Inventor is a software program that creates 3D objects. It is a very efficient, easy way to create step by step plans one would not be able to create freehand. Inventor reduces the risk of manufacturing error, and produces accurate building stages of any tangible project desired by the designer.
1. Open Inventor
2. Select, "New Sketch"
3. Draw and extrude a 1" by 1" square
4. Mark out using the line tool, a 1" by .5" by .25" rectangle and extrude it into the square created in step three.
5. Draw a .25" by .175" by 1" rectangle and extrude into the box on the right hand side, .25" down from the top, flush with the right edge.
6. Repeat step five on the left hand side.
7. Draw a triangle dimensions, .5" by .25" down from the top, extruded into the top of the square, centered .5" from right to left.
2. Select, "New Sketch"
3. Draw and extrude a 1" by 1" square
4. Mark out using the line tool, a 1" by .5" by .25" rectangle and extrude it into the square created in step three.
5. Draw a .25" by .175" by 1" rectangle and extrude into the box on the right hand side, .25" down from the top, flush with the right edge.
6. Repeat step five on the left hand side.
7. Draw a triangle dimensions, .5" by .25" down from the top, extruded into the top of the square, centered .5" from right to left.
Steps, 1-5
Steps, 6-7
Below are other examples of objects that can be created using Inventor
Below is a screenshot of what the widget looks like after being adjusted for 3D printing on Makerbot.
Below is a screenshot of what the Makerbot formatted widget looks like in the preview window, before printing.
The images below are during the process of a widget printing.
This is the final product, after the process of Inventor, Makerbot, and 3D printing.
After our introduction to Inventor, we were assigned to sketch out 6 widgets, before we sketched them up in Inventor. These are what 2 of the 6 widgets, as they are called, look like before they were made in Inventor.
Over the process of learning about Inventor, I have realized that it will be a very useful tool for me in the near future. Not only will it expand my capabilities of what I am able to do, but I will gain a general understanding about computer software. I am excited to use the CNC machines more than the 3D printers, simply because I love working with raw material. I am impressed with the broad content of Inventor, and will enjoy being able to use it more in the future. I can't wait to learn more!
Over the process of learning about Inventor, I have realized that it will be a very useful tool for me in the near future. Not only will it expand my capabilities of what I am able to do, but I will gain a general understanding about computer software. I am excited to use the CNC machines more than the 3D printers, simply because I love working with raw material. I am impressed with the broad content of Inventor, and will enjoy being able to use it more in the future. I can't wait to learn more!