AUTODESK INVENTOR TUTORIALS, PARTS & DISCUSSION
 
News | Tutorials | Macros & VB | Animator | Parts Repository | Forums | About Me | The Deskus Files | |
 
 

Contact Sean Dotson

Featured Design Firms



Featured Autodesk Inventor Sites

  • ADSK Manufacturing Community
  • Cbliss.com
  • KWiK CAD
  • MyMCAD.com

  • Featured Autodesk Sites

  • Inventor Newsgroup (Web -NTTP)
  • IV VB/VBA Newsgroup (Web -NTTP)
  • Vault Newsgroup (Web -NTTP)
  • Web Based NG Search
  • Autodesk Inventor Knowledge Base
  • Autodesk Inventor Page
  • Updates & Service Packs
  • Graphics Card Info
    More links in the nav menu


  • sDotson.com eMail List

    Do you want to be notified when new tutorials or information is posted? Register as a member of the forum and you will receive an email when new information is posted to the site. I will not share email addresses with anyone else.

    Register at the Forums Now

    Help Support this Site

    If you found the information on this site to be of use to you or your company, please consider donating funds to help keep this site operational. Thank You!


    Awards

    Sponsored Links


         

    This page is being slowly phased out. For the latest tutorial please visit the Tutorial Section of the Discussion forums by clicking the link below

    http://www.mcadforums.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=41

    All tutorials are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. If you do not have a PDF reader you can get the Acrobat Reader here. To save the free tutorials to your hard drive, right click on them and select "Save Target As.."

    Many of the tutorials have weblinks to movie files, websites or downloads for the parts used in the tutorials. Be sure your PDF viewer has weblinks enabled. In Adobe Acrobat go to File/Preferences/Weblink and make sure there is an associated browser in the Web Browser Application section.

    New tutorials are indicated by the symbol.

    Before downloading these files be sure to review the disclaimer and EULA at the bottom of this page. By downloading ANY files from this site you agree to comply with the disclaimer and EULA.

    Click on one of the icons below to jump to that section.

    Part Tutorials | Assy Tutorials | IDW Tutorials | External Data Tutorials | Misc Tutorials


     Introduction to 3D Sketches (1.3MB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Nov 11, 2002
    In this lesson we explore the use of 3D Sketches and their use in creating hoses and wiring. In this tutorial we also look at both adaptive and non-adaptive 3D sketches. With adaptive sketches you can change the positon of other assembly elements and the hose/wire will update automatically.

     Introduction to iParts (1.5MB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - May 6, 2002
    iParts are a big mystery for most users. This tutorial steps you through the basics fo creating a simple iPart. We discuss how to format the table, set the properties and organize the iPart keys.
    Download the Data Set (21kB XLS)

     Using Threads iParts (889kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - May 6, 2002
    Controlling threads in iParts can be a bit confusing. This tutorial walks you through the fundamentals of how to add threads to your iParts.
    Download the Data Set (21kB ZIP)

     Using Colors & Materials in iParts (931kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - May 6, 2002
    You will be able to control the color of both the base part and part features after reading this tutorial.

     Custom Parameters in iParts (aka Custom iParts) (519kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - May 7, 2002
    This tutorial discusses the use of iParts that can have a user entered value. Useful for parts that have a standard cross section but very in length (e.g. steel section, extrusions etc.)

     How to Set Up Your Project to Use iParts (259kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Oct 7, 2002
    iParts require special attention to your project files. In this tutorial I explain the differences between "global" and "project specific" setups and the use of the proxy path.

     Introduction to iFeatures (259kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - May 6, 2002
    This tutorial explains the basic of creating an iFeature (aka Design Elements). While it does not cover the advanced features of table driven iFeatures, it will give oyu enough information to get a start.

     Derived Parts - Part One (Weldments) (742kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - May 6, 2002
    While R6 introduced Weldments many users choose to represent weldments in a derived part format. This tutorial describes how to take an assembly and derive it into one single part.

     Derived Parts - Part Two (Scaling & Mirroring) (460kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - May 6, 2002
    Derived parts allows you the ability to mirror and scale parts. This tutorial walks you through the procedure.

     Derived Parts - Part Three (Mold Creation) (579kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - May 6, 2002
    While there are add-on packages to help with mold creation, this tutorial walks the user through the process of using derived parts to create a negative of a part. The basics of mold creation.

     Tips for Assemblies (465kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Apr 28, 2003
    This tutorial is a collection of 10 tips that I have found in my experience to help new (and experienced) users to effectively handle assemblies.

     Advanced Motion Part One (575kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - May 6, 2002
    This tutorial describes the process of making one part move in multiple directions. In our example we push a blokc around in a few different directions with some air cylinders. You should first familiarize youself with the various Inventor functions that are available.
    This tutorial is also available in German translated by Jörg Weber.
    Download the Data Set (201kB ZIP) | View the Animation (204kB AVI) | Download CODEC to view AVI (EXE)

     Advanced Motion Part Two (348kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - May 14, 2002
    This tutorial explains how to get motion of multiple parts in one assembly. It describes the formulas and equations required to do very complex animations. Be sure to read Part One first. Also be sure to check out Animator for an easier way to do all of this.
    This tutorial is also available in German translated by Jörg Weber.
    Download the Data Set (354kB ZIP) | View the Animation (764kB AVI) | Download CODEC to view AVI (EXE)

     Adaptivity 101 (497kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Jan 1, 2003
    This is the first in a series of tutorials on basic adaptivity. In this lesson we create a part then make it adaptive in an assembly. We size the part with adaptivity based on the position of the other linkages in the assembly.
    Download the Data Set (1.14MB ZIP)

     Adaptivity 102 (677kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Jan 7, 2003
    This second installment in the Adaptivity series covers multiple feature adaptivity in one part. The part is constructed outside the assembly and then made adaptive in the assembly. Be sure to read Adaptivity 101 before attempting this tutorial.
    Download the Data Set (397kB ZIP)

     Adaptivity 103 (826kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Jan 15, 2003
    The third installment in the Adaptivity series covers the creation of an adaptive part in the context of an assembly. By creating the part within the context of the assembly cross part association is used to make features adaptive. Be sure to read Adaptivity 101 & 102 before attempting this tutorial.
    Download the Data Set (531kB ZIP)

     Adaptivity 104 (527kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Feb 12, 2003
    The forth and last installment in the Adaptivity series covers the creation of flexible and deformable objects using adaptivity. In this lesson we construct a hose that shrinks and grows as the rest of the assembly moves. Be sure to read Adaptivity 101, 102 & 103 before attempting this tutorial.
    Download the Data Set (527kB ZIP)

     Parts List Rollup Options (860kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Dec 29, 2003
    New to R8 are some enhancements to the Parts List. Among these is the ability to rollup similar values. In other words you now have the ability (like in MDT) to sum the values of a column and group similar parts together. This tutorial will give you some guidelines on how to do a very basic BOM rollup and summation.

     Creating Broken Out Section Views (628kB PDF)
    by Bill Bogan - May 17, 2003
    Bill Bogan of B2 Design (and formerly of Autodesk) has written a tutorial on the creation and secrest to a successful break out view creation. He includes undocumented features as well as some potential pitfalls.

     Sketched Symbols Primer (627kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - May 22, 2002
    Sketched symbols are reuseable sketches that allow users to place items such as revision blocks, delta symbols, notes etc. in drawing views. This tutorial describes how to create them.

     Basic Titleblock Creation (630kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - July 14, 2002
    A titleblock is one of the first things all users need. This tutorial describes the process of creating a new titleblock and how to get model and drawing properties into the titleblock.

     Creating Partial Views (663kB PDF)
    by Bill Bogan - Jan 9, 2003
    Bill Bogan of B2 Design (and formerly of Autodesk) has written a tutorial on the creation of partial views utilizing the break out view function.

     Linked & Embedded Parameters - Part One (890kB ZIP)
    by Sean Dotson - Sep 16, 2002
    The first in a series explains how to embed an Excel spreadsheet into an Inventor part or assembly. This allows the user to control several aspects of the part by placinf parameters in the embedded Excel document. Within Excel the user can then utilize pulldown selections, If..Then conditional statements and various other Excel functions. A working understanding of Excel is assumed.

     Linked & Embedded Parameters - Part Two (890kB ZIP)
    by Sean Dotson - Sep 25, 2002
    In the second part of this series we look at linking an Excel spreadsheet to several parts and to an assembly. In this manner the user can change several parts and the associated assembly by editing the single Excel file.

     Linked & Embedded Parameters - Part Three (906kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Dec 12, 2002
    In the third part of this series we examine how to use the derived part engine to link multiple files to one another. This allows the user to control several files from one master file without the need for external spreadsheets.


     Control Your Inventor Models with External Linked & Embedded Parameters (700kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Dec 16, 2003
    This is the handout I used at Autodesk University 2003 for course MA43-2. It is a 20 page summary of the 4 most popular ways to control models from Excel spreadsheets, derived parameters and external text files.

     A Muscualr Modeling - A New Take on Skeletal Modeling (PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - July 12, 2005
    This tutorial discusses a new concept in skeletal modeling called "muscular modeling" where you use derived solids to link assemblies.

     A Non-Programmers Guide to Macros (PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Jan 19, 2004
    This tutorial discusses ways to download, load, and run macro files. It also illustrates how to assign custom toolbar buttons to macros for easy access.
    This tutorial is also available in German translated by Jörg Weber.

     Demystifying Project Files (PDF)
    by Dennis Jeffrey - Dec 3, 2002
    This tutorial is from Dennis Jeffrey and was part of his course at Autodesk University 2002. He explains the ins and outs of Project files.

     AUGI Course on VBA ( 1.4MB ZIP)
    by Joe Sutphin
    This is a collection of documents that was part of the AUGI course of VBA for Inventor. It explains the basics of VBA programming in Inventor.

     VBA Functions in Parts - Part 1 (693kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Mar 7, 2003
    This tutorial illustrates how simple VBA functions can be used in Part files. VBA functions allow the user to utilize simple If..Then and DO..While statemenst to make conditional decisions based on other part parameters.
    Download the Data Set (257kB ZIP)

     VBA Functions in Parts - Part 2 (589kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Mar 7, 2003
    The second part of this tutorial series takes the conecpts in the first tutorial and then uses these functions to link data to an Excel spreadsheet. By doing this, users can accomplish a very limited type of "configurations" or table driven parts. Be sure to read Part 1 tutorial first.
    Download the Data Set (170kB ZIP)

     Introduction to Skeletal Modeling (1.26MB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - May 15, 2002
    Skeletal Modeling is a technique that involves creating all assembly data in one master sketch and deriving the parts into individula parts. The assembly requires no constraints as all positional data is derived off the master sketch. This tutorial is also available in German translated by Jörg Weber.
    Download the Data Set (64kB ZIP)

     A Lesson in Skeletal Modeling (HTML Link)
    by Kent Keller
    Kent Keller (one of the Skeletal Modeling masters) has a web page that explains Skeletal Modeling from his point of view. An excellent read.

     Introduction to Inventor Functions (497kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - May 6, 2002
    This short tutorial describes the various functions that are available in Inventor.
    This tutorial is also available in German translated by Jörg Weber.

     Reserved Parameter Names (119kB PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - July 9, 2002
    This short tutorial lists the reserved parameter names (one you cannot use as a user parameter)

     Tips & Tricks (Updated Frequently) - Updated 9/5/03 (PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Sep 5, 2003
    This tutorial is a colection of various tips & tricks for Inventor that I have collected over the years. Be sure to check back frequently as I update this tutorial often.

     What's New in R8 - (PDF)
    by Sean Dotson - Nov 7, 2003
    This is a "tutorial" with a bit more info than in the official Autodesk PDF. Look for tutorials on these subjects in the weeks and months to come.

     Large Assembly Performance Troubleshooting - (DWF 1.15MB)
    by Richard Ranking (Autodesk) - Nov 25, 2003
    An excellent document discussing tips and techniques to optimize you system and Inventor install for large assembly performance. Click on the link then allow several seconds for the download to begin. It may ask you to install Autodesk Express Viewer if you currently don't have the ability to view DWF files.

      File Management White Paper - (PDF 707kB)
    by Autodesk - Nov 25, 2003
    This document is located on the CD1 of the AIS and AIP install CDs. It is the best reference to date on how project files work and how to use them.


    EULA & Disclaimer
    Neither the compiler of nor contributors to these tutorials make any express or implied warranties (including, without limitation, any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use) regarding the information supplied. The tutorials are provided to the user "as is". Neither the author nor contributors warrant that the tutorials will be error free. Neither the author nor contributors will be liable to any user or anyone else for any inaccuracy, error or omission, regardless of cause or for any damages (whether direct or indirect, consequential, punitive or exemplary) resulting therefrom. Software and such information discussed in these tutorials all change quite rapidly. Information given here was current at the time of writing but is almost guaranteed to be out of date by the time you read it. Copyright: Sean Dotson (sdotson.com) retains copyright on the compilation of all pages in this URL domain. Individual authors retain full rights to their individual works, whether stated or not. Your use of the materials included on this site is for information purposes only. You agree not to distribute, publish, transmit, modify, display or create derivative works from or exploit the contents of this site in any way. Any other use, including the reproduction, modification, distribution, transmission, republication, display, or performance, of the content on this site is strictly prohibited. All feedback, suggestions, and the like submitted to this site regarding the information, books, other publications, or software provided via this Web site shall be deemed to be non-confidential and sDotson.com shall be free to reproduce, use, disclose and distribute the information to others without limitation. All content included on this site, such as text, graphics, logos, button icons, images, audio clips, and software, is the property of sDotson.com or its content suppliers and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. The compilation (meaning the collection, arrangement, and assembly) of all content on this site is the exclusive property of sDotson.com and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws.
     
     

    FastCounter by bCentral