Autodesk Inventor Review - why 3.3 stars?

Shlomi Lavi / updated: Feb 09, 2022

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What is Autodesk Inventor?

Autodesk Inventor is animation modeling and simulation software for construction businesses. The software was designed by Autodesk, Inc., headquartered in California, United States. It takes care of the 3D modeling and simulation needs of construction projects and also offers analysis and documentation.

Who is it best for?

The software is suitable for all businesses without any problem of size and type. The functionality provided by the software is extensive enough to take care of the minutest as well as largest project needs. The software is mainly intended for architecture and engineering firms, home production builders, industrial designers, and contractors.

Main deployment of Autodesk Inventor is found in the civil engineering field, although it has been extensively used in various other fields. Customers of the software come from all over the world and from different countries. Some noteworthy customers include PearlLED, Springboard Biodiesel, Utility Scale Solar, Inc., and Green Ocean Energy.

Main features and functionalities

Features of the software incorporate all the important aspects of modeling, designing, and simulation. For assembly modeling, the software applications that you can benefit from include large assembly design, mold design, piping tubing design, 2D drawing, and 3D solid modeling. Sheet metal design and 2D modeling is also part of the modeling and design module.

Animation and simulation features of the software include assembly animation, rendering, 2D system analysis, motion simulation, and stress analysis. Animation and analysis module also features various productivity and documentation applications.

Area specific module of the software contains electrical features such as 2D circuit design, 3D electrical system modeling, and automatic wire numbering. The software follows drafting standard of GOST for the purpose of reporting and documentation. In the advanced surfacing features, we only have crick and drag geometry.

What is the actual cost?

The cost of license starts at $3,495 per license. ITQlick pricing score is 6 out of 10 (10 is most expensive). Access ITQlick pricing guide for Autodesk Inventor.

Pros

• The feature of freeform modeling shape creation allows you to create innovative design in very little time.
• The user interface can be customized to make the common tasks more accessible.
• Digital prototyping of Autodesk Inventor allows you to simplify complex mechanism part designs.
• 3D digital prototyping is made simple with the step by step assistance of dynamic sketch blocks.
• Enhanced accuracy is made possible by including cable and harness runs into 3D prototypes.

Cons

• Area specific module of the software does not have any architecture features.
• There is only one advanced surfacing features on the software unlike half a dozen such features on some other competitors.
• Assembly modeling features of the software do not include conceptual design and composite material design.
• Two animation features of photorealistic images and walkthrough animations are missing from the software.
• The software does not offer productivity features of design-model consistency and virtual parts library.

How it stacks up?

Access a head to head analysis of Autodesk Inventor vs alternative software solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)