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Unread 07-11-2010, 10:07
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Re: Inventor Pro Help if Possible

Just like in real life, constraints are used to link parts or assemblies together in an assembly. So, constraints are only available when you are working in an assembly file (*.iam)

As far as I know, constraints just "anchor" a piece in one axis. (I'm new to CAD too, so I there may be more to constraints than just that...) So, if you want to just anchor a module on a piece of plastic, you must constrain it 3 times:

Constraint 1. Bottom of module to plastic piece (offset = 0in)
Constraint 2. Front of module flush to front edge of plastic sheet (offset = However many inches you want, I used 5in)
Constraint 3. Side of module flush to side edge of plastic sheet (offset = However many inches you want I used 5in)

Here are some pictures to illustrate.

If you can't get the constraint tool to select what you want it to, (i.e. it's selecting an axis instead of a plane), hover the mouse and click the arrows that appear below the current constraint. (Constraint3selecting.jpg)

Hope this helps!
Andrew
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