Transfer from 2D AutoCAD to a 3D Inventor workflow

Any referenced datasets can be downloaded from "Module downloads" in the module overview.

Introduction to the Factory Utilities – Available workflows

Task 1: Open dataset

  1. Open your Inventor application and set the project file to the folder containing the student dataset. You can create your own single-user project or select the one provided.
  2. If you completed the previous exercise, simply open the Inventor assembly Production C-Start.iam.
  3. If you haven’t completed the previous exercise, please consider working through the 2D AutoCAD workflow exercise. Optionally, you can open the file Production C- Inventor Start.dwg in AutoCAD.
  4. Use the Open in Inventor command located on the Factory Tab. This will open your Inventor application and create the 3D layout we are going to use in this exercise. Note: This may take some time depending on your internet connection and download speeds.

    Using the Open in Inventor command

  5. The image below shows the 3D assembly open in Autodesk Inventor.

    The 3D assembly in Autodesk Inventor

Task 2: Name and number Spaces using the Space Naming tool

  1. If necessary, activate your Layout Browser. You can access the Layout Browser by right clicking on the browser heading, or by using the Palettes dropdown on the Factory Tab.
  2. Use the Layout Browser to Create a new Layout. Name the Layout Sample.iam.
  3. Notice the floor graphic that is automatically added to the Inventor Assembly. Your assets will automatically land upright on the floor when placed.
  4. Explore the Factory Utilities available on the Factory Tab.
  5. The Floor and Grid Settings, shown below, allow you to modify the appearance of the floor graphic.

    The Floor and Grid Settings

  6. Under the Layout tab, you will find options to adjust the floor size and location.

    Options to adjust the floor size and location

  7. Close this sample assembly and return to the Production C – Inventor Start.iam.
  8. Use the Palettes dropdown to activate your Asset Browser and Factory Properties palette if necessary. You can arrange the palettes anyway you prefer.

    Using the Palettes dropdown

  9. Explore the default assets available in the System Assets folder. Feel free to drag and place a few assets. Download assets prior to use if necessary.
  10. Type Boxes into the Asset Browser Search Bar. Locate and download the asset shown.

    Typing Boxes into the Asset Browser Search Bar

  11. Using the Left Mouse Button, drag the asset into the model window and place it at the end of the conveyor as shown.

    Dragging the asset into the model window

  12. Use the Reposition triad to rotate (Tip of Axes) and move (Shaft of Axes) the pallet of boxes up onto the end of the conveyor as shown.

    Using the Reposition triad

  13. Type Fanuc into the Asset Browser Search bar. Locate the Fanuc carton handling robot arm shown. Right click and Download the asset.

    Locating the Fanuc carton handling robot arm

  14. Drag the Robot into the model window and use the connectors to easily place and snap the asset to the top of the riser shown.

    Using the connectors

  15. Use the iLogic form located in the Factory Properties palette to adjust the position of the robot arm. Note: You can utilize iLogic to enhance the functionality of any asset you create.

    Using the iLogic form

  16. Use the Asset Browser to place and connect the "gripper small" asset to the end of the robot arm.

    Using the Asset Browser

  17. Locate the Case Sealer already positioned in the assembly.

    Locating the Case Sealer

  18. Select the Case Sealer and use the iLogic form in the Factory Properties Palette to adjust the position of the control arm. Use the Turn and Mirror options as necessary.

    Selecting the Case Sealer and using the iLogic form

  19. Place two additional Fanuc robots on the risers as shown. Connect a Box Gripper and a Pallet gripper, as shown.

    Placing two additional Fanuc robots on the risers

  20. Expand the Layout tab and select Insert Model.

    Expanding the Layout tab

  21. Navigate to the models folder and select the Packing Machine. Expand the Files of Type dropdown and review the various formats that are supported with this command.

    Navigating to the models folder

  22. Select Open and the machine will appear in a bounding box sitting on the factory floor. You can adjust the model orientation by selecting the three orientation options. When the machine is upright, click the checkmark.

    Adjusting the model orientation

  23. Use the Reposition triad to place the machine as shown.

    Using the Reposition triad

  24. To update the original 2D AutoCAD drawing, click the Open in AutoCAD command on the Factory Tab.

    Updating the original 2D AutoCAD drawing

  25. Review the updated AutoCAD file, close AutoCAD, and return to Inventor.

    Reviewing the updated AutoCAD file

  26. Use Inventor to produce a drawing of the top-down view. You can locate the Factory Floor.dwg in the browser and include it in the view if desired.

    Using Inventor to produce a drawing of the top-down view

  27. Start a new sheet and create an isometric view of the factory layout. Include a bill of material and balloons to suit.

    Starting a new sheet and creating an isometric view

  28. It is important to note you can create your drawing documentation in AutoCAD or Inventor.
  29. Save and Close all files.
  30. End of exercise.