How to Make an Assembly in Inventor

This Instructable is a how-to on how to make an assemble in Autodesk Inventor.
In the assembly, we will cover how to constrain different parts together.

Supplies

2019 Autodesk Inventor

Computer

Step 1: Create a New Assembly

Click on the create a new assembly in the Inventor home screen.

Step 2: Open a Part File

Click on the place option in the left-hand corner. Open a part file to place within the window.

Step 3: Ground Part at Origin

Left-click with the mouse and select "ground at origin". This locks the base part in place and prevents it from moving.

Step 4: Place Second Part

Click on the place option and open the second part.

Step 5: Drop the Part

Place the part away from the base piece. This will make it easier when it comes to constraining.

Step 6: Click the Constrain Button

Select the constrain button in the top left-hand corner.

Step 7: Select the Pieces to Constrain

Click on the two faces to be constrained together. In this example select the top of the base piece and the bottom of the other piece. Click on the mate type and mate solution. Inventor will automatically constrain these pieces to give a preview. Click ok to accept it.

Step 8: Click on the Constrain Button

The pieces can slide between each other because they are not fully constrained. More constraints need to be added to the pieces. Click on the constrain button to add a second constraint.

Step 9: Add a Second Constraint to the Pieces

This constraint will lock the piece to the base in the Z direction. Select the flush function and mate type. Click on both of the part's XY plane. Click ok to accept. This constrains those planes together.

Step 10: Add Another Constraint

Click on the constraint button to add another constraint to fully constrain the parts together.

Step 11: Mate the 2 Faces

Click on the inside face of the base piece and the face of the other piece together. This will fully constrain the 2 pieces together.

Step 12: Place Another Part

Select another part using the place button.

Step 13: Drop the Part

Click to drop the part. Place it away from the already made assembly.

Step 14: Add a Constraint

Click on the constraint button.

Step 15: Select Mating Surfaces

Select the mate type and mate solution. Select the inside face of the base part and the face of the other part. Click ok to accept. The piece is locked in the X-axis.

Step 16: Add Another Constraint

Click the constraint button to add a constraint to lock it in the Y-axis.

Step 17: Select the Faces to Mate

Select the bottom face of the piece and the top face of the face to constrain it. Click ok to accept.

Step 18: Add Another Constraint

Click on the constraint button. The piece needs to be constrained in the Z-axis.

Step 19: Select the Faces to Constrain

Click the flush function and mate type. Click both of the XY-planes of the pieces to constrain. Click ok to accept.

Step 20: Place Another Part

Click the place button to add another part to the assembly. Select the part and press open.

Step 21: Drop the Part

Drop the part by clicking with the left mouse button.

Step 22: Add a Constraint

Click the constraint button. Select the mate type.

Step 23: Select the Parts to Constrain

Select the center of the hole in the part and center of the screw. Click between the opposed and aligned solutions to get the right orientations. Click ok to accept.

Step 24: Add Another Constraint

Click the constraint button. The screw needs to be constrained in the X-axis.

Step 25: Select the Faces to Mate

Select the mate type and mate function. Click the outside face of the base part and the inside face of the screw. Click ok to accept.

Step 26: Add Another Constraint

Click on the constraint button. The screw needs to be constrained so it does not spin.

Step 27: Select the Surfaces to Mate

Select the mate type and mate solution. Select the XY-axis of both the screw and the part. Click ok to accept.

Step 28: Save the Assembly

Save the assembly by pressing the file drop-down and press save as. Give the assembly a name and save.