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Autodesk® Inventor® 2022
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Advanced Assembly Modeling

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Learning Guide
Mixed Units - 1st Edition
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Cover Page
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Authorized Publisher
 ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®
Autodesk® Inventor® 2022
Advanced Assembly Modeling
Mixed Units - 1st Edition
Prepared and produced by:

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ASCENT Center for Technical Knowledge
630 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 175
Charlottesville, VA 22911

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866-527-2368

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www.ASCENTed.com

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Lead Contributor: Jennifer MacMillan
Copyright

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ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge (a division of Rand Worldwide Inc.) is a leading developer of
professional learning materials and knowledge products for engineering software applications. ASCENT

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experience. For over 25 years, ASCENT has helped users become more productive through tailored
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© ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge, 2021

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AS-INV2201-AAM1MU-SG // IS-INV2201-AAM1MU-SG
 C o n t e n ts

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Preface ............................................................................................................ ix

In This Guide ................................................................................................ xiii

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Practice Files ................................................................................................. xv

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Chapter 1: Advanced Assembly Tools ....................................................... 1-1
e EN1.1 Assembly Motion Constraints ....................................................... 1-2
1.2 Assembly Transitional Constraints............................................... 1-5
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1.3 Tips for Working with Assemblies ................................................ 1-6

Multiple Component Placement ........................................................ 1-6
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Assembly Folders.............................................................................. 1-7

Save and Replace Components ....................................................... 1-8
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Alpha Sort Component...................................................................... 1-8

Rename Browser Nodes ................................................................... 1-8
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1.4 Tips for Working with Assembly Relationships ........................... 1-9

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Expanded Constraint Options ........................................................... 1-9

Constraint States............................................................................. 1-10
Constraint Display Preferences....................................................... 1-11
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Relationship Highlighting................................................................. 1-11

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Degree of Freedom Analysis........................................................... 1-12

Show Relationship Name................................................................ 1-13
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Assembling Using a UCS and Constraint Sets ............................... 1-13

Place at Component Origin ............................................................. 1-14
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Ground and Root Component ......................................................... 1-15

Assembly Restructure ..................................................................... 1-15
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Practice 1a Motion and Transitional Constraints.............................. 1-16

Practice 1b Assembly Tools................................................................ 1-22
Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 1-28
Command Summary ............................................................................. 1-30

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

Chapter 2: Introduction to Top-Down Design ............................................ 2-1

2.1 Top-Down Design Process............................................................. 2-2
Top-Down Design Process ............................................................... 2-3
Planning ............................................................................................ 2-4
Enforcing ........................................................................................... 2-4

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Changing........................................................................................... 2-8
2.2 Top-Down Design Tools ................................................................. 2-9

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Multi-Body Design Tools ................................................................... 2-9

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Make Layout...................................................................................... 2-9
Make Components and Make Part.................................................... 2-9

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Derive................................................................................................ 2-9

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Parts in Assembly ........................................................................... 2-10
Assembly Features ......................................................................... 2-10
Associative Links and Adaptive Parts ............................................. 2-10

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Assembly Equations........................................................................ 2-11

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Component Generators................................................................... 2-11
Frame Generator............................................................................. 2-11

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 2-12

Chapter 3: Derived Components................................................................. 3-1

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3.1 Derived Components ...................................................................... 3-2
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3.2 Modify Derived Components ......................................................... 3-9

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Update Derived Components............................................................ 3-9

Edit Derived Components ................................................................. 3-9
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Break the Associative Link ................................................................ 3-9

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Practice 3a Derived Components ....................................................... 3-10

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 3-16

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Command Summary ............................................................................. 3-18

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Chapter 4: Multi-Body Part Modeling.......................................................... 4-1

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4.1 Multi-Body Part Modeling............................................................... 4-2

Creating the First Solid Body ............................................................ 4-3
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Creating Additional Solid Bodies....................................................... 4-3

Assigning Features to Solid Bodies .................................................. 4-3
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Manipulating Solid Bodies................................................................. 4-4

Solid Body Display .......................................................................... 4-12
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Solid Body Properties...................................................................... 4-13

Practice 4a Multi-Body Part Design.................................................... 4-14
Practice 4b Derive Multi-Body Parts................................................... 4-26
Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 4-36
Command Summary ............................................................................. 4-38

ii © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Contents

Chapter 5: Layout Design ............................................................................ 5-1

5.1 Layout Design ................................................................................. 5-2
Make Part.......................................................................................... 5-6
Make Components ............................................................................ 5-8
Practice 5a Layout Design................................................................... 5-12

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 5-28

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Command Summary ............................................................................. 5-30

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Chapter 6: Associative Links and Adaptive Parts ..................................... 6-1

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6.1 Associative Links............................................................................ 6-2

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Breaking Links................................................................................... 6-3
6.2 Adaptive Assembly Parts ............................................................... 6-4
Disabling Adaptivity........................................................................... 6-5

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Notes on Adaptivity ........................................................................... 6-5
Practice 6a Breaking Associative Links............................................... 6-7

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Practice 6b Adaptive Assembly .......................................................... 6-11
Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 6-16
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Command Summary ............................................................................. 6-18
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Chapter 7: iMates.......................................................................................... 7-1

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7.1 iMates ............................................................................................... 7-2

Creating iMates ................................................................................. 7-2
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Composite iMates ............................................................................. 7-3

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Creating iMates from Existing Constraints ........................................ 7-4

Using iMates in an Assembly ............................................................ 7-4
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Match List.......................................................................................... 7-7

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Notes on iMates .............................................................................. 7-10

iMates in iParts................................................................................ 7-11
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Practice 7a iMates ................................................................................ 7-12

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Practice 7b Composite iMates ............................................................ 7-25

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 7-32

Command Summary ............................................................................. 7-34
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Chapter 8: Positional Representations....................................................... 8-1

8.1 Introduction to Positional Representations ................................. 8-2
8.2 Create and Edit Positional Representations ................................ 8-3
Copy.................................................................................................. 8-6
Delete................................................................................................ 8-6
Edit Overrides ................................................................................... 8-7
Remove Overrides ............................................................................ 8-7
Suppress Overrides .......................................................................... 8-7

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

8.3 Use Positional Representations .................................................... 8-8

Opening Files .................................................................................... 8-8
Representations Browser.................................................................. 8-8
Drawing Views Using Positional Representations .......................... 8-10
Practice 8a Positional Representations I ........................................... 8-11

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Practice 8b Positional Representations II.......................................... 8-14

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 8-19
Command Summary ............................................................................. 8-21

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Chapter 9: Model Simplification .................................................................. 9-1

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9.1 Introduction to Model Simplification............................................. 9-2
9.2 Model Simplification Tools - Simplify ........................................... 9-4

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9.3 Model Simplification Tools - Simplify View ................................ 9-11

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9.4 Model Simplification Tools - Define Envelopes ......................... 9-14

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9.5 Create Simplified Part................................................................... 9-17
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Practice 9a Creating a Simplified Model I .......................................... 9-18
Practice 9b Creating a Simplified Model II ......................................... 9-26
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Chapter Review Questions................................................................... 9-36

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Command Summary ............................................................................. 9-38

Chapter 10: Assembly Model States......................................................... 10-1

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10.1 Assembly Model States ................................................................ 10-2

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10.2 Substitute Model States ............................................................... 10-8

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10.3 Creating Derived Substitutes..................................................... 10-11

10.4 Linking Model States .................................................................. 10-14
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10.5 Placing and Opening Assemblies Using Model States ........... 10-15
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10.6 Using Model States in Drawings................................................ 10-17

Drawing Views .............................................................................. 10-17
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Parts Lists ..................................................................................... 10-17

General Tables.............................................................................. 10-18
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10.7 Using Model States in Presentations ........................................ 10-21

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Practice 10a Assembly Model States ............................................... 10-22

Practice 10b Substitute Model States I ............................................ 10-35
Practice 10c Substitute Model States II............................................ 10-42
Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 10-47
Command Summary ........................................................................... 10-50

iv © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Contents

Chapter 11: iAssemblies ............................................................................ 11-1

11.1 Introduction ................................................................................... 11-2
11.2 Create Basic iAssemblies ............................................................ 11-3
11.3 Create Multi-Level iAssemblies ................................................... 11-7

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11.4 Create iAssemblies Using Existing Assemblies ........................ 11-8
11.5 Place iAssemblies....................................................................... 11-11

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11.6 Edit iAssemblies ......................................................................... 11-12

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Adding Components and Features to an iAssembly ..................... 11-12

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Practice 11a iAssembly ..................................................................... 11-13

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 11-33
Command Summary ........................................................................... 11-35

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Chapter 12: Advanced File Management.................................................. 12-1

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12.1 Design Assistant ........................................................................... 12-2
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12.2 Pack and Go .................................................................................. 12-7
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12.3 Purging Old Files ........................................................................ 12-10
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Practice 12a Managing Files ............................................................. 12-11

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 12-17

Command Summary ........................................................................... 12-18
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Chapter 13: Design Accelerator ................................................................ 13-1

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13.1 Design Accelerator ....................................................................... 13-2

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13.2 Generators ..................................................................................... 13-3

13.3 Calculators..................................................................................... 13-8
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13.4 Engineer’s Handbook ................................................................... 13-9

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Practice 13a Design Accelerator I..................................................... 13-10

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Practice 13b Design Accelerator II ................................................... 13-13

Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 13-26
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Command Summary ........................................................................... 13-27

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Chapter 14: Inventor Studio....................................................................... 14-1

14.1 Rendering ...................................................................................... 14-2
Adding Additional Lights.................................................................. 14-6
Setting the Environment.................................................................. 14-7
Shadows ......................................................................................... 14-7
Saving Changes.............................................................................. 14-7
Rendering Images......................................................................... 14-11

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

14.2 Animation..................................................................................... 14-13

Animate Components.................................................................... 14-15
Animate Fade................................................................................ 14-16
Animate Constraints...................................................................... 14-16
Animate Parameters ..................................................................... 14-17

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Animate Positional Representations ............................................. 14-18
Animate Light ................................................................................ 14-18
Animation Timeline........................................................................ 14-19

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General Tab .................................................................................. 14-21

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Output Tab .................................................................................... 14-21
Renderer Tab ................................................................................ 14-22

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14.3 Video Producer............................................................................ 14-23

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14.4 Creating a Standard Room......................................................... 14-28
Practice 14a Rendering Images and an Animation ......................... 14-29

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Practice 14b Puncher......................................................................... 14-39

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Practice 14c (Optional) Excavator .................................................... 14-41
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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 14-43
Command Summary ........................................................................... 14-44
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Chapter 15: Frame Generator .................................................................... 15-1

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15.1 Frame Generator ........................................................................... 15-2

15.2 Structural Shape Author............................................................. 15-26
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Practice 15a Frame Generator .......................................................... 15-31

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Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 15-56

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 15-58

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Chapter 16: Assembly Duplication Options............................................. 16-1

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16.1 Pattern Components..................................................................... 16-2

Associative Pattern ......................................................................... 16-4
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Rectangular Pattern ........................................................................ 16-4

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Circular Pattern ............................................................................... 16-5

16.2 Mirror Components....................................................................... 16-9
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16.3 Copy Components ...................................................................... 16-12

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Practice 16a Mirror Assembly Components .................................... 16-15

Practice 16b Mirror and Pattern Components ................................. 16-18
Practice 16c Copy Components ....................................................... 16-25
Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 16-29
Command Summary ........................................................................... 16-31

vi © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Contents

Chapter 17: Working with Weldments ...................................................... 17-1

17.1 Working with Weldments ............................................................. 17-2
Preparations.................................................................................... 17-3
Welds .............................................................................................. 17-3
Machining Features......................................................................... 17-5

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17.2 Fillet Welds .................................................................................... 17-7

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17.3 Cosmetic Welds .......................................................................... 17-10
17.4 Groove Welds .............................................................................. 17-12

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Practice 17a Working with Weldments I........................................... 17-14

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Practice 17b Working with Weldments II ......................................... 17-23
Practice 17c Working with Weldments III......................................... 17-30
Chapter Review Questions................................................................. 17-32

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Command Summary ........................................................................... 17-34

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Appendix A: Working with Spreadsheets and Parameters ......................A-1
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A.1 Spreadsheet-Driven Parameters....................................................A-2
A.2 Custom Parameters ........................................................................A-5
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A.3 Custom Parameter Formatting and Expressions.........................A-7

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Custom Parameter Formatting.......................................................... A-7

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iProperty Expressions ....................................................................... A-9

Practice A1 Work with a Spreadsheet ................................................ A-10
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Chapter Review Questions...................................................................A-20

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Command Summary .............................................................................A-22

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Index ...................................................................................................... Index-1

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© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® vii

 Preface

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The Autodesk® Inventor® 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling guide builds on
the skills acquired in the Autodesk Inventor 2022: Introduction to Solid Modeling
and Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Part Modeling guides to take you to a

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higher level of productivity when creating and working with assemblies.

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You begin by focusing on the Top-Down Design workflow. You learn how tools are

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used to achieve this workflow using Derive, Multi-Body Design, and Layouts.
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Other topics include model simplification tools, positional representations, model
states, iMates and iAssemblies, Frame Generator, Design Accelerator, and file
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management and duplication techniques. A chapter has also been included about
the Autodesk® Inventor® Studio to teach you how to render, produce, and animate
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realistic images.
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Topics Covered
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• Applying motion to existing assembly constraints using Motion and

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Transitional constraints.
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• Introduction of the Top-Down Design technique for creating assemblies and

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their components.
• Tools for Top-Down Design, such as associative links, adaptive parts,
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multi-body and layout design, derived components, and skeleton models.

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• Creating positional representations to review motion, evaluate the position of

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assembly components, or document an assembly in a drawing.

• Using the model simplification tools to create simplified part models and views
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of assembly designs.
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• Creating model states and iAssemblies to create customizable versions of

assembly designs.
• Creating rendered realistic images and animations of parts and assemblies
using Autodesk Inventor Studio and the Video Producer.
• Using the Design Accelerator and Frame Generator to easily insert standard
and customizable components and features into your model.

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® ix

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

• Efficiently duplicating components in an assembly.

• Adding welds and weld symbols to weldment assemblies.

Prerequisites

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• Access to the 2022.0 version of the software, to ensure compatibility with this
guide. Future software updates that are released by Autodesk may include
changes that are not reflected in this guide. The practices and files included

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with this guide are not compatible with prior versions (e.g., 2021).

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• The class assumes mastery of Autodesk Inventor basics as taught in

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Autodesk® Inventor®: Introduction to Solid Modeling. In addition, Autodesk®
Inventor®: Advanced Part Modeling knowledge is recommended.

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• The use of Microsoft® Excel is required for this training course.

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Note on Software Setup

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This guide was written for the 2022.0 release of the Autodesk Inventor software.
Future software updates that may be released by Autodesk may incorporate
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changes to workflows that will not be reflected in this guide. This guide assumes a
standard installation of the software using the default preferences during
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installation. Lectures and practices use the standard software templates and
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default options for the Content Libraries.

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Students and Educators Can Access Free Autodesk Software

and Resources
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Autodesk challenges you to get started with free educational licenses for
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professional software and creativity apps used by millions of architects,

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engineers, designers, and hobbyists today. Bring Autodesk software into your
classroom, studio, or workshop to learn, teach, and explore real-world design
challenges the way professionals do.
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Get started today - register at the Autodesk Education Community and download
one of the many Autodesk software applications available.
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Visit www.autodesk.com/education/home/
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Note: Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user
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license and services agreement that accompanies the software. The software is
for personal use for education purposes and is not intended for classroom or lab
use.

x © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Preface

Lead Contributor: Jennifer MacMillan

With a dedication for engineering and education, Jennifer has spent over 25 years
at ASCENT managing courseware development for various CAD products.
Trained in Instructional Design, Jennifer uses her skills to develop instructor-led

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and web-based training products as well as knowledge profiling tools.

Jennifer has achieved the Autodesk Certified Professional certification for

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Inventor and is also recognized as an Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI). She

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enjoys teaching the training courses that she authors and is also very skilled in

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providing technical support to end-users.

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Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree as well as a Bachelor of Science
in Mathematics from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada.

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Jennifer MacMillan has been the Lead Contributor for Autodesk Inventor:

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Advanced Assembly Modeling since 2007.

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© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® xi

 In This Guide

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The following highlights the key features of this guide.

Feature Description

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Practice Files The Practice Files page includes a link to the practice files and
instructions on how to download and install them. The practice files

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are required to complete the practices in this guide.
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Chapters A chapter consists of the following - Learning Objectives,
Instructional Content, Practices, Chapter Review Questions, and
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Command Summary.
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• Learning Objectives define the skills you can acquire by learning

the content provided in the chapter.
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• Instructional Content, which begins right after Learning

Objectives, refers to the descriptive and procedural information
related to various topics. Each main topic introduces a product
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feature, discusses various aspects of that feature, and provides

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step-by-step procedures on how to use that feature. Where

relevant, examples, figures, helpful hints, and notes are provided.
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• Practice for a topic follows the instructional content. Practices

enable you to use the software to perform a hands-on review of a
topic. It is required that you download the practice files (using the
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link found on the Practice Files page) prior to starting the first
practice.
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• Chapter Review Questions, located close to the end of a

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chapter, enable you to test your knowledge of the key concepts

discussed in the chapter.
• Command Summary concludes a chapter. It contains a list of the
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software commands that are used throughout the chapter and

provides information on where the command can be found in the
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software.

Appendices Appendices provide additional information to the main course

content. It could be in the form of instructional content, practices,
tables, projects, or skills assessment.

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® xiii

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

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xvi © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Chapter

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Advanced Assembly Tools

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The use of Motion and Transitional constraints provides added flexibility in

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constraining components and allowing motion between them. This chapter
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discusses the motion constraint, as well as a number of additional miscellaneous
assembly tools available in the Autodesk® Inventor® software. Knowing how to
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access and use these tools will help you be more productive when working in an
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assembly.
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Learning Objectives in This Chapter

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• Add a constraint that permits movement of one surface relative to another.

• Add a constraint that permits movement of one surface relative to a continuous set of
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surfaces.
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• Use various methods to assemble multiple components in an assembly.

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• Clarify and organize an assembly by sorting and changing the display names and folder
structure in the Model browser.
• Replace a selected component in an assembly with a copy of itself.
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• Access additional constraint options, including assigning specific constraint names and
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limits.
• Identify assembly components that have degrees of freedom.
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• Constrain components in reference to a user coordinate system (UCS), another

component’s origin, or the assembly’s origin.
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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

1.1 Assembly Motion

Constraints
In addition to the five assembly constraints (mate, angle,

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tangent, insert, and symmetry), a motion constraint can also be
used to describe the movement of one surface relative to

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another. You cannot apply a Drive to a motion constraint.

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How To: Create a Motion Constraint

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1. Create and place components into an assembly.

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2. In the Assemble tab>Position panel, click (Constrain) to
create a constraint relationship. Select the Motion tab in the

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Place Constraint dialog box, as shown in Figure 1–1.

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Figure 1–1
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3. Select the motion type and references. References can be

applied between linear, planar, cylindrical, and conical
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elements on two components. You can create two types of

motion constraints:
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(Pick part first) limits

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• Use (Rotation) to constrain one component relative to

the geometry that is another, so that one component rotates when the other
available for selection to rotates (e.g., pulleys or gears), as shown in Figure 1–2.
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a single component. It is To assign the constraint, select the component surfaces.

useful when
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components are in close Two rotating

proximity or partially components
obscured by one
another.

Figure 1–2

1–2 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Advanced Assembly Tools

• Use (Rotation-Translation) to move (translate) one

component when the other one rotates (e.g., a rack and
pinion), as shown in Figure 1–3. To assign the constraint,
select a surface on the rotating component and an edge
on the moving component.

n. nly
Moving

de o
component

id w
rb ie
Rotating
component

fo rev
tly r
ric fo
Figure 1–3

st T
e EN 4. Select the motion type solution.
• For a rotation motion constraint, the two solutions shown
in Figure 1–4 enable you to define the direction the
us C
components rotate relative to one another (forward or
re S

reverse).
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid

Forward
op ro
lc p

Reverse
Al ple

Figure 1–4
m
Sa

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

• For a rotation-translation motion constraint, the solutions

shown in Figure 1–5 enable you to define the direction the
components rotate and move relative to one another
(forward or reverse).

n. nly
de o
id w
Forward

rb ie
fo rev
Reverse

tly r
ric fo
Figure 1–5

st T
e EN 5. Enter the Ratio and Distance values.
• For rotation constraints, enter a ratio in the Ratio field to
determine how many revolutions the second component
us C
makes per revolution of the first. By default, the ratio
re S

relative to the circumferences is automatically calculated

d yA

and therefore the order of selection is important.

• For rotation-translation constraints, enter a distance in the
Distance field. The distance determines how far the
an b

second component moves per revolution of the first. If the

d

first component selected is a cylindrical surface, the

ng e

software sets the distance to the circumference of the

yi vid

cylinder.
6. Click Apply to complete constraint placement and continue
op ro

adding constraints. Once the component is fully constrained,

click OK to close the Place Constraint dialog box.
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

1–4 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Advanced Assembly Tools

1.2 Assembly Transitional

Constraints
In addition to the five assembly constraints (mate, angle,

n. nly
tangent, insert, and symmetry), a transitional constraint can also
be used to describe the movement of one surface relative to a

de o
continuous set of surfaces, such as a cam in a slot of an
assembly, as shown in Figure 1–6. You cannot use the drive

id w
constraint tool for transitional constraints.

rb ie
fo rev
Slot

tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN Figure 1–6
us C

How To: Create a Transitional Constraint

re S
d yA

1. Create and place components into an assembly.

2. In the Assemble tab>Position panel, click (Constrain) to

an b

create a constraint relationship. Select the Transitional tab in

d

the Place Constraint dialog box, as shown in Figure 1–7.

ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

Figure 1–7
3. Select the surfaces on both components that are in contact.
Use (Pick part first)
To display a preview of the constraint, ensure that
to limit the geometry
that is available for (Preview) is enabled.
selection to a single 4. Click Apply to complete constraint placement and continue
component. adding constraints. Once the component is fully constrained,
click OK to close the Place Constraint dialog box.

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–5

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

1.3 Tips for Working with

Assemblies

n. nly
Multiple Consider the following when assembling multiple components in
an assembly:
Component

de o
• Multiple components can be placed in an assembly at the
Placement

id w
same time.

rb ie
• Hold <Ctrl> to select individual components or <Shift> to

fo rev
select a range of components.
• Components are assembled and sorted alphabetically.
• When placing, if you right-click and select Place

tly r
ric fo
Grounded at Origin, all of the components placed are
grounded. Alternatively, once placed, you can ground an

st T
individual component by right-clicking its name in the
e EN Model browser and selecting Grounded.
• To place multiple instances of a single component, place the
us C
first instance and then drag and drop additional instances
from the Model browser.
re S
d yA

• Any constraints assigned to the initial instance

relationships are lost and must be reassigned.
an b

• To help maintain the orientation of the last assembled

instance, you can select Use last occurrence
d

orientation for component placement in the Assembly

ng e

tab, in the Application Options dialog box.

yi vid

• If using the AutoDrop functionality with the Content Center,

multiple components can be retrieved into the assembly,
op ro

provided the selected reference has other similar references

on the same placement face.
lc p
Al ple

• For example, with AutoDrop you can place eight

instances of the same fastener on eight holes on the
same face, if they are all the same size. The AutoDrop
m

functionality is discussed more in depth with the Design

Sa

Accelerator.

1–6 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Advanced Assembly Tools

Assembly Assembly folders help organize an assembly by grouping

components and simplifying the Model browser. Unlike
Folders subassemblies, folders do not create a component. Folders have
no impact on relationships or degrees of freedom and do not
become a rigid body.

n. nly
To create a folder, use either of the following:

de o
• Right-click on the component(s) you want to add to the folder
and select Add to New Folder, as shown in Figure 1–8.

id w
rb ie
• Right-click on the model name at the top of the Model

fo rev
browser and select Create New Folder. Once a folder is
created, you can drag-and-drop components into or out of the
folder.

tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m

Figure 1–8
Sa

To rename the folder, select the folder in the Model browser (do
not double-click), then click on the folder again and enter a new
name.

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–7

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

Save and The Save and Replace option enables you to replace a selected
component in an assembly with a copy of itself. The newly
Replace created copy maintains all the same relationships as the original
Components component. This tool can be used to test design scenarios in
assemblies.

n. nly
How To: Replace a Component with a Saved Copy

de o
1. In the Assemble tab>expanded Productivity panel, click

id w
rb ie
(Save and Replace).
2. Select the component to be replaced.

fo rev
3. In the Create Part dialog box, enter a name for the newly
copied component and click Save. The selected component
is replaced with the copy.

tly r
ric fo
Alpha Sort The Alpha Sort Component option (Assemble tab>expanded

st T
Component
e EN Productivity panel> (Alpha Sort Component)) enables you to
sort assembly components alphabetically in the Model browser.
us C
This option does not sort items in subassemblies.
re S
d yA

Rename The Rename Browser Nodes option (Assemble tab>expanded

Browser Nodes Productivity panel> (Rename Browser Nodes)) changes the

an b

way browser nodes display. Components can be displayed in the

browser by filename, part number, or in the default configuration.
d

This option enables you to quickly change the long names that
ng e

often display from content center items, as well as switch from

yi vid

filenames to your company part numbering schemes. Using this

op ro

option with (Alpha Sort Component), you can quickly sort

lc p

Browser nodes as required.

Al ple
m
Sa

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 Advanced Assembly Tools

1.4 Tips for Working with

Assembly Relationships

n. nly
Expanded When assigning a constraint using the Place Constraint dialog

Constraint box, you can click to access additional options. Consider the

de o
following:
Options

id w
• You can assign a custom name to the constraint to help

rb ie
identify it.

fo rev
• Set limit values for a translational or rotational constraint, as
shown in Figure 1–9. This assigns a maximum and minimum
allowable range for the Offset or Angle values used when

tly r
ric fo
assigning a constraint. A constraint with limits has +/-
appended to its name.

st T
• The Use Offset As Resting Position option uses the
e EN specified Offset value as the resting position. If not set, you
can drag and move the component within the range of values
and the component rests where it is dropped.
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

Figure 1–9

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

Constraint You can identify if components are fully constrained in the Model
browser by reviewing the constraint state icons associated with
States each of the assembly components, as shown in Figure 1–10.

n. nly
Constraint

de o
states

id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
Figure 1–10

st T
The icons describe the constraint state, as follows:

The
e EN
(Pushpin) icon • The icon adjacent to a component name indicates that the
adjacent to a component is fully constrained.
us C
component name also
re S

indicates that it is • The icon adjacent to a component name indicates that the
component is not fully constrained. To review which degrees
d yA

grounded (fully
constrained). of freedom remain, you must review the existing constraints.
an b

• The icon adjacent to a component name indicates that the

component constraint status is unknown. To attempt to
d

resolve, in the Manage tab>Update panel, click Rebuild All,

ng e

or review constraints and assign as needed.

yi vid

Hint: Enabling the Display of Constraint States

op ro

Constraint states were introduced in Inventor 2022, and the

lc p

default 2022 templates have them set to display by default. If

they are not displayed, the assembly may have been created in
Al ple

an older version. To turn on constraint states, expand

(Advanced Settings Menu) and select Display
m

Preferences>Show Constraint State. Alternatively, you can

Sa

set the Show Constraint State in Browser option from the

Manage tab>Document Settings>Modeling tab.

1–10 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Advanced Assembly Tools

Constraint You can manipulate the display of the Model browser using the
Display Preferences options shown in Figure 1–11 and
Display described below.
Preferences • Use Hide Fully Constrained to quickly turn off the display of
components that are fully constrained in the assembly.

n. nly
• Enable the Show Constraint State option to display the

de o
icons ( , , ) to help you identify the constraint status of a

id w
component. You can disable this option to turn off the display
of the icons.

rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b

Figure 1–11
d
ng e
yi vid

Relationship When you select or hover the cursor over a constraint or joint
connection in the Model browser, the assembly references are
Highlighting
op ro

highlighted on the screen. The first and second references

uniquely match their color indicator under the respective arrow in
lc p

the Place Constraint and the Place Joint dialog boxes.

Al ple
m
Sa

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

Degree of In the Assemble tab>Productivity panel, click (Degree of

Freedom Analysis) to open the Degree of Freedom Analysis
Freedom dialog box.This tool provides a summary of the degrees of
Analysis freedom remaining in all assembly components.

n. nly
• Information on the remaining translational and rotational
degrees of freedom for each component is presented.

de o
id w
• Select a component in the dialog box to graphically view the
remaining degrees of freedom, as shown in Figure 1–12.

rb ie
fo rev
• Select the Animate Freedom option to visually animate the
degrees of freedom remaining on the selected component.

tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA

Select the component in the

dialog box to display the
remaining degrees of freedom
an b
d
ng e
yi vid

Figure 1–12
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

1–12 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Advanced Assembly Tools

Show You can display the names of components next to the applicable
constraint and joint listings in the Model browser, as shown in
Relationship Figure 1–13. To display the component names, select Display
Name component names after relationship names in the Assembly
tab in the Application Options dialog box (Tools tab>Options

n. nly
panel> (Application Options)).

de o
This command is

id w
especially useful when
the Assembly browser is

rb ie
in Modeling View

fo rev
because you can see
the component names
listed in the

tly r
Relationships folder.

ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e

Figure 1–13
yi vid

Assembling A user coordinate system (UCS) consists of three planes, three

op ro

axes, and a center point. The only difference between a UCS

Using a UCS and the Origin is that you can have multiple UCSs in a model,
lc p

and Constraint which can all be oriented differently. Once created, a UCS is
listed in the Model browser at the point it was created. It is
Al ple

Sets identified by a special triad icon, as well as a sequential number

associated with its feature name.
m
Sa

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

A UCS can be used as a reference in constraining components

using the Constraint Set tab in the Place Constraint dialog box,
as shown in Figure 1–14. UCS Constraint Sets match Plane to
Plane, Axis to Axis, and Origin to Origin to locate two
components relative to one another. To constrain the

n. nly
components, select the UCS in each component.
This tab only enables

de o
you to constrain one
UCS to another UCS.

id w
UCS references cannot

rb ie
be used as references
for Joint connections.

fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN Figure 1–14
us C

Place at The Place at Component Origin option enables you to quickly

re S

constrain a newly added component to an existing assembly

Component
d yA

component. The system automatically creates three mate flush

Origin constraints to align the YZ, XZ, and XY planes from each
component.
an b
d

How To: Place a Newly Added Component at an

ng e

Existing Component’s Origin

yi vid

1. In the Assemble tab>Productivity panel, click (Place at

op ro

Component Origin).
lc p

2. In the graphic window or Model browser, select the existing

component to which the newly placed component is going be
Al ple

constrained.
3. In the Open dialog box, select a component or multiple
m

components to be added to the assembly and click Open.

Sa

1–14 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Advanced Assembly Tools

Ground and The Ground and Root Component option (Assemble tab>

Root expanded Productivity panel> ) enables you to do all of the

following in a single operation:
Component

n. nly
If existing relationships • Ground a selected component (Ground at Origin).
are in conflict, the

de o
• Align the origin of a selected component with the origin of the
icon displays and must assembly (Create origin flush constraints). Three flush

id w
be manually resolved. constraints are added to mate flush the YZ, XZ, and XY

rb ie
planes in the selected component and the assembly.

fo rev
• Reposition a selected component as the first component in
the Model browser (Reposition to the top of the browser).

tly r
ric fo
Assembly You can promote and demote components in an assembly
structure without losing their relationships. To promote or

st T
Restructure demote, right-click on a component and select Component>
e EN Promote or Component>Demote.

When demoting you are prompted to create a new subassembly.

us C
If a subassembly already exists, select and drag the component
re S

into the subassembly to demote it. Dragging and dropping can

d yA

also be used to promote a component.

an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

Practice 1a Motion and Transitional

Constraints
Practice Objectives

n. nly
• Relate the motion of one component to another component by adding

de o
motion and transitional constraint relationships.
• Simulate motion in an assembly by driving a newly added angle

id w
constraint relationship.

rb ie
In this practice, you will use motion and transitional constraints to

fo rev
relate the motion of one part to another part in an assembly. You
will apply an Angle constraint to two assembly components and
simulate motion in the assembly by driving the angle constraint.

tly r
ric fo
The assembly is shown in Figure 1–15.

st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid

Figure 1–15
op ro
lc p

Task 1 - Open an assembly file.

Al ple

1. In the Get Started tab>Launch panel, click (Projects) to

m

open the Projects dialog box. Project files identify folders that
Sa

contain the required Autodesk Inventor models.

This project file is used 2. Click Browse and browse to the Autodesk Inventor 2022
for the entire learning Advanced Assembly Modeling Practice Files folder. Select
guide. Advanced Assembly.ipj and click Open. The Projects
dialog box updates and a checkmark displays next to the new
project name, indicating that it is the active project. The
project file tells the Autodesk Inventor software where your
files are stored.

1–16 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Advanced Assembly Tools

3. Click Done.

4. Open drive.iam from the top-level practice files folder.

Textures have been added to the two Roll components so
that you can easily identify them when they are rotating.

n. nly
5. Examine the existing relationships in the assembly and
display the components’ degrees of freedom. To display the

de o
degrees of freedom, switch to the View tab>Visibility panel

id w
and click (Degrees of Freedom). The base component is

rb ie
grounded. The roll1 and roll2 components are free to rotate
about their central axes, and the sliderarm is free to slide in

fo rev
one direction only.

6. As an alternative to simply displaying the degrees of freedom

tly r
for the components, you can run an analysis. In the

ric fo
Assemble tab>expanded Productivity panel, click

st T
(Degree of Freedom Analysis). The Degree of Freedom
e EN Analysis dialog box opens, as shown in Figure 1–16. The
sliderarm can translate, and the roll1 and roll2 components
us C
can rotate.
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

Figure 1–16

7. Select Animate Freedom at the bottom of the dialog box.

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–17

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

8. Select the sliderarm component in the dialog box and note

the translational movement of the component.

9. Select the roll1 and roll2 components in the dialog box to

see their rotational freedom. Using the Degree of Freedom
Analysis command enables you to visualize more easily the

n. nly
available degrees of freedom in an assembly.

de o
10. Click Cancel to close the dialog box.

id w
Task 2 - Place and constrain trans_cam.ipt.

rb ie
fo rev
1. Place one instance of trans_cam.ipt in the assembly.

The (Axial Mate) 2. Apply a Mate constraint between the center line of the

tly r
symbol displays when a trans_cam rod and the center line of the round hole in

ric fo
mate constraint is used drive_base.ipt, as shown in Figure 1–17.
to align the axes of

st T
cylindrical or conical
features.
e EN
us C
re S
d yA
an b
d
ng e
yi vid

Mate the central axis

op ro

of the trans_cam and

lc p

the hole

Figure 1–17
Al ple

3. Apply a Mate constraint between the surfaces shown in

m

Figure 1–18. One rotational degree of freedom remains.

Sa

1–18 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Advanced Assembly Tools

Mate these

n. nly
surfaces

de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
Figure 1–18

ric fo
4. Open the Place Constraint dialog box, if not already open,

st T
and select the Motion tab.
e EN 5. Apply a (Rotation) motion constraint between the outside
cylindrical faces of Roll1 and Roll2. Select Roll1 first (the
us C
smaller cylinder) and Roll 2 second (the larger cylinder).
Based on the order that you selected, the default ratio is .40.
re S

The ratio determines how many revolutions the second

d yA

component makes per revolution of the first.

6. Set the parts to rotate in the reverse direction, as shown in

an b
d

Figure 1–19, by clicking . Click OK.

ng e

Reverse
yi vid

directions
op ro
lc p
Al ple

Roll1
m
Sa

Roll2

Figure 1–19

7. Select the Roll1 component and drag it to simulate motion.

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–19

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

8. Apply a (Rotation-Translation) motion constraint between

Roll2 and Sliderarm. Select Roll2 first and the Sliderarm
edge second, as shown in Figure 1–20. Set the motion to

rotate in the Forward direction by clicking . Click OK.

n. nly
Select the Sliderarm

de o
edge second

id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
Select this
face on Roll2
e EN first
us C
Figure 1–20
re S

9. Select the Roll2 component and drag it to simulate motion.

d yA

When Roll2 rotates, Sliderarm translates and Roll1 rotates.

You can also select and drag Sliderarm or Roll1.
an b

10. In the Place Constraint dialog box, select the Transitional tab.
d
ng e

11. Place a (Transitional) constraint between the cylindrical

yi vid

portion of the Slider arm and the round face of trans_cam, as

shown in Figure 1–21. Select the cylinder first and a surface
op ro

on trans_cam second. Click OK.

lc p

Select
Al ple

these faces
m
Sa

Figure 1–21

1–20 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Advanced Assembly Tools

12. Select and drag trans_cam back and forth to rotate it. The
other constrained parts should move according to their
relationships.

Task 3 - Drive a constraint.

n. nly
In this task, you apply an Angle constraint between sliderarm

de o
and trans_cam, and then use this relationship to simulate
motion.

id w
rb ie
When you apply the 1. Apply an Angle constraint between the XZ Plane of
Angle constraint, you sliderarm and the YZ Plane of trans_cam.

fo rev
might lose the
transitional constraint
references. Edit it and 2. Click (Directed Angle).

tly r
ric fo
re-apply the references
in the Edit Constraint 3. Type 0.00 as the angle between the two planes, and click OK
to apply the constraint relationship.

st T
dialog box.
e EN 4. In the Model browser, right-click on the Angle constraint
relationship and select Drive. The Drive dialog box opens.
us C
5. Type -60.00 in the Start field and 60.00 in the End field.
re S

6. Expand the Drive dialog box, select Start/End/Start, and

d yA

type 10 in the Repetitions field.

an b

7. Click to start the simulation.

d
ng e

8. Close the dialog box once the simulation has finished.

yi vid

9. Save the file and close the window.

op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

Practice 1b Assembly Tools

Practice Objectives
• Investigate the remaining degrees of freedom of components in a

n. nly
constrained assembly.
• Vary the display and organization of the Model browser by adding an

de o
Assembly folder, and renaming and sorting nodes in the Model browser.

id w
In this practice, you will use some assembly tools to perform a

rb ie
variety of tasks on the mechanical pencil assembly shown in
Figure 1–22.

fo rev
tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
Figure 1–22
re S
d yA

Task 1 - Open an assembly and view the model.

1. Open Mechanical Pencil.iam from the Mechanical_Pencil_

an b

Assembly Tools folder.

d

2. Select the View tab.

ng e
yi vid

3. In the Visibility panel, click (Half Section View), as shown

in Figure 1–23.
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

Figure 1–23

1–22 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Advanced Assembly Tools

4. In the Model browser, expand the Origin node, select the YZ

Plane, and click . The model displays as shown in
Figure 1–24. Review the model, noting the internal detail.

n. nly
de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
Figure 1–24

tly r
Task 2 - Investigate the degrees of freedom of the

ric fo
components.

st T
In this task, you will investigate the degrees of freedom
e EN remaining in the assembly, using the Degree of Freedom
Analysis dialog box. This productivity tool provides an overview
us C
of all remaining degrees of freedom for the entire assembly.
re S

1. In the Assemble tab>expanded Productivity panel, click

d yA

(Degree of Freedom Analysis). The Degree of Freedom

an b

Analysis dialog box opens, as shown in Figure 1–25.

d
ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple
m
Sa

Figure 1–25

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–23

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

The Degree of Freedom Analysis dialog box lists all of the

components in the assembly and their degrees of freedom.
The components are fully constrained translationally, while
some still have a rotational degree of freedom remaining.

2. In the Degree of Freedom Analysis dialog box, select the

n. nly
Cone:1 component. The rotational degree of freedom
highlights on the model.

de o
3. Select Animate Freedom.

id w
rb ie
4. Zoom in on the tip section of the pencil, as shown in
Figure 1–26, and select the Spring:1 component in the

fo rev
dialog box. The degree of freedom remaining for the spring is
animated on the screen.

tly r
ric fo
st T
e EN
us C
re S
d yA

Figure 1–26

5. Select other components to observe their remaining degrees

an b

of freedom. Maintaining a rotational degree of freedom in the

d

components is acceptable for this assembly.

ng e

6. Click Cancel to close the dialog box.

yi vid

Task 3 - Create an assembly folder.

op ro
lc p

In this task, you will create an assembly folder. Assembly folders

help organize the Model browser and quickly manipulate
Al ple

features inside the folder.

1. In the Model browser, right-click on Mechanical Pencil.iam
m

and select Create New Folder.

Sa

2. Type External as the folder name and press <Enter>.

1–24 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Advanced Assembly Tools

You can drag all of the 3. Drag the Clip, Cone, Eraser Cap, Eraser, Lead Guide,
components into the Upper Shaft, Sleeve, Grip, and Ring components into the
Assembly folder in a External assembly folder, as shown in Figure 1–27.
single operation by
pressing <Ctrl> while

n. nly
selecting the
components.

de o
id w
rb ie
fo rev
tly r
ric fo
The order of the
components might

st T
be different for you
e EN
us C
re S
d yA

Figure 1–27

4. In the Model browser, right-click on the External folder and

an b

clear the Visibility option. The model displays as shown in

d

Figure 1–28. All components were cleared at once.

ng e
yi vid
op ro
lc p
Al ple

Figure 1–28
m
Sa

5. Toggle the Visibility of the External folder back on.

Task 4 - Reorganize the Model browser.

In this task, you will use two productivity tools to reorganize the
Model browser: Rename Browser Nodes and Alpha Sort
Components.

© 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–25

 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

1. In the expanded Productivity panel, click (Rename

Browser Nodes).

2. In the New Name drop-down list, select Filename, as shown

in Figure 1–29, and click Apply. The Model browser updates

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to display the full filename of each component.

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Figure 1–29

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3. In the New Name drop-down list, select Part Number and
click Apply. The Model browser updates to display the part

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number for each component.
e EN 4. Click Close.
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5. In the expanded Productivity panel, click (Alpha Sort
Component). The Model browser is reordered by part
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number.
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6. Expand the External assembly folder. The components inside

the folder were also sorted. A limitation of this command is
an b

that it will not sort subassemblies. For subassemblies, you

d

must activate a subassembly first and then sort it.

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7. Right-click on the External assembly folder and select Delete

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Folder. The folder is removed from the Model browser and

the components in it are placed back into the top level of the
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browser.
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8. Run the Alpha Sort Component command again.

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 Advanced Assembly Tools

9. The grounded part is now buried in the Model browser. To

correct this, drag PP-09 back to the top of the browser, as
shown in Figure 1–30.

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e EN
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Figure 1–30
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10. Save the file and close the window.

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

Chapter Review Questions

1. What is the purpose of using an assembly folder?
a. To store component files.

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b. To promote components.

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c. To help organize an assembly.

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d. To demote components.

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2. Assembly folders have an impact on the relationships/

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degrees of freedom of the components in the folder.
a. True

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b. False

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3. What is the purpose of the Constraint Set tab shown in

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Figure 1–31?
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Figure 1–31
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a. Adds multiple constraints at the same time.

op ro

b. Enables you to constrain components using a user

coordinate system (UCS).
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c. Enables constraints to be grouped together.

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d. None of the above.

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4. (Alpha Sort Component) sorts all of the components that

Sa

exist at the top-level assembly and in subassemblies and

assembly folders.
a. True
b. False

1–28 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®

 Advanced Assembly Tools

5. What do Motion constraints enable you to do?

a. Describe the movement of one surface relative to another.
b. Describe the constraints that keep components from
moving.

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c. Restrict the motion of components.
6. If a Rotation motion constraint enables one component to

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rotate when another rotates, what does the

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Rotation-Translation motion constraint do?

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a. Enables two components to rotate when another rotates.

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b. They are the same.
c. Enables one component to move translationally when
another rotates.

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d. Enables one component to move translationally when
another moves translationally.

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e EN 7. What do Transitional constraints enable you to do?
a. Describe the movement of one surface relative to a
continuous set of surfaces.
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b. Describe the movement of one surface relative to another.

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c. Change constraint options depending on a component’s

other constraints.
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d. Transition from one type of constraint to another.

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 Autodesk Inventor 2022: Advanced Assembly Modeling

Command Summary
Button Command Location
NA Add to New • (context menu in the Model browser)

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Folder
Alpha Sort • Ribbon: Assemble tab>Productivity
Component panel

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Application • Ribbon: Tools tab>Options panel

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Options

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Constrain • Ribbon: Assemble tab>Position

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panel
NA Create New • (context menu in the Model browser)
Folder

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Degree of • Ribbon: Assemble tab>Productivity

ric fo
Freedom panel
Analysis

st T
Ground and • Ribbon: Assemble tab>Productivity
e EN Root
Component
panel

Place • Ribbon: Assemble tab>Component

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panel
re S

Place at • Ribbon: Assemble tab>Productivity

d yA

Component panel
Origin
Rename • Ribbon: Assemble tab>Productivity
an b

Browser Nodes panel

d

Save and • Ribbon: Assemble tab>Productivity

ng e

Replace panel
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Component
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1–30 © 2021, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge®