Inventor has the functionality to create proper weld symbols based on known industry standards. So when I got wind of a client of mine that wasn't using weldments and symbols properly I needed to educate them. First let's take a look at what they were using before I showed them the tools in Inventor
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So what tools does Inventor have to remedy this documentation fiasco? First and foremost is the Weldment environment of Inventor which converts normal assemblies to weld capable designs. This is accessed by starting your assembly as a weldment with a weldment template or using the Convert to Weldment command on the Assemble Tab in the Ribbon (older version users will find this in the Convert menu). In this environment you can do many tasks on your designs but most notably are:
- Creation of Assembly level Preparations (before the weld)
- Creation of visible welded material (Fillet, Cosmetic, and Groove)
- Creation of Assembly level Machinings (after the weld)
- Weldment material can be uniquely specified
- Creation of Weldment symbols that translate directly to drawings
- Weld calculators to aid in design
Now for the issue at hand of proper weld symbol documentation, Inventor has the tools to create weld symbols during the creation of all three weld commands. During the command, each dialog box has a Create Welding Symbol checkbox that allows the user to describe what type of weld is being generated so that it can be easily referenced later on. Too many times will an engineer design a weld and then forget the exact details when they reach the documentation process.
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This dialog box becomes a very dynamic tool for the symbol creation depending on what is selected. Usually the first item of business is to select the type of weld
If fillet weld linking is selected when generating a fillet weld, then the information in the dialog automatically maps to the designated areas of the symbol. Since Groove welds are much more dynamic in their creation process, this option is not available for them or Cosmetic welds.
Until next time, may your weld beads fill in the right direction
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