Autodesk Inventor was introduced in 1999 as an ambitious 3D parametric modeler based not on the familiar AutoCAD programming architecture but instead on a separate foundation that would provide the room needed to grow into the fully featured modeler it is now, a decade later. Inventor 2011 continues the development of Inventor with improved modeling, drawing, assembly, and visualization tools.

The maturity and continued development of the Inventor tool set coincides with the advancement of the CAD market’s adoption of 3D parametric modelers as a primary design tool. And although it is important to understand that 2D CAD will likely never completely disappear from the majority of manufacturing design departments, 3D design will increasingly become a requirement for most. With this in mind, we have set out to fill the following pages with detailed information on the specifics of the tools, while addressing the principles of sound parametric design techniques.

Expert authors Curtis Waguespack and Thom Tremblay developed this detailed reference and tutorial with straightforward explanations, real-world examples, and practical tutorials that focus squarely on teaching Inventor tips, tricks, and techniques. The authors extensive experience across industries and their Inventor expertise allows them to teach the software in the context of real-world workflows and work environments. They present topics that are poorly documented elsewhere, such as design tactics for large assemblies, effective model design for different industries, strategies for effective data and asset sharing across teams, using 2D and 3D data from other CAD systems, and improving designs by incorporating engineering principles.

Mastering Inventor 2011 begins with an overview of Inventor design concepts and application before exploring all aspects of part design, including sketching, basic and advanced modeling techniques, working with sheet metal, and part editing. The book then looks at assemblies and subassemblies, explaining real-world workflows and offering extensive detail on working with large assemblies.

Weldment design is detailed next before the reader is introduced to the functional design using Design Accelerators and Design Calculators. The detailed documentation chapter then covers everything from presentation files to simple animations to documentation for exploded views, sheet metal flat patterns, and more. The following chapters explore crucial productivity-boosting tools, data exchange, the Frame Generator, and the Inventor Studio visualization tools. Finally, the book explores Inventor Professional's dynamic simulation and stress analysis features as well as the routed systems features (piping, tubing, cabling, and harnesses).

Mastering Inventor's detailed discussions are reinforced with step-by-step tutorials, and readers can compare their work to the downloadable before-and-after tutorial files. It also features content to help readers pass the Inventor 2011 Certified Associate and Certified Professional exams and will feature instructor support materials appropriate for use in both the training and higher education channels. Mastering Inventor is the ultimate resource for those who want to quickly become proficient with Autodesk's 3D manufacturing software and prepare for the Inventor certification exams.