When creating complex objects in Autocad 3d it’s useful to implement the UCS, or User Coordinate System. We explore this handy feature in our Autocad 3d courses.
For instance, create the collection of objects above using the basic shapes tools. Note that the base box has a depth of -10. This can be useful when building the objects on top; by default objects are created on the X-Y plane. Use the Constrained Orbit tool to rotate around the model, or press Shift and the mouse- wheel. Press and drag the mouse-wheel to pan, and roll the mouse-wheel to zoom in and out.
Note that many of the 2D drawing tools can be used in the 3D environment. For example, to centre the Cylinder on top of the Cube it will be necessary to use the Line tool to establish the centre point, by drawing from corner to corner of the Cube. You could use Snap and Grid settings of 10mm for this exercise. If you later need to reorient the grid, type UCS > W. Use the Move tool to move objects into place when necessary.
Use the Mirror tool to copy the Cones. Use the Copy tool to copy the Cylinders. Use the Chamfer and Fillet tools. As you build, experiment with the various Visual Styles and 3D Navigation controls. Apply the standard isometric views found in the drop-down menu.
To create the spike cones on the surfaces of the various objects, you can use the Dynamic UCS function (DYN), found on the bottom Status bar. When activated each surface will adopt it’s own UCS as you hover over it with your cursor. As you draw a new object, eg. a cone or cylinder, each surface becomes a new X-Y plane. To return to the WCS (World Coordinate System) when finished, simply switch off the Dynamic UCS on the Status bar.
The 3d interface in Autocad is user-friendly and easy to learn, and we take time to teach a broad range of applications in our classes including modeling, materials, lighting and animation. See many examples of our clients’ work on our Facebook page. For more information there are lots of resources on the web, but try the Autodesk site to begin with: www.autodesk.com. Support options and user forums are also available from the home page.
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