Autodesk Inventor

[#1]

Hi,

I have been working on a project, and some of the dimensions have changed so I decided to remake the parts from scratch. But when I tried to use the Shell command on one of my new parts, I get the error "The attempted Shell operation would require a large topology change. Try with a smaller thickness." 

I've tried smaller thicknesses, but nothing works. I'm just confused because it is very similar to the old part that I Shelled without a hitch.

I've attached both parts. I'm trying to Shell the inside of the part, through the circular opening. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Elizabeth

Using Autodesk Inventor 2013

[#2 · Accepted solution]

Can you post a pic I don't have 2013 loaded here.. but try a thicker shell to see if that works. Sometimes small in a shell command error means thicker. So if you had .125 try .187 not .100....

[#3]

Thanks a lot, making it thicker worked! 

[#4]

You didn't indicate your desired shell thickness on the second part.

What is (8-5.136125959)/2=?

[#5]

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elizabeth.dawe wrote:

Thanks a lot, making it thicker worked! 

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You better check your results and verify the design intent.  Do you understand the significance of my first question?

[#6]

No, I don't understand exactly what you're saying

[#7]

What would be the maximum wall thickness you could have with this area shelled?

(when you go over that max thickness - it works, but it isn't shelled in this thin area above the two green lines)

In your first part it is shelled in this area.  Which solution do you really want?

BTW - you are still duplicating dimensions and not using symmetry about the origin.  You might read this document http://home.pct.edu/~jmather/SkillsUSA%20University.pdf

[#8]

I realized that afterwards. I'm going to change the thickness and some dimensions.

When I learned how to use SolidWorks, I was taught to start at the origin and go from there in one of the quadrants, not for symmetry about the origin. I guess old habits die hard.

I'm just starting to use Inventor so that document is very helpful. Thanks!

[#9]

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elizabeth.dawe wrote:

When I learned how to use SolidWorks, I was taught ...

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You were taught incorrectly.  The proceedure is the same in SolidWorks and Creo (Pro/E).

It is a question of using the "best" and "most efficient" technique, not right or wrong.

[#10]

Ok...