1. MA9520 – Crossing the Rubicon: Migrating from AutoCAD to Autodesk Inventor
Mark Flayler
Senior Application Expert – IMAGINiT Technologies

2. Class Summary
This class will focus on covering the basics of Inventor for the AutoCAD-minded as well as techniques to safely and effectively evolve your designs.
Software Common Ground
File Types and Relationships
Drawing vs. Sketching
Reusing AutoCAD geometry
Mixed Software Projects
Implementation Strategies
Learning Paths

3. Software Common Ground – Translation
3D still needs 2D
Native DWG
Trusted code
Free AutoCAD
Non-Native DWG
Code errors
Re-work
Machine compatibility
Low-cost, low quality, low feature set

4. Software Common Ground – Interface
Ribbon
Quick Access Toolbar
Info-Center
Tooltips
Icons
View Commands

5. Software Common Ground – Others
Parametric Constraints
Dynamic Input

6. Common Ground

7. File Types Project Files (*.ipj) – Manage Design Files
Part Files (*.ipt) – Core Modeling File
Assembly Files (*.iam) – Assemble Components
Presentation(*.ipn) – Explode Components
Drawing Files (*.idw & *.dwg)
Interchangeable
Legacy - *.idw

8. File Types – Project Files (*.ipj)
Helps locate missing references
Paths for
Styles and Standards
Templates
Library (read only) Files
Single User vs. Vault

9. File Types – Part Files (*.ipt)
3D Cartesian Grid
Parametric Design
Sketching
Features
Parameters
Tools for…
Sheet Metal
Plastics
Conditional Design
And more!

10. File Types – Assembly Files (*.iam)
Links to Components
Components
Held in place with Constraints
Over 750K standard parts
In-place editing
Tools for…
Routed Systems
Simulation
Mold Design
And more!

11. File Types – Presentation Files (*.ipn)
Two Uses
Explosion Views
Simple Animations
Associativity Control

12. File Types – Drawing Files (*.idw & *.dwg)
Interchangeable
IDW – legacy
DWG – collaborative
Support for Multiple Documentation Methods
Change to the Model updates the Drawing

13. File Associativity Change it once, change it everywhere
1 Part Used 50x
1 Assembly used 20x
Internal Hyperlinks
Avoid Windows Explorer
Use Vault
Design Assistant
Both Free

14. Files & Associativity

15. Parametric Design Parametric Sketching vs. Precise Drawing
Geometric Constraints
Dimensional Constraints
Parameters & Equations

16. History Base Feature Modeling
2 types of features
Sketched Examples
Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, Loft, Coil, Holes
Placed Examples
Derive, Fillets, Holes, Chamfers, Draft, Split

17. History Base Feature Modeling
History Example
Extrusion
Face Draft
Fillets
Shell
Fillet
Hole
Mirror

18. Parametric Design

19. Reuse AutoCAD Geometry
Reuse Model Geometry
2D or 3D
Garbage In…
Autodesk Labs tool
Sometimes it is just easier…
Reuse Title Blocks
Import
Copy and Paste
Recreate and go backwards
General AutoCAD Blocks

20. Reuse AutoCAD Geometry

21. Mixed Software Projects
Adding Inventor Designs to Legacy 2D projects
Design Center
Updates from Model
Factory Layouts

22. Mixed Software Projects
Other Autodesk Products (*.adsk)
Transfer of Ownership
Unintelligent transfer of documentation
Task Scheduler – Save as 3D DWG files
Contract Modeling changes
Client upgrades a seat or two
Software that made the geometry…

23. Mixed Software Projects

24. Implementation Strategy
You know how to do this…
Definition (Concept)
Development (Prototype)
Pilot Project (Field Test)
Production (Ongoing Usage)

25. Learning Path Autodesk Wiki & Help Blogs / Online Video Courses
Tutorials and Skill Builders
In Depth command help
Context Sensitive
Blogs / Online Video Courses
Local Colleges
Reseller / VAR
Professional Training
Mentoring / Workshops
Buy a Book
User Groups
Stick with it!

26. Thank You Mark’s Blog: Blogs.rand.com/manufacturing YouTube:
imaginittech
Vimeo:
Mark Flayler
Twitter:
mflayler
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