1. Introduction
Beams are invaluable structural elements. Their application ranges from multi-storey buildings to Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) [4]. As a lecturer, it is important to be confident in the software you use and teach in order to pass that confidence along to the students. Autodesk Inventor which is a 3D modelling software has an integrated stress analysis environment. Autodesk Inventor is an invaluable tool in teaching Computer Aided Design (Engineering Design) and Computer Aided manufacture (Toolpath generation and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programming) hence the importance of being able to link it with theory in engineering as a means of visualising Bending beam stresses, deflection and theories cannot be over emphasises especially for visual learners.