Learning the Essentials of Part Modeling - Inventor 2013 and Inventor LT 2013 Essentials - page 77

FIGURE 3.15 The option in the dialog box updates
while you drag the direction arrow.

Setting the Material and Color
You can do things such as establish the material your part is made from to moni-
tor its weight or inertial properties. You can even pick a specific color if you like.

1. In the browser, right-click the part icon at the top, and select iProper-
ties from the context menu.

2. In the dialog box, go to the Physical tab, and use the Material drop-
down to select Cast Iron as the material. Notice that it updates the
mass; make note of what that value is.

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At various times
while working in this
and other chapters,
you should go back
to the Physical tab
and update the prop-
erties to see how
changes affect these
values.

3. Click OK to accept this change.

4. In the Quick Access toolbar, locate the drop-down that shows As
Material for the part's color. Select a color you like, and feel free to
change it whenever you want.

Setting the material from which the parts will be made from is very impor-
tant for estimating costs, weight, and so on. Color changes can help highlight
components or make them appear more realistic.

TIP Inventor also features a few different color libraries. If you intend
to work with other Autodesk applications like 3DS Max and you want
maintain consistency in the color, you should use a color from one of the
Autodesk libraries.