Tools for Design Using AutoCAD 2026 and Autodesk Inventor 2026

• Designed for students who want to learn AutoCAD and Inventor 2026 and are completely new to CAD
• Covers 2D drawing, 3D modeling, assembly modeling, freehand sketching and finite element analysis
• Uses step-by-step instructions throughout the book
• Includes three assembly projects using three popular robot kits

Tools for Design is intended to provide you with an overview of computer aided design using two popular CAD software packages from Autodesk: AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor. This book explores the strengths of each package and shows how they can be used in design, both separately and in combination with each other.

What you'll learn

• How to create and dimension 2D multiview drawings using AutoCAD
• How to freehand sketch using axonometric, oblique and perspective projection techniques
• How to create 3D parametric models and 2D multiview drawings using Autodesk Inventor
• How to reuse design information between AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor
• How to combine parts into assemblies including assembly modeling with a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education Base Set, with a TETRIX® kit and a VEX Robot Kit
• How to perform basic finite element stress analysis using Inventor Stress Analysis Module
Who this book is for

This book is designed for high school and college age students wanting to learn the fundamentals of computer aided design with AutoCAD and Inventor and how the two can be used together. No prior CAD experience is required.

Table of Contents

     Introduction: Getting Started
1.   Fundamentals of AutoCAD
2.   Basic Object Construction and Dynamic Input - AutoCAD
3.   Geometric Construction and Editing Tools - AutoCAD
4.   Orthographic Views in Multiview Drawings - AutoCAD
5.   Basic Dimensioning and Notes - AutoCAD
6.   Pictorials and Sketching
7.   Parametric Modeling Fundamentals - Autodesk Inventor
8.   Constructive Solid Geometry Concepts - Autodesk Inventor
9.   Model History Tree - Autodesk Inventor
10. Parametric Constraints Fundamentals - Autodesk Inventor
11. Geometric Construction Tools - Autodesk Inventor
12. Parent/Child Relationships and the BORN Technique - Autodesk Inventor
13. Part Drawings and 3D Model-Based Definition - Autodesk Inventor
14. Symmetrical Features in Design - Autodesk Inventor
15. Design Reuse Using AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor
16. Assembly Modeling - Putting It All Together - Autodesk Inventor
17. Design Analysis - Autodesk Inventor Stress Analysis Module