Any CAD users here?

[mechdonald]

I've been in Inventor all weekend, first time I've been in it in a long, long time. That bitch is a MONSTER compared to traditional ACad 2012.

I totally disagree. While there is a learning curve to Inventor, it is at least intuitive to find stuff. AutoCAD added so much bloat over the years that it is so hard for the casual user to find stuff. I won't get into how much I detest ACAD.

As far as Inventor goes, don't get bogged down with all the capabilities. Keep the modelling simple and use the basic functions of it.
In fact, the way that Inventor tells you how to make stuff is not the best method in the long run. Hint, never make a new part in the context of an assembly. Inventor allows you to create a new part and select a surface to mate it to. I never do this. I always create a new part outside and then place it in the assembly afterwards. You have more control of the parts and mates this way.

[mechdonald]

If you are making windows and doors, check out Inventor's frame generator. You create a skeleton (just a sketch that represents the framework - like a stickman) and insert this into a new assembly file. Go into the frame generator and select your profile.
The built in profiles are squares, rectangles, I beams, tubing, ect. The cool thing is that you can create your own custom profiles (such as window extrusion profiles).
You then simply extend, trim, or miter the ends to finish up. It will generate a cut list on your drawing.

[slaterd]

If you are making windows and doors, check out Inventor's frame generator. You create a skeleton (just a sketch that represents the framework - like a stickman) and insert this into a new assembly file. Go into the frame generator and select your profile.
The built in profiles are squares, rectangles, I beams, tubing, ect. The cool thing is that you can create your own custom profiles (such as window extrusion profiles).
You then simply extend, trim, or miter the ends to finish up. It will generate a cut list on your drawing.

I thought about that for one of our seires...great feature. But we have alot of non mitered conditions that are joined. I'll look into it more but great idea thanks

[z31maniac]

I have worked with Chinese and Indian CAD pros that will do it at industry standards for far less money and faster.

Really?

Our partner company in India constantly sends us stuff that needs to be reworked.

[nando]

I wanted to comment on that.. it's hard enough working and communicating with our offices in the same country, time zone, and language, much less 12 hours away and in engrish.

[eur04lif3]

Inventor Pro
ALGOR
SolidWorks
ANSYS
AutoCAD

Been doing it since '02.

[Thizzelle]

dealing with chinese for part drawings is the worst. even after we get stuff made we have to re-work everything in shop. So we stopped dealing with them.

[GaryE30]

Thought about building one of these myself so I modeled it up. Double shear selector rod for e36 m3 ZF.

[Thizzelle]

you sure went overboard with that assembly to build a rod :)

[GaryE30]

eh, washer dimensions were made up and I already had the selector housing piece in my hand with a set of calipers.

Its useful to put the time in to get it exactly how you want it, especially if you plan on making one. Also I will possibly make my own shifter and having this assembly helps.

[TwoJ's]

you sure went overboard with that assembly to build a rod :)

How so? If you like to half-ass things, I can see that... but some people don't.

[slaterd]

Not half assed at all. If you're going to design a part it needs all of the mating parts too...including washers. A 1/16" can really affect some measurements

[TwoJ's]

Shit, in my line of work a couple thou can be the difference between perfect mating and a no-go part. Some of the lazy machinists get grumpy with some of my tolerance callouts, but they are necessary.

[GaryE30]

Yeah, all my critical dimensions are solid on there but the washer was estimated (for now since I didn't have it with me at the time) and the pin is exact.

[AndrewBird]

Shit, in my line of work a couple thou can be the difference between perfect mating and a no-go part. Some of the lazy machinists get grumpy with some of my tolerance callouts, but they are necessary.

We had a customer at work a few weeks back that gave us a drawing with a dimension that was +/- 0. We all laughed at that one.