Inventor 2013

creative Power-CAD

Basic Course
June 2012

Author

Armin Graef
www.armin-graef.de

Publisher

PowerCAD
EDV-Buchverlag
Eckenerstr. 16
D-88074 Meckenbeuren
www.PowerCAD.de

Autodesk Inventor 2013

Basic Course

PREFACE TO THE COMPLETE TRAINING MANUAL

The transition from 2D design to 3D design is well underway. With the easy to use and powerful Inventor software
from Autodesk, Inc. you can also perform this transition relatively quickly.
The objective of the training manual is to help you in this whole process and to make especially the first steps of
working with the CAD software as easy as possible.
If the Inventor software has already been installed, you have probably already seen the very extensive and interesting
Inventor Help system. What advantages do you have if you also own this training manual in addition to the
documentation of the CAD system?
First, you will notice the special order in which the different topics of the Inventor software are discussed in the
manual. On the one hand, a subsequent chapter is mostly only dependent from the knowledge of previous chapters. On
the other hand, particularly a beginner should be able to understand the scope of a typical 3D system in its entirety
quickly. In addition, it should also be distinguished between "absolute necessary" commands and "less important" tools.
Therefore the book was basically divided into three parts.
Within the first and second part the three main topics of most 3D systems are repeatedly explained: the
"Part Modeling", the "Assembly Modeling", and the creation of "Drawings". Additionally, at the end of the second part,
the chapter "Special Subjects" is also available. In this chapter more subject-specific topics are discussed, like for
example the "Sheet Metal Design" or "Weldment".
Within the third part especially those topics are explained, which are not absolutely necessary to create the first designs,
even though they are also very interesting.
The many exercises will also be very beneficial for you. Basically two types of them are distinguished. On the one
hand, these are the relatively small exercises which are available at all theoretically discussed commands. On the other
hand, these are also the major exercises, which are generally more focused on multiple subjects or to solve a design
task.
The additional and often different explanations of the theoretical background of the various tools and capabilities of the
Inventor software in comparison to the help system can also be an advantage for you. Great importance is particularly
attached on a clear structuring of the respective topics. Therefore in the following sections, you will find relatively little
"text in form of a novel", but many "main points" and even more matching "sub points".
Finally, I don't want to forget to emphasize here that the most effective way to learn a CAD system is a good training
course in combination with a matching book. If you also share this opinion, please have a closer look at my website in
the Internet.
I wish you a lot of success in working with the Inventor software.
Armin Graef
Internet: www.armin-graef.de

Basic Course

Autodesk Inventor 2013

COPYRIGHT
All rights reserved, including the translation. No part of this work may be reproduced or processed electronically,
duplicated or distributed in any form without the prior written permission of the author.
Author:

Armin Graef
Internet: www.armin-graef.de

DISCLAIMER
This work was thoroughly checked. Author and publisher exclude any liability for damages, resulting from direct or
indirect use of this work.

TRADEMARKS
The software and hardware names and the trademarks used in this work are subject to legal copyright, trademark and
patent protection.

Autodesk Inventor 2013

Basic Course

PREFACE TO THE BASIC COURSE

As mentioned before, my whole training manuals to the Autodesk Inventor 2013 software are divided into three parts.
This manual, the so-called "Basic Course", contains "Part 1" and "Part 2". Within the "Basic Course", especially the
knowledge which is necessary to create the "first" designs is explained.
The other manual the so-called "Advanced Course" contains "Part 3".
The "Tables of Contents" of both books can be downloaded via the website "www.armin-graef.de".

THE MAIN STRUCTURE OF BOTH BOOKS

The highest levels of the contents of both books are shown
on the right.
In "Part 1" and "Part 2" they do not contain any technical
subdivision. Only below these chapter headlines the
different terms of a 3D system (sketches, features,
assemblies, ...) are used.
The repetition of the three main topics "Part Modeling",
"Assembly Modeling" and "Drawings" was chosen,
because so first the "simpler" functions and then the "more
complex" functions to the same main topic can be
explained.
Within the chapter "Special Subjects" the topics "Sheet
Metal Design", "Weldment", "Simple piping ...", "More
complex Solid modeling", and "Frame Generator" are
discussed.
In "Part 3" the above way of subdivision was not carried
out anymore.

Book:

Basic Course

Part 1
- Introduction
- Part Modeling
- Assembly Modeling
- Drawings
Part 2
- Part Modeling
- Assembly Modeling
- Drawings
- Special Subjects
Book:

Advanced Course

Part 3
- Representations and other Assembly tools
- Skeleton Modeling
- Adaptivity
- Additional Functions
- Presentations
- Inventor Studio
- Parameters and Libraries
- Administration and Configuration
- Data exchange
- Splines and Surface modeling
- ...

Basic Course

Autodesk Inventor 2013

SPECIAL CONVENTIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

To simplify the notation and to improve the clarity the following conventions and abbreviations are often used in this
document.
Text example in the document
Ribbon/3D Model/Create/Revolve
<Revolve>
Browser/Sketch1/Edit Sketch
[Skizze1/Edit Sketch]
Graphics Window/RMB/Extrude

Action to be performed
Enter the command "Revolve" by a click with the left mouse button on the icon
"Revolve" on the Ribbon (Model tab, Create panel)
(Abbreviation:
angle brackets)
Enter the command "Edit Sketch" by a click with the right mouse button (context
menu) on the name "Sketch1" within the Browser
(Abbreviation:
square brackets)

{Extrude}

Enter the command "Extrude" by a click with the right mouse button within the
Graphics Window and select the item "Extrude" from the context menu
(for example from the special Marking Menu)
(Abbreviation:
curly brackets)

.../RMB/...

Press the right mouse button on any object

Autodesk Inventor 2013

Basic Course

Contents
Basic Course
Part 1:
1.
1.1
1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................15
Copying the exercise files to the hard disk ...........................................................................................................15
Launching Autodesk Inventor ..............................................................................................................................15
Projects ..........................................................................................................................................................16
New................................................................................................................................................................17
Save, Save as, Save Copy as ..........................................................................................................................17
Open...............................................................................................................................................................18
Invoking commands .............................................................................................................................................20
Ribbon............................................................................................................................................................20
Quick Access Toolbar....................................................................................................................................21
Application Menu ..........................................................................................................................................21
Status Bar.......................................................................................................................................................21
Browser..........................................................................................................................................................22
Marking Menus (Context Menus in the Graphics Window)..........................................................................23
Mini-Toolbars for Direct Manipulation in the Graphic Window...................................................................23
Repeat the last command ...............................................................................................................................25
Viewing tools........................................................................................................................................................25
ViewCube ......................................................................................................................................................25
Navigation Bar...............................................................................................................................................25
Zoom, Pan and Orbit......................................................................................................................................26
Visual Styles ..................................................................................................................................................26
Help System..........................................................................................................................................................28

2.
2.1

Part Modeling..........................................................................................................................................29
Basics about Parts.................................................................................................................................................29
Elements and properties of parts....................................................................................................................29
Distinction of different kinds of features .......................................................................................................29
2.2
Sketches................................................................................................................................................................34
2.2.1
Basics about Sketches .......................................................................................................................................34
Creating, Finishing and Activating a Sketch..................................................................................................34
Basic Rules for Creating Sketches .................................................................................................................35
2.2.2
Creating and Editing of Sketch Geometry.........................................................................................................35
Creating of Sketch Geometry by Drawing.....................................................................................................35
Creating of Sketch Geometry by Projecting ..................................................................................................36
Editing of Sketch Geometry...........................................................................................................................36
Line Type of Sketch Geometry: Normal, Construction, Centerline, Center Point.........................................38
2.2.3
Basics about Dimensioning and Constraining Sketches....................................................................................40
Adding dimensions and constraints ...............................................................................................................40
Means to see the "Degree of dimensioning or constraining" .........................................................................40
Use of the so-called Heads-Up Display at the creation of contours...............................................................40
2.2.4
Dimensioning Sketches .....................................................................................................................................41
Distinction of different kinds of Dimensions within Sketches.......................................................................41
Rules for Creating Sketches and Dimensions ................................................................................................41
Visibility of Dimensions ................................................................................................................................41
Creating and Editing Dimensions ..................................................................................................................41

Basic Course
2.2.5

2.2.6
2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3

2.4
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
2.4.4
2.5
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.5.3
2.6
2.7
2.7.1
2.7.2
2.7.3
2.7.4
2.7.5

3.
3.1

Autodesk Inventor 2013

Constraining Sketches ...................................................................................................................................... 44

Point alignment (without creating 2D Constraints)....................................................................................... 44
Automatic alignment and/or creation of 2D constraints................................................................................ 44
Manual creation of 2D Constraints ............................................................................................................... 45
Showing and Deleting Constraints ................................................................................................................ 46
Aligning sketch geometry at the "Origin" ........................................................................................................ 47
Sketched Features ................................................................................................................................................ 50
Extrude ............................................................................................................................................................. 50
Revolve............................................................................................................................................................. 52
Holes and Threads ............................................................................................................................................ 53
Holes without and with Threads.................................................................................................................... 53
External and Internal Threads ....................................................................................................................... 55
Placed Features .................................................................................................................................................... 56
Fillet ................................................................................................................................................................. 56
Chamfer ............................................................................................................................................................ 57
Rectangular Pattern .......................................................................................................................................... 58
Circular Pattern................................................................................................................................................. 60
Work Features...................................................................................................................................................... 61
Work Planes ..................................................................................................................................................... 61
Work Axes........................................................................................................................................................ 63
Work Points...................................................................................................................................................... 64
Primitive Shapes .................................................................................................................................................. 65
Exercises .............................................................................................................................................................. 66
Holder............................................................................................................................................................... 66
Clamping ring................................................................................................................................................... 69
Shaft ................................................................................................................................................................. 73
Palm grip .......................................................................................................................................................... 75
Features on rotation parts ................................................................................................................................. 78
Creating a radial hole and a keyway groove on a cylindrical part................................................................. 78
Creating a rotatable radial hole on a conical part .......................................................................................... 79

Assembly Modeling............................................................................................................................... 81
Basics about Assemblies...................................................................................................................................... 81
Elements and properties of assemblies.......................................................................................................... 81
Turn off the visibility of occurrences ............................................................................................................ 81
Modifying the components of assemblies ..................................................................................................... 82
3.2
Parametric positioning of parts and assemblies ................................................................................................... 83
3.2.1
Creating Assembly Constraints with the tool Place Constraint ........................................................................ 83
Assembly Constraints with (Alt key) + (Dragging with left mouse button) ................................................. 83
Mate .............................................................................................................................................................. 84
Angle............................................................................................................................................................. 87
Tangent.......................................................................................................................................................... 88
Insert ............................................................................................................................................................. 89
Limits ............................................................................................................................................................ 90
Motion........................................................................................................................................................... 91
Transitional ................................................................................................................................................... 91
Constraint Set................................................................................................................................................ 92
3.2.2
Creating Assembly Constraints with the tool "Assemble" ............................................................................... 92
3.2.3
Display and Editing 3D Constraints ................................................................................................................. 93
Display 3D Constraints and changing the offset ........................................................................................... 93
Edit 3D Constraints and Constraint Conflict Analysis.................................................................................. 94
3.2.4
Drive 3D Constraints ........................................................................................................................................ 95
3.2.5
Flexible assemblies........................................................................................................................................... 96

Autodesk Inventor 2013

3.3

3.4
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.5
3.5.1

Basic Course

Placing and creating components in assemblies ...................................................................................................96

Place components in an assembly..................................................................................................................96
Create new components in an assembly.........................................................................................................97
Basic administration and auxiliary tools...............................................................................................................99
Creating a new project by copying a sample project.........................................................................................99
Measuring tools ...............................................................................................................................................100
Exercises.............................................................................................................................................................102
Steel frame ......................................................................................................................................................102
Project folder and project file.......................................................................................................................102
Main assembly and Vertical brace ...............................................................................................................102
Cross brace...................................................................................................................................................105
Longitudinal brace .......................................................................................................................................107
45deg brace ..................................................................................................................................................109

4.
4.1

Drawings ...............................................................................................................................................113
Basics about Drawings .......................................................................................................................................113
Elements and properties of drawings ...........................................................................................................113
User interface...............................................................................................................................................114
4.2
Drawing views....................................................................................................................................................115
4.2.1
Creating drawing views and simple editing commands ..................................................................................115
Base view.....................................................................................................................................................115
Projected View.............................................................................................................................................116
Auxiliary View ............................................................................................................................................116
Detail View ..................................................................................................................................................116
Selecting objects and Moving drawing views..............................................................................................116
Section View................................................................................................................................................118
Break............................................................................................................................................................122
Break Out.....................................................................................................................................................123
Crop .............................................................................................................................................................124
User-defined rotated Base Views.................................................................................................................125
4.2.2
Further tools to modify drawing views ...........................................................................................................125
4.2.3
Multiple Sheets................................................................................................................................................130
4.3
Annotations.........................................................................................................................................................131
4.3.1
Centerlines.......................................................................................................................................................131
4.3.2
Dimensions......................................................................................................................................................133
Drawing dimensions ....................................................................................................................................133
Model dimensions........................................................................................................................................136
Chamfer Note...............................................................................................................................................137
Edit dimensions............................................................................................................................................137
4.3.3
Text and Leader Text ......................................................................................................................................139
4.3.4
Hole and Thread Notes....................................................................................................................................140
4.4
Print ....................................................................................................................................................................141
4.5
Exercises.............................................................................................................................................................142
4.5.1
Angle plate ......................................................................................................................................................142

Basic Course

Autodesk Inventor 2013

Part 2:
5. Part Modeling ....................................................................................................................................... 147
5.1
Automatic creation of Adaptivity ...................................................................................................................... 147
5.1.1
Adaptive Work Features by creating work planes, work axes or work points................................................ 147
5.1.2
Adaptive or non-adaptive sketches by projecting objects............................................................................... 149
5.2
Sketches and Features ........................................................................................................................................ 150
5.2.1
Editing Sketches ............................................................................................................................................. 150
5.2.2
Restructuring within the part browser ............................................................................................................ 151
Modifying the order of features .................................................................................................................. 151
Using the End of Part marker...................................................................................................................... 151
5.2.3
Copy and Paste features.................................................................................................................................. 153
5.2.4
Mirror features................................................................................................................................................ 154
5.2.5
Split faces or parts .......................................................................................................................................... 155
5.2.6
Create Texts.................................................................................................................................................... 156
Text ............................................................................................................................................................. 156
Geometry Text ............................................................................................................................................ 157
5.2.7
Emboss ........................................................................................................................................................... 157
5.2.8
Image and Decal ............................................................................................................................................. 158
Insert Image................................................................................................................................................. 158
Decal ........................................................................................................................................................... 159
5.3
Parameters and Tolerances ................................................................................................................................ 160
5.3.1
Using parameters in dimensions..................................................................................................................... 160
5.3.2
Tolerances in part files ................................................................................................................................... 161
5.3.3
Change the Dimension Display ...................................................................................................................... 161
5.3.4
Parameters dialog box .................................................................................................................................... 162
5.4
Derived Component ........................................................................................................................................... 165
5.4.1
Derive from a part to a part ............................................................................................................................ 167
Mirror a part ................................................................................................................................................ 167
Scale a part .................................................................................................................................................. 167
Simple example to Skeletal Modeling......................................................................................................... 167
5.4.2
Derive from an Assembly to a part................................................................................................................. 168
Simplification of an Assembly.................................................................................................................... 168
5.4.3
Export objects within the Base Component.................................................................................................... 170
6.
6.1
6.2
6.3

Assembly Modeling............................................................................................................................. 171

Content Center ................................................................................................................................................... 171
Assembly features.............................................................................................................................................. 176
Auxiliary functions ............................................................................................................................................ 177
Section Views ............................................................................................................................................. 177
Projecting Cut Edges................................................................................................................................... 178
Moving and Rotating Components.............................................................................................................. 178
Assigning existing Materials and Appearances........................................................................................... 179
Properties (iProperties) of a component...................................................................................................... 181
6.4
Pattern, Replace, Copy, Mirror, and Restructure components ........................................................................... 183
6.4.1
Pattern Components........................................................................................................................................ 183
6.4.2
Replace components....................................................................................................................................... 184
6.4.3
Copy components ........................................................................................................................................... 186
Basic types of copying ................................................................................................................................ 186
Description of the tool................................................................................................................................. 187
6.4.4
Mirror components ......................................................................................................................................... 190
Description of the tool................................................................................................................................. 190
Properties of mirrored components ............................................................................................................. 191
6.4.5
Restructure Components................................................................................................................................. 194

Autodesk Inventor 2013

6.5
6.5.1
6.5.2

6.6

6.7

Basic Course

Design Assistant .................................................................................................................................................196

Basic commands..............................................................................................................................................196
Copy, Rename and Replace files.....................................................................................................................198
Creating an "Independent Copy of an Assembly with Associated Drawing" ..............................................199
Creating an "Independent Copy of an Assembly with Associated Drawing with Immediate Replacing" ...201
Replacing a component................................................................................................................................202
Creating an "Independent Copy of a Part with Associated Drawing"..........................................................202
Renaming multiple file ................................................................................................................................203
Bill of Materials..................................................................................................................................................204
Property BOM Structure ..............................................................................................................................204
Tool Bill of Materials...................................................................................................................................205
Virtual Component ......................................................................................................................................208
Exercise: Basic steps to create an assembly ......................................................................................................209
Project folder and project file.......................................................................................................................209
Initial design steps........................................................................................................................................209
Create drawing files .....................................................................................................................................213
Continue the design......................................................................................................................................213

7. Drawings ...............................................................................................................................................215
7.1
Balloons and Parts Lists......................................................................................................................................215
7.1.1
Customizing the format of Balloons and Parts Lists .......................................................................................215
7.1.2
Creating and Editing Balloons ........................................................................................................................217
Creating........................................................................................................................................................217
Editing..........................................................................................................................................................218
7.1.3
Creating and Editing Parts Lists......................................................................................................................219
Creating........................................................................................................................................................219
Editing..........................................................................................................................................................219
7.2
Predefined Symbols ............................................................................................................................................222
7.2.1
Surface Texture Symbols ................................................................................................................................222
7.2.2
Feature Control Frame symbols ......................................................................................................................222
7.2.3
Datum Identifier Symbols ...............................................................................................................................222
7.2.4
Datum Target symbols ....................................................................................................................................223
7.2.5
Feature Identifier Symbols ..............................................................................................................................223
7.2.6
Add text to a Leader Text................................................................................................................................223
7.3
Sketches and Sketched Symbols.........................................................................................................................224
7.3.1
Independent Sketches......................................................................................................................................224
7.3.2
Dependent Sketches (from drawing views).....................................................................................................224
7.3.3
Draft View.......................................................................................................................................................225
7.3.4
Sketched Symbols ...........................................................................................................................................226
Creating Sketched Symbols .........................................................................................................................227
Inserting Sketched Symbols.........................................................................................................................228
Pattern Sketched Symbols or AutoCAD Blocks ..........................................................................................229
7.4
Work Features, Model Sketches and Center of Gravity in views .......................................................................229
Work Features..............................................................................................................................................229
Model Sketches............................................................................................................................................230
Center of Gravity .........................................................................................................................................230
7.5
Hole Tables.........................................................................................................................................................231
7.6
Revision Tables and Revision Tags....................................................................................................................234
7.7
General Tables....................................................................................................................................................236
7.8
Display of components with the BOM Structure type Reference.......................................................................238
7.9
Replace Model References .................................................................................................................................239

Basic Course

Autodesk Inventor 2013

8. Special Subjects .................................................................................................................................. 241

8.1
Sheet Metal Design ............................................................................................................................................ 241
8.1.1
Basic sheet metal tools ................................................................................................................................... 241
Face ............................................................................................................................................................. 241
Flange.......................................................................................................................................................... 243
Corner Seam................................................................................................................................................ 245
8.1.2
Flat Pattern ..................................................................................................................................................... 247
Creating a Flat Pattern and displaying it in a drawing ................................................................................ 248
Sketches within the Folded Model and the Flat Pattern .............................................................................. 250
Export a Flat Pattern.................................................................................................................................... 251
8.1.3
General properties of Sheet Metal parts ......................................................................................................... 252
Sheet Metal Defaults ................................................................................................................................... 252
Managing the styles "Sheet Metal Rule", "Material", and "Unfold Rule" .................................................. 252
8.1.4
Further sheet metal tools................................................................................................................................. 258
Cut............................................................................................................................................................... 258
Project Flat Pattern...................................................................................................................................... 258
Contour Flange............................................................................................................................................ 259
Fold ............................................................................................................................................................. 260
Bend ............................................................................................................................................................ 261
Hem............................................................................................................................................................. 262
Punch Tool .................................................................................................................................................. 262
Contour Roll................................................................................................................................................ 263
Unfold and Refold....................................................................................................................................... 264
Lofted Flange .............................................................................................................................................. 266
Rip............................................................................................................................................................... 267
8.1.5
Exercises......................................................................................................................................................... 268
Creating the sheet metal part "Carrier" ....................................................................................................... 268
Creating a sheet metal part from a "block" ................................................................................................. 271
Creating a sheet metal funnel with tube ...................................................................................................... 272
8.2
Weldment........................................................................................................................................................... 276
8.2.1
Creating weldment assemblies ....................................................................................................................... 276
8.2.2
Drawing views of weldment assemblies......................................................................................................... 284
8.3
Simple piping with 3D-Sketches and Sweeping ................................................................................................ 287
8.3.1
3D-Sketches.................................................................................................................................................... 287
8.3.2
Sweep features with 2D and 3D sketches....................................................................................................... 289
8.4
More complex Solid modeling........................................................................................................................... 296
8.4.1
Extrude ........................................................................................................................................................... 296
8.4.2
Revolve........................................................................................................................................................... 297
8.4.3
Ribs and Webs................................................................................................................................................ 298
8.4.4
Shell................................................................................................................................................................ 300
8.4.5
Face Draft ....................................................................................................................................................... 302
8.4.6
Fillet ............................................................................................................................................................... 305
8.4.7
Connecting cross sections (Loft) .................................................................................................................... 308
8.4.8
Further Sweep features ................................................................................................................................... 313
8.4.9
Coil ................................................................................................................................................................. 314
8.4.10 Move Face ...................................................................................................................................................... 315
8.4.11 Project Curve to Surface................................................................................................................................. 316
8.4.12 Helical Curve.................................................................................................................................................. 317
8.4.13 Sketch Properties ............................................................................................................................................ 318
8.4.14 Bend Part ........................................................................................................................................................ 319
8.4.15 Multi-body parts ............................................................................................................................................. 320
8.4.16 Writing out components ................................................................................................................................. 321
Make Part .................................................................................................................................................... 322
Make Components ...................................................................................................................................... 322

10

Autodesk Inventor 2013

Basic Course

8.4.17 Move Bodies ...................................................................................................................................................323

8.4.18 Combine ..........................................................................................................................................................324
8.4.19 Delete Face......................................................................................................................................................324
8.5
Frame Generator .................................................................................................................................................326
8.5.1
Basic steps for creating a frame ......................................................................................................................326
8.5.2
Insert and modify Frame Members .................................................................................................................326
Basics of inserting Frame Members.............................................................................................................326
Change Frame Members ..............................................................................................................................328
More options when adding Frame Members ...............................................................................................329
8.5.3
Modify the end treatments between Frame Members .....................................................................................330
Miter Corners...............................................................................................................................................330
Trim to Frame Members ..............................................................................................................................331
Trim and Extend to Face..............................................................................................................................332
Notch Frame Members ................................................................................................................................332
Lengthen - Shorten Frame Member .............................................................................................................333
Remove End Treatments..............................................................................................................................334
End Treatments on curved or merged profiles .............................................................................................334
8.5.4
Additional tools of the Frame Generator.........................................................................................................335
Frame Member Information.........................................................................................................................335
Refresh.........................................................................................................................................................335
Presentation of Frame Members within Parts Lists .....................................................................................335
8.5.5
Publish customized profiles.............................................................................................................................336
Publish a part which cross section is not changeable (no iPart)...................................................................337
Publish a part which cross section is changeable (iPart)..............................................................................338
8.5.6
Exercises .........................................................................................................................................................340
Assembly "Frame1" .....................................................................................................................................340
8.6
Plastic Parts ........................................................................................................................................................342
Grill..............................................................................................................................................................343
Rest ..............................................................................................................................................................344
Lip................................................................................................................................................................345
Boss..............................................................................................................................................................346
Snap Fit........................................................................................................................................................347
Rule Fillet ....................................................................................................................................................348

Appendix:
9.

Index ......................................................................................................................................................349

11

Basic Course

12

Autodesk Inventor 2013

Part 1

Part 1

Autodesk Inventor

Basic Course

13

Part 1

COPYRIGHT
All rights reserved, including the translation. No part of this work may be reproduced or processed electronically,
duplicated or distributed in any form without the prior written permission of the author.
Author:

Armin Graef
Internet: www.armin-graef.de

DISCLAIMER
This work was thoroughly checked. Author and publisher exclude any liability for damages, resulting from direct or
indirect use of this work.

TRADEMARKS
The software and hardware names and the trademarks used in this work are subject to legal copyright, trademark and
patent protection.

14

Part 1

Introduction

1. INTRODUCTION
Main Topics
Copying the exercise files to the hard disk
Launching Autodesk Inventor
Invoking commands
Viewing tools
Help System

1.1

COPYING THE EXERCISE FILES TO THE HARD DISK

At the beginning, you should copy the exercise files of the book into a folder on your local computer or on your
network. Please, do the following:
Download a ZIP file from the Internet
- go to the main web page of the book:
"www.armin-graef.de/Book-Inventor2013.php"
- choose the following link at the bottom of the page:
"Download the exercise files (English)"
- first, another web page appears on which the so-called "Book Number" is checked
- please enter the "Book Number" (you can find the "Book Number" at the end of each book)
- please also enter any password (please remember; to repeat the download)
- then, the web page appears from which the ZIP file can be downloaded
- click on the link "Course_Inv2013.zip" and save the file in any folder on your local computer or on your
network
Extract the downloaded ZIP file
- after downloading the ZIP file you can extract it into any folder (e.g. to "C:\")
- only one main folder ("Course") with many subfolders and files is created.

1.2

LAUNCHING AUTODESK INVENTOR

To launch Autodesk Inventor double-click on the program icon

on your windows desktop. After that the following appears:
either: the Welcome screen
- this is the default setting after an installation
- to switch off the Display at Startup of the Welcome
screen, uncheck this option at the bottom, left
- Work section
- New, Open, Projects, Recent Files
- Configure Default Template
- to change the "default Template files"; see the
explanation at the New command
- Learn section
- to have access to different topics of the Help System
- Extend section
- to start Autodesk Exchange or Autodesk 360
or:
the main window of Autodesk Inventor
(also after closing the Welcome screen)
- on the left of the Ribbon, you can choose
one of the following commands
- New
- to create new files
- Open
- to open existing files
- Projects
- to manage the projects of Autodesk
Inventor.

Ribbon
Quick Access Toolbar
Application menu

In the following, the above commands and the

Save... tools are described by means of some short
explanations and exercises.

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Introduction

Part 1

PROJECTS
Before you open or create a file in Autodesk Inventor which references other files, you should always activate a
"fitting" project file that contains storage locations and other important information of these files.
In Autodesk Inventor a Project consists of the following elements:
a set of folders for saving or opening files
a set of files that are stored in the (upper) folders
a so-called Project File (*.ipj) in which the paths of the folders and other information are stored.
If you activate a project file you have the following advantages:
the referenced files are stored or opened relatively to the storage locations within the project file
- so projects (the Inventor files, the folders and the project file) can be moved or copied easily
error messages appear, if you open a file that references other files which cannot be found in the storage locations of
the project or in their subfolders
- so it can be prevented that you open files of other projects by mistake (if you do not ignore the error message).
After you have chosen the command Projects from the Welcome screen or the Launch panel of the Get Started tab of
the Ribbon the Project Editor appears and you can do the following:
Activate a project file in the upper list
(which was added before)
- by a Double-click
Add an existing project file to the list
- the "upper list" of the project editor
displays all project files and links to
project files that reside in the so-called
Projects folder
- after installation the Project folder is
a subfolder of the (local) "Users"
folder
- after installation the project "Default"
is active
- to add a project to the upper list you can
click on the Browse button of the Project Editor and then select the desired project file
- by doing this, not a copy of the whole project is saved in the (local) Project-Folder but a
(Microsoft Windows) link to the selected folder
Create a new project file and change its properties
- this is explained within the section "Part 2/Assembly modeling/Basic administration and auxiliary tools" and in
section "Part 3/Administration and Configuration/Project Management" (Advanced Course).
In the following, you will select the project "0_Exercises-Theory" from the exercise files. According to the upper
explanation, a link to the desired project will be created.
Exercise 2-1:
Execute the following:
Invoke the Project Editor
- Ribbon/Get Started/Launch/Projects
Add the project file
- Button:
Browse...
- Folder:
...\Course\Inv2013\Server\Projects\
0_Exercises-Theory
- File:
0_Exercises-Theory.ipj
Activate the project
- is automatically activated while adding the project file.
Note:
Other projects of the "exercise files"
Also all other projects of the "exercise files" can be added
and activated in such a way.

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