Autodesk® Inventor® 2021: Advanced Part Modeling is the second in a series of guides on the Autodesk® Inventor® software that is published by ASCENT. The goal of this guide is to build on the skills acquired in the Autodesk Inventor: Introduction to Solid Modeling learning guide by taking users to a higher level of productivity when designing part models using the Autodesk Inventor software.

In this guide, the user considers various approaches to part design. Specific advanced part modeling techniques covered include bending and unwrapping model geometry, multi-body design, advanced lofts, advanced sweeps, coils, generative shape design, surface modeling, and freeform modeling. Material aimed at increasing efficiency includes iFeatures for frequently used design elements, model states and iParts for similar designs, and how to work with imported data. The guide also covers some miscellaneous drawing tools, such as custom sketched symbols, working with title blocks and borders, and documenting iParts.

Topics Covered:

• Advanced model appearance options
• 2D and 3D sketching techniques
• Multi-body part modeling
• Advanced geometry creation tools (bend part, unwrap, work features, area lofts, sweeps, and coils)
• Generative shape design using Shape Generator
• Creating and editing basic surfaces
• Model states
• iFeatures and iParts
• Importing data from other CAD systems and making edits
• Working with AutoCAD DWG files
• Analysis tools
• Emboss and Decal features
• Advanced Drawing tools (iPart tables, surfaces in drawing views, and custom sketched symbols)
• Surface Repair Environment

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Prerequisites:

• Access to the 2021.0 version of the software, to ensure compatibility with this guide. Future software updates that are released by Autodesk may include changes that are not reflected in this guide. The practices and files included with this guide are not compatible with prior versions (e.g., 2020).
• The material assumes a mastery of Autodesk Inventor basics, as taught in Autodesk Inventor: Introduction to Solid Modeling. Users should know how to create and edit parts, use work features, create and annotate drawing views, etc. The use of Microsoft Excel is required for this guide.