Moving An Exact Distance

[vertical horizons]

When I attempt to move an object, sometimes Inventor allows me to type in an exact distance. Other times, it won't, and I have to just move the object, while watching the distance change on the screen.

 

I right click on an object, then choose:

Component -> Grip Snap.

I select the plane of the direction that I wish to move the object.

I then select: Drag Along Normal.

 

I can see the "Move" Dialog Box pop up, and I see the ghost image (preview image) of my object moving along the chosen axis. But like I said, sometimes Inventor will not allow me to type in a distance.

 

Any ideas?

[JD Mather]

You are not using Inventor correctly. Use it like the real world equivalents.

Just like you had to use 2D constraints in sketches - you need to learn to use 3D constraints in assemblies.

When correctly constrained an assembly should have exactly the same degrees of freedom that the real world equivalent has. For get anything about grid, snap, drag along normal, move....

 

Attach your assembly here.

[vertical horizons]

...Just like you had to use 2D constraints in sketches - you need to learn to use 3D constraints in assemblies.

...

 

So, since I shouldn't use the MOVE command, is there a tutorial to illustrate how to properly use 3D constraints?

[JD Mather]

Have you gone through the built-in Help>Learning Tools>Tutorials and Skillbuilders?

What book are you using?

 

I have found that the easiest method is to simply attach your iam and ipt(s) here and a short description of what you are trying to achieve.

 

Help on your specific project, which you are familiar with, might be the easiest to follow.

 

In my opinion - once you get a very basic understanding of assembly constriants this is perhaps the easiest area of parametric modeling to understand. You have the parts modeled - simply need to learn the technique to assemble.

[vertical horizons]

...What book are you using?...

 

The company gave me:

• the Inventor 2009 tutorial CDs; along with
  
• the Inventor 2010 tutorial manuals (& CDs).

They have only the 2009 version loaded on my computer, but they have it in the plans to upgrade to the 2010 version when funds are more available.

 

I have learned (hoping that I still remember the 2010 stuff) both versions, even though I am only able to use 2009.

 

By the time that we go to 2010, I may have to take a refresher course to be able to remind myself of what's inside.