iDS!

AU 2008 - General Keynote

2008-12-02T17:26:00.003-05:00

AU 2008 - The General Keynote

highlighted perhaps the largest rapid prototype ever

...a life size model of a custom chopper! ..take that SW ;)

IV Tips & Tricks - Quickly Use AutoCAD Sketches

2008-03-31T22:41:00.005-04:00

Name: Quickly Use AutoCAD Sketches

Description: Fully constrain non-intelligent sketches imported from AutoCAD and positionally control them with ease

Enviroment: Part (ipt) Sketches

Real World Use: When you copy a complex profile from AutoCAD and you paste it into a part sketch the entities are not constrained and require a tedious and timely effort to fully constrain! Well follow these steps to solve this issue in a jiffy :)

Intent:
1. Start a new sketch in a part file
2. Make sure ALL projected sketch geometry is deleted including the popular center point!
3. Copy (Import or Paste) your sketch into the blank ipt sketch
4. Now choose the Auto Dimension Tool and select Apply (you may need to check the Dims and Const options)

Poof the sketched profile is now completely dimensioned and constrained within it's self!

...and now you can project geometry and apply constraints to lock it's positional requirements!

Note: This is NOT the best way to model but a quick solution in some cases!

References:

Featured in the Autodesk Manufacturing Community Inventor Tips

IV Tips & Tricks - Equally Divide

2008-03-31T21:05:00.014-04:00

Name: Equally Divide

Description: Parametrically link dimensions to divide or center an object equally

Environment: Part (ipt) Sketches

Real World Use: Have you ever wanted to center an object such as a polygon within a profile and there wasn't an apparent center reference to constrain to?

Intent: While dimensioning a part sketch you can equally position an object to another profile by placing a dimension between the two objects, then dimension the object, next place a third dimension between the object and the apposing side of the profile (note: which will automatically ask to convert to a Reference Dimension, answer yes). To make the first dimension and the third dimension equal simply edit the value of the 1st dimension and select the reference (third) dimension which will link the values and equate them as equal values. You may also edit the objects dimension to link to the reference dimension if you wish to have all divide equally.

This is only one example or variation of the many ways you can apply this technique to capture desired design intent.

References:

Featured in the (Pilot) 1st Autodesk Manufacturing Community News Letter!

...or here via www.mCADForums.com