Autodesk Inventor

[#1]

Is it possible to loft a shape which includes a hole or a section missing?

I am trying to loft the following shape but it doesn't seem to work with the missing section in the middle. Currently the 2 sketches are the same but in the actual design they aren't. i wanted to test if it would work with the same sketches but it doesn't.

If it is not possible what would be the easiest solution?

[#2]

Why not just extrude it?

[#3]

I want a curved profile to the edge, I just haven't included it. I thought loft would be the easiest way but maybe it isn't.

I'm trying to achieve a similar profile to what is in this image.

[#4]

Loft in two steps.

Step one for the outer shape.

Step 2 to cut the holes.

Attach your file here if you can't figure it out.

[#5]

to elaborate on JD's post - Inventor cannot loft a profile with a void in the middle to create a lofted tube.  But I can loft the exterior face and then loft the interior face (with a cut) to create what is desired in 2 steps.

Assuming you are using rails with your loft (instead of centre-line), to give you a curve/bulge to the shape along the length of the loft, then you're probably going to want a set of rails for both the inner and outer profile to get them to match.