3D Modeling Series 3: UNION & SUBTRACT Commands

11/09/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 8 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 & higher versions. Level: Advanced]

Hello dear Daily AutoCAD friends,

In this article of series of articles about 3D modeling, I will try to explain about UNION and SUBTRACTcommands by an example that uses only a BOX solid. Our goal is to obtain the solid entity that is shown in Fig. 1.

Fig.1

We can start by drawing the box that is at the button. It has dimensions as width 60, depth 40 and height 15.

Fig.2

As I have explained previously, as the view angle that we selected is on the positive direction of X, Yand Z axis, we can easily use dimensions that we would like to give to the drawings.

Now, lets draw the other box.

Fig.3 Command: _box Specify first corner or [Center]: Specify other corner or [Cube/Length]: @60,-15,45

This time, you might have noticed that the starting point of our second box is the upper left corner of the other box. Because, this corner is a definite point in our drawing. As the second point of out new box is prompted then we entered three values. As you may remember from our previous coordinate entry lesson, we are entering relative coordinate entry and we are writing x, y, z values after @symbol. Pay attention to entering Y value as -15, because drawing is being made on the opposite direction of Y axis.

Next, we will draw the small 151515 cube and position it into its locations. You can draw the cube anywhere. Use Cube option in BOX command. Command: _box Specify first corner or [Center]: Specify other corner or [Cube/Length]: c Specify length: 15

Fig.4

After drawing the cube, then carry it to upper middle point as shown in Fig. 4.

Now, its time to use UNION and SUBTRACT commands.

Fig.5

UNION command is pretty simple. Use UNION command from DASHBOARD as shown in Fig. 5. This command is very easy to use. It is used to combine two solid entities into one and it prompts you to select the entities to be combined. Now, use the two boxes one of which sits perpendicular to other and press ENTER. You will see that the boxes are merged into one.

Finally, we will subtract the cube from the main body by using SUBTRACT command. Run

theSUBTRACT command, select the main body first and press ENTER. Now, select the cube and pressENTER. You will notice that the cube is subtracted from the body.

3D Modeling Series 4: Positioning Entities

11/09/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Solid Modeling labels. 4 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 & Higher Versions. Level: Advanced] [User must have some UCS knowledge before start reading]

Hello Daily AutoCAD friends,

In the third article of our series of articles about solid modeling, I explained about UNION and SUBTRACT and gave an example. And in this article, I will explain more about positioning the solid entities that make up the solid.

Fig.1

You can construct the solid entity that is shown in Fig. 1 by using the primitive entities that you see below (Actually, one of them is not primitive but I will also explain how to make it).

Fig.2

All you have to do is to move the entities that you made by using MOVE command.

Fig.3

As you see in Fig. 3, move the half cylinder to its locations (from middle point to middle point) and merge them by using UNION command. I suggest that you should prefer the easier points to grasp on entities while using MOVE command. Here, I preferred the top middle points.

Fig.4

Now, you must have obtained the solid entity that is shown in Fig. 4. From now on, you can grasp the small cylinder from the center and SUBTRACT it. In the following articles in this series, we will have to re-position more complex entities. In such cases, we will have get use not only MOVE command but also UCS.

3D Modeling Series 5: Using POLYSOLID Command

11/09/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 6 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 and higher versions. Level: Advanced]

Hello Daily AutoCAD readers,

POLYSOLID is probably one of the most useful tools for creating 3D solid entities. It is available since AutoCAD 2007. By using this command, you can draw solid entities that are in forms of polylines that has constant width and height very fast, just like using the POLYLINE command. The most useful way of using POLYSOLID command is drawing a 3D wall.

The main difference among the options that appear when you run the command, compared toPOLYLINE command, is options that belong to entering width and height.

Command: _Polysolid Height = 90.0, Width = 13.0, Justification = Center Specify start point or [Object/ Height/ Width/ Justify] <Object>:

I suggest that you make the Height settings first, and then the Width settings. Later on, you can use the other options. Among the other option, the most useful one is Object. It is used for converting 2 dimensional LINE, ARC, CIRCLE and POLYLINE entities into POLYSOLIDs. We already know how to draw these entities very well, so it will be very useful to use these entities for creating our3D POLYSOLID entities. Below, you can see two examples for this, one of them is converted fromARC and the other one is converted from a 2 dimensional POLYLINE entity.

Fig.2

Fig.3

However, if you insist to draw your own POLYSOLID entities, then I suggest that the Justify, thus aligning, command will be quite useful for you among the height and width options. Unless you enter something else, it will draw from the center.

Fig.4

Fig.5

When you start drawing, then the active options will be ARC and UNDO. I think, there is no need to explain about these options. Of course, you can do other examples than the 3D wall by usingPOLYSOLID. We will be happy if anyone from mechanical disciplines can send us some examples.

3D Modeling Series 6: Using REVOLVE Command

11/09/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 8 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 and higher versions. Level: Advanced]

In this article, I will explain about the REVOLVE command, which was previously been described in "A Solid Modelling Application: Gusket Drawing" exercise.

Fig.1 It is very simple to create this model.

In order to create this 3D solid model that is shown in Fig. 1, a good knowledge of 2 dimensional drawing is enough. Because, we didnt start 3D modeling yet. We are at the level of converting 2 dimensional entities into 3 dimensional solids by using basic modeling tools. In order to draw the solid that is shown in Fig.1, first you have to draw the POLYLINE entity that is shown in red in Fig. 2.

Fig.2

After this, it is all for REVOLVE command.

Command: _revolve Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4 Select objects to revolve: 1 found Select objects to revolve: Specify axis start point or define axis by [Object/X/Y/Z] <Object>: x Specify angle of revolution or [STart angle] <360>: Specify second point:

There are two main points in REVOLVE command. First one is to determine the entity that will be revolved and second one is to determine that axis around which revolving action will be made. You can select the entity that will be revolved among the 2 dimensional entities LINE, ARC, ELLIPTICALARC, 2D POLYLINE, 2D SPLINE, CIRCLE, ELLIPSE, PLANA R 3D FACE, 2D SOLID, TRACE orREGION.

As the rotation axis, you can select any of the x, y, z axis or any arbitrary axis that you will determine by two points. You can see how an open POLYLINE and a closed POLYLINE entity is revolved when they are away from the axis.

Fig.3

Fig.4

Fig.5

Fig.6

I will finally explain about the revolving angle. In the first example, revolving is done by 360 full and in the other example, it was revolved by 180 half. You can practice furthermore by making some examples by yourself.

3D Modeling Series 7: Using EXTRUDE Command

11/10/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 11 yorum [AutoCAd 2007 and higher versions] [User must have basic UCS knowledge before start reading the article.]

EXTRUDE command is one of the command that I like to use when modeling 3D solids. Just like I use to do in my previous articles, I will not only explain about the command but give you two examples for you to practice how to use the command. Previously, our friend zgr already wrote an article about this command. I suggest you to read his Practising EXTRUDE Command post.

Command profiles that you can access through toolbar, DASHBOARD or RIBBON can help you to create a path or a solid model by extruding by a certain height. Lets see the most primitive way of using the command.

or from RIBBON

In this figure, we obtained a solid by extruding a closed 2DPOLYLINE entity by 110 units height by using EXTRUDE command.

Command: _extrude Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=8 Select objects to extrude: 1 found Select objects to extrude: Specify height of extrusion or [Direction/Path/Taper angle]: 110

This was the most primitive way of using EXTRUDE command. This time, lets extrude the entity with angle.

Fig.1

Lets enter 5 degrees Taper Angle during the execution of the command.

Command: _extrude Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=8 Select objects to extrude: 1 found Select objects to extrude: Specify height of extrusion or [Direction/Path/Taper angle] <50.0>: t Specify angle of taper for extrusion <0.00>: 5 Specify height of extrusion or [Direction/Path/Taper angle] <50.0>:

Here we simply saw the fundamentals of EXTRUDE command. Next, lets extrude a profile along a path by using path entity.

Fig.2

You should be careful while preparing the path as you can see in Fig. 3. The path that you are going to prepare must be perpendicular to the surface of the profile and in direction of the profile that you are going to extrude.

Fig.3

Fig.4

Fig.5

You can see how width of the entity that you will obtain is affected depending on the position of the path with respect to profile. Which means that if you get the profile from outside it fits exactly according to the width of path, however if you take it from center its own width becomes a little bit more.

Fig.6

You can see what happens when the profile is not perpendicular to the path (on the right side). In this case, if you make normal EXTRUDE, then AutoCAD automatically grips the UCS of the plane and extrudes perpendicular to it (in the middle).

These are the basic fundamentals of EXTRUDE command. Until next time, please take a look at how to EXTRUDE an open polyline entity

3D Modeling Series 8: Using SWEEP Command

11/10/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 18 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 and higher versions. Level: Advanced] [User must have UCS knowledge before start reading this article]

SWEEP command, which is one of the new features that came with AutoCAD 2007, can be considered as an advanced version of EXTRUDE command. Both EXTRUDE and SWEEP commands are used for creating a 3D solid by dragging a profile along a path.

The main difference between the two commands is that in SWEEP command, you can automatically make the profile perpendicular to path; you can scale the profile along the path and rotate it. On the other hand, taper angle option of EXTRUDE command does not exist in SWEEP command.

Lets come to SWEEP command. The first example that comes in mind for SWEEP command is a spiral spring. This example is very popular because it explains the fundamental use of this command very well. In my opinion, you can learn about the fundamental concepts of SWEEP command by reading "Advanced solid modeling in AutoCAD 2007: HELIX and SWEEP" that was written by Erhan. Lets continue by drawing a spring :)

Command: _sweep Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=8 Select objects to sweep: (select the circle)1 found Select objects to sweep: (press ENTER) Select sweep path or [Alignment/Base point/Scale/Twist]: (press ENTER)

Fig.2

As you can see, this is the most basic way to show how SWEEP command works. Which is simply dragging an entity around a path. Unless you mention other vise, entity is automatically

taken perpendicular to the path and centered to it.

Now, lets take a look at options of SWEEP command:

Alignment: Unless you mention otherwise, it aligns the entity perpendicular to path. Another option is to accept the own angle of profile.

Base Point: Unless you mention otherwise, it aligns the places the profile on the center of path.

Fig.3

Scale: You can scale the profile along the path. In the example below, you can find the solid which is scaled and twisted by half rotation.

Fig.4

Command: _sweep Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=8 Select objects to sweep: (select the square) 1 found Select objects to sweep: Select sweep path or [Alignment/Base point/Scale/Twist]: s Enter scale factor or [Reference]<1.0>: 2 Select sweep path or [Alignment/Base point/Scale/Twist]: t Enter twist angle or allow banking for a non-planar sweep path [Bank]<0.0>: 180 Select sweep path or [Alignment/Base point/Scale/Twist]:

Twist: This option is the most important option that separates SWEEP from EXTRUDE, just likescale. You can rotate, twist, the profile along the path.

Now, take a look at below examples to see what kind of variations you can make and repeat the examples by yourself.

Fig.5

In this example, after you select your circle for SWEEP, make the scale setting as 2 and try once more by selecting the path from its point 1 and then next time by selecting it from its point 2.

Fig.6

This time, try using the basepoint option after selecting the square.

Fig.7

In this example, use basepoint and twist options.

3D Modeling Series 9: Using LOFT Command

11/11/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 13 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 and higher versions] [User must have advanced 3D knowledge]

LOFT is probably the most complicated part of solid modeling series of articles. It is not certain what this command is used for, however it has a great potential to create marvelous solids in hands of creative users. Id better explain its use and you take back your notes and imagine what can be done by using it. May be the command is improved in future or some of you can find interesting ways of using it.

In the most fundamental way, this command is somehow a kind of RULESURF command that is used for solids. Thus, it combines two or more curves to create a solid. If the curves are open, it creates a surface; if the entities are closed it creates a solid.

Fig.1

While explaining the command, I will create the three examples that exist in loft.dwg drawing that you can download and you can see in Fig. 2.

Fig.2

The most basic form of LOFT command is to create a solid by selecting two number of closed curves.

Start the command and select the two circles one of which is on top of other. First select the one on top and then the other one.

Command: _loft Select cross sections in lofting order: 1 found

Select cross sections in lofting order: 1 found, 2 total Select cross sections in lofting order: Enter an option [Guides/Path/Cross sections only] <Cross sections only>: C

Pass the last option by pressing ENTER.

Fig.3

You will obtain Loft settings window that is shown in Fig. 3. The options that can be seen in this window have preview option and your entity will be updated as you change the settings here. In Fig. 4, I tried to give examples for some options.

Fig.4

In this first example, we combined two closed curves (here what we call them the cro<ss section curves) by using various options. When we come to the Guides and Path options of LOFTcommand:

Fig.5

This example that is shown in AutoCAD help files shows how the example starting and end crosssection are LOFTed by using aiding curves (Guides). Make sure that, while drawing these aiding curves, they must definitely intersect the curved that you are going to LOFT and the starting and end points should be exactly on the curve.

Fig.6

In Fig. 6, I made LOFT by using PATH option.

Fig.7

In Fig. 7, you can see that 4 number of curves were combined by using Smooth Fit and closed options.

Fig.8 Normal to all cross sections

As you can see, there are various options for LOFT command, however their usage is quite hard. It is a must to make practice in order to master its usage

Advanced Solid Modeling With LOFT Command

5/06/2010 Erhan Toker in 3D , Solid Modeling labels. 12 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 and higher versions. Level: Advanced]

With AutoCAD 2007, 3 dimensional drawing capabilities have increased dramatically. From now on, it is possible to draw helix and spiral. Moreover, it is also possible to use these entities as PATH, so that you can drag different profiles along them and create new 3 dimensional entities. By this way, main disadvantage of AutoCAD against Microstation has been overcame, thus now it is possible to draw screws or similar 3 dimensional entities. Besides, LOFTING has been added to the program as of 2007 version, which is possible in 3D Studio for years but not possible in AutoCAD. In this article, I will try to explain LOFT command to you by giving two examples.

Fig. 1

In first example, we will create the 3-dimensional entity shown on the right side by dragging 3 circles and 1 square along the path with red color. Actually, dictionary meaning of LOFT is attic and LOFTING means to throw something into air. If you imagine an attic carefully, you will notice

that it is created by dragging a triangle along a rectangular plan. LOFT command in AutoCAD works the same way. It creates a 3-dimensional entity by dragging a number of sections over a certain path. However, there are certain rules while drawing: 1. Entities that make up the sections must form closed surfaces. These entities can be arcs, elliptical arcs, ellipses, circles, 2D polylines and 2D splines. 2. Entities that make up section must be chosen at a definite number. 3. Drawing that makes up the path can be either a closed or open route. Line, arc, elliptical arc, spline, ellipse, helix, circle, 2 or 3-dimensional polyline can be used to draw the path. If more than one main entity will be used (arc, line, elliptical arc), then they must be aligned from end to end and they must be combined into one polyline by using PEDIT command. 4. If sections will be dragged along guide lines as shown in Fig. 2, then guide lines must be again made up of polylines and/or splines. Guide lines cannot be closed routes.

Now, lets proceed to our example:

Prepare the drawing that is shown on the left side in Fig. 1. While creating this drawing, I drew the red circle with 200 diameter, small circle with 40 diameter and the square as 50x50 dimensions. You can create different entities by changing the dimension and form the section as you like and create different entities. After completing the drawing, lets proceed to LOFT command:

Command: LOFT Select cross-sections in lofting order: 1 found, 2 total

After entering command, it will prompt us to select the sections in order!. You can start from any section. For example, I selected 4 sections one by one by starting from square and moving on in clockwise direction. I suggest you to make selection in the same manner. After selecting of entities are completed, than you can end selection by pressing ENTER. After doing this, this is

what you will see on the screen:

Enter an option [Guides/ Path/ Cross-sections only] : p

As we will drag the sections along a path in our first example, we will use PATH option, and we select red circle as path. After making selection, AutoCAD will create 3 dimensional entity that is shown on the right side in Fig.1. If you examine this entity carefully, you will see that a section, which is passing from square to circle and again back from circle to square, is dragged along a circular path. It is surprising but true. From now on, AutoCAD can draw such shapes. Now, lets move on to next example:

Fig.2

In this example, we will use the second method and use guide lines. In this method, again, first the sections are entered. And, rules for entering a section are same. However, guide lines must be defined as they will show the outer boundaries of the section in 3rd dimension. In our example, I showed guide lines in red color.

Command: LOFT Select cross-sections in lofting order: 1 found, 2 total Enter an option [Guides/ Path/ Cross-sections only] : G Select guide curves:

As soon as we select the entities that are shown in red color, we obtain 3-dimensional entitiy that is shown on the right side. By this way, we learned LOFT command. In my next article, I also

have explained how to draw a screw by using HELIX and SWEEP command in my previous article.

3D Modeling Series 10: Using FILLET Command On Solids

11/11/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 15 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 and higher versions][Level: Advanced]

The easiest command in 3D solid modeling is FILLET command. It is so easy that, in practice, it is much more easier than rounding in 2D. Now, lets have a look at an example.

Fig.1

Select the solid entity that you can see in the figure from one of its edges where you want to

make rounding .

Command: f FILLET Current settings: Mode = TRIM, Radius = 0.0 Select first object or [Undo/Polyline/Radius/Trim/Multiple]: Select first object or [Undo/Polyline/Radius/Trim/Multiple]: Enter fillet radius: 3 Select an edge or [Chain/Radius]:

As soon as you select a 3D solid entity, AutoCAD perceives this immediately and prompts you to enter a radius and select the edges. First, the edge that you have selected at the beginning (1) must still be selected. Then, select the edges (2) and (3) along the edge that you would like to round. As soon as you press enter, you will notice that the rounding has been made along the edges that you have selected (Fig. 2).

Fig.2

This simple operation also has an option: Chain. If the edges that you would like to select are making up a plane and are following each other, then you can use Chain option to select all.

Fig.3

3D Modeling Series 11: Using CHAMFER Command On Solids

11/11/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 8 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 and higher versions. Level: Advanced]

Hello dailyautocad readers,

Today, I will continue my series of articles about solid modeling. Today's topic is to make chamfer at the corners of 3 dimensional entities. Just like FILLET command, using CHAMFER command in 3 dimensional environment is very easy. Only difference will be one additional question that AutoCAD will prompt during the execution of the command. And, this is all because of the

structure of the command.

Fig.1

Command:_chamfer

(TRIM mode) Current chamfer Dist1 = 0.0, Dist2 = 0.0 Select first line or [Undo/Polyline/Distance/Angle/Trim/mEthod/Multiple]: Base surface selection Enter surface selection option [Next/OK (current)] <OK>: OK

Specify base surface chamfer distance: 5

Specify other surface chamfer distance <5.0>: 10 Select an edge or [Loop]: Select an edge or [Loop]:

Execution of the command is given above by an example. Let's examine the flow of this execution step by step:

(TRIM mode) Current chamfer Dist1 = 0.0, Dist2 = 0.0 Select first line or [Undo/Polyline/Distance/Angle/Trim/mEthod/Multiple]:

First of all, AutoCAD outputs a line that includes current settings of CHAMFER command and prompts us to select the first line for which chamfering will be made. At this point, if we point to an edge of a 3 dimensional solid, then a surface which belongs to the line that we select is highlighted and the flow of the command changes as follows:

Base surface selection Enter surface selection option [Next/OK (current)] <OK>: OK

At this stage, you are prompted to select the first surface that belongs to the edge that you would like to make chamfering on. You must select "OK", if the surface is selected properly. If not, you can select the other available surfaces by pressing "NEXT". In our example, the first surface is the surface that is numbered as 1.

Specify base surface chamfer distance: 5

Specify other surface chamfer distance <5.0>: 10 Select an edge or [Loop]: Select an edge or [Loop]:

Fig.2 (from AutoCAD 2008 help file)

Now, the command is asking us the distances 1 and 2. In our example, the first distance is 5 and the second one is 10. Once the edge is selected than chamfering is done (Fig. 1).

Here are the other options of command:

Fig.3 (from AutoCAD 2008 help file)

By using edge option, chamfering is made equally for the edge that you select.

Fig.4 (from AutoCAD 2008 help file)

Another option Edge loop is that, you can make chamfer for all of the edges that belongs to the same surface.

Fig. 2,3 and 4 was taken from help files of AutoCAD 2008

3D Modeling Series 12: Getting 2D Projection From A Solid Model By Using FLATSHOT Command
11/16/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 6 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 and higher versions] [User must have advanced solid modeling and UCS knowledge]

One of the new features coming with Autocad 2007 is FLATSHOT command. By means of this command, you can get aspects of solid 3D objects. The command which is very easy to use gets the projection image of your instant point of view. We are going to use 3D gusket drawing which we did as an application before. Let us download the drawing and proceed.

DASHBOARD Position for 2007-2008 Users

Ribbon position for 2009-2010 Users Home > Section > Flatshot

The only point that you have to be careful when you are using the command is to obtain the right point of view for your model which you want to the get the image of. This is very simple by using View menu in Autocad.

Fig.1

Firstly, switch to left side view by selecting View/3D Views/Left option.

Fig.2 Left elevation of our gusket

Now, select the FLATSHOT command from the 3DMAKE part of the DASHBOARD (or Home > Section > Flatshot from the RIBBON) and there comes the FLATSHOT dialog box.

Fig.3

FLATSHOT outputs the projection as a Autocad block. The options in the dialog box are based on this. The Insert as new block option in the Destination section of the dialog box always enables the creation of the projection as a new block. Replace existing block option modifies the current block and Export to a file option creates a external file. We use the first option.

The two other sections of the menu includes the options of Foreground Lines and Obscured lines. You can change the color and type of the lines here. I chose dashed lines in obscured lines section.

Fig.4

We can now create the projection by clicking Create button.

The projection is added to your cursor as a block. You can practice further by creating different projections on your own.

3D Modeling Series 13: Getting 3D Wireframe From A Solid Using XEDGES Command
11/16/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 4 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 and higher versions] [User must have advanced solid modeling knowledge]

Dear Bloggers,

We sometimes may need the parts of existing 3D solid when working in 3D. This happens when getting a view or forming new models. Fortunately, there is XEDGES (extract edges) command. You can get a 3D wireframe from any corner of the model you chose. We are going to use 3D gusket drawing which we did as an application before. Let us download the drawing and proceed.

Ribbon > Home > Section > Extract Edges

Command: _xedges Select objects: Specify opposite corner: 1 found

Select objects:

Fig.1

The chosen parts of the solid is transformed to wire in the current layer. By means of CTRL button, you can select small parts of the solid instead of whole to form wires

3D Modeling Series 17: Cut Your Model Using SLICE Command

11/17/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 6 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 and higher versions] [User must have advanced solid modeling and ucs knowledge]

Dear Friends,

Sections cuts are sometimes taken out from the models we created. That is a useful process to understand inside of our model. SLICE may be the command I like the most among the solid modeling features of AutoCAD.

Fig.1

This command works similar with SECTION command which I have mentioned earlier. That means; firstly the object that is going to be sliced is selected and then, the plane that slice passes. You can run the command via DASHBOARD or Modify > 3D Operations > Slice menu.

Ribbon > Home > Solid Editing > Slice

Command: _slice Select objects to slice: 1 found

Select objects to slice:

Specify start point of slicing plane or [planar Object/Surface/Zaxis/View/XY/YZ/ZX/3points] <3points>: Specify first point on plane: Specify second point on plane: Specify third point on plane: Specify a point on desired side or [keep Both sides] : b [ENTER]

The plane definition default way is implying three points. Click for three points that the plane passes. I choose freely 1, 2 points and 3 as perpendicular to the Z axis to slice the model into the half.

Another question the command asks you is that which part you want to be left. I choose B for keeping both sides and take the part away by using MOVE command.

There are other answers to the question:

Object/Surface/Zaxis/View/XY/YZ/ZX/3points]<3points>:

to designate the cut surface. Actually, the UCS icon seen on the bottom left of the screen shows the X,Y and Z axes of the current coordinate system. Xy, Yz and Zx axes form a plane as we learned form mathematics.

Fig.2 The planes that UCS axes forms.

That means; our cut surface can be one of these planes. If we were doing the example that way, we would reply as YZ rather than 3Points. After that, we can end the process by clicking the middle point that the plane passes. This shows us briefly how axes in User Coordinate System (UCS) forms planes

Getting Area Properties of Solid Surfaces

10/20/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , How To , Solid Modeling labels. 0 yorum [AutoCAD 2002 & higher versions, Level: Advanced] Greetings,

One of our reader has sent me the following e-mail; I am new on the site yet, follow your articles with admiration. I have a question for you; I want to measure areas of surfaces of exploded solid objects. But I can not measure areas of those objects called surface. If it is possible yet, a program like AutoCAD should measure those areas; my job will be much easier. I would be very glad if you help me on this subject and I hope those succesful articles of yours will continue.

The solid modeling subject in Autocad should be considered from a general point of view. It is not as succesful as the other 3D programs in the market. Yet you can get complex 3D models by using simple objects, you should consider other mechanical programs if Inventor is not sufficient for you.

However, there is an answer for Gkhans question. You can get area information when you explode the solid model and use list command for the output surfaces. For test purposes, I draw a simple object by using SUBTRACT command, explode it and be able to get the area property for surface withLIST command.

Figure.1 The surface area to be measured.

Figure.2 Area Information of the surface by using LIST command

3D Modeling Series 14: Getting Sections From A Solid

11/16/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 0 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 and higher versions] [User must have advanced solid modeling and UCS knowledge]

Dear Friends,

Throughout this article, we are going to learn how to get a section cut from a 3D model easily. Erhan has written two detailed articles about getting section cuts earlier. (Live Section 1 and Live Section 2) Also, SOLDRAW and SOLVIEW commands, which I am going to explain in more detail soon can be used for getting section cuts.

Yet, getting a section by using SECTION command is easier than those two commands. We can get a section by a single move like FLATSHOT command

Fig.1

Let us now get a section cut quickly from the model seen in Figure 1 by using SECTION command. The command processes as below:

Command: _section

Select objects: 1 found

Select objects:

Specify first point on Section plane by [Object/Zaxis/View/XY/YZ/ZX/3points] <3points>: Specify second point on plane: Specify third point on plane:

First, you have to select the object from which you want to get a section cut. Then you have to define three points that the section passes. Pick the points in the order shown in Figure 1.

The next step is taking out the section object from the model because Autocad draws the object inside our 3D model. Our job is easy:

Command: _move

Select objects: l 1 found

Select objects: Specify base point or [Displacement] <Displacement>: Specify second point or :

Take out the section object by using MOVE command.

Fig.2

I am going to mention other section plane options of the SECTION command later. You have to wait for 3D Plane Designation article

Using LIVE SECTION - Part 1

11/17/2009 Erhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 8 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 and higher versions] [User must have advanced solid modeling and UCS knowledge]

A new feature that has come with AutoCAD 2007 is ability to get LIVE SECTION. By this feature, you can take partial or one section from any 3 dimensional objects and see it live on screen, or you can transfer it into your drawings 2 dimensionally. We are going to use 3D gusket drawing which we did as an application before. Let us download the drawing and proceed.

Fig. 1

In Fig. 1, you can see our sample object. You can download the model from here. If demand comes from you, Orhan can explain the drawing as an example. Now, lets add a section line to the drawing all together.

Ribbon > Home > Section > Sectionplane

Command : SECTIONPLANE

As it can also be understood from name of the command, indeed we are adding a plan plane to the drawing. Then, a cross-section of the object where this plane cuts the object is created. Actually, this command is prepared accordingly so that partial cross-sections can also be taken; however, I faced some problems while trying this. I will report this part to AutoDesk. Maybe, in future they will correct these parts. So, I will only explain the normal cross-section now.

Select face or any point to locate section line or [Draw section/Orthographic]: o Align section to: [Front/ bAck/ Top/ Bottom/ Left/ Right] : f

By using Orthographic option, we can use of pre-defined section settings. So, lets select FRONT. Just after selection, section will appear automatically. And in somewhere around the middle of the section LIVESECTION line will appear. You can manage many properties by selecting this line.

Fig. 2

As AutoCAD is placing this line in the middle according to the external dimensions of the object, you can change the location of this line later on.

Fig. 3

In Fig. 3, you can see the GRIP points that appear when the section line is selected. You can stretch the grip section location, which is triangular; or change the grip section direction, which is shown with an arrow. Also, you can transfer the section to PAPERSPACE by right clicking and selecting Generate 2D/3D Section. For this operation, a new dialog box is opened and a lot of section properties can be managed from here. I will talk about details of this topic in more detail in my next article.

Fig.4

Using LIVE SECTION - Part 2

11/17/2009 Erhan Toker in 3D , Command , Solid Modeling labels. 4 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 and higher versions] [User must have advanced solid modeling and UCS knowledge]

In my previous article about the subject, I have explained that 2 or 3 dimensional cross-sections can be obtained. In this article, I will explain the details of taking a section.

Fig. 1

As you may remember, we can create sections by using Create 2D/3D section option when we select and right click on LIVESECTION line. Together with this command, we are introduced a new dialog box. On the lower right corner of this window, there is a button that opens detailed settings. InFig. 1 you can see this button marked with a red frame. On the top part, you can specify whether you would like to create 2 or 3 dimensional sections. 3 dimensional sections become more explanatory when you take staged sections. If planar sections are marked as 3D, then they are created in their own plane. Othervise, they are created in ground plane. In Source Geometry part, you can select the entities that will be included in the section; default selection is all entities in the drawing. You can specify your selection as block, exchanging location with existing block and DWF file. On the lower part, there are settings for section. Now lets take a close look at these (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2

On the upper part, there are 2/3 dimensional section settings and live section settings. From here, you can mark up the section type that you would like to create and make relevant settings. For this time only, we are selecting 2 dimensional section settings. On the lower part, you will see that all of the settings are grouped under 5 main titles. I will only explain the section hatching settings. You can open/close the other titles by clicking on up/down arrow symbols and manage the settings inside them. Due to the fact that the most important thing in sections is hatching, we will also deal with them. By pressing first Hatch Pattern Type and them Pattern button, you can access the usualHATCH command window. From here, we can go back to main window by selecting ANSI31 from here. Among the remaining settings, layer and hatch scale settings are important for us. By setting these values we can exit this window. After that, by pressing Create button in the window shown in Fig. 1, we can get to section block (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4

Creating Vertical Sections Using SECTIONPLANE Command

11/09/2010 Orhan Toker in 3D , Command , Display Management , Solid Modeling labels. 0 yorum Hello dear friends,

The SECTIONPLANE command that came in with AutoCAD 2007 really made 3D section creation simple. Erhan had previously talked about the SECTIONPLANE command in our articles LIVE SECTION 1 and LIVESECTION 2. Moreover, I had discussed about another

command, the SECTION command while talking about 3D Modeling.

In this article we will see an application of this command on an architectural sample. The SECTIONPLANE command can be found in its own Section panel in the Home tab.

Figure.1

The commands use is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is specify the section line on screen.

Figure.2

Command: _sectionplane Select face or any point to locate section line or [Draw section/Orthographic]: (1) Specify through point: (2)

The trick is to specify the line taking into account the side you want to be seeing after the section is created. A section will be created at 90 degrees to the vector you construct.

Figure.3

Now lets right click on the SECTIONPLANE object and select Generate 2D/3D Section (Figure.3).

The window in Figure.4 will pop up.

Figure.4

In this window, click on the Create button (2) while the 2D Section / Elevation option (1) is selected. Your section will appear as a block on the tip of your cursor. Place it as you wish.

Figure.4

Dimensioning 3D Models
11/24/2009 Orhan Toker in 3D , Annotation , Dimensioning , Solid Modeling labels. 0 yorum [AutoCAD 2007 & higher versions. Level: Advanced.] [User must have advanced UCS and basic dimensioning knowledge.]

I realized that by writing a short and very simple article, we can cover how to put the dimension objects on a 3D model. Regulations for 3D dimensioning are actually a lot more flexible than 2D dimensioning. The manufacturing process does not precede using 3D drawings, therefore 3D models and dimensions are used to represent the general properties of the model. However, with good dimensioning employed, your 3D models can convey as much detail as to fully represent the real object with all aspects. It depends on you.

Fig.2

To be able to place your dimensioning lines, you need to adjust your UCS accordingly. We have already said a lot about UCS in Daily AutoCAD. We'll be using the UCS/Face command to align our dimensioning lines.

For example, let's adjust our UCS so that we can place the dimensioning lines on this piece.
Command: ucs Current ucs name: *NO NAME*

Specify origin of UCS or [Face/NAmed/OBject/Previous/View/World/X/Y/Z/ZAxis] : f //use face option

Select face of solid object: Enter an option [Next/Xflip/Yflip] : // select the face you want to align with dimension

Now we can proceed with the dimensioning. Select "Aligned" (or use the DIMALIGNED command) from the "Annotation" tab, or from the menu, Dimension > Aligned.

Fig.3

Remember to adjust the UCS accordingly when dimensioning different faces.

Fig.4

If you're having difficulties switching between faces, check out our UCS e-book.