Which feature is employed to convert 2D sketches into 3D models by adding depth?

Extruding is the feature used to transform 2D sketches into 3D models by adding depth. When you perform an extrude operation, you select a closed profile from your 2D sketch and specify a distance to extend that profile in a perpendicular direction to create a three-dimensional shape. This process essentially creates a solid object from a flat outline, which is fundamental in 3D modeling within Autodesk Inventor.

While other options like revolve, loft, and sweep also create complex 3D shapes, they do so in different ways and typically rely on additional parameters or different kinds of profiles. Revolving creates a shape by rotating a sketch around an axis, lofting connects two or more sketches to form a transition shape, and sweeping involves moving a sketch along a specific path. Each of these methods builds upon the principles established with extrusion, but for the task of directly adding depth to a 2D sketch, extruding is the most straightforward and widely used method.