Lair360 Blog

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Autodesk 3DS Max 2009 – how to create curve edges

Introduction: on the 6th of April, I had this email from a student in Glasgow School of Art. He sent me this short e-mail for assistance: “While I was working in my graphics’ class, many of the other students were very confused and the teachers didn’t have the time to come around and assist all of us with Autodesk 3DS Max 2009. Most of us were stuck and I’ve spent three days looking for materials, which can help me create curve edges. However, I couldn’t find any – until, I found your website…

So, could you please write an article that can help me create curve edges?

Many thanks Lair360!

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Lair360: Thanks for the e-mail buddy! But, don’t worry, I am here to help!
All you need to do is read this tutorial carefully, and you’ll understand. But, if you’re stuck, just take a look at this thumbnail images, it will give you some advice.

Good Luck!



1.] Execute Autodesk 3DS Max 2009 and select the 4th box. After that, you’ll need to press: “Alt + W” (without the quotes).

2.] Create a small box and click on the shape which you had created.

3.] From the right – box, you’ll need to select “Parameters” to change the amount of Segments to the correct amount, which is shown below as default.

Length Segs: 5
Width Segs: 5
Height Segs: 5

Notes: you can set it higher than 5, if you want. But, setting it over the limits, it will make each square very tiny! So, please be careful…

4.] Right click on the object and select: “Convert To >> Convert to Editable Poly”

5.] After the conversion, just select the “Modify” box and select: “Edge” which is from the “Selection” box.

6.] Select each individual edge (CRTL + Left Mouse Click) and choose “Chamfer”, which is located underneath “Selection” and “Soft Selection”. This box is also called: “Edit Edges”.

7.] Click on the tiny box, which is located next to “Chamfer”. After that, just change the “Chamfer Amount” to or in between 3.5 – 4.5. But, don’t go below or above that number!

8.] Now, all you need to do is drag the number back down (just a little) and click “Apply” each time…

9.] When you’re finish, just click “OK” and you should have a curve edge!

10.] Done!

Version: 19.2
Revision: 14 Build 37

How to revolve an object in Inventor 2008

Introduction: within this tutorial, you’ll learn to “revolve” sketches into 3d objects.
It’s pretty simple and straight forward, so you shouldn’t take long…

1.] Execute Autodesk Inventor and select: “standard.ipt” template.
2.] Draw a straight line (Axis of revolution) and a flat object with the sketch panel.
3.] When you’re done, just right – click on your mouse and select: “Finish Sketch” to complete the task.
4.] In your “Part Features” panel, you’ll need to select: “Revolve”.
5.] Wait for the dialogue box to appear and select: “Profile” for the object and “Axis” for the center – line.
6.] Click OK.
7.] Finish!

Example…
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Copyrighted By Lair360

Version: 13.1
Revision: 45.1

How to create a spring in Autodesk Inventor 2008

Introduction: this tutorial was created for users’ who doesn’t know how to create a “spring”.
This learning curve is very easy to master and it will only take a couple minutes to remember…

1.] Open Autodesk Inventor and start a new ‘Metric’ drawing: “Standard (mm).ipt format.
2.] Create an “isometric view” and draw a line + a small circle.

Notes: the circle diameter is the wire’s diameter (5mm), and the distance between the line and the centre – point of the circle equals the spring’s diameter (Q20, R=10).

Q = diameter
R = radius

3.] Right click on your mouse and select: “Done >> Finish Sketch” option.
4.] Select the “Coil” command on the part features panel bar.
5.] Wait for the dialog box to appear…
6.] Select the circle as the “Profile” and the line as the Axis.
7.] Click on the Coil Size tab on the Coil dialog box.
8.] Set the pitch value to 8 and the revolution for 6.
9.] Click Ok…

Notes: the ends of a spring created using the ‘Coil’ command can be drawn in one of two ways: natural or flat.

a.] Flat End
Transition angle= 0 degree
Flat Angle: 0 Degree

b.] Flat End
Transition angle= 90 Degree
Flat angle= 0 Degree

10.] Done!

Example.
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Copyrighted By Lair360

Version: 32.1
Revision: 54 Build 26

How to use Autodesk Inventor 2008 – 3d fillet function

Introduction: this guide will help you to master the basic function called: Fillet.
This tool allows you to smooth the edges so that your object can have a nice corner for better presentation and quality.

Part One: open an “.ipt” template file.
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1.] Open Autodesk Inventor 2008 and select: “Metric >> Standard (mm).ipt”
2.] Select the extension file and press ‘Enter’ on your keyboard or click OK.

Part Two: create your model in 2d mode.
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3.] Inside 2D sketch mode, select a function called: “Two Point Regtangle”.
This function is located on your “2D Sketch Panel”.
4.] When you’re finish with your shape, just right click on your mouse and select: “Finish Sketch”.

Part Three: smooth your edges in 3d mode.
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5.] On your left panel, you will need to select: “Fillet [F]”.
6.] Select it and highlight all of the sharp edges.
7.] When you’re done, just click “Ok” and let the application take over to render all of the edges.
8.] Now, all you have to do is add some colours, costume meshes or your own pre-made meshes.

Click on the object’s surfaces; right click on “Properties”; click on the dropdown box and choose your colour.
After that, just hit “Ok” and your new colour should appear…

9.] Now, save your work by going to: File >> Save As… – extension: ipt
10.] Exit Autodesk Inventor and memories your lesson!

Here is an example…
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Version: 13.2
Revision: 34 Build 65

How to create a sphere in Autodesk Inventor 2008
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Introduction: Many users think that ‘Autodesk Inventor’ can only create curve objects and circles with extrusion. This manual will instruct you how to create a sphere that is completely round and dead easy to create! This manual will also show you how to make a hemi-sphere.

Part 1: Create a Sphere

1.] Find your Autodesk Inventor application.
2.] Open Autodesk Inventor and select: ‘Standard.ipt’ extension.
3.] In default mode: ‘2D Sketch,’ just zoom – out a little and select: Centre Point Circle [Shift + C].
4.] Create a flat circle of any size.
5.] In the sketch panel, select ‘Line’ and draw it in the circle from one end to another.

From “North to South” in a straight line

6.] Right Click on your mouse and select: Done [ESC].
7.] Scroll down on your 2D Sketch panel and look for “Trim” and select it.
8.] Now, click on the left side of the circle and erase it.

Notes: when you remove a part of the circle, you will get a circle that was split in half.

9.] Right Click on your mouse and select: Done [ESC].
10.] Right Click again and select: “Finish Sketch”.
11.] You’re now in 3D mode.

a.] At the left panel, look for: “Revolve [R]” and select it.

Notes: when you select “Revolve [R]” the surface of the circle had change colour. This is normal…

b.] Select the ‘Centre Axis’ of the circle and click Ok to accept the changes.
c.] Right click and select: “Isometric View.” You can also press ‘F6’ on your keyboard (isometric view shortcut).

12.] Finish!

Part 2: Create a Hemi – Sphere

1.] Find your Autodesk Inventor application.
2.] Open Autodesk Inventor and select: ‘Standard.ipt’ extension.
3.] In default mode: ‘2D Sketch,’ just zoom – out a little and select: Centre Point Circle [Shift + C].
4.] Create a flat circle of any size.
5.] Create a cross that looks like a plus symbol.
6.] Right Click on your mouse and select: Done [ESC].
7.] Scroll down on your 2D Sketch panel and look for “Trim” and select it.
8.] Now, click on the left side of the circle and erase it.

Notes: Erase 3 / 4 of the circle…

9.] Right Click on your mouse and select: Done [ESC].
10.] Right Click again and select: “Finish Sketch”.
11.] You’re now in 3D mode.

a.] At the left panel, look for: “Revolve [R]” and select it.

Notes: when you select “Revolve [R]” the surface of the circle had change colour. This is normal…

b.] Select the ‘Centre Axis’ of the circle and click Ok to accept the changes.
c.] Right click and select: “Isometric View.” You can also press ‘F6’ on your keyboard (isometric view shortcut).

12.] Finish!