Inventor is a program used to create and make 3D prints. You can use its tools to design your own projects and the make them using a 3D printer. In this activity i learned how to put my files onto a 3D printer and then use the maker bot to print what i had made.
Step by step instructions on how to make this Widget.
STEP 1. Start a new sketch in INVENTOR
STEP 2. Select the XY plane to work in.
STEP 3. Create a rectangle in your space and dimension it to 1 inch by a quarter inch
STEP 4. Extrude your rectangle one inch long.
STEP 5. create a new sketch on the TOP side of your new rectangle. then add a new rectangle and dimension it .375 inches long.
STEP 6. Add in the indentation for the top column. it should be centered and have the dimensions of .5 in by .125 in.
STEP 7. Finish your sketch and extrude upwards .75 inches. this will make the total height 1 inch.
STEP 8. Start a new sketch on the top side of the square. NOT the extruded part.
STEP 9. Add a square in your sketch with the dimensions of .25 x .25 inches then make it .375 inches from the right side, and .25 inches from the bottom.
STEP 10. add in 2 lines that go from .25 inches from the bottom and side to create a right triangle. this will be the edges of your widget.
STEP 11. Use the hole feature in extrusion to cut away the three slots you have just made. this will complete your widget.
STEP 12. export your file to Maker Bot in CAD format as an STL.
STEP 13. open your file in maker bot and size up your shape to 1000%.
STEP 14. in setting make sure raft is selected and it is in Smart Extruder + this will let your print work.
STEP 15. save your widget and export to a flash drive to take to the 3D printer.