User Manual

3D moDels vs. 3D vIrtUal PrototyPes

Determine whether your current computer hardware and network are up to the task of •u

implementing and using Inventor. What gets by for using AutoCAD will seldom work for

the demands of 3D modeling in Inventor.

Set aside time for training and implementing Inventor. If you have multiple users, it might

•u

be best to consider phasing Inventor in over a period of time, allowing new users to accli-

mate themselves to a new way of design.

If you take the time to plan your leap into Inventor, your chances of success are greatly

improved. The rewards of a successful transition can be a savings in time, money, and effort.

There are many, many proﬁcient AutoCAD users who today seldom ever open AutoCAD

because they have mastered the tools in Inventor and use it for all of their design work. On the

other hand, there are many industries that require both mechanical design and layout work.

Because AutoCAD handles the layout tasks better than Inventor, and because Inventor handles

the design work better than AutoCAD, these users will probably always use both tools together.

3D Models vs. 3D Virtual Prototypes

Starting out, you may simply be interested in learning how to create 3D models, but as you

progress you should understand the concept of 3D virtual prototypes and how they differ from

a simple 3D model.

What Is a 3D Virtual Prototype?

So, what is a 3D virtual prototype? Put simply, it’s a prototype that functions (and malfunctions)

just like the physical prototype that has not yet been built. It is far more than a just a 3D model.

The virtual prototype consists of a main assembly that contains many subassemblies that have

individual parts. All these components are constrained in such a way that the ﬁt and function-

ality of all parts and mechanisms can be visualized, tested, and proven before any parts are

manufactured. Scrap and rework are minimized or eliminated if the design is fully completed

and proven in Inventor before it ever reaches the shop ﬂoor.

Why a 3D Virtual Prototype?

Historically, actual prototypes have been built to test or validate a design and help discover

weaknesses, limits of functionality, or areas that require a redesign due to an inability to manu-

facture cost-effectively. Although the goal of prototyping is to perfect the design and save time

and money associated with a failed design that reaches the market, the prototyping process

itself can become costly and time-consuming as well. In days past, prototyping was often the

only way to know for certain if a design that was conceived and detailed on paper or in 2D CAD

would really work. Even the best engineer or designer could not anticipate everything needed

to create an accurate design the ﬁrst time around. As mistakes were made, scrap was generated

and redesign and retooling was required.

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