How to Do Exploded View in Autodesk Inventor?

Creating an exploded view in Autodesk Inventor enhances comprehension of complex assemblies by visually separating components to illustrate how they fit together. This process involves several key steps, from setting up a presentation file to positioning parts appropriately.

Setting Up Your Presentation File

1. Create a New Presentation File:
   • Open Autodesk Inventor.
   • Click on File, then select New.
   • Choose the IPN template, which is designated for presentations, and click Create.

Importing Your Assembly

1. Load the Assembly:
   • From the presentation file, go to the Assembly panel.
   • Utilize the Place Component tool to import the assembly file you want to create an exploded view for (the file extension will typically be .iam).

Creating Exploded Steps

1. Initiate the Exploded View:

   • With the assembly components placed in the presentation, look for the Exploded View button in the toolbar.
   • Click on it to start creating the explosion sequence.

2. Select Components for Exploding:

   • Choose one or more components that you want to move away from their standard position.
   • You can select any component by clicking on it in the browser or directly in the workspace.
3. Manipulate Components:
   • After selecting a component, grab a translation handle (it usually appears as an arrow) and drag it outward to create distance between the components.
   • You may also use rotation handles to help position parts at angles that depict their assembly orientation.

Adding More Steps

1. Additional Explosion Steps:
   • To expand on the initial explosion, repeat the selection process for other components.
   • Drag and place each one according to its relationship to other parts.
   • Continue refining your exploded view by adjusting the orientation or distance as needed.

Finalizing the Exploded View

1. Review and Adjust Options:

   • Once all components are placed in their exploded positions, review the configuration.
   • Adjust the explode steps if necessary, ensuring clarity in the exploded view.
2. Saving Your Work:
   • After you are satisfied with the configuration, save your presentation. Click on File then Save, and provide a suitable name.

Creating a Drawing from the Presentation

1. Generating a Drawing:
   • You can create a 2D drawing based on the exploded view in the presentation file.
   • Right-click the presentation file in the browser and select Create Drawing to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of an exploded view in Autodesk Inventor?
An exploded view is used to illustrate how individual components fit together in an assembly. It helps viewers understand the assembly process and relationships between parts, making it clearer how to put them together.

Can I animate the exploded view in Autodesk Inventor?
Yes, by adding motion to the exploded steps, you can create an animation that shows the sequence of how components assemble or disassemble. This feature enhances presentations and technical documentation.

What file types can I use for the assembly in the exploded view?
You can use assembly files with the .iam extension when creating exploded views. Ensure that any necessary parts are packed and accessible within the project folder for easy integration.