IntroductionThe feature-based parametric modeling technique enables the designer to incorporatethe original design intent into the construction of the model. The word parametric meansthe geometric definitions of the design, such as dimensions, can be varied at any time inthe design process. Parametric modeling is accomplished by identifying and creating thekey features of the design with the aid of computer software. The design variables,described in the sketches and described as parametric relations, can then be used toquickly modify/update the design.In Autodesk Inventor, the parametric part modeling process involves the following steps:1. Create a rough two-dimensional sketch of the basic shape of the base featureof the design.2. Apply/modify constraints and dimensions to the two-dimensional sketch.3. Extrude, revolve, or sweep the parametric two-dimensional sketch to createthe base solid feature of the design.4. Add additional parametric features by identifying feature relations andcomplete the design.5. Perform analyses on the computer model and refine the design as needed.6. Create the desired drawing views to document the design.The approach of creating two-dimensional sketches of the three-dimensional features isan effective way to construct solid models. Many designs are in fact the same shape inone direction. Computer input and output devices we use today are largely twodimensionalin nature, which makes this modeling technique quite practical. This methodalso conforms to the design process that helps the designer with conceptual design alongwith the capability to capture the design intent. Most engineers and designers can relateto the experience of making rough sketches on restaurant napkins to convey conceptualdesign ideas. Autodesk Inventor provides many powerful modeling and design-tools, andthere are many different approaches to accomplishing modeling tasks. The basic principleof feature-based modeling is to build models by adding simple features one at a time. Inthis chapter, the general parametric part modeling procedure is illustrated; a very simplesolid model with extruded features is used to introduce the Autodesk Inventor userinterface. The display viewing functions and the basic two-dimensional sketching toolsare also demonstrated.