Project Geometry in Autodesk Inventor allows you to reference existing model edges, vertices, work features, or sketch curves within a new 2D sketch. This is a fundamental tool for creating sketch geometry that is accurately aligned or derived from existing 3D features.
Understanding Project Geometry
When you are working on a new sketch plane, you often need to align new features with existing parts of your model. Project Geometry takes selections from your 3D model or other sketches and creates linked sketch geometry (lines, points, arcs, etc.) on your active sketch plane. These projected elements can then be used as construction geometry or constraints for your new sketch features.
Steps to Use Project Geometry
Utilizing the Project Geometry command is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
- Start a New Sketch: In a 2D sketch, you must first define where your sketch will lie. Click a face on your model or select a work plane to set the sketch plane.
- Access the Command: Navigate to the Sketch tab and find the Create panel. Click the Project Geometry button.
- Tip: You can also often find this command by right-clicking in the graphics window while in a sketch.
- Select Geometry: In the graphics window, click the geometry (edges, vertices, faces, work points, work axes, work planes) that you want to project onto your current sketch plane. As you select items, you will see the projected lines or points appear on your sketch plane.
- Finish Selection: Once you have projected all the necessary geometry, you need to exit the command. To finish, right-click and choose Done, press the Esc key on your keyboard, or click another command in the Inventor interface.
Why Use Project Geometry?
- Accuracy: Ensures new sketch features are precisely aligned with existing model geometry.
- Efficiency: Saves time by quickly creating reference geometry instead of manually drawing and dimensioning.
- Parametric Link: Projected geometry maintains a link to the original geometry. If the original feature changes, the projected geometry and dependent sketch features may update accordingly.
By following these steps, you can effectively use the Project Geometry tool to streamline your sketching workflow and maintain accuracy in your Autodesk Inventor designs.
