Autodesk Inventor

[#1]

From the IV2013 model i`ve attached can i do the following

1. Extrusion 2   -   can i just make 1 extrude (instead of 6 )

2. Can i then do 1 Split and 1 Loft Cut to Extrusion 2

3. Pattern/mirror the above

cause i have to do the Loft Cut individually to each one of the extrudes in Extrusion 2.I tried new solid,mirror and pattern but neither worked.Is there a time saving way or simpler way to achieve

Thanks IJC

[#2]

I looked at your model and I'm not sure of the best way to advise you as I don't know what your modelling intent is or what parameters you have to work with. Like with most things, there is more than one way to achieve a common goal.

I would advise that you use the 'draft' command instead of loft to add the angle to the fins. This will reduce the number of operations needed as you are able to 'draft' all the fins in one go. You will need to do that four times, but that is a lot less than the individual lofts you are curently using.

You could also use a revolve cut to add the angles in one go, but it really depends on the design intent here.

You should only use the mirror command when you have all the details to be mirrored, complete. This can save a little time as you only have to work on one side of the part.

I assume, that this is an electric motor casing, and in the real world this part would be cast, yes?

If so, try to envisage the finished cast part. Sometimes it is easier to draw the entire outline in one go rather than breaking it up into smaller pieces. You can then use the various tools that Inventor offers, to shape the finer details, like the angled ends of the fins for example.

And since this would be a cast part, don't forget that any details, like the fins, must be slightly angled so that the mold pattern can be removed from the mold easily. It is best to include these types of details right from the beginning.

How you draw it depends a lot on the actual dimensions you have to work with. If you have complete flexibility in those dimesions then there are any number of ways to model it. If you are modelling an existing piece, then you are a little more constrained (IE: your dimensions and other details are already set).

Good luck with your model and if you have any other questions just holler!

[#3]

Hi Andy

Thank you for the advice.Some good points.

I did try the revolve cut but the result was not uniformed.Top of the fins were longer in the middle then the outsides.I used the Loft as it gave me a uniformed angle on all/each fin.I though there might be a way i could do it in less steps.

Is there a way the Draft tool could achieve what the Loft achieved?

Thanks again for your help

IJC

[#4]

Yes, the draft tool will achieve exactly what the loft tool did. It can be a little tricky when selecting the correct face to draft but otherwise it will give the same results.

The curved cut in the revolve is the result of the differing protusion of each fin as it revolves around the center axis. If all the fins were the same length/width when you cut them using revolve, then you would get a uniform angle.

Try making the fins equidistant, then revolve cut the angled ends then either extrude cut the fins to width or do another revolve cut with an offset axis and larger diameter.

Again, it depends on your design intent. Will this part be manufactured at all, or is this just a model?

[#5]

It will be a model.How can the draft tool achieve the same result as the Loft but all in 1 go

Thanks

IJC

[#6]

Any chance of an example on how to use the Draft Tool to get the same result as the Loft.I tried with the Draft tool but i could not get the same result.

Same for the revolve cut:Try making the fins equidistant, then revolve cut the angled ends then either extrude cut the fins to width or do another revolve cut with an offset axis and larger diameter.Any chance of an example

Would be useful to me if i could see both of these examples and i could use these for future modelling

Thanks

IJC

[#7]

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ijc wrote:

Any chance of an example on how to use the Draft Tool to get the same result as the Loft.I tried with the Draft tool but i could not get the same result.

Same for the revolve cut:Try making the fins equidistant, then revolve cut the angled ends then either extrude cut the fins to width or do another revolve cut with an offset axis and larger diameter.Any chance of an example

Would be useful to me if i could see both of these examples and i could use these for future modelling

Thanks

IJC

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I have done a sample part for you based on what I remember of your part. Dimensions etc... should probably be ignored. I did find that the revolve cut gave the same results that you showed, I don't know why that is?

You'll see that I added fins on the end so that I could show the draft command in action. I hope this helps.

[#8]

Thanks Andy

It looks like the Loft done individually is the way to get the Fins all equal.I thought there might be a way to do this but with a fewer steps

Thanks

IJC

[#9]

Did you not see the fins on the end using draft?

They are all level.

[#10]

Yes i did.Thanks.I was able to achieve that but the fins are going around the case in which i could not reproduce the same result with Draft tool

I was hoping for the same affect though on the fins running along the case (see my attached file on the 1st post) in which for me to get the desired shape i had to do each fin individually by using the Loft cut

Thanks

IJC .