This feature was new to Inventor 2010 and with the next release on the way, I wanted to get this one in our blog. User Coordinate Systems in Inventor. I have found many interesting ways to implement this for customers over the year. In a single part you can use this to locate a new 0X,0Y,0Z, or just locate a specific connection point. Then in the assembly this works great for constraining parts together based on that known point instead of using three or more assembly constraints. This can be done easily using the Constraint Set constraint in the assembly environment. It allows you to quickly put components together based on mating UCS axis, and planes in a few clicks.
After the shape of your design is controled by geometric constraints then it's size will be defined. dimensional constraints are very similar to the normal AutoCAD dimensions that you are familiar with.
The big difference is dimensional constraints control the geometry but the geometry controls the normal AutoCAD dimensions.
Always remember to define the shape and then the size!
Check back for Part 3: Dynamic, Reference, & Annotation Dimensions
Blogged by Josh Hunt, Yet another CAD Geek
It's not a new idea but it sure is new to AutoCAD. The same 2D sketch constraints that have been available in Autodesk Inventor are now in AutoCAD. I'll show you how to get your feet wet with parametric design.
Geometric constraints create relationships between lines, splines, and arcs that maintain the shape of your design. Instead of me trying to explain this, just take a look.
Check back for Part 2: Dimensional Constraints
Blogged by Josh Hunt, Yet another CAD Geek
As an Inventor user we must know and love working with constraints. Well love might be a bit overboard but they are nessecary in our designs to have movement and proper placement of parts within our assemblies. My video is going to cover some best practices when working with constraints and some tools we have avaiable to help understand the relationships we have built.
Let's take a look
http://www.screencast.com/t/NEmrqvqFb9
Created by Dave one of the Cad Geeks
Using Shortcuts to speed up your work flow is a great way to increase your productivity.
Here is a great way to add assembly constraints fast.
Use the Alt-drag shortcut to infer constraints. Press the Alt key, and then drag a component into the appropriate position. The inferred constraints are previewed in the graphics window as you drag over the affected components.
When constraining components using the Alt-drag shortcut, you can change the constraint type after you start dragging the first part.
Release the Alt key and enter a shortcut key:
M or 1
Changes to a mate constraint. Press the space bar to flip to a flush constraint.
A or 2
Changes to an angle constraint. Press the space bar to flip angle direction on the selected component.
T or 3
Changes to a tangent constraint. Press the space bar to flip between an inside and outside tangent constraint.
I or 4
Changes to an insert constraint. Press the space bar to flip insert direction.
R or 5
Changes to a rotation motion constraint. Press the space bar to flip rotation direction.
S or 6
Changes to a translation (slide) constraint. Press the space bar to flip slide direction.
X or 8
Changes to a transitional constraint.
When constraining components using the Alt-drag shortcut, you can change the constraint type after you start dragging the first part.
Release the Alt key and enter a shortcut key:
M or 1
Changes to a mate constraint. Press the space bar to flip to a flush constraint.
A or 2
Changes to an angle constraint. Press the space bar to flip angle direction on the selected component.
T or 3
Changes to a tangent constraint. Press the space bar to flip between an inside and outside tangent constraint.
I or 4
Changes to an insert constraint. Press the space bar to flip insert direction.
R or 5
Changes to a rotation motion constraint. Press the space bar to flip rotation direction.
S or 6
Changes to a translation (slide) constraint. Press the space bar to flip slide direction.
X or 8
Changes to a transitional constraint.
Enjoy,
Jim.....Another INCAT CAD Geek!
Autodesk Labs is at it again. In addition to a new User Interface preview, Labs has published a utility called iMap that allows you to graphically view the relationships between components in an assembly and to manipulate the assembly contraints from this new graphical interface. Can't figure out how a coworker assembled components? Try out the new iMap download on Autodesk Labs at:
Contributed by Ben of the Incat CAD Geeks
As mentioned a few weeks back we all need to create a Digital Prototyping Task List.
So here is the first one for you to check out, this great tool enables you to test some basic function of your assembly.
Drive Constraint - Within the context of the assembly you can Right click on your assembly constraints and test the range of motion for the given value. There are tons of different ways to use this command, this short video is only an ice breaker to get you thinking about checking it out.
Enjoy,
Kevin with the INCAT CAD Geeks
