Lynn Allen's Blog

Creating 2D Drawing Views from your 3D Model in AutoCAD

So much of our AutoCAD life is spent documenting our designs with 2D drawing views.  Did you know that if you design in 3D - AutoCAD makes it a cinch to create associative 2D drawing views?  So if your design should change (not that your designs ever change!) the drawing views update automatically saving you lots of time!  Dimensions update automatically - it's just all a beautiful thing.

Check out my Cadalyst video for more info (and to see how easy it all is!).

 

And be sure to try it for yourself!

Isometric drawing in AutoCAD 2015 - Part 2

I'm so excited to have my guest writer, Dieter Schlaepfer, as he continues his coverage of isometric drawing in AutoCAD 2015.  Let's review our goal:

Drawing a Bracket.

Ok, let’s get started. For this illustration, I started with the top view and worked down. After cycling the isoplane to Top, I used direct distance entry to specify the lengths. Then, to draw the vertical lines, I switched to the Right isoplane, entered the distances from points 1 through 4, and then snapped to the endpoint at point 5.

 

Tip: For several of the points, I could have used object snap tracking instead.

Next, I switched to the Left and Right isoplanes and created the isocircle ellipses. A convenient way to locate the centers of the holes is to use object snap tracking from the midpoint of an edge together with direct distance entry.

To connect the isocircles for the slot, I started the Line command and used object snap tracking (F11) as shown below. This same method also works great for creating silhouette edges. If you’re not already familiar with this powerful feature, definitely try it out!

Then, I trimmed the excess lines from the slot and copied the objects as shown.

To complete the slot, the hole, and the pin, I copied and trimmed everything that didn’t belong. Switching back to the Top isoplane, I created the concentric isocircles. A short segment locates the centers of the upper isocircles, and I copied the large isocircle to the bottom.

 

Finally, I zoomed in close and trimmed all the remaining extraneous segments.

Pretty slick...isn't it?

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A million thanks to the wonderful Dieter for his hard work writing these blog postings for me.  If you'd like to email Dieter directly with questions - please do so at:

[email protected]

 

 

Isometric drawing in AutoCAD 2015 - Part 1

 
I've never had a guest writer on my blog - but one of my favorite coworkers - Dieter Schlaepfer , who is a Principal Learning Content Developer for Autodesk, and an excellent writer - kindly volunteered!  Dieter is an enthusiastic fan of the Isodraft command, so here is his take on this awesome new addition to AutoCAD 2015.

2D Isometric Drawing in AutoCAD 2015 by Dieter Schlaepfer

With the addition of the new ISODRAFT command in AutoCAD and LT 2015, creating 2D isometric drawings became a whole lot easier and faster.  While I’m a total enthusiast for 3D solid modeling, I do have to admit that it makes sense to use isometric drawing when all you need is some simple isometric views for design concepts, presentations, catalogs, illustrations, and assembly instructions.

The Isodraft command supersedes the Isoplane command. The primary advantage of Isodraft is that when it is turned is turned on or off, all the related settings are automatically changed as well, so they line up with the isometric axes and corresponding isoplanes and their cursors, Left, Right, and Top.

Click the Isodraft icon on the status bar to turn on isometric drawing. When you’re done, click it again to return to orthographic  drawing.

Everyone has their favorite methods and preferences for drawing with AutoCAD, and I’m no exception.  But before I show you how I would create the bracket illustrated above, let’s take an inventory of the features and tools that I use the most for isometric drawing.

Useful Features

• Polar tracking – Guides your cursor along the isometric angles. I use Ortho in crowded areas.
• Direct distance entry – Why use anything else when you know the dimensions?
• Object snap tracking – Super useful for locating points offset from other points along isometric angles. I leave the MID object snap turned on so I can easily locate centers of rectangular areas. If I run into any difficulties, I create construction geometry using another color, and, when I’m not too lazy, on a separate reference layer.
• Lineweight – Lets you add emphasis.

Commands and Keys

• Isodraft – Access this command quickly from the status bar. To cycle through the isoplanes, make the F5 key your friend.  Incidentally, sometimes F12, dynamic input, can be helpful depending on the circumstances. Sometimes I use it, and sometimes I turn it off.
• Ellipse/Isocircle – This lets you create the appearance of circles and arcs in the current isoplane orientation. Don’t forget to choose the Isocircle option. If you create a lot of isocircles, you might want to consider creating a macro, or perhaps even a button.
• Line, Move, Copy, Trim, Extend, Erase, Fillet (radius = 0) – These are the primary commands that you’ll use the most. I use Offset all the time in orthographic drawing, but not in isometric drawing.

To be continued...tune in tomorrow for directions on how to draw the bracket.

(I know the suspense is killing you)...

 

 

Join me for an Autodesk 2015 Solutions event in Canada

I've always loved working with the wonderful Autodesk Canadian team - and now (after a few years) I get the chance to do it again!  So if you live near Montreal or Toronto - I'm hoping you'll join me for an Autodesk 2015 Solutions event!  (I'd love to see you again...)

 

Register today! (and it is no charge)

Revit Technology Conference is right around the corner!

So have you signed up yet?  If you are a Revit user - you do NOT want to miss this amazing information filled conference.  Add in the networking (with other Revit users who have the same challenges that you do) and the exhibit hall tailored to your industry...not to mention some very enjoyable evening activities to reward you after a day of learning and improving your skillset...and it is a conference not to be missed!

I know I'll be there - and I can hardly wait...counting the days actually...(and there is still time for YOU to sign up!).  But hurry...space if running out as I type...(and as you read).  Sign up for RTC today!

Do I sound a little over-enthusiastic?  If so - it is because I want to see you there.  And it is in Chicago...have you been to Chicago?  There is so much to see (and enjoy) in Chicago and the first drink is on me.  : )

How could you possibly resist that?

AutoCAD 2015 Galleries - Content at your fingertips!

One of the handiest new features inside of AutoCAD 2015 are the new Galleries.  Now when you select the Insert Tool from the ribbon - all the blocks (in the current drawing) display right there from the ribbon!  There are a variety of other galleries in AutoCAD 2015 - check out my video for more information..

 

And have a great weekend!

60 AutoCAD Tips in 60 Minutes!

Would you like a super speedy set of AutoCAD Tips delivered in a very compact presentation?  Then be sure to join me tomorrow (yes tomorrow!) courtesy of AMSCAD.  

 

 

 

 

 

Held at 3:00pm EST - you won't want to miss this action packed web-based presentation from yours truly.

Sign up Today!