Inventor - How to use tolerancing within your models

by Shaun Griffiths

In recent weeks I have been asked a few times about tolerancing within models and how to go about it. So, below is a quick guide of how set up tolerance dimensions and how they can be useful within a cylindrical steel component (Breaker_block).

First, when creating or editing a dimension within the sketch of a model you can select the small arrow to the right of the input box and choose “Tolerance…”

This will allow you to apply a tolerance of your preferred type to the nominal value you have already entered. In this example, I chose to apply a deviation tolerance of +0.01mm and -0.05mm to d8 (later “central_wid”) within the dialogue box.

From here you can choose to view your tolerances within the parameter manager.

Below the “Tol.” Column is currently showing a yellow circle for nominal.

If you change this to a different symbol such as the red minus symbol for the lower limit, then the model will update to suit the lower tolerance limit. In this case central_wid has changed from the nominal 100.000mm to 99.950mm.

This can be useful when assessing part interference, as you can set the maximum and minimum limits within the parts. Then, when assembled you can use the “analyse interference” function on the inspection tab between the parts. Thus, highlighting any issues.

Additionally, when annotating a drawing you can retrieve model annotations to ensure that the modelled tolerance shows up on the drawing.