This chapter introduces and demonstrates how to create 3D models. The tools associated with the 3D Model panel are presented along with examples of how they are applied to convert 2D sketches into 3D solid models.
Extrude
The Extrude tool is used to convert 2D sketches into 3D solid models. See Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1
Start a new drawing using the Standard (in).ipt format.
Draw a 3.000 × 6.000 rectangle.
Right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option. Click the Extrude tool located on the Create panel under the 3D Model tab.
The Extrude dialog box will appear. As there is only one sketch on the screen, it will automatically be selected as the profile.
Set the thickness value for 1.50.
Click OK or the green checkmark.
Note
The extrusion distance can also be changed by clicking and dragging the arrow located in the center of the face to be extruded.
Taper
The sides of the object drawn in Figure 3-1 are at 90° to each other. The Extrude tool also allows for tapered sides, that is, sides that are not 90° to each other. See Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2
Right-click the word Extrusion1 in the browser box.
A dialog box will appear.
Click the Edit Feature option.
The Extrude dialog box will reappear.
Click the Advanced Properties option.
Enter a Taper angle of 20.0 deg.
Click OK.
Editing an Object’s Sketch
Click the Undo tool to return the tapered object to its original square shape. The object was based on a 3.00 × 6.00 rectangle. Say we wish to change that original size to 3.50 × 5.50. See Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3
Double-click the dimension to be edited.
A Properties dialog box will appear.
Enter a new value.
Click the green checkmark.
Repeat the procedure for all dimensions to be edited.
Click the Extrude tool.
Click OK.
Editing an Object’s Features
The thickness of the object can also be edited. See Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-4
Right-click the word Extension1 in the browser box and click the Edit Feature option.
The Properties dialog box will reappear.
Change the thickness to .50 and click OK.
Note
Shapes created with tools from the 3D Model panel are features. Shapes created with the tools from the Sketch panel are sketches. The sketches are listed under the features in the browser box. Both sketches and features can be edited in an existing object.
A shape created with the tools from the Sketch panel.
ViewCube
This section will use the .5 × 3.50 × 5.50 box created previously. See Figure 3-5.
Figure 3-5
The ViewCube is located in the upper right of the drawing screen and is used to change the orientation of an object.
Move the cursor to the top corner of the ViewCube as shown.
The corner will be highlighted by three small surface planes.
Click and drag the corner point.
Drag the object to a new orientation using the ViewCube.
In this example, an orientation was chosen that exposed the bottom surface of the object.
Click the house-like icon located above the ViewCube to return the object to its original orientation.
To Add a Flange
Right-click the bottom surface of the object and select the New Sketch option.
Use the ViewCube to reorient the object so you can see the bottom surface if necessary.
Inventor can draw on only one plane at a time. The New Sketch option has now created a new sketching plane (note the grid pattern) aligned with the bottom surface of the object. See Figure 3-6.
Figure 3-6
Use the Rectangle tool and draw a rectangle aligned with the bottom surface of the object.
Use the Dimension tool to define the length of the rectangle as 5.00.
The width of the rectangle will be 5.50, as it was aligned with the bottom surface of the object.
Right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option. Click the Extrude tool.
Click the sketched rectangle as the profile. Also, click the bottom surface of the existing rectangle.
Set the thickness value for .50 and flip the extrusion to extend up into the existing object.
Click the Join command next to the Boolean heading and click OK.
Move the cursor into the ViewCube area and click the Home icon (it looks like a small house).
This will return the object to the isometric orientation.
Now we will add another flange to the top surface of the object. See Figure 3-7.
Figure 3-7
Right-click the top surface of the object and select the New Sketch option.
Align the new sketch with the top surface and extend it a distance of 3.50.
Right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option.
Extrude the new sketch .50 into the existing sketch.
Click the Join command next to the Boolean heading and click OK.
Revolve
The Revolve tool is used to revolve a profile about an axis of revolution. See Figure 3-8.
Figure 3-8
Start a new drawing using the Standard (mm).ipt format, click the Start 2D Sketch tool, and select the XY plane.
Sketch the enclosed figure and vertical line shown.
Click the 3D Model tab and select the Revolve tool.
The Revolve dialog box will appear.
Select the enclosed shape as the Profile.
Select the vertical line as the Axis.
Click OK.
Use the ViewCube to orient the object.
Figure 3-9 shows a sphere created as a revolved object.
Figure 3-9
Holes
Holes can be created using an extruded cut circle, as was done in the first two chapters, or by using the Hole tool located on the Modify panel under the 3D Model tab. The Hole tool allows for hole shapes other than straight-through holes, including blind holes, counterbored and countersunk holes, and threaded holes.
To Create a Through Hole
Figure 3-10 shows a 40 × 40 × 60 mm box. Locate a Ø20.0 simple hole through its center.
Figure 3-10
Click the top surface and make it a New Sketch.
Use the Point tool and locate a point at the center of the top surface.
Right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option.
Click the 3D Model tab.
Click the Hole tool.
The Hole tool will automatically select the point.
Specify the hole’s diameter.
Click OK.
To Create a Blind Hole
A blind hole is a hole that does not go completely through an object. Figure 3-11 shows a 40 × 40 × 50 box. Locate a Ø20 hole in the center of the top surface with a depth of 25.
A hole that does not go completely through an object.
Start a new drawing using the Standard (mm).ipt format, click the Start 2D Sketch tool, select the XZ plane, and sketch the 40 × 40 × 50 box as shown.
Right-click the top surface of the box and click the New Sketch option.
Use the Point and Dimension tools and locate a point in at the center of the top surface.
Twist drills have a conical endpoint that makes it easier for them to drill holes. This conical shape is included in the drawing. It is not considered part of the hole depth.
Right-click the object and click the Finish 2D Sketch option.
Click the Hole tool.
The hole will automatically be located on the center point on the top surface.
Click the Behavior option and ensure that the hole’s diameter is 20 mm and set the depth for 25.
Click OK.
Rotate the object to verify that it has a depth; you can see the bottom.
Fillet
A fillet is a rounded corner. 2D fillets were covered in Chapter 2; see Figure 2-20. In this section, you will create 3D fillets. See Figure 3-12.
Figure 3-12
Use the Undo tool and return the box created for the Hole tools to a plain 40 × 40 × 50 box.
Click the Fillet tool located on the Modify panel under the 3D Model tab.
Start a new drawing using the Standard (mm).ipt format, click the Create 2D Sketch tool, and select the XZ plane.
Draw a 5 × 15 × 20 box.
Select the Fillet tool from the Modify panel bar under the 3D Model tab.
Click the Variable tab.
Select the edge for the fillet.
Define the Start radius.
In this example, a value of 1 mm was selected.
Click the word End and define a value.
In this example, a value of 3 mm was selected.
Click OK.
Chamfer
The Chamfer tool is used to create beveled edges. See Figure 3-17. Chamfers are defined by specifying linear setback distances or by specifying a setback distance and an angle. Most chamfers have equal setback distances or an angle of 45°.
Figure 3-17
Click the Chamfer tool located on the Modify panel under the 3D Model tab.
The Chamfer dialog box will appear. The first option box on the left side of the Chamfer dialog box is used to create chamfers with equal distances.
Set the distance for 1 mm.
Select the edges to be chamfered.
Click Apply, and Cancel or click the checkmark.
The chamfers drawn in Figure 3-17 were defined using two equal distances, creating a 45° chamfer. Chamfers may also be defined using a distance and an angle. Figure 3-18 shows a 2 × 60° chamfer. Chamfers may also be defined using two unequal distances. Figure 3-19 shows a 3 × 6 chamfer.
Figure 3-18
Figure 3-19
The format for the most common chamfer note is 0.25 × 45° CHAMFER. The note specifies a distance and 45° angle, resulting in two equal lengths.
Face Draft
The Face Draft tool is used to create angled surfaces. See Figure 3-20. A 5 × 20 × 10 box was used to demonstrate the Face tool.
Figure 3-20
Click the Draft tool located on the Modify panel under the 3D Model tab.
The Face Draft dialog box will appear.
Click the right front surface of the object to define this surface as the Pull Direction.
Click the top surface of the box.
Enter a Draft Angle value of 15 deg.
Click OK.
Use the Undo tool to return the object to its rectangular shape.
Click the Face Draft tool and again click the right front surface of the object.
Click the Faces option and then click the top surface of the box.
Click the surface near or on the back edge of the surface.
Click OK.
Note the differences in the resulting face drafts. Several surfaces can be drafted at the same time. See Figure 3-21.
Figure 3-21
Shell
The Shell tool is used to create thin-walled objects from existing models. Figure 3-22 shows a 12 × 30 × 20 model.
Figure 3-22
Click the Shell tool located on the Modify panel under the 3D Model tab.
The Shell dialog box will appear. There are three different ways to define a shell, which are accessed by the three boxes on the left side of the Shell dialog box. The options are as follows:
Tip
Inside: The external wall of the existing model will become the external wall of the shell.
Outside: The external wall of the existing model will become the internal wall of the shell.
Both Sides: The existing outside wall will become the center of the shell; half the thickness will be added to the outside and half to the inside.
Click the Inside option.
Click on the front surface of the model, then click OK.
Shells may be created from any shape model. Figure 3-23 shows a cone that has been used to create a hollow, thin-walled cone.
The Split tool is used to trim away a portion of a model. See Figure 3-25. A sketch line is used to define the location and angle of the split.
Figure 3-25
Exercise 3-2Defining the Split Line
Click the left front surface of the 12 × 30 × 20 model.
The surface will change color.
Right-click the mouse and select the New Sketch option.
A grid will appear on the screen oriented to the selected face.
Click the Line tool and sketch a line across the front left surface.
Right-click the mouse and select the OK option.
Use the Dimension tool to locate the line as shown.
Exercise 3-3Splitting the Model
Right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option.
Click the Split tool located on the Modify panel under the 3D Model tab.
The Split dialog box will appear. See Figure 3-26.
Figure 3-26
Click the Split Tool option.
Click the sketch line.
Select the Trim Solid option.
Use the Remove option to define which side of the model is to be removed.
The split arrow should be pointing upward.
Click OK.
Figure 3-27 shows a split that was created using a sketched circle. The arrow that appears on the top surface indicates the direction of removal.
Figure 3-27
Mirror
The Mirror tool is used to create mirror images of an existing model. See Figure 3-28.
Figure 3-28
Click the Mirror tool located on the Pattern panel under the 3D Model tab.
The Mirror dialog box will appear.
Click the Features option. (It should be on automatically.)
Click the model.
Click the Mirror Plane box.
Select one of the model’s surfaces as a mirror plane.
Click OK.
Rectangular Pattern
The Rectangular Pattern tool is used to create a rectangular array of an existing model feature. Figure 3-29 shows a 30 × 40 × 5 plate with a Ø5 hole located 5 mm from each edge.
Figure 3-29
Click the Rectangular Pattern tool located on the Pattern panel under the 3D Model tab.
The Rectangular Pattern dialog box will appear. The Features box will automatically be active.
Click the hole.
The hole is the feature.
Click the arrow in the Direction 1 box, then click the back left edge of the model to define direction 1.
Use the Flip option in the Direction 1 box to reverse the direction if necessary.
Set the Count value for 3 and the Spacing value for 10.
Click the arrow in the Direction 2 box, then click the front left edge of the model to define direction 2.
Use the Flip option in the Direction 2 box to reverse the direction if necessary.
Set the Count value for 4 and the Spacing for 10.
Click OK.
Circular Pattern
The Circular Pattern tool is used to create a polar array of an existing model feature. Figure 3-30 shows a Ø40 cylinder 5 mm high with two Ø5 holes. One hole is located in the center of the model; the second is located 15 mm from the center.
Figure 3-30
Click the Circular Pattern tool located on the Modify panel bar under the 3D Model tab.
The Circular Pattern dialog box will appear. The Features box will automatically be active.
Click the hole to be used to create the circular pattern.
Click the Rotation Axis button, and click the center hole.
Set the Count value for 8 and the Angle value for 360°.
Click OK.
Sketch Planes
Sketches are created on sketch planes. Any surface on a model may become a sketch plane. As models become more complex, they require the use of additional sketch planes.
A 2D plane drawn on any surface or work plane on a model used for sketching.
Figure 3-31 shows a model that was created using several different sketch planes. The model is a composite of basic geometric shapes added to one another.
Figure 3-31
Exercise 3-4Creating the Base
Start a new drawing using the metric Standard (mm).ipt settings, click the Start 2D Sketch option, and select the XZ plane.
Click the Two Point Rectangle tool and sketch a 10 × 20 rectangle. Right-click the mouse and click the Finish 2D Sketch option. Click the Home tool to create an isometric orientation.
Click the 3D Model tab and click the Extrude tool on the Create panel.
The Extrude dialog box will appear.
Set the extrusion height for 2 mm and click OK.
Exercise 3-5Creating the Vertical Portion
The rectangular vertical back portion of the model will be created by first defining a new sketch plane on the top surface of the base, then by sketching and extruding a rectangle that will be joined to the existing base. See Figure 3-33.
Figure 3-33
Click the top surface of the base.
The surface will change color, indicating that it has been selected.
Right-click the top surface of the base.
The surface will change color, indicating that it has been selected.
Select the New Sketch option.
A new grid pattern will appear aligned with the top surface of the base. This is a new sketch plane.
Click the Two Point Rectangle tool and sketch a 2 × 20 rectangle on the top surface so that it is aligned with the back edge of the base.
Note that the cursor changes from yellow to green when it is aligned with the plane’s corner point.
Right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option. Click the Extrude tool.
Select the 2 × 20 rectangle and set the extrusion height for 8, then click OK.
Note that the surfaces are unioned together to form one object. See Figure 3-34.
Figure 3-34
Exercise 3-6Adding Holes to the Vertical Surface
Click the front edge of the vertical surface.
The surface will change color, indicating that it has been selected.
Right-click the mouse and select the New Sketch option.
A grid will appear on the surface. This is a new sketch plane. The diameter 5.0 holes are located 4 mm from the top edge and from each of the side edges. See Figure 3-35.
Figure 3-35
Use the Point, Center Point, and the Dimension tools to locate the center points for the two holes.
Right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option. Click the Hole tool.
The Hole dialog box will appear.
Set the Termination for Through All and the diameter value for 5, then click the Centers option on the Hole dialog box and the center points for the holes.
Click OK.
Exercise 3-7Creating the Cutout
Create a new sketch plane on the top surface of the base.
The cutout is 3 deep with edges 5 from each end of the model.
Use the Two Point Rectangle and Dimension tools to define the cutout’s size.
Right-click the mouse and click the Finish 2D Sketch option. Click the Extrude tool.
The Extrude dialog box will appear. See Figure 3-36.
Figure 3-36
Select the cutout rectangle as the Profile, set the extrusion distance for 2 and the direction arrow for a direction into the model, and select the Cut option.
Click the OK box.
Editing a 3D Model
3D models may be edited; that is, dimensions and features may be changed at any time. For example, suppose the 3D model drawn in the last section and shown in Figures 3-31 through 3-36 requires some changes. The 20 mm length is to be changed to 25, the holes are to be changed from Ø5 to Ø3, and fillets are to be added on the front corners.
There are two types of edits: edit sketch and edit features. The Edit Sketch tool applies to shapes created using the Sketch panel tools, for example, Line, Rectangle, and Circle. The Edit Feature tool applies to shapes created using the 3D Model panel bar tools, for example, Extrude, Hole, and Split.
Exercise 3-8Changing the Model’s Length
Move the cursor into the browser box and click the arrowhead to the left of Extrusion1.
See Figure 3-37. The arrowhead will rotate and turn black, and a Sketch1 heading will appear.
Figure 3-37
Right-click Sketch1, then select the Edit Sketch option.
Right-click Hole1 in the browser box and select the Edit Feature option.
The Hole: Hole1 dialog box will appear.
Change the hole’s diameter to 3 mm.
Click OK.
Exercise 3-10Adding a Fillet
Fillets and other features may be added to an existing 3D model using the tools on the 3D Model panels. See Figure 3-40.
Figure 3-40
Click the Fillet tool on the Modify panel.
Set the radius value to 2 mm.
Click the Edge box.
Click the four edges shown in Figure 3-40. Click OK.
Tip
The default planes are listed in the browser box under the Origin heading.
Default Planes and Axes
Inventor includes three default planes and three default axes. The three default planes are YZ, XZ, and XY, and the three axes are X, Y, and Z. The default planes and axis tools are accessed through the browser. See Figure 3-41.
Click the arrowhead to the left of the Origin heading.
The default plane and axis headings will cascade down.
Exercise 3-11Displaying the Default Planes and Axes
Figure 3-42 shows a Ø30 × 16 cylinder that was drawn with its center point on the 0,0,0 origin. The base of the cylinder is on the XY plane. Inventor sketches are automatically created on the default XY axis.
Figure 3-42
Click the arrowhead next to Origin in the browser box.
Move the cursor onto the XZ Plane tool.
A plane outline will appear on the screen. It will be red.
Click the XZ Plane tool.
The plane’s color will change to blue.
Move the cursor to the XY Plane tool.
A red XY plane will appear.
Move the cursor to the Y Axis tool.
The Y axis will appear.
Move the cursor through all the tools and note the planes and axes that appear.
Work Planes
Work planes are planes used for sketching, but unlike sketch planes, work planes are not created using the surfaces of models. Work planes are created independently of the model. Work planes may be created outside or within the body of a model. Work planes are used when no sketch plane is available.
A listing of related topics will appear. Click the topic you need.
For this example, About Work Planes was selected. See Figure 3-45.
Figure 3-45
Sample Problem SP3-1
Figure 3-46 shows a Ø20 × 10 cylinder that was sketched aligned with the system’s origin. The sketch was created on the default XZ plane.
Figure 3-46
Create a Ø4 hole through the cylinder so that its centerline is parallel to the XY plane and 5 above the plane.
The sides of the cylinder cannot be used as a sketch plane, so a work plane is needed. Either the YZ or XZ plane could be used. In this example, the YZ plane was used.
Exercise 3-12Creating a Tangent Work Plane
Click the Plane tool on the Work Features panel.
Click the YZ Plane tool in the browser area; then click the Plane tool in the Work features panel.
A YZ plane will appear on the screen. See Figure 3-47.
Figure 3-47
Move the cursor and click the lower outside edge of the cylinder.
A work plane will be created tangent to the cylinder.
Right-click one of the corners of the work plane (yellow circles will appear) and select the New Sketch option.
A grid will appear on the Offset Plane.
Exercise 3-13Creating the Hole through the Cylinder
Click the Sketch tab and click the Circle tool.
Sketch a hole with its center point located on the darker vertical line.
Use the Dimension tool to create a Ø4 circle with its center point located 5 from the top surface of the cylinder. Right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option.
Click the 3D Model tab and select the Extrude tool.
The Extrude dialog box will appear.
Set the extrusion distance for 20 in a direction that passes through the cylinder, and select the Cut option.
Click OK.
The Point, Center Point, and Hole tools can also be used to create the hole.
Hiding Work Planes
Work planes may be hidden by right-clicking one of the corners of the work plane and selecting the Visibility option. See Figure 3-47.
Note
Do not delete the work plane, as this will also delete all commands associated with the work plane.
Restoring a Work Plane
To restore a hidden work plane, right-click the work plane’s reference in the browser box and select the Visibility option.
Angled Work Planes
Work planes may be created at an angle to a model. For example, suppose a Ø10 hole must be drilled through the 30 × 50 × 10 box shown in Figure 3-48 at a 45° angle. Only extrusions perpendicular to a plane can be created, so a plane 45° to the top surface of the box is needed.
Figure 3-48
Exercise 3-14Creating an Angled Work Plane
Create the 30 × 50 × 10 box, select the Work Axis tool located on the Work Features panel under the 3D Model tab, and create a work axis by clicking the Axis tool on the Work Features panel under the 3D Model tab, and selecting the On Line or Edge option, and selecting the edge of the block as shown.
Draw a Ø50 × 30 cylinder centered on the origin of the XZ plane.
Click the arrow under the Plane tool on the Work Features panel under the 3D Model tab, and select the Offset from Plane option.
Click the YZ Plane in the browser box.
The work plane will appear at the center of the cylinder.
Specify the offset distance, and click the checkmark.
In this example, a value of 50 was used.
Right-click one of the work plane’s corner points and select the New Sketch option.
A grid will appear.
Draw and locate a Ø15 circle as shown.
Right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option.
Select the Extrude tool, then select the circle as the profile and extrude it 100 mm through the large cylinder.
Click OK.
Right-click the mouse and click the Visibility option to hide the work plane.
Work Points
Work points are defined points on a model. They are used to help locate work planes and work axes. There are nine options associated with the Work Point tool. See Figure 3-51.
A defined point on a model used to help locate work planes and work axes.
Exercise 3-16Defining a Work Point
Click on the Work Point tool located on the Work Features panel under the 3D Model tab.
Select the location for the work points and click the mouse.
In the example, shown in Figure 3-52, the midpoint of the left edge was selected along with the lower front corner. The cursor will snap to the midpoint of the edge.
Figure 3-52
The work points created will be listed in the browser box.
Exercise 3-17Creating an Oblique Work Plane Using Work Points
An oblique work plane may be created using work points. Figure 3-52 shows a 20 × 30 × 24 rectangular box.
Create three work points on the prism: two on the midpoints of the vertical edges, and one at the lower corner, as shown in Figure 3-53.
Figure 3-53
Click on the Work Plane tool located on the Work Features panel under the 3D Model tab, and click the Three Points tool. Click each of the three work points.
Right-click one of the work plane’s corner points, and click the New Sketch option.
Click the Two Point Rectangle tool and sketch a very large rectangle on the new sketch plane. Right-click the mouse and click the Finish 2D Sketch option.
The rectangle may be any size that exceeds the size of the block.
Click the Extrude tool, click the Cut tool, and remove the top portion of the box.
Hide the work plane and the three defining points.
Work Axes
A work axis is a defined line. Work axes are used to help define work planes and to help define the geometric relationship between assembled models. There are eight options associated with the Work Axis tool. See Figure 3-54.
A work axis will appear through the center of the cylinder, and the words Work Axis 1 will appear in the browser. Because there was only one object on the screen, and because the object was a cylinder, the Through Revolved Face or Feature will turn on automatically.
Tip
The relationships among work points, work axis, and work planes will be discussed further in Chapter 5, Assembly Drawings.
Ribs (Webs)
A rib is used to add strength to a part. Ribs or webs are typically used with cast or molded parts. Figure 3-57 shows an L-bracket. The bracket’s flanges are 20 × 20, the length is 50, and the thickness is 5. Ribs 5 mm thick are to be added to each end of the bracket.
Right-click the right end surface of the bracket, click the right mouse button, and select the New Sketch option (or add a work plane and Offset plane set to 0.0 offset) to the end surface of the bracket and create a new sketch plane.
Use the Line tool and draw a line across the corner edge points as shown in Figure 3-57.
Right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option.
Click the Rib tool located on the Create panel under the 3D Model tab.
Define the line as the profile by clicking the line.
Enter a Thickness value of 5.
Click the left box under the Extents heading.
Click the middle box under the Thickness heading to locate the rib.
The right side of the rib preview should be aligned with the right end surface of the L-bracket.
Click OK.
The rib will appear on the bracket.
Use the ViewCube to rotate the bracket so that the other end of the bracket is visible.
Right-click the L-shape surface and create a new sketch plane.
Draw a line between the corners as was done for the first rib.
Specify the thickness and use the Direction tool to specify the rib’s orientation.
Move the cursor into the rib area and move the rib around until the desired orientation is achieved.
Use the direction arrows under the Thickness heading to locate the rib.
Click OK. Right-click the work plane callouts in the Browser box and use the Visibility option to hide the work planes.
Use the Home tool to create an isometric view of the bracket.
Loft
The Loft tool is used to create a solid between two or more sketches. Figure 3-58 shows a loft surface created between a circle and a square. Both the circle and the square are first drawn on the same XY plane. This allows the Dimension tool to be used to ensure the alignment between the two sketches. The rectangle is then projected onto another work plane, and the Loft tool is used to create a surface between the two planes.
Figure 3-58
Exercise 3-20Sketching the Circle and the Square
Start a new drawing using the Standard (mm).ipt format and sketch a Ø20 circle and an 8 3 8 square (use the two point center option) aligned to a common center point. Right-click the mouse, and click the Finish 2D Sketch option.
Create a work plane aligned with the XZ plane, that is, 0 offset, by first clicking the Offset from Plane tool on the Work Features panel under the Plane tool, then clicking the XY Plane tool in the browser box.
Set the offset value to 0.0.
Right-click the mouse and click the OK option.
Exercise 3-21Creating an Offset Work Plane
Use the Offset from Plane tool again, then click the XZ Plane tool in the browser area.
A new plane will appear aligned with the existing XZ work plane.
Click one of the corner points of the new plane and move the cursor upward.
An Offset dialog box will appear.
Set the offset distance for 25, right-click the mouse, and select the OK option.
Check the browser area to verify that two work planes have been created.
Exercise 3-22Projecting the Square
Click one of the corner points of the offset work plane, right-click the mouse, and select the New Sketch option.
In this example, the ViewCube was used to reorient the model so that both planes can be seen.
Click the Project Geometry tool located on the Create panel under the Sketch tab.
Select the 8 × 8 square.
Select the square line by line. The square will be projected into the offset work plane.
Right-click the mouse and select the OK option.
Exercise 3-23Creating a Loft
Right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option, then select the Loft option located on the Create panel under the 3D Model tab.
The Loft dialog box will appear.
Click in the Sections area of the Loft dialog box, and click the 8 × 8 square.
Click in the Sections area of the Loft dialog box again and click the circle.
Click within the circle so that the circle area becomes shaded.
Click OK.
Hide the work planes if desired.
Sweep
The Sweep tool is used to project a sketch along a defined path. In this example, a shape is created in the XY plane and then projected along a path drawn in the XY plane. See Figure 3-59.
Figure 3-59
Exercise 3-24Creating the Sketch
Start a new drawing using the Standard (mm).ipt format.
Click the XZ option in the browser box, and right-click the XZ plane in the drawing area and select the New Sketch option
Draw the circular shape shown centered on the origin, and right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option.
Exercise 3-25Creating the Path
Click the YZ option in the browser box, click a corner of the YZ plane in the drawing area and select the New Sketch option.
Click the Spline tool (a flyout from the Line tool) and sketch a spline starting at the hole’s center point. Click the right mouse button and select the Create option, then right-click the mouse again and select the OK option.
In this example, a random spline was used.
Exercise 3-26Creating the Sweep
Right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option, then click the Sweep tool.
The Sweep dialog box will appear. The circular sketch will automatically be selected as the Profile.
Click the spline to define it as the path.
Click OK.
Coil
A coil is similar to a sweep, but the path is a helix. A sketch is drawn and projected along a helical path.
Exercise 3-27Creating the Sketch
Start a new drawing using the Standard (mm).ipt format.
Sketch the shape shown in Figure 3-60 on the XZ plane.
Figure 3-60
Sketch a line below the shape as shown.
This line will serve as the axis of rotation.
Right-click the mouse, and select the Finish 2D Sketch option.
In this example, an Isometric view orientation was used.
Exercise 3-28Creating the Coil
Click the Coil tool located on the Create panel under the 3D Model tab.
The Coil dialog box will appear. The sketched profile will be selected automatically.
Select the sketch line as the axis.
A preview will appear.
Click the Coil Size tab.
The dialog box will change.
Note
How to draw springs using Coil is covered in Chapter 9.
Set the Type for Pitch and Revolution, the Pitch for 20, and the Revolution for 3.
A material designation may be assigned to a model. The material designation becomes part of the model’s file and will be included on any assembly’s parts list that includes the model.
Exercise 3-29Defining a Model’s Material
Right-click on the model’s name in the browser box and select the iProperties option.
In this example, a drawing named BLOCK was created and used. See Figure 3-61. The Block iProperties dialog box will appear.
Figure 3-61
Select the Physical tab and then the scroll arrow on the right side of the Material box.
Figure 3-63 shows the BLOCK using three different materials: mild steel; brass, soft yellow; and glass.
Figure 3-63
Click Apply.
Click Close.
Chapter Summary
The first part of the chapter demonstrated how to convert 2D sketches into 3D models and then modify features using some of the tools in the 3D Model panel bar. Exercises included extruding, revolving, lofting, and mirroring models, as well as trimming away portions and creating shells. Fillets, chamfers, and holes in both rectangular and circular arrangements were also added to models.
The second part of the chapter introduced sketch and work planes and work axes and demonstrated how to use them to refine 3D models.
Chapter Test Questions
Multiple Choice
Circle the correct answer.
1. Which of the following is not used to define a chamfer?
a. Angle and a distance
b. Distance and distance
c. Two angles and a distance
2. Which tool is used to draw a spring?
a. Coil
b. Loft
c. Sweep
3. The Edit Sketch tool can be applied to shapes created with which of the following tools?
a. Extrude
b. Rectangle
c. Revolve
d. Hole
4. The Edit Feature tool can be applied to shapes created with which of the following tools?
a. Circle
b. Line
c. Point, Center Point
d. Extrude
5. Which of the following parameters cannot be used to draw a work plane?
a. Angle to a plane
b. Point and a tangent
c. 3 Points
d. Tangent to a face through
6. Which of the following is a material not listed under the Physical tab of the Properties dialog box?
a. Mild Steel
b. Aluminum Bronze
c. Glass
7. Sketched shapes can be projected between work planes using which tool?
a. Sweep
b. Boundary Patch
c. Move Face
d. Project Geometry
8. Which of the following will happen if a work plane is deleted?
a. The work plane will disappear from the screen and all entities will be deleted.
b. The work plane will disappear from the screen and all entities will remain in place.
9. Why are ribs used on molded parts?
a. To increase the part’s flexibility
b. To balance the part
c. To increase the part’s strength
10. The Face Draft tool is used to
a. Create airflow
b. Create an angled surface
c. Create a current behind a moving object
Matching
Write the number of the correct answer on the line.
Column A
Column B
a. Face Draft ______
1. The tool used to draw springs.
b. Fillet ______
2. The tool used to draw a square pattern of holes.
c. Coil ______
3. The tool used to add a slanted surface to an object.
d. Shell ______
4. The tool used to hollow out an object.
e. Work Plane ______
5. The tool used to add rounded edges to an object.
f. Rectangular Pattern ______
6. The tool used to remove material from an object.
g. Extrude, Cut ______
7. The tool used to define planes not located on any surface of an object.
True or False
Circle the correct answer.
1. True or False: A fillet must always be of constant radius.
2. True or False: A chamfer can be defined using a distance and an angle.
3. True or False: The Face Draft tool is used to create slanted surfaces.
4. True or False: Every Inventor drawing includes three default planes and three default axes.
5. True or False: The Shell tool can be applied to any solid shape.
6. True or False: The Fillet tool can be applied only to external edges.
7. True or False: A sketch plane can be created only on an existing surface.
8. True or False: Work planes can be drawn at an angle to an existing object.
9. True or False: A work plane can be created using a work point and a face parallel.
10. True or False: An object cannot be assigned a material specification of Phenolic.
Chapter Project
Project 3-1
Redraw the following objects in Figures P3-1 through P3-48 as solid models based on the given dimensions. Make all models from mild steel.
Figure P3-1 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-2 INCHES
Figure P3-3 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-4 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-5 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-6 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-7 INCHES
Figure P3-8 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-9 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-10 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-11 INCHES
Figure P3-12 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-13 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-14 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-15 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-16 INCHES
Figure P3-17 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-18 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-19 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-20 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-21 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-22 INCHES
Figure P3-23 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-24 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-25 INCHES (Scale: 4=1)
Figure P3-26 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-27 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-28 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-29 INCHES (Scale: 4=1)
Figure P3-30 MILLIMETERS (Scale: 2=1)
Figure P3-31 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-32 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-33 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-34 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-35 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-36 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-37 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-38 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-39 MILLIMETERS (Consider a Shell)
Figure P3-40 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-41 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-42 INCHES
Figure P3-43 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-44 INCHES
Figure P3-45 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-46 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-47 MILLIMETERS
Figure P3-48
Sweep a circle along a spline.
Circles
Splines
1. Ø1.00 inch
A. Spline 1
2. Ø0.75 inch
B. Spline 2
3. Ø1.25 inches
C. Spline 3
4. Ø12.5 millimeters
D. Spline 4
5. Ø8 millimeters
6. Ø16 millimeters
Create a lofted surface between two of the following surface shapes at one of the specified offset distances.
Start a new drawing using the Standard (in).ipt format.
Draw a 3.000 × 6.000 rectangle.
Right-click the mouse and select the Finish 2D Sketch option. Click the Extrude tool located on the Create panel under the 3D Model tab.
Set the thickness value for 1.50.
Click OK or the green checkmark.
Click OK.
Click the Join command next to the Boolean heading and click OK.
Move the cursor into the ViewCube area and click the Home icon (it looks like a small house).
Click OK.
Right-click the mouse and click the Visibility option to hide the work plane.
Right-click the L-shape surface and create a new sketch plane.
Draw a line between the corners as was done for the first rib.
Specify the thickness and use the Direction tool to specify the rib’s orientation.
Move the cursor into the rib area and move the rib around until the desired orientation is achieved.
Use the direction arrows under the Thickness heading to locate the rib.
Click OK. Right-click the work plane callouts in the Browser box and use the Visibility option to hide the work planes.
Use the Home tool to create an isometric view of the bracket.
