Generate a 3D Inventor part file from Inventor Nesting shapes or sheets. An extruded body will be created for each shape.
- In
Inventor Nesting, select one or more nest sheets.
Tip: If you prefer, you can select individual shapes.
- Click Create 3D Model
on the
Inventor Nesting ribbon.
The 3D Model dialog box opens.
This dialog box is available as of the 2019.3 Update. Previously, only multi-body part files were created.
- Edit values in the 3D Model dialog box and click
OK.
- Type
- Choose to create one multi-body IPT file, or an assembly file, which enables the remaining controls in the dialog box.
- Multi-Body Part File: Select this if you would rather not manage multiple files, and do not expect to be able to move nested items.
- Assembly File: Select this if you want to be able to move parts around and do manual nest editing with the result.
- Folder For Assembly Components:
- Path in which to store the assembly files. Autodesk recommends this be a subfolder of your project folder.
- 3D Model Generation Method:
-
- Extrude 2D Shape Or Use 3D Source: If detailed 3D sources are available, they will be used. These can help you determine what type of tools you need to machine the parts.
- Extrude 2D Shape: Only extruded 2D shapes are used.
- Instantiation:
- This controls how identical parts are managed.
- Create Instances For Identical Items: Create instances for identical parts, but without a grouping hierarchy.
- Create And Group Instances For Identical Items: Create instances for identical parts and group them together in folders.
- Each Item Remains A Unique Instance: Do not create instances; every shape is an individual part.
- Include Stock
- The raw material from which the part is machined.
When you click OK, this activates the Inventor model browser. It lists the bodies that are being extruded. If you selected a sheet, the first body in the browser represents the sheet. The application window shows a 3D rendering of the shapes.
- Rotate and zoom in on the model to examine its dimensions and to make sure it has been extruded as expected.
- Optional: Modify the color or visibility of the sheet body to differentiate it from its nested shapes.
Once you have your 3D model, you can use Inventor to adjust properties for manufacturing. For example, in the CAM tab (Inventor HSM), create a setup, go to 2D Profile, set a cutting type, select all geometry in the plane, and generate a toolpath.