Difficult to Select Items in Sketches Within Inventor

Are you having difficulties selecting items within a sketch in Inventor, i.e. struggling to pick up an end point, mid point?

If this is the case, there is an option in Application Options > General TAB > Selection > Locate Tolerance, which can help with this.

This Locate Tolerance option sets the distance (in pixels) from which clicking selects an object. Enter a number from 1 to 10 or click the up or down arrow to select the distance. By default this is set to 5!

Backup to a Remote Location

Normally with Vault you create a batch routine to create a backup on the same server (Local Disk). It is however possible to backup the Vault to another drive on another machine, to do this you will need to make the following changes:

1. Go into the ADMS (Autodesk Data Management Server) console on the server > Tools > Administration > Advanced Settings > Settings > change the Impersonation Settings to your Domain Admin User and Password (or a user with permissions to the location you wish to Backup to).

2. Next go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services > find SQL Server (Autodesk Vault) > right click > Properties > Log On > change This account to the same Domain Admin User and Password.

3. Finally modify your Backup BAT file to include your network location instead of the current Local Disk and Run accordingly.

Vault Folder Replicate Utility

We recently came across a small Utility that allows you to replicate all of the Vault folder structure from your Vault Server to your local Vault Workspace.

These will be empty folders, that allow you to save any newly generated Inventor files to the required locations without having to create the folder structure in the first place.

You can download the Utility for yourself from:

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Autodesk-Inventor-Customer-Files/Vault-Folder-Replicate-Utility/m-p/2450627

LABS - Factory Layout Optimisation for AutoCAD

A Factory consists of a number of machines and other production equipment. The raw material flows through these machines where certain operations are performed to convert the raw material into the finished product. The location of these machines is very critical in determining the overall efficiency of the Factory, if they are not located in an optimal way, the Factory could be operating way below its target.

Many times decisions regarding the location of machines and other production equipment inside the Factory are done simply as best guesses, resulting in an inefficient layout. In some cases, layout studies are carried out either by hand or using spreadsheet tools, which are disconnected from the layout drawing making it extremely difficult to analyse the impact of multiple what-if layout scenarios on the layout.

Create Axis in Centre of Slot for Constraining Fasteners

Recently one of the members of the Micro Concepts Technical Team stumbled upon an interesting workflow for creating an Axis through the centre of a Slot to aid constraining a fastener in an Assembly.
If this is something of interest or something you do a lot, please follow the steps below:

• Firstly create your Part, complete with Slot, then select the Axis tool from the Work Features panel on the Model TAB of the Ribbon.

• Next, right click in the workspace somewhere and select Create Plane from the flyout menu.

Modify the Recently Opened Projects List

The AutoCAD Electrical Project Manager displays a list of recently opened Projects so you can easily select another Project to open without having to browse for it.

Overview of the LISTBOX_DEF Catalog Database Table

This optional table can be included in the Catalog Database file. It allows you to predefine filtering of the Catalog entries on the Parts Catalog dialogue box. AutoCAD Electrical normally shows all the entries for the selected Catalog Lookup table.

Filtering values can be defined differently for each Catalog Lookup table. The first field defines the Catalog Lookup table name. The next fields follow the same format and order as the Catalog Lookup table structure. Leave the field blank if you do not want to filter the records based on the values in that field. Access automatically handles the last field, which is the record number.

1. When the Parts Catalog dialogue box displays, the program checks to see if the component already has a Catalog defined.
2. If no Catalog is defined, the program checks the _LISTBOX_DEF table for a record with a TABLENAME value that matches the table name for the component.
3. If a TABLENAME match is found, the program filters the records displayed in the Parts Catalog dialogue box using the non-blank values from the _LISTBOX_DEF record.

For example, when you first insert a relay coil symbol and open the Parts Catalog dialogue box, you want the CR Catalog table display to default to Allen-Bradley part numbers for TYPE P relays. Use a copy of Microsoft Access to open the Catalog Lookup file, and select table _LISTBOX_DEF. Insert a record with these field values: TABLENAME = CR, MANUFACTURER = AB, and TYPE = TYPE P. The text you enter must exactly match existing field values in the target table. Save and Exit. Now, when you insert a relay coil and select Catalog Lookup, the dialogue box opens with these filters predefined.

Changes Have Been Made to Some Assembly Components

When opening an Assembly sometimes this message can appear.

How to Rename Using Sequential Numbering in 2011

In Vault 2011, when you rename two files with the same prefix using the Sequential Numbering Scheme, the new names do not by default, retain the same prefix.

For example 100001.ipt and 100001.idw, get renamed to 100002.ipt and 100003.idw.

The following workflow shows how to get the same behaviour as in earlier releases.

• Open the files in the Rename Wizard
• Proceed to the Enter Names step in the wizard
• Click  the Numbering Scheme button
• Select None from the Numbering Scheme pull down option
• Untick Prefix
• Tick Increment
• Select Apply
• Click Close and Finish

This is an extract from the Cracking the Vault, Manufacturing Community Blog

Use Wildcard to Stop Electrical pre filtering Manufacturers

The new Catalog Lookup in AutoCAD Electrical 2011 allows you to filter and search by any field, Manufacturer, Type, Style etc. However there is a large performance overhead with this, so the Catalog Lookup is pre-filtered on opening to prevent all the records having to be loaded (the pushbutton component table has just under 100000 records for example). If you are editing the component and it already has Catalog information applied then it will filter using this information. It will filter on the Manufacturer and the fourth and fifth fields in the table (which are different for each component type).

Import Wire Types

If you require extra Wire Types from an existing drawing in the drawing you are currently working on, then there might be an easier way of creating these.

• Select Create/Edit Wire Types on the Schematic TAB, this will show the Wire Types that you currently have available in the open drawing. Click the Import button.

How to Disable Reflections and Gradients in Shaded Views

You would like to have an option to disable reflections in the shaded views that you create.

In order to do this, you will need to add a DWORD registry key named Suppress Specular Color" with value greater than zero under the following registry key.

Use Excel to extract a BOM from your Inventor Assembly

Below is an example of an Excel macro, which allows you to choose an Inventor Assembly and pull some BOM information in at the active cell position. This example just pulls in the part number, description and quantity but you can modify it to pull through the property information you require.

Click here to download a Text file containing the VBA code that you will need for the Excel macro.

Updated Threads XLS for Inventor 2011

We were recently asked on support for BA and Whitworth Threads in Inventor, so we have updated a Thread.xls file to include these and work with Inventor 2011.
To use this file you will need to replace the existing Thread.xls file in your Design Data folder, default locations as below:

• Windows 7 = C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Inventor 2011\Design Data
• Windows XP = C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Inventor 2011\Design Data

If the new Threads do not appear immediately, you may need to restart Inventor for it to reread the threads spreadsheet.

LABS - Inventor Fusion Technology Preview 4 Released

Autodesk Inventor Fusion Technology Preview 4 has been released!
The Autodesk Inventor Fusion Technology Preview showcases intuitive direct manipulation capabilities for unrivalled ease of use, provides direct modelling for rapid design changes without limitations, and unites direct and parametric work flows within a single digital model created in Autodesk Inventor. This updated Technology Preview of Inventor Fusion offers some exciting new capabilities:

• Surfacing support: Users can now work seamlessly between solids and surfaces, expanding their confidence and capabilities to tackle design changes. By enhancing the existing translators to read surface data and adding new Parasolid, Rhino, IGES and AliasDesign .wire file import capabilities user have access to an even larger number of design formats.
• Simplification wizard: Simulation users now have one button simplification of designs. This makes simplifying common geometry fast and easy and ensures that mesh and solves times are as fast as possible.
• Ease of use improvements: New marking menus, sketch ease of use and modelling ease of use, make this release of Inventor Fusion the easiest to use yet.

The Inventor Fusion Technology Preview is fully interoperable with AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor software, enabling customers to choose the modelling approach that is right for the task at hand.

You can try the Inventor Fusion Technology Preview 4 for yourself at:
http://labs.autodesk.com/technologies/fusion/

New ATI FireGL/Pro Driver Released (8.773)

The ATI FireProFireGL Unified Driver version 8.773 software is designed to support the following ATI FirePro/FireGL products:

Autodesk Two Minute Tip - Insert Sketch Image

Autodesk Technical Evangelist Rob Cohee answers some viewer mail. Several of you have asked about inserting an image into a sketch so that you can trace over it. In this example, Rob demonstrates how to insert, orient, and modify the image so that it can be used as an underlay for sketching.

Return Tool Shortcut

Normally when you need to go Up a Level in Inventor, you would use the Return tool on the ribbon. This might be when you are returning from editing a sketch or finishing an edit within a part of an assembly.

There may be a quicker way, especially if you are a keen shortcut user, a combination of CTRL + ENTER does the same as the Return tool on the ribbon in both Part and Sketch environments.

Change the Location of the Indexes

If you want to change the location of the Lucene Search Indexes because they can sometimes take up a large amount of disk space, this can be done by edited the web.config file.

This will be located in the folder below:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\ADMS Professional 2011\Server\Web\Services

First, make a Copy of the original web.config file, then edit the web.config file in Notepad (Do not edit in Word or any other application that adds formatting).

Change the Value in quote in the following line, to the desired location.

systemIndexStore value="C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\VaultServer\Indexes\"

Check your Vault Backup NOW

When running Autodesk Data Management Server, you should use the tools provided within the software to create a Backup. The Backup tools create a complete snapshot of the Vault Database, Filestore and Custom Content Centre Libraries that can be archived to tape using your existing company Backup software.

The Backup tool provides a series of command line driven features that can be run on the server via a batch routine. The Batch Routine should be Run Every Day after the Vault users have finished working and it should Complete prior to the start of main Company Backup. As the amount of data in the Vault increases, you should re-check the timings to ensure the ADMS Backup completes before the main backup begins. Automate the backup by configuring a Windows Scheduled Task to run the Batch Routine every day. Be aware that the Scheduled Task is authenticated by a Windows user. If the password for the Windows user is changed, the Scheduled Task and therefore the Vault Backup will fail.

Do not assume that your IT Department are backing up the server and all data is recoverable. Archiving live SQL databases may not be possible with your backup software. Without the Databases, the Vault Filestore is not usable. Vault data restoration should be detailed specifically within your Company Disaster Recovery Plan. Test your Backup and know that should the worst happen you can Restore the data with the minimum of delay.

See Micro Concepts Technical Document - TD0170 - ADMS2011 Server Backup

Group Rather than Block

Do you ever need to move or edit objects together but still have the need to edit those same objects individually? AutoCAD can do that with Groups.

Groups are different from Blocks. With Blocks, you can manipulate the block as a whole, and that is it. If you need to edit a part of the Block, you have go into the Block Editor and make your changes. This will change every instance of the Block in your file.

With Groups, you can edit the object but it will not change other instances of that Group. Also, note that you cannot share Groups from file to file.

To make a Group, type group at the command line. Then simply fill out the Group Name field and enter a Description. If you do not enter a Description you can always fill this in later. Then hit the New button, select the items you want to Group and hit Enter.

So, what can you do with a Group? You can Grip edit the items individually, or move/copy/scale the Group as a whole. Double clicking the Text in a group will not invoke the Text Editor. You have to start the Text Editor command then select your Text to change it.

Create Tool Palettes From Block Libraries

If you already have a drawing that you consider to be a standard, you may want to use the Blocks from that drawing on future versions. The easiest way to manage the Blocks is using a Tool Palette, where you can quickly access these standard Blocks from any drawing. You may think that this will be a time consuming task, dragging each Block in the drawing to the new Tool Palette, but you would be wrong.

You can simply use the Design Center and create a Tool Palette within a few clicks!

• Open the Design Center, you will find this on the View TAB of the Ribbon.

Autodesk AutoCAD 2011 Subscription Advantage Pack

The Autodesk Subscription Advantage Pack for AutoCAD 2011 products improves collaboration by extending AutoCAD software to web and mobile platforms, and provides new tools for converting and sharing DWG and IGES files. Download Now at http://www.autodesk.com/advantagepack.

Key features include:

• AutoCAD WS plug-in for AutoCAD software — View, edit, and share your DWG files seamlessly on web browsers or mobile devices.

• DWG conversion tool — Convert DWG files in batches to easily share newer drawings with colleagues using previous versions of the software, or quickly bring older file libraries up to date.

• IGES import/export — Import and export IGES drawing files to share 3D content with clients, colleagues, and partners.

The AutoCAD WS plug-in for AutoCAD software is available to all AutoCAD customers and is not exclusive to AutoCAD subscribers.

Note: This Subscription Advantage Pack works with all 2011 AutoCAD-based products, including AutoCAD, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Plant 3D, AutoCAD P&ID, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD ecscad, and AutoCAD Structural Detailing software.

See the video below for further information:

Autodesk Inventor 2011 Subscription Advantage Pack

The Autodesk Subscription Advantage Pack for Autodesk Inventor 2011 extends the capabilities of Autodesk Inventor 2011 software. It includes more ease-of-use tools, better data interoperability, expanded tools for building product fabricators, and an expanded tooling library. Download Now at http://www.autodesk.com/advantagepack.

Key features include:

• Ease-of-use tools — Use dynamic sectioning, feature auto-name, and flexible drawing view orientation.

• Tools for building product fabricators — Build custom applications to automate export of Building Information Modeling (BIM)-ready content for BIM applications.

• Enhanced interoperability — Gain enhanced support for Rhino translators, 3D DWG in/out, iLogic Copy Design.

• Expanded tooling content libraries — Gain access to more mold bases and components from popular vendors and expanded coverage for Meusburger mold bases and components.

See the video below for further information:

Inventor Publisher for Mobile devices

Autodesk Introduces Autodesk Inventor Publisher for Mobile devices. In addition to publishing support for 3D PDF and 2D vector graphics, Inventor Publisher now enables users to publish directly to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. A free companion Autodesk Inventor Publisher Mobile Viewer app makes it easier for mobile technicians and salespeople to access 3D interactive instructions.

Autodesk Inventor Customer Success Hammond Electronics

It is always good to see what over companies/people are using Autodesk software for, so when this press release came up, we thought it would be good to share it with everyone. Please click here to see the full article.

Increase Inventor's Performance and Capacity

Performance

Performance refers to how long it takes Autodesk Inventor to complete an operation on your computer, including loading files.

There are many reasons for performance issues on a CAD system. You can resolve some of them by upgrading to a faster computer or adding more RAM. Keep the CAD system Tuned Up by performing regular maintenance, such as defragmenting the hard drive, also resolves performance issues.

This section covers hardware requirements, best practises, and techniques to use when you have reached a performance impasse. The following information is a guide to areas you can fine-tune to have a positive impact on performance. You can employ only a few of the tips provided to improve performance, or you can employ all of them as your assemblies approach a million parts!

There are options you can configure in Autodesk Inventor that strictly go to improving performance. For example, if you open a drawing file with Defer Updates enabled, you increase performance, but you do not change what Autodesk Inventor loads into memory.

Stop Break View affecting the Parent View on a Drawing

When you use Break View to shorten an Inventor drawing view, if it is a Child View it will by default break the Parent View too. However, there is an option on the dialogue box to prevent this behaviour, Propagate to parent view, when this is unticked the Break will only occur on the Child View.

How Does Licencing Work in the Paid for Versions of Vault?

How Does Licencing Work in the Paid for Versions of Vault? Is a question we get asked on Support and On Site from time to time, so we thought it would be useful to put some details down for everyone. Fortunately Autodesk have recently produced this video to do just that, so watch the video below for further information on this subject.

This is an extract from the Cracking the Vault, Manufacturing Community Blog   

3D DWF Visualisation File Wrongly Positioned Within Web Browser

If you see that the position of your 3D DWF visualisation files are out of alignment, when you view them in your web browser from the Web Client, it could be caused by the graphics driver.

You can change the OpenGL settings by right clicking on the DWF and selecting Options > Model. Then change the Driver to another one such as Software OpenGL.




This is an extract from the Cracking the Vault, Manufacturing Community Blog

Rename Blocks the Easy Way

You may have found that when you use Copy, then Paste as block in AutoCAD, the new block will be assigned a name such as A$C1C637CF9. However, you may wish to change this to represent something a little more to your liking, if so read on.

• Firstly select the geometry you require as a Block and Copy, then Paste as Block.

Change the Hatch Background Colour

Hatch properties in AutoCAD 2011 now includes Background Colour providing you with more flexibility and control. Applying a Background Colour enables you to create the effect of layered hatches in a single object. For example, you might create a brick Hatch with a Background Colour to represent the bricks and Hatch Colour to represent the mortar in an elevation drawing.

• The new Background Colour can be found on both the Hatch Creation and Hatch Editor TAB.

• You will also find the Background Colour property in Properties when a Hatch is selected.

This is an extract from the AutoCAD Insider Blog

LABS - Autodesk Performance Monitor

Use the Autodesk Performance Monitor to gauge the Virtual Memory utilised by running versions of AutoCAD and AutoCAD-based vertical products.

The Performance Monitor is a Windows Desktop Gadget that provides a colour-coded status bar indicating the level of usage of virtual memory by AutoCAD products. To get the best performance from Windows applications, it is better to use Physical Memory. When running low on Physical Memory, powerful programs like Autodesk applications are forced to use disk as memory. When this happens, memory intensive applications become less responsive. The Performance Monitor for AutoCAD provides you with feedback on how your system resources are being used as you work with your designs. The Technology Preview supports Windows 7 and Windows Vista at this time. Both 32-bit and 64-bit systems are supported.

To ensure the best experience for those participating, this technology preview is currently limited to: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom, and United States. We hope to expand to other geographies in the future.

The Technology Preview operates until May 1, 2011.

You can try the Performance Monitor for yourself at:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/acad_perf_mon/

Autodesk Digital Prototyping Forum

Autodesk are hosting Digital Prototyping Forum 2010, an event for Design Engineers using the Autodesk Digital Prototyping Solutions such as Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, Alias Design, Moldflow, Algor and Vault.

Autodesk Data Management Server 2011 SP2 is Released

Applies to:

• Autodesk Vault 2011
• Autodesk Vault Collaboration 2011
• Autodesk Vault Professional 2011
• Autodesk Vault Workgroup 2011

Download from:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15670259&linkID=9261341&CMP=OTC-RSSSUP01

Details:

In a continuing effort to provide high quality products, Autodesk has released Autodesk Vault 2011 Update 2 (Client) and Autodesk Vault 2011 Update 2 (Server) for Autodesk Vault 2011, Autodesk Vault Workgroup 2011, Autodesk Vault Collaboration 2011, and Autodesk Vault Professional 2011 which fixes or addresses a variety of issues pertaining to those releases. This README file highlights how to install the Update, what has been fixed, and how to download the update.

WARNING: Failure to follow the ReadMe instructions properly may result in unusable sites. The installation procedure applies to Single Site, Multi Site and Connected Workgroup deployments.

NOTE: Always ensure that a successful backup has been performed before applying any hotfix or update.

AutoCAD 2011 Update 1.1 is Released

Applies to:

• AutoCAD 2011

Download from:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15569492&linkID=9240618&CMP=OTC-RSSSUP01

Details:

Note: This is a re-release of Update 1 for AutoCAD 2011. After Update 1 was originally released, we discovered an issue when conducting certain operations that may cause AutoCAD to shut down. Update 1 was subsequently removed to correct the issue and a Hotfix was released for those customers who had already applied Update 1. This release of Update 1.1 includes that Hotfix.

You can apply Update 1.1 to AutoCAD 2011 running on all supported operating systems and languages. Be sure to install the correct update for your operating system.

Who should install this Update?

• If you have not installed Update 1 to AutoCAD 2011, you should install Update 1.1.
• If you previously installed Update 1 to AutoCAD 2011 and you installed the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Layer Manager Hotfix, you do not need to install Update 1.1.
• If you previously installed Update 1 to AutoCAD 2011 and you have not installed theAutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Layer Manager Hotfix, you only need to install the Hotfix. Alternatively, you can choose to uninstall Update 1 and then install Update 1.1 (refer to the "Uninstall This Update" section of the readme for instructions on uninstalling Update 1).

Autodesk Data Management Server 2010 SP2 is Released

Applies to:

• Autodesk Vault 2010
• Autodesk Collaboration 2010
• Autodesk Manufacturing 2010
• Autodesk Vault Workgroup 2010

Download from:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15639494&linkID=9261341&CMP=OTC-RSSSUP01

Details:

Autodesk Data Management Server 2010 SP2 is an incremental update.

In a continuing effort to provide high quality products, Autodesk has released Autodesk Vault 2010 Update 2 (Client) and Autodesk Vault 2010 Update 2 (Server) for Autodesk Vault 2010, Autodesk Vault Workgroup 2010, Autodesk Vault Collaboration 2010, and Autodesk Vault Professional 2010 which fixes or addresses a variety of issues pertaining to those releases. This README file highlights how to install the Update, what has been fixed, and how to download the update.

Autodesk Inventor 2011 Service Pack 1 is Released

Applies to:

• AutoCAD Inventor Professional Suite 2011
• AutoCAD Inventor Routed Systems Suite 2011
• AutoCAD Inventor Simulation Suite 2011
• AutoCAD Inventor Suite 2011
• AutoCAD Inventor Tooling Suite 2011

Download from:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15506670&linkID=9242019

Details:

Autodesk Inventor 2010 Service Pack 1 is an incremental update.

You must install Autodesk Inventor 2011 before you can install Autodesk Inventor 2011 Service Pack 1. This service pack updates AutoCAD Inventor Suite 2011, AutoCAD Inventor Routed Systems Suite 2011, AutoCAD Inventor Simulation Suite 2011, AutoCAD Inventor Tooling Suite 2011 and AutoCAD Inventor Professional 2011 for all languages.

If you have installed the first release of AutoCAD 2011 Update 1!

On August 23, 2010, Autodesk released Update 1 for AutoCAD 2011. Unfortunately, Update 1 introduced an issue when conducting certain operations that may cause AutoCAD to shut down. This issue affects a small number of users.

We have removed Update 1 and will reintroduce it in the near future when the issue has been resolved. For customers who have already installed Update 1, a Hotfix will be posted shortly. Please be assured that Autodesk is wholly committed to the quality of AutoCAD, and regrets this error.

Navigation Bar

A new Navigation Bar replaces the Navigation tools that were previously available on the Status Bar. This new Bar resides on the right side of the screen by default and includes Autodesk SteeringWheels, ViewCube, ShowMotion, Pan, Zoom and Orbit.

Object Creation

Need to draw an object with the same Type and Properties as an existing one?

Use the new Add Selected tool to get the job done in no time. For example, select a existing Polyline > Right Click > pick Add Selected from the flyout menu and AutoCAD is ready to create another Polyline with the same Properties.

Show a Document Revision and Lifecycle State in Inventor Browser

Within the Inventor Vault Browser we can tell a lot about a files status with regards to whether it is checked in or out, whether you have the latest version an older version or a newer version. You can also turn on some extra information if you are using Document Release in either Vault Workgroup, Vault Collaboration or Vault Professional.

Vault Explorer Custom Filters

You can define Custom Filters on a Folder View within Vault, when applied these selections apply to the Current View.

You can use a Filter to return only the data you need from the Server, limiting the number of files in your view, increasing performance.

• Browse to the Folder that you require in Vault, then go to View > Cutomize View.

Create a New Material Style

You want to know how to create a New Material Style for use in the Inventor Material Library.

This Autodesk video shows how to create a New Style and Save it to your shared Design Data folder for all to see.

Arrange Open Documents Vertically

Most of you will be aware of the Arrange button on the new interface.

Are You a 3D Star? Time to Showcase Your Talent

If you are a budding renderer, then head over the the Autodesk Showcase Blog, where they are running a competition for ATI graphics cards for your rendered images.

LABS - Shape Extraction

The Point Cloud Shape Extraction for AutoCAD Plug-in is an intelligent point cloud shape extraction solution which allows you to import, load, and extract shape and geometry information from point cloud data in AutoCAD.

LABS - 3D Annotation for Inventor

The 3D Annotation for Inventor Technology Preview allows the Inventor user to apply 3D Annotations: dimensions, geometric tolerances, surface finish symbols, datum symbols, and notes to a part model, which are then displayed in the graphics view.

The technology preview is an emulation intended to provide the Inventor user with a sense of a 3D Annotation capability to solicit feedback and to gauge interest level.

The 3D Annotation for Inventor Technology Preview is licensed for a limited term and for a particular territory as referenced in the End User License Agreement.

LABS - Project Photofly

Project Photofly is a Technology Preview to automatically convert photographs shot around an object or a scene into Photo Scenes using the power of cloud computing. The photographs can be shot with any standard digital camera, as long as you follow some shooting guidelines.

Import & Export Parameters using XML

You can export the Parameter data to an XML file to take a snapshot of the Parameters and their values. This capability is useful if you want to transfer Parameters in one model to another.
During the Export, you choose whether to include All Parameters or just the Key Parameters, see below to learn how this is done:

• Open the Model that contains the Parameters.
• On the Ribbon, go to the Manage TAB > Parameters Panel > Export to XML.

Splitting a Sketch

Sometimes when you have created a complex Sketch within a new part that you then want to Extrude, it may not be possible to select the specific areas that you wish to Extrude. The example below shows a Sketch which has created a shape in the middle that we wish to Extrude, unfortunately because the circles are complete Loops it will not allow us to select the relevant area.

Map File Revision to Vault Professional Document Revision Number

To map a files Revision Number from Inventor to a Vault Document Revision Number, you need to create a temporary User Defined Property (UDP) to write the property from file to a Vault User Defined Property. Then you can choose the User Defined Property to Revise from, see the video below for further information:


This is an extract from the Cracking the Vault, Manufacturing Community Blog

Purging Files

Purging files is a good way to help prevent your Filestore and consequently your Database from containing unnecessary Data and Metadata (this is information about data). Benefits can include reduced back up times, smaller backups and better overall browsing/searching performance.
In Vault it is possible to perform a Purge from either the Vault Client or Vault Server. The Vault Client will only allow a user to Purge Selected File Versions. To do this find the relevant file, right click on an Older Version > Purge as required.

Auto Constrain

The Auto Constrain tool allows you to apply Geometric Constraints to a selection set of Geometry within the specified tolerance set using the AutoConstrain tab in the Constraint Settings dialogue (click the down arrow as shown below to access this).

Check Your AutoCAD Graphics

Every year AutoCAD configurations get more complex. As new features are introduced – such as the new Advance Material Effect and Smooth line display in AutoCAD 2011 – we become more and more dependent on the support of our hardware partners. Prior to AutoCAD 2007 we only had a dependency on the Operating System, but since then we have also become more dependent on Graphics Cards and Drivers. Each new level of dependency brings new potential for interoperability issues. To cut down on the complexity of these dependencies and improve user experience we have created a hardware certification program within the AutoCAD team that is located at this site Graphics Hardware List. To check whether you are running certified drivers for AutoCAD, follow the procedure below.

• Type 3DCONFIG at the command line and hit Enter.
• Click the Check for Updates button.

What is Alias Sketch?

You may have heard of one of our new products Autodesk Alias Sketch, but have you seen what it can do? Possibly not, so we thought it would be useful to link these videos, which are from the Alias Design Website, to give you an idea.

LABS - Project Neon

Project Neon is a rendering service that offers greater productivity and a faster turnaround of photorealistic renderings by leveraging the power and compute capabilities of the cloud. Rendering is a time and hardware intensive process that translates 3D models into photorealistic images that allow the design team to optimize the results they deliver to their clients. By harnessing the power of the cloud, customers no longer you have to wait for long periods of time to generate single or multiple views of their designs, The Project Neon service eliminates the need for customers to purchase and maintain expensive hardware for their rendering needs. Providing a realistic view into designs during the entire design process delivers superior results for your customers.

To see more visit Autodesk LABS: http://labs.autodesk.com/technologies/neon/

LABS - Project Snap

Project Snap is a unified browse and search platform for Autodesk design applications that connects Autodesk users to their design data regardless of where it resides. With Project Snap, you can search and connect with your design content wherever it may be. Project Snap creates an index of your design content based on where you instruct it to look. That index is used to instantly locate design content (e.g. blocks) while working in AutoCAD without leaving AutoCAD. Think of it as a possible improved version of Design Center.

LABS - Inventor 2011 Mesh Enabler

The Inventor 2011 Mesh Enabler is a technology preview that enables Inventor users to work with imported Mesh data. Autodesk Inventor 2011 can import mesh data from Catia V4 and V5 files including CGR. The Mesh Enabler adds the ability to convert selected mesh features to Base features. The resulting base features can then be used for further operations including drawings and measurements.

This preview is available until January 31, 2012 at which time the license expires and the function will be disabled. It is not known if this technology will be incorporated into a commercial product.

Nvidia Quadro and AutoCAD 2011

AutoCAD 2011 adds powerful new 3D features and visual styles to help explore your ideas. To take full advantage of AutoCAD 2011, experience superior image quality, and realize true interactive performance, you need a NVIDIA Quadro professional graphics solution. Quadro lets designers dial up the complexity of their designs, visualize them in software and work out any issues before moving to production, thereby increasing productivity and eliminating waste.

Each year, NVIDIA and Autodesk together spend over 2,000 engineering hours to test, certify, and optimize the latest Quadro and AutoCAD solutions. This collaborative development process reduces the likelihood of issues that could interrupt your workflow causing down time.

Flat Pattern Spiral Sheet Metal Parts

You want to know how to Flatten a Spiral Shaped Sheet Metal parts in Inventor.

• Create a new 3D Sketch inside a Sheet Metal Part, then define a Helical Curve of type Spiral.

Quick Access Selection Menu

This is a very quick, but potentially useful Tip, if you regularly change between Selection Types within Inventor.

• If you hold down the Shift key and then Right Click within the Inventor Part, Assembly or Drawing environment.

• Then you will be presented with a Selection Menu, which is contextual depending on the environment you are currently working in.

4GB Limit Hit in SQL Express

SQL Express 4GB limit reached? How To Buy Some Time Before Having To Upgrade To Full SQL

Microsoft SQL Express 2005 and Microsoft SQL Express 2008 have limits on the size of the databases that they can Read/Write to. Once the limit has been reached, the database is put into read-only mode. This means that you can Login and get information/data, but you cannot make any changes to it (i.e. No Checkin/Checkout, No New Users, No New Items, No State Changes).

It will eventually become necessary to upgrade SQL from an Express version to higher version (Workgroup, Standard or Enterprise). However, you can buy some time by performing some of the following:

• Delete unwanted files/folders
• Purge unwanted versions
• Change the Thumbnail property to Not In Use and Reindex Properties
• Change any other unwanted Properties to Not In Use and Reindex Properties
• Delete unwanted Obsolete Items (Productstream/Vault Manufacturing/Vault Professional Only)
• Run a Maintenance Plan as per the Advanced Configuration Guide

This is an extract from the Cracking the Vault, Manufacturing Community Blog

Open Multiple Files from Vault

In the Open From Vault dialogue, users can now select Multiple files to load into AutoCAD. Simply use Shift-select or hold the Ctrl key and open Multiple files:

Within Inventor, you can take advantage of Multiple file open from two areas: Open From Vault and Place From Vault using the same selection process as described above:

This is an extract from the Under the Hood, Manufacturing Community Blog

Purge Zero Length Geometry and Empty Text Objects

A new option has been added to the PURGE command in AutoCAD 2011, this is Purge Zero Length Geometry and Empty Text Objects. This new option deletes geometry of zero length (lines, arcs, polylines and so on) in non-block objects. Also, deletes mtext and text that contains only spaces (no text) in non-block objects. This can be useful when trying to tidy your drawing and remove empty text boxes etc, which you were perhaps not aware of.

Note: The PURGE command will not remove zero-length geometry or empty text and mtext objects from blocks or locked layers.

Improved Measuring Tools

The visual measuring tools in AutoCAD 2011 will make quick work of finding valuable information from your drawing. The Utilities panel of the Home tab contains these updated Measure commands (also found using the MEASUREGEOM command).

Distance

Used to measure the distance between two points, AutoCAD 2011 now visually displays the distance, delta x, delta y and the angle (in the xy plane). The Multiple option allows you to continue to pick points as AutoCAD displays a cumulative distance. If you need to include an Arc in the distance you can easily switch to Arc mode.

LABS - Project Krypton

Project Krypton Technology Preview provides early stage design advice to plastic part designers. Seamlessly integrated into the Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Inventor LT environment, it provides real-time feedback on a plastic part’s manufacturability, cost efficiency, and the environmental impact of the selected material. Project Krypton helps designers make better decisions to ensure their products can be properly manufactured, are more cost-effective, and are produced using materials with a lower environmental impact.

Project Krypton Technology Preview automatically assesses the part after each design modification and raises alerts regarding potential concerns. Users can review details of each concern and view problem areas highlighted directly on the model. Design advice is offered, which helps the user make appropriate design changes to address the concerns.

Project Krypton Technology Preview is only applicable for injection molded plastic parts designs. The Project Krypton Technology Preview executable will operate until November 20, 2010.

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