8~) yup, way cool.
I'll take a layman's stab at what I think was Bob's question...
I think they've just {tried to / have to} break the task sequences you go
through into groups for memory management reasons; both the computer's and
ours. Vanilla Acad (model space) and Rhino are single mode environments and I
can't imagine trying to use either for a primary design environment. A solid
modeler / assembly modeler is a 2d / 3d drawing tool and surface modeler with
some Really Heavy Duty Macros (modules) to automate tasks. Then add some
Super Strength Industrial Duty Macros to make it a parametric modeler. Having
different modes allows the software to load and unload different modules from
memory as appropriate for the given (anticipated) next sequence of events. It
also filters our available command sets for the appropriate mode and keeps us
from having to (or being able to, depending on your preference) remember
scores of keyboard commands and / or keep scores of tool buttons on the screen
(along with the expansive part feature tree or assembly part tree).
Consider (some random wanderings) ....
Segregation of sketches: much like Acad grouping. A necessity with the
sketch constraint variational solver (itself alternately a pain in the keester
and a life saver) and for parametric relationships.
Going in and out of sketch mode: much the same as setting up a new UCS for
the next feature's sketch. All previously used ones and their defining
geometry is stored for us automatically. A convenience for editing and a
necessity for parametric relationships.
Part feature creation routines: a set of surface creation tools plus the
routines to automatically trim, join, cap, group, etc. the surfaces.
Part mode to assembly mode: grouping is switched on for all part surfaces and
defining geometry; each group becomes a single entity for manipulation
purposes. Extend that to the treatment of sub assemblies.
Drawing view mode.... gets really mind boggling. 8~) Way cool.
Jeff
===========================
"Larry Caldwell" wrote in message
news:D4CF1C5BB731D0F087AC295D16010DDD@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
All parts are based on sketches (parametric or not). Draw a sketch, extrude,
revolve, whatever; now you have a solid part. Actually you can revolve or
extrude from within the sketch using R or E keys (Top Secret/Eyes only for
which key to press for Revolve and which one to press for Extrude, though).
Then you can make another part from another sketch (which you can later
place in an assembly or sub assembly) or you can place the part in an iam
and create new components and work from there projecting existing geometry
for edges and locations of mating parts is helpful for orientation. You keep
doing that and pretty soon you have a machine designed. Cool, huh?
~Larry
"Bob Johnson" wrote in message
news:D60FC40BC72CE8B58B4B6E1F2761E8FF@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> Where can I find or who came explain to me, how Inventor works. Like, why
do
> I have to keep switching between sketch mode and parts mode or something
> like that, in order to create features and part? The concept behind the
> procedures and sequence of events that creates all the inventor parts and
> assemblies? I am not asking for trade seccrets or software code, just some
> basics.
> Thanks for your help, Bob
>
>
>
>