Inventor
Inventor is a computer program ran by Autodesk that you can make 2D shapes with dimensions, shapes and different designs and extrude them to become a 3D shapes. You can print these shapes if you want as well. We created six Widgets with Inventor and printed one of them.
My 3D sketches
Widget #5
I chose to include my step be step recipe on widget #5
This Widget started in the XY plane. I just roughly outlined the side of the shape with the line tool
I then put dimensions on the the L shaped sketch. It was 0.25'' thick all the way through and it was 1'' tall and 1'' wide.
Then I finished the sketch and extruded it 1 inch.
Then I started a 2D sketch and made a rectangle on the base of the L. I put dimensions on it so it was 0.25'' from the edges.
Then I finished the sketch and extruded the sketch so it went into the shape. I made it go 0.25'' into the shape.
Next, I added a rectangle on the top of the L shape and put dimensions on it so it was 0.25'' from each of the ends. I also put diagonal lines from the top corners of the rectangle to 0.25'' down the sides of the L shape.
Lastly, I finished the sketch and extruded it so the rectangle and the diagonal lines extruded 0.25'' into the shape.
All 6 Widgets
3D Printing Widget #5
Printing
Printing with a dark blue color. The estimated time was 49 minutes.
Final Project Printed
Summary
In this project I got to use inventor and refresh my memory of the program. I used it back in 8th grade in a class called Gateway to Technology. This class has so far just been a review for me but it was fun to get back into the dimensions and the 3D sketching. I got to create 6 parts and print one of them. Now my knowledge of Inventor is rock solid and I will be all set if I ever need it in the future.
I also got the chance to learn Makerbot Desktop. That was a program that I wasn't familiar with but I got the chance to learn how to 3D print. At first I forgot to make the saved file an STL and that became problematic. Once I changed it to an STL I found it and printed it.
Lastly, I got to see it being 3D printed. That was really cool because I have had 3D printed items before but I didn't know how it worked. I prints it in layers up and you can't print it if there is a part overhanging.
I also got the chance to learn Makerbot Desktop. That was a program that I wasn't familiar with but I got the chance to learn how to 3D print. At first I forgot to make the saved file an STL and that became problematic. Once I changed it to an STL I found it and printed it.
Lastly, I got to see it being 3D printed. That was really cool because I have had 3D printed items before but I didn't know how it worked. I prints it in layers up and you can't print it if there is a part overhanging.