Inventor to AutoCAD

[rmmlg]

We just got AutoCAD from FIRST (as I'm sure all the rest of you have too) and I became rather proficient with Inventor last year. I have used AutoCAD 2002 in Mechanical Drawing class in order to model a house. I like many things about AutoCAD better than Inventor (namely the command line) so I would like to switch over. I noticed that AutoCAD doesn't appear to have parts and assemblies like Inventor does, but instead has layers (I'm assuming that layers are analagous to ipt files in some way). Does anyone have suggestions for switching from Inventor to AutoCAD?

[Tristan Lall]

Originally Posted by rmmlg

We just got AutoCAD from FIRST (as I'm sure all the rest of you have too) and I became rather proficient with Inventor last year. I have used AutoCAD 2002 in Mechanical Drawing class in order to model a house.

Fine, but AutoCAD and Inventor are intended for different things. There is no Inventor Architectural; once you realize that they serve different purposes, the reason for this becomes obvious.

Originally Posted by rmmlg

I like many things about AutoCAD better than Inventor (namely the command line) so I would like to switch over. I noticed that AutoCAD doesn't appear to have parts and assemblies like Inventor does, but instead has layers (I'm assuming that layers are analagous to ipt files in some way).

Layers can be analogous to parts, if you happen to design things that way, but certainly that's not valid in general. Inventor is based upon assemblies of 3D solid models; AutoCAD is typically used for orthographic projections and planar layouts--nobody in their right mind uses AutoCAD's 3D mode for actual design work (it exists to simplify export of AutoCAD data into other, 3D-based programs). AutoCAD simply isn't designed to accomodate engineering data for parts themselves (mass, volume, material, etc.) [Edit: There are ways, but they are very rudimentary...try setting regions, and getting the enclosed area, then multiplying by the thickness and density--clearly this won't work most of the time], nor is it particularly well-suited to parametric modelling (AutoCAD's associative dimensions are a pale shadow--and even Inventor isn't great for this).

Originally Posted by rmmlg

Does anyone have suggestions for switching from Inventor to AutoCAD?

Don't?

If you really want to use AutoCAD's 3D mode, but still retain some sort of Inventor capability (and I assume you do, otherwise, why would you ask how to make the switch, instead of just doing it, and donating your 25+ licences to another worthy FIRST team), you can export to some convienient format, and import it into the other program. I've never tried this, but I should hope that both support 3D .dxf files. Inventor may not be able to read and assemble these, though.

Actually, if you're looking to make engineering drawings, AutoCAD has a better interface for complex tasks, but at the cost of all of the parametric information. (I like drawings that try to update themselves when the model changes, and you should too!*) If it's just a quick drawing, do it in Inventor by choosing your sketch dimensions carefully, then creating an .idw file with the required views and dimensions. It can be much, much faster than going through AutoCAD.

*Except when their geometry fails to resolve. Then it's a pain.

[sanddrag]

I know it isn't provided in the KOP but Solidworks is a quite lovely program that strongly rivals Inventor.

[Tristan Lall]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

I know it isn't provided in the KOP but Solidworks is a quite lovely program that strongly rivals Inventor.

And Pro/E beats them both up and steals their lunch money. Actually, Solidworks is getting better, though Inventor is considered very low-end (but if you don't have to pay for it...).

(But Pro/E has some internal issues...it needs to go see a guidance counsellor.)

[rmmlg]

So is AutoCAD more an architectural software and Inventor more an engineering software? Like, can AutoCAD be used only really for architectural stuff?

[petek]

Originally Posted by rmmlg

So is AutoCAD more an architectural software and Inventor more an engineering software? Like, can AutoCAD be used only really for architectural stuff?

No, AutoCAD can be (and is) used for many different kinds of work, including such things as architectural, mapping, electrical and mechanical design and documentation. What is isn't is a true 3D or solids design application, which Inventor, ProE and Solidworks are. AutoCAD is still well-suited for many 2D applications, however.

[Squirrelrock]

Originally Posted by petek

AutoCAD is still well-suited for many 2D applications, however.

And 3D. I use it over Inventor every time. Yeah, I know, Inventor has parametric modeling. But when you already know the dimensions of the item that you are drawing, then you don't need parametric modeling. I have used AutoCAD 2002 to model the 2004 robot, as well as seen an extremely detailed drawing of the 2003 Robot (both in 3D.)

It's not that hard to use, you just need to get used to the different commands needed to operate in 3D.

Okay, go ahead, tell me where I'm wrong ~:-)>.

[Tristan Lall]

Originally Posted by Squirrelrock

And 3D. I use it over Inventor every time. Yeah, I know, Inventor has parametric modeling. But when you already know the dimensions of the item that you are drawing, then you don't need parametric modeling. I have used AutoCAD 2002 to model the 2004 robot, as well as seen an extremely detailed drawing of the 2003 Robot (both in 3D.)

It's not that hard to use, you just need to get used to the different commands needed to operate in 3D.

Okay, go ahead, tell me where I'm wrong ~:-)>.

If you have to know all of the dimensions already, it can hardly be considered a 3D design tool. If you just want to have a model, and never want to make any substantial changes to it (without extreme effort), AutoCAD is fine, and so is 3D Studio Max; otherwise, use something else.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Guys,
I use Autocad for 3D all the time. It allows me to draw up a room add speakers and aim them, position accoustic materials and view the finished room without having to build it. Granted, I am not designing new parts for production, Mechanical Desktop and Autodesk's other products are more suited for that. ACAD does a nice job of getting your thoughts on paper, documenting as built structures and devices, calculating cable run lengths, conduit needs and plotting all of the above on paper. It is a powerful tool, don't sell it short.
I once used ACAD 3D to model the intersection of our satellite receive path in relation to O'Hare Airport 27 Left runway glide slope. This gave me the proof I needed that approach radars were getting into our satellite signals.

[Stu Bloom]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Guys,
I use Autocad for 3D all the time. It allows me to draw up a room add speakers and aim them, position accoustic materials and view the finished room without having to build it. Granted, I am not designing new parts for production, Mechanical Desktop and Autodesk's other products are more suited for that. ACAD does a nice job of getting your thoughts on paper, documenting as built structures and devices, calculating cable run lengths, conduit needs and plotting all of the above on paper. It is a powerful tool, don't sell it short.
I once used ACAD 3D to model the intersection of our satellite receive path in relation to O'Hare Airport 27 Left runway glide slope. This gave me the proof I needed that approach radars were getting into our satellite signals.

I am very impressed Al. Must be that Bradley education (My daughter is a sophomore there now).

I agree that AutoCad has its uses, however I much prefer the parametric solid modelers (I have used about 5 different ones over the past 10 years, and 8 or 9 different CAD programs total over the past 20 years).

[Tytus Gerrish]

i can'r satnd using inventor because of the lack of the comand line. in mechanical desktop there is a model database of fasteners and everything you may need. layers are great too. and with express tools you cna download new tools for autocad. like a recent one i downloaded was helix with i can draw screws and fan blades and sprinfs snd such with.

I tried inventor and hated it because its such a blasted hastle to click on a button for everyting not to mention its realy hard to model on it.

So I Vote

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