Community Scoring

Was this page helpful?

Tag Tags0

This page has no tags

Page statistics

2912 views2 edit(s)8599 characters(s) Page last modified 13:24, 24 Apr 2012 by ryancerniglia
How to add your knowledge

Launchpad Workflows

    Table of contents
    No headers

    Autodesk Factory Design Suite 2013 features a "front-end" that serves as a common entry point, or Launchpad, to perform various factory tasks. Use of the Launchpad is optional, but the application options it offers help to automate common workflows.

    Double-click the Factory Design Suite 2013 desktop icon to open the Factory Launchpad .

    The Launchpad opens with the Workflows tab active to display the most commonly used workflows. The Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2013 Launchpad is shown.

    Note Available application and workflow options will vary depending on the version (Standard, Premium, or Ultimate) of Factory Design Suite in use and which applications are installed.

    Each of the workflows is briefly described as follows:

    2D LayoutThis option launches AutoCAD Factory with the Factory Assets library open and ready for asset placement on the factory floor. (AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD Mechanical is launched depending on which version was last opened.)
    Material Flow AnalysisThis option launches AutoCAD Factory and lets you analyze routing and machine utilization. You are prompted to choose either Transportation or Machine options. (AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD Mechanical is launched depending on which version was last opened.)
    Installation Drawing Select this option to create a 2D drawing of your factory asset or layout using either Inventor or AutoCAD. (AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD Mechanical is launched depending on which version was last opened.)
    3D Visual LayoutSelect this option to simultaneously start Inventor Factory and begin a new factory layout.
    Factory AssetsThis option launches Inventor Factory where you can model a new part or assembly as a factory asset. You can also import an existing part, an existing assembly, or DWG solids as an asset into the factory layout.
    AutoCAD Block ConverterThis option launches Inventor in the Sketch environment with the option to create either a part or an assembly with an AutoCAD block.
    3D Layout from DWG Select this option to create a 3D Inventor Factory layout from a 2D AutoCAD layout. Any 2D assets and chainable assets in the DWG are automatically replaced with their 3D equivalents.
    Engineering ReviewWith a variety of CAD file formats supported, this option opens Navisworks and allows you to build an aggregate factory using parts and assemblies from many different CAD applications.
    Interactive PresentationThis option launches Showcase where you can transform your factory layout into highly realistic imagery and perform an interactive presentation.
    Photorealistic RenderingChoose this option when you wish to create an animated rendering of your factory layout using 3ds Max Design.

    Applications Tab

    Clicking the Applications tab lists each of the applications that were installed with your version of Factory Design Suite. As an alternative to using desktop icons or the Windows Start menu, you can left-click any one of the programs displayed in the list to launch that application.

    Recent Files Tab

    Click the Recent Files tab to display the most recently opened files used in Factory Design Suite. The filename, application that launched it, and the date and time it was last opened are displayed in three columns. From the Filename column, left-click the file you wish to work with to simultaneously launch the associated application and open the file.

    Autodesk Exchange App Manager

    Clicking this button opens the Autodesk Exchange App Manager dialog box where you can view, update, uninstall, and get help on Inventor apps downloaded from the Autodesk Exchange store. An alert on the App Manager icon indicates when updates are available.

    Autodesk Exchange Apps website

    This button launches the Autodesk Exchange Apps website which is an online resource where you can browse and purchase apps (including product-specific content such as blocks, models, training materials, and eBooks) - and is available for several Autodesk products.