In Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2012, you can use the SAT format to share files with Autodesk Inventor. This tutorial shows how to do so.

3ds Max Design can import the Inventor part (IPT) and assembly (IAM) file formats. However, there are some disadvantages to this method; in particular:

• Autodesk Inventor Server 8, or a later version, must be installed on the same system that is running 3ds Max Design.
• The IPT or IAM model is imported as 3ds Max Design editable mesh objects. If you modify the model in 3ds Max Design, then you can’t use it in Inventor any more.

Using the SAT format solves both these problems: You can import the SAT file into 3ds Max Design on a system that doesn’t have Inventor Server installed, and you can edit the model in 3ds Max Design, then import the modified SAT model back into Inventor.

This tutorial uses a small part model to demonstrate these features.

Skill level: Intermediate

Time to complete: 45 minutes

Topics in this section

• Export the Model from Inventor
• Import the Model into 3ds Max Design
• Edit the Model in 3ds Max Design
• Use 3ds Max Design to Add a New Part
• Export the Model to SAT Format
• Import the Model back into Inventor, and Edit It Further