Inventor

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Introduction

Autodesk Inventor is a 3D mechanical CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software developed and provided by Autodesk, and is mainly used in the fields of manufacturing and machine design. It is equipped with a wide range of functions such as assembly design, drawing creation, simulation, piping and cable design, sheet metal modeling, and welding design, centered on parametric modeling, and can digitize and streamline a series of processes from the design of complex machine parts to prototyping and manufacturing. Along with SolidWorks, it is one of the professional 3D CAD software widely used around the world.

Data Format Overview

The main file formats used in Inventor are:

**Part file (.ipt): **3D model data of a single part
**Assembly file (.iam): **Assembly model of multiple parts
Drawing file (.idw/.dwg): 2D drafting and drawing file (compatible with Autodesk’s DWG)
Presentation file (.ipn): Exploded view, animation, presentation use
Script (.iLogicVb): Automation script using iLogic (VBA-based)

Pros

Highly efficient editing through parametric design: Component shapes can be controlled based on numerical values and relationships, making design changes extremely smooth.
Powerful assembly management: Dependencies and interference checks can be automatically managed even for large-scale assembly structures.
Easy drawing output: 2D drawings are automatically generated from 3D models and updates are reflected in real time.
Built-in simulation and analysis functions: Stress analysis, motion analysis, etc. are possible.
**Cloud compatible (integration with Autodesk Vault and Fusion 360): **Design data can be managed and shared smoothly.
**Automatic design using iLogic: **Rule design and variant model generation are possible through the program.

Cons

High hardware load: Requires a high-performance CPU and GPU, and operation can be slow, especially with large assemblies.
Relatively high learning cost: Because it has a wide range of functions, it takes time for beginners to master them.
Specialized in integration with Autodesk products: Full compatibility with other companies’ software is not guaranteed.
Fusion 360 is better for cloud integration: If you prioritize mobile and web use, Fusion is easier to use.

Application Scenario

Inventor is used throughout the design and development process in the manufacturing industry. For example, in the design of parts for automobiles, aircraft, and industrial machinery, parametric modeling can be used to efficiently create complex structures, and defects can be detected in advance by checking for interference between parts and simulating mechanisms. In addition, it supports a wide range of product genres, including sheet metal processing, piping design, and electronic housings, and the automatic generation of product variations (iLogic) is also useful. Furthermore, in the linkage between design and manufacturing, Inventor data can be directly used as data for CAM software and 3D printers, which greatly contributes to shortening prototype times and reducing costs. In recent years, it has also been attracting attention as part of the construction of “smart factories” using AR and cloud linkage.