This topic has burdened Inventor users in FIRST for
years. Short verdict: its possible, but it would lag your assembly more than anyone could possible stand, and as such, its not worth it.
The only way to really create chain in Inventor is to CAD a model of the pin, side plate (outer), side plate (inner) and retainer. After doing this,
Constrain, Constrain, Constrain. The only possible way of achieving the effect is by calculating the EXACT number of links, and creating an assembly in which the links follow the correct path. Two circular figures (comparable to the sprockets) must be inserted into the subassembly and made invisible. You'll need to set several parameters, and eventually insert it into the main assembly as a dynamic part.
This will make your assembly unusable due to the lag time and is only really effective as a visual phenomenon to be displayed
on its own, not in a robot assembly.
Creating a chain/sprocket system using the Chain Generator will probably suit you
much better. While you may be deterred by the horrendously ugly blue belt, as I was, it can be improved upon. By opening it up in part view, you can change the material top "
Metal- Steel (Oxidized)", which looks not very much unlike real chain. Make sure, however, to make the
Design Accelerator either flexible or dynamic. You may also choose to right click the Accelerator in the tree, and un-check "Calculate". This would be preferable if upon initial creation of the chain, it errors saying that the path cannot be calculated.
Good Luck!
Feel free to email me at
msimon@msedesign.netfor any Inventor help!