Understanding Exploded Views in Autodesk Inventor
Creating an exploded view in Autodesk Inventor allows you to illustrate how components fit together in an assembly. This is especially useful for assembly instructions, technical documentation, and presentations. Below are the detailed steps to create an exploded view.
Step 1: Create a Presentation File
To begin, a presentation file needs to be created, which serves as the workspace for your exploded view.
- Start Autodesk Inventor: Launch the program and open your existing assembly file that you want to explode.
- Create Presentation File: Access the application menu and click on "File" then select "New". From the options provided, choose the IPN (Inventor Presentation) template to create a new presentation file.
Step 2: Select the Assembly
Once the presentation file is open, you will need to choose which assembly to use for the exploded view.
- Open Presentation Panel: Within the new presentation file, locate the Presentation Panel.
- Use the Create View Command: Click on the “Create View” command to bring up the dialog box where you can select your assembly file. Choose the desired assembly from the list.
Step 3: Create the Exploded View
After selecting the assembly, it’s time to create the exploded view.
- Access the Explode Tool: In the Presentation Panel, find and select the Explode option.
- Select Components: Click and drag the components of your assembly in the desired direction. This will separate them from their assembled state, illustrating how they fit together.
- Adjust Exploded Components: Fine-tune the positions of the components. You can drag and drop them to increase the spacing or realign them as necessary for clarity.
Step 4: Annotate Your Exploded View
Annotations greatly enhance the readability of your exploded view.
- Ballooning: Use the balloon tool to add item numbers to each component. This links the exploded view to the parts list or bill of materials for easy reference.
- Dimensions and Labels: If necessary, add dimensions or labels to provide further information about each part.
Step 5: Save Your Presentation
It’s crucial to save your work once you finish creating the exploded view.
- Save the Presentation: Click on "File" and then "Save" to ensure your exploded view is not lost. Choose an appropriate name and location for the file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of an exploded view?
An exploded view is used to show how individual components of an assembly fit together. It provides a visual clarity that helps in understanding the assembly order and the relationship between parts.
Can I create exploded views in other Autodesk software?
Yes, other Autodesk programs like AutoCAD and Fusion 360 also provide tools to create exploded views, although the process may differ slightly from that of Inventor.
Is there an automatic way to create an exploded view in Inventor?
Yes, Autodesk Inventor 2019 introduced an automatic explode feature that can simplify the process. Users can select this option during the creation phase to have the software assist in generating the exploded view automatically.
