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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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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.
- It's easy to edit dimensions in the part file or assembly.
- Easy and intuitive when using to make dimensioned drawings.
- Large assemblies require large computing power.
- Doesn't work on Mac.
- We can do FEA on a part before we build a prototype.
- We have a common drive where we keep all files so anyone in the company can view.
Some of the features are more intuitive in Inventor. For example, there is an auto mid-plane function in Inventor that doesn't exist in SOLIDWORKS. Also, the mouse controls are easier to use in Inventor. It is easier to spin and rotate the part in Inventor, this action is a little more complicated in SOLIDWORKS.
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.
- Centralized library of components
- Scripting of design rules
- Parametric design automation
- Modeling cables. We have complex cable assemblies and the Inventor approach to this is time consuming compared to other products our team has used
- Wrong part ordering is down significantly as we have implemented more solid library controls.
- Time to design is improving as we implement parametric models.
We selected Inventor since we were deeply invested in AutoCAD for previous 2D designs and this was smoother integration with existing design practices.
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.
- Modeling of individual parts and combining them to complete assemblies.
- Multitude of formats can imported and exported.
- Modeling workflow is straightforward.
- Assembly of parts is intuitive.
- Larger assemblies generally require larger computing power.
- Surface modelling
- Mouse controls
- Being able to provide a detailed 3D model to clients
- Being able to model an entire facility
- Being able to export assemblies to other formats for client viewing purposes.
Inventor is more intuitive and directional when it comes to the creation of parts and assemblies. The commands are also simpler and easier to understand than SOLIDWORKS. Inventor also has the support and presence in the market that allows for it to be utilized for different platforms and add-ons that will ultimately aid the efficiency of users.
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.
- The learning curve for Inventor is very small, which makes training new people easier. By making this software easy to learn, new people can start contributing more at an earlier stage. I have heard from multiple people that the basic tasks in Inventor are very easy to use.
- Inventor makes design changes very easy, as long as you practice good design rules. Making modifications to existing models is very easy with Inventor, if there is an issue with a constraint or sketch, it makes sure you are aware. This also contributes to making Inventor easier to use.
- The software does not require an extremely powerful machine, as long as you do not have 1000's of parts in your model. This is helpful for my organization because not everybody has a powerful desktop PC, and they are still able to open up and view models on their laptops.
- Inventor is not the most cost-effective 3D software, it depends on the amount of money your organization would like to spend on design software. There is other 3D modeling software out there that are more cost effective, but they might not be as easy to learn as Inventor.
- Some of the menus within the software are sort of confusing, also some of the functions are hidden within sub menus. This can sometimes make finding certain functions a hassle. There is a way to hotkey functions to keyboard buttons, but I have not found an easy way to do this.
- If your model has over 1000 parts, then creating 2D drawings can cause a headache. If you have a lot of parts in your model, and your machine is not powerful enough, then creating a 2D drawing can take some time depending on the level of detail required.
- It has helped us create 3D models cost effectively with a small learning curve.
- Some of the users had to upgrade their systems to handle the models which were created. They were originally not able to open them because of their lack of RAM and CPU power.
- We are not able to leverage previous AutoCAD drawings in Inventor, they all had to be recreated. This caused us to have to redo some work from the past.
- SOLIDWORKS and Revit
I believe Autodesk Inventor is the easiest 3D modeling software to use, but it might not be the most cost effective though. The best thing about Inventor is the learning curve. It makes bringing new people up to speed much easier.
I do believe that SOLIDWORKS has better integration between their 2D electrical schematics and 3D. You are able to easily place components in the circuit diagrams, then drag them over to the 3D model. Inventor has this functionality between itself and AutoCAD Electrical, but it isn't nearly as fluid.
I do believe that SOLIDWORKS has better integration between their 2D electrical schematics and 3D. You are able to easily place components in the circuit diagrams, then drag them over to the 3D model. Inventor has this functionality between itself and AutoCAD Electrical, but it isn't nearly as fluid.