AutoCad to Inventor

[scottyb]

Hi guys, this is my first time so go easy on me.

We are a construction company considering migrating from AutoCad to Inventor to draw and detail buildings. Is anybody out there who has any thoughts on this concept?

[JD Mather]

While I know people who do this, Inventor is really for the Mechanical field, machines and machine parts. Manufactured goods. Not buildings. You might consult with your VAR to determine the best application for your needs. (or supply more information here)

[Hopinc]

Hi,

 

If you have not already made the jump I would suggest you have a look at Autodesk's "Revit." Here is a link:

 

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=3781831

 

You can download the software and try it free for 30 days.

 

Dave

[scottyb]

Thanks JD,

 

We design and build 'modular buildings' which are factory made and transported to site and erected like building blocks.

The building blocks have been created in Inventor by our technical division and it is our job to manipulate these blocks

to make them architecturaly eye-catching, ie adding claddings, curtain walling, windows, partitions etc..

The question is, does Inventor allow creativity to produce 2D & 3D images associated with architecture?

[scottyb]

Thanks Dave,

 

We have had a look at Revit and have been advised that our building modules created in Inventor would not be totally compatible in Revit.

The big question is, can a Engineering 3D software package be used for Architectural detailing?

[Hopinc]

Hi Scottyb,

 

I can see no reason why not!

 

Although you may have to work harder to achieve the results you desire. Programs such as Revit have specific and optimised tools that you will not have available in Inventor.

 

On the other hand you are more than halfway there by having your building blocks already modelled. You could "shrinkwrap" these to reduce data overheads within your assemblies and just concentrate on your cladding.

 

Please let us know how you go on.

 

Regards & best wishes

 

Dave (Mechatronics Design Ltd., England)

Edited July 25, 2010 by Hopinc

[Pablo Ferral]

Mechanical engineering drawing requires a much higher level of detail than the average Architectural drawing. You might find Inventor to be to restrictive. Inventor requires that you build your models in a logical and progressive manner (just like the real world). It's not great if you want to do 'on the fly' creative modelling. If you want to add on your architectural details EXACTLY as they will be manufactured then Inventor is the product for you. If you want to come up with creative schemes and try out lots of Ideas you could look at importing the Inventor models into 3D studio Max - or even Autocad.

[Hopinc]

I agree with Pablo. That's pretty much what I meant by having to work harder. Inventor would not be as flexible in producing a few different designs to show your client, or to do a sudden "what if we do this" type scenario.

 

Dave

[JD Mather]

While I know people who do this, Inventor is really for the Mechanical field, machines and machine parts. Manufactured goods. Not buildings. You might consult with your VAR to determine the best application for your needs. (or supply more information here)

 

In the end a building is made up of standard and trimmed standard "manufactured goods", so you could certainly use it - the question is it the best tool for your particular needs. Your VAR should be your consultant source, but unfortunately many know very little about the "big picture". It will take a bit of research and be sure to see example workflows with the various products available.

[kencaz]

Hi guys, this is my first time so go easy on me.

We are a construction company considering migrating from AutoCad to Inventor to draw and detail buildings. Is anybody out there who has any thoughts on this concept?

 

I think your better off sticking with AutoCAD or getting Revit. I love Inventor but I would not want to model buildings with it...

 

KC

[Pablo Ferral]

Actually - I forgot to mention 'Inventor Fusion'. But this is probably a bit new on the block to be used in production...

[Hopinc]

Hello Pablo,

 

Frankly I would not recommend the use of Inventor Fusion in any shape or form, it is too unstable. It's definitely a curiosity, but it's sheer unreliablity will drive any user insane. As JD will tell you, it is a test platform and will never be made into working software. I am not even sure that it is not a "smoke screen" to give the competition a false impression of how Inventor will develop. Then again, maybe that's just the cynical side of me coming out :)

 

Regards.

 

Dave

[Pablo Ferral]

 

...never be made into working software

 

 

"smoke screen"

 

That's a bit harsh! Hasn't it just been released as part of Inventor 2011!

 

OK, OK, I agree that's it's too untried to use in production. I just wanted to throw it into the mix before someone else bought it up.

I really think that Autodesk are serious about Fusion though. I don't think that it will replace Inventor. I think it will end up as one of Autodesk's 'Multi-platform' tools... For example, it's native file format is DWG... Doesn't that hint that Autodesk have more plans for Fusion?

[Hopinc]

Harsh, why am I being harsh? - being realistic is much nearer to the truth.

 

I don't think you will ever see Fusion per se hit the streets. If it was released in it's own right it would be competing against Inventor - that's just not going to happen. Rather you might see more bits of it appearing in Inventor.

 

As you have rightly said parts of it have been incorporated in 2011, there again so has some of the functionality of Alias. Although to utilise this you have to own both programs. In actuality Inventor is lagging behind the likes of SolidEdge with direct modelling by at least two years.

 

No, I think it's like I said, and JD mentioned in another post, Fusion is purely a test bed.

 

I was semi-joking when I suggested it might be used to throw off the competition, but then again it would make an ideal smokescreen for just that purpose! :wink:

 

Dave

[Pablo Ferral]

An Interesting opinion Hopnic, but it begs the question - A smoke screen for what?!

[Hopinc]

To lead the opposition astray of course It's a common technique employed in the intelligence and business communities - dissemination of false information.

 

BTW - I think you are talking my comments way too seriously :D:D I was only speculating that it would be a good way of doing this, not that it is what is intended.

 

Dave

[Pablo Ferral]

OK, fair enough... I thought you might have some insider information on where Autdesk are taking Inventor!