CHR,
Maybe you know this already, but if you wanna understand what people do when they send you a part file, then you need to sharpen your powers of observation. So you have to scroll back the 'End of Part' marker to just below the first featue, and then analyze how each consecutive feature is made. Otherwise, this is how I would do it if I was you:
1. Define the Part: The part in your pic looks like a bent flatbar with a twisted end with holes in both ends and both ends crowned. So that's what Inventor has to make. Does Inventor have the functionality to make this? Yes. Can it flatten it as a sheetmetal part? Not sure.
2. Define the Workflow: What Commands can I use to make this as simple as possible, so if I change the dimensions, it will automatically update?
Make your observations now...
3. Observation #1: The segment w/the threaded rod going through it is one fully flat piece w/a hole at the end.
4. Observation #2: There is a bend between both flat segments.
5. Observation #3: The other segment is at a certain angle and orientation to the first feature (this requires hand measurements or scan data).
Now make your features using Inventor commands...
6. Feature #1: Make the segment in Observation #1 as the first feature in the ipt file.
7. Feature #2: Make Observation #2 the second feature in the ipt file, connected to Feature #1.
8. Feature #3: Make Observation #3 the third feature in your ipt file.
Now you have 2 fixed features with straight end faces that a Loft feature can attach to...
9. Make a Loft btw the two existing feature faces using GuideRails (I would use splines tangent to the leading edges of each feature).
10. Add holes & Flatten.
Done.
... Chris
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