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AutoCAD 3D Modeling
Instructor: Alireza Parsai
Table of Contents
Viewing 3D Models
3D Modeling Basics
Wireframe Models
Surface Models
Solid Models
Rendering
3D to 2D
Viewing 3D Models
Lesson No. Title View 01-01 3D Views Click here
01-02 Tiled Viewports Click here
3D Modeling Basics Lesson No. Title View 02-01 User Coordinate System Click here
02-02 Thickness and Elevation Click here
Wireframe Models Lesson No. Title View 03-01 Wireframe Models [Part 1] Click here
03-02 Wireframe Models [Part 2] Click here
03-03 Wireframe Models [Part 3] Click here
03-04 Trim and Extend Click here
Surface Models Lesson No. Title View 04-01 3D Faces Click here
04-02 3D Meshes Click here
04-03 Tabulated and Ruled Surfaces Click here
04-04 Revolved Surface Click here
04-05 Edge Surface Click here
04-06 Predefined Meshes Click here
04-07 3D Modifying Commands Click here
04-08 Creating Regions Click here
04-09 Managing Regions Click here
Solid Models Lesson No. Title View 05-01 Primitive 3D Solids [Part 1] Click here
05-02 Primitive 3D Solids [Part 2] Click here
05-03 Boolean Operations Click here
05-04 Extruded Solids Click here
05-05 Revolved Solids Click here
05-06 Slice and Interfere Click here
05-07 Sections Click here
05-08 Fillet and Chamfer Click here
05-09 Editing Solids [Part 1] Click here
05-10 Editing Solids [Part 2] Click here
05-11 Editing Solids [Part 3] Click here
05-12 Editing Solids [Part 4] Click here
05-13 Editing Solids [Part 5] Click here
05-14 Editing Solids [Part 6] Click here
05-15 Editing Solids [Part 7] Click here
05-16 Editing Solids [Part 8] Click here
05-17 Editing Solids [Part 9] Click here
05-18 Editing Solids [Part 10] Click here
05-19 Mass Properties Click here
Rendering Lesson No. Title View 06-01 Rendering Types Click here
06-02 Save Rendered Images Click here
06-03 Render Window Click here
06-04 Hanging Your Picture on a Wall Click here
06-05 Ambient Light Click here
06-06 Point Light Click here
06-07 Spotlight Click here
3D to 2D Lesson No. Title View 07-01 DXB Files Click here
Viewing 3D Models
Rotating a 2D View
[AutoCAD 2000+]
You can use Zoom and Pan to scale and move the view. However, these commands are incapable in rotating the view. There are two commands available for 2D view rotation: 3DORBIT and DVIEW.
3DORBIT: To rotate a two dimensional view, invoke the command. Place mouse pointer outside the arc-ball. Drag the mouse in the outer area of the arc-ball.
DVIEW: Invoke the command. Select objects. Select Twist option. Enter the angle of rotation. This method can rotate the view with a precise angle.
01-01 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: 3D Views
This tutorial is a quick review of different methods for viewing 3D models.
Note: The tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases.
1. Download r16_3d_bed.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier version, downloadr15_3d_bed.dwg.
2. Open the file in AutoCAD. The top view of a 3D bed appears [Figure 1].
Figure 1
3. In command line type VPOINT and then press Enter. Type -1,-1,1 as the coordinates of the new view point and then press Enter [Figure 2].
Figure 2
4. In command line type VP and then press Enter. The Viewpoint Presets dialog box appears [Figure 3].
Figure 3
5. Click Set to Plan View.
6. Click OK. The top view of the bed is shown [Figure 1].
7. From View menu select Toolbars.
8. In Toolbars tab select View [Figure 4].
Figure 4
9. Close the dialog box. The View toolbar is now visible [Figure 5].
Figure 5
10. Click the 3rd button to the left. The bottom view of the model is shown.
11. Click Isometric buttons (2nd to 5th buttons to the right) and view the model from different Isometric views. Figure 6 shows the North East Isometric view [Figure 6].
Figure 6
12. On View menu click 3D Orbit. The 3D Orbit green arcball appears on screen [Figure 7].
Figure 7
13. Drag the mouse inside the arcball to rotate the model in 3D space. If you drag the mouse outside the arcball the model will rotate about an axis that is perpendicular to the monitor. Initiating the dragging from lower and/or upper small circles will rotate the model about the horizontal axis. Finally if you initiate dragging from circles to the sides of the arcball the model will rotate about vertical axis.
14. Create a view similar to Figure 8.
Figure 8
15. Press Esc to exit the command.
16. Click the first button to the left of the View toolbar. The View dialog box appears [Figure 9].
Figure 9
17. Click New. The New View dialog box appears [Figure 10].
Figure 10
18. In View Name box type, Sample View.
19. On both dialog boxes click OK.
20. In command line type, PLAN.
21. Press Enter twice. The plan view of the model is shown.
22. Click the first button to the left of the View toolbar.
23. On the list of Named Views select, Sample View [Figure 11].
Figure 11
24. Click Set Current.
25. Close the dialog box. The view of figure 8 is shown.
26. Type PLAN and then press Enter twice.
27. In command line type DV and then press Enter.
28. Select all objects and then press Enter.
29. Type TW and press Enter to select the Twist option.
30. Enter 45 as the twist angle.
31. Press Enter to end the command. The view is set as shown in Figure 12.
Figure 12
01-02 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Tiled Viewports
Viewports enable you to view the models from different view points at the same time. Various display settings such as zoom factor and shade modes can be applied to every viewport. There are two types of viewports available in AutoCAD: Tiled and Floating.
Tiled viewports are applicable to Model space while Floating viewports are used in Paper space only.
Note: The tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases.
1. Download r16_tiled_vports.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier version, downloadr15_tiled_vports.dwg.
2. Enable the Shade toolbar.
3. Open the file in AutoCAD. The file contains a single viewport that shows the top view of a simple model with some lateral holes [Figure 1].
Figure 1
4. Invoke VPORTS (View menu > Viewports > New Viewports). TheViewports dialog box appears [Figure 2].
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
5. On Standards Viewports list click, Three: Left.
6. From Setup drop down list select, 3D [Figure 3].
Figure 3 - Click on image to enlarge
7. Click OK. Three different views of the model are shown [Figure 4].
Figure 4 - Click on image to enlarge
8. Click the left side viewport.
9. On Shade toolbar click Gourad Shaded [Figure 5].
Figure 5
10. Click the top right side viewport to make it the active one.
11. Invoke VPORTS.
12. In New name box type, Ideal [Figure 6].
Figure 6
13. On Standard viewports click, Two: Vertical.
14. From Apply to list select, Current Viewport [Figure 7].
Figure 7
15. On Preview section select the viewport to the right.
16. From Change view to select, Right [Figure 8].
Figure 8
17. Use the same method to change the view of the left side viewport.
18. Click OK. The viewport is divided into two viewports.
19. Change the shade mode of both viewports to Gouraud.
20. Pan the model to the center of every viewport [Figure 9].
Figure 9 - Click on image to enlarge
21. Enable the bottom right side viewport.
22. On View menu select, Viewports > 1 Viewport. A single viewport replaces all viewports.
23. On View menu select, Viewports > Named Viewports.
24. From Named Viewports list select, Ideal [Figure 10].
Figure 10 - Click on image to enlarge
25. Click OK. The saved arrangement of viewports appears on screen [Figure 11].
Figure 11 - Click on image to enlarge
3D Modeling Basics
02-01 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: User Coordinate System
Every drawing is equipped with a coordinate system called WCS or rather World Coordinate System. The WCS is fixed and you cannot change its location or orientation. Instead the User Coordinate System or rather UCS is used. You can move or rotate UCS in any direction. The placement of objects is based on the current UCS so you can even use 2D commands to create objects in 3D space with various orientations.
There are two toolbars for controlling UCS location and orientation: UCS [Figure 1] and UCS II [Figure 2].
Figure 1
Buttons from left to right:
• UCS: Invokes the UCS command. • Display UCS Dialog: Shows UCS dialog box. • UCS Previous: Enables the previous UCS settings. • World UCS: Matches the UCS with WCS. • Object UCS: Builds the UCS based on the selected object. • Face UCS: Builds the UCS based on the selected face. • View UCS: Matches UCS with screen. The X axis horizontal, Y vertical, and Z perpendicular to the
screen. • Origin UCS: Moves the UCS without changing its orientation. • Z Axis Vector UCS: Builds the UCS based on the new direction of the Z axis. • 3 Point UCS: Builds the UCS by specifying the new origin, a point on positive X direction, and a point
on XY plane. • X Axis Rotate UCS: Rotates the UCS about X axis. • Y Axis Rotate UCS: Rotates the UCS about Y axis. • Z Axis Rotate UCS: Rotates the UCS about Z axis. • Apply UCS: Applies the current UCS to a selected viewport.
Figure 2
Buttons from left to right:
• Display UCS Dialog: Shows UCS dialog box. • Move UCS Origin: Moves the UCS without changing its orientation. • Select UCS drop down list enables you to select an orthographic and/or a saved UCS as the current
UCS.
The following tutorial shows you how to use the UCS and UCS II toolbars to manage User Coordinate System.
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases.
1. Download r16_ucs.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier version, downloadr15_ucs.dwg.
2. Open the file in AutoCAD. The drawing consists of a box and a circle [Figure 3].
Figure 3
3. Enable UCS toolbar (View menu > Toolbars).
4. Make sure that Endpoint OSnap is enabled.
5. Click View UCS. The UCS is aligned with the screen [Figure 4].
Figure 4
6. Click 3 Point UCS.
7. Click points 4, 3 and 1 as origin, positive x axis and xy plane directions respectively [Figure 5].
Figure 5
8. Click Origin UCS and then click point 7 as the new origin [Figure 6].
Figure 6
9. Click Z Axis Vector UCS.
10. Click point 8 as the origin and point 1 as the direction of Z axis [Figure 7].
Figure 7
11. Click Object UCS and then select the circle [Figure 8]. The orientation of X and Y axes depends on the point that you click.
Figure 8
12. Select Face UCS.
13. Click on the front face near point 8. Press Enter to accept the new settings [Figure 9].
Figure 9
14. Click X Axis Rotate UCS.
15. Rotate the UCS 45 degrees about X axis [Figure 10].
Figure 10
16. Rotate the UCS -45 degrees about Y axis and then 25 degrees about Z axis [Figure 11].
Figure 11
17. Click UCS (i.e. click the first button to the left).
18. Select the Save option and save the current UCS as "sample":
Command: _ucs
Current ucs name: *NO NAME*
Enter an option [New/Move/orthoGraphic/Prev/Restore/Save/Del/Apply/?/World]
<World>: s 8
Enter name to save current UCS or [?]: sample 8
19. Click World UCS [Figure 12].
Figure 12
20. Click UCS and restore the "sample" UCS [Figure 13]:
Command: _ucs
Current ucs name: *WORLD*
Enter an option [New/Move/orthoGraphic/Prev/Restore/Save/Del/Apply/?/World]
<World>: r 8
Enter name of UCS to restore or [?]: sample 8
Figure 13
21. Click UCS Previous [Figure 14].
Figure 14
22. Invoke the VPORTS command. Divide the drawing area into four equal viewports [Figure 15].
Figure 15 - Click on image to enlarge
Note: For more information on viewports read the following article: ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Tiled Viewports
23. Enable UCS II toolbar (View menu > Toolbars).
24. Click the upper right corner viewport to make it current.
25. On UCS II click Move UCS Origin.
26. Click point 3. The UCS will be affected on the current viewport only [Figure 16].
Figure 16 - Click on image to enlarge
27. On UCS toolbar click Apply UCS. Apply the current UCS to all viewports [Figure 17].
Command: _ucs
Current ucs name: *NO NAME*
Enter an option [New/Move/orthoGraphic/Prev/Restore/Save/Del/Apply/?/World]
<World>: _apply
Pick viewport to apply current UCS or [All]<current>: all 8
Figure 17 - Click on image to enlarge
28. On View menu select Viewports > 1 Viewport.
29. From the UCS list select, World. Then select Bottom [Figure 18].
Figure 18
30. Click Display UCS Dialog. The UCS dialog box appears [Figure 19].
Figure 19
31. From the list select, sample.
32. Click Set Current.
33. Click OK [Figure 20].
Figure 20
02-02 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Thickness and Elevation
Thickness is an object property that gives the object a 3D effect. If you apply thickness to lines, circles, ellipses, arcs, polylines, solid fills, and traces they will acquire some height. Thus by changing the shade mode they will look like 3D surfaces and/or solids.
Elevation is the default distance from XY plane along Z axis. Although you can override this value with direct coordinate entry or by using OSnaps it might be useful. The current tutorial shows you how to draw a simple 3D table with the help of elevation and thickness.
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases.
1. Start a new drawing from scratch.
2. Divide the drawing area into two vertical viewports with Top and SE Isometric views [Figure 1].
Figure 1 - Click on image to enlarge
Note: To learn more on viewports read the following tutorial:
► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Tiled Viewports
3. Draw a circle on origin with radius equal to 1 unit.
Command: c8 CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: 0,08 Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: 18
4. Invoke CHPROP and alter the thickness of the circle to 25.
Command: chprop8 Select objects: L8 1 found Select objects:8 Enter property to change [Color/LAyer/LType/ltScale/LWeight/Thickness]: t8 Specify new thickness <0.0000>: 258 Enter property to change [Color/LAyer/LType/ltScale/LWeight/Thickness]:8
Note: You could double click the circle and use the Properties window to change the thickness.
5. Invoke Zoom-all in both viewports.
6. Alter color of the layer to red.
7. In SE Isometric viewport change the shade mode to Gouraud [Figure 2].
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
8. Invoke ARRAY. Create a rectangular array of the circle based on the settings shown on figure 3.
Figure 3
9. Invoke Zoom-all in both viewports [Figure 4].
Figure 4 - Click on image to enlarge
10. Invoke ELEV to set the default thickness and elevation:
Command: elev8 Specify new default elevation <0.0000>: 258 Specify new default thickness <0.0000>: 28
11. Draw a 2D solid object:
Command: solid8 Specify first point: -2,-28 Specify second point: @29,08 Specify third point: @-29,448 Specify fourth point or <exit>: @29,08 Specify third point:8
Note: Because of the default thickness the 2D solid looks like a 3D box. The default elevation places the solid fill with the proper distance from XY plane.
12. Invoke Zoom-All in both viewports [Figure 5].
Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge
Wireframe Models
03-01 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Wireframe Models, Part 1
Most of Wireframe models are built with 2D objects. The success key is in correct use of UCS and 2D commands. Here you will learn how to build the following simple Wireframe models. Two further tutorials will help you to create more complex Wireframe models.
Figure 1 - Click on image to enlarge
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases.
In this tutorial user entries are in boldface.
The 8 symbol is equivalent to pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_wireframe_p1.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_wireframe_p1.dwg.
2. Draw a 3×3 square. Locate the lower left corner of the square on origin [Figure 2].
Figure 2
3. Create an offset copy of the square. Set the offset distance to 1 [Figure 3].
Figure 3
4. Move the small square 3 units along Z axis:
Command: m 8 MOVE Select objects: l8 1 found Select objects:8 Specify base point or displacement: 0,0,38 Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as displacement>:8
5. Connect the lower left corners of the squares with a line segment [Figure 4].
Figure 4
6. Select the line.
7. Invoke ARRAY. Use the settings shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5
8. Click OK to create the polar array [Figure 6].
Figure 6
9. Move the objects 7 units along X and Y axes simultaneously:
Command: m 8 MOVE Select objects: all8 10 found Select objects:8 Specify base point or displacement: 7,78 Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as displacement>:8
10. Use display tools to build a 3D view similar to Figure 7.
Figure 7- Click on image to enlarge
Note: For more information on 3D display tools read the following tutorial: ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: 3D Views
11. Select WF2 as the current layer.
12. Freeze WF1 layer.
13. Rotate UCS +90 degrees about X axis.
Note: For more information on UCS read the following tutorial: ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: User Coordinate System
14. Draw a polyline as follows [Figure 8]:
Command: pl8 PLINE Specify start point: 3,38 Current line-width is 0.0000 Specify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]: 0,38 Specify next point or [Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]: 0,08 Specify next point or [Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]: 5,08 Specify next point or [Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]: c8
Figure 8
15. Switch to WCS:
Command: ucs8 Current ucs name: *NO NAME* Enter an option [New/Move/orthoGraphic/Prev/Restore/Save/Del/Apply/?/World] <World>:8
16. Copy the polyline 2 units along Y axis [Figure 9]:
Command: cp8 COPY Select objects: l8 1 found Select objects:8 Specify base point or displacement, or [Multiple]: 0,28 Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as displacement>:8
Figure 9
17. Connect the opposite endpoints with line segments [Figure 10].
Figure 10
18. Thaw WF1 to view both models at the same time.
03-02 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Wireframe Models, Part 2
Wireframe models can be used in creating surfaces and solids. Here we will build the Wireframe model of a tent. In a later tutorial you will cover the tent with surfaces. If you are not familiar with Wireframe models read the following tutorial:
► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Wireframe Models, Part 1
Figure 1 - Click on image to enlarge
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol is equivalent to pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_wireframe_tent.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_wireframe_tent.dwg.
2. Draw a 90×60 rectangle. Locate the lower left corner of the rectangle on origin [Figure 2].
Figure 2
3. Connect the midpoint of vertical sides with a line segment [Figure 3].
Figure 3
4. Move the new line 60 units along Z axis.
Command: m 8 MOVE
Select objects: 1 found Select objects:8 Specify base point or displacement: 0,0,608 Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as displacement>:8
5. Rotate the UCS +90 degrees about X axis.
Note: For more information on UCS read the following tutorial: ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: User Coordinate System
6. Invoke PLAN to view the new XY plane.
Note: For more information on 3D display tools read the following tutorial: ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: 3D Views
7. Copy the line 5 units in negative Y direction [Figure 4].
Figure 4
8. Build an arc on the horizontal lines. Use 3 points method [Figure 5].
Figure 5
9. Erase both auxiliary lines.
10. Rotate UCS +90 degrees about Y axis.
11. Set the view as shown on figure 6.
Figure 6
12. Draw a line segment from origin to the left endpoint of the arc [Figure 7].
Figure 7
13. Invoke PLAN to view the XY plane of the current UCS.
14. Offset the diagonal line 3 units to the right [Figure 8].
Figure 8
15. Build an arc on the diagonal lines with 3 Points method [Figure 9].
Figure 9
16. Erase the auxiliary lines.
17. Create a mirror copy of the arc based on a vertical line that passes through the midpoint of the horizontal line [Figure 10].
Figure 10
18. Click Zoom-Previous button to activate the previous view [Figure 11].
Figure 11
19. Copy the arcs to the other corners of the base rectangle [Figure 12].
Figure 12
20. Enable WCS.
21. Switch to POLES layer.
22. Draw a circle as follows [Figure 13]:
Command: c 8 CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: 0,308 Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: 28
Figure 13
23. Copy the circle 60 units along the Z axis.
24. Draw a 60 unit vertical line from one of the quadrants of the circle [Figure 14]:
Command: l 8 LINE Specify first point: qua 8 of Specify next point or [Undo]: @0,0,608 Specify next point or [Undo]:8
Figure 14
25. Copy the line on the rest of quadrants [Figure 15]. You may zoom into the drawing to avoid any mistakes.
Figure 15 - Click on image to enlarge
26. Copy circles and vertical lines to the other side of the tent [Figure 16].
Figure 16 - Click on image to enlarge
03-03 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Wireframe Models, Part 3
The following tutorial focuses on resolving OSnap problems in a 3D environment. Meanwhile you will create the model of a barrel. If you are not familiar with Wireframe models read the following tutorials:
► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Wireframe Models, Part 1 ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Wireframe Models, Part 2
Figure 1
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol is equivalent to pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_wireframe_barrel.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_wireframe_barrel.dwg.
2. Draw a circle. The radius is equal to 15 and the center point is located on origin.
3. Draw two additional circles on the same location. The radiuses of both circles are equal to 10 units.
4. Move the last circle 20 units along negative Z direction:
Command: m8 MOVE Select objects: l8 1 found Select objects:8 Specify base point or displacement: 0,0,-208 Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as displacement>:8
5. Change the viewpoint to SE Isometric [Figure 2]:
Command: -view8 Enter an option [?/Orthographic/Delete/Restore/Save/Ucs/Window]: seiso8
Figure 2
6. Move the other small circle 20 units along positive Z direction.
7. Invoke Zoom-extents [Figure 3].
Figure 3
8. Connect the center-points of the circles to their right side quadrant with some line segments [Figure 4].
Figure 4
Note: The lines are necessary as the Quadrant OSnap will not be available after we rotate the UCS.
9. Rotate UCS, 90 degrees about X axis [Figure 5].
Note: For more information about UCS read the following tutorial: ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: User Coordinate System
Figure 5
10. Connect the right side endpoints of the lines with an arc [Figure 6].
Figure 6
11. Erase the auxiliary lines.
12. Enable WCS.
13. Select the arc.
14. Invoke ARRAY. Apply the settings shown in figure 7.
Figure 7
15. Click OK [Figure 8].
Figure 8
03-04 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Trim and Extend
The TRIM and EXTEND commands are not only used in 2D drawings but also applicable to Wireframe models. In this tutorial you will draw a 3D polyline and use TRIM and EXTEND in 3D space.
If you are not familiar with Wireframe models, read the following tutorials.
► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Wireframe Models, Part 1 ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Wireframe Models, Part 2 ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Wireframe Models, Part 3
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download the following files: ► r16_trim_extend.dwg ► SPIRAL.VLX
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release download: ► r15_trim_extend.dwg ► SPIRAL.VLX
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD.
3. Load SPIRAL.VLX.
Note: To learn how to load an application into AutoCAD read the following article: ► Loading Applications into AutoCAD 2002
4. Invoke SPIRAL.
5. Set the values as shown in Figure 1. Make sure to deselect Solid Model option.
Figure 1
6. Click OK. A 3D polyline will be created [Figure 2].
Figure 2
7. Change the view to SE Isometric [Figure 3].
Note: To learn more on 3D views read the following tutorial: ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: 3D Views
Figure 3
8. Draw a line along Z axis. The start point of the line is origin and the length is equal to 30 units [Figure 4].
Figure 4
9. Invoke EXTEND.
10. Select 3D polyline as the boundary edge, and then press Enter to exit the boundary edge selection mode.
11. Click the top end of the line to extend. The line will not be extended as it really does not intersect with the polyline.
12. Select the Project option and set the projection mode to View:
Select object to extend or shift-select to trim or [Project/Edge/Undo]:p8 Enter a projection option [None/Ucs/View] <None>: v8
13. Now click the top end of the line to extend it [Figure 5].
Figure 5
14. While pressing Shift key click on the bottom end of the line to trim it [Figure 6].
Figure 6
15. Press Enter to exit the command.
16. Change the view. As shown in figure 7 the boundary/cutting edge was only valid in the previous view.
Figure 7
Surface Models
04-01 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: 3D Faces The simplest form of a surface in AutoCAD is a 3DFace. 3DFaces are flat surfaces with 3 or 4 straight edges. The 3DFACE command is used to create 3DFaces. The following tutorial shows you how to create such surfaces and how to fix the edge problems with the EDGE command.
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases.
1. Download r16_3d_faces.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_3d_faces.dwg.
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD. It contains a square, a hexagon, and a Wireframe box [Figure 1].
Figure 1 - Click on image to enlarge
3. Invoke 3DFACE (Draw > Surfaces > 3D Face).
4. Click the corners of the square (clockwise or counterclockwise).
5. Press Enter to exit the command. The square is covered with orange lines [Figure 2].
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
Note: After invoking 3DFACE by clicking the first 3 corners a triangular surface will be created. If you press Enter the face will appear. You can specify the forth corner to create a quadrilateral flat face. Still you have the chance to continue with the command. If you continue the last two corners of the previous face will be considered as the first two corners of the current face. Therefore you need to specify one or two corners to create the new 3D face. Press Enter to halt the command.
6. Alter the shade mode to Flat Shaded [Figure 3].
Figure 3 - Click on image to enlarge
7. Invoke 3DFACE.
8. Click all the corners of the hexagon in clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The hexagon is covered with a surface [Figure 4].
Figure 4 - Click on image to enlarge
Note: Actually the hexagon is covered with 3 separate faces.
9. Alter the shade mode to 2D Wireframe. The edges of faces are visible inside the hexagon [Figure 5].
Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge
10. Invoke EDGE (Draw > Surfaces > Edge).
11. Select the internal edges to toggle their visibility.
12. Press Enter to exit the command. The internal edges are not visible anymore [Figure 6].
Figure 6 - Click on image to enlarge
13. Cover the side faces of the box with 3D Faces. Try not to use more than one 3DFACE command [Figure 7].
Figure 7 - Click on image to enlarge
14. Alter the shade mode to Flat Shaded [Figure 8].
Figure 8 - Click on image to enlarge
04-02 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: 3D Meshes 3D Polygon meshes are surfaces that consist of several flat faces. There are some commands that can create such surfaces. One of the rarely used commands is called 3DMESH. This command is difficult to use but very powerful. It is mainly used by programmers. Here you will use the command to create a surface. Later the PEDIT command will be used to close and smooth the 3D mesh.
Notes:
► This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases.
► In this tutorial user entries are in boldface.
► The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_3d_meshes.dwg
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_3d_meshes.dwg
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD [Figure 1].
Figure 1
3. Switch the shade mode to Flat Shaded.
4. Invoke 3DMESH (Draw > Surfaces > 3D Mesh).
5. The model that we are using as the skeleton of the 3D mesh consists of 4 levels and 4 columns. Thus answer the first 2 prompts as follows:
Enter size of mesh in M direction: 48
Enter size of mesh in N direction: 48
6. Click 0,0,0 as the first mesh vertex. Then click on the vertices of the same column from bottom to top. The points of the first column are in red. Click on the points of the second column (green points) from bottom to top. Go ahead on other columns one by one. An open surface is created [Figure 2].
Figure 2
7. Freeze all layers except the current layer.
8. Invoke PEDIT.
9. Select the 3D mesh.
10. Select Mclose option. The surface is closed now [Figure 3].
Figure 3
11. Select the Smooth surface option. AutoCAD increases the number of vertices and changes the shape of the 3D mesh [Figure 4].
Figure 4
12. Exit PEDIT.
13. The SURFTYPE system variable defines the smoothing method applied by PEDIT command. The eligible values are 5, 6, and 8. Alter the SURFTYPE to 8.
14. Invoke PEDIT. Select the 3D mesh.
15. Select Smooth surface option. A new shape is created [Figure 6].
Figure 5
04-03 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Tabulated and Ruled Surfaces TABSURF and RULESURF are two of those commands that create 3D Meshes. The first command builds a surface with the help of a path curve and a vector. The second one connects to curves with a 3D mesh. Both commands are affected by the value of SURFTAB1 system variable. Let's build some surfaces with the help of these commands.
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_rule_tab.dwg
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_rule_tab.dwg
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD. The drawing consists of a spline, a line, and two ellipses [Figure 1].
Figure 1
3. Switch the shade mode to Gouraud Shaded, Edges On.
4. Alter the value of SURFTAB1 system variable to 8.
Command: surftab1 8
Enter new value for SURFTAB1 <6>: 8 8
5. Invoke TABSURF (Draw > Surfaces > Tabulated Surface).
6. Select the spline as the path curve and the vertical line as the vector. Click on the lower portion of the line. A surface appears [Figure 2].
Figure 2
7. The quality of the surface is not acceptable. Therefore erase it.
8. Assign 36 to SURFTAB1.
9. Create the surface again. The quality is acceptable now [Figure 3].
Figure 3
10. Invoke RULESURF (Draw > Surfaces > Ruled Surface).
11. Click the ellipses as the defining curves. A surface appears between the ellipses [Figure 4].
Figure 4
04-04 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Revolved Surface The REVSURF command enables you to create a surface, based on the revolution of a curve about an axis. The curve can be a line, spline, polyline, arc, circle, ellipse, or elliptical arc. The SURFTAB1 and SURFTAB2 system variables control the number of divisions in the final 3D mesh.
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_rev_surf.dwg
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_rev_surf.dwg
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD. The drawing consists of a vertical line and a closed area built of lines and arcs [Figure 1].
Figure 1
3. Switch the shade mode to Gouraud Shaded, Edges On.
4. Alter the value of SURFTAB1 system variable to 36.
Command: surftab1 8
Enter new value for SURFTAB1 <6>: 368
5. Invoke PEDIT.
6. Select one of the arcs. Enter Y and then press Enter to convert the arc to a polyline.
7. Select Join then select all the objects. The objects to the left are converted to a polyline.
8. Press Enter to end the PEDIT command.
9. Set the view to SE Isometric [Figure 2]:
Command: -view8
Enter an option [?/Orthographic/Delete/Restore/Save/Ucs/Window]: seiso8
Figure 2
10. Invoke REVSURF (Draw > Surfaces > Revolved Surface).
11. Select the polyline as the path curve and the line as the axis of revolution
12. The start and end angles of the revolved surface are 0 and 360 degrees respectively [Figure 3].
Figure 3
13. Erase the new 3D mesh.
14. Alter SURFTAB2 to 12.
15. Create the surface again. The quality of the surface is better now.
04-05 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Edge Surfaces One of the most powerful mesh creators is EDGESURF. The command constructs a polygon mesh on four adjoining curves. The curves can be lines, arcs, splines, 2D polylines or 3D polylines. They also must touch at their endpoints to form a closed path. Here you will build the tent shown in figure 1 with the help of EDGSURF.
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
Figure 1
1. Download r16_edge_surf.dwg
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_edge_surf.dwg
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD. The drawing consists of the Wireframe model of a tent. The numbers beside lines and arcs are used to help you click on the proper elements [Figure 2].
Figure 2
3. Make Surf01 the current layer.
4. Explode the base rectangle 1-5-7-6.
5. Assign proper values to SURFTAB1 and SURFTAB2:
Command: surftab1 8
Enter new value for SURFTAB1 <6>: 24 8
Command: surftab2 8
Enter new value for SURFTAB2 <6>: 24 8
6. Invoke EDGESURF (Draw > Surfaces > Edge Surface).
7. Click the curves 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. A 3D mesh appears in drawing area [Figure 3].
Figure 3
8. Switch to Surf02 layer and freeze Surf01.
9. Invoke EDGESURF and construct a surface on curves 7, 8, 3, and 9 [Figure 4].
Figure 4
10. Switch to Surf03 layer and freeze Surf02.
11. Use a similar method to cover the base with a surface (curves 1, 5, 7, and 6) [Figure 5].
Figure 5
12. Make Surf04 the current layer and then freeze Surf03.
13. Split the line 5 into two lines. Use Break at Point method.
14. Invoke EDGESURF. Click curves 2, 8, and the two portions of 5 [Figure 6].
Figure 6
15. Make Surf05 the current layer and then freeze Surf04.
16. Split the line 6 at the point of intersection with arc 11.
17. Invoke EDGESURF. Select curves 4, 10, 11, and the small portion of the line 6 [Figure 7]. You may need to zoom into the drawing.
Figure 7
18. Move the UCS origin to the front top point of the tent. Then rotate it 90 degrees about Z and X axes respectively [Figure 8].
Figure 8
19. Use the MIRROR command to create a mirrored copy of the last surface with respect to the Y axis [Figure 9]:
Command: mi 8
MIRROR
Select objects: 1 found
Select objects: 8
Specify first point of mirror line: 0,0 8
Specify second point of mirror line: 0,1 8
Delete source objects? [Yes/No] <N>: 8
Figure 9
20. Thaw all layers. Enable Gouraud shaded. Switch to WCS [Figure 10].
Figure 10
04-06 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Predefined Meshes Sometimes you might need to create some 3D geometrical shapes such as spheres, cubes, pyramids, and so on. There is a command called 3D that helps you to create such models. If you invoke 3D from Draw menu a special type of dialog box called image tiled menu will appear [Figure 1]. You may double-click the slide or the text to the left to invoke the option you are looking for.
Fig. 1
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter. • To learn more on image tile menus as the one shown above in Fig. 1, read, AutoCAD menus: Image Tile Menus
1. Download r16_pred_meshes.dwg
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_pred_meshes.dwg
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD.
3. Enable SE Isometric view point:
Command: -view 8
Enter an option [?/Orthographic/Delete/Restore/Save/Ucs/Window]: seiso 8
Note: For more information on viewing 3D models read the following tutorial:AutoCAD 3D Modeling: 3D Views
4. Invoke Zoom-All.
5. On Draw menu click Surfaces > 3D Surfaces.
6. On 3D Objects dialog box double click the sphere slide.
7. Draw a sphere based on the following inputs [Figure 2]:
Specify center point of sphere: -2,0,0 8
Specify radius of sphere or [Diameter]: 3 8
Enter number of longitudinal segments for surface of sphere <16>: 36 8
Enter number of latitudinal segments for surface of sphere <16>: 36 8
Figure 2
8. Repeat the command again. Draw a cube with the following settings [Figure 3]:
Specify corner point of box: 4,4,-2 8
Specify length of box: 4 8
Specify width of box or [Cube]: c 8
Specify rotation angle of box about the Z axis or [Reference]: -10 8
Figure 3
9. With the same method draw a cone [Figure 4]:
Specify center point for base of cone: 5,-3,-1 8
Specify radius for base of cone or [Diameter]: 4.5 8
Specify radius for top of cone or [Diameter] <0>: 1.5 8
Specify height of cone: 5 8
Enter number of segments for surface of cone <16>: 36 8
Figure 4
10. Draw other models such as pyramids, domes, and dishes with this method [Figure 5].
Figure 5
04-07 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: 3D Modifying Commands The following tutorial shows you how to create 3D Arrays, rotate objects about 3D axes, and mirror objects with respect to any plane in 3D space. Although you can use ARRAY, ROTATE, and MIRROR commands in 3D space they are limited to the current XY plane. However there are 3D equivalents of these commands that save your time and extend your abilities.
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable for other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_3d_modify.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_3d_modify.dwg
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD. The drawing consists of 2 solid models and some lines shown in 3 viewports [Figure 1].
Figure 1 - Click on image to enlarge
Note: For more information on viewports read the following tutorial: ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Tiled Viewports
3. Make sure that the left viewport is enabled.
4. Select the cone and then invoke MIRROR3D (Modify menu > 3D Operation > Mirror 3D).
5. Answer to the prompts:
Specify first point of mirror plane (3 points) or [Object/Last/Zaxis/View/XY/YZ/ZX/3points] <3points>: xy8 Specify point on XY plane <0,0,0>: 0,0,18 Delete source objects? [Yes/No] <N>: y8
Note: The cone is mirrored with respect to a plane that is parallel to XY plane and passes through 0,0,1 [Figure 2].
Figure 2
6. Rotate the cone about Y axis with ROTATE3D (Modify menu > 3D Operation > Rotate 3D):
Command: rotate3d8 Current positive angle: ANGDIR=counterclockwise ANGBASE=0 Select objects: p8 1 found Select objects:8 Specify first point on axis or define axis by [Object/Last/View/Xaxis/Yaxis/Zaxis/2points]: y8 Specify a point on the Y axis <0,0,0>:8 Specify rotation angle or [Reference]: 608
Note: The cone is rotated 60 degrees with respect to the Y axis [Figure 3].
Figure 3 - Click on image to enlarge
7. On the viewport to the left switch to 2D Wireframe shade mode.
8. Move the cone to the midpoint of the lower line on the slope [Figure 4].
Figure 4 - Click on image to enlarge
9. Create a polar array of the cone about the perpendicular line to the slope. Use 3DARRAY (Modify menu > 3D Operation > 3D Array):
Command: _3darray Initializing... 3DARRAY loaded. Select objects: p8 1 found Select objects:8 Enter the type of array [Rectangular/Polar] <R>:p8 Enter the number of items in the array: 48 Specify the angle to fill (+=ccw, -=cw) <360>:8 Rotate arrayed objects? [Yes/No] <Y>:8 Specify center point of array: int of Specify second point on axis of rotation: end of
10. Switch to Gouraud shade mode in all viewports. Freeze layer 0 [Figure 5].
Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge
04-08 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Creating Regions Regions are special type of objects that look like one-sided flat surfaces. On the other hand regions have similar behavior to 3D solids. You can use regions to create flat surfaces with round edges. The regions can also be used to create 3D solids. There are two commands that are capable of creating regions. The following tutorial shows you how to use them both.
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_create_regions.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_create_regions.dwg.
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD. The drawing consists of some 2D objects [Figure 1].
Figure 1 - Click on image to enlarge
3. Make sure that DELOBJ system variable is equal to 1. If this system variable equals 1 the REGION command will delete the object(s) that are used to create the region(s).
4. Alter the shade mode to Flat shaded.
5. Invoke REGION (Draw menu > Region).
6. Select the ellipse and then press Enter. A region replaces the ellipse [Figure 2].
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
7. Assign 0 to DELOBJ to avoid deletion of original objects:
Command: delobj8 Enter new value for DELOBJ <1>: 08
8. Invoke REGION and then select all objects:
Command: reg8 REGION Select objects: all8 10 found Select objects:8 1 closed, degenerate or unsupported object rejected. 1 loop extracted. 1 Region created.
Note: The command has no effect on the existing region to the right. The mid area cannot be converted to a region. It is considered as a complex loop as its boundary objects are not adjoining curves. REGION is incapable to analyze such loops. The only valid loop is the one to the left. The border of the region will remain on the screen due to assigning 1 to DELOBJ [Figure 3].
Figure 3 - Click on image to enlarge
9. To create a region based on a complex loop you can use the BOUNDARY command. Invoke BOUNDARY (Draw menu > Boundary). The Boundary Creation dialog box appears [Figure 4].
Figure 4 - Click on image to enlarge
10. On Object type section select Region from the drop down list.
11. Click Pick Points button to the right. Then click in the middle loop.
12. Press Enter to create the region [Figure 4].
Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge
Note: BOUNDARY is independent of DELOBJ value. It never removes the boundary objects.
04-09 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Managing Regions Although regions are similar to flat surfaces you can use some of 3D solids commands to modify them. The following tutorial shows you how to use Boolean commands to create a complex region. You will also use the MASSPROP command to extract some useful data from the region.
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • For more information on Regions read, AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Creating Regions
1. Download r16_managing_regions.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_managing_regions.dwg.
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD. The drawing consists of some regions [Figure 1].
Figure 1
3. Invoke INTERSECT (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Intersect). This Boolean operation creates a region based on the common/overlapping area of selected regions. The command erases the original regions.
4. Select the two top segments. A new region is created [Figure 2].
Figure 2
5. Invoke UNION (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Union). The UNION command creates a region by joining selected ones. The original regions will be removed.
6. Select the top region and the big one. The regions will union [Figure 3].
Figure 3
7. Invoke SUBTRACT (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Subtract). Here you will select two groups of regions. The second group will be subtracted from the first one to create a new region. This Boolean command will also delete the original regions.
8. Select the big region as the first group and then press Enter.
9. Select the circular regions as the second group and then press Enter to create the final region.
10. Alter the shade mode to Gouraud shaded [Figure 4].
Figure 4
11. Invoke MASSPROP (Tools menu > Inquiry > Region/Mass Properties).
12. Select the region. Some useful information appears on Text window [Figure 5]. Press Enter to exit the command.
Figure 5
Solid Models
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Primitive 3D Solids, Part 1 August 14, 2003
3D solids are the most sophisticated and easy-to-create type of 3D models. One of the approaches for building such models is to draw some primitive objects such as cones, boxes, spheres, etc. and then combine them with Boolean operations to create a more complex model. The current tutorial shows you how to create the following primitives:
• Sphere • Box • Cylinder
You may use the first three buttons on Solids toolbar to invoke the commands associated to these primitives [Figure 1].
Figure 1
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_primitives.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_primitives.dwg.
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD.
3. Invoke BOX (Draw menu > Solids > Box).
4. Draw a 4×3×2 box [Figure 2]:
Command: box8 Specify corner of box or [CEnter] <0,0,0>:8 Specify corner or [Cube/Length]: l8 Specify length: 48 Specify width: 38 Specify height: 28
Figure 2
5. Draw a sphere (Draw menu > Solids > Sphere):
Command: sphere8 Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4 Specify center of sphere <0,0,0>: 6,48 Specify radius of sphere or [Diameter]: 1.58
Figure 3
6. As you see the sphere does not look like a real sphere. To make the shape appearance more realistic, alter the ISOLINES system variable to 16:
Command: isolines8 Enter new value for ISOLINES <4>: 168
7. Invoke REGEN to regenerate the drawing. The sphere is more realistic now [Figure 4].
Figure 4
8. Draw a cylinder (Draw menu > Solids > Cylinder):
Command: cylinder8 Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=16 Specify center point for base of cylinder or [Elliptical] <0,0,0>: 3,58 Specify radius for base of cylinder or [Diameter]: 18 Specify height of cylinder or [Center of other end]: 2.58
9. Alter the shade mode to Gouraud shaded [Figure 5].
Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Primitive 3D Solids, Part 2 August 15, 2003
The current tutorial shows you how to create the following primitives:
• Cone • Wedge • Torus
You may use the second three buttons on Solids toolbar to invoke the commands associated to these models [Figure 1].
Figure 1
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter. • For information on creating boxes, spheres, and cylinders read,AutoCAD 3D Modeling: 3D Primitive Models, Part
1
1. Download r16_primitives.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_primitives.dwg.
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD.
3. Invoke CONE (Draw menu > Solids > Cone).
4. Draw a cone [Figure 2]:
Command: cone8 Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4 Specify center point for base of cone or [Elliptical] <0,0,0>: 5,58 Specify radius for base of cone or [Diameter]: 1.28 Specify height of cone or [Apex]: 38
Figure 2
5. Create a wedge (Draw menu > Solids > Wedge) [Figure 3]:
Command: wedge8 Specify first corner of wedge or [CEnter] <0,0,0>8: Specify corner or [Cube/Length]: 2,28 Specify height: 38
Figure 3
6. Create a tube by using TORUS (Draw menu > Solids > Torus):
Command: torus8 Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4 Specify center of torus <0,0,0>: 5,18 Specify radius of torus or [Diameter]: 2.28 Specify radius of tube or [Diameter]: 0.48
7. Alter the shade mode to Gouraud shaded [Figure 4].
Figure 4 - Click on image to enlarge
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Boolean Operations
August 19, 2003
You can use the Boolean operations to create complex solid models out of primitives. The following tutorial shows you how to use Intersect, Subtract, and Union operations.
Intersect: Defines a new solid object based on the common volume between selected solids.
Union: Defines a new solid that consists of common and uncommon volume between selected solids.
Subtract: Select two set of solids. A single solid based on the removal of the second set from the first one will be created.
All the above operations will eliminate the original solids.
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • For information on creating primitives read: AutoCAD 3D Modeling: 3D Primitive Models, Part 1 and AutoCAD 3D
Modeling: 3D Primitive Models, Part 2
1. Download r16_boolean.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_boolean.dwg.
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD.
3. Invoke INTERSECT (Modify > Solids Editing > Intersect).
4. Select the cylinders to create a new solid based on their intersection [Figure 1].
Figure 1
5. Create a polar array of the new solid based on the settings shown in figure 2.
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
6. Invoke UNION (Modify > Solids Editing > Union). Select all the solids to create the flower-shaped solid [Figure 3].
Figure 3
7. Switch on the Cylinder layer. A yellow cylinder appears on screen [Figure 4].
Figure 4
8. Invoke SUBTRACT (Modify > Solids Editing > Subtract).
9. Select the flower as the first set of objects.
10. Press Enter.
11. Select the cylinder as the second set.
12. Press Enter to create the final solid [Figure 5].
Figure 5
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Extruded Solids August 20, 2003
The EXTRUDE command creates 3D solids by extruding closed polylines, circles, ellipses, closed splines, or regions. The following tutorial shows you how.
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_extrude.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_extrude.dwg.
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD. The drawing consists of a region, an open U shape polyline and a closed polyline (rectangle) [Figure 1].
Figure 1
3. Invoke EXTRUDE (Draw menu > Solids > Extrude).
4. Create a pyramid with the taper angle of 10 degrees and height of 3 units [Figure 2]. Select the rectangle as the base object:
Command: _extrude Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4 Select objects: 1 found Select objects: Specify height of extrusion or [Path]: 3 8 Specify angle of taper for extrusion <0>: 10 8
Figure 2
5. Invoke EXTREUDE again. Extrude the region along the open polyline. Select the polyline as the path of extrusion [Figure 3]:
Command: ext 8 EXTRUDE Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4
Select objects: 1 found Select objects: Specify height of extrusion or [Path]: p 8 Select extrusion path or [Taper angle]:
Figure 3
6. Change the viewpoint with 3DORBIT [Figure 4].
Figure 4
Note: For more information on 3D views read the following tutorial: ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: 3D Views
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Revolved Solids August 21, 2003
The REVOLVE command creates 3D solids by revolving closed polylines, circles, ellipses, closed splines, or regions about an axis in 3D space. The following tutorial shows you how.
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases.
• In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_revolved.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_revolved.dwg.
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD. The drawing consists of a closed polyline [Figure 1].
Figure 1
3. Invoke REVOLVE (Draw menu > Solids > Revolve).
4. Select the lower left corner of the polyline as the first axis point:
Specify start point for axis of revolution or define axis by [Object/X (axis)/Y (axis)]:
5. Select the other endpoint of the vertical line as the second point for axis of revolution:
Specify endpoint of axis:
6. Enter 360 degrees as the angle of revolution:
Specify angle of revolution <360>: 360 8
7. Alter the view to SE Isometric [Figure 2].
Command: -v -VIEW Enter an option [?/Orthographic/Delete/Restore/Save/Ucs/Window]: seiso 8
Figure 2
Note: For more information on 3D views read the following tutorial: ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: 3D Views
8. Alter the shade mode to Gouraud shaded [Figure 3].
Command: shademode 8 Current mode: 2D wireframe Enter option [2D wireframe/3D wireframe/Hidden/Flat/Gouraud/fLat+edges/gOuraud+edges] <2D wireframe>: g 8
Figure 3
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Slice and Interfere August 22, 2003
There are two useful commands that can help you in creating complex solid models. SLICE cuts the solid with a spatial plane. The INTERFERE command is capable to calculate the common volume of two solids and create a solid model based on the calculated volume.
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_slice.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_slice.dwg.
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD. The drawing consists of a composite solid and a cylinder [Figure 1].
Figure 1
3. Invoke INTERFERE (Draw menu > Solids > Interference).
4. When you are prompted for the first set of solids, select both solid models. Press Enter.
5. When you are prompted for the second set of solids press Enter.
6. Keep the new solid object:
Create interference solids? [Yes/No] <N>: y 8
7. Alter the shade mode to Gouraud shaded.
8. Freeze solid1 and solid2 layers to view the new solid object [Figure 2].
Figure 2
9. Thaw the frozen layers.
10. Invoke UNION (Draw menu > Solids > Union).
11. Select the first two solids (outer solids) and then press Enter
12. Invoke SLICE (Draw menu > Solids > Slice).
13. Cut the last solid with ZX plane:
Command: slice 8 Select objects: 1 found Select objects: 8 Specify first point on slicing plane by [Object/Zaxis/View/XY/YZ/ZX/3points] <3points>: zx 8 Specify a point on the ZX-plane <0,0,0>: 8
14. Keep the portion of model that is located on the positive side of the Y axis [Figure 3]:
Specify a point on desired side of the plane or [keep Both sides]: 0,1,0 8
Figure 3
15. Subtract the small solid from the big one [Figure 4].
Figure 4
Note: For more information on Subtract and other Boolean operations read the following tutorial: AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Boolean Operations
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Sections August 28, 2003
The SECTIONS command enables you to create regions through 3D models. You should define an intersecting plane that passes through the model to generate the region. If you select more than one solid model separate regions will be created for every one of them.
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter. • To learn more on regions read AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Creating Regions.
1. Download r16_sections.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_sections.dwg.
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD [Figure 1]. Make sure that Endpoint and Midpoint OSnaps are enabled.
Figure 1
3. Invoke SECTION (Draw menu > Solids > Section).
4. Select the solid model and then press Enter.
5. Click on points 1, 2, and 3 respectively. A region is created.
6. Move the region 7 units along X axis and 5 units along Y axis [Figure 2]:
Command: m 8 MOVE Select objects: l 8 1 found Select objects: 8 Specify base point or displacement: 7,5,0 8 Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as displacement>: 8
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
7. Extrude the region to create a new solid model [Figure 3]:
Command: ext 8 EXTRUDE Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4 Select objects: l 8 1 found Select objects: 8 Specify height of extrusion or [Path]: 5 8 Specify angle of taper for extrusion <0>: 8
Figure 3 - Click on image to enlarge
Note: For more information on EXTRUDE read the following tutorial: ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Extruded Solids
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Fillet and Chamfer September 2, 2003
You can use FILLET and CHAMFER for 3D solid objects. These commands create new surfaces on the objects. The following shows you how to use them.
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_fillet.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release download r15_fillet.dwg.
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD [Figure 1].
Figure 1 - Click on image to enlarge
3. Switch to 2D Wireframe shade mode.
4. Invoke FILLET (Modify menu > Fillet).
5. Click the vertical edge 2.
6. Set the radius to 0.5 units.
7. Click the vertical edge 1 and all the edges on the top surface 4.
8. Press Enter [Figure 2].
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
9. Invoke CHAMFER (Modify menu > Chamfer).
10. Select the vertical edge 3.
11. Select Next to change the base surface for chamfer:
Enter surface selection option [Next/OK (current)] <OK>: n 8
12. Click a point inside the face to the right. Press 8 to accept the current face.
13. Specify the chamfer distance to be 0.25 for both the base surface and the other surface:
Specify base surface chamfer distance: 0.25 8 Specify other surface chamfer distance <0.2500>: 8
14. Select the Loop option:
Select an edge or [Loop]: l 8
15. Click the vertical edge 3 and then press 8 to create the chamfer.
16. Switch to Gouraud shade mode [Figure 3].
Figure 3 - Click on image to enlarge
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Align September 3, 2003
The ALIGN command enables you to do 3D rotation, displacement, and scale at the same time. With this command you can align a model with another one. The following tutorial shows you how.
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases.
1. Download r16_align.dwg.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_align.dwg.
2. Open the drawing in AutoCAD [Figure 1]. The drawing consists of two solid objects.
Figure 1 - Click on image to enlarge
3. Switch to Wireframe shade mode [Figure 2]. I have added some numbers to help you throughout this tutorial.
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
4. Let's align the solid to the right with the other one.
5. Make sure that Endpoint OSnap is enabled.
6. Invoke ALIGN (Modify menu > 3D Operation > Align).
7. Select the model to the right. Press Enter.
8. For the first source point click point 1.
9. For the first target point click point 1' [Figure 3]. A line connects 1 to 1'. The 1-1' line defines the displacement vector.
Figure 3
10. For the second source point click 2.
11. For the second target point click 2'. A line connects 2 to 2'. After the operation 1-2 line will be parallel to 1'-2'.
Figure 4
12. For the last set of points click 3 and 3' respectively. The plane 1-2-3 fits 1'-2'-3' and the object is aligned with the other one [Figure 5].
Figure 5
13. Union the models [Figure 6].
Figure 6
Note: For more information on UNION read the following tutorial: ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Boolean Operations
14. Switch to Gouraud shade mode.
15. Alter the view to NW Isometric [Figure 7].
Figure 7
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Editing Solids, Part 1 September 5, 2003
The SOLIDEDIT command offers different options to edit solid objects. The options cover face editing, edge editing and body editing. I have designed a series of tutorials to cover all these options. Every tutorial explains one or more options.
In this tutorial I show you how to use Extrude Faces. You can reach this option through Solids Editing toolbar [Figure 1]. This option deals with faces of the solid model.
Figure 1
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_extrude_face.dwg. The file consists of a solid box [Figure 2].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_extrude_face.dwg.
Figure 2
2. Invoke Extrude Faces (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Extrude Faces).
3. Click inside the top face. Make sure not to click on any of the edges.
4. Press Enter. Specify the extrude height to be 1 and the taper angle 15 degrees [Figure 3]:
Specify height of extrusion or [Path]: 18 Specify angle of taper for extrusion <0>: 158
Figure 3
5. Invoke the option again. Extrude the top face with the height equal to 2 and the taper angle equal to 30 degrees [Figure 4].
Figure 4
6. Extrude the top face 10 units in negative direction. The taper angle is zero. A hole will be created in the middle of the model [Figure 5]:
Specify height of extrusion or [Path]: -108 Specify angle of taper for extrusion <0>:8
Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Editing Solids, Part 2 September 9, 2003
The SOLIDEDIT command offers different options to edit solid objects. The options cover face editing, edge editing and body editing. I have designed a series of tutorials to cover all these options. Every tutorial explains one or more options.
In this tutorial I show you how to use Move Faces. You can reach this option through Solids Editing toolbar [Figure 1]. This option deals with faces of the solid model.
Figure 1
Note:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases.
1. Download r16_move_faces.dwg. The file consists of a box with an elliptical hole [Figure 2].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_move_faces.dwg.
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
2. Switch to 2D Wireframe shade mode [Figure 3].
Figure 3 - Click on image to enlarge
3. Invoke Move Faces (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Move Faces).
4. Click the top border of the hole. The top face of the box and the inner face of the hole are selected at the same time.
5. While pressing Shift click the top border of the box to deselect it. Now the only selected face is the inner face of the hole [Figure 4].
Figure 4 - Click on image to enlarge
6. Press Enter.
7. Select the center point for the top ellipse as the base point for displacement.
8. Select the center point for the top face of the box as the second point for displacement. The hole is centered [Figure 5].
Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Editing Solids, Part 3 September 10, 2003
The SOLIDEDIT command offers different options to edit solid objects. The options cover face editing, edge editing and body editing. I have designed a series of tutorials to cover all these options. Every tutorial explains one or more options.
In this tutorial I show you how to use Offset Faces. You can reach this option through Solids Editing toolbar [Figure 1]. This option deals with faces of the solid model.
Figure 1
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_offset_faces.dwg. The file consists of a solid with two holes [Figure 2].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_offset_faces.dwg.
Figure 2
2. Switch to 2D Wireframe shade mode [Figure 3].
Figure 3
3. Invoke Offset Faces (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Offset Faces).
4. Click the border of the hole on current XY plane. The front face of the solid and the inner face of the hole are selected at the same time.
5. While pressing Shift, click the border of the solid to deselect it. Now the only selected face is the inner face of the hole [Figure 4].
Figure 4
6. Press Enter.
7. Enter 1 as the offset distance. As you see the radius of the hole is decreased. When you enter positive offset distances the total volume of the solid increases. That's why the radius of the hole decreases [Figure 5].
Figure 5
8. Use the similar method to increase the radius of the back hole by 1 unit [Figure 6]:
Specify the offset distance: -1 8
Figure 6
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Editing Solids, Part 4 September 11, 2003
The SOLIDEDIT command offers different options to edit solid objects. The options cover face editing, edge editing and body editing. I have designed a series of tutorials to cover all these options. Every tutorial explains one or more options. (See also: Editing Solids, Part 1; Editing Solids, Part 2; Editing Solids, Part 3)
In this tutorial I show you how to use Delete Faces and Rotate Faces. You can reach these options through Solids Editing toolbar [Figure 1]. Both options deal with faces of the solid model.
Figure 1
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_rd_faces.dwg. The file consists of a solid with a slot inside [Figure 2].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_rd_faces.dwg.
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
2. Switch to 2D Wireframe shade mode [Figure 3].
Figure 3 - Click on image to enlarge
3. Invoke Delete Faces (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Delete Faces).
4. Click the top border of the front groove. Shitf+click somewhere on the border of the top face to limit the selection to the groove face [Figure 4].
Figure 4 - Click on image to enlarge
5. Press Enter to delete the groove [Figure 5].
Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge
6. Invoke Rotate Faces (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Rotate Faces).
7. Select the inner slot completely. You may use the crossing method for selection.
8. Shift+click the unwanted borders to deselect them. The final selection should be similar to the one shown in figure 6.
Figure 6 - Click on image to enlarge
9. Press Enter. Rotate the slot -45 degrees about Z axis:
Specify an axis point or [Axis by object/View/Xaxis/Yaxis/Zaxis] <2points>: z8 Specify the origin of the rotation <0,0,0>:8 Specify a rotation angle or [Reference]: -458
10. Enable Gouraud shade mode [Figure 7].
Figure 7 - Click on image to enlarge
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Editing Solids, Part 5 September 12, 2003
The SOLIDEDIT command offers different options to edit solid objects. The options cover face editing, edge editing and body editing. I have designed a series of tutorials to cover all these options. Every tutorial explains one or more options. (See also: Editing Solids, Part 1; Editing Solids, Part 2; Editing Solids, Part 3; Editing Solids, Part 4)
In this tutorial I show you how to use Taper Faces. You can reach this option through Solids Editing toolbar [Figure 1]. The option deals with faces of the solid model.
Figure 1
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_taper_faces.dwg. The file consists of a box [Figure 2].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_taper_faces.dwg.
Figure 2
2. Switch to 2D Wireframe shade mode [Figure 3].
Figure 3
3. Invoke Taper Faces (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Taper Faces).
4. Click inside the face to the right. Do not click any of the borders. The face is selected [Figure 4].
Figure 4
5. Press Enter.
6. To specify the axis of taper, click points 1 and 2 respectively.
7. Enter 15 for taper angle [Figure 5]:
Specify the taper angle: 15 8
Figure 5
8. Repeat Taper Faces.
9. Select the same face and axis.
10. Enter -30 for taper angle [Figure 6].
Figure 6
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Editing Solids, Part 6 September 15, 2003
The SOLIDEDIT command offers different options to edit solid objects. The options cover face editing, edge editing and body editing. I have designed a series of tutorials to cover all these options. Every tutorial explains one or more options. (See also: Editing Solids, Part 1; Editing Solids, Part 2; Editing Solids, Part 3; Editing Solids, Part 4; Editing Solids, Part 5)
In this tutorial I show you how to use Copy Faces and Color Faces. You can reach these options through Solids Editing toolbar [Figure 1]. The options deal with faces of solid models.
Figure 1
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download r16_cc_faces.dwg. The file consists of a box [Figure 2].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release download r15_cc_faces.dwg.
Figure 2
2. Switch to 2D Wireframe shade mode [Figure 3].
Figure 3
3. Assign 4 to ISOLINES system variable:
Command: isolines 8 Enter new value for ISOLINES <32>: 4 8
4. Regenerate drawing [Figure 4]:
Command: re8
Figure 4
5. Invoke Color Faces (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Color Faces).
6. Click inside the face to the left. Do not click the borders. The face is selected [Figure 5].
Figure 5
7. Press Enter. The Select Color dialog box appears [Figure 6].
Figure 6
Note: If the Select Color dialog box does not appear you need to alter the CMDDIA system variable to 1.
8. Select the true color 82,173,86. Click OK.
9. Switch to Gouraud shaded to view the result [Figure 7].
Figure 7
10. Switch to 2D Wireframe shade mode.
11. Invoke Copy Faces (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Copy Faces).
12. Select the face to the left. Click inside the face. Don't click the borders.
13. Press Enter.
14. Specify 0,-3,0 as the displacement vector to copy the face 3 units along negative Y direction [Figure 8]:
Specify a base point or displacement: 0,-3,0 8 Specify a second point of displacement: 8
Figure 8
15. Press Enter twice to exit SOLIDEDIT command.
16. Move the UCS 3 units along the negative Y direction.\
Command: ucs 8 Current ucs name: *WORLD* Enter an option [New/Move/orthoGraphic/Prev/Restore/Save/Del/Apply/?/World] <World>: m 8 Specify new origin point or [Zdepth]<0,0,0>: 0,-3,0 8
17. Revolve the new region 90 degrees about X axis.
Note: For more information about REVOLVE read the following tutorial: ► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Revolved Solids
18. Enable Gouraud shaded mode [Figure 9].
Figure 9
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Editing Solids, Part 7 September 16, 2003
The SOLIDEDIT command offers different options to edit solid objects. The options cover face editing, edge editing and body editing. I have designed a series of tutorials to cover all these options. Every tutorial explains one or more options. (See also: Editing Solids, Part 1; Editing Solids, Part 2; Editing Solids, Part 3; Editing Solids, Part 4; Editing Solids, Part 5; Editing Solids, Part 6.)
In this tutorial I show you how to use Copy Edges and Color Edges. You can reach these options through Solids Editing toolbar [Figure 1]. The options deal with edges of solid models.
Figure 1
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download and then open r16_cc_edges.dwg [Figure 2].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_cc_edges.dwg.
Figure 2
2. Switch to 2D Wireframe shade mode [Figure 3].
Figure 3
3. The drawing is in perspective projection mode. Most of AutoCAD commands are not applicable in this mode. Let's switch to parallel projection. Invoke 3DORBIT (View menu > 3D Orbit).
4. Right-click in drawing area. Select Projection > Parallel [Figure 4].
Figure 4
5. Press Esc to exit the command. The projection mode is set to parallel [Figure 5].
Figure 5
6. Invoke Color Edges (Modify menu > Solid Editing > Color Edges).
7. Type c and then press enter. Use the crossing method to select all edges.
8. Press Enter. The Select color dialog box appears [Figure 6].
Figure 6
Note: If the dialog box does not appear alter the CMDDIA system variable to 1.
9. Select color 250 and then click OK [Figure 7].
Figure 7
10. Invoke Copy Edges (Modify menu > Solid Editing > Copy Edges).
11. Select the edge to the left.
12. Specify the displacement vector as 0,0,3 to move the copied spline 3 units along Z axis:
Specify a base point or displacement: 0,0,3 8 Specify a second point of displacement: 8
13. Enable Gouraud+Edges shaded mode [Figure 8].
Figure 8
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Editing Solids, Part 8 September 17, 2003
The SOLIDEDIT command offers different options to edit solid objects. The options cover face editing, edge editing and body editing. I have designed a series of tutorials to cover all these options. Every tutorial explains one or more options. (See also: Editing Solids, Part 1; Editing Solids, Part 2; Editing Solids, Part 3; Editing Solids, Part 4; Editing Solids, Part 5; Editing Solids, Part 6; Editing Solids, Part 7.)
In this tutorial I show you how to use Imprint and Clean. You can reach these options through Solids Editing toolbar [Figure 1]. The options deal with body of solid models.
Figure 1
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface.
1. Download and then open r16_imprint_body.dwg [Figure 2].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_imprint_body.dwg.
Figure 2
2. Switch to 2D Wireframe shade mode [Figure 3].
Figure 3
3. Invoke Imprint (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Imprint). The option imprints lines, arcs, ellipses, etc on solid object faces.
4. Select the cylinder.
5. Select one of the lines to imprint. Select Yes to erase the original line. Follow the same method for the second line. The top face is divided into two faces [Figure 4].
Figure 4
6. Invoke Extrude Faces (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Extrude Faces)
7. Click the face between the two imprinted lines [Figure 5].
Figure 5
8. Extrude the face 2 units inside. Enter -2 as the extrude height [Figure 6].
Figure 6
9. Switch on layer 0. Imprint the lines on top face. Remove the original lines [Figure 7].
Figure 7
10. Invoke Clean (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Clean).
11. Select the solid to remove new imprints.
12. Enable Gouraud shaded mode [Figure 8].
Figure 8
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Editing Solids, Part 9 September 19, 2003
The SOLIDEDIT command offers different options to edit solid objects. The options cover face editing, edge editing and body editing. I have designed a series of tutorials to cover all these options. Every tutorial explains one or more options. (See also: Editing Solids, Part 1; Editing Solids, Part 2; Editing Solids, Part 3; Editing Solids, Part 4; Editing Solids, Part 5; Editing Solids, Part 6; Editing Solids, Part 7; Editing Solids, Part 8.)
In this tutorial I show you how to use Separate and Check. You can reach these options through Solids Editing toolbar [Figure 1]. The options deal with body of solid models.
Figure 1
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases.
1. Download and then open r16_separate_body.dwg [Figure 2].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_separate_body.dwg.
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
2. Invoke Extrude Faces (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Extrude Faces).
3. Select the middle face (the top face of the groove) [Figure 3].
Figure 3 - Click on image to enlarge
4. Extrude the face 1 unit in negative direction. The model is divided into two parts [Figure 4].
Figure 4 - Click on image to enlarge
5. If you click any of the parts the other part is also selected. Although the parts are separate they belong to the same solid model. To separate the parts invoke Separate (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Separate).
6. Select the solid object. The model is divided into two objects now.
7. Invoke Check (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Check). Click one of the models. It is a valid ShadeManager solid.
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Editing Solids, Part 10 September 22, 2003
The SOLIDEDIT command offers different options to edit solid objects. The options cover face editing, edge editing and body editing. I have designed a series of tutorials to cover all these options. Every tutorial explains one or more options. (See also: Editing Solids, Part 1; Editing Solids, Part 2; Editing Solids, Part 3; Editing Solids, Part 4; Editing Solids, Part 5; Editing Solids, Part 6; Editing Solids, Part 7; Editing Solids, Part 8; Editing Solids, Part 9.)
In this tutorial which is the last one of this series I show you how to use Shell. You can reach this option through Solids Editing toolbar [Figure 1]. The option deals with body of solid models.
Figure 1
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface.
1. Download and then open r16_shell_body.dwg [Figure 2].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_shell_body.dwg.
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
2. Invoke Shell (Modify menu > Solids Editing > Shell).
3. Select the 3D solid.
4. Click the top face of the solid to remove it.
5. Press Enter.
6. Type 0.3 as the shell thickness.
7. Press Enter to create the shell.
8. Enable Gouraud shade mode [Figure 3].
Figure 3 - Click on image to enlarge
AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Mass Properties September 23, 2003
Solid models consist of some valuable information. To extract such information we use MASSPROP. The command is one of inquiry tools. It is also applicable for regions. You can invoke this command by clicking its button on Inquiry toolbar [Figure 1]. The following tutorial shows you what would be the result of MASSPROP for a typical region and solid model.
Figure 1
Notes:
• This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases. • In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. • The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download and then open r16_mass_properties.dwg. The file consists of a solid model and a region [Figure 2].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_mass_properties.dwg.
Figure 2
2. To generate a better view alter the FACETRES system variable to 10:
Command: facetres 8 Enter new value for FACETRES <0.5000>: 10 8
Note: FACETRES accepts values from 0.01 to 10. The bigger values generate better views. The value assigned to this system variable has no effect on the result of MASSPROP.
3. Regenerate the drawing [Figure 3].
Figure 3
4. Invoke MASSPROP (Tools menu > Inquiry > Region/Mass Properties).
5. Click the region. Some information appears in Text window [Figure 4].
Figure 4
6. As you see the area, perimeter, bounding box, and centroid of the region are reported. Type N and then press Enter to avoid writing the results to a file.
7. Invoke MASSPROP, select the solid and then press Enter to view the complete report in Text window [Figure 5].
Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge
8. Mass, volume, bounding box, centroid, moments of inertia, products of inertia, radii of gyration, and principal moments of the solid are reported. Type N and then press Enter to save the report. A dialog box appears [Figure 6].
Figure 6 - Click on image to enlarge
9. Save the report as "sample mass prop report". The file name extension would be MPR. You can open this file with Notepad or any other text editor [Figure 7].
Figure 7 - Click on image to enlarge
Rendering
06-01 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Rendering Types Rendering is the process in which you can create eye-catching images through 3D models. The result of rendering is a raster image that can show the effect of lights, background, fog, landscape, shadows, materials, etc. AutoCAD Render dialog box offers three rendering types by default. Depending on the rendering type the resulting image would be different. The following tutorial shows you the effect of applying different rendering types on a typical 3D image. To apply a render type you need to invoke the RENDER command. You can invoke this command through the Render toolbar [Figure 1].
Figure 1
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases.
1. Download and then open r16_render_type.dwg. The file consists of a simple 3D scene in Perspective projection view [Figure 2].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_render_type.dwg.
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
2. Invoke the RENDER command (select View > Render > Render). The Render dialog box appears [Figure 3].
Figure 3
3. Open the Rendering Type drop down list. The list consists of three options as follows [Figure 4].
Render: Renders the scene without the effect of shadows and/or the reflection and refraction of the light. The materials are also not shown properly. This method is the fastest amongst the other methods.
Photo Real: Renders the scene with the effect of shadows and materials. You can create photorealistic images in a rather reasonable speed with this method.
Photo Raytrace: Renders the scene with the effect of shadows, materials, reflection of light and refraction of light. This is the most photorealistic method amongst the other rendering types.
Figure 4
4. From the Rendering Type list select Render. Click the Render button. The following image appears in the drawing area [Figure 5].
Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge
5. From the Rendering Type list select Photo Real. Click the Render button. The following image appears in the drawing area [Figure 6].
Figure 6 - Click on image to enlarge
6. From the Rendering Type list select Raytrace. Click the Render button. The following image appears in the drawing area [Figure 7].
Figure 7 - Click on image to enlarge
7. Regenerate the drawing to see the original objects (select View > Regen).
AutoCAD 2002 Tutorial: Create A Mirror-Like Material Are you familiar with rendering 3D models in AutoCAD? If yes, you also know that materials you can assign to your models are a limited number. Fortunately you can define new materials based on the current materials. Take a look at the following picture (Figure 1). There I have used a custom material to show the effect of mirrors. Let's create this material step by step.
FIGURE 1
1. Invoke RMAT. You can invoke the command by clicking its icon on Render toolbar (i.e. ). The Materials dialog box appears. Select Standard from the drop-down list on the right side of the dialog box and click New button (Figure 2).
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3 - Click on image to enlarge
2. Type a name for the material (e.g. WHITE MIRROR).
3. Make sure Color/Pattern radio button is selected in Attributes column.
4. In Color section remove By ACI tick mark. If you select this option the color of material will be the same as the color of the selected object.
5. Enter 1.00 in Red, Green, and Blue boxes (Figure 4).
FIGURE 4
6. Select Reflection in Attributes list. Set the value to 0.5 or higher to guarantee a good quality for the reflected light (Figure 5).
7. In Color section make sure that both Lock and Mirror are selected. Lock option makes the color of reflection light the same as the color of object. Mirror creates a mirror-like material (Figure 5).
FIGURE 5 - Click on image to enlarge
8. Set the Roughness and Transparency values to 0. Click OK.
Now the mirror material is ready to use. Attach it to a proper object. Set the scene and invoke RENDER command. Make sure that Photo Raytrace rendering type is used. This is the rendering type that enables viewing light reflection.
You can download a library of mirror-like materials at:http://www.geocities.com/cad_tips/downloads.htm. You can also download a drawing file there to test the topics discussed here.
06-02 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Save Rendered Images When you render a scene you are creating an image. The default destination for the image is the current viewport. If you regenerate the drawing, close the file or exit AutoCAD the image is lost. However you can save the image as a file with the SAVEIMG command. You may later view such images with the help of an image viewer such as ACDSee or display them in the current viewport with the help of the REPLAY command. The following tutorial teaches you how to use the SAVEIMG and REPLAY commands.
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases.
1. Download and then open r16_save_render.dwg. The file consists of a wooden door on a green floor [Figure 1].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_save_render.dwg.
Figure 1
2. Invoke the RENDER command (select View > Render > Render). A rendered image appears on the screen [Figure 2].
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
3. Invoke the SAVEIMG command (select Tools > Display Image > Save). The Save Image dialog box appears [Figure 3].
Figure 3
4. Click OK. The Image File dialog box appears [Figure 4].
Figure 4
5. Navigate to a proper location on your hard disk such as the My Documents folder. Specify a name in the File name box. Click Save.
6. In AutoCAD, start a new drawing.
7. Invoke the REPLAY command (select Tools > Display Image > View). The Replay dialog box appears [Figure 5].
Figure 5
8. Navigate to the saved image. Click Open. The Image Specifications dialog box appears [Figure 6].
Figure 6
9. Click OK. The image appears on screen [Figure 7].
Figure 7 - Click on image to enlarge
10. Invoke the REGEN command (Select View > Regen). The image disappears.
06-03 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Render Window The output image of the render operation can be diverted to a special windowcalled Render Window. You can use the Render Preferences dialog box and alter the destination to Render Window. The following tutorial shows you how to benefit from the window.
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases.
1. Download and then open r16_render_window.dwg. The file contains the model of an armchair on a flat circular plane [Figure 1].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_render_window.dwg.
Figure 1
2. Invoke the RPREF command (select View > Render > Preferences). TheRender Preferences dialog box appears [Figure 2].
Figure 2
3. Make sure that Skip Render Dialog option is selected. The destination is set to Render Window and the Apply Materials option is deselected. Click OK.
4. Invoke the RENDER command (Select View > Render > Render). TheRender Window shows the rendered image [Figure 3]. Maximize thewindow.
Figure 3 - click on image to enlarge
5. Click the first button on the right side of the Render window toolbar to enable the Options dialog box [Figure 4]. You could alternatively select Options on the File menu.
Figure 4
6. In Size in Pixels section, select the 1024×768 option. Deselect the Fit inWindow option and then click OK.
7. From Window menu click the Reuse Window option to deselect it. Also close the current open image.
8. Back to AutoCAD invoke the RENDER command. The result appears in theRender Window as shown here [Figure 5]. The result that you get may be different from the following image.
Figure 5 - click on image to enlarge
9. Back to AutoCAD window. Invoke the RPREF command (select View >Render > Preferences). Select the Apply Materials option and then click OK.
10. Repeat the Render.
11. In the Render window, from the Window menu select Tile. From the Files menu select Options. Select the Fit in Window option and then click OK. You can compare the results as shown in figure 6.
Figure 6 - click on image to enlarge
12. Click the window to the left. Click the Save button on the toolbar (i.e. the second button to the left of the toolbar). The Save BMP dialog box appears. Save the image as a bitmap file.
AutoCAD 2005: Viewport Background In AutoCAD 2005 you can add a background image to shaded viewports. The procedure is very easy to implement. Here is an example.
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2005.
1. Download the following files:
2005_viewport_background.dwg 2005_doors.bmp
2. Open the drawing file. It shows the model of a chair [Figure 1].
Figure 1
3. Invoke the BACKGROUND command (choose View > Render > Background). The Background dialog box appears [Figure 2].
Figure 2 - click on image to enlarge
4. On the top row select the Image option.
5. In Image section click the Find File button. The Background Image dialog appears [Figure 3].
Figure 3
6. Navigate to the 2005_doors.bmp file. Click Open.
7. In Background dialog box click OK.
8. Invoke the OPTIONS command (choose Tools > Options).
9. In Options dialog box select the System tab [Figure 4].
Figure 4 - click on image to enlarge
10. In "Current 3D Graphics Display" section click the Properties button. The "3D Graphics System Configuration" dialog box appears [Figure 5].
Figure 5 - click on image to enlarge
11. On the right side of the dialog box, click the Render Options and Enable backgrounds options respectively [Figure 6].
Figure 6 - click on image to enlarge
12. Click Apply & Close. In the Options dialog box click OK. The background image appears on screen [Figure 7].
Figure 7 - click on image to enlarge
13. Enable the Hidden shading mode (choose View > Shade > Hidden). The background disappears [Figure 9]. The background is visible only if one of the following shading modes is selected:
• Flat Shaded • Gouraud Shaded • Flat Shaded, Edges On • Gouraud Shaded, Edges On
Figure 8
06-04 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Hanging Your Picture on a Wall Ok! It seems you want to hang your picture on a wall. No problem! Here is a simple solution. You need to define a new material that uses your picture as a texture. The following tutorial shows you how.
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2005 and 2004 though might be applicable to other releases.
1. Download and open the r16_hang_a_picture.dwg file. The drawing contains two 3D solids. One representing a wall and the other one is box that will be used for the picture [Figure 1].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release download r15_hang_a_picture.
Figure 1
2. Download the samplepic.bmp file and save it in a known location for later use.
3. Render the drawing (choose View > Render > Render). The result will look like the one shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2
4. Invoke the RMAT command (choose View > Render > Materials). The Materials dialog box appears [Figure 3].
Figure 3
5. On the right side of the dialog box click the New button. The New Standard Material dialog box appears [Figure 4].
Figure 4
6. In the Material Name box on top of the dialog box type in your material name (e.g. PICTURE) [Figure 5].
Figure 5
7. To attach an image to the material make sure that in the Attribute section the Color/Pattern option is selected. On the lower right corner of the dialog box click the Find File button. The Bitmap File dialog box appears [Figure 6].
Figure 6
8. Locate the samplepic.bmp. Click Open. The name and location of the image file appears on the File Name box [Figure 7].
Figure 7
9. Click the Adjust Bitmap button. The Adjust Material Bitmap Placement dialog box appears [Figure 8].
Figure 8
10. On the right side of the dialog box, in the Map Style section select the Fit to Object option [Figure 9]. Click OK.
Figure 9 11. In the New Standard Material dialog box, click OK. The new material appears in the list [Figure 10].
Figure 10 12. On the right side of the dialog box click the Attach button. The dialog box temporarily disappears. Click the small box
hung on the wall and then press Enter to get back to the dialog box. 13. Click OK to save changes and exit the Material dialog box. 14. Invoke the RENDER command (choose View > Render > Render). The picture appears on the wall [Figure 11].
Figure 11
06-05 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Ambient Light Proper illuminating AutoCAD scenes, is an important step to generate the final photorealistic rendered image. There are four types of lights available in AutoCAD as follows:
• Ambient Light: Provides a constant illumination to all surfaces of models. • Point Light: Radiates light rays equally in all directions. It generates a similar effect to a light bulb. • Spotlight: Radiates light rays along a conical direction. It generates a similar effect to a car headlight. • Distant Light: Radiates parallel light rays. It generates a similar effect to sunlight.
If you do not place a light source other than ambient light in a scene, AutoCAD uses an automatic over-the-shoulder light to illuminate models. By installing a point, distance, or spotlight the over-the-shoulder light disappears.
The following tutorial shows you the effect of ambient light on a typical model. In the following tutorial no light other than the ambient light and over-the-shoulder light is present.
Note that the ambient light does not produce realistic images by itself. With ambient light, adjoining surfaces are equally illuminated and are indistinguishable. That's why in most cases you must keep the intensity of ambient light low or even zero. If the ambient color of a material is not in effect or set to black the ambient light does not affect the model at all. In the following tutorial I use a material that reflects the ambient light very well.
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2005 though might be applicable to other releases.
1. Download and then open r16_ambient_light.dwg. The file contains a 3D solid shown in a single viewport [Figure 1].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_ambient_light.dwg.
Figure 1
2. Invoke the LIGHT command (choose View > Render > Light...). The Light dialog box appears [Figure 2].
Figure 2
3. The right side of the dialog box is dedicated to the Ambient light. Drag the slider to the far left to assign 0 to intensity and turn off the Ambient light [Figure 3]. You could alternatively type 0 in Intensity text box. Click OK.
Figure 3
4. Invoke the RENDER command (choose View > Render > Render). The command renders the scene [Figure 4].
Figure 4
5. Repeat the LIGHT command and change the ambient light intensity to 1.00 – the highest level. Render the scene [Figure 5].
Figure 5
6. You can assign a color to ambient light. Invoke the LIGHT command. In Light dialog box click the Index Color button. The Select Color dialog box appears [Figure 6]. Select Blue from the index color list. Click OK in both dialog boxes.
Figure 6
7. Render the scene. The model appears in blue [Figure 7].
Figure 7
8. Close the drawing without saving.
06-06 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Point Light A point light radiates light rays equally in all directions. It generates a similar effect to a light bulb. Point lights can generate shadows. You may use several point lights in a scene. However, it is better to limit the number of point lights to have more control over the parameters. The following tutorial shows you how to install and change parameters of point lights. It also demonstrates the effect of point lights on some 3D models. Note that when you install a point light you also remove the default light. Therefore the only lights in effect are those that you install.
Notes: ► This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2005 though might be applicable to other releases. ► In this tutorial user entries are in boldface. ► The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download and then open r16_point_light.dwg. The file contains some 3D solid models shown in a single viewport [Figure 1].
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_ambient_light.dwg.
Figure 1
2. Invoke the LIGHT command (choose View > Render > Light...). The Light dialog box appears [Figure 2].
Figure 2
3. From the drop-down list next to the New button, select Point Light [Figure 3].
Figure 3
4. Click New. The "New Point Light" dialog box appears [Figure 4].
Figure 4
5. In Light Name box on the top left corner of dialog box, type P1. You could type in another name.
6. Change the intensity value to 4. Highlight the text in Intensity box and then type in 4 to replace the existing value.
7. In Position section, click the Modify button to modify the location of point light. The dialog box disappears. Define the location of light icon as follows and then press Enter to return to the dialog box.
Enter light location <current>: 5,0,4 8
8. In both dialog boxes click OK to save changes and close them. 9. Invoke the RENDER command (View > Render > Render...). The rendered image appears [Figure 5].
Figure 5
10. Repeat the LIGHT command. Click the Modify button. In "Modify Point Light" dialog box select the "Shadow On" option [Figure 6]. In both dialog boxes click OK.
Figure 6
11. Repeat the RENDER command. The effect of shadow appears on the image [Figure 7].
Figure 7
12. Invoke the LIGHT command once more. Create a new light point (Refer to step 3 for more information).
13. In the "New Point Light" dialog box define the light name and intensity as shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8
14. Change the location of the light as follows (Refer to step 7 for more information):
Enter light location <current>: -20,-10,30 8
15. In both dialog boxes click OK.
16. Render the scene [Figure 9].
Figure 9
06-06 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Spotlight Spotlights are conical lights that can simulate headlights of cars, shade lamps, and so on. Every spotlight consists of two major angles called Hotspot and Falloff. The Hotspot angle defines that portion of light cross-section that retains a fix light intensity. The light intensity drops to zero within the Falloff angle. The Falloff angle is always greater than Hotspot. The spotlight can cast shadow. You need to define a target point along with a location point to define direction and location of the spotlight. The following tutorial shows you a sample.
Notes: ► I have used AutoCAD 2005 for this tutorial. However, you may use another release of AutoCAD. ► User entries are in boldface. ► The 8 symbol represents pressing Enter.
1. Download and open the 16_spotlight.dwg file. The file displays a shade lamp at the corner of a room [Figure 1].
Figure 1
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an older version downloadr15_spotlight.
2. Render the drawing (choose View > Render > Render). The rendered image appears on screen [Figure 2].
Figure 2
3. Invoke the LIGHT command (choose View > Render > Light). The Lightsdialog box appears [Figure 3].
Figure 3
4. From the list next to the New button select Spotlight. Click New. The New Spotlight dialog box appears [Figure 4].
Figure 4
5. Type S or another name in Light Name box. Highlight the intensity value and type 100. Change the Hotspot and Falloff values to 30 and 45respectively. Select the Shadow On check box [Figure 5].
Figure 5
6. Under Position area, click Modify. The dialog box disappears. In command line enter target and location points as follows:
Enter light target <current>: 0,0,0 8 Enter light location <current>: 0,0,125 8↵
7. Click OK in both dialog boxes to close them.
8. Render the scene again (choose View > Render > Render). The spotlight effect appears [Figure 6].
Figure 6
9. Invoke the LIGHT command once more (choose View > Render > Light). From the list of lights click S – the spotlight name – and then click Modify.
10. In Modify Spotlight dialog box under Shadows area clear the Shadow On check box.
11. In both dialog boxes click OK. Render the scene again (choose View > Render > Render). The spotlight does not cast shadow anymore [Figure 7].
Figure 7
12. Close the file. Don’t save it.
Importing AutoCAD Drawings in 3ds max August 18, 2003
3ds max is capable of importing AutoCAD drawings. The AutoCAD 3D models are imported as Editable Meshes. You usually need to make some modifications to the model.
1. Download 3d_house.dwg. The file consists of 4 solid models that are located on different layers [Figure 1].
Figure 1 - Click on image to enlarge
2. Start 3ds max.
3. From File menu select Import. The Select File to Import dialog box appears [Figure 2].
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
4. From Files of type list select AutoCAD (*.DWG).
5. Locate and open 3d_house.dwg. The DWG Import dialog box appears [Figure 3].
Figure 3
6. Here you may select any of the options as the scene is empty. Click OK. The Import AutoCAD DWG File dialog box appears [Figure 4].
Figure 4
7. Make sure that Layer is selected in Derive Objects By section [Figure 4]. Click OK. The model appears in viewports [Figure 5].
Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge
8. Press Ctrl+W to expand the Perspective view (In max 4 press w only).
9. Press H. The Select Objects dialog box appears [Figure 6].
Figure 6 - Click on image to enlarge
10. Select floor.01 and then click Select.
11. On command panel click the Modify tab [Figure 7].
Figure 7
12. As you can see the model is an Editable mesh. In Selection rollout click the Polygon subobject [Figure 7].
13. Press Ctrl+A to select all polygons.
14. On command panel scroll down to view the Surface Properties rollout [Figure 8].
Figure 8
15. Click Unify. All the Normals will be unified.
16. Click Editable Mesh in Modifiers stack to deselect the Polygon subobject.
17. Repeat steps 9 through 16 for the rest of objects. The surface of objects are now clearer [Figure 9].
Figure 9 - Click on image to enlarge
18. Select floor.01.
19. Select Modifiers > UV Coordinates > UVW Map menu option [Figure 10]. The UVW Mapping modifier will be assigned to floor.01. The modifier builds the proper mapping coordinates on the object. Now you can apply materials that contain maps to the object.
Figure 10
20. In Parameters rollout select box option [Figure 11].
Figure 11
21. Repeat steps 19 and 20 for the rest of objects.
22. Press M. The Material Editor dialog box appears [Figure 12].
Figure 12
23. Click Get Material icon [Figure 12]. The Material Map Browser dialog box appears [Figure 13].
Figure 13
24. Select Mtl Library [Figure 13]. Make sure 3dsmax.mat is open; otherwise open this file with the help of Open button.
25. On the list to the right, double click Concrete_Stucco (Standard). The material will be added to the first material slot [Figure 14].
Figure 14
26. Drag and drop the material to floor.01. The material will be assigned to this object.
27. Select other slots subsequently and select proper materials from Material/Map Browser. Then apply the materials to the rest of objects. You may use the following materials:
Material Name Object Name
Concrete_Asphalt roof.01
Bricks_Bricks_1 walls.01
Concrete_Brown_Stucco stairs.01
Concrete_Stucco floor.01
28. Close Material Editor and Material Browser dialog boxes.
29. Select Rendering > Environment menu option. The Environment dialog box appears [Figure 15].
Figure 15
30. Click the Color swatch [Figure 15]. The Color Selector dialog box appears [Figure 16].
Figure 16
31. Select a light blue color and then close both dialog boxes.
32. Press F9 to quick render the scene. The Render window appears [Figure 17].
Figure 17 - Click on image to enlarge
33. Close the Render window.
34. Save the file.
3D to 2D
07-01 AutoCAD 3D Modeling: DXB Files virtual printer to create 2D drawings out of 3D models. The method is very easy to implement. However you need to install the DXB driver first. The following tutorial shows you how to install the DXB printer driver and create the 2D drawing from an existing 3D model.
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be applicable to other releases.
1. Download and then open r16_dxb.dwg. The file contains a 3D solid shown in three viewports [Figure 1]. The viewport to the left shows an Isometric view in shaded mode. The viewports to the right show orthographic views in hidden mode.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier release downloadr15_dxb.dwg.
Figure 1 - Click on image to enlarge
2. Let's install the DXB plotter driver. From the file menu select Plotter Manager. The Plotters window appears [Figure 2].
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
3. Double-click the "Add-A-Plotter Wizard" shortcut icon. On the first page of the wizard click Next [Figure 3].
Figure 3 - Click on image to enlarge
4. Make sure that "My Computer" option is selected [Figure 4]. Click Next.
Figure 4 - Click on image to enlarge
5. From the list of Manufacturers select AutoCAD DXB File [Figure 5]. Click Next.
Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge
6. Click "Next" on other pages without making any changes. On the last page click Finish. A PC3 file called "DXB Files.pc3" will be added to the Plotters window [Figure 6]. Close the window.
Figure 6 - Click on image to enlarge
7. Back to the drawing click in the lower-right viewport to make it the current drawing [Figure 7].
Figure 7 - Click on image to enlarge
8. Invoke the PLOT command (choose File > Plot). The Plot dialog box appears [Figure 8].
Figure 8 - Click on image to enlarge
9. Select the Plot Device tab. From the list of plotters select "DXB File.pc3" [Figure 9].
Figure 9 - Click on image to enlarge
10. Click the button next to the "File name and path" list. Select a proper name and location for the output file (for example ...\My Documents\sample.dxb). Click the Plot Settings tab. Select "ANSI D (22.00×34.00 inches" for the paper size, Portrait for the drawing orientation, Wireframe for the Shadeplot, and 1:1 for the scale [Figure 10]. Click OK to create the DXB file.
Figure 10 - Click on image to enlarge
11. Start a new drawing based on acad.dwt template. In command line type DXBIN and press Enter. The Select DXB dialog box appears [Figure 11].
Figure 11 - Click on image to enlarge
12. Locate and select Sample.dxb. Click Open. The 2D drawing appears on screen [Figure 12].
Figure 12
13. You could create a new layer, assign the HIDDEN linetype to it, and then move the necessary lines to this layer as shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13
14. Save the new drawing. Close all of the drawings.
About the Author
Alireza Parsai is the founder of cadpanel.com. He is a mechanical engineer with more than 12 years experience with AutoCAD. Alireza is an Autodesk Authorized Author, the CAD consultant for HiTech, Canada Institute, a contributing editor for Augiworld magazine, a writer for CAD Digest, and an instructor for AUGI Training Program. He has written 8 books in Farsi, 3 booklets in English, and more than 100 articles for different magazines and newsletters. You can reach Alireza by phone at +1 (416) 513 1535 , by email at [email protected] or visit his website www.cadpanel.com.
