Simplfy... Simplify Me - Inventor Simplfication from Autodesk Labs

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”

Hans Hofmann

 

In my post last week, I talked about how you could remove features and voids using some of the new tools in Autodesk Inventor 2013. 

 

Now, while cruising about the internet, I find Inventor Simplification. Brought to us by the team at Autodesk Labs. 

Admittedly, this tool did come out back in April, but I only got to install and start driving it late last week.  

So what about it is so wonderful that it warrants a blog post? 

I was impressed by the workflow.  There are only four tools, all located on a "Simplfy" tab that's added to Inventor's ribbon.

 

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Just for buttons!  That's it.

 

 

 

  Another plus, is the flow is pretty natural, at least in my humble opinion.  The basic steps are:

• Select the components to be added to the simplification by picking, or using a filter for external parts

• Inventor Simplify creates a View representation containing the parts selected

• Export the parts to an Inventor part file that now contains the simplified geometry.  If desired, the exported geometry can be edited further by patching holes.  This removes additional detail, or even voids.

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Optionally,  components can be reduced into "envelopes".  In other words, show the volume the components occupy, without showing the actual component.  Handy for removing that intellectual property you don't want to show!

Additionally, if components need to be removed from the simplification, the View Representation can be edited. This makes it a lot easier to make adjustments.

An example of a simplified component

As always, I've got a video where you can take a look at the process.  If, after seeing the video, you can't wait to get your hands on it, you can download it at the link here. 

Have thoughts or cool uses for Inventor Simplfication?  Throw out a comment.

On a more personal note.  I've tried removing the "bookend" slides from the video.  I'm looking for a little feed back on if the users out there would like them better "out" or "in".  Let me know!