Parametric Modeling

Parametric Modeling Fundamentals of Autodesk Inventor

Sketches • The basic unit of design is the sketch • They are not required to be precise, but it will make your life easier if you follow the basic rules below • Create a sketch that is proportional to the desired shape • Think about how you want your design to relate to the origin and other work planes • Keep the sketches simple • Sketched geometric entities should form a closed region

Constraints and Dimensions • Constraints describe how two shapes relate to each other • Dimensions tell something about a particular shape • We can get dimensions of length, angle, diameter, radius, etc.

Constraints

Do 1 • Make a new standard.ipt • Turn on visibility • Save your work as d2.adjuster, save often • Make a new sketch on the XZ plan • Use the line tool to make a basic sketch in the lower left center of the graphics window • As you draw the shape look at the constraints that are implemented as you draw

Do 2 • Use the dimension tool to add the Dimensions as shown • Click Finish Sketch • If we want to go back and edit this sketch, double click on Sketch1 on the browser

Do 3 • Extrude the shape 2.5 inches, as shown

Do 4 • Now we will add another extruded feature. Based on the top face of the solid model we just extruded. • Click New 2D sketch • Then choose the top face • This will make a workplane based off of the top face. Anything we draw will be matched up to that surface.

Do 5 • Draw an L in similar orientation to the original object

Do 6 • Add the basic dimensions

Do 7 • Add Some special dimensions • These describe the position of the sketch relative to the top corner of the solid model • These are really important to get right, ask for help if needed • Between the two vertical lines • Between the two ‘tops’

Do 8 • Set both of those new dimensions to 0

Do 9 • Finish the Sketch, then Extrude it down 2.5 • Make sure you extrude in the correct direction, use the arrows under the distance to change the direction

Do 10 • We will now add a Cut Feature • Add a new sketch • Choose the face shown

Do 11 • Draw a circle of arbitrary size on the face

Do 12 • Add the dimensions shown • These show • The Size of the circle • Its position of the center relative to two edges

Do 13 • Finish the Sketch • Click Extrude • This time we are going to do a Cut • Click the Cut Icon • Set the extents to All so it goes all the way through the shape • Click Finish

You’re Done with This One • Save your work as d2.adjuster • Two more exercises to go

Exercises d2.notched plate d3.slider

Parametric Modeling