Datasheet

LEARNING THE FILE TYPES IN INVENTOR 15
DWG File Size
Although the benefits of using an Inventor DWG instead of an IDW may be favorable, you should be
aware that the extra abilities of the DWG file do come at the e xpense of file size. Inventor DWG’s are
typically two to three times larger than identical IDWs. If you create large assemblies, it is advisable
to use the IDW template as opposed to the DWG in order to keep files manageable.
Another aspect of working with an Inventor DWG in AutoCAD is that whereas the Inventor
DWG does not contain a model space by default, once it is opened in AutoCAD, you can access
model space. From model space in an Inventor DWG, you can use the Insert command to place the
Inventor drawing views of the model as AutoCAD blocks. These blocks will update automatically
so long as they are not exploded and remain in the current DWG. However, you can explode the
blocks and copy them into other DWGs without worrying about having a negative impact on the
Inventor DWG. If objects such as these blocks are added to the DWG’s model space in AutoCAD,
you will then be able to access model space for that file in Inventor. However, you will be able
only to view, measure, and plot the model space objects.
Working with AutoCAD Files in Inventor
If you are moving from AutoCAD 2D to Inventor 3D modeling, you can have a great experience in
the process if you put design concepts used in AutoCAD on the shelf while learning this exciting
design tool.
If your experience is like that of many others who made the transition from the drawing board
to drawing lines in AutoCAD, it was difficult to say the least. At first you may have been frustrated
with spending more time creating electronic drawings than it would have taken to produce the
drawing with the board. However, a key reason for the acceptance of AutoCAD was the ability
to make edits far more quickly than you could with eraser and paper. Once you master Inventor,
you will find the same benefit of faster edits, as well as the many benefits that parameter-based
design has to offer.
Making the move to Inventor successfully requires some evaluation of current methods of
design in AutoCAD. The following are some of the evaluation steps in planning your successful
move:
◆ Assess your current directory structure of AutoCAD drawings. How do you store, name,
and reuse current AutoCAD files? Will the structure be compatible for storing Inventor
documents, or is it time to take a deep look at your data management structure?
◆ Determine how you will manage Inventor files. Inventor utilizes projects to manage assem-
blies, drawings, and associated part files. What worked in AutoCAD will probably not be
the ideal scenario in Inventor.
◆ Document your current design workflow when using AutoCAD. Is it time to reevaluate the
design process in light of the efficiencies that may be gained when using Inventor? How
are revisions, engineering change orders, and production currently being managed, and
how can Inventor improve on the design-to-manufacturing processes?
◆ Determine whether your current computer hardware and network are up to the task of
implementing and using Inventor. What gets by for using AutoCAD seldom will work for
the demands of 3D modeling in Inventor.