Simplifying Your Autodesk Inventor Assembly: Shrinkwrap vs. Shrinkwrap Substitute

When working with complex assemblies in Autodesk Inventor 2015, simplification is often a necessary step to streamline the design process and reduce complexity. One of the key commands used for this purpose is Shrinkwrap, which can be accessed from the Component panel on the Assemble ribbon (Figure 1). However, it's essential to understand the difference between Shrinkwrap and Shrinkwrap Substitute, as the right tool depends on your specific needs.

The primary goal of simplification is to reduce the number of components in an assembly while maintaining the integrity of the design intent. This process becomes increasingly important as the number of components grows, often exceeding thousands of parts in a single assembly. Without proper structuring and simplification, complex assemblies can become unwieldy, making it challenging to manage and transmit designs.

Shrinkwrap Substitute is designed for situations where you need to reduce the number of components while maintaining their hierarchical structure. This command is particularly useful when working with subassemblies or when you need to simplify a large assembly without sacrificing design intent. On the other hand, Shrinkwrap is a more general-purpose command that can be used in various scenarios, such as simplifying an assembly for easier transmission or reducing complexity.

In both cases, it's crucial to simplify the assembly geometry as much as possible before applying these commands. This ensures that you maintain control over your design and avoid sacrificing critical information.

When deciding which tool to use, consider the following factors:

* If you need to reduce the number of components while maintaining their hierarchical structure, Shrinkwrap Substitute is likely the better choice.

* If you're looking for a more general-purpose simplification command, Shrinkwrap may be the way to go.

By understanding the differences between Shrinkwrap and Shrinkwrap Substitute in Autodesk Inventor 2015, you can streamline your design process, reduce complexity, and maintain control over your assemblies.

Autodesk inventor 2015