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December 23, 2010

Tip #3 - Autodesk Inventor Slot Axis Tutorial

Here is a tutorial explaining how to add a axis in the center of a slot so you can add fasteners easily to the center of the slot in Autodesk Inventor 2011.


Hope you find this useful.

December 9, 2010

Tip #2 - Autodesk Inventor 2011 Assemble Command Tutorial

Here is a tutorial I created on using the Assemble Command in Inventor 2011.

Hope you find this useful.

November 30, 2010

Autodesk Inventor 2011 Books

With Autodesk University 2010 going on right now I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to show you some very good books about Autodesk Inventor 2011. You can also find these books in a link on the top of  this blog under Inventor Topix Store. Here is also a link to this page. Inventor Topix Store

Autodesk Inventor 2011 Essentials Plus by Daniel T. Banach and Travis Jones

Up and Running with Autodesk Inventor Simulation 2011, Second Edition by Wasim Younis

Mastering Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Inventor LT 2011 by Curtis Waguespack and Thom Tremblay

Parametric Modeling with Autodesk Inventor 2011 by Randy Shih


Autodesk Inventor 2011 for Designers by Prof. Sham Tickoo Purdue Univ. and CADCIM Technologies

November 20, 2010

AUGI Inventor Wish List Results

Here are the results of the AUGI Inventor Wish List. Here is the Top Ten, and also a link to the results.
AUGI Inventor Wish List Results. Hope some of your wishes made it into the top ten.

  1. Highlight Underconstrained parts in assembly - Highlight parts and sub-assemblies in the browser that are not fully constrained.
  2. Allow coping grouping of parts maintaining constraints - If while in an existing .iam file, I have let’s say three parts that I place into my .iam file and then I constrained them together as a group, I would like to be able to copy them and paste them still constrained together.
  3. Add right click short cut for applying constraints - Add right click short cut for applying constraints, when finished, allow right click, then select done, complete, finished,.... rather than going back to dialog box and click cancel.
  4. Create BOM based on Level of Detail within an Assembly - Create a Parts List/BOM based on a selectable Level of Detail on the associated assembly, .iam. When the dialog box opens to create the BOM, option box to check if you want to select the LOD, if not, do nothing, use Master. If so, un-gray the LOD listing and select which one to use.
  5. Allow customization of the iProperties table - Allow customization of the iProperties table, configured as needed by individual companies.
  6. When mousing over a feature, have the related feature in the feature tree highlight - When mousing over a feature, have the related feature in the feature tree highlight, this enables in selection for editing.
  7. True Text Editor - Have a true text editor in Inventor.
  8. Remember Open File Dialog Size - I would like Inventor to remember the size of my "Open File" dialog box and my "Open from Vault" dialog box.
  9. Model Browser Bar, Filter, Selection for invisible parts/components - Allow for single selection to make all invisible parts/components visible. Much quicker than selecting each part and selecting visible.
  10. Add option for Materials to carry over when derived parts are made of them - Add option for Materials to carry over when derived parts are made of them, as well as adding the option for individual materials based on the which Solid is selected.

November 6, 2010

Inventor Fusion Technology Preview 4 Now Available

Inventor Fusion Technology Preview 4 is Now Available

The Inventor Fusion team has released an update to the technology preview. The new features include:
  • Surfacing support - You can now work seamlessly between solids and surfaces. By enhancing the existing translators to read surface data and adding new parasolid, Rhino, IGES, and AliasDesign .wire file import capabilities, you have access to more design formats.
  • Simplification wizard - You now have one button simplification of designs so simplifying common geometry is fast and easy and ensures that mesh and solves times are as fast as possible.
  • Ease of use improvements - This release includes new marking menus plus sketching and modeling changes that make this release of Inventor Fusion the easiest to use yet.
You can read more about it here - Inventor Fusion

You can download it from here - Autodesk Labs

Enjoy.

November 4, 2010

Autodesk Inventor 2011 Certified Professional

I am now a Autodesk Inventor 2011 Certified Professional, I took the testing on Tuesday in Chicago thanks to the Autodesk Open Doors program. It was a long day, 6 hours or driving round trip and 2-1/2 hours of testing, but well worth it in the end.

October 20, 2010

Technologies for Autodesk Inventor on Labs

Here are all of the Technologies for Autodesk Inventor available on Labs.


1. 2D to 3D Tool
This tool lets you create 3D models from Inventor 2D data. The 2D to 3D Tool is compatible with Autodesk Inventor 11, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & Autodesk Inventor LT 2010, 2011.

2. 3D Annotation
This tool lets you Annotate your part models in 3D. The 3D Annotation for Inventor allows the Inventor user to apply 3D Annotations: dimensions, geometric tolerances, surface finish symbols, datum symbols, and notes to a part model, which are then displayed in the graphics view. The 3D Annotation Tool is compatible Autodesk Inventor 2009, 2010, 2011, & Autodesk Inventor LT 2010, 2011.

3. Feature Recognition
This tool lets you Convert 3D CAD models into Autodesk Inventor models. Use the Feature Recogntion application to convert neutral 3D CAD models, such as STEP, SAT, or IGES solids, into full-featured Autodesk Inventor models. Feature mapping can be executed automatically or interactively as needed to maintain design intent. The Feature Recognition Tool is compatible with Autodesk Inventor 11, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & Autodesk Inventor LT 2010, 2011.

4. Inventor Fusion
Autodesk Inventor Fusion Technology Preview is innovative, new Digital Prototyping technology that's changing the way people work with 3D mechanical design software. Inventor Fusion technology showcases intuitive direct manipulation capabilities for unrivaled ease of use, provides direct modeling for rapid design changes without limitations, and unites direct and parametric workflows within a single digital model created in Autodesk Inventor software. Inventor Fusion change manager functionality now available! Inventor customers can experience bi-directional parametric and direct modeling workflows with Inventor Fusion Technology Preview. Tons of videos to watch about a great technology.

The Inventor Optimization Technology Preview allows designers and engineers that use Autodesk Inventor to optimize their designs. It is a simple, web-based simulation tool to help an engineer minimize weight and cost while improving product safety. The Inventor Optimization Tool is compatible with Autodesk Inventor Professional 2011.

The Inventor 2011 Mesh Enabler is a technology preview that enables Inventor users to work with imported Mesh data. As shipped Inventor 2011 can import mesh data from Catia files. The Mesh Enabler adds the ability to post process the imported mesh data to convert the mesh features to Inventor Base features. The resulting Base features can then be used for further operations including drawings and measurements. The Mesh Enabler Tool is compatible with Autodesk Inventor 2011.

Project Krypton Technology Preview provides early stage design advice to plastic part designers. Seamlessly integrated into the Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Inventor LT, SolidWorks, and now Pro/ENGINEER environments. This add-on provides real-time feedback on a plastic part's manufacturability, cost efficiency, and the environmental impact of the selected material. Project Krypton helps designers make better decisions to ensure their products can be properly manufactured, are more cost-effective, and are produced using materials with a lower environmental impact. Project Krypton Technology Preview is compatible with Autodesk Inventor 2010, 2011 & Autodesk Inventor LT 2010, 2011 & Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5.0 & Solidworks 2010.

This tool lets you Import Rhino files into Autodesk Inventor. Design with vendor or customer data with easy importing of Rhino files (.3dm) into Autodesk Inventor software. Import solids, surfaces, wires, and points for modeling in Inventor, with no need for file conversion. Rhino Import Translator is compatible with Autodesk Inventor 2010, 2011 & Autodesk Inventor LT 2010, 2011.

Have fun playing with new Technologies for Autodesk Inventor.

October 6, 2010

AUGI Inventor Wish List

The AUGI Inventor Wish List is now open for voting. Here you can vote on what might get into the next release of Inventor. Inventor Wish List

Happy Voting.

October 1, 2010

Inventor Optimization on Autodesk Labs Updated

Inventor Optimization Technology Preview, a.k.a. Project Centaur, updated to version 4.

Inventor Optimization Technology Preview via Autodesk Labs

The Technology Preview offers Inventor users the ability to:
  • Optimize Designs with Ease - An intuitive interface allows for quick and easy simulation set-up so any Inventor user can reduce weight and material used while improving product quality and safety.
  • Work in Parallel - While the software is performing multiple simulations "behind the scenes" in the cloud, the designer or engineer can continue to do other work on his or her desktop. When the design optimization is complete, the technology preview’s job monitor automatically notifies the user through multiple communication channels.
  • Tap into Unrivaled Performance - Offloading simulation to the cloud helps unleash the true power of simulation by enabling users to simulate many different design configurations in parallel, to access sufficient memory and the overall capacity required to perform simulations in less time.

This update now makes the technology preview available worldwide.

The enhancements in this update include:
  • The compression algorithm for communicating data with the cloud now uses fewer resources.
  • The animate feature is faster and consumes less memory.
  • Mobile users can shutdown Inventor or even their machines after starting an optimization. Once the optimization is complete, they just open the document, enter the optimization environment, and the results are waiting for them.
The Inventor Optimization Technology Preview is only available for Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Inventor Professional 2011 customers.

    September 30, 2010

    Inventor 2011 Subscription Advantage Pack Released

    The Subscription Advantage Pack for Inventor 2011 was released yesterday.So if you are on subscription go to the Subscription website and get your updates today. Here are the key points of the release and the YouTube video released by Autodesk. Autodesk also put a link on their website explaining the additions. Autodesk Website-Subscription Advantage Pack
    • Ease-of-use tools—Use dynamic sectioning, feature auto-name, and flexible drawing view orientation.
    • Tools for building product fabricators—Build custom applications to automate export of Building Information Modeling (BIM)-ready content for BIM applications.
    • Enhanced interoperability—Gain enhanced support for Rhino translators, 3D DWG in/out, iLogic Copy Design.
    • Expanded tooling content libraries*—Gain access to more mold bases and components from popular vendors and expanded coverage for Meusburger mold bases and components. Available as a separate download.
    Note: Before installing this Subscription Advantage Pack, ensure that you have installed Autodesk Inventor 2011 Service Pack 1.

    Also released yesterday were the Subscription Advantage Packs for AutoCAD and all of the verticals.


    September 29, 2010

    Inventor Publisher Mobile Viewer for iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad

    Just released is the Inventor Publisher Mobile Viewer for the iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad. There are some sample files included so you can check it out, otherwise you have to have the Inventor Publisher desktop software to create you own manuals. Hope everybody enjoys.
    Here is a link to the iTunes Website - Inventor Publisher Mobile Viewer

















    AutoCAD WS for iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad

    Just released is the AutoCad WS for the iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad.
    Here is a link to the iTunes Website - AutoCAD WS


    September 24, 2010

    September 10, 2010

    Updated 3D Annotation for Inventor Now Available Worldwide

    Here is a link to an updated Add-in for Inventor on the Autodesk Labs website. They updated the 3D Annotation for Inventor tool for some workflow improvements per user feedback and also opened it up with multiple languages so it now available worldwide. Enjoy.

    3D Annotation for Inventor


    September 8, 2010

    Tip #1 - How To Add Command to Quick Access Toolbar

    Here is a quick tutorial on how to add for example, Save Copy As to your Quick Access Toolbar.
    1. Right click to the side of the ribbon, you will get a menu, go to Customize User Commands.
    2. In the left hand column find Save Copy As, click on it and select add, it will add it to the right hand column, hit apply and the close.
    3. By doing this it will add a user commands panel to your ribbon.
    4. Right click on the button it adds and select Add to Quick Access Toolbar and it will appear on your QAT.
    5. Then so you don't have the extra panel on your ribbon, you can shut that panel off by right clicking on the ribbon, go to panels, and deselect User Commands.
    6. If you want this on all of the environments you will have to add it to each one.
    Hope you find this helpful.






    Here is a video I did also showing the process.

    August 27, 2010

    Autodesk Inventor 2011 Service Pack 1

    Autodesk has now released Service Pack 1 for all versions of Inventor 2011. Here is the download link to their support site.

    Autodesk Inventor 2011 Service Pack 1

    July 28, 2010

    Inventor Optimization on Autodesk Labs

    Here is a new Autodesk Labs Technology Preview for Inventor. It allows you to optimize your designs via the cloud. Pretty cool tech preview so go check it out.

    Inventor Optimization Technology Preview

    Here is a video link done by Rob Cohee on Youtube - Inventor Optimization

    July 16, 2010

    3D Annotation for Inventor

    Here is another new tech preview from Autodesk Labs. It lets you apply 3d annotations right to the model, for example, dimensions, tolerances, & notes. No more do you have to create a drawing just to show a customer what the plans looks like. If you want to take a look at this hit the link below.

    Download Here - 3D Annotation for Inventor

    July 15, 2010

    Inventor What's New PDF's

    I have seen alot of inquiry for these over the years in the forums. So I have acquired the last five years for viewing and downloading. If you look up you will find another page that has all of them there. Click there and you can view them and have the option to download them from there. Hope everybody enjoys. Also here is direct link to that page. What's New Documents

    June 23, 2010

    2D to 3D Tool for Inventor

    Over on the Autodesk Labs website they have posted an updated 2D to 3D tool to work with Inventor 2011. It will work with both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Inventor 2011. If you want to give it a try head on over to this link.

    2D to 3D Tool for Inventor

    June 4, 2010

    Inventor 2011 - Fundamentals of Workplanes

    Here is a great video by Rob Cohee. It is using Inventor 2011 to create workplanes. He shows quite a few different ways to create them and how to use them to your advantage.

    YouTube Video Link - Fundamentals of Workplanes

    May 26, 2010

    Inventor 2011 Trial through Project Twitch

    If your not sure about upgrading to Inventor 2011 yet, you can give it a try through Project Twitch on the Autodesk Labs website. Basically, you are trying out the software on the cloud. Very cool. Here is a link to get you there.

    Project Twitch

    May 25, 2010

    Project Krypton

    Here is a new Autodesk Labs Feature. Project Krypton for Inventor is a technology preview that provides near real-time assessments regarding manufacturing, cost, and plastic material impact integrated within the application for your plastic injection molding work. Take a look, it looks pretty interesting.

    Project Krypton

    May 18, 2010

    Just Starting Out

    Well, here I go. This is my first blog to introduce myself. I am an Autodesk Inventor enthusiast that has been working in the manufacturing field for 15 years. I started with using Autocad R10 and started with using Inventor R5.3. I mostly do all sheet metal work. On this blog I will be posting everything to do with Autodesk Inventor news and tip & tricks also. Hope you enjoy.