Tips for Short Attention Spans

This page is a collection of various helpful tips I've collected during my travels.  While not always flashy, they are solid little tips that make the day to day grind go by a little easier.

It's designed for somebody to browse through and "cherry pick" the ones they like.  So take a few minutes and take a look!

Where applicable, I've also added links to more "in depth" descriptions.  So if you want more info, there's more to be found!

Enjoy!

Jon Landeros

Autodesk Inventor Part Modeling

•  Is a part too large to e-mail?  Dragging the End of Part marker to the top of the tree will reduce its file size.  (Added 23-Nov-2011)
• To learn more, check out the KETIV Tech Tip here!
  

End of Part marker at top of tree.

• When entering dimensions, typing "Parameter_Name = X.XXX" will create the dimension, and name the parameter.

Renaming a parameter

•  An offset workplane and sketch can be created at the same time.  Just start a sketch, then click and drag from the desired face.
• To learn more, check out the KETIV Tech Tip here!

Offset workplane & sketch in progress

• If you're picking several objects, CTRL+Left Click can deselect the object without exiting the command.

Using CTRL+Left click to deselect a fillet edge

• Use "Offset" to create four hole patterns that are easy to create and adjust

Offset used to locate four, evenly spaced holes

• The tables for threaded and clearance holes are editable.  Values can be changed and new sets of holes can be added. Paul Munford has a great set of instructions in his article posted here!

• Inventor sheet metal comes with a default K-Factor (bend allowance) for unfolding sheet metal, but how do you calculate your own K-Factor?  Check out this article from Design and Motion here!

 Autodesk Inventor Assembly Modeling

•  When mating narrow faces, use the Flush constraint to select the faces, then switch to mate to finish the constraint.  Hint: The picks are easier! (Added 23-Nov-2011)
•  For more information check out the KETIV Tech Tip here, or the Inventor-Tales blog post here!
  

Using the Flush constraint to select the faces

• Use Assembly Level folders to help organize components in your assembly browser 
• To learn more, check out the KETIV Tech Tip here!

Assembly folder used to organize hardware

• If you want to see all your constraints in one place in your browser, switch from "Assembly View" to "Model View"
• To learn more, check out the KETIV Tech Tip here! 

 

Toggling between Assembly View & Model View 

Autodesk Inventor Drawings

• If you want to place a section view while simultaneously breaking its alignment, hold down the control key. Added 23- Nov-2011 (Thanks Johan of Design by Inventor)

Breaking the Alignment with the CTRL key