Inventor of the Month – March 2011

Autodesk, Inc. has named Weatherhaven as the Autodesk Inventor of the Month for March 2011. Weatherhaven has been using Autodesk Inventor software to more effectively create portable shelters designed for use in the most rugged and remote locations around the world.

Weatherhaven shelters have supported activities ranging from earthquake relief efforts in Haiti to scientific expeditions in Antarctica and peacekeeping missions in the Sahara Desert. Inventor software helps to reduce the time required to create and deploy the shelters.

WeatherHaven

Inventor of the Month-March 2011 Official Press Release

Here is the YouTube video about Weatherhaven

Feature Recognition for Inventor updated to support Inventor 2012 on Autodesk Labs

You can use the Feature Recognition application to convert neutral 3D CAD models, such as STEP, SAT, or IGES solids, into full-featured Autodesk Inventor models. The feature mapping can be executed automatically or interactively as needed to maintain design intent. The most recent update was an installer update that allows for installation with the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Autodesk Inventor 2012 software.

So now the Feature Recognition supports the following applications:
Inventor 2012
Inventor 2011
Inventor 2010
Inventor 2009
Inventor 2008
Inventor 11

That is pretty impressive to support that many releases that far back.

Download Feature Recognition for Inventor

Autodesk Inventor 2012 System Requiements

I always get the question, what are the system requirements to run Autodesk Inventor and I either have to look it up or direct them to the page that shows what they need. I am posting this to show what they are for the 2012 release of Autodesk Inventor.

For Autodesk Inventor 2012 Windows Users

For General Part and Assembly Design (Typically Fewer than 1,000 Parts)

• Microsoft® Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit) Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate or Enterprise edition, or Microsoft® Windows Vista® (32-bit or 64-bit) Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate edition (SP2), or Microsoft® Windows XP Professional (SP3) or Professional x64 Edition (SP2)
• Intel® Pentium® 4, 2 GHz or faster, Intel® Xeon®, Intel® Core™, AMD Athlon™ 64, or AMD Opteron™ processor, or later
• 2 GB RAM or more
• Microsoft® Direct3D 10® or Direct3D 9® capable graphics card
• DVD-ROM drive
• Microsoft® Mouse-compliant pointing device
• 1,280 x 1,024 or higher screen resolution
• Internet connection for web downloads and Subscription Aware access
• Adobe Flash Player 10
• Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 6.x through 8
• Microsoft® Excel 2003 through 2007 for iComponents, thread customization, and spreadsheet-driven designs

For Complex Models, Complex Mold Assemblies, and Large Assemblies (Typically More than 1,000 Parts)

• Windows 7 64-bit, Windows Vista 64-bit (SP2), or Windows XP Professional x64 Edition (SP2)AMD64 or Intel® 64 processor
• 8 GB RAM or more
• CAD workstation-class graphics card

For Autodesk Inventor 2012 Macintosh Users

Boot Camp


You can install Autodesk® Inventor® Professional software on a Mac® computer on a Windows partition. The system must use Boot Camp® to manage a dual OS configuration and meet the minimum system requirements.

• Mac OS® X 10.6.x
• Boot Camp V 2.0 or higher
• Intel-based Mac (64-bit Windows Vista requires an Intel Core™2 duo or Xeon processor)
• 3 GB RAM (Recommend 4 GB for 32-bit Windows OS, 8 GB or more for 64-bit Windows OS)
• 20 GB disk space for Apple OS partition or Windows OS partition

Mac Virtualization on Parallels Desktop

Autodesk Inventor Professional can be used on the Mac via Parallels Desktop for Mac without having to boot directly into the Windows OS, so it is easy to switch between platforms. The system must meet the following requirements:

• Mac OS X 10.6.x
• Parallels Desktop 5.0 (5.0.9344 or higher)
• Intel based Mac (64-bit Windows Vista requires an Intel Core 2 duo or Xeon processor)
• Minimum 4 GB RAM (6 GB system memory for 32-bit Windows OS, 8 GB or more for 64-bit Windows OS recommended)
• Minimum 40 GB available disk space (100 GB recommended)

I also get the question about graphics card information, here is the link for the Graphics Card Datatbase

I hope all of this helps.

Autodesk Inventor 2012-New Features Part 4-Tooling

Tooling
Select faces to create an insert automatically

You can use the By Shape method to select all the faces required to create an insert automatically. Use the Face Set Tool selectors to select the Seed and Boundary faces. If the boundary faces are adjacent to the seed faces, check Automatic profile loops before selecting to chain the faces.
Tooling Analysis Results in Moldflow Communicator

You can export analysis results to a Moldflow Communicator file.
With Moldflow Communicator, a free viewer, others on the design team can visualize, quantify, and compare simulation results. Sharing the data improves collaboration with the extended design team.
Export 3D Model to Moldflow Insight

You can export the 3D mold base information to Moldflow Insight for cooling analysis.
-The mold block is exported by default.
-Specify the inserts, cooling system and components to export.
-If necessary, you can add hose definitions in the dialog box before export.
-The export process removes unnecessary hole features from the core/cavity solid.
Open the file with Moldflow Insight to validate and optimize plastic parts, injection molds, and the injection molding process.

Autodesk Inventor 2012-New Features Part 3-Interoperability,Simulation,Sustainability

Interoperability
AutoCAD Import

Several new options improve interoperability with AutoCAD.
-On the Open flyout, select Import DWG to bypass the Options setting.
-In the file import wizard, the final dialog box contains options to import AutoCAD Surfaces and Wires. To enable the Surface and Wire selection, select New Part.
-Materials applied in the AutoCAD file persist in the Inventor file after translation.
Updated Translators
The following translators support newer versions of the file format:
Catia
-Import: R6 – R20
-Export: R10 - R20
Parasolid
-Import: up to version 23.0
-Export: versions 9.0 - 23.0
NX
-Import: versions 3 - 7.5
Rhino File Translation

Rhino (*.3dm) files can be imported for use in Autodesk Inventor. The import operation does not maintain associativity with the original file. After the import operation:
-Changes to the original file do not affect the imported part.
-Changes to the imported part do not affect the original file.
-You can change the model as if it was created in Inventor.

Autodesk Inventor 2012-New Features Part 2-Enhanced Modeling

Model Repair Tools

Inspect and repair imported date in a repair environment for imported files. Then the imported data is reliable in downstream modeling operations.
Methods to create a repair body:

-Import the file into the repair environment using selected translators.
-In the Surface panel, click Repair Bodies and then select a base body.

Methods to enter the repair environment:

-In the browser, double-click the repair body icon.
-Right-click the repair body icon in the browser and then select Repair Bodies.

Remove errors with a specified tolerance value with the Heal Errors command. Click an error to find it in the graphics window and enable the repair mini-toolbar.
2D Sketch

The View default behavior for 2D sketches is changed. When you start a sketch on a component face, the view orients so that the sketch plane normal points at the display. The sketch plane is parallel to the display, and is ready for sketching.

Autodesk Inventor 2012-New Features Part 1-User Interface and Productivity

Inventor Help Experience
Autodesk Inventor Wiki HelpThe Wiki provides the most robust, relevant, and up to date information. In addition, the Wiki enables you to partner with Autodesk to share your knowledge with others.

-The online Wiki Help is the default help in Autodesk Inventor.
-If you are connected to the internet when you access Help in Inventor, the Wiki Help displays.
-If you deployed Inventor, and during the deployment you disabled the Wiki Help, it is no longer the default Help.

Basic installed Help
When you install Inventor, a subset of the help that contains customer favorites is installed by default.
-A basic Help of reference topics, tutorials for the new user, and a What's New are installed with the product.
-If you are not connected to the internet when you access Help in Inventor, and you did not download full Help, the basic installed Help displays.

Full Help download
When you are not online, you can still have access to the full Inventor Help.
-Download a full Help from Autodesk.com, Data and Downloads section.
-If you are not connected to the internet when you access Help in Inventor, and you previously downloaded full Help, the full Help displays instead of the basic installed Help.

Autodesk Inventor 2012-New Features Overview

Here is a breakdown of the new elements that are in Inventor 2012. I will be breaking down each section later in other posts.
User Interface and Productivity

• Inventor Help Experience
• Marking Menu
• Custom Settings
• Enhanced Mini-Toolbars
• Dialog Boxes
• ‘Select Other’ Behavior
• Performance: Raster Drawing Views
• Orientation of Drawing Views
• Rotation of Drawing Views with Sketches
• Origin Mark for Ordinate Dimension Sets
• Wizard to Copy iLogic Designs
• iLogic Custom User Interface Forms
• View Display

Enhanced Modeling

• Model Repair Tools
• 2D Sketch
• Boundary Patch Command
• G2 Variable Radius Fillets

• Mirror Fillets
• Extended Feature Names
• Face Draft Enhancements
• Display Failed Feature
• Boss Enhancements
• Project to 3D Sketch
• Rib Enhancements
• Sweep Along Edge
• Design View Representations in Parts
• Section Views: Move section planes

Interoperability

• AutoCAD Import
• Updated Translators
• Rhino File Translation
• OmniClass Table
• Export Building Components

Simulation

• Retain Joints
• Continuous Load Improvements
• Frame Analysis Probes
• Beam Model Improvements
• Customization of Beam Properties
• Sign Convention in Frame Analysis Results
• Geometry Healing and Meshing
• Guide
• In-canvas Tools

Sustainability

• Material Selector

Tooling

• Select faces to create an insert automatically
• Tooling Analysis Results in Moldflow Communicator
• Export 3D Model to Moldflow Insight
• Runner Balancing
• Mold Base Author
• Cooling Channel Check
• Cooling Channel Metric Threads
• Patching and Runoff Surface Color
• User Mold Base
• Edit Moldable Part
• Transition from Part to Mold
• Multiple Locating Rings
• Define Workpiece Setting Enhancement
• Retain Last Input Value
• Gate Location X,Y,Z
• Place Plastic Part
• Ordinate dimensions
• Surface Patches with Sketch Geometry and Silhouette Curve
• Runoff Surface with Sketch Geometry and Silhouette Curve

Autodesk Inventor 2012-New Features Part 1-User Interface and Productivity
Autodesk Inventor 2012-New Features Part 2-Enhanced Modeling
Autodesk Inventor 2012-New Features Part 3-Interoperability,Simulation,Sustainability
Autodesk Inventor 2012-New Features Part 4-Tooling

Autodesk Product Design Suites for 2012 Products

Autodesk released their new Product Suites today on their special media webcast.  Here is the breakdown of the Autodesk Product Design Suite which is geared toward the Manufacturing users.  Also to note is that Autodesk Inventor Fusion is now a 2012 release.

Standard:  For designers, engineers and drafters who need the foundational drafting and conceptual design tools to accelerate mechanical drawings and to create visually compelling proposals needed to secure internal buy-in and win new customer business.

Included Products: Autodesk Sketchbook Designer, Autodesk Mudbox, Autodesk Showcase, AutoCAD Mechanical, Autodesk Vault

Premium:  For designers and engineers who want to supercharge their designs with the ground-breaking modeling capabilities in Inventor, allowing them to create remarkable designs and meet the demands of today’s competitive market.

Included Products: Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk 3ds Max Design, Autodesk Sketchbook Designer, Autodesk Mudbox, Autodesk Showcase, AutoCAD Mechanical, Autodesk Vault

Ultimate: Ideally suited for designers and engineers who also need advanced surfacing, simulation, routing and tooling in order create unbeatable designs and outshine the competition.

Included Products: Autodesk Inventor Professional, Autodesk Alias Design, Autodesk 3ds Max Design, Autodesk Sketchbook Designer, Autodesk Mudbox, Autodesk Showcase, AutoCAD Mechanical, Autodesk Vault

Autodesk Media Webcast-Recorded

If you missed the Autodesk Media Webcast yesterday, they recorded it for everybody to see. They talked about a lot of the new products that are coming out for the 2012 release. A big highlight was with all of the Product Suites that they have coming out.

There is also a link to download the Supporting Materials to the right side of the viewing window.

I will update this blog when more details become available about the new releases. Stay Tuned.

Reminder: Join Autodesk for Special Media Webcast

It’s that time of year again, the time to hear about new products in the 2012 series of software. Join Autodesk for a Special Media Webcast Event on:

Date: Monday, March 21, 2011, Start Time: 2:00p.m. PST/5:00p.m. EST/9:00p.m. UTC

Join Autodesk Senior Vice President Amar Hanspal for a special media webcast, and learn about Autodesk’s new products for the design, engineering and entertainment industries.
Autodesk Webcast

Inventor of the Year 2010

RND Automation has been named Inventor of the Year 2010. Here is the Press Release. Members of the Autodesk manufacturing community from around the world chose the Sarasota, Fla.–based company by voting on the community website. RND Automation designs customized automation solutions for a wide range of customers, including manufacturers of hydraulic valves, contact lenses and insulated beverage containers.

Here is the initial Press Release when they won Inventor of the Month for March 2010.
Here is the Original YouTube video when they won Inventor of the Month for March 2010.

Join Autodesk for Special Media Webcast

It’s that time of year again, the time to hear about new products in the 2012 series of software. Join Autodesk for a Special Media Webcast Event on:

Date: Monday, March 21, 2011, Start Time: 2:00p.m. PST/5:00p.m. EST/9:00p.m. UTC

Join Autodesk Senior Vice President Amar Hanspal for a special media webcast, and learn about Autodesk’s new products for the design, engineering and entertainment industries.

Here is a link to the signup to attend. Autodesk Webcast

Autodesk Completes Acquisition to Add CFD Simulation

Autodesk has completed the acquisition of Blue Ridge Numerics, Inc., a leading simulation software provider, for approximately $39 million in cash. The addition of Blue Ridge Numerics’ CFdesign software will enhance the Autodesk solution for Digital Prototyping with powerful thermal and fluid flow simulation capabilities, enabling mechanical and building system engineers to virtually test and predict real-world behavior of designs and eliminate expensive physical prototyping cycles in the lab.
Here is a link to the Press Release
Here is a link to Blue Ridge Numerics