SDC PUBLICATIONS © 2012 Introduction Learning Objectives: Basic Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Engineering Terminology Development of Computer Aided Design Why use AutoCAD? Why use Autodesk Inventor?

Tools For Design: AutoCAD® & Autodesk Inventor SDC PUBLICATIONS © 2012 Introduction Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the process of doing designs with the aid of computers. This includes the generation of computer models, analysis of design data, and the creation of the necessary drawings. AutoCAD® and Autodesk Inventor® are both computer aided design software developed by Autodesk Inc. The AutoCAD software is a tool that can be used for design and drafting activities. The two-dimensional and three-dimensional models created in AutoCAD can be transferred to other computer programs for further analysis and testing. Autodesk Inventor is an integrated package of mechanical computer aided engineering software. Autodesk Inventor is a tool that facilitates a concurrent engineering approach to the design and stress-analysis of mechanical engineering products. The computer models can also be used in manufacturing equipment such as machining centers, lathes, mills, or rapid prototyping machines to manufacture the product.

Tools For Design: AutoCAD® & Autodesk Inventor SDC PUBLICATIONS © 2012 Computer Aided Engineering The rapid changes in the field of computer aided engineering (CAE) have brought exciting advances in industry. Recent advances have made the long-sought goal of reducing design time, producing prototypes faster, and achieving higher product quality closer to a reality.

Tools For Design: AutoCAD® & Autodesk Inventor SDC PUBLICATIONS © 2012 Why use AutoCAD ® 2013? AutoCAD was first introduced to the public in late 1982, and was one of the first CAD software products that were available for personal computers. Since 1984, AutoCAD has established a reputation for being the most widely used PC-based CAD software around the world. By 2003, it was estimated that there were over 3.5 million AutoCAD users in more than 150 countries worldwide. AutoCAD 2013 is the twenty-sixth release, with many added features and enhancements, of the original AutoCAD software produced by Autodesk Inc. CAD provides us with a wide range of benefits; in most cases, the result of using CAD is increased accuracy and productivity. First of all, the computer offers much higher accuracy than the traditional methods of drafting and design. Traditionally, drafting and detailing are the most expensive cost element in a project and the biggest bottleneck. With CAD systems, such as AutoCAD 2013, the tedious drafting and detailing tasks are simplified through the use of many of the CAD geometric construction tools, such as grids, snap, trim, and auto-dimensioning. Dimensions and notes are always legible in CAD drawings, and in most cases, CAD systems can produce higher quality prints compared to traditional hand drawings.

Tools For Design: AutoCAD® & Autodesk Inventor SDC PUBLICATIONS © 2012 Why use Autodesk Inventor ® Autodesk Inventor is a 3D solid modeling software. One of the key elements in the Autodesk Inventor solid modeling software is its use of the feature-based parametric modeling technique. The feature- based parametric modeling approach has elevated solid modeling technology to the level of a very powerful design tool. Parametric modeling automates the design and revision procedures by the use of parametric features. Parametric features control the model geometry by the use of design variables. The word parametric means that the geometric definitions of the design, such as dimensions, can be varied at any time during the design process. Features are predefined parts or construction tools for which users define the key parameters. A part is described as a sequence of engineering features, which can be modified/changed at any time. The concept of parametric features makes modeling more closely match the actual design-manufacturing process than the mathematics of a solid modeling program.

Tools For Design: AutoCAD® & Autodesk Inventor SDC PUBLICATIONS © 2012 Tutorial Style Lessons In this text, the coverage of AutoCAD 2013 and Autodesk Inventor 2013 are done using the task based approach. In the first section, chapter 1 through chapter 5, we will first go over using AutoCAD to create two-dimensional multiview drawings. The second section will concentrate on using Autodesk Inventor to perform parametric modeling tasks. The fundamental concepts and use of different geometric construction techniques, as well as using AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor commands are presented using step-by- step tutorials. We will begin with creating simple geometric entities and then move toward creating solid model, detailed working drawings and assembly models. The basic concepts and procedures of Design Reuse, transferring data in between AutoCAD 2013 and Autodesk Inventor 2013, are also covered through out the text.