point inside the edges.
4.
The projected geometry will appear on the sketch and in the browser as an adaptive reference.
5.
Use the projected sketch geometry to create the required sketched features.
6.
If necessary make changes to the original part and view the changes reflected in the adaptive part.
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Adaptive Features
You create Adaptive features by leaving certain aspects of the feature underconstrained. By leaving the geometry underconstrained, it is able to adapt to other features based upon assembly constraints. You do this by leaving dimensions and/or constraints off of sketch geometry, or by making specific feature properties, such as an extrusion distance, adaptive.
Procedure
In the image below, the adaptive part is created with the initial sketch intentionally underconstrained. Using Mate and Flush assembly constraints, the adaptive part is driven through a series of updates and changes in size.
In the browser, right-click on a feature and select Properties on the shortcut menu. The feature properties dialog box contains an Adaptive section enabling you to determine which aspects of the feature are allowed to adapt. The options available will depend upon the type of feature selected.
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In the browser, right-click on the feature and select Adaptive from the shortcut menu.
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4.
Add assembly constraints according to the design intent. The adaptive part will update to validate the assembly constraint.
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Continue to add assembly constraints as required by the design intent. The part feature updates to validate the assembly constraint.
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Continue to add assembly constraints as required by the design intent. The part feature updates to validate the assembly constraint.
You can set part features to be adaptive automatically as soon as they are created. On the Tools menu, click Application Options. In the Options dialog box, click the Assembly tab and select the Features are initially adaptive option.
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When you constrain the adaptive part to fixed features on other components, the under constrained features on the adaptive part will resize to validate the assembly constraints. In an assembly containing multiple occurrences of an adaptive part, only one occurrence can be specified as adaptive. Any changes made to the adaptive occurrence will be automatically reflected in other occurrences. When a component is being used adaptively in one assembly, it cannot be used adaptively in another. It is important to note that any changes to the adaptive part, caused by adaptivity, or other modifications, will be reflected in every assembly in which the part is used. If you require the same part to be adaptive in multiple assemblies, you can use the Save Copy As command and save the part with a unique name for each adaptive occurrence you require in other assemblies. The image below represents two assembly files, each containing a reference to the PinA component. In the Adaptive-Occurrence.iam file, note that only one occurrence of the Pin-A component is set to be adaptive. All other occurrences in the assembly will update to reflect the adaptive changes. In the Tri-Assembly.iam file, the same Pin-A component is being referenced. Because it is used adaptively in the AdaptiveOccurrences.iam file, it cannot be used adaptively in this assembly. Also, changes to the Pin-A component forced by adaptivity in the first assembly, are also reflected in the second assembly. As a result, in this example, the Pin-A component no longer fits the hole size of the Tri-Base.ipt.
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The image below represents a common error that can occur when you apply constraints to adaptive components. Although the message does not give details about the specific problem, when you use adaptive parts, it means that either some aspect of the feature's properties is not specified to be adaptive, or a constraint or dimension is preventing the adaptive change to occur. When this message appears, Cancel or Accept the message, and investigate the adaptive component's features, and sketch geometry. If you click Cancel, you will have to reapply the constraint. If you click Accept, the constraint will be saved in an error state. After you resolve the adaptive issue, the constraint will be validated automatically.
Adaptivity is not intended to be the cure all for all cross-part design challenges. For each adaptive part in an assembly, additional processing is required. Depending on the complexity of the assembly and parts, assembly performance can be effected. After the adaptive changes have been applied, turn off the adaptive status of the part in the assembly. This step is critical for performance, as any changes to a feature will force Autodesk Inventor to evaluate the adaptivity. If your assembly contains hundreds (if not thousands) of parts, then performance could be seriously effected.
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Assembly Analysis
Overview Overview
Overview
There are different tools available to assist you in analyzing components that are used in an assembly, and finding existing components. In this lesson you will learn to analyze the assembly for interference between parts. You will also learn to perform different surface analyses on parts as well as using the Find option in the open dialog box to locate components based upon certain search criteria.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Analyze components in the assembly for interference Analyze faces on the part using the Zebra Style analysis Locate components using the Find option
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Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Analyze Interference tool.
Tools >
Define Set #1: Click this button then select the components to include in the first set. You can select components in the browser or in the graphics window. Components within this set will be compared against components in Set #2. Define Set #2: Click this button then select the components to include in the second set. You can select components in the browser or in the graphics window. Components within this set will be compared against components in Set #1. Including components in this set is optional. When the interference analysis is performed, components in Set #1 are checked for interference with components in Set #2. If you define both sets and components within the same set interfere with each other, the interference will not be detected. To check for interference by comparing each component to each other component, select all components for Set #1 and leave Set #2 empty.
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If interferences are detected, the Interference Detected dialog box appears, indicating the components and locations of interference. You can copy this information to the clipboard and then paste it into another application. You can also print it for further review.
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Click the Define Set #2 button and select the components to be compared against the components in Set #1. Then click OK.
4.
If an interference is found, the Interference Detected dialog box appears giving a total number of interferences and the total volume. The areas of interference are indicated in red in the graphics window. You can expand the dialog box for more information and to copy and/or print the results.
To prevent interference between threaded holes and fasteners, use the major diameter option to create the threaded hole.
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Each style is designed to perform specific analysis and will present the results of the analysis in a unique way. In this lesson you will learn how to perform each of these analyses.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Analyze Faces tool. Pull Down Menu Tools >
Standard Toolbar
Zebra Analysis
The Zebra Analysis analyzes the selected part or faces by checking for continuity between surfaces.
In the Style area click the left button to activate the Zebra Analysis. You use this style to check the continuity between surfaces. New: Click to define a new selection set of faces. Delete: Click to delete the selection set. Definition: Use these options to control the orientation of the pattern, thickness of the stripes, and opacity of the pattern. Selection: In the Selection area, click the arrow button to select the part or faces.
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Part: Enables you to select the entire part for analysis. Faces: Enables you to select individual faces for analysis. Click OK or Apply to display the results.
In the example above, the selected faces are being analyzed for continuity along their common edge. The Zebra Stripes make a uniform transition from one face to the other, indicating surface continuity. If there were gaps between the selected faces, the Zebra Stripe pattern would indicate this with a non-uniform transition from one face to the next.
Draft Analysis
You use the Draft Analysis style to check the suitability of a part for casting. When you design parts for casting, 90 degree angles can cause problems when trying to pull the mold away from the part. Face drafts are generally used to alleviate this problem by applying slight draft angles between faces. The Draft Analysis style analyzes the selected part or faces and presents the results in a range of colors on the selected part or faces. The colors represent the draft angle range between angles specified.
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In the Style area click the right button to activate the Draft Analysis. New: Click to define a new selection set of faces. You can define individual selection sets with separate pull-directions. Delete: Click to delete the selection set. Definition: Enter the draft angle range to use for the analysis. Selection: In the Selection area click the arrow button to select the part or faces. Part: Enables you to select the entire part for analysis. Faces: Enables you to select individual faces for analysis. In the Selection area, click the arrow to define, and if necessary flip the pull direction for the current selection set. Click OK or Apply to display the results.
In the example above, the a draft analysis as been performed on the selected faces. The green areas indicate safe draft angles while the red areas indicate 90 degree conditions. The color ranges from blue (negative angle specified) to red (0 degree draft angle) to Green (positive angle specified). Faces represented in Blue or Green, have acceptable draft angles, while Red indicates 0 degree draft angles which could cause problems when trying to pull the mold away from the part.
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Locating Components
You can use the Find tool to locate files or components within the active assembly. You can create different searches by defining criteria based upon various file properties and save these custom searches for later use.
Procedure
There are two slightly different versions of the Find dialog box. You access the Find: Autodesk Inventor Files dialog by clicking the Find button on the Open dialog box. The Find Assembly Components dialog box is accessed by clicking Find on the Edit menu, while working in the context of the assembly. Both tools function the same way, the only difference is that the latter only searches the active assembly file, and highlights and selects the matching components in the browser.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access tools for locating files Autodesk Inventor files. Open Dialog Box Edit Menu (Assemblies Only) Locates components within the active assembly only. Keyboard Shortcut (Assemblies Only) Locates components within the active assembly only. Find Find
CTRL+F
The main window in each of these dialog boxes lists the current search criteria. You create the search criteria by selecting the property from the Property drop-down list. You then select the appropriate condition and if necessary, provide a value. Click the
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Add to list button to add the criteria to the main window list. Use the Save Search button to save the search for later use, and the Open Search button to load previously saved searches.
Build and optionally save the search criteria, then click Find Now to search for Autodesk Inventor files that meet the criteria defined. Build and optionally save the search criteria, then click Find Now to search for components in the active assembly that meet the defined criteria. Components that meet the criteria will be highlighted in the browser. You use this tool for large assemblies, where it would be difficult to manually locate components in the browser.
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Presentations
Overview Overview
Overview
You use Presentations files to create exploded views of the assembly. If you require exploded views in your drawing you will first need to create the exploded view in a Presentation file. You can also use the Presentation environment to: Help explain and visualize components in the assembly that would otherwise be obstructed from view when the assembly is shown in its assembled condition. Visualize the interaction between parts in the assembly by animating the exploded view to show the assembly's transition between the assembled and exploded states.
The Presentation file is stored as a separate *.ipn file which references the assembly and part files for the geometry. In this lesson you will learn to create exploded views and animations.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Create a Presentation View Create Tweaks and Trails in a Presentation View Animate a Presentation View
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Creating a Presentation
Before you create a Presentation View, you must create a Presentation File. You store the Presentation in an *.ipn file. Default templates are available for Presentation files.
Procedure
Presentation Environment
The Presentation Environment is similar to the part modeling and assembly environment. The Panel Bar contains the tools you use to create the Presentations; the graphics window displays the assembly geometry you use in the presentation views; and the browser displays view names and other information relevant to the Presentation environment.
Presentation Environment
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Access Methods
Use the following methods to access to Create View tool. Panel Bar
When you select the Create View tool, the Select Assembly dialog box is displayed.
File: If you already have an assembly file open, it will be listed automatically in the File field. If you do not currently have an assembly file open, you will need to enter the path for the assembly or select the browse button to browse for the assembly file. Design View: Select the Design View to use as the basis for the Presentation View. Click the browse button to browse for a different design view file. Explosion Method: Select the explosion method from the following options. Manual: This option creates the Presentation View without exploding the assembly components. You explode the view later by adding tweaks to move each component. Automatic: This option creates the exploded view by automatically moving the components in the assembly based on the distance you enter in the Distance field. Only components with certain assembly constraints such as Mate, and Insert, will be moved automatically. Distance: Enter an explosion distance to move each component. This option is only available if you select Automatic. Create Trails: This option will create trails indicating the path of each component from its assembled position to the exploded position.
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The image below represents a typical presentation containing two Presentation Views. Each Presentation View is displayed in the browser. You can expand it to display the assembly components. Other options are available for filtering the information presented in the browser. To activate a view, double-click on the view in the browser. The view names listed here are the same view names available to create a 2D drawing view later. If necessary you can rename the view by performing a slow double-click on the name in the browser.
Presentation View
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3.
The Presentation View is created accordingly and appears in the Presentation Browser. Expand the view to see the components and tweaks automatically applied. If you need to edit the tweak, enter a new value in the Edit Box at the bottom of the browser.
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When you tweak a component you can move and/or rotate the component in any direction. When the tweaks are created you also have the option of displaying the trails, which represent a path from the components current location after tweaks have been applied, to its assembled location. Trails help clarify how a component in an exploded view fits into the overall assembly.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Tweak Components tool. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
Direction: Click the Direction button to define the direction of the tweak. Select a face or edge on any component to display the Triad icon. The direction does not have to be defined from a feature on the part you tweak. Once the direction triad appears, you can select elements of the triad to control the transformation. The blue axis indicates the current transformation axis.
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You can switch the active direction by: Choosing another axis in the Tweak Component dialog box. Selecting the axis on the Triad to make it current.
Components: Click the Components button to select the components to tweak. If you select a component by mistake, deselect it by holding down the CTL key and reselecting the component. Trail Origin: Click the Trail Origin button to select a different trail origin. Display Trails: Select this option to display trails showing the path of the tweak. Transformations: In the Tweak Component dialog box, in the Transformations area you can set the transformation options for the tweak. You can select the option to move or rotate the component. This option enables you to move the component along the selected axis. Clicking the X, Y, or Z here is the same as selecting each axis on the triad in the graphics window. This option enables you to rotate the component around the selected axis. Enter a distance or angle value for the tweak and click the green check mark button. You can use the value field for tranlational and rotational tweaks. Note: When you drag the tweak distance, start dragging the distance with the cursor away from existing components. Inadvertently selecting a point over a component will add that component to the tweak.
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Edit Existing Trail: Click the Edit Existing Trail button to edit an existing trail. You will select the trail then adjust the tweak value. Triad Only: Select this option to rotate the triad only. This option is only available when the rotational transformation is selected. By rotating the triad, you can tweak the component in different angles. In the same area, click the green check button to finish tweaking the triad. Clear: Click to clear the current tweak and continue adding tweaks. Close: Click to close the dialog box.
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4.
Confirm the Transformation settings then click and drag in a blank area of the screen. Click Clear to apply the tweak and continue.
5.
6.
Select the components to include in the tweak, and confirm the transformation direction. Click and drag in a blank area of the graphics window and then click Clear to apply the tweak and continue.
7.
Repeat the steps above to continue tweaking components. When finished, click Close.
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There are several options available to animate the presentation view, some of which are beyond the scope of this course. In this lesson you will learn the basics for animating a Presentation View.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Animate tool. Panel Bar
After you start the Animate tool, use the standard player controls to play, rewind, or pause. In the Animation dialog box, in the Motion area, click the Record button to record the animation to an standard AVI file. Expand the dialog box to examine the tweak sequence. By default the animation will play in the reverse order that you applied the tweaks. If you select items in the sequence list, you can use the Move Up and Move Down buttons to change the animation sequence of the selected tweak. When you tweak multiple components at the same time, they appear as a group in the sequence list. Select items in the list and use the Group and Ungroup buttons to move items in and out of sequence groups. All items in a sequence group are animated at the same time. After you play the animation, click Reset to reset the sequence back to the beginning.
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Exercise: Presentations
In this exercise, you will create a new presentation file of an assembly. After creating the presentation, you will create an exploded view of the components and then animate that exploded view.
Print Exercise Reference
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In this exercise, you will use the concepts and techniques learned in this chapter to create the assembly pictured in the image below.
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Chapter Summary
Summary
What constitutes an assembly model and the overall process used to create them. The different approaches that can be used when creating assembly models and the environment and interface used as you create the assembly. Perform several different assembly related operations using the assembly browser. Activating components and controlling the appearance properties of the browser. Resequencing and restructuring an assembly. Creating Design Views to save custom views and display characteristics of the assembly. Placing components in the assembly using the Place Component tool. Potential outside sources of geometry not created with Autodesk Inventor. Replacing existing components in the assembly, while understanding the potential effect on assembly constraints when doing so. Creating new parts in the context of the assembly. Using assembly based work features to constrain components and using parts consisting of only 2D geometry to validate design intent. Projecting geometry from other parts in the assembly when creating new components. Degrees of Freedom and how they effect each part in the assembly. Simulating motion in an assembly by driving constraints and temporarily repositioning components in the assembly by using the Move Component and Rotate Component tools. Placing assembly constraints on components in your assembly. Alternative methods for placing constraints on components in the assembly. Methods for creating adaptive features and sketches and how to control the adaptive status of these features. Tips and considerations for using Adaptive parts in your assembly.
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Introduction to Drawings
Chapter Introduction
In this chapter you learn about... Creating and utilizing the available drafting standards to control several properties of your drawing. Creating and using text styles and dimension styles. Using various drawing resources. Creating base and projected views of your part or assembly files. Editing projected views and the options that are available. Creating and editing section views on your drawing. Creating detail views to magnify portions of your drawing view. Creating and editing auxiliary views on your sheet. Creating and editing broken views. Creating and editing break out views as an alternative to standard section views. Managing views and sections after they have been created. Copying and/or moving views between sheets in the drawing. Retrieving model dimensions for use in the drawing. Placing reference dimensions on the sheet. Creating general types of annotation on your drawing.
In this chapter
After completing this chapter, you will be able to... Create and utilize the available drafting standard to control properties of your drawing. Create and use text styles and dimension styles. Perform several functions involving drawing resources. Create base and projected views. Create and edit section views. Project isometric views from the section to create an isometric section view. Create and edit detail views. Create and edit auxiliary views on your sheet. Create and edit broken views on your sheet. Copy and/or move drawing views between sheets in the drawing. Retrieve model dimensions for use in the drawing.
Overview
Autodesk Inventor software supports ANSI, BSI, DIN, GB, ISO, and JIS, drafting standards. You use them to control the appearance of drawing features such as Balloons, Weld Symbols, and Parts Lists. The default standard is determined by the option you select during installation and can be changed for each drawing. In this lesson you will learn how to use drafting standards to control the appearance of drawing features.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Use Drafting Standards to control the appearance of drawing features Create and use text styles in your drawing Create and use dimension styles in your drawings Create drawing templates
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Drafting Standards
You use the Drafting Standards dialog box to control several different drawing feature properties. When you create a new drawing, the default drafting standard is determined by the options chosen during installation. You can create a new standard or modify an existing standard for the current drawing. When you create or modify drafting standards, the changes apply only to the current drawing. If you want the changes to be available to all new drawings, you must save the current drawing as template in your template directory.
Principle
Access Methods
Use the following method to access the Drafting Standards dialog box. Pull Down Menu Format > Drafting Standards
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Sheet Tab: The options on this tab controls sheet specific properties such as labels and colors.
Terminator Tab: This tab controls the type and size of leader and dimension terminators.
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Dimension Style Tab: Select the active dimension style for the current standard. The characters must be selected to be available for dimensions. Unselected characters will not be available for dimensions.
Control Frame Tab: Use the options on this tab for Control Frame properties. Only the selected symbols will be available for GD&T features.
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Datum Target Tab: These options control Datum Target feature properties such as point size, linetypes, and units.
Parts List Tab: This tab controls Parts Lists properties such as Text Style, Heading, and Columns to be included.
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Balloon Tab: These options control properties for Balloon features such as Text Style, Balloon Type, and Offset Spacing.
Hatch Tab: These options set the default hatch pattern for section views. Only the selected Hatches will be available when you create new hatch areas or modify existing hatch patterns.
Center Mark Tab: These options control the center mark properties.
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Welding Symbols Tab: These options control weld symbol properties. Only the selected symbols will be available in the drawing.
Weld Bead Recovery Tab: This tab controls the weld bead properties for weld features.
Surface Texture Tab: These options control surface texture symbol properties. Only the selected symbols will be available when you place surface texture features.
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In the New Standard dialog box, enter a name for your standard, and select the base standard from the drop-down list.
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The new drafting standard will be listed among the default drafting standards and should appear selected in the Current column. Continue to modify other properties as required. Click OK to close the Drafting Standards dialog box.
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Text Styles
You create and use text styles to control the appearance of text features for annotation objects in your drawings. Stored within the drawing, the default text style is set within the current drafting standard. If you modify or create new text styles, and you want them available in other drawings, you will need to save the current drawing containing the text style as a drawing template in your template directory.
Concept
The image below represents the same text object with different text styles applied.
Within each drawing is a default text style for each drafting standard. These text styles are named DEFAULT-Standard Name and cannot be modified or deleted. If you select one of these text styles in the Text Styles dialog box, all options will be grayed out.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access Text Style related functions. Pull Down Menu Standard Toolbar Text Styles Select to change the active text style, or apply a different text style to the selected text.
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You can adjust the following properties for all but the DEFAULT-Standard Name text styles. Standard: In the drop-down list, select the drafting standard to display text styles. Font: In the drop-down list, select the text font for the style. Size: In the drop-down list, select the size for the font, or enter a new value. Style Name: Enter a name for the text style. Format/Justification/Color: Select the options to control the format (Bold, Italic, Underline), Justification (Left, Center, Right, Top, Middle, Bottom) and color. %Stretch: Specifies the width of the text. Rotation: Click to set the default rotation of the text. 0, 270, 180, or 90 degrees. Line Spacing: In the drop-down list, select the line spacing for the text style. Value: Enter a line spacing value. Only available for the Exactly, or Multiply options.
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The selected annotation object updates to reflect the changes in the text style.
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Dimension Styles
You create and use dimension styles to control the appearance properties of dimension objects in the drawing. Each dimension contains a number of different properties that you can modify and save in a dimension style. The default dimension style is set in the current drafting standard and each drafting standard includes a number of predefined dimension styles.
Concept
The following image shows several dimensions applied to the geometry using different dimension styles.
Dimension styles are stored within the drawing. In order to make your custom dimension styles available for other drawings, you must save the drawing as a template or use the drawing orgranizer to copy dimension styles from an existing drawing to the current one.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access dimension style functions. Pull Down Menu Standard Toolbar Format > Dimension Styles Select to set the active dimension style or change the dimension style of a selected dimension.
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The Dimension Styles dialog box contains several tabs, each with a unique set of properties that you can adjust. Select the dimension style to modify and adjust the properties as required.
Dimension styles named DEFAULT-Standard Name exist for each drafting standard and cannot be modified. They can be used as the basis for new dimension styles by selecting the dimension style and clicking New.
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If you want to change the current dimension style, select a different style from the drop-down list. The selected style will become the current dimension style until it is changed.
As you place the dimension, it assumes the properties of the current dimension style.
When a setting being changed is common to one found in the Drafting Standards or the Dimension Style dialog boxes, the rule of thumb is: Override settings supersede the Dimension Style settings. Dimension Style settings supersede the Drafting Standard settings.
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Dimension Overrides
If you apply a dimension style to a dimension containing overrides, the overrides on that dimension will be lost.
Note
To copy a dimension style, enter or browse for the path of the source drawing containing the dimension style. Select the dimension style(s) to copy and click the Copy button.
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Drawing Templates
After you modify and create custom drafting standards, text styles, dimension styles, and other settings specific to your environment, you should save the drawing as a template. By saving the drawing as a template, you can create new drawings based on the template which will contain the custom settings created earlier.
Procedure
The following list represents settings or properties that are saved within a drawing template. Drafting Standards Dimension Styles Text Styles Sheet Formats Borders Title Blocks Sketched Symbols
Access Method
Use the following method to create a drawing template. Pull Down Menu File > Save Copy As
Before you save your drawing file as a template, determine the location for your template files. The File Tab of the Options dialog box contains a field setting for the template location. Save your drawing in this location or a subfolder to make it available as a template when you create new drawings.
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Drawing Resources
Overview Overview
Overview
A typical Autodesk Inventor drawing contains several features that are not directly related to the 3D geometry they are used to represent. Features such as sheets, title blocks, borders, and views are all used to present information that meet typical drawing standards. In this lesson you learn how to utilize the various drawing resources available in a typical drawing environment.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Edit the default sheet by changing its size, orientation and other options Create drawings containing predefined views by using Sheet Formats Create drawings containing multiple sheets Create sheet formats to enable you to easily create drawings containing predefined views Define a sheet border for use in future drawings Create a custom title block for use in future drawings Edit existing title blocks that are automatically placed on the drawing
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Access Method
Use the following method to access the Edit Sheet tool. Shortcut Menu Right-click on the sheet in the browser > Edit Sheet
The following options are available in the Edit Sheet dialog box. Name: Enter a sheet name or accept the default. Size: Select a predefined sheet size or select the custom size option in the drop-down list. Height: Available only when Custom is selected in the Size drop-down list, enter a height for the sheet. Width: Available only when Custom is selected in the Size drop-down list, enter a width for the sheet. Orientation: Select a title block position option and the orientation of the sheet Portrait or Landscape. Exclude from count: By default each sheet is counted and its number displayed in the title block. Selecting this option will exclude the current sheet from the count and thereby not counted in the title block area showing the sheet number. Exclude from printing: Selecting this option will exclude the current sheet from printing when you select the All Sheets option in the Print Drawing dialog box.
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Adjust the options as required in the Edit Sheet dialog box and click OK.
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The sheet in the graphics window and browser updates to reflect the new information.
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A sheet format is defined for common sheet sizes. Double-click on a sheet format to create a new sheet using the pre-defined sheet size and views. Each sheet format will consist of one view based upon a predefined orientation such as Front and other projected views. The view scale is set to 1 and may require editing after placement.
Access Methods
Use the following method to access pre-defined sheet formats. Drawing Browser
A new sheet is created with the predefined views of the selected file.
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When you create a new sheet in the drawing, depending on the method chosen to create the new sheet, you will either be presented with the New Sheet dialog box or the sheet size and properties will be duplicated from the current sheet. The latter result only occurs when creating a new sheet by right-clicking in the browser and selecting New Sheet on the shortcut menu. The image below represents multiple sheets in the browser. You can only view one sheet at a time. To activate a sheet, double-click on the sheet in the browser.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to add new sheets to the drawing. Pull Down Menu Drawing Browser Keyboard Shortcut Insert > Sheet Right-click in a blank area and click New Sheet SHIFT + N
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The following options are available in the New Sheet dialog box. Size: Select a predefined sheet size from the drop-down list, or click Custom to enter a custom sheet size. Height: Available only when Custom is selected in the Size drop-down list, enter a height for the sheet. Width: Available only when Custom is selected in the Size drop-down list, enter a width for the sheet. Orientation: Select the appropriate orientation option, either Portrait or Landscape.
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Custom sheet formats are stored in the current drawing. Save the current drawing as a template to have access to the sheet formats later. Unlike Dimension Styles and Text Styles, sheet formats cannot be copied from another drawing using the Drawing Organizer. After you create the new sheet format, it will appear in the Sheet Formats folder in the drawing browser.
Access Methods
Use the following method to access the Create Sheet Format tool. Drawing Browser
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In the browser, right-click on the sheet and select Create Sheet Format dialog box.
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Enter a descriptive name in the Create Sheet Format dialog box and click OK.
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Your custom sheet format will appear in the Sheet Formats folder in the browser. Double-click on the sheet format to use it to create new sheets.
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Defining a Border
Procedure
Each drawing you create will contain a Default Border item listed in the Borders folder in the drawing browser. The default border is used on all new sheets and can resize dynamically when the sheet size is changed. You can define a custom border for use on your drawings. If you decide to create a custom border, consider these two items. Custom borders do not resize automatically if the sheet size changes. When creating a new border, you should create a new sheet based upon the size the new border will be designed to fit. To define a new border, expand the Drawing Resources and right-click on the Borders folder and click Define New Border on the shortcut menu.
Use standard sketching tools to sketch the border geometry. After you create the border geometry, right-click in the graphics window and click Save Border on the shortcut menu.
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Inserting a Border
When you create a new drawing, or add a new sheet to the existing drawing, it will automatically contain a border. To insert a different border, you must first delete the existing border from the sheet. After the border is deleted from the sheet, you can double-click on a border in the Borders folder or right-click on a border and click Insert Drawing Border.
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To define a new title block, right-click on the Title Blocks folder and select Define New Border on the shortcut menu.
Use standard sketch tools to create the geometry and text features for the title block. You can include special text items such as Property fields or Prompted Entry fields in the title block. Property fields are automatically populated based up file properties such as Part Number, or Author, while Prompted Entry fields are populated by prompting you for the values to use in the dialog box. In the image below, the default title block definition displays standard sketch geometry and dimensions as well as different types of text, some static text while others are property fields. Text between < > indicates a non-static text entity.
After creating the geometry and text for the title block, right click in the graphics window and click Save Title Block on the shortcut menu. Enter a name for the new Title Block in the Title Block dialog box. The new title block will be displayed in the browser under the Title Blocks folder. Double-click on the title block to use it on the sheet.
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Like other drawing resource items, title blocks are stored in the current drawing so save the drawing as a template in order to have access to the revised title block at a later date.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to edit a title block. Browser
Browser
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When you add text elements to the title block, in order to include property fields or prompted entry items, use the Property Field tool on the Panel Bar. Selecting this tool will display a different version of the Format Text dialog box as shown below.
Select the appropriate property type based upon the text element you are creating. For more information on these property types refer to the Autodesk Inventor software help system.
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Right-click in the graphics window and click Save Title Block on the shortcut menu. Click Yes in the Save Edits dialog box.
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Changes to the title block definition are applied to the sheet and the title block definition in stored in drawing resources.
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Projected Views
Overview Overview
Overview
After you complete the 3D design of your part or assembly, manufacturing will require dimensioned drawings in order to build your design. The first step in creating production drawings is to create the required orthographic and isometric views. In this lesson you learn how to create projected views of your part or assembly files.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Create a base view Create projected views from the base view Edit orthographic views and understand how other projected views may be affected
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When you create the base view, you specify the file to be used for the view, the view orientation, scale, and style. After you specify this information, the view is placed onto the sheet and an associative link between the drawing and the part, assembly, or presentation file is established. If the part geometry changes, those changes will reflect in the drawing. The image below is a base view of a part placed in the drawing.
Access Method
Use the following method to access the Base View tool. Panel Bar
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File: Enter or browse for the file to create its view. If you have a part, assembly, or presentation file open, it will be the default file listed. If multiple files are open, you select them in the drop-down list. Orientation: Select the orientation for the base view. Move your cursor away from the dialog box to see a preview of the view before it is created. The standard view orientations are based upon the origin planes of the file you select. Change View Orientation: Select this icon to open the model's 3D viewing window. You use standard view tools to define a custom view orientation. Weldment: Available only when creating a view of an Autodesk Inventor weldment assembly. Design View: Available only when you create a view of an Autodesk Inventor assembly. You select the Design View to use for the initial view creation. Associative: When you create a view of an Assembly, this option makes the view associative to the design view. This option is not available for default.user design views.
Scale: Enter a scale or select a predefined scale on the flyout menu. Scale from Base: Not available when you create a base view. You use it when you edit projected views. Show Scale: This option displays the scale on the sheet under the view. Label: Enter a label for the view or accept the default view label. The view label is displayed in the drawing browser. Show Label: This option displays the view label on the sheet under the view. Style: Select the rendering style for the view: Hidden Line - Hidden lines are displayed.
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Hidden Line Removed - Hidden lines are removed. Shaded - View is shaded using the same colors used in the assembly or part file
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The base view is placed on the sheet according to the options specified.
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If you select the Projected View tool you must select the base view, then position each projected view. I you right-click on a view and select Create View > Projected, you drag the projected views to the desired position, then after the view positions have been placed, right-click, and select create on the shortcut menu. All view positions are previewed by a bounding box prior to the views being created. When you create projected views, the view orientation is automatically determined based upon its position on the sheet relative to the base view. If you place the projected view to the right of the base view, it will generate a right-side projection of the base view. If you place the projected view at an angle from the base view, it will generate an isometric view based upon the relative position from the base view. By default the following view properties are carried over from the base view: Scale Style (Orthographic Only)
The following image represents a typical drawing with a base view and three projected views.
The description above is based upon a Third Angle projection setting in the Drafting Standards dialog box. First Angle projection method is also available.
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Panel Bar
Shortcut Menu
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Move the cursor to the location of the projected view and left-click. A bounding box of the view will appear at the placement location.
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Right-click in the graphics window and click Create on the shortcut menu.
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The projected views are created based upon the positions selected on the sheet.
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When you edit a Base view, you can change the Scale and Style properties, however while editing a projected view, you can only change these properties if you clear the options Scale from Base and/or Style from Base. On a projected view, these properties are linked to the base view to ensure the same scale across views, and the same rendering style.
Access Methods
Use the following method to edit views. Shortcut Menu Right-click on a view and click Edit View.
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Section Views
Overview Overview
Overview
When you create drawings of parts and assemblies, important internal details are sometimes obscured by other features or parts. Section views enable you to better visualize these important details by removing the parts or features that are obstructing the view. Features that were obstructed or displayed as hidden lines, are drawn with continuous lines with hatch patterns representing the section plane. In this lesson you learn how to create section views of part and assembly drawings.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Create section views in the drawing Create section views of the assembly in the drawing while controlling which parts are sectioned Edit section views by modifying the section line and editing the hatch pattern
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Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Section View tool. Panel Bar
Shortcut Menu
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The following options are available in the Section View dialog box. Label: Enter a label for the section view. Visible: When selected the view label will be visible on the sheet. Scale: Enter a scale factor for the section view. Visible: When selected the scale factor will be visible on the sheet. Style: Select a rendering style for the view. Hidden Line Hidden Line Removed Shaded
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Follow the image sequence below to see the effect of constraints being inferred.
You can use Projected View tool to project an isometric view from a section view the same way you would project a standard view.
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Sketch the section line. Note: You can draw the section line in one or more directions.
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After drawing the section line, right-click in the graphics window and click Continue on the shortcut menu.
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Drag the section view to one side of the view being sectioned. If necessary, adjust the section view options in the Section View dialog box and select a point on the screen to section the view.
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You create section views for assembly drawings using the same techniques as single part section views.
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This results in the assembly and parts being listed under the view in the browser. Parts appearing with a gray icon indicate that the parts visibility is currently turned off.
After the contents of the assembly are displayed in the drawing browser, right-clicking on the components will present options on the shortcut menu. To prevent a part from being sectioned, clear the check mark next to the Section option.
In order to prevent a component from being sectioned in the section view, you must turn off the section property on the view being sectioned, not the section view.
Tip
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Right-click on the view and click Edit View on the shortcut menu. This will present the Drawing View dialog box enabling you to edit the view in the same way to would edit other projected views. Edit the sketch used for the section line. This will present the Sketch Panel Bar, enabling you to edit the sketch geometry in the same way you would edit sketch geometry in the modeling environment. You can apply/remove constraints, modify the sketch geometry, apply dimensions to the sketch geometry.
Constraint Drag the section line. You can edit the section line by dragging elements of the section line to new positions. This can only be done on elements of the section line that are not constrained to drawing geometry.
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Editing the hatch pattern. Right click on a hatch pattern in the section view. This will present the Modify Hatch Pattern dialog box, enabling you to change the hatch pattern properties.
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Detail Views
Overview Overview
Overview
As you create 2D drawings for manufacturing, it may be necessary to magnify drawing areas to show small details, and apply dimensions that would otherwise be difficult to clearly show. When you create a detail view, you magnify an area of the drawing while creating an associative link between the original view and the detail view. If the geometry being magnified, changes in the original view, those changes also reflect in the detail view. In this lesson you learn to create detail views.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Create detail views to magnify areas of your drawing Edit detail views
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The resulting view is associated with the main view and any changes effecting geometry within the detail view will be automatically reflected in the detail view. Although the view is scaled, just like other scaled views, when you place dimensions on geometry within the view, the dimensions will reflect the actual geometry size.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Detail View tool. Panel Bar
Shortcut Menu
The following options are available in the Detail View dialog box.
Copyright 2004 Autodesk, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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Label: Enter a label for the detail view. Visible: When selected the view label will be visible on the sheet. Scale: Enter a scale factor for the detail view. Visible: When selected the scale factor will be visible on the sheet. Style: Select a rendering style for the view. Hidden Line Hidden Line Removed Shaded
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Drag the detail view fence outwards and select a point that will include all required geometry within the fence circle and left click to designate the end point of the
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fence circle.
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Position the detail view as required and left-click to place the view.
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You can also edit the detail view by editing the fence circle used to define the area of the detail view. If you select the detail view fence and label on the main view, grip points will appear as shown in the image below.
Selecting the center grip point will enable you to move the fence circle, while selecting a grip point on the circle will enable you to change the size of the fence circle and thereby effect the area included in the detail view. In the image below, the detail view has been moved to a different area as well as resized.
It is also possible to edit the location of the view label located on the detail view circle. Click and drag on the label to place it in a new location along the detail fence circle. Movement of the label is restricted to be along the diameter of the circle.
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Auxiliary Views
Overview Overview
Overview
When you create drawings of parts some features on the geometry are positioned in a way that they cannot be accurately represented based upon the standard planes of projection. Auxiliary views enable you to create additional views on the drawing that are projected at a perpendicular angle from the selected edge. This results in a view that is normal to the selected edge and therefore the features along that edge are represented correctly. In this lesson you learn to create auxiliary views.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Create auxiliary views Edit and/or realign auxiliary views
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To resolve this situation, you can use the Auxiliary View tool to create drawing views that are projected and an angle that is perpendicular or parallel to the selected edge.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Auxiliary View tool. Panel Bar
Shortcut Menu
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The following options are available in the Auxiliary View dialog. Label: Enter a label for the auxiliary view. Visible: When selected the view label will be visible on the sheet. Scale: Enter a scale factor for the auxiliary view. Visible: When selected the scale factor will be visible on the sheet. Style: Select a rendering style for the view. Hidden Line Hidden Line Removed Shaded
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The Auxiliary View dialog box appears. Adjust the options as required and select an edge in the view to base the auxiliary view on.
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Note: By default, the scale value will be the same as the selected view.
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Drag the auxiliary view to the desired location and left-click to position the view.
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You can right-click on the view and select Edit View to use the Drawing View dialog box to make changes to the view just as you would other projected views.
You can break the alignment of the view to position it differently on the sheet. You can right-click on the view and select Realign Auxiliary Views to reselect the edge used to define the auxiliary view direction. In this lesson you learn how to break the view alignment and realign the auxiliary view.
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You can now drag the auxiliary view to any location on the sheet. Note the appearance of the view direction lines with labels matching the view label.
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Drag the auxiliary view to its new position and left-click to place the view.
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Broken Views
Overview Overview
Overview
You use Broken views to shorten the view of elongated objects. You can use broken views when areas of the view can be removed without sacrificing the display of part features. In this lesson you learn to create broken views.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Use the Broken View tool to shorten elongated views Edit a broken view by moving the grip points defining the break
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The image below represents a shift linkage rod displayed in a broken view format. Note the appearance of the break lines and the break symbol on the dimension.
Panel Bar
Shortcut Menu
You can adjust the following options in the Broken View dialog box. Style: Select the break line style, Rectangular or Structural. Display: Use the Min./Max. slider to adjust the display scale of the break lines. Gap: Enter a value for the gap between break lines on the sheet.
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Symbols: Available only when the Structural style is selected, sets the number of structural break symbols along the break lines. Orientation: Click the desired orientation, vertical or horizontal.
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With the Broken View dialog box still open, select the first and second break points. The area between these two points will be removed from the view.
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When you create a broken view, the break lines can be selected and will appear with a grip point at the center of the view as shown here.
Click and drag on the grip point to move the break to a new location.
You can also resize the break by clicking and dragging on the break lines. This has the effect of increasing or decreasing the area being removed by the break.
To decrease the effective area of the view, drag one break line over to the other side of the opposite break line.
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Overview
Sometimes section views remove too much information, or prevent important features on the outside of the part from being ideally represented. Break Out views can help to alleviate this problem by limiting the section view to an area encompassed by a sketch boundary and sectioned to a specified depth. When you create a break out view, you are cutting a window into the part or assembly to view features and/or parts that are obstructed by geometry. In this lesson you learn to create and edit break out views.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Create break out views to show internal part features Use different methods to edit a break out view
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To create break out views, the sketch must be attached to the drawing view. To do this you select the drawing view prior to selecting the Sketch tool on the Standard toolbar. There are two methods for selecting the view prior to creating the sketch, Select the view on the sheet. Select the view in the drawing browser.
When you select the view it will appear with a green bounding box.
As an indication that the sketch is attached to the view, it will appear nested under the view in the browser.
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After you create the sketch you create a closed profile representing the area to be broken out from the view. Use standard sketching tools such as Lines, Splines, and Circles to create the closed profile. After you create the close profile, on the Standard toolbar, click Return to exit the sketch.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Break Out View tool. Panel Bar
Shortcut Menu
The following options are available on the Break Out View dialog box. Boundary: Select the sketch to use as the boundary for the break out view. If only one closed profile exists, it will be automatically selected. Depth: Select the following options in the drop-down list. From Point: Select a point to set the depth of the break out view. You can select a point in the current view or an adjacent projected or parent view. Optionally, enter an offset value from the selected point.
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To Sketch: Select a sketch line in an adjacent view to set the break out view depth. To Hole: Select a hole in the current or adjacent view to set the break out view depth. Through Part: When you create a break out view on an assembly, this option will break though the part in the area enclosed by the boundary. Show Hidden Edges: Temporarily displays hidden lines on a view in which they are not shown. This enables you to select geometry that is hidden to set the view depth.
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Edit Definition: Right-click on the Break Out View in the browser and click Edit Definition on the shortcut menu. This will display the Break Out View dialog box enabling you to redefine how the view is created.
Edit Sketch: In the browser, right-click on the sketch used for the boundary to edit the sketch geometry.
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Overview
As you create drawing it is often difficult to know exactly how many sheets will be required and exactly what the best position of the views will be. As you begin to apply dimensions and other annotations to the drawing, often times the views need to be moved, in some cases copied as well as deleted. It is important you become proficient with managing your drawing views. In this lesson you learn to manage drawing views and sections.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Use the different methods available to align drawing views Delete a drawing view from the sheet Copy a view from one sheet to another Move views in the drawing from one sheet to another
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Aligning Views
As you create drawing views they automatically align to the parent view from which they were projected, but there may be times when you need to change the alignment of drawing views to make better use of the available area on the sheet.
Procedure
There are four options related to aligning drawing views. Horizontal - Aligns views horizontally. Vertical - Aligns views vertically. In Position - Aligns views In Position. Break - Breaks the alignment between views, enabling you to move the view in any direction.
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In Position Alignment
1. The In Position alignment option will align the selected view based upon an axis that is neither vertical or horizontal. In the following example the alignment between the two views has been broken. To realign the two views in position, right-click on the view to be aligned and click Alignment > In Position on the shortcut menu.
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Deleting a View
You can delete views from the sheet by right-clicking on View on the sheet or in the browser, and clicking Delete on the shortcut menu.
Procedure
If you select a parent view for deletion, you will be prompted to confirm the deletion of any existing dependent views. Expand the Delete View dialog box and click the Yes/ No field in the Delete column.
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Double-click on the destination sheet and right-click on the sheet and click Paste on the shortcut menu.
The view is copied onto the other sheet and appears in the browser with a new view name.
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In the browser, click and drag on the view being moved to the destination sheet. Look for the position indicator showing the position of the view in the browser.
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The destination sheet is automatically activated. The selected view and all associated annotation is moved to the destination sheet. Note the change in appearance of the moved view in the browser.
Parent or dependent views of the moved view appear with shortcut icons with each view name indicating the sheet on which they are placed. You can right-click on the views with shortcut icons and click Go To on the shortcut menu, to activate the sheet of the selected view.
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Overview
A requirement common to all drawings are dimensions. After you place the drawing views, one of the first things you will do is begin to place the dimensions required to manufacture the part. There are several different ways to place dimensions on the drawing. In this lesson you learn how to utilize model dimensions in the drawing and how to place general dimensions.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Retrieve model dimensions for use in the drawing and understand the effect of editing these dimensions in the drawing Place dimensions on the drawing using different dimensioning tools
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The Retrieve Dimensions tool enables you to retrieve dimensions from the model for use in the drawing. When you start the tool, you can select the dimensions that you want to retrieve while leaving others off. You can do this on both part and assembly drawing views. When you retrieve model dimensions, you select a view for the dimensions. You can only retrieve those dimensions that were created on the same plane as the selected view.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Retrieve Dimensions tool. Panel Bar
Shortcut Menu
The following options are available on the Retrieve Dimensions dialog box. Select View: Select the view to retrieve the model dimension into. Only required when you start the Retrieve Dimensions tool from the Panel Bar. Select Source: Select Features: Select this option to retrieve dimensions from selected features. Select Parts: Select this option to retrieve dimensions from the entire part. Select Dimensions: Select the dimensions in the drawing view to retrieve. Only those dimensions that are selected will be retrieved.
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Click the Select Dimensions button and select the dimensions in the graphics window to retrieve. Only those dimensions that are selected here will be retrieved and placed in the view.
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Represented below is the same area of the drawing after dragging the dimensions to new locations.
Options available in the Hole Dimensions dialog box are based upon the options used when creating the hole feature.
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After changing the dimension value, the geometry will update and the new value is reflected in the retrieved dimension.
When you edit model dimensions in the drawing, it is important to clarify that you are indeed changing the parametric dimension of the model. Changing the dimension in the drawing environment will have the same effect as changing the dimension in the modeling environment. Constraints will be re-evaluated and the geometry will update in the 3D model and drawing to reflect the new value.
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Placing Dimensions
You place dimensions on the drawing using the same tool you use in the modeling environment. When you place dimensions in the drawing, the dimensions are nonparametric and do not control geometry size as in the modeling environment. These dimensions are associative and will update to reflect correct values if changes occur on the geometry where they were applied.
Procedure
You use the same dimension tool for all types of general dimensions, horizontal, vertical, diameter, radius, and aligned. Autodesk Inventor will place the correct type of dimension based upon the geometry selected.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the General Dimension tool. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
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Place the dimension on the sheet. When the dimension preview is dotted, you are currently at the default offset spacing for the dimension. Use this dotted preview to space your dimensions uniformly on the sheet.
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To change the dimension type, before placing the dimension, right-click and select Dimension Type > Click Type of Dimension.
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10. Place the dimension on the sheet. Extension lines to the apparent intersection are
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automatically added.
The dimension value is indicated by <<>> characters and cannot be deleted. User placed text can be entered before or after the dimension value placeholder.
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Overview
Annotating a typical drawing generally consists of more than just adding dimensions to features. When documenting an assembly, you will typically have other annotation requirements such as parts lists and balloons. In this lesson you learn to use additional annotation tools such as part lists and balloons when documenting your assembly.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to Use hole tables to annotate holes Annotate centerlines and centermarks using both manual and automatic methods Create note and leader based annotation to the drawing Add a parts list to the drawing to further annotate the assembly Add balloons to parts in the assembly drawing
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Annotating Holes
Aside from standard dimensions to annotate hole placement, you can also use Hole Tables to annotate the location and size of holes in a drawing view.
Procedure
Three different versions of the Hole Table tool are available: Hole Table - Selection - Creates a Hole Table based upon the holes you select. Hole Table - View - Creates a Hole Table based upon all holes in the view. Hole Table - Selected Type - Creates a Hole Table of only those holes that are identical to the selected hole.
Although the use of each of these tools will result in a Hole Table, each version of the tool enables you to select the holes to include using a different method. The image below represents an example of a drawing view containing a series of holes, accompanied by a typical hole table. When you place a hole table on your drawing, there are three main elements: (a) Hole Tags, which are placed next to each hole, (b) the Hole Table containing a row for each hole including the Hole Tag, Hole Position, and Size of each hole, and (c) the Origin Indicator which identifies the 0,0 location from which the hole locations are measured.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Hole Table tools. Panel Bar
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Select the holes to include in the table. You can select the holes individually or by dragging a selection window around the holes to include.
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Right-click in the graphics window and click Create. Then position the hole table on the sheet.
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Position the Hole Table on the sheet. It is not necessary to select the holes as all holes in the view will be included in the Hole Table.
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Select one hole of each type you want to include in the hole table.
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Right-click and select Create on the shortcut menu, then position the hole table on
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the sheet.
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Only the holes matching the type of hole selected are included in the hole table.
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The table is split into two and can be moved to a different location.
To add or remove holes from the table, right-click on the hole table and click Row > Add or Remove. Selecting Add will enable you to select another hole previously not included in the table and add it to the list. Selecting Remove will remove the hole in the selected row from the Hole Table.
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You can control the visibility of hole table elements by right-clicking on the hole table and selecting Visibility > Origin - Controls the visibility of the origin indicator Tag - Controls the visibility of the selected tag. Hide All Tags - Hides all Tags Show All Tags - Shows all Tags
Right-click on the hole table and select Edit > Edit Tag - Enables you to edit the text used for the hole tag. The tag will change in the table and in the drawing view. Options - Presents the Edit Hole Table dialog box. See below for more information.
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The following options are available in the Edit Hole Table dialog box. Title Position: Select a title position of Top, Bottom, or None. Line Weight: Enter line weights and colors for the table. Select the inside or outside button to set properties for each. Combine Notes: This option combines the notes cells for identical holes. Numbering: This option replaces the alphanumeric tags with sequential hole numbers. Rollup: This option combines the hole's table rows of the same type in the hole table. Only the first hole of each hole type is listed in the table. Available Properties: Select the available properties to include in the list by selecting the property and clicking the Add button. Delete: Select to delete a custom column. You cannot delete a default column New Field: Select to create a custom column that you can use to add data to the hole table. Selected Properties: Lists the currently selected properties appearing as columns in the table. Remove properties by selecting the property in the Selected Properties list and clicking Remove. Move Up/Move Down: Adjust the order of the selected properties. The position in the list represents the order of columns in the table left to right.
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Access Methods
Use the following methods to access centerline and centermark tools. Panel Bar
Shortcut Menu
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Centerline Settings
Apply To: Select the types of features you would like to automatically apply centerlines or centermarks Projection: Select the view projection. Threshold: Fillet: Set the minimum and maximum thresholds for fillets to receive automatic centerlines. Circular Edges: Set the minimum and maximum thresholds for circular edges to receive automatic centerlines. Precision: Set the precision to be used when analyzing the features against the threshold values.
Note: These settings can also be set in the Document Settings for the drawing. On the Tools menu, click Document Settings, then click the Drawing Tab and select the Automated Centerline Settings button. Setting these options in the Document Settings will store the settings in the drawing or template, alleviating the task of having to set these options each time.
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Adjust the feature type and threshold options and click OK.
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The automatic centerlines are applied to features matching the selected type and threshold settings.
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Select the next edge for the centerline to pass through. Again the midpoint of the edge is automatically calculated.
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Right-click in the graphics window and click Create on the shortcut menu. Then centerline is created passing through the midpoint of each selected edge.
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The centerline is calculated and drawn by bisecting the angle of the two edges selected.
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Select the features of the pattern. As soon as you select two features, the circular centerline will appear.
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Continue selecting features as required, then right-click and select Create on the shortcut menu.
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Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Text and Leader Text tools. Panel Bar
Panel Bar
Common to both the Text and Leader Text tools, use the Format Text dialog box to add text to your drawing.
The following options are available in the Format Text dialog box. Style: Select a text style for the text or accept the default text style listed. Text Format: Adjust the text formatting options such as justification, color, and width as required. Component: Optional - Select the component to be used for parameters.
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Source: Optional - Select Model Parameters or User Parameters. Parameter: Optional - Select the parameter to use in the text. Precision: Optional - Enter a precision for the parameter value. d0 Button: Optional - Click to add the selected parameter to the text window. Text Font: Select a font from the drop-down list. Height: Enter or select a text height. If you enter a text height once, it will be available in the list for future text in this drawing. Symbols Flyout: Select a special symbol to insert into the text.
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In the Format Text dialog box, enter the text, adjust options as required and click OK.
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On the Panel Bar, click the Leader Text tool then select a start point and second point for the leader.
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Right-click in the graphics window and click Continue on the shortcut menu.
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Editing Text
Right-click on a text object to access text editing options.
Edit Text: Displays the Format Text dialog box. Rotate 90 CW: Rotates the selected text 90 degrees clockwise. Rotate 90 CCW: Rotates the selected text 90 degrees counter clockwise.
Edit Leader Text: Displays the Format Text dialog box. Edit Arrowhead: Displays the Change Arrowhead dialog box. In the drop-down list, select a different arrowhead. Add Vertex / Leader: Select to add a vertex to the leader. Delete Leader: Select this option to delete the leader.
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Parts Lists
You use Parts lists to annotate an assembly drawing by creating a table of parts included in the drawing. When you create a parts list you must first select a view. The parts list is based upon components in the selected view.
Procedure
Access Methods
Using the following method to access the Parts List tool. Panel Bar
The first time you create a parts list or balloon on the drawing you are presented with the Parts List - Item Numbering dialog box. The options in this dialog box enable you to control which components appear in the Parts List and how they are numbered. The options you choose apply to all parts lists and balloons in the drawing. The options in this dialog box are only set once in the current drawing, unless all balloons and parts lists are deleted.
The following options are available and can be edited. First-Level Components: This option numbers all first-level parts and subassemblies. You can display parts residing within a subassembly in the parts list and their numbers will be prefixed with the number of the item number of the subassembly. For example, if a subassembly in the parts list has an item number of 2, the parts residing within the parts list will be numbered 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3. Only Parts: This option numbers all first-level parts and parts within subassemblies, using standard item numbers. Subassemblies will not be listed or numbered in the parts list table.
Copyright 2004 Autodesk, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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All: When selected, all parts in the assembly are numbered and listed. Not applicable or available when ballooning. Items: Only available when the Only Parts level option is chosen, enter a range of parts to include in the parts list. Valid syntax is as follows: Not applicable or available when ballooning. Entering 1-4,6,8,10 - would list items 1-4 and items 6, 8, and 10 in the assembly.
Table Wrapping: The following section is not available when ballooning. Number of Sections: Enter the number of sections to wrap the table. For example, if you enter 2, a 10 part list will be wrapped into two columns with 5 rows each. Direction to Wrap Table: Select the direction to wrap the table, left or right.
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Adjust the options in the Parts-List - Item Numbering dialog box as required and click OK.
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The Edit Parts List dialog box enables you to modify several different properties of the parts list. For more information on editing a parts list, refer to the Autodesk Inventor Help system.
To add a column to the parts list, click the Column Chooser button. This will display the Parts List Column Chooser dialog box. Select from the available properties and click the ADD button to add the property to the selected property list.
Click OK to exit each dialog box. The new column will appear in the parts list on the drawing.
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Note: Updating the parts list will remove any information manually input into the parts list columns or cells that have not been frozen. To protect a cell from being overwritten, in the Edit Parts List dialog box, right-click on the cell and select Freeze Value on the shortcut menu.
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Placing Balloons
You place balloons on assembly drawings to identify parts in the drawing and relate them to rows in the parts list. When you place a balloon on a part, the item number of the part will appear in the balloon. This item number is the same item number used in the parts list.
Procedure
Balloons and parts lists are associative. If an item number in the parts list changes, the change will also be reflected in the balloon. This associativity is unidirectional only. If you override the item number in the balloon, the new value is not reflected in the parts list.
Access Methods
Use the following methods to access the Balloon and Balloon All tools. Panel Bar
Keyboard Shortcut
The first time you create a parts list or balloon on the drawing you are presented with the Parts List - Item Numbering dialog box. The options in this dialog box enable you to control which components appear in the Parts List and how they are numbered. The options you choose apply to all parts lists and balloons in the drawing. The options in this dialog box are only set once in the current drawing, unless all balloons and parts lists are deleted.
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The following options are available and can be edited. First-Level Components: This option numbers all first-level parts and subassemblies. You can display parts residing within a subassembly in the parts list and their numbers will be prefixed with the number of the item number of the subassembly. For example, if a subassembly in the parts list has an item number of 2, the parts residing within the parts list will be numbered 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3. Only Parts: This option numbers all first-level parts and parts within subassemblies, using standard item numbers. Subassemblies will not be listed or numbered in the parts list table. All: When selected, all parts in the assembly are numbered and listed. Not applicable or available when ballooning. Items: Only available when the Only Parts level option is chosen, enter a range of parts to include in the parts list. Valid syntax is as follows: Not applicable or available when ballooning. Entering 1-4,6,8,10 - would list items 1-4 and items 6, 8, and 10 in the assembly.
Table Wrapping: The following section is not available when ballooning. Number of Sections: Enter the number of sections to wrap the table. For example, if you enter 2, a 10 part list will be wrapped into two columns with 5 rows each. Direction to Wrap Table: Select the direction to wrap the table, left or right.
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Left-click to position the balloon then, right-click and select Continue on the shortcut menu.
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Continue selecting component and placing balloons as required. Right-click in the graphics window and click Done when completed.
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The balloons are automatically applied to the assembly components. Note: Balloons are only placed on the first occurrence of each part. You will also have to manually adjust the position of the balloons.
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Editing Balloons
After you place the balloons on the sheet, you can edit them by right-clicking on the balloon and selecting Edit Balloon on the shortcut menu.
The Edit Balloon dialog box enables you to change the balloon type, as well as override the balloon value. Note: If you override the balloon value, the new value is not reflected in the Parts List.
Balloon Type: Clear this option in order to select a different balloon type. Symbols: If your drawing contains sketched symbols, you can select a sketched symbol to use for the balloon. Balloon Value: Enter an override value in the override column. To use the override value, select the cell and click OK Click the Item cell to use the original item number in the balloon.
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In this exercise, you will open a drawing and assume this drawing must meet your own company standards. You will edit the drawing by modifying or creating views, annotation, title blocks, drawing standards, dimensions styles and any other properties that would be required to complete the drawing to your company's standards.
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Chapter Summary
Summary
How to create and utilize drafting standards. How to create and use text styles and dimension styles. How to save text and dimension styles within a drawing template for later use. How to perform several functions related to managing drawing resources. How to create and edit base views and projected views. The options available in the Drawing View dialog box and how they effect the drawing views when you create them. How to create section views of parts and assemblies. How to create sketch geometry representing the section path and how to project isometric section views. How to magnify a specific area on your drawing by creating detail views. You also learned how to edit these views by changing the scale, area effected, and annotation associated with the detail view. How to create and edit auxiliary views. How to create and edit broken views on your sheet. You also learned how the available options in the Broken View dialog box can effect the view as it is created. How to create and edit Break Out views. You learned about the options available in the Break Out View dialog box and how to use these options to generate the required view. How to manage drawing views and sections by adjusting the alignment options as required. How to delete drawing views and copy and/or move views from one sheet to another in the current drawing. How to retrieve model dimensions for use in the drawing. How to place additional reference dimensions on the sheet. How to apply different types of annotation objects to your drawing.
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Project Exercise
Review the goals and images of the drawings that follow. You can find guidelines to aid in completing the models for the drawing files using the Electronic Student Workbook.
In this chapter
After completing this chapter, you will be able to... Create an assembly based on parameters defined in a 2D drawing. Create and assemble a number of parts based on parameters defined in 2D drawings. Create a presentation file that documents assembly instructions for a completed assembly. Create 2D documentation on a created assembly file.
Overview
In this exercise you build the Irrigation Control Unit shown below. You will design each part of the Irrigation Control Unit (ICU) from scratch. After you model and detail each part, you create the assembly model for the ICU. During this process you assembly the parts you design, perform interference detection, calculate mass properties, and generate a drawing of the assembly showing part interaction, assembly instructions, and a bill of materials.
Objectives
This all-inclusive exercise requires more than the design of a single part. It incorporates the design and documentation of seven separate parts and an assembly of 14 components. The approach outlined in this exercise is not the only way to approach the design of this Irrigation Control Unit. The approach shown here is intended to illustrate the use of Autodesk Inventor software for modeling, analyzing, and generating drawings of individual parts and the assembly of those parts.
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The average time required to complete this exercise varies, but should take no longer than 6-8 hours. By completing this exercise you will explore the following Autodesk Inventor capabilities: Using Feature Patterns Defining Tapped Holes Using Hole Notes Using Parameters and Linking Mirroring Parts Using Construction Lines Part Drawing Creation Presentation File Creation Attaching Balloons to Components Generating Mass Properties Assembly Drawing Creation Constraining Components Using Projected Edges Copying Sketches Using To-Face Terminations Shelling Parts Interference Detection Tweaking and Applying Trails Generating a Bill of Materials Part Modification in an Assembly
It is recommended that you create all of the parts contained in the Irrigation Control Unit by following the instructions in this exercise. You will gain the greatest benefit from this exercise by completing the design and documentation of each part as well as the assembly.
Design Goals
The Irrigation Control Unit documented in this project controls the flow of a solution to two separate locations through the use of Right and Left Buttons. When a button is pressed, the solution from the main flow tube of the ICU flows through the exit tube. Solution flow is controlled by Valves located in the main cavities of the ICU. When the Valve is in the closed position, the solution from the main flow tube is restricted from flowing through the Valve and out the exit tubes. When the Valve is in the open position, the solution flows through the right, left, or both gates provided in the Valves and out the exit tubes. The following is a list of goals or rules for the creation of the Irrigation Control Unit. This list describes your design criteria for the entire ICU exercise. Individual part design goals are provided as that portion of the exercise is presented to you. All parts must be fully parametric and have individual part drawings. All parts must be created in Metric (mm) units. Components (other than the rubber O-Rings) must not interfere. Parts must be designed to match the following drawings.
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Valve Housing
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Valve
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