Datasheet

28 CHAPTER 1 INVENTOR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Master It You find that using the tabs on the Ribbon bar to access commands is tedious
and a bit difficult to keep track of which command is where.
Utilize the Inventor Model browser The Inventor Model browser displays information
about the model in a hierarchy. When working with parts, features are listed in the browser in
the order they were created, providing an evolutionary timeline of the model. In the assembly
environment, parts are organized in the Model browser in subassemblies for organization and
performance. Even in the drawing environment, you have a browser to organize the hierarchy
of views.
Master It You want to explore an existing part model to get a better understanding of how
it was created and how it might be improved.
Understand the various file types used in Inventor You have learned that Inventor supports
many different file types in its native environment, separating tasks and files to improve per-
formance and increase stability.
Master It You have decided to use the native Inventor DWG format for all your drawing
files so that you can email files without translating when sending files to vendors and cus-
tomers who do not have Inventor. But you notice that when you start a new drawing, it is
always an IDW file.
Understand basic principles of parametric design Parametric design is simply a method of
design in which you link dimensions and variables to geometry in a way that allows the part to
change by modifying the dimensions. The power of this approach is that you can design parts,
building the intent of their function right into them, as you create the model.
Master It You need to create a model based on key inputs and want to see how changing
the value of those inputs affects the relationship of the features and parts within the model.
Understand the differences between solid and surface modeling Over time, as computing
technology has progressed, so too has the way that programs approach 3D design. While sur-
face models initially allowed the designer to visualize a design and even manufacture it from
a digital file, the desire to be able to extract data for calculations concerning mass and center of
gravity required a solid model. The need to easily edit and modify designs without having to
start over pushed solid modeling to the next step: parametric solid modeling.
Master It You need to create models that are functionally and aesthetically sound.
Develop best practices for using Autodesk Inventor You were introduced to some of
the best practices in using Autodesk Inventor as your design tool. You would do well to
review these best practices from time to time as you progress toward mastering this powerful
design tool.
Master It You want to ensure that your implementation of Inventor is successful and in
line with industry best practices.