Over the fall I have been busy learning Autodesk inventor 2012, and as it comes close to the 2012 build season, I want to be completely or mostly functional in my ability to use it. I realize that time is running out and I might not be able to do all of the tutorials that I want to. My question is simple: What tutorials do I need? Which can I exclude?
Thanks!
Be sure to know the basics of sketching, how to properly constraint sketches so that they aren’t overconstrainted and they will adapt properly when/if dimensions are changed. In addition learn how to properly use constraints in assemblies so that pieces don’t suddenly do odd things or/ create a model that doesn’t allow you to accurately represent your robot. Depending on your manufacturing facilities and what your team uses, the sheetmetal tool is very useful if you use sheetmetal in your robot designs. Also, look at design accelerators if you want to accurately create gears/chain drives that will stand up to any stresses they encounters. Also know how to make correct drawings or the people making the parts may not be too happy. I have some first hand experince with that last point. If you have any specific questions let me know.
That’s a pretty good list. Doubly focus on constraining assemblies, because FRC robots tend to be primarily COTS parts. You can just download the models off the internet and stick them in the right places.
Most of the more complex tools are unnecessary to make your robot work fine.
Essentials:
Learning the software environment, and the various toolbars and panels.
Setting up a project file, and managing your files.
Using all the view tools (rotate, pan, zoom, etc).
2D Sketch tools (line, circle, arc, rectangle, trim, mirror) and sketch constraints (parallel, colinear, tangent, etc).
Extrude, Extrude Cut, Revolve, Revolve Cut, and Hole features (3D).
Fillets, in 2D sketches and 3D features.
Linear and circular patterns, both in 2D sketching and 3D features.
The “Project Geometry” sketch tool, and making parts adaptive/linked
Placing IPT part files into IAM assembly files and properly constraining them (typically “Mate” constraints) and learning where and how to click to get the constraints you want, and getting fast at doing this.
Creating IDW drawing files with proper dimensioning (and tolerancing).
If you can do all of the above, that’s 95% of what you’ll need.
And for learning most of these things, Inventor has some pretty good and comprehensive built in tutorials. They should be on the Getting Started tab. Take a look.
May I suggest http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Inventor/enu/Community/Built_by_Design this is an inventor tutorial series specifically for FIRST…:yikes:
Thanks for all of the useful info! I am putting it all to work and I beleive I should be ready by January 7th!
Great to hear you are looking at learning Autodesk Inventor. The list provided by others is good, particularly the new Built by Design videos.
In addition there are tutorials created by myself on the Autodesk FIRST student community page. Lots of exercises and a series of videos built around a FIRST robot part. For example, here is a link to the project file tutorial.
Let me know if you have any questions.