Inventor Ideas

s_strauss · ‎08-04-2026

Currently, the Mark and Split features in Autodesk Inventor Professional 2026 do not support Rectangular Pattern or Circular Pattern (Polar Pattern) directly. At the moment, users must create the pattern at the sketch level first and then apply the feature. While this workaround is functional, it adds unnecessary steps and reduces workflow efficiency, especially when design changes are required later. Suggested Enhancement:Enable the Mark and Split commands to be patterned directly using the standard Rectangular Pattern and Circular Pattern feature tools, similar to other Inventor features. Benefits: Faster and more efficient modeling workflows Reduced dependency on complex sketch patterns Easier design modifications and maintenance Improved feature tree organization and readability Consistent behavior with other Inventor features This enhancement would provide greater flexibility and help users create repetitive mark and split operations more efficiently.

LeanderTorres · ‎09-08-2026

The default flat pattern orients bends to bend down. When bending plates with a press brake it is nicer for the operator to have bend up orientation where possible. Als o when laser engraving bendlines it is better to have them on the inside of the bend then on the outside. The only way to fix this now is to manualy go to each part and either flip the flat pattern or redefine A-side.Then to verify you have to make an idw to check the bend direction because there is no good way of seeing this in the model flat pattern. I would like a toggle on a template level to prioratize bend up or bend down.

jimm_motyka_777 · ‎05-27-2026

Although we can create model states within our sheet metal parts, apparently the flat pattern created is only of the primary model state part. In some instances, we make a left or right hand version, yet as things currently are, the flat pattern will only apply to the one considered primary. Some sheet metal parts may also include or omit certain holes or features. The ability to have a flat pattern per model state version would be the best solution for utilizing model states in sheet metal parts.

oewgc · ‎07-08-2026

We keep running into the issue where a sheet metal flange falls short of the target point, I suspect it is because the flange is being created parallel to the reference plane. Either way, it's quite a common problem for us!

sczechowskiGK · ‎02-04-2026

We use Inventor for sheet metal design and often use the lofted flange feature to create press brake, step bent parts that require multiple bends to create a "smooth" curve depending on how many times it needs to be hit with a press brake. The current functionality of the press brake option allows for the tangent point of the bend to meet the curve. In this example the radius of the curve is 5" and the options selected have the tangent point of the bend meet the curve (shown as red circles in screenshot). However, when using a radius gauge - the gauge will sit on the center of the flats (shown as red arrows) created and therefore a 5" radius gauge check will NOT work to check this part. Obviously there are alternatives such as to scribe the theoretical curve on the center and tangent of the flats and figure out what that radius check is or actually model the flats used to create the curve. Both require additional work/steps. I am requesting if there can be an option in the Lofted Flange Function that sets the location of the center of the flats (red arrows) to the tangent point of the curve so a modeled 5" radius curve will be tangent to the center of the flats created and reduce the need for an additional calculation/check step. This also affects parts accurately mating up to that surface as well.

a.gent · ‎07-26-2023

When creating a 2D drawing of a parts using inventor, can marked lines come into the drawing as a different layer so they can be set as a different colour, This feature is there when you export a part but not when you are making a drawing of that part. Left is how it currently works, right is how I'm suggesting it work.

vpeuvion · ‎05-12-2026

Hello, When creating part files, it would be useful, depending on the working methods used, to be able to right-click on the part and select the option Add to a new assembly. A new assembly would be created, and the part would be inserted at the origin and fixed. This would eliminate the steps of having to create the assembly and then search for the part you just created to insert it. Thanks. Vincent.

daniel.castanoFCXSN · ‎12-12-2025

In our company, we have punching machines and also a laser machine for sheet metal cutting. All parts must be marked with the PARTNUMBER, but we currently have an issue with the marking process that consumes a significant amount of time: Marking on punched parts: We can perform the marking using the default font provided by Inventor. However, when the file is converted to DXF, the machine software does not recognize the text as characters but instead as individual lines. This forces us to select line by line in order to program the marking with the needle punch. We tested this with Grasshopper, and with just one click on the text, the TruTop software automatically identifies the letters and generates all the punches. Laser marking: We have not found any font that works properly because the laser machine always cuts through the entire contour. To prevent letters with closed contours (such as A, O, or P) from being fully cut out, we need a stencil-type font. The problem is that there is no stencil-type font available in the MARK font library.

kacper.suchomski · ‎08-09-2025

Such functionality would significantly facilitate the design of type series and increase the flexibility of the design process. This is very useful when creating product series. Autodesk Fusion has this feature:

billLAZKN · ‎08-02-2026

I'm writing to request a potential enhancement for Inventor 2027's sheet metal tools. Specifically, it would be extremely helpful if the Sheet Metal Flange tool's auto‑mitering feature could include an option to specify a custom angle for springback clearance. This added flexibility would make it easier to accommodate real‑world manufacturing conditions and improve accuracy when working with materials that exhibit predictable springback. If this capability could be considered for an update or future release, it would be greatly appreciated.

Uwe_Lindner · ‎12-18-2025

Users would like a surface button in the sheet metal environment. Currently, users must always switch to the 3D model environment to place surface properties. A button for the Surface command would be very user-friendly.

schmidtp_316 · ‎07-30-2026

Currently, Autodesk Nesting optimizes the parts of a nest based only on a single sheet format per nesting run. I would like the option to nest a complete assembly simultaneously across two different sheet formats (for example, large and small formats). The nesting algorithm should automatically decide which parts are placed on large sheets and which on smaller sheets, in order to achieve the best possible material utilization and manufacturing efficiency. Advantages: Improved material utilization across multiple available sheet formats Reduction of scrap and material waste Better use of existing offcuts and stock sheets Fewer manual nesting operations More efficient production planning for assemblies with large and small sheet parts Example: An assembly contains: Large components that require sheets in the 3000 × 1500 mm format Small components that can be manufactured more efficiently on sheets in the 1000 × 2000 mm format Instead of having to create several separate nests, Autodesk Nesting should analyze the complete assembly and automatically distribute the parts across the available sheet formats to maximize overall material utilization.

hkilic896XF · ‎04-06-2026

We have a working extrude cut - cut normal command for sheet metals. I think revolve cut normal is missing. Especially in multi part body and multi sheet metal rule models some sheet metal sketching features do not work, like project flat pattern. 7.04.2026 / 07.April.2026

mgrenier2 · ‎05-22-2026

Really Autodesk? How is this not a feature?

KimChristoffersen · ‎05-15-2025

I use a lot of electrical motors with a cable in a fixed length. It could be nice if I was able to use the same motor in different assemblies but with different cable path. If I could "bend" the cable and constrain it in different ways in different assemblies without having different part numbers/file names. Another example, a sticker I can wrap around a range of cylinder with different diameters.

syaqir_ehzan · ‎04-19-2026

Please add option to multiple select the bend line.

marcos_fenerichiFPBYX · ‎05-15-2026

When select a feature dimensions should display automatic and this feature also be hightlighted in the feature tree.

dusan.naus.trz · ‎05-23-2020

Feature Recognition for Sheet metal Ability to change the k-factor for the radius for a part from step format. Video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PVpLB3UgzQ

yugeshkanna_selvamani · ‎06-19-2024

Now, when exporting from Inventor to DWG, each sheet is exported as separate file, therefore, if you want one single DWG with all drawings and sheets, it has to be combined manually or by importing each layout in CAD. It would be great if Inventor can export multiple sheets into one single DWG CAD, with all drawings in the model tab and sheets in the layout tabs.

Hunteil · ‎07-27-2022

Please Add to the Hole Feature tool, Slot, Hex and Square Holes. Reason: The hole feature has a few benefits over other methods of creating shaped holes and would really increase the friendliness of the program for the users. It is often over looked b/c you can do most of the stuff hole feature can already do using sketches and using the shapes there... But Hole Feature is better b/c it uses allows the use of automatic Hole Tables. And it also can provide recommended hole clearances for various sizes fasteners. It's just much faster and simpler too. Currently we are using punches in sheet metal to help us remember what the hole clearances are. But Punches do not function the same way as holes. Not to mention if you don't include custom sizes in those punches and now you have to delete the feature. Where-as the hole tool you can just edit the feature and easily adjust as needed. Plus the constraints are easy too. I think it also works better with iMates but I could be wrong. Example of Holes This suggestion kinda duplicates the Hole Feature request for Slots as seen in all these links. But this expands on their requests to other commonly used shapes. https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/slot-feature-creation-in-modeling-mode/idi-p/4601899#comments https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/hole-to-slot-slot-to-hole/idi-p/8689133 https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/inventor-hole-table-to-pickup-slot-center-point/idc-p/11324061#M45950 https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/hole-feature-slot/idc-p/11324056#M45949 https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/constrain-to-the-center-of-a-slot-or-center-of-a-square/idi-p/8462914 As a benefit for all the ideas... This gives Autodesk Developers more reason to work on this b/c they can sit down and work on this chunk of work all at once. It does need attention as shown below... I'm sure there's others. https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/sheet-metal-fold-tool-flat-pattern-hole-table-needs-to-detect/idi-p/9185146

Community

Add Rectangular and Circular Pattern Support to Split and Mark Features

toggle to flip default flat pattern in template

Model States & Multiple Flat Patterns

Sheet Metal Flange falls short of target point

Lofted Flange Feature - Option For Tangent Of Center Of Flats

Setting Marked Lines as a different layer when placing part into a drawing

Insert the active part into a new assembly with a right-click option.

MARK - Single-line stencil font.

Text size controlled by user parameter

Sheet Metal Auto Mitering with Angle

Surface at sheet metal environment

Support for multiple sheet formats within a single nesting operation for assemblies

Sheet Metal Revolve Cut Normal

Project sketches from flat patterns in drawing sketches

Flexible parts

Fold - Inventor Sheet Metal

Automatic display features dimensions

Feature Recognition for Sheet metal

Exporting multi-sheet Inventor .idw to single AutoCAD .dwg.

Suggestion: Hole Feature, Please expand options for Slot, Hex, Sq Holes!

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