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Autodesk Inventor is widely used in various industries and departments for a range of applications. In the field of mechanical …
Starting at $300 12 days over 1 year via Flex pricing 100 tokens
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What is Autodesk Inventor?
Autodesk Inventor 3D CAD software offers professional-grade 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation tools. These blend parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based design capabilities. Inventor includes integrated tools for sheet metal, frame design, tube and pipe, cable & harness, presentations,…
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Mechanical Design Engineer
Ciclo Fze (Mechanical Or Industrial Engineering, 11-50 employees)
Pricing
Subscription - Monthly
$305
On Premise
per month per user
Subscription - Yearly
$2440
On Premise
per year per user
Subscription - 3 Years
$7320
On Premise
3 years per user
Entry-level set up fee?
- No setup fee
For the latest information on pricing, visithttps://www.autodesk.com/products/inven…
Offerings
- Free Trial
- Free/Freemium Version
- Premium Consulting/Integration Services
Starting price (does not include set up fee)
- $300 12 days over 1 year via Flex pricing 100 tokens
Product Demos
Inventor Fabrication Drawings Product Demonstration Recording
YouTube
Autodesk Inventor Design Accelerators Product Demonstration
YouTube
Autodesk Inventor Assembly Modelling Product Demonstration
YouTube
Inventor Part Modelling Product Demonstration
YouTube
Design Automation with Inventor iLogic Webinar Recording
YouTube
Placing a Component using Autodesk Inventor iLogic
YouTube
Product Details
- About
- Competitors
- Tech Details
- FAQs
What is Autodesk Inventor?
Autodesk Inventor 3D CAD software offers professional-grade 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation tools. These blend parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based design capabilities. Inventor includes integrated tools for sheet metal, frame design, tube and pipe, cable & harness, presentations, rendering, simulation, and machine design. It also features TrustedDWG® compatibility and Model-Based Definition capabilities for embedding manufacturing information directly in the 3D model.
Additional features include:
Additional features include:
- Feedback with built-in collaboration tools.
- Feedback from stakeholders wherever they are using cloud-based design review.
- Design configuration through a customizable form to rapidly configure new designs powered by iLogic.
- Can create a simplified 3D representation of a product along with the required metadata and product classification for use in a BIM project.
- 3D dimensions, annotations, and dimensional tolerances directly to a 3D model for downstream applications.
- Standard and customizable content libraries available, including beams, bolted connections, gears, cams, belts, and springs.
- Design optimization, with tools that help the user find high and low concentrations of stress in a 3D model.
- Parametric, freeform, and direct modeling tools.
- Push/pull controls to move, rotate, resize, or scale features from imported geometries.
- Built-in calculators to inform the design of common joints such as welds, clamps, and press fits.
- Combines automated tools and full-control design functions in Inventor to build tube and pipe runs.
- Dynamic simulation, with forces to evaluate the motion, speed, and acceleration of a design.
- Exploded views and animations of complex assemblies that can be used in product documentation, manuals, and assembly instructions.
Autodesk Inventor Features
- Supported: Product design
- Supported: Collaboration and design automation
- Supported: Modeling
- Supported: Connected Data
- Supported: Simulation and visualization
Autodesk Inventor Video
Autodesk Inventor 2024 - What's New
Autodesk Inventor Competitors
Autodesk Inventor Technical Details
| Deployment Types | On-premise, Software as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | Windows |
| Mobile Application | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Autodesk Inventor 3D CAD software offers professional-grade 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation tools. These blend parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based design capabilities. Inventor includes integrated tools for sheet metal, frame design, tube and pipe, cable & harness, presentations, rendering, simulation, and machine design. It also features TrustedDWG® compatibility and Model-Based Definition capabilities for embedding manufacturing information directly in the 3D model.
Autodesk Inventor starts at $300.
Reviewers rate Support Rating highest, with a score of 8.1.
The most common users of Autodesk Inventor are from Mid-sized Companies (51-1,000 employees).
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Autodesk Inventor is widely used in various industries and departments for a range of applications. In the field of mechanical engineering, students and faculty utilize the software for classes such as mechanical design, introduction to CAD, and industrial engineering. It is also employed in workshops and individual projects for prototype development. Users leverage Autodesk Inventor as a 3D CAD software to model features and parts of prototypes before physical prototyping or 3D printing. The ability to easily share models with others in the company, regardless of whether they have Autodesk Inventor or not, is highly valued. Additionally, the software supports the transition from a 2D to a 3D environment, enabling engineering analysis, accurate BOM information, work instruction, and improved submittal information for customers.
Another important use case for Autodesk Inventor is in sheet metal product manufacturing. The software allows users to draw standard and sheet metal parts, assemble them in assemblies, and check for conflicts before bolting or welding the pieces together. It provides the capability to export sheet metal parts as flat patterns for processing using CNC plasma or laser cutters. Engineers find it convenient that both the shop and office staff are familiar with Autodesk Inventor, making it easier to address questions during assembly. However, some users have reported quirks and difficulties in transferring information between Autodesk Inventor and SOLIDWORKS, leading them to switch back to SOLIDWORKS after trying out Autodesk Inventor for a year.
In the design process, Autodesk Inventor is often used alongside AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS to model parts, perform FEA for verification, and provide 3D files to customers for their builds. The software's user-friendly GUI, hole tool, and ability to work on projects without outsourcing are appreciated by users. Moreover, it fulfills the increasing demand for 3D models of finished products before finalizing the design process. Beyond mechanical engineering applications, Autodesk Inventor finds use in diverse areas such as model creation for custom air handling units, pressure vessels, and other production machinery. It is also utilized for modeling electrical, mechanical piping, and duct systems in the MEP department. The software's capability to generate DXF files for laser cutting and simplify the nesting process is particularly valued in plant design engineering.
Autodesk Inventor plays a crucial role in product development and design by offering simulation and analysis tools that aid engineers in modeling prototypes, performing analysis, and forecasting testing data. Its contribution to successful product development is highly regarded. Additionally, Autodesk Inventor is also widely used in educational settings, such as digital fabrication laboratories, where it facilitates the creation of new objects to support project development and enhance student learning. The software proves valuable for concept designing, design engineering, and final production purposes.
In different industries, Autodesk Inventor serves as the preferred 3D modeling software for various applications. It enables the design, detailing, and creation of drawings for components, subsystems, and tooling in industries like automatic riveting systems and aircraft assembly. Moreover, the software supports the modeling of custom capital equipment used in mining, recycling, and foundry industries, improving fit and finish during remakes.
The capabilities of Autodesk Inventor extend beyond engineering departments. It is also used by multiple divisions within organizations to create integrated workflow solutions, management of documents and designs, and designing electrical control cabinets and junction boxes. Users appreciate the ease of running FEA on models and creating high-quality and detailed models for customer interaction. Furthermore, all divisions of organizations find value in Autodesk Inventor as their chosen design software provider since it enables the design of all product lines.
Overall, Autodesk Inventor offers a range of robust features that cater to the diverse needs of users across different industries and departments. From mechanical engineering to plant design engineering, from educational labs to complex assembly files with multiple components, Autodesk Inventor has proven to be a versatile tool that enhances productivity and supports efficient design processes.
Unique drawing system: Multiple users have expressed appreciation for Inventor's unique drawing system. According to reviewers, this system allows for the development and modification of new components by creating sketches in XYZ planes. Users find it advantageous that Inventor treats 3D figures as solid parts rather than just computer drawings, enabling them to independently manipulate component parts within a complex system.
Simplicity and user-friendly interface: Reviewers have praised Inventor's simplicity and user-friendly interface. They note that each button, menu, and option in the software is accompanied by an explanation of its functionality, making it easy for users to understand and utilize various features. Additionally, advanced descriptions are available for those seeking a deeper understanding.
Exceptional speed: The exceptional speed of Inventor has been highlighted by multiple users. They report that everything renders extremely quickly in the software without any delays when examining 3D models, parts, or assemblies. This feature is particularly valuable when giving presentations or showcasing concepts in real-time to an audience.
Confusing User Interface: Many users have found the user interface of Autodesk Inventor to be confusing, especially when it comes to tasks such as moving files and managing parent/child relationships. They have expressed difficulties in navigating the software and understanding its organizational structure.
Difficulties with Style Manager: Some users have mentioned that the style manager in Autodesk Inventor could be improved. They find it difficult to choose or change styles related to materials, measurements, and dimensions. This limitation can lead to frustration and inefficiency during the design process.
Lack of Modeling Options for Curved Faces: Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the modeling options for creating curved faces using mesh in Autodesk Inventor. They feel that these options are lacking compared to other similar products on the market. As a result, achieving desired shapes and designs becomes more challenging and time-consuming.
Users recommend comparing Inventor to other CAD programs like SolidWorks or Solid Edge. They believe Inventor is easier to use than the competition and highly recommend it for students or beginners looking to get into CAD. Users also suggest trying Inventor before purchasing and comparing it to the competition. Professional training for employees using Inventor is recommended. Additionally, Inventor is recommended for projects in the Oil and Gas industry and for precision design. Implementing Inventor with Autodesk Vault is suggested as it works well for design automation and large models. Using community forums for support and problem-solving is highly recommended. Overall, users find Inventor to be a powerful three-dimensional modeling software that delivers quality for a fraction of the cost of other CAD software.
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Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
We are using Autodesk Inventor for plant design engineering. Most of our product are made by sheet metal. We are large equipment manufacturing company in middle east. I am working there as a mechanical design engineer. I used Autodesk Inventor for our product design for manufacturing. I like the way of Inventor for generating the DXF for laser cutting. and Inventor also saves our most of calculation time by using simple command called nesting. Inventor is budget software as compared to others.
September 30, 2022
3D modeling & assembling done right the first time.
We use Autodesk Inventor to draw standard and sheet metal parts. We draw up the profiles of the individual parts and assemble them in assemblies to make sure it looks like what we want. Also when assembling the parts you can check for conflicts that intersect and would be an issue when bolting or welding the pieces together after they are cut. After everything is approved by the costumer we will export the sheet metal parts as flat patterns and send them to our CNC plasma or laser cutter to be processed. All the guys in the shop and office know how to use it to address questions during assembly, which makes it nice. It is very easy to use.
November 09, 2021
AutoDesk is a great 3D auto Cad design tool
It is used to draw up our frames and units. We use it to determine size and positioning. It helps with the custom aspect of our design of units.
August 25, 2020
Autodesk Inventor - From drafting tables to today
Autodesk Inventor is being used across the whole organization. We are in the process of moving from a 2D environment to a 3D environment that supports engineering analysis, work instruction to the operations staff, accurate BOM information to sales, and improved submittal information for our customers. In the past year, we have been able to create product offerings to address customer needs that we would not have been able to, or taken to long to create, in a 2D world.
Autodesk Inventor is currently not being used by my organization. We tried it out for a one-year contract and after that, we went back to using SOLIDWORKS for our design processes. When we first purchased it, we had three engineers including myself using the software. The software seemed to work well for us, and we were able to get most of the projects completed for which we used it. There were quite a few quirks with it, and my professional opinion is that it has as its underlying base, the AutoCAD program for basic sketching and drawing based models. Since we had always based much of our design using MasterCAM 2D sketching, when we utilized Inventor, there was not a smooth mesh allowing the transfer of information between the two programs. Even when we used an AutoCAD standard file type, moving data back and forth was more of an elaborate dance, rather than a simple "Save, then Open."
March 26, 2020
Autodesk Inventor Leverage
Autodesk Inventor is being used at GK to model custom capital equipment used in the mining, recycling, and foundry industries. There are many design considerations at play with the great size of the equipment we make, so having it modeled makes a huge difference. Also, over the 2D jobs of the past, many replacements are modeled to help with fit and finish during the remake.
March 26, 2020
Autodesk Inventor is a great workflow management system.
Autodesk Inventor is used in the engineering department as well as other departments for integrated workflow solutions. All the tools help to make an effective document and design management solution for our company.
March 26, 2020
Autodesk Inventor - A SOLID solid modeler
We leverage Autodesk Inventor for mechanical product design. Not only does it function as our primary CAD software, but it saves time and money by automating many of our design tasks. The included FEA and shape generation tools further enhance our design capabilities by giving designers direct access to simulation without swapping to a new software.
Autodesk Inventor is being used as the primary 3D CAD software for all products the company provides. Daily we use all the features including part and assembly creation, IPNs (for exploded views) and the IDWs (for all drawings). We have also used the built-in software for FEA. Autodesk Inventor is only being used by engineering and solves all of our needs for current part revision and new product development.
February 18, 2020
CAD Software For Engineers
We have a digital fabrication laboratory in the school, and we use Autodesk Inventor to create new objects that we can use to develop new projects with the kids, making the learning easier. After we design our 3D model on Autodesk Inventor, we prototype it using a 3D printer, laser cutting machine, etc.
December 13, 2019
Feature-rich modeling software
We use different types of CAD software. In addition to AutoCAD, we use SOLIDWORKS and Inventor. We use Inventor to model parts that we make. It is also useful when doing FEA on our parts to verify loading. Also, customers can ask us to use for 3D files so they can add them to their builds. So, we have models of our parts to aid the design process.
November 21, 2019
Great modeling tool that allows for an innovative approach to design
Inventor is being used by our drawing and design department. Our business is designing manufacturing drawings related to coal washing plants in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, South-Africa. We use Inventor for all structural designs which are then converted into IDW's which are in turn used by manufacturing teams to do the actual manufacturing and assembly.
October 24, 2019
Autodesk Inventor: a good fit for engineer to order transformers
Autodesk Inventor is being used by our mechanical design department to fully model our engineer to order power transformers. It enables comprehensive product design and integrates with our ERP system to drive purchasing and production operations. It has allowed standardizing design practices and increasing collaboration within the CAD department. By using it's library and iLogic automation we have realized significant design automation.
September 26, 2019
Autodesk for easy 2D and 3D designing
We develop 3D printings and often need engineering software that can easily create 3D images. The view cube in the upper right-hand corner is very easy to reorient the view in many ways. The measure tool is very useful and easy to use. It is easy to begin and orient a sketch, making it simple and intuitive. The hole tool is nice and easy to use, good GUI. It is easy enough to use and allows for our internal department to work on projects without outsourcing.
July 05, 2019
Inventor for detailed parts to assembly
Inventor is being used at my organization to address the 3D modeling issue that has presented itself, as more and more clients are requesting to see 3D models of their finished products before investing and finalization of the design process. Inventor is currently only being used by the drafting department however engineers have had some use as well to help with the design process.
May 22, 2019
Great, Professional Modelling and Drawing Creation. Traditional Modeling, not Cloud-Based
Autodesk Inventor is the 3D Modelling software of choice in this company. We use it for all modelling and printmaking, as well as doc control of manufacturing prints. It is used by the engineering department to create documents for sales and manufacturing.
May 17, 2019
Stable with large assemblies.
At Gemcor, I used Inventor and AutoCAD to design, detail and make drawings of components or subsystems of complete automatic riveting systems and associated aircraft assembly tooling, machinery and factory installations. These systems were designed for precision automated and semi-automated assembly of riveted joints fastening aircraft components together.
April 26, 2019
Easy to use 3D modeling software, with some downfalls
Inventor is used in the Electrical department to design and layout electrical control cabinets and junction boxes. Creating these panels in 3D helps us ensure all components will fit and brings in the depth factor, which is especially helpful with door mounted components. The mechanical side also uses Autodesk Inventor to model the machines that we build. I believe Inventor is much easier to use than AutoCAD, also there are a lot of perks to using Inventor. One feature which is extremely helpful is running FEA's on models, which shows the stress points and such. Inventor helps my organization create high quality and detailed models of our product, which makes interacting with the customer easier.
We design and manufacture custom air handling units and we are starting to use Autodesk Inventor to create 3D models instead of traditional 2D drawings. We also manufacture pressure vessels, air washers and other production machinery which we are discussing creating 3D models. We also are a MEP contractor with a service department installing and servicing commercial systems. Our CAD department models electrical, mechanical piping and duct for our projects. We use AutoCAD, Fabrication and Revit depending on the discipline.
Autodesk Inventor is part of the curriculum for the department of mechanical/mechatronics engineering. Therefore, its used by many students and faculty as part of their regular classes which include mechanical design, digital manufacturing, introduction to CAD, mechanical drawing, industrial engineering, etc. It's also used in many workshops and outside of the classroom for the development of individual projects. Autodesk Inventor is part of an Autodesk Suite that's focused on designing mechanical parts and assemblies for the generation of blueprints, industrial manufacturing or even 3D printing.
February 10, 2019
Strong Industrial Design Software
Autodesk was recently selected as the design software provider for our entire organization. All divisions were migrated over to Autodesk Inventor. It is used to design all of our product lines.
February 07, 2019
Autodesk Inventor - the perfect way to get into 3D modeling
I use Autodesk Inventor on a weekly basis as a simple 3D CAD software. I use it to model simple features and parts of our prototypes before they go to the 3D printer or physical prototyping. Currently, it is solely used by me, but the output file types enable me to share the models with other people in the company, regardless of if they have Autodesk Inventor or not.
February 02, 2019
Inventor is a professional CAD package that will suite all your general MECH needs.
Autodesk Inventor is used solely by the engineering department to spec out electronic and mechanical parts of physical goods. Overall, Autodesk Inventor is a great solution to complex assembly files that have multiple (50+) components and small parts that the overall product is made of. Use of the simulation and analysis tools are a key advantage in successful product development and one that we find to be extremely helpful within Inventor.
December 17, 2018
A classic option for any Engineer
Autodesk Inventor is used by our engineering team to model existing or new product prototypes and use analysis tools to forecast testing data for different materials. We also forecast tension and other types of loads prior to testing.
November 28, 2018
Inventor has been my secret weapon for the past 12 years!
We use it for concept designing and design engineering as well as for final production.