Using Feature Recognition when importing files into Autodesk Inventor

A Mr. Richard Feder of Fort Lee, New Jersey writes in:

Hey Labs guys,
How do I enable feature recognition in Autodesk Inventor 2009?

Software QA Engineer, Peter Varga, supplied the answer:

Once you have successfully installed Feature Recognition onto your 2009 Inventor, it will show up in the "Tools -> Add Ins" pull down menu. To use Feature Recognition:

1. Download from http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/feature_recognition/.

2. Ensure that the version of Feature Recognition that you install matches the installed Inventor(s) / OS Type that you have.

3. Open a translator file (IGES, STEP, SAT, etc.) that has solid(s) in it.

4. During the translation open, (if a single part / solid file) - a dialog will prompt you if you want to automatically "Recognize Features."

5. If you select "Yes" here, you will be placed in the Feature Recognition environment.

6. On the other hand, if you select "No" for automatic feature recognition:

   • If you then Right-Mouse-Click on the "Base1" (or other named solid) feature in the browser, you can select "Recognize Features."
   • Select "Automatic Feature Recognition" and click "Apply" (most features selected).
   • Or you can manually select the features via check box - then pick the faces (after clearing the current selection of "All) you want that correspond to the feature you are seeking... (or use all faces by default...).
   • Click Apply and OK - and Return and Yes (to build the recognized geometry).

Peter notes that it's actually easier than it sounds.

Sharing tips from those in the know is alive in the Lab.