Technical data

Entering the Third Dimension

3. Repeat the previous steps for the vertical dimension

using a value of 15.5.

4. To quit the General Dimension tool, press the Esc key

or right-click in the graphics window and then

choose Done.

When you are finished defining the values of the

dimension, your sketch should look like the image on

the right.

Note: When you enter a dimension using the keyboard, you need not enter “23 mm”; entering “23” is sufficient

because you have already defined mm as your default unit of measurement. Autodesk Inventor recognizes both

metric and English units of measurement. You can even use both units in the same drawing. Also, there is no

need to fully dimension or constrain the model as is the case in some other CAD systems — just add the

dimensions relevant for your design.

Entering the Third Dimension

Now you are going to turn your 2D sketch into a 3D model. Thus far, you have been viewing the sketch

perpendicular, or normal, to the sketch plane. To better visualize the model, you can change your view

orientation to an isometric view, which gives a better representation for 3D models.

Changing the View Orientation

To change to an isometric view:

• In the graphics window, right-click and choose

Isometric View.

Notice that the dimension values are always legible

regardless of the view orientation of the sketch.

Here are some additional tips if you cannot see all the

dimensions:

• Use the wheel on your mouse to zoom in or out.

Turn the wheel forward (away from you) to zoom

out, or backward (toward you) to zoom in.

•Use the Zoom tool or press and hold F3, and then hold the left mouse button down while dragging

the cursor to zoom in or out.

• Press and hold the wheel button on your mouse while dragging the cursor to Pan the view.

•Use the Pan tool or press and hold F2, and then hold the left mouse button down while dragging the

cursor to pan the view.

INV8_TD_Book5.book Page 16 Tuesday, October 28, 2003 10:51 AM