Inventor 3DA Labs Preview: 3D Annotations

Autodesk released recently and add in for Inventor called Inventor 3DA which starts (not finishes) the answer to the question some users have been asking Autodesk...Why doesn't Inventor support model dimensioning in line with ASME 14.41-2003 for documentation of 3D models?

From the Autodesk Labs website: (labs.autodesk.com)

Overview

The 3D Annotation for Inventor technology preview allows the Inventor user to apply 3D Annotations: dimensions, geometric tolerances, surface finish symbols, datum symbols, and notes to a part model, which are then displayed in the graphics view.

The technology preview is an emulation intended to provide the Inventor user with a sense of a 3D annotation capability to solicit feedback and to gauge interest level.

The 3D Annotation for Inventor technology preview is licensed for a limited term and for a particular territory as referenced in the End User License Agreement.

Mark's experience: This add in made me unload and then reload some add ins before I could even use it.  Namely Feature Recognition.  So you if you want to try this out you may find yourself turning on and off some add ins.  What worked for me was turning off FR and 3DA then exiting Inventor, then when I come back in I reloaded 3DA first and then FR.

Now as for the add in...I am a little disappointed in the lack of flexibility of the tool set.  Namely it inability to move annotations around easily or to even grab their correct references for GD&T marking.  This is definitely a step in the right direction three years late to the party, but really shows some promise if users contribute enough feedback for what they would want to see in here.

Comments

[Scott Sheppard]

Thanks for helpng to get the word out.

[James]

Completely agree with Mark's point on flexibility - I would like to be able to move the text/change arrow direction/change which part is indicated - just for starters.

I love the idea of keeping the option of inserting properties of the part in the annotation!!

Also export options - I want to customise visibility of these annotations if I export to images or PDF.