Difference between revisions of "Introduction to Revit"

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[[AutoCAD Skill Builder]]
= Objective =
In this exercise, you will be introduced to additional software used by technical professionals. You will learn basic technical design methods using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, specifically AutoCAD. Later on in the course, you will use this knowledge to create designs, particularly in your semester-long design project.


<h2>Objective</h2>
Create an EG Logo Keychain in AutoCAD 2016 to export for a 3D print.
<p>In this exercise, you will be introduced to additional software used
by technical professionals. You will learn basic technical
design methods using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, specifically
AutoCAD. Later on in the course, you will use this knowledge to create
designs, particularly in your semester-long design project.</p>


<h2>Overview</h2>
= Overview =
== Computer-Aided Design ==
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs allow engineers to make precise scaled drawings in less time than more traditional methods. CAD drawing allows designers to make changes easily and efficiently making them more productive. You will need to understand the fundamentals of Computer-Aided Design to progress in your career.


<p>In any design process, engineers must put their ideas on
This exercise has been designed to introduce the basics of CAD drawing.
paper, usually in the form of a sketch. This initial drawing is done in pencil
without rulers or straight edges. It shows some detail, for example, blocks
represent objects and double parallel lines represent walls. The type of line
used to draw an object is important because it indicates what is to be built.
Here is a list of some types of lines and their uses:</p>


<p><b>Construction Line:  [[Image:image001.jpg]]</b></p>
== 3D Printing ==
Blurb.


<p>The construction line is the one used most frequently in
= Procedure =
technical drawings. It indicates solid objects like walls.</p>
:: <h2 style="margin-left: -4.1em;"> Setting up the file </h2>
# Start AutoCAD and open a new file
# Select the AutoCAD 3D template
# Modify the units for the drawing
# Change the length unit type to Engineering
#: <h2 style="margin-left: -4.1em;"> File formats and viewing mode </h2>
# AutoCAD drawing files formats include
## DWG – the primary drawing file for the 3D model view
## STL – the file exported from AutoCAD for input into 3D printing software
## DWT – the file of the sheet set seen in the layout view
## DXF – a drawing format for compatibility with other software
## PLT – the file sent to the printer of the layout view
# The default AutoCAD view is model view, click on the layout view
# Change to model space in the layout view to change the viewport
#: <h2 style="margin-left: -4.1em;"> Designing the EG Keychain </h2>
# Open the file “Lab 1 AutoCAD Template”
# Open the layer properties and click the lightbulb next to the EG Logo layer
## Layers are a useful way to separate different components of a drawing file
## In this DWG, the EG Logo layer is the image file used to create the text outline
## Separating model features (e.g. plumbing and electrical) allows separate viewing
## Turn the EG Logo layer back off by clicking the lightbulb
# Fill the EG Logo text outline by typing the command REGION
# In general AutoCAD commands operate with the same basic steps
## Type the command
## Choose command parameters and objects
### Select object (hit enter after)
### Enter quantity (type and hit enter)
### Specify position (click on screen) 
## Hit the enter button to execute command
# Use the command DRAWORDER to move the outlines of the “Rs” and “A” to the back
# Use the command SUBTRACT to remove the holes in the “Rs” and “A”
# Use the EXTRUDE command to add 3/8” height to the text
# Use the REGION command on the box outline and EXTRUDE to 1/4”
# Create a keychain hole
## Draw a CIRCLE with radius 1/8”
## Change the DRAWORDER of the box to the back
## EXTRUDE the circle -1/4”
## Change the DRAWORDER of the box to the back
## SUBTRACT the cylinder from the box
# Select all features and save as an STL file
# Open the STL file in MakerBot Desktop, click rescale object to convert from inches to millimeters
# Explore the features of 3D printing software (scaling, position, rotation)
# Additional AutoCAD instruction can be found in the [[AutoCAD Skill Builder]]


<p><b>Hidden Line: [[Image:image002.jpg]]</b></p>
{{Laboratory Experiments}}
 
<p>The hidden line is used to show hidden objects like wiring
in walls.</p>
 
<p><b>Dimension Line: [[Image:image003.jpg]]</b></p>
 
<p>This line is used to indicate dimensions.</p>
 
<p><b>Center Line: [[Image:image004.jpg]]</b></p>
 
<p>This line is used to show the center of circles and curves
on a drawing. Contractors are able to locate the center of the circle when this
type of line is used.</p>
 
<p>These line types are used together to create a picture of
the design. This picture can be isometric or orthographic. An isometric drawing
is a three dimensional view. See Figure 1.</p>
 
<p align=center>[[Image:image005.jpg]]</p>
 
<p>An orthographic drawing is a two dimensional view from
different perspectives. There are usually three views - top, front and side.
See Figure 2.</p>
 
<p align=center>[[Image:image006.jpg]]</p>
 
<h2>Computer-Aided Design</h2>
 
<p>Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs allow engineers to make
precise scaled drawings in less time than more traditional methods. CAD drawing
allows designers to make changes easily and efficiently making them more
productive. You will need to understand the fundamentals of Computer-Aided
Design to progress in your career.</p>
 
<p>This exercise has been designed to introduce the basics of
CAD drawing.</p>
 
<h2>Starting and Setting Up AutoCAD</h2>
 
<p>Start AutoCAD 2010. (''Note: It is best to have a 3 button mouse.'')</p>
 
<p>Note: Beginning with AutoCAD 2010, Autodesk has changed the toolbar interface to resemble that of Microsoft Office's ribbon interface.</p>
 
<p>Once the program has loaded, you can close the '''Welcome Screen'''. Note that the tutorials on the left hand side are very useful and should be reviewed later on.</p>
 
[[Image:image008.jpg|frame|center|Figure 3]]
 
<p>In the command box (bottom of the screen) type ''startup'' and the message '''startup(0)''' will appear. Type''1'' then press enter. Now go to the top of the page next to where it says 2D Drafting and Annotations will be the icon for a new blank project. Press this button and a '''Create New Drawing''' window will appear. Select the last option at the top of this window which will be ''Use a Wizard'' (see Figure 4).</p>
 
[[Image:image011.jpg|frame|center|Figure 4]]
 
<p>Select ''Advanced Setup'' and the following window shown in Figure 5 will appear</p>
 
[[Image:image012.jpg|frame|center|Figure 5]]
 
<p>For the length unit, select the type to be ''Engineering'' and choose the precision to be two decimal places. Then click next (See Figure 5).</p>
 
<p>The wizard will then take you through the setup for '''Angles''', '''Angle Measurement''', '''Angle Direction''', and '''Area''' The defaults that appear can be left as is unless working on a special project. For the skill builder below, the default settings are correct.</p>
 
<h2>Setting Up the Dimensions and the Text Style</h2>
 
<p>Later on, we will be inputting text and dimensions into our
drawing. However, it is best to set up a general style for the drawing due to
the fact that the default settings are not sufficient for our needs.</p>
 
<p>First, select the ''Annotate'' tab on the ribbon. Click the arrow at the lower right-hand corner of the '''Dimensions''' group to access the '''Dimension Style Manager''' dialog window. (See Figure 6)</p>
 
[[Image:image018.jpg|frame|center|Figure 6]]
 
<p>In the '''Dimension Style Manager''' window, select ''Modify...''. (See Figure 7)</p>
 
[[Image:image019.jpg|frame|center|Figure 7]]
 
<p>Under the '''Lines''' tab, change the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>'''Offset from origin''': 1'</li>
</ul>
 
<p>Under the '''Symbols and Arrow''' tab, change the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>'''Arrow Size''': 1'</li>
</ul>
 
<p>Under the '''Text''' tab, change the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>'''Text Height''': 1'</li>
</ul>
 
<p>Under the '''Primary Units''' tab, change the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>'''Unit Format''': Engineering</li>
<li>'''Precision''': 0'-0.00"</li>
</ul>
 
<p>To change the text style, click the arrow at the lower right-hand corner of the '''Text''' group of the '''Annotate''' tab on the ribbon. (See Figure 8)</p>
 
[[Image:image020.jpg|frame|center|Figure 8]]
 
<p>You may choose the type of font and change the height to 1' as shown below in Figure 9.</p>
 
[[Image:image021.jpg|frame|center|Figure 9]]
 
<h2>Command Window</h2>
 
<p>At the bottom of the screen, you see a separate window showing a few lines of text. (You can change it to show as many lines as you like by dragging the top edge of the window up or down.) Notice the word ''Command''. This is the command line. All commands can be executed by typing them on the command line.  Even if you use a menu item or toolbar button to execute a command, you may need to look at the command line to see how AutoCAD responds. Often, AutoCAD provides options that must be typed in from the keyboard. Also, text that you type appears on the command line. For example, when you type in coordinates specifying a point, they appear on the command line. To see more of the command line, press F2 to open the AutoCAD Text window. You can scroll back through previous commands. Press F2 again to close the window. (See Figure 10)</p>
 
[[Image:image022.jpg|frame|center|Figure 10]]
 
<h3>To Draw a Line</h3>
<ol>
<li>Type ''line'' or ''l'' in the command window, then ''Enter'', or click the '''Line''' icon [ [[Image:image023.jpg]] ] in the '''Draw''' group under the '''Home''' tab.</li>
<li>Click the point where you want the line to begin. Drag the line in the direction you want it to go, and specify its length when prompted. Hit ''Enter''.</li>
<li>Press ''Escape'' to exit the '''line''' command.</li>
</ol>
 
<p><i><b>Note:</b> Most of the commands can be done by clicking an icon or typing into the command window.</i></p>
 
<h3>Drawing Lines with Specific Angles and Lengths</h3>
 
<p>Relative polar coordinates take the form ''distance''&lt;''angle''.</p>
 
<p>By default, angles are measured according to Figure 11.</p>
 
[[Image:image024.jpg|frame|center|Figure 11]]
 
<p>In order to draw a line that is 10' at a 30º angle:</p>
<ol>
<li>Click on the '''Line''' icon [ [[Image:image023.jpg]] ].</li>
<li>Click the point where you want the line to begin.</li>
<p>Then type in the Command Window:  ''distance''&lt;''angle''. Hit ''Enter''. </p>
<p>EX: 10'&lt;30, then hit ''Enter''</p>
<li>Press ''Escape'' to exit the '''Line''' command.</li>
</ol>
 
<h3>Below the Command Window</h3>
 
<p>[[Image:image025.jpg]]</p>
 
<p>From left to right: Infer Constraints, Snap Mode, Grid, Ortho Mode, Polar Tracking, Object Snap, 3D Object Snap, Object Snap Tracking UCS, Allow/Disallow Dynamic, Dynamic Input, Show/Hide Lineweight, Show/Hide Transparency, Quick Properties, Select Cycling.</p>
 
<ol>
<li>When in orthogonal mode—ortho mode as it's called for short—you can only draw
orthogonal (right angles) lines with the mouse. Ortho mode also affects editing.
For example, with ortho mode on, you can only move objects vertically or horizontally.
Combined with snap and grid, ortho mode makes drawing easier and more efficient. Ortho
mode is also great for direct distance entry.  Click ORTHO on the status bar to toggle
ortho mode on and off. You cannot have polar tracking on at the same time that ortho
mode is on.</li>
 
<li>Object snap (osnap) allows a user to precisely acquire certain points on a line or object to be
able to manipulate the drawing, such as aligning or attaching those points that are
selected to other points.</li>
 
<p>Example:</p>
 
[[Image:image027.jpg|frame|center|Figure 12]]
 
<p>In order to draw a line from endpoint A to endpoint B in
Figure 12 accurately and ensure that we are actually attaching the ends of the
lines and not the space before, near, or around it, we utilize a command called
"osnap".</p>
 
<p>To toggle osnap on and off, click the "OSNAP" button. Figure 13 shows the use of osnap.</p>
 
[[Image:image029.jpg|frame|center|Figure 13]]
 
<p>Step 1:  Click on the line icon [ [[Image:image023.jpg]] ] and
when you situate the crosshair at the endpoint of line A and you will notice a pink
or green box appear.  This means that the endpoint has acquired by AutoCAD.</p>
 
<p>Step 2:  Once the endpoint of line A has been acquired, click and move the
crosshair to the end of line B.  You will notice that the endpoint of line B has been
found by AutoCAD.</p>
 
<p>Step 3:  Click and press enter to complete the line command function.</p>
 
<p><i><b>Note:</b> To click on different points of a line, you
will need to change the osnap settings.  In order to go to
the settings of osnap, you will have to right click
on any part below the command window and a context menu will appear. See Figure 14.</i></p>
 
[[Image:image030.jpg|frame|center|Figure 14]]
 
<p>Select settings and then you can choose the settings for which option you would like to change. (See Figure 15)</p>
 
[[Image:image031.jpg|frame|center|Figure 15]]
 
<li>LWT is the Lineweight function, and it controls the width of the line. A lineweight
can help to distinguish various elements of your drawing, both on-screen and on paper.
For example, you could use a thicker lineweight to indicate planned construction changes,
for dimension lines, or even to represent the true width of an object. The LWT button on
the status bar turns on and off the display of lineweights. By default, LWT is off.
(See Figure 16)</li>
</ol>
 
[[Image:image033.jpg|frame|center|Figure 16]]
 
<p>In order to select the line width of a line, first select the line(s) and then click
on the Line Weight Control and select the desired thickness as show in Figure 17.</p>
 
[[Image:image035.jpg|frame|center|Figure 17]]
 
<h3>Offsetting Objects</h3>
<p>The Offset command creates lines or curves parallel to one
existing object. The beauty of this command is apparent when you start to
create complex objects, such as polylines. Polygons
and rectangles are polylines, meaning that they are
treated as one object. Using OFFSET, you can create concentric polygons, for
example the figure below shows three concentric polygons. The red polygon was
created with the POLYGON [ [[Image:image036.jpg]] ] command, which is found under the Home tab by clicking the arrow at the bottom right corner of the Draw group and selecting the polygon button shown above. The blue polygon was subsequently created by using OFFSET as
shown in Figure 18.</p>
 
<p>Example:</p>
 
<div><div style="float: left; display: inline;">[[Image:image038.jpg|frame|center|Figure 18a]]</div><div style="float: left; display: inline; width: 10%;">&nbsp;</div><div style="float: left; display: inline;">[[Image:image040.jpg|frame|center|Figure 18b]]</div></div><br clear="both" />
 
<p>To offset a line or an object:</p>
<ol>
<li>Click [[Image:image041.jpg]], found under the Home tab in the Modify group, and then on the command window specify
offset distance and then press Enter.</li>
 
<li>Select the object and click in the direction you would like the object to be offset.</li>
</ol>
 
<h3>Drawing Arcs</h3>
 
<p>To draw an arc, choose Arc [ [[Image:image043.jpg]] ] from the
Draw toolbar and follow the prompts. As with circles, object snaps are often
helpful when drawing arcs.</p>
 
<p>When drawing an arc by using the Start, End, and Radius options, the three specifications
actually define two possible arcs, one minor and one major. AutoCAD draws the minor arc by
default, in the counterclockwise direction. (A minor arc is less than half a circle.) If you
enter a negative number for the radius, AutoCAD draws the major arc (which is more than
half a circle). The options requiring an angle also define two possible arcs, one drawn
counterclockwise and one drawn clockwise.</p>
 
<p>AutoCAD draws the counterclockwise arc by default. If you type a negative number for the
angle, AutoCAD draws the arc clockwise.</p>
 
<h3>Rotating an Object</h3>
 
<p>To rotate an object, choose Rotate [ [[Image:image044.jpg]] ] from the
Modify toolbar and select an object. Alternatively, select an object and then
choose Rotate from the Modify toolbar. At the Specify base point: prompt from
the command window, indicate the point around which you want to rotate. At the
Specify rotation angle or [Reference]: prompt, type an angle at the command
line.</p>
 
<p>The Reference option lets you specify an absolute existing
rotation angle and the desired angle. At the Specify the reference angle
&lt;0&gt;: prompt, you type in an angle or specify an angle by picking two
points. These can be object snap points on the object that specify the object's
current angle. At the Specify the new angle: prompt,
type or pick a new angle. You can also pick an object snap on another object in
the drawing to indicate this new angle. You can use the Reference option to align
the object with the X or Y axis or with another object in your drawing.</p>
 
<h3>Mirroring Objects</h3>
 
<p>Many drawings have symmetrical elements. Often, especially in
mechanical drawing, you can create one-half or one-quarter of a model and
complete it simply by mirroring what you have drawn.</p>
 
<p>To mirror, select an object or objects and
then choose Mirror [ [[Image:image045.jpg]] ] from the
Modify toolbar. Alternatively, choose Mirror from the Modify toolbar and
then select an object or objects.</p>
 
<p>AutoCAD prompts for the first and second points of the mirror line. This is an imaginary
line across which AutoCAD creates the mirrored object. The length of the line is
irrelevant &mdash; only its start point and direction are important.</p>
 
<p><i><b>Note:</b> Most mirror lines are orthogonal. Therefore, after you specify the first
mirror point, turn on ORTHO and move the mouse in the direction of the second point. You can
then quickly pick the second point. Polar tracking can also easily guide you to specify an
orthogonal mirror line.</i></p>
 
<p>Example based on a mounting plate shown in Figure 19</p>
<ol>
<li>Choose Mirror from the Modify toolbar. <i>Select objects:</i> prompt
appears at the command window.  Pick the exterior line and two arcs
and press Enter.</li>
 
<li>At the Specify first point of mirror line: prompt, pick the intersection
[[Image:image047.jpg]] in Figure 19. At the <i>Spe</i>cify second point of
mirror line: prompt, pick the intersection[[Image:image049.jpg]].</li>
 
<li>AutoCAD prompts: <i>Delete source objects? [Yes/No] &lt;N&gt;:</i> Press Enter to accept
the default, No.</li>
 
<li>Again choose Mirror from the Modify toolbar. At the <i>Select objects: </i>prompt, type P
and then press Enter to pick the original lines. Then pick the new exterior line and two arcs
and then press Enter.</li>
 
[[Image:image051.jpg|frame|center|Figure 19]]
 
<li>At the <i>Specify first point of mirror line:</i> prompt, pick the intersection
[[Image:image053.jpg]].  At the <i>Specify second point of mirror line:</i>
prompt, pick the intersection[[Image:image055.jpg]]. Press
Enter again at the <i>Delete source objects? [Yes/No] &lt;N&gt;:</i> prompt.</li>
 
<li>AutoCAD completes the mounting plate seen in Figure 20.</li>
</ol>
 
[[Image:image056.jpg|frame|center|Figure 20]]
 
<h3>Trimming objects</h3>
 
<p>As you edit a drawing, you may find that lines or arcs that
once perfectly met other objects now hang over. To trim an object, you must first
specify the cutting edge, which defines the point at which AutoCAD cuts the
object you want to trim. You define the cutting edge by selecting an object.
You can select several cutting edges and several objects to trim at one time,
as shown in Figure 21. When you select an object to trim, you must pick the object
on the side that you want trimmed (not on the side that you want to remain). A
common use for the TRIM command is to create intersections of walls in
architectural floor plans.</p>
 
<p>While using the TRIM command, you can switch to extending
objects by pressing the Shift key as you select objects to trim.</p>
 
[[Image:image058.jpg|frame|center|Figure 21]]
 
<p>To trim an object, choose Trim [ [[Image:image060.jpg]] ] from the
Modify toolbar. You cannot select objects before starting the TRIM command.
AutoCAD displays the <i>Current settings:
Projection=UCS, Edge=None,
Select cutting edges ... Select objects:</i> prompt. AutoCAD lets you know the
values of the two system variables that affect trimming. The Projection setting
is used only for 3D models. The Edge setting is used for implied intersections.
When Edge is set to Extend, AutoCAD trims to the implied intersection of the
cutting edge and the object to be trimmed. At this prompt, pick the object(s)
that you want to use as a cutting edge. Press Enter to end object selection. (See
Figure 21)</p>
 
<p>Now you may be able to cut the lines within the cutting
edges. Use the Undo (CTRL+Z) option, or type ''u'' then press ''Enter'', if the results of the trim are not what you
want. You can then continue to select objects to trim.</p>
 
<h3>Layers</h3>
 
<p>The best way to organize your drawing into colors, linetypes, and lineweights is to use
layers. Layers offer powerful features that enable you to distinguish all the
various elements of your drawing. In an architectural drawing, for example,
common layers are walls, doors, windows, plumbing, electrical, fixtures,
structural elements, notes (text), dimensions, ceiling, insulation, posts,
title block, and so on. Mechanical drawings might use center, hidden, hatch,
object, and title block layers. Each discipline has its own conventions, and you
might have specific conventions where you work.</p>
 
<p>Besides having a color, linetype, and lineweight, every layer must have a name.
All drawings come with a default layer, called layer 0 (zero). Its color is Black/white,
its linetype is Continuous, and its lineweight is Default. (The lineweight for Default
is 0.010 inch or 0.25 mm.) All the exercises in this book up to this point have used
layer 0. To create a new layer, you must give it a name, a color, a linetype,
and a lineweight. You can then start drawing on that layer.</p>
 
<p>Layers also have four states. These states control visibility, regeneration,
editability, and plottability of layers:</p>
 
<ul>
<li><b>On/Off</b>: On layers (the default) are visible. Off layers are invisible and are
regenerated with the drawing.</li>
 
<li><b>Thawed/Frozen</b>: Thawed layers (the default) are visible. Frozen layers are
invisible and are not regenerated with the drawing. However, when you thaw a frozen layer,
it requires regeneration. If you have floating viewports, you can
also freeze a layer just in the current viewport, or only for new viewports that you create.</li>
 
<li><b>Unlocked/Locked</b>: Unlocked layers (the default) are visible and editable. Locked
layers are visible but cannot be edited.</li>
 
<li><b>Plottable</b><b>/Not Plottable</b>: Plottable layers are plotted. Not plottable
layers are not plotted. This setting affects only layers that are on or thawed
because off and frozen layers are not plotted anyway.</li>
</ul>
 
<p>Creating a new layer:</p>
 
<p>To create a new layer, select the Layer Properties Manager [ [[Image:image061.jpg]] ] from the
Layers group under the Home tab.</p>
 
<p>AutoCAD opens the Layer Properties Manager, as shown in Figure 22.</p>
 
[[Image:image064.jpg|frame|center|Figure 22]]
 
<p>This dialog box lists all current layers and their properties. You can also create
new layers and modify current ones.</p>
 
<h3>Drawing Dimensions</h3>
 
<p>Just as the most common objects are lines, the most common
dimensions are linear dimensions.</p>
 
<p>Use linear dimensions for lines, a straight segment of a polyline, or a straight
segment in a block. You can also use a linear dimension for arcs and circles—you
get the linear length of the arc (not its perimeter length) and the diameter of
the circle.</p>
 
<p>When dimensioning a drawing, create a new layer and label the
dimensions so that you can toggle the layer on and off. That way, when you modify your
drawing, there will be less clutter on the screen.</p>
 
<p>To dimension a line, choose Dimension from the menu bar and select linear.
AutoCAD responds with the <i>Specify first extension line origin or &lt;select
object&gt;:</i> prompt. You can now either pick two extension line origin points or
press Enter (or right-click) and select an object for dimensioning. (See Figure 23)</p>
 
[[Image:image066.jpg|frame|center|Figure 23]]
 
<h3>Inserting an External reference [Title Block]</h3>
 
<p>External references (commonly called xrefs) enable you to view any drawing as a
reference while in your current drawing. The external drawing is not part of your
current drawing.  The current drawing keeps track of the location and name of an
external reference so you can always reference it easily. As with blocks, you can
snap to objects in the external reference, thereby using it as a reference for the
drawing process. You can also change the visibility settings of the xref's layers.</p>
 
<p>To insert external reference:</p>
<ol>
<li>Type ''MVSETUP'' in the command window.</li>
<li>AutoCAD will prompt: ''Enable paper space [Y/N]''. Select ''Y''.</li>
<li>AutoCAD will prompt: ''Enter Option''. Select ''Title Block''.</li>
<li>AutoCAD will prompt: ''Enter Title Block Option''. Select ''Insert''.</li>
<li>Figure 24 shown below will appear. Type ''7'' and press ''Enter'' to select '''ANSI A'''.
 
[[Image:image067.jpg|frame|center|Figure 24]]
 
<li>AutoCAD will prompt: ''Create Drawing''. Select ''Yes''.
<p>'''''Note''': AutoCAD will take you to a new window which shows how the paper will look when it prints. The screen in the middle is known as the viewport (The grid area in Figure 25) and you can move images in and out of this viewport to print desired images. This is very helpful when drawing multiple images in one AutoCAD file but wanting to print only a couple together, or separately. To access the viewport, double click in the center. You can now draw directly in this space or type “pan” and move the background around to find other drawings in the same file.''</p>
 
<li>The title block acts as a single component. You can select a single line and the entire title block will be selected. You can now scale the title block, move it or make any other changes you wish. </li>
<p>The drawing's scale is set to be 1"=10'. Since there are 12 inches in 1 foot and
the scale is set to be 1 inch per 10 feet. You would get 12 x 10 = 120, thus making
the Scale for X, Y and Z to be 120.</p>
</ol>
 
[[Image:image069.jpg|frame|center|Figure 25]]
 
<h3>Hatching</h3>
 
<p>To hatch an area, select Draw from the menu bar and select
Hatch icon [ [[Image:Image112.jpg]] ] in the Draw group under the Home tab. AutoCAD opens a new tab, ''Hatch Creation'', as shown below in Figure
26.</p>
 
[[Image:Image113.jpg|frame|center|Figure 26]]
 
<p>Click on the arrow at the bottom right corner of the ''Options'' to open the ''Hatch and Gradient'' window.</p>
 
[[Image:image070.jpg|frame|center|Figure 27]]
 
<p>Use this dialog box to define your hatch. From the Type and Pattern drop-down box, choose one
of the three options:</p>
 
<ol>
<li><b>Predefined</b>: Enables you to select one of AutoCAD's hatch patterns.</li>
 
<li><b>User-defined</b>: Enables you to define your own hatch pattern by
specifying the angle and spacing, using the current linetype.</li>
 
<li><b>Custom</b>: Enables you to choose a pattern you have created in your own .pat
file.</li>
</ol>
 
<p>Click the Pattern drop-down box to choose the hatch patterns from a list.
(See Figure 28)</p>
 
[[Image:image071.jpg|frame|center|Figure 28]]
 
<p>In the palette, click the tabs to see the different types of
hatches. Click the image tile to choose a hatch pattern and click OK.</p>
 
<h3>Determining Hatching Boundaries</h3>
 
<p>The hardest part of hatching is placing the hatch, not
defining it. Hatching an entire object is the simplest way to place a hatch.
But often the area you want to hatch is fairly complex, and AutoCAD needs to do
some calculations to determine it. The Boundary Hatch dialog box offers two
ways to specify the hatch boundary— you can pick points inside an area and let
AutoCAD try to find an enclosed boundary, or you can select objects. If you
want to hatch an entire object:</p>
 
 
<ol>
<li>Choose Select Objects. AutoCAD returns you temporarily to your drawing.</li>
 
<li>Select all the objects you want to hatch. You can use all the standard object
selection options to select objects. Remove and Add are especially helpful.</li>
 
<li>Press Enter to end object selection and return to the dialog box.</li>
</ol>
 
<p>If the area you want to hatch does not neatly fit into one or more objects,
choose <i>Pick Points</i>. At the <i>Select internal point</i>: prompt, pick a point
that is inside the boundary that you want to hatch. You can continue to pick internal
points to hatch adjoining areas. AutoCAD helpfully highlights the boundaries it finds.
Press Enter to return to the dialog box.</p>
 
<h2>AutoCAD Exercise</h2>
 
<p>We will be drawing Josephine Poly's room. It will have walls, a window, and a door.
It will be dimensioned and have a title block.</p>
 
<p align=center>[[Image:image032.jpg]]</p>
 
<p>Your TA will show you how to use AutoCAD to create the elements you will need to
complete this assignment. The scale for the drawing is 1" = 10'.</p>
 
<p>First insert external reference, refer to page setup.  (See Figure 29)</p>
 
[[Image:image073.jpg|frame|center|Figure 29]]
 
<p>Now it is time to start creating the drawing, so type the word line in the command
box. The cursor will then ask you to specify a point on the screen to start the line.
To specify a point on the screen, move the cursor to the point that you want to start
the line and click the left mouse clicker as shown in Figure 30.</p>
 
[[Image:image075.jpg|frame|center|Figure 30]]
 
<p>After you have specified the point that you want the line to start now you must
specify where you want it to finish. To specify the length of a line type the
following: <u>length</u>&lt;<u>angle</u>. For example the base line of drawing is
20' and is a horizontal line, type 20'&lt;0. (See Figure 30)</p>
 
<p>If the line cannot be seen fully in the viewport, go the View tab then in the ''Navigate'' group, click on the arrow next to the third option which should be set by default to ''Extents''. Select ''Out'' and zoom out as many times as needed to see the full object.</p>
 
<p>The next line is a vertical line 25' long.</p>
 
[[Image:image079.jpg|frame|center|Figure 31]]
 
<p>The next line is another horizontal line, to the left. When choosing the angle
remember the Angles are in polar form.  This means a line to left is 180 degrees.</p>
 
[[Image:image081.jpg|frame|center|Figure 32]]
 
<p>For this particular exercise, you can see that we will only be dealing with
<b><i>right-angles.</i></b> So in order to simplify matters turn your "ortho" on
by clicking on the ortho button situated at the bottom of the screen. Now go ahead
and finish drawing the outer-walls. At this point your drawing should look like the
following as shown in Figure 32.</p>
 
<p>Note: When in ortho mode it is not necessary to specify the angle. Just point the line in the direction you wish to go and type in the length then press enter.</p>
 
[[Image:image083.jpg|frame|center|Figure 33]]
 
<p>Now we are going to draw the inner-walls. The distance between the inner and
outer-walls is required to be 6 inches. To draw a line spaced exactly 6 inches and
parallel from another one we will use the "offset" command. Either click the
"offset" icon or type offset in the command window. Once you do, the command
window will display the following <i>Specify
offset distance or [Through] &lt;Through&gt;</i>: prompting you to enter the
distance from the original line you wish to create the parallel line. Type the
following exactly and press enter: 6" Afterwards, the command window will
display <i>Select object to offset or
&lt;exit&gt;</i>:  basically asking you
to select the original line you wish to offset from. Once you select the line
you want, AutoCAD will ask you to <i>Specify</i><i> point on side
to offset</i>:  which means on which side
of the original line you want to create the new line parallel to it; i.e. the
left or right of it. For our case let's start on the right most
line/outer-wall. The side to which you will "offset" will be to the left of the
original line because you want to create the inner-walls. Your drawing should
now look like the following Figure 34.</p>
 
[[Image:image085.jpg|frame|center|Figure 34]]
 
<p>Now that you know how to "offset", go ahead and offset all the outer-walls.
When you are done with that you will notice that your drawing has all the
inner-walls intersecting one another and in contact with the outer-walls.</p>
 
[[Image:image087.jpg|frame|center|Figure 35]]
 
<p>In order to correct this we will use the trim command. For the lines that are
intersecting one another we will trim them. Type "trim" or click on the trim icon.
AutoCAD will display <i>Select cutting
edges… Select objects:  </i> select the line you wish to use as the edge
along which you will cut another line. Press enter when you select the line you
wish to use as your cutting edge. Once you do the command window will display
the following <i>Select object to trim or
shift-select to extend or [Project/Edge/Undo]</i>:  basically asking you to select the portion
of the line you wish to trim along your selected cutting edge. The portions we
wish to eliminate are the sections of the inner-walls that protrude beyond the
6" boundary and come in contact with the outer-wall. When you "trim" all those
sections your drawing should look like the following Figure 36.</p>
 
[[Image:image089.jpg|frame|center|Figure 36]]
 
<p>When you are done trimming you will
notice that there is a section of the inner-wall that has a gap in it. In order
to correct this problem we will use the extend command. Typed "extend" in the command
window or click the extend icon. You will receive the message <i>Current settings:
Projection=UCS, Edge=None Select boundary edges ... Select objects</i>:
which is asking you to select the line to which you wish to extend
another one to. So select one of the lines in the gap area and press enter. The
message displayed will be <i>Select object
to extend or shift-select to trim or [Project/Edge/Undo]:  </i> which is asking you to
select the object that you wish to extend, however, before you select that line, type "edge"
and press enter. AutoCAD will then display the following message <i>Enter an implied edge
extension mode [Extend/No extend] &lt;No extend&gt;:  </i> and reply to this by typing "extend"
and press enter. When you do this AutoCAD will again display the message <i>Select object to
extend or shift-select to trim or [Project/Edge/Undo]</i>:, now select the line
you wished to extend. Your drawing should now look like the following Figure 37.</p>
 
[[Image:image091.jpg|frame|center|Figure 37]]
 
<p>Now let's add a window to Josephine's room. We do this by drawing a 6 inch line
from the inner-wall to the outer-wall along the right side of the room. Then we offset
that line by 2.5 feet in the appropriate direction. Now turn "osnap"
on and make sure that in its settings tab the midpoint option is selected. Once
that is done, draw a line from the midpoint of one line to the next. Your
drawing should now look like the following Figure 38.</p>
 
[[Image:image093.jpg|frame|center|Figure 38]]
 
<p>Now let's put a door. On the top-left section of the room draw a 6 inch line from
the inner-wall to the outer-wall and offset this line through a distance of 4 feet. Once
you do that "trim" the inner and outer-walls situated in-between these two lines. Your
drawing should look like the following Figure 39.</p>
 
[[Image:image095.jpg|frame|center|Figure 39]]
 
<p>Now draw a line 4 feet in length extending outward from the room from the upper
corner of the outer-wall section you just trimmed. Then draw an arc of radius 4 feet
from the protruding line to the bottom corner of the outer-wall section you just trimmed.
Your drawing should look like the following Figure 40.</p>
 
[[Image:image097.jpg|frame|center|Figure 40]]
 
<p>At this point make sure that you
have three layers, two will have a predetermined name by AutoCAD (one for your
title block and another for command purposes) the second one should be named
"Room" for the actual room itself which is what you should have been using to
draw your room in. Create a fourth layer called "Text" and a fifth one named
"Title block". You will use this layer to label the room as well as the
appropriate sections of your title block. Set the "text" layer to current and
click on the "Multiline Text" icon and create a text
box inside the room. Type the following: Josephine Poly's
Room. Then set the current layer to be "title block". In the top left box of
the bottom section of the title block enter the company name of "NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering", in the top right box of the bottom section type the names of your
partner and yourself. In the box labeled "scale" input the scale of
your drawing which in our case should be " 1"=10' ". Now switch your current
layer to the "Text" layer and type, in the box below the one you inserted you
and your partners' names, "Josephine Poly's Room" and
in the box labeled "DWG. NO." type 1A. Your drawing should now look like the
one below in Figure 41:</p>
 
[[Image:image099.jpg|frame|center|Figure 41]]
 
<p>Now create a new layer called "Electrical"
and make it current. Create a text box by the door entrance inside the room and
type the letter "S" which represents a light switch. Rotate the text box 90 degrees such
that it is facing in the same plane that the respective wall exists in (y-axis).
Then in the same layer create the following two objects shown below in Figure 42.</p>
 
<div><div style="float: left; display: inline;">[[Image:image101.jpg|frame|center|Figure 42a]]</div><div style="float: left; display: inline; width: 10%;">&nbsp;</div><div style="float: left; display: inline;">[[Image:image103.jpg|frame|center|Figure 42b]]</div></div><br clear="both" />
 
<p>These represent electrical outlets of 220V and 120V respectively. Make them an
appropriate size and place one 220V outlet along the bottom wall towards the left side
and one 120V outlet towards the right side. Then make a copy of the 120V outlet paste
it along the rightmost wall near the top. Make sure that the legs of the above objects
are attached to the wall so if the wall is moved the outlets will come with it. To do this,
you can use the rotation command, if necessary. Now turn the text layer
off and type "Electrical" where you had previously typed "Josephine Poly's Room" and in the
box labeled "DWG. NO." type 1B. Your drawing should now look similar to the one below in
Figure 43.</p>
 
[[Image:image105.jpg|frame|center|Figure 43]]
 
<p>Now create a new layer called "Dimension", set it to current, and turn the electrical
layer off. Type "Dimension" where you had previously typed "Electrical" and in the box
labeled "DWG. NO." type 1C. Create linear dimensions for all the outer-walls except for
the one with the door. Then create one for the window and door. Your drawing should now
look similar to the one below in Figure 44.</p>
 
[[Image:image107.jpg|frame|center|Figure 44]]
 
<p>Now you are done. Congratulations.</p>
 
<h3>Printing</h3>
 
<p>In order to print the drawings, have the drawing set to as you
would like it printed. For example, if you would like to only have the dimensions
printed, have the dimensions layer on and the others off. Have all the layers turned on
before printing.</p>
 
<p>Go to the top bar of AutoCAD.</p>
[[Image:image114.jpg]]
 
<p>Click on the last icon that looks like a printer. This is the plot icon. A plot dialog window will appear as
shown in Figure 45. Make sure the proper printer is selected in the Plot Device
tab.</p>
 
[[Image:image109.jpg|frame|center|Figure 45]]
 
<p>Next, select the Plot Settings and change the Plot Scale to custom and then specify underneath: 1 inches = 120 drawing
units. Check off Center the Plot in the Plot Offset section. And last but not least,
select Extents in the Plot Area. Everything should look like Figure 46. You may preview
your drawing print out by click on Preview. When satisfied with the entire options
click OK.</p>
 
[[Image:image111.jpg|frame|center|Figure 46]]
 
<p>You have now completed the lab. Log off the PC and make sure your work area is
clean, with any scrap paper you used, etc. properly of.</p>
 
[[Main_Page | Return to Table of Contents]]

Revision as of 01:27, 25 August 2015

Objective

In this exercise, you will be introduced to additional software used by technical professionals. You will learn basic technical design methods using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, specifically AutoCAD. Later on in the course, you will use this knowledge to create designs, particularly in your semester-long design project.

Create an EG Logo Keychain in AutoCAD 2016 to export for a 3D print.

Overview

Computer-Aided Design

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs allow engineers to make precise scaled drawings in less time than more traditional methods. CAD drawing allows designers to make changes easily and efficiently making them more productive. You will need to understand the fundamentals of Computer-Aided Design to progress in your career.

This exercise has been designed to introduce the basics of CAD drawing.

3D Printing

Blurb.

Procedure

Setting up the file

  1. Start AutoCAD and open a new file
  2. Select the AutoCAD 3D template
  3. Modify the units for the drawing
  4. Change the length unit type to Engineering

    File formats and viewing mode

  5. AutoCAD drawing files formats include
    1. DWG – the primary drawing file for the 3D model view
    2. STL – the file exported from AutoCAD for input into 3D printing software
    3. DWT – the file of the sheet set seen in the layout view
    4. DXF – a drawing format for compatibility with other software
    5. PLT – the file sent to the printer of the layout view
  6. The default AutoCAD view is model view, click on the layout view
  7. Change to model space in the layout view to change the viewport

    Designing the EG Keychain

  8. Open the file “Lab 1 AutoCAD Template”
  9. Open the layer properties and click the lightbulb next to the EG Logo layer
    1. Layers are a useful way to separate different components of a drawing file
    2. In this DWG, the EG Logo layer is the image file used to create the text outline
    3. Separating model features (e.g. plumbing and electrical) allows separate viewing
    4. Turn the EG Logo layer back off by clicking the lightbulb
  10. Fill the EG Logo text outline by typing the command REGION
  11. In general AutoCAD commands operate with the same basic steps
    1. Type the command
    2. Choose command parameters and objects
      1. Select object (hit enter after)
      2. Enter quantity (type and hit enter)
      3. Specify position (click on screen)
    3. Hit the enter button to execute command
  12. Use the command DRAWORDER to move the outlines of the “Rs” and “A” to the back
  13. Use the command SUBTRACT to remove the holes in the “Rs” and “A”
  14. Use the EXTRUDE command to add 3/8” height to the text
  15. Use the REGION command on the box outline and EXTRUDE to 1/4”
  16. Create a keychain hole
    1. Draw a CIRCLE with radius 1/8”
    2. Change the DRAWORDER of the box to the back
    3. EXTRUDE the circle -1/4”
    4. Change the DRAWORDER of the box to the back
    5. SUBTRACT the cylinder from the box
  17. Select all features and save as an STL file
  18. Open the STL file in MakerBot Desktop, click rescale object to convert from inches to millimeters
  19. Explore the features of 3D printing software (scaling, position, rotation)
  20. Additional AutoCAD instruction can be found in the AutoCAD Skill Builder