Autodesk Inventor is a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) program focused on robust mechanical modeling and design. Developed by Autodesk, it is used for design communication, mechanical design, product simulation, tool creation, documentation, visualization, and digital prototyping. This allows users to develop 3D models to exact specifications to help them visualize, design, and simulate products and make modifications before they go into production.
Inventor includes direct assembly, freeform modeling, and parametric tools along with the ability to translate multiple CADs into your regular DVG drawings. It provides assembly stress analysis and motion simulation to determine how a particular design or component would behave in a real-life scenario. Dynamic components, drive, and friction loads, combined with dynamic simulation capabilities ensure design accuracy.
Whole cars or just parts of them, for example, can be designed, analyzed, and simulated to ensure that their weight and power are sufficient for their specific application. Moreover, areas of high stress and areas of unnecessary and unwanted vibration can be located and mitigated, engines can even be dimensioned within the program to optimize vehicle energy consumption.
One important feature to note is that Autodesk Inventor uses its proprietary file formats for its parts and assemblies. These files are then exported to DVG (drawing) format, but the most commonly used file format used by Inventor is Design Web Format (DVF).
What is Inventor used for?
Autodesk Inventor is used in a variety of fields, including architecture, the automotive industry, construction, engineering, and more. Users can create sheet metal components and solid models via Autodesk’s ShapeManager, its proprietary geometric modeling kernel.
Inventor allows its users to work on large assemblies and take advantage of its design features to create kinematic models and conceptual sketches of assemblies and parts. Time is money in all areas, no matter what industry you work in the project timeline is always essential for its success, which is said, Inventor speeds up the design process by automating certain parts, such as advanced geometry creation of intelligent parts, such as wire belts, steel frames, and rotating machines.
Like all 3D CAD programs that are credible in the design software space, Inventor has a whole host of options when it comes to simulation functions. This helps the user to develop the right product and reduce excess production costs. The inventory also includes functions for parts and assemblies that allow voltage analysis and motion simulation. Movement, stress, and deflection can be applied to the user’s design, and the results can be seen in real time so that the design can be modified if necessary before production. Autodesk Inventor has many more, including the use of injection molding accessories, sheet metal design, frames, and chains. Their collaboration with a shared view also allows everyone to comment and view models via Autodesk Viewer.