Inventor Reviews & Pricing

by Autodesk | Founded 1999, San Rafael, CA

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Overview Pricing Benefits Reviews Features

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What is Inventor?

Industry Specialties: Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Product Design, Manufacturing, Media and Entertainment.

Inventor is a Windows-based CAD solution with mechanical 3D designing, documentation and product simulation modules. It intertwines parametric, direct and other design protocols in one centralized place. It enables collaboration with key players across the company with the ability to use any CAD tool.

It includes drawing creation, parametric modeling, sheet metal and instant frame design. It employs particular accessories needed for sheet metals, frame blueprints, tubing and piping. It can also merge with other modules to complete mechanical and BIM assignments.

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Inventor Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, Inventor pricing starts at $310 (Monthly).

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Starting From: $310
Pricing Model: Monthly
Free Trial: Yes, Request for Free

Training Resources

Inventor is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for Inventor:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

Inventor Benefits and Insights

Why use Inventor?

Key differentiators & advantages of Inventor

Cloud-Based Design Evaluations: Garner constructive criticism from vital stakeholders and collaborators in real time from any location to save time and boost productivity.
A Single Data Model: Follow the complete product development procedure via one data model instead of accessing more interfaces.
Automation: Conduct designs, recordkeeping and processing automatically via iLogic to diminish manual entries and human errors.
Cloud Operations: Implement the forge design automation API to carry out jobs via the cloud instead of relying on company servers.
Distinguished Tools: Initiate specialized modules for tubing, piping, sheet metals and other materials to handle them with special care.

Industry Expertise

Inventor serves the architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media and entertainment industries.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of Inventor reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

Powerful Modeling: Inventor offers a robust set of tools for 3D mechanical design, including parametric, freeform, and direct modeling capabilities. This allows users to create complex parts and assemblies with a high degree of precision.
Comprehensive Documentation: Inventor excels in creating detailed 2D drawings and documentation directly from 3D models. This streamlines the design process and ensures that manufacturing has accurate information.
Integrated Simulation: Built-in simulation tools let engineers test their designs virtually for stress, strain, and other factors before any physical prototyping. This can save time and reduce costly errors.
Streamlined Workflow: Integration with other Autodesk products, like AutoCAD and Fusion 360, creates a unified ecosystem for design and manufacturing. This interoperability can significantly improve efficiency for businesses already invested in Autodesk solutions.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: New users often find it challenging to learn and navigate Inventor's extensive feature set, requiring significant time investment for proficiency.
Performance Issues: Large and complex models can lead to sluggish performance, including slow opening times, lag, and occasional crashes, impacting productivity.
File Compatibility: Inventor's compatibility with non-Autodesk file formats is limited, potentially causing difficulties when collaborating with external partners or clients using different CAD software.
High System Requirements: Running Inventor effectively, especially with complex models, necessitates a powerful computer with high-end specifications, which can translate to increased hardware costs.
Subscription Costs: Inventor's subscription-based pricing model, while offering flexibility, can become expensive, particularly for small businesses or freelancers who may not require constant access to all features.

Researcher's Summary:

Can Inventor help users invent 3D models with ease, or will it leave them feeling lost in a digital labyrinth? User reviews from the last year suggest that Autodesk Inventor is a powerful and versatile 3D CAD software with a lot to offer, particularly for experienced users in mechanical engineering and related fields.

Users consistently praise Inventor's robust feature set, highlighting its intuitive interface for solid modeling and assembly design. The software's ability to handle complex assemblies efficiently and generate detailed drawings is a significant plus. Additionally, its seamless integration with other Autodesk products, such as AutoCAD, is frequently cited as a major advantage, streamlining workflows for users already within the Autodesk ecosystem. However, there are some drawbacks. One common criticism is Inventor's steep learning curve, which can be intimidating for beginners. Some users have also reported occasional performance issues when working with very large or intricate models.

Inventor's strengths lie in its professional-grade design and engineering solutions for 3D mechanical design, simulation, visualization, and documentation. Its comprehensive features and intuitive interface make it well-suited for experienced users in fields such as mechanical engineering, product design, and manufacturing. However, its complexity and the occasional performance hiccups might pose challenges for beginners or those working with massive, resource-intensive models.

Key Features

Product Design
- Parametric Modeling: Access a perceptive interface to maintain concentration on creating and editing 3D models.
- Assembly Modeling: Review how designs will adhere during the assembly stage.
- Drawing Creation: Produce clear, precise, in-depth manufacturing drawings swiftly.
Collaboration
- Shared View Collaboration: Cooperate with others on models and designs through the internet. Review and comment on shared views and filters.
- Non-Native Data: Upkeep related links with non-native CAD information.
- BIM Interoperability: Transform CAD models into BIM objects effortlessly.
Design Automation
- Design Configurations: Permit quick customizations via iLogic.
- Automated Frame Design: Craft and assess frame structures rapidly.
- Sheet Metal: Build and plan intricate sheet metal products for manufacturing.
Modeling
- Model-Based Definition: Add manufacturing details in 3D models for downstream programs.
- Content Center: Pick standard elements from an adjustable library.
- Shape Generator: Develop and analyze high-quality design choices instantly.
- Direct Modeling: Establish push/pull controls to shift, rotate, rescale or expand details from other shapes.
Connected Data
- Printed Circuit Board Interoperability: Merge electronics with mechanical blueprints in a centralized complete product definition.
- Data Management: Alter, grow or downsize models with the ideal pull or push tools efficiently.
Simulation and Visualization
- Simulation: Assess designs with motions, speed and other conditions.
- Stress Analysis: Perform fast part checks or product performance evaluations during any product lifecycle phase.
- Views and Animations: Employ several filters and animations for intricate product assemblies in reports, manuals and assembly instructions.