Getting Started with Inventor CAM – Part 1

Since my last post on Inventor CAM, I had the opportunity to present a class at Autodesk University 2020 on this same topic. As you likely know, this conference was all online and it really challenged us, as speakers, to create engaging and relevant content. I decided to use my 60 minutes to help new Inventor CAM users get started with the software. With the conference complete and my full class now available on the Autodesk University website, I was thinking of ways that I could share this with all of you. Over the next four weeks, I am going to break up my presentation into smaller videos that you can quickly watch to begin learning Inventor CAM.

My AU class was broken into four learning objectives (watch intro video), which conveniently align with the four key skills that a new user will need to learn: defining your setup, adding toolpaths, checking your toolpaths with simulations, and generating the CNC code to manufacture your model. There will be two videos for each of the four skills - one instructional discussion using Power Point slides and one demonstration with the software.

The first two videos discussing how to set up models in Inventor CAM are available now.  These will teach you how to create a setup, which most importantly defines the machining type, the stock, and the work coordinate system.

1. Create the first setup for the operation in the Inventor CAM environment.
   - Instructional Discussion
   - Software Demonstration

2. Define toolpaths for the model. (COMING January 12)
   - Instructional Discussion
   - Software Demonstration

3. Preview the toolpath using the Simulation tools. (COMING January 19)
   - Instructional Discussion
   - Software Demonstration

4. Post process the toolpath data file to generate the CNC code. (COMING January 26)
   - Instructional Discussion
   - Software Demonstration

This series is approximately 60 minutes’ worth of content, whereas the ASCENT guide on which it is based is approximately 2 days of content. If you are interested in more in-depth instructional content, datasets, and exercises that allow you to try all my demonstration models, I recommend checking out our Autodesk Inventor CAM 2021: Milling Fundamentals learning guide.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

About the Author

Manager – Learning Content Development<br><br>Trained in Instructional Design, Jennifer uses her skills to develop instructor-led and web-based training products as well as knowledge profiling tools. Jennifer has achieved the Autodesk Certified Professional certification for Inventor and is also recognized as an Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI). She enjoys teaching the training courses that she authors and is also very skilled in providing technical support to end-users. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree as well as a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Dalhousie University.

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