Inventor 2025 included 142 enhancements focusing on user experience, enhancing existing functionality, and streamlining processes.  Inventor 2025.1 continues Autodesk’s commitment to reliability and performance. This point update not only addresses bugs but also adds new features and improves workflows.

You will find Inventor 2025.1 in your Autodesk account (online) and in Autodesk Access (the Desktop App).

Part and sketch enhancements

2025.1 makes it so much easier to access the spreadsheets managing the hole, thread, and finish features details. As something not done often it can be difficult to remember where these files are found and what they are named. It is now available right in the feature, in the advanced menus.

Edit sketch text directly via the new right-click Edit Text menu feature.

The part environment now acts like assemblies in that you can window select features.

Right-click access to select only the snaps you want when adding dimensions to a sketch. This helps not select undesired points.

Anything else…?

• When sketching you can now copy and paste multiple sketch blocks. This works within the same file and between documents.
• When adding a new Model State to an iPart or iAssembly, Inventor now wants you to name it as well.
• Use the new Include linked files to toggle the inclusion of linked RVT files when importing Revit files. If it does not contain linked files, the option is disabled.
• Autodesk has been slowly adding presets to the modeling features. With this update it is Thicken’s turn.

Sheet metal

Inventor 2025 started the sheet metal environment transition to the more modern property palette interface. At least some of it as Flange, Face and Cut got the new UIs.

2025.1 builds on this with the addition of manipulators for editing the flange in-canvas. You can input values directly with the heads-up display (HUD). Press tab when wanting to toggle between the available controls.

With faces and cuts, you can now rename the feature from the breadcrumb. You can also access the feature’s sketch by clicking on the node in the breadcrumb.

Drawing enhancements

Two small enhancements to drawings, specifically for making it easier to interact with the underlying components. Both were highly ranked Inventor Ideas submissions.

You can now open the related model from a balloon. And when right-clicking on a parts list component row use the new iProperties option to edit the related component’s property information.

Other enhancements

Thread data is now available when using Measure. This means when selecting a face with associated thread data, part or assembly, Measure includes the thread designation, class, depth, and direction. This is something I have never considered needing but am quickly finding useful. It is nice to have one place to look for all part details.

2025.1 makes it much simpler to lock the rotation of insert constraints. Opposed to the dialog use the new right-click menu option.

Inventor 2025.1 adds support for importing SolidWorks 2024, NX 2312 and CATIA V5 models.

The post What’s new with Autodesk’s Inventor 2025.1 appeared first on Engineering.com.

The process:

1. Close the area
2. Start the hatch command
3. Select the pattern or fill
4. Pick the area to hatch.
5. Adjust the properties
6. Apply

Getting started

Before you add a hatch, you must have a closed area to hatch. You may need to add geometry to create a hatchable region. 

When the command is active (or you have hatch selected), the Hatch Creation contextual tab appears. This provides the tools you need to create and edit the hatch.

To get a proper preview, choose the pattern before selecting the hatch area.

Picking a point inside an area is the default. The area can be bounded by a collection of object types. The objects do not need to be continuous and can overlap. The only condition is that there must be no gaps. In other words, a watertight area with no way for the hatch to leak out.

What if you don’t have a seamless enclosed area? That can still work. Use the Gap Tolerance to set the maximum gap size that AutoCAD could ignore and treat the area as closed. The only catch is that using a Gap Tolerance creates a non-associative hatch. More on that later.

Use the Select objects choice to select single, closed objects. Objects like circles, ellipses and (closed) polylines to fill the object’s area with a hatch. You can select multiple objects, including selecting by window and crossing. AutoCAD ignores non-closed objects.

You can mix methods, toggling selection modes from the command line or with the ribbon options. Use Remove Boundaries to remove hatch patterns added during the active command.

AutoCAD applies a single hatch object to all the selected areas. If wanting distinct objects per area enable Create Separate Hatches. Then you could change the properties of specific areas.

As with all new objects, AutoCAD creates hatch on the current layer. However, use the HPLAYER system variable to specify a default layer. AutoCAD then uses this layer for the hatch, regardless of the current layer.

Hatch Properties

You can adjust the hatch’s properties before and after picking the hatching area(s). This supports the workflow of setting the properties to get a suitable preview as you select the areas. Then, tweak the properties for the desired look before applying and creating the hatch.

Let’s look a hatch that is a pattern. We look at fills, part of the Hatch command, which fill and area with a solid color or gradient, in the next article.

The hatch fill is a pattern, solid, gradient or a user defined pattern.

Apply solid hatches when wanting to fill an area with a single, consistent color. It uses the active layer’s color (BYLAYER) by default but you can select another color if you wish.

AutoCAD includes dozens of predefined, industry-standard patterns to select from. You can also add your own pattern. More on this later.

You can adjust the scale and angle of a hatch pattern. With patterns and solids, you can use Transparency to make the hatch translucent. In addition to the hatch color, set a background color. This applies a solid fill behind the selected pattern.

AutoCAD limits the number of hatch lines to prevent memory and performance problems. If you hit his limit and need more hatch lines than AutoCAD is allowing, you can raise the value in the HPMAXLINES system variable.

Use the Draw Order to set the position of the hatch compared to other objects in the drawing. Place the hatch behind or in front all other objects or behind or in front of the hatch boundary.

Pro Tip: Use the OSOPTIONS system variable to manage how object snaps work with hatch objects.

Islands in the stream

When selecting objects AutoCAD, applies the hatch over the objects inside its area. Selecting an object inside the other one creates an island that the hatch goes around.

Selecting the hatched area by picking points is like pouring water into a basin. If there are objects in the basin the water goes around the objects. Hatch is the same. If you pick in an area and AutoCAD finds an enclosed area within the region the hatch goes around it.

AutoCAD treats enclosed areas and text objects inside hatch boundaries as islands.

With the Normal Island Detection, islands are not hatched but islands (lakes?) within islands are hatched.

Outer detection hatches only the area between the outer boundary and the interior islands. Use Ignore to hatch inward from the outermost hatch boundary ignoring the interior objects.

Boundaries and associativity

The boundary is the closed shape defining the area you want hatched. Hatch fills this enclosed boundary and will not extend past it.

When selecting objects to be hatched, the object itself becomes the boundary. When picking points, AutoCAD creates an invisible boundary defining the area.

When editing the hatch, use Display Boundary Objects to select the objects forming the boundaries. This is quicker than selecting the objects individually. You can then use the grips to edit the boundary.

By default, hatch is bounded and associated with its boundary. This means that as the boundary changes and if it stays closed, the hatch will update to match.

When selecting an associative hatch, only a single hatch grip displays. Use this grip to move the hatch’s origin and to dynamically adjust the scale and rotation.

Hatch can be unbounded. These non-associative hatches do not update when the original boundary changes. You will find non-associative hatches in old drawings or drawings imported from another application. It also happens when breaking the original boundary or if someone has turned off the Associative option.

When selecting non-associative hatch, the hatch grip and the boundary grips show.

Regardless of whether a hatch is bounded or unbounded, you can use Recreate to generate a polyline or region (your choice) about the selected hatch. Associate the new object with the hatch when wanting the new object to become the boundary. This is also the method to make a non-associative hatch into an associative hatch.

By not associating the hatch with the new object, you are free to move and manipulate the object without effecting the hatch. This is a great way to create the shape enclosing the hatch.

By using the Don’t Retain Boundaries options, you can have AutoCAD generate a polyline or region boundary as it creates the hatch. In these instances, the hatch becomes associative with the new boundary object.

Fun fact: You can trim non-associative hatch!

Annotative

AutoCAD’s Annotation Scale helps you keep consistent and readable annotations in your drawings—no matter the object size or the viewport scale. 

A hatch is an object type that will scale based on the annotation scale. Read about annotation scale in detail in a previous article.

Hatch origin

AutoCAD uses the active UCS’ origin point and orientation to align and orient the hatch pattern which works fine most of the time — but not always. Use Set Origin to pick the origin and set the hatch pattern starting point.

In this example, note that the original orientation of the brick is not realistic. No one would start at the bottom with part of a brick. By changing the origin, the pattern starts at the selected point in the lower left corner of the region.

The expanded panel provides a series of predefined origin points. Like Top Right, which sets the origin at the top-right corner of the extents of the hatch. Note that even if the hatched area is not rectangular, AutoCAD still uses the rectangular extents of the hatch area.

Use Store as Default Origin to use the newly selected origin as the origin for all subsequent hatches.

Remember that AutoCAD uses the active UCS to orient the hatch. There may be some instances where it is easier to move or rotate the UCS before creating the hatch, such as when you want to align the hatch with an existing object.

To be continued…

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Inventor’s bill of materials forms a table. It holds information about the components contained within an assembly. Information including part numbers, descriptions, quantities and other key details. It’s really all the information someone building the component needs.

As you add components to an assembly, these add to the BOM. Quantities update when adding or removing a part from the assembly. This is done by iProperties which is in charge of the component details. What is a iProperty? It is any of the metadata describing a component such as the description and part number.

Using the bill of materials editor

Access the BOM Editor from the Assemble ribbon tab.

The BOM Editor shows three-tabs: Model Data, Structured and Parts Only.

The Model Data tab lists all the assembly’s components, regardless of their structure. This is equal to the assembly browser without the item numbers.

Within the editor, click a column header to sort by that column. Drag-and-drop a header to reposition the column. Drag a column header below the heading to remove it from the table.

Use the Column Chooser to add iProperties columns.

Not only can you view iProperties information from the BOM, but it can also be edited. Using the BOM editor is an efficient method of changing the iProperties of multiple components. Changes made with the BOM Editor are written back to the source file.

As you select rows in the BOM Editor, the corresponding component highlights in the graphics window, making it easy to check that you are editing the right component.

Use Add Custom iProperties Columns to add a custom iProperty to the table. iProperties can be created with types of Text, Date, Number or with a Yes or No. When accepting the changes to the BOM, Inventor writes the new iProperty to all components within the assembly.

The right-click menu provides many options including Find & Replace, Capitalize and the option to open components into their own window.

The Structured and Parts Only tabs may be disabled initially. Use the View Options to enable the tab.

The Structured tab shows the assembly hierarchy. The available level of detail is set by the View Properties. You can choose to show only the first level or to show all levels. Expand subassemblies to display their children.

The Parts Only tab is just that, a listing of just parts – no subassemblies or assembly structure. All parts are promoted to the top creating a flat view.

Use the View Properties to set the item number formatting and the minimum number of digits.

The initial component listing is in the order the components were created or placed into the assembly. You can drag rows to reorder them or use the sort function to organize the data by a combination of iProperties. Once sorted, use the renumbering feature to sequentially set the item numbers.

A virtual component is a component containing no geometry. It acts as a placeholder for iProperties. As there is no geometry, Inventor creates no new files. Virtual Components behave in the BOM like other components with a full set of iProperties.

From the BOM Editor, you can create new virtual components. After setting the component’s name you can edit its iProperties within the table. The new virtual component adds to the bottom of the Model browser view.

You can export the Structured and Parts Only BOM views.

From the Export Bill of Materials dialog, select the view to export. If exporting the structured view, additionally select the hierarchy structure to include.

Then from the BOM Export dialog set the file name and the data format. Inventor allows you to export to Microsoft Excel (.xlsx and .xls), tab-delimited text (.txt) and to CSV.

Component equivalence

By default, Inventor rolls up components with the same part number into a single BOM line. If iProperties of the combined items do not match, the BOM reports “varies.”

You might be asking, why do I want this? This can be useful for parts with the same profile but different lengths. By giving them the same part number so they merge, it provides the total length of material required.

Or you may have the same component but in different configurations, like a spring. You need different models, but you do not need multiple lines in the BOM.

If the merging is not desired or not needed, disable this feature with the Part Number Row Merge Settings.

Instance properties

Instance properties are iProperties assigned to specific instances within an assembly. This property information is not written back to the file but stored in the parent assembly. This allows you to change the iProperties for one instance but leave all other instances as is.

Within the BOM, Instance Properties appear in custom iProperties columns. Inventor shows the overridden property values in blue.

The Model Data tab always displays all components with instance property overrides. By default, Inventor merges instance rows as it does with those with the same part numbers. To separate the instances, uncheck Merge Instance Rows in the Part Number Row Merge Settings dialog.

Quantity

Not all quantities are the same. Within Inventor you can show quantity in different ways.

Every component contains a base quantity and base unit. This defines how the quantity appears in the BOM. You set this within the document settings of the part.

By default, the base quantity is Each, meaning the BOM lists the number of instances in the assembly. However, you can change this to use a parameter with different units of measure (UOM). For example, a parameter representing the length of the part could be in inches, millimeters, feet or any length unit.

In the BOM, the Unit Qty shows the base quantity of one instance of the component. Item quantity always shows the number of instances of the component, regardless of its base value. It is a read-only property and cannot be changed manually but can be overridden.

Total Quantity is the Unit QTY multiplied by the Item QTY.

In this example the Hex Bolt has a base quantity of each. As there are four in the assembly the QTY and Item QTY are both 4. The pipe has a base unit of inches. As the pipe is 52.5” long (Unit Qty) and there are two in the assembly (Item QTY) it makes for a (Total) QTY of 105”.

Because of the part number merging the same type of tubing but of different lengths are merged into a single row. This is why the Unit QTY varies, but Inventor still reports the total quantity.

Model States and suppression

Model States support unique iProperties, parameters and component suppression. This means each state could produce a different BOM.

A suppressed component does not participate in the Bill of Materials. If all instances of the component are suppressed the component appears in the BOM as a zero quantity.

To hide zero quantity items from the BOM display, use the BOM Settings and enable Hide Suppressed components in BOM.

Additionally, consider whether you want the items to renumber automatically. For some it is important that the part keeps the same item number even if it means gaps in the sequence.

Structure

Structure is important in making the BOM represent your design intent.

You set the structure in the Document Settings, iProperties Occurrence tab or within the BOM Editor (Model tab). The state applies to the component, meaning all instances use the same structure.

The exception is Reference, which can be set on specific instances.

The Normal structure type is the default and is what you will use for most of your components. With normal, the components appear as-is in both the Structured and Parts Only lists.

Purchased is for those components you buy and do not manufacture. When applied, components list as a single line in the Parts Only view even when they are assemblies. This is useful when there are benefits to having an assembly with individual components to manipulate, but it is purchased as a single item.

Inseparable is like Purchased. The difference? Inventor never promotes children within a purchased assembly. With Inseparable, Inventor promotes Purchased children to the top so they list in the Parts Only view. Use Inseparable with items like weldments that behave as a single item once completed. However, you do not want purchasing to miss buying the needed parts.

Use Phantom when you use assemblies to group components but do not want the assembly itself to appear in the BOM. As assemblies do not appear in the Part-Only view, this only impacts the Structured view as Inventor promotes the children’s components into the view in place of the assembly.

Reference is for components used to aid construction. These components (both parts and assemblies) do not appear in the BOM (parts only or structured). They are not included in mass calculations. They can be displayed differently in the drawing environment.

Vault Professional honours the structure when creating items. For example, it will create a single item for purchased assemblies, ignoring the assembly’s children components.

Drawings

A parts list is the drawing equivalent of a bill of material. It is a snapshot of the BOM, configured with the iProperties and BOM information you want shown in the drawing. Changes made to the BOM or to component iProperties reflect in the parts list.

A drawing view is not needed to create a parts list. When placing the parts list you need to select an assembly (or presentation). Specify the assembly by browsing, selecting from the list of currently open documents or selecting an existing drawing view.

Manage the parts list format via the drawing’s styles.

Tweak the Parts List to present the information specifically for the drawing. This includes selecting columns (iProperties), modifying the table layout, adding custom parts and substituting the sum of one property’s values into another field.

You can also turn rows off and override iProperties details. Turned off rows appear in grey and overridden iProperties in blue.

Apply filters to show only the required components. Filters affect row visibility but do not adjust the part data (quantity stays unchanged).

As with the BOM, you can sort the list by any of the visible columns. Then renumber the items to be sequential. With the parts list the renumbering applies static overrides, making the item numbers different than those in the BOM. Use the Save Item Overrides to BOM right-click feature to write that item number back to the BOM.

You can group items based on keys. For example, with frame generator assemblies you can group items based on their Stock Number (First Key) and (Base Qty) which will group items based on their material type and component length.

The post Using Autodesk Inventor’s bill of materials appeared first on Engineering.com.

Use Chamfer to create dimensions for bevelled edges. Start by selecting the chamfer line. Then select the lines forming the chamfer. The output is dependent on the active dimension settings (AM:Standards).

Power Dimensioning extends past just the annotation tools. You can also apply dimensioning when creating the chamfer with ACM’s chamfer command.

And insert radius dimensions as you create fillets.

Dimensioning can be tedious. Because of this ACM includes tools to streamline the dimensioning process.

After adding a linear or angular dimension use the command options to add the subsequent dimensions as chain or baseline dimensions.

All dimensions chained align to the original base dimension. Baseline dimensions add above or below the base dimension keeping the set dimension gap.

You can also start baseline and chain directly. The first step is selecting the base dimension.

Depending on selected base dimension, ACM may rearrange existing dimensions automatically to align with the new dimension sets.

Use Multiple Dimension to add several dimensions at one time. This command starts with the Multiple Dimensioning dialog, where you select the style and set the dimensioning options.

Select the Parallel tab when wanting to add baseline or chain dimensions.

With baseline additionally set the Alignment. Use Inside Out to align the dimensions starting from the points closest to the baseline then to the furthest. Select Outside In to align the dimensions, beginning from the points furthest to the baseline to the closest.

Enable Both axes when wanting to add the dimensions in two directions and Rearrange into a New Style when wanting to change existing dimensions into the select parallel style such as when converting existing chained dimensions to baseline dimensions.

ACM adds the dimensions from a selected point to all vertexes on the contour of the selected objects. You can dimension separate objects, even the objects within blocks.

As the tab title says, select Ordinate when wanting to create ordinate style dimensions. Ordinate dimensions show the x and y distances of the feature relative to a specified origin. Set the type to use the Current Standard or to Equal Leader Length or Center Cross on Edge.

Use Equal Leader Length when wanting visual consistency. ACM sets the dimension leader lines to all have the same length. 

With Center Cross on Edge ACM places a center mark on the objects you are dimensioning. This is most useful with circular objects, like holes

The third choice, Shaft/Symmetric, creates symmetrical dimensions. It works with any object, not just those generated by ACM’s shaft generator.

Intended for dimensioning symmetrical objects (hence the name), you add multiple dimensions about a centerline, like shafts and other revolved features or mirrored parts where the left and right side are similar. It places the dimensions on both sides of the selected centerline.

Set the type to Shaft (Front View), Shaft (Side View), or Symmetric. To force dimensions inside the profile, enable Place Dimension Inside Contour.

When dimensioning a front view, after selecting the objects to dimension you then select the centerline or specify the centerline location. This specified centerline is what ACM dimensions about. Note that ACM dimensions all selected objects even if there is no matching object on the other side of the centerline.

Power Dimension Formatting

By selecting dimensions, ACM activates the Power Dimensioning contextual ribbon tab. This happens even when the dimension was created with non-Power Dimension-tools. Use this tab to apply formatting, fits and tolerances.

Change the Representation, making the dimension an inspection and/or reference dimension. Or tag the dimension as theoretically exact or not to scale.

With inspection dimensions, additionally select the frame type, set a label and specify the inspection frequency.

Use the Dim Text features to set the units, adjust the precision and toggle alternate units.

If you double-click the dimension (instead of selecting it), not only do you get access to the contextual ribbon tab, but it opens the dimension text for editing. You can also select Edit Dim Text from the contextual ribbon.

While editing the text, insert symbols and line breaks from the gallery. The ribbon panel updates with the last used symbols.

Power Dimensions can incorporate Tolerance and Fit List information directly into the dimensioning. From the ribbon, turn on the display of fit or tolerance information. Then select the desired representation (Fits) or method (tolerance).

With Fits, select the symbol, or with representations including both, select the hole and shaft symbol.

Use the Fits dialog as an alternative to selecting a fit symbol for the dimension. From this dialog, select the hole and shaft fit and review the fit combination graphically.

With tolerances, set the upper and lower limits for the nominal dimension and the desired precision. The precision of fits and tolerances is independent of the dimension style precision.

Use the various features in the Format panel to:

• Move rotated dimension text back to its default position
• Rotate dimension text by a user specified angle
• Slant extension lines by a user specified angle (creating oblique dimensions)

With radial dimensions, add a landing line and toggle the location of the arrow heads.

When editing a dimension (text edit is active) Edit Geometry becomes available. This presents a dialog in which you can change the dimension appearance graphically. Selecting a component in the dialog toggles its visibility. When selecting an arrowhead, ACM displays a list of arrowheads to choose from.

When you have selected multiple dimensions, the contextual tab shows property values that are the same across all the selected dimensions. When the properties differ across the dimensions, they will be blank or displayed as VARIES. Regardless, changing the property applies the setting to all selected dimensions.

To speed up the process, you can apply predefined text from stock templates and copy the formatting and settings from other dimensions.

[Predefined Text & Copy From]

Editing Dimensions

Use Arrange to rearrange linear and ordinate dimensions. This applies the dimension gap spacing, placing the dimensions at the appropriate distance from the selected contour point. Or use the automatic option and let ACM determine the outer location.

When selecting dimensions in both directions (axes) you do not need to select the outer contour as ACM uses the endpoints for the extension lines.

Arrange is not perfect. When wanting a baseline output, you may need to manually move the dimensions into the proper order from the outer contour prior to running arrange.

When dimensions overlap or when dimensions cross other objects it is common to many standards to break the dimension. Use ACM’s Break (AMBREAK) to insert gaps at specific points on the dimension.

Start by selecting the dimension to break. By default, where you select the dimension becomes the first point of break. Although you can respecify the first point. Then select the end of the break.

The break with this workflow is not associative as by moving the crossing object the break does not update. By adjusting the position of the broken dimension, ACM removes the break. This is a feature where AutoCAD’s DIMBREAK is superior as the break stays regardless of moving the broken dimension.

An alternate workflow is using the multiple option. This only works with dimensions but allows you to select several dimensions. ACM sets the gap sizing. With multiple the break is associative and does update as you move the broken dimensions.

Linear/Symmetric Stretch is an interesting take on the stretch command. You specify the amount of stretch by setting the value of the dimension. This adjusts not only the dimension but also the selected objects.

Start by setting the type, Linear or Symmetric. Then select the dimension text to change and set the desired value. Finish the operation by selecting the objects to stretch. This command defaults to a crossing window.

Note, you can only include one side of the dimension (DEFPOINTS).

Linear stretches the objects in one direction. Symmetric resizes the objects in both directions from the selected centerline.

In the expanded Dimension panel…

In the expanded section of the Dimension panel.

Join (AMDIMJOIN) is a great shortcut for taking dimensions of the same type and merging them into a single dimension. This works with linear and angular dimensions. The first dimension selected becomes the base and sets the position for the newly combined dimension.

The dimensions do not need to be aligned nor need to touch. ACM creates the new dimension for the extents of the selected dimensions.

Insert (AMDIMINSERT) is the opposite to join as it allows you to two split an existing linear or angular dimension into two. This command splits the dimension at the point you select.

ACM applies the active dimension style to the new dimension, regardless the styles set on the selected dimensions.

The Align (AMDIMALIGN) is a great clean-up tools as it lines-up linear, ordinate and angular dimensions to the selected base dimension. The first step is selecting the base dimension. The selected base sets which type of dimensions you can then select for alignment.

The dimensions do not need to touch to be aligned. ACM does not recognize extension line suppression with this command.

Use the DIMTEDIT alignment tools to change (or restore) the location, justification and angle of the dimension text. You can also adjust the location of the dimension line. The options are:

• Left and Right to justify the text along the dimension line
• Center to move the text to the center of the dimension line
• Angle to adjust the angle of the dimension text.

Home, available from the command line only, moves the dimension back to its default (dimension style set) position.

This feature works only with linear, radius and diameter dimensions. The vertical location of the text (above, below, or middle) is set by the dimension style.

Check finds dimensions with overridden text. Still useful but not nearly as much of an issue compared to the good-old-days of non-associative dimensions. When finding a dimension text value not containing the default (<>) ACM highlights the dimensions and shows the number found at the command line.

There are a lot of dimensioning features in AutoCAD Mechanical. This makes it difficult to cover all the ins-and-outs and explain all the options and features. The best thing to do is dive in and try everything there is.

The post More Power Dimensioning with Autodesk Mechanical appeared first on Engineering.com.

AutoCAD Mechanical can do everything that AutoCAD can do. But there are many things that set AutoCAD Mechanical apart from AutoCAD. Like what? How about dimensioning? By using AutoCAD Mechanical, you have access to the very powerful Power Dimensions.

Power Dimensions is a set of tools designed for manufacturing. Even when compared to AutoCAD’s quick dimensions and DIM command, Power Dimensions streamlines the detailing process. They are quick to apply and easy to tweak. They are smart and understand their spatial relationships with each other.

Power Dimension

Find Power Dimension in the Home and Annotate ribbon tabs. Use this all-in-one dimensioning tool to add linear, angular, radial, diameter, baseline and chain dimensions.

Power Dimensions automatically recognizes objects and applies the proper dimension type. The default is to create linear dimensions by selecting two points for the ends of the extension lines. As you move the cursor to place the dimension line, ACM adjusts the type between horizontal, vertical and aligned dimension types.

The dimension changing color shows that the current location matches the proper spacing from existing objects. This feature is called Distance Snap. It uses the distance set in the standard by default, but you can override the value with the placement settings. We will discuss setting the standard later.

Power Dimension intelligently spaces dimensions, avoiding overlaps and ensuring the best readability. Distance Snap is one of the settings that controls this.

After selecting the first dimension’s location, ACM pauses, then presents the Power Dimensioning contextual ribbon. More on this in a bit. With the text and formatting set, you can continue to add dimensions. With the last dimension placed, press Enter.

Note that, by default, you cannot snap to existing dimensions and ACM only prompts for formatting on the first dimension placed during the set.

When placing a dimension such that it overlaps an existing dimension ACM displays the Dimension Overdrawn dialog. Use this to rearrange the dimensions, removing the overlap.

Replace removes the existing dimension replacing it with the newly placed dimension. Use Break up to split the existing dimension into two dimensions, aligning the new dimensions. Select Move Away to rearrange the dimensions into a baseline set.

After starting the feature, press Enter (or right-click) to start object selection mode. Now you can select lines, polylines, arcs, circles and other objects. Select an existing dimension to edit it.

The glyph near the cursor indicates the type of dimension to be created by selecting the current object. With lines (and similar), ACM snaps automatically to the object’s endpoints. With circles, it creates diameters and with arcs, it creates radius dimensions.

Opposed to using the dimension line location to set the dimension type created on a selected line, select the desired type from the right-click menu. Selecting an ellipse behaves like selecting a line.

An Aligned Dimension is one where the dimension line is perpendicular to the selected extension endpoints. With a Rotated Dimension, you specify the angle.

After selecting a circle, use the right-click menu (or command line) to toggle between radius, jogged radius and linear type dimensions.

After selecting an arc, use the right-click menu to switch between diameter, jogged radius, arc length, linear and radius type dimensions.

You can manually choose the dimension type from the right-click menu. This is the only way to create an angular dimension with the Power Dimension command.

The Annotate ribbon tab (Dimension Panel) supplies shortcuts for the specific dimension types. This is still the Power Dimension command, just shortened to select specific objects and/or create a specific dimension type.

What is in the standard?

AutoCAD Mechanical is standards based. To learn more about AutoCAD Mechanical standards, take a look at this article

Being standards-based means that ACM can automate many tasks while keeping things standard. For example, mapping object types that should go on specific layers. This means that when you place things like dimensions, ACM automatically places the objects on the correct layers.

From the Options, AM:Standards tab, you set the active standard. Use the Dimension Settings to set the preferences for power dimensions.

ACM bases the dimension settings on a base AutoCAD dimension style.

Although you can edit styles using AutoCAD’s Dimension Style Editor (DIMSTYLE) it is recommended to use the AMOPTIONS. As ACM creates styles on the fly you may not have access to all the required styles from DIMSTYLE. Plus, it is easier to navigate and edit the proper sub-style from the AMOPTIONS dialog.

Enable Force power dimensions to use this dimension style to prevent overriding the style with the AutoCAD DIMSTYLE command.

The Edit Dimension Style dialog shows a tree indicating the root style and its sub-styles. Each sub-style controls a specific dimension type. Although the sub-styles are derived from the base, you can customize each sub-type independently. If the sub-style is bolded, it means it has been overridden from the base.

Use Reset to remove the overrides and reset the sub-style to the base.

Use the Default representations to set the dimensioning style for chamfers, radii and diameters.

The Dimension Text section is where you can add to and tweak the predefined text templates.

From the Fits and Tolerances section, configure the default fit representations and tolerance methods.

In the Placement options, you will find the Distance Snap settings. You can toggle the feature on/off and set the default offset distance.

Also manage the display of the dimension text editor. The default is for only the first dimension in a sequence, but this can be always or only on demand.

Continued on More Power Dimensioning with AutoCAD Mechanical

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Fields link to dimensional information, coordinates, block attributes and object properties. Use Fields as placeholders, like Sheet Set Title. You can also track drawing file information like its name, path or various dates and times.

Add Fields to not only text but anywhere text is used. This includes block attributes, tables, leaders and dimensions.

Adding Fields

To add a Field, start the command from the command line (FIELD), ribbon or, in some versions, the right-click menu.

Any of these options launch the Field dialog.

Although not mandatory  there are a lot of Fields. I like to start by selecting a Field category corresponding to the type of information I want to add. This makes it quicker to then choose the specific Field type I want to insert.

With the Field type selected, set the desired properties. The properties vary by type and you may need to provide more information, like selecting an object to reference.

The Field Expression lists the Field’s underlying expression. It is not editable but this can help explain what the Field is, how it is constructed and its inner workings.

Click OK to add the Field into your drawing and pick the insertion location. The result is MText with the Field inserted. You can edit the content and style just as you would any other MText object. AutoCAD indicates the Field with a gray background. This background does not plot or export.

When building an attribute definition, use Insert Field to insert a Field as all or part of the attribute value. Not all Field types are available for use within blocks; however, the ones available behave as Fields and will update with changes to the drawing.

Note that there are times when the Field does not populate. Here are two examples. One is because the drawing has never been saved, hence the Save Date is blank. Second is because the Comments drawing property box is empty.

You will see pound signs (####) with invalid entries. For example, this will occur if you insert the CurrentSheetProjectName Field into the model space because it is only valid in the paper space.

Adding to Fields to text

You can also add Fields directly into text objects. Regardless of how you add the Field, the result will be text.

With the MText Editor, select Field from the contextual ribbon tab. With single-line text (DText), find Insert Field on the right-click menu.

You can add multiple Fields to a single text object and surround the Field with static text.

As with single-line text, find the Insert Field feature with block attributes on the right-click menu.

Updating Fields

The best part about Fields is how they update automatically. Fields update when you open or save a drawing. This occurs when you use the Regen command and before you print or plot a drawing.

You can also manually update the Field using UPDATEFIELD. Or you can right-click on the Field within the text editor and select Update Field.

The Date Field is static by design and never updates automatically. It is one case where you must manually update the Field.

Control this update behavior with the FIELDEVAL system variable. When set to 0, Fields only update when you open or save a drawing. When set to 1, Fields update when a drawing is opened or saved and when a drawing is regenerated. Set it to 2 when you want Fields to update when you open, save, regenerate and plot. And finally, set it to 3 for Fields to update continuously as you work with a drawing.

You can also manage the update behavior from the Options dialog (the User Preferences tab). Additionally, if you do not like the gray background applied to Fields, you can turn it off.

Editing Fields

To edit a Field, you must edit the text object the Field is contained in. Then right-click on it within the editor and select Edit Field.

The Field within the text behaves as other characters. You can change its style, formatting and other paragraph settings.

You can also convert the Field into static text via a right-click option.

Types of Fields

The Field category names should be self-explanatory based on what they do. How the Field types behave and how you configure them does differ between these categories.

The Date & Time Fields are just that—the date and time of various events that occur in AutoCAD. You can add the drawing creation date, the last time it was plotted and the last time the drawing was saved. The Date Field is a static Field that inserts the current date and time.

With the Date & Time Fields, you set the format. You can select from preconfigured examples, or you can use the Date format to manually set the desired format. The format is in any combination of year, month, date and time.

The Plot Fields are all about plotting and printing. This includes when a drawing was last plotted and the current layout’s plot configuration.

The Document Fields are drawing properties that are text information like the Title, Subject and Author, as well as drawing file information like the file size.

Use the Sheet Set Field to add details about a sheet set. The Field dialog defaults to the active sheet set, but you can pick from the recently used list or you can browse for a different set. Use the Sheet navigation tree to select the desired sheet and then select the formatting and property to insert as a Field.

The Current prefixed types add details about the active sheet. These are properties like the description, number and title. You select the format and set the case types. For example, you can choose to have the text be in all uppercase letters.

SheetSetPlaceholders are intended for blocks to create dynamic labels, callouts and other annotations. You add these Fields so that they take on the details of the active set or sheet. When inserting the block, AutoCAD replaces the placeholder with the actual information.

By selecting NamedObject, you subsequently need to select the Named object type. The dialog lists all objects of the selected type. You can then insert the name, in the desired case, as a Field.

With Object, use the Select Object button to temporarily close the dialog and select an object in the drawing. The Field dialog then lists the properties available to insert as a Field. The property list is dependent on the type of object selected. This list will be like what is presented in the Properties palette. For example, a line lists length, a circle includes the diameter and radius, and a block instance includes its current position.

The formatting is dependent on the selected property. You will set the case, unit format or, in some instances, the units.

BlockPlaceholder Fields are for dynamic blocks specifically and only for insertion in block Attribute Definitions. When inserting an instance of the dynamic block into a drawing, AutoCAD replaces the place holder with the actual value of the corresponding block property.

Use these to display properties of the block instance. For example, you can use this when creating dynamic labels that automatically reflect the current state of the block.

A Formula Field is just that, a place for creating formulas based on the values in table cells. You can insert these Fields as stand-alone text or into table cells. The options include basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) and functions for Average, Sum, Count and Cell. Use Cell when you want to extract the value of a selected cell into your formula.

As the result is numeric, you specify the precision.

Count and CountInArea are special Fields and are added to drawings with a different workflow. These Fields count the total instances of a selected object.

To insert a Count Field, right-click on one instance of the type of object you want to count and select Count Selection. From the Count toolbar, select Insert Count Field. As with all Fields, counts automatically update as you add or remove instances of the object from the drawing.

Adding Fields to tables (and other objects)

To insert a Field into a table, edit the cell (double-click it) and from the ribbon select Field.

The Field and Formula right-click options also insert Fields into a selected cell.

Unless the content is set to Block, the text associated with multi-leaders is MText, meaning you can insert Fields as with all MText.

You can also edit dimension text with the MText editor. This also means you can easily add Fields to dimensions.

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Pro Tip: Ensure you are orientating sketched profiles properly to the path. A good rule is to have the profile’s plane intersect the path at its starting point.

As with all Create features, you can build the feature as a solid or as surfaces. For solid sweeps, you can select closed 2D or 3D sketch profiles or a closed face loop. For surface sweeps, select open or closed sketch profiles or a face loop of the part.

If there is only one profile in the sketch, Inventor automatically selects it.

When the sweep is the first feature, Inventor adds it as a new solid. When sweeping as a secondary feature, you can add volume (Join), remove volume (Cut) or build intersections (Intersect).

When you need a hollow body, consider shelling the model instead of using a multi-loop profile, especially if you are making more complex models.

The default Orientation is Follow Path. This means Inventor keeps the profile constant and normal to the path as it moves along the path.

With Follow Path, use the Taper option to scale the profile up or down from the starting profile.

With single-loop profiles, a positive angle tapers away from the profile, increasing the section area as it transitions along the path. A negative angle decreases the area. Note that specifying a negative taper could lead to the sweep finishing before the end of the path.

With multi-loop nested profiles, Inventor applies the taper angle to the outer loop. Inner loops get the opposite angle.

The Twist option manages the profile rotation as it follows the selected path. The angle sets how much the profile twists (rotates) around the path’s axis. Positive angles mean a counterclockwise rotation and negative angles mean a clockwise rotation.

Twist is a useful feature, especially when you are sweeping along 3D paths to get the desired profile result at the end of the path.

Toolbodies

Within Inventor, you sweep an existing solid along a path. The selected solid is called a toolbody. Use this to model complex shapes, create mechanical designs (like threads, springs, grooves) and to simulate toolpaths.

The toolbody can be any solid object, in any shape. You can sweep toolbodies along 2D- or 3D-sketched paths. Inventor combines the toolbody with the path during the sweep to create a new solid.

More Sweep Types

With the Fixed orientation, the profile retains the same orientation throughout the sweep.

Guide Rails are sketched curves that provide more control over the shape. Consider the rails constraints that limit profile movement. The path and rail must intersect the profile plane.

The chosen Profile Scaling option determines how the swept profile scales to meet the guide rail. Select None when you want to keep the profile in a constant shape and use the rail only to manage a twist. A value for X will have Inventor scaling the profile only in the X direction. With X & Y values, Inventor scales the profile in both directions as the sweep progresses.

You can also use surfaces (including faces) as guides. The selected surface controls the profile twist, keeping the profile aligned with the surface as it transitions through the sweep. Think of the profile like an airplane and the surface managing the orientation of the wings.

It is easy to fall into the habit of using sweeps only for tube, pipes, hosing and springs. However, there are plenty of other opportunities to use them. Channels, grooves, slides and even lawn mower blades are all best modeled with sweeps.

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Using AutoCAD’s Section Plane, you can section 3D models by a user-defined cutting plane. This works with solids, surfaces, meshes, regions and point clouds.

You have multiple options for setting the sectioning object’s location and orientation.

Select a Face—AutoCAD aligns the section plane to the plane of the selected face.

Draw section—you define the section by selecting multiple points building a section line with jogs.

Orthographic—to align the section object to an orthographic orientation relative to the UCS. Use the View Cube as a reference.

After creating the sectioning object, you can adjust its position by moving it with the Move Gizmo that appears after you select it. Use the direction grip to flip the sectioned part. Find Rotate in the right-click menu.

With the sectioning object in location and orientated correctly, use Generate Section to create a block of the sectioned geometry.

In the dialog, select 2D Section/Elevation to create a 2D representation of the sectioned geometry. You can either include all visible objects or select the objects for inclusion.

As with Flatshot, you insert the results for a block or export to a new drawing.

Use Section Settings to control the display of the sectioning object and the geometry created by the Generate Section feature. This includes the intersection boundary (outline), hatching for cut objects, background objects and tangency lines.

Model Documentation

Use the model documentation features of AutoCAD to create 2D drawings from 3D models. This is the same as you would find in 3D modeling applications like Autodesk Inventor and Fusion 360.

Like with SOLVIEW, the first view you place is the base view. You can initiate VIEWBASE from model space or a paper space layout. The first step is setting the source—either objects from Model Space or a selected Inventor File. If you started from model space, you then need to set the destination layout. Finish the process by selecting the insertion point.

As a bonus, you can create associative 2D views from linked Autodesk Inventor models. If the Inventor model changes, the views in AutoCAD update to match the changes. This means you can design in Inventor but document the design in AutoCAD.

When selecting objects from model space, consider using the right-click Entire Model option to select all visible objects.

Prior to picking the view’s location, use the command line (or right-click menu) options to reselect the objects and to adjust the view’s orientation and scale. By default, AutoCAD uses the front view. But you can change this to any of the predefined views or to the current model space orientation.

You cannot edit the view’s geometry—what you see is what you get. This is because it stays associative to the 3D model. If the model changes, the views update automatically. However, AutoCAD places the objects on a predefined set of layers, meaning you can change properties by changing the layers.

Although the view border is visible, it does not print, regardless of the layer it is on. With the view border selected, use the square grip to reposition the view on the sheet and the triangular grip to adjust the scale.

If you are using AutoCAD Mechanical, you can make further changes to the view from the contextual Drawing View ribbon tab. If you are using vanilla AutoCAD or one of the nonmechanical flavors, you need to use the right-click menu options.

Start with Edit View.

While editing the view, you can use Model Space Selection to switch into model space and adjust the objects selected for the view. Use the Scale Drop-down to adjust the view scale.

The view is in one of four display styles: Visible Lines, Visible and Hidden Lines, Shaded with Visible Lines and Shaded with Visible and Hidden Lines.

Use Edge Visibility options to manage the visibility of interference and tangent lines. Interference edges occur when solids intersect with each other. Technically, there is not an edge, although our eyes perceive one.

From the base view, create projected views from it. The projected views derive from the base view, not the 3D model. The command is VIEWPROJ. Alternatively, you can select the base view and start Projected from the ribbon or right-click menu.

The projection type depends on the position of the view. You can create both orthographic and isometric views from a base view. The command stays active until you exit it, meaning you can place multiple views.

By default, the projected views inherit the settings (including the scale) from the base view and update if you change the base view settings. If needed, you can override the settings.

With the views created, add notes, dimensions and other annotations. AutoCAD does its best to update the associative dimensions and annotations with changes to the model.

You can move isometric views anywhere on the layout. When you move an orthogonal projected view, it stays aligned to its parent view.

Press Shift to break the alignment and place the view anywhere on the layout. You can also use Shift to restore the alignment with the parent.

You can create section views and detail views from any existing drawing view, whether base or projected.

Section views are created like projected views with the extra step of defining the section line.

After creating the view, add constraints to keep the section line constrained to the view geometry. Then if the model changes, the section line (and view) will update to match.

Create section views of several types. The default Full section cuts completely through the objects, revealing all internal features and details. With Half sections, the cutting plane passes halfway through the objects, leaving one-half in an orthographic view and the other half sectioned. Use Aligned to align the view perpendicular to the first or last section line.

In addition to the settings found on projected views, you can also change the section depth, toggle the display of the hatching and adjust the section label identifier.

The section depth sets the depth of the section view. The default Full section cuts completely through the model. A Slice is a paper-thin cut that removes all geometry beyond the section line. Use Distance to set the depth of the section.

A Detail view is a view magnifying a selected part of the view. Create the view with a circular or rectangular shape. Regardless of the shape, the first step is to pick the center point and then sett the size of the boundary. Details views can be placed anywhere on the layout and are not constrained by the parent.

With detail views, you can change the model edge. The model edge is the edges of the detail view, where its boundary intersects with the parent view. It visually separates the magnified part of the view.

AutoCAD supplies different model edge appearances. The default Smooth creates a continuous shape around the detail view, typically as a collection of arcs and splines. Smooth with Border is like Smooth but it inserts a circular or rectangular border around the detail view matching the boundary. Use Smooth with Border and Connection Line to include a line connecting the detail view to the boundary in the parent view. Finally, Jagged displays the model edges that have jagged lines without a border.

As with section views, consider adding constraints to keep the detail view constrained to the parent view.

As you can see, AutoCAD provides multiple methods of creating 2D views from 3D objects, even if the 3D objects did not originate in AutoCAD. Creating 2D views is useful when you need to create documentation of the 3D model and use AutoCAD’s strengths to detail and annotate the design. 2D views can also provide a simpler view, making it easier to understand the design.

The post Creating 2D Views From 3D Models in AutoCAD, Part 2 appeared first on Engineering.com.

As AutoCAD imports different formats, you can generate 2D views from 3D models created in other systems.

Although AutoCAD has limited import options, other versions of it have expanded lists of supported file types for import. For example, AutoCAD Mechanical imports 3D models from CATIA, Inventor, Pro/ENGINEER, Rhino and SOLIDWORKS and the neutral file formats ACIS, JT, IGES, NX and STEP.

SOLVIEW, SOLDRAW and SOLPROF

An advantage of solid models is the ease with which you can create drawing views from these solids. Three commands, which work together, are SOLVIEW, SOLDRAW and SOLPROF.

SOLVIEW

Start with SOLVIEW to create base views and projections. Then use SOLDRAW to generate 2D profiles and sections from the SOLVIEW-generated viewports.

SOLVIEW generates orthographic and auxiliary views purposely for documenting the design. This feature creates views as viewports in paper space layouts.

I typically type SOLVIEW to start the command, and you can also find it in the ribbon when using the 3D modeling workspace. SOLVIEW will use the active layout, but when starting the command from model space, it activates the last active paper space layout. If no layouts have been activated, SOLVIEW creates a new layout.

When there are no existing views or when you want to create a new base view, you will need to use a user coordinate system (UCS) to set the direction. AutoCAD creates the view relative to the selected UCS. With SOLVIEW, you can select the Current, World or a saved Named UCS.

Here, I orient the model into the desired orientation for the first view. Using the UCS command, I move the USC to the Current view.

After starting SOLVIEW, select the 3D solid objects you wish to create 2D views from. Then select the UCS, specify the scale, pick the view center, define the border of the viewport and give the view a name.

The result is a viewport on the VPORTS layer, which SOLVIEW creates if the layer does not exist. Because this is a viewport, you can move it, adjust the boundary and change the scale if it is not set correctly during view creation.

With the base view created, use Ortho to add folded orthographic views, Auxiliary to create views projected from a selected plane and Section to add drafting sectional views.

After selecting Ortho, pick the side of the base view viewport from which you want to create the projected view. AutoCAD does not preview the view but rubber-bands a line to show the direction, helping you place the center of the new view. With the center selected, pick two points to set the size of the viewport. The command stays active, so you can place more views.

The Section options creates traditional drafting sectional views of solids, or at least it will. SOLVIEW only creates the base view, while SOLDRAW (discussed in a bit) generates the cross-hatching. The difference with Section, compared to Ortho, is the added step of picking points to set the location for the cutting plane (section line).

After selecting Auxiliary, you need to select two points setting the inclined plane for the auxiliary projection. Both points must be in the same viewport. Next, pick the center of the view and boundary for the new viewport.

SOLVIEW creates layers for SOLDRAW to use for the visible and hidden lines it creates for each view. You will find these named with the view name and suffixed with -VIS, -HID, -HAT and -DIM. Although the DIM layer is meant for dimensions, you can use your own layer for dimensions and annotations.

SOLDRAW

Solid Drawing (SOLDRAW) creates profiles and sections from the viewports you created with SOLVIEW. The results are 2D objects overlaying the views’ 3D objects. It is a simple command—you just need to select the viewport. AutoCAD then makes the solid objects invisible and generates 2D objects overlaying the 3D objects. For the section views, AutoCAD adds hatching.

If the model changes, run SOLDRAW again on the viewports to update the 2D geometry. Make sure to review your dimensions after running SOLDRAQ as they could be pointing to objects that no longer exist.

SOLPROF

Solid Profile (SOLPROF) is like SOLDRAW except that it does not need a viewport created by SOLVIEW. It creates 2D profiles of 3D solids. The result is blocks collecting the newly created geometry.

I typically use it when I need an isometric view of the 3D model or as a quicker method (compared to SOLVIEW/SOLDRAW) when I need the 2D profile for a manufacturing processes like laser cutting.

SOLPROF works only within paper space and only when a layout viewport is active. After starting the command (I usually type it), select the 3D solids.

AutoCAD asks a series of questions to set the projection preferences.

Display hidden profile lines on separate layer?

If you select Yes, AutoCAD puts the hidden lines into their own block on a different layer from the visible geometry. If the hidden lines are already loaded into the drawing, AutoCAD applies the Hidden Linetype to the hidden geometry layer.

If you select No, AutoCAD creates a block from the profile lines, treating every profile line as a visible line—even if one solid covers another.

AutoCAD names the layers in the convention P@-<viewport handle>. PV for profile visible and PH for profile hidden. You can review the viewport’s handle using the LIST command. Adjust the layer’s line properties as needed.

Project profile lines onto a plane?

If you select Yes, AutoCAD creates the profile as 2D objects and projects the 3D shape onto the plane normal to the viewing direction. SOLPROF automatically removes lines that are parallel to the viewing direction.

If you select No, then no projection occurs and AutoCAD creates 3D objects. Think of this as tracing over the top of the selected solids.

Delete tangential edges?

Tangential edges are the edges where two surfaces meet smoothly, blending into each other without a noticeable break or sharp angle—like what occurs when you fillet or round an edge. Select Yes to remove these tangential edges in the profile and select No to keep them.

There is no update process with SOLPROF as it deletes the existing block definitions and recreates the blocks when running the command on the viewport again.

Flatshot

SOLPROF is an older command and has been replaced in AutoCAD with more modern commands. Flatshot is a great alternative, offering more flexibility and control. Flatshot works with not only solids but also with surfaces and meshes. Flatshot is dialog driven, making it more user friendly compared to the SOL commands.

Flatshot creates flattened 2D representations of your 3D models by projecting an edge’s line of sight onto the plane parallel to the viewing plane. The result is a block inserted on the XY plane of the current UCS or a new drawing.

Prior to starting the command, orient the 3D model to the angle and perspective you want. Turn on or off layers (or freezing), leaving only the desired objects visible. Flatshot creates the 2D view based on this view and includes all visible objects.

Start the command, either by typing the command name or selecting it from the ribbon.

In the Flatshot dialog:

Set the Destination: Inserting the new 2D view as a block, replacing an existing block, or exporting it to a new drawing.

The Foreground Lines manage the appearance of the visible lines and the Obscured Lines, as well as the visibility and appearance of the hidden lines. Autodesk recommends not including Obscured Lines with mesh models.

Check Include tangential edges when you want to create tangent lines with your 2D view.

If you want to make changes, you can explode the block. However, it will no longer be available for updating.

Next:
Making views from
3D models.

The post Creating 2D Views From 3D Models in AutoCAD, Part 1 appeared first on Engineering.com.

The basics

What do you need to build a loft? At least two profiles, which are called sections. These sections can be sketches, existing part faces, or a combination of both. The sections must be on different planes but do not need to be parallel. You can also loft to a point.

You want your sections in sequence, so the loft goes in one direction. If they are not in order, rearrange the sections by dragging and dropping in the Sections section. Hold Shift as you make selections to remove the section from the feature.

Pro Tip: Consistency leads to more robust models. Try to keep profiles compatible, as in having a similar number of points.

As with all Create Features, you can create the feature as a solid or surface. For solid lofts, select closed 2D or 3D sketch profiles or a closed face loop. For surface lofts, select open or closed sketch profiles or face loop of the part.

When multiple loops exist, you need to first select the face or sketch and then select the desired profile.

When you want a hollow body, as opposed to using a multi-loop profile, consider shelling the model instead.

Select Closed Loop to join the first and last sections to loft a closed loop. Enable Merge Tangent Faces so that Inventor does not create an edge between tangent faces of the feature.

When the loft is the first feature, Inventor adds it as a new solid. When lofting is used as a secondary feature, you can add volume (Join), remove (Cut), or build intersections (Intersect).

Rails (optionally) help manage how the sections connect, defining the direction and shape of the loft. The only restriction is the rails must intersect the sections.

From the Curves tab, after you’ve selected the sections, click Rails. Then select the desired 2D or 3D curves.

More lofts types

Centerline Lofts use a singular rail but use it in a sweep-like action, whereas a guide rail acts as a section, pulling the shape toward the profile, and the centerline holds the shape, ensuring it stays normal to the centerline between sections.

With Centerline Lofts, the sections follow the path instead of being pulled toward it.

Pro Tip: When you want a natural smooth transition between sections, consider using centerline instead of rails, as it is typically easier to get the desired results.

An Area Loft is a Centerline loft but with more options. Area Lofts are useful when flow is important, or if you want to manage the cross-sectional area along the loft.

After selecting the centerline, dimensions appear at each section. Use these as a reference to review the area or to optionally override the section area with the desired value. When overriding the area, Inventor offsets the section uniformly.

You can insert sections along the centerline. These sections help define the cross-sectional area, managing the shape of the loft.

With added sections, you can set the position of the section along the centerline. Use Proportional to set the position (as a percentage) relative to the length of the centerline. Use Absolute to specify the exact distance along the centerline.

For the section area, set it specifically with the Area choice. You can alternatively set the area by a Scale Factor, which scales the section proportionally to the proceeding section.

Conditions

Because lofts can warp the surfaces they create, you set boundary conditions to keep curvature continuity and control the shape near its boundary.

From the Conditions tab, define conditions for end sections and outermost rails, select the condition from the list, and then specify the desired options. The available conditions are dependent on the loft, its sections, and the options selected. The default Free Condition applies no boundary conditions and allows Inventor to naturally transition the shape.

With 2D-sketched sections, in addition to the weight, you set the Angle. This angle is measured relative to the section plane.

With most conditions, you set the weight. This unitless factor influences the condition. The higher the weight, the more the section shape extends before transitioning into the next shape. Be careful with the weight, as large values can cause twisting or self-intersecting faces.

When the section (or rail) is next to a surface or when the section is a face, you can manage the curvature continuity. In these situations, the default Free condition is surface normal, meaning the surface is perpendicular to the edge or face.

Tangent creates a G1 continuity. The surface normal matches along the meeting edges, like how fillets work.

Use Smooth to create G2 continuity. The amount of curvature matches along all meeting edges. This creates the smoothest transition between sections.

Use the flip toggle to change the direction the section moves away toward the next profile.

Points

To loft to a point, the point must be at the start or at the end of the loft.

Use the Conditions tab to manage how the loft transitions into the point. The default is Sharp Point, meaning no condition is applied. Inventor transitions naturally, creating a pointed or cone-shaped tip on the feature.

Select Tangent when you want the shape to transition into a rounded, dome-shaped point.

As the name applies, Tangent to Plane requires a work plane or a planar face. This condition applies tangency to the point using the selected plane for direction.

Transition

Inventor automatically maps the points, managing how one section transitions into the next. To change the mapping manually, uncheck Automatic Mapping.

Point Sets are the calculated points, providing a connection from one section to the next. After selecting the Set in the dialog, you can select new point locations in the canvas. You are limited to selecting point locations along the existing section. Inventor snaps to endpoints, midpoints and other locations.

Inventor also lists the Map Point location in the dialog, highlighting the object type involved. You can adjust the Position, which is a percentage along the object (0 being one end, 0.5 in the middle, and 1 at the other end).

Select Click to insert another connection between sections. To remove a set, you need to select it in the dialog and press the Delete key.

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