MALAYSIA POLYTECHNICS MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
]
MODULE E 2004 COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN IDRIS BIN KAMARUDDIN (PSA) SHALIZA BT SHAHRIL (PSA)
BIODATA OF MODULE WRITERS E2004 COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
Name Address
: :
Telephone No. : e-mail : Qualifications : Position :
Name Address
: :
Telephone No. : e-mail : Qualifications : Position
:
Idris Bin Kamaruddin Electrical Engineering Department Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Persiaran Usahawan, Seksyen U1, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. 03-55691901 ext.6020
[email protected] /
[email protected] B.Eng Electrical ( Mechatronic )– (UTM) Lecturer
Shaliza Bt Shahril Electrical Engineering Department Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Persiaran Usahawan, Seksyen U, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. 03-55691901 ext.6020
[email protected] Diploma Electrical Engineering & Education.( ITTHO- UTM ) Polytechnic Lecturer
PROOF READER Name Address
: :
Telephone No. : e-mail : Qualifications : Position :
Khairul Bariah Bt Takrim No.2, Lorong Sungai Isap Damai 8, 2515, Kuantan, Pahang. ( Politeknik Sultan Ahmad Shah ) 019-9672922 MA TESL, BA Linguistics Lecturer
What Do You Think Of This Module? Title of Module: _______________________
Module Code
: ___________
Student’s Name: _______________________
Registration No. : ___________
Course : ____________________________________ Module Writers: ______________________________ Please use the following scale for your evaluation: 4 3 2 1
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree
Instruction : Please √ on the space provided. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
How much do you agree with the following statements? A. FORMAT The pages are organized in an interesting manner. The font size makes it easy for me to read the module. The size and types of pictures and charts used are suitable for the input. The pictures and charts are easy to read and understand. The tables used are well-organised and easy to understand. The arrangement of the Input makes it easy for me to follow. All the instructions are displayed clearly. B. CONTENTS I understand all the objectives clearly. I understand the ideas conveyed. The ideas are presented in an interesting manner. All the instructions are easy to understand. I can carry out the instructions in this module. I can answer the questions in the activities easily. I can answer the questions in the self-assessment. The feedback section can help me identify my mistakes. The language used is easy to understand. The way the module is written makes it interesting to read. I can follow this module easily. Each unit helps me understand the topic better. I have become more interested in the subject after using this module.
SCALE 1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
CURRICULUM GRID The curriculum grid of this module is based on the curriculum used by Malaysian polytechnics. No.
1
2
3
4
5
6 7 8 9
TOPIC
Introduction To CAD Methods to Entering Command and Data Input Drawing Aids, Drawing Limits and Display Control
UNIT
1
2
3
Total Hours
3
6
3
Draw Command
4
Modify Command
5
6
6
6
7
3
8
3
9
3
Text,Dtext and Textstyles Dimensioning Linetype, Layer and Block Printing
9
UNIT 1
INTRODUCTION TO CAD
1.1
Introduction 1.1.1 CAD Definition 1.1.2 Systems requirement 1.1.3 The list of other CAD packages 1.1.4 Advantages of using CAD
1.2
Getting started 1.2.1 Introducing CAD for windows.
UNIT 2 1.1 1.2
METHODS TO ENTERING COMMAND AND DATA INPUT
How to begin command Creating drawing by using Coordinate Entry.
UNIT 3
DRAWING AIDS, DRAWING LIMITS AND DISPLAY CONTROL
3.1
Describing drawing aids command: 3.1.1 Snap 3.1.2 Ortho 3.1.3 Grid 3.1.4 Object Snap
3.2 3.3
Drawing Limits setup. Explaining display control and others display commands 3.3.1 Zoom 3.3.2 Pan 3.3.3 Redraw 3.3.4 Regen
UNIT 4 4.1
DRAW COMMANDS
Identifying the specification of draw commands. 4.1. 1 Lines 4.1. 2 Arc
4.1. 3 4.1. 4 4.1. 5 4.1. 6 4.1. 7 4.1. 8 4.1. 9 4.2
Drawing simple electronics component, schematic and PCB diagram by using draw commands.
UNIT 5 5.1
MODIFY COMMANDS
Describing the using of edit commands 5.1.1 Erase 5.1.2 Move 5.1.3 Rotate 5.1.4 Trim 5.1.5 Scale 5.1.6 Mirror 5.1.7 Array 5.1.8 Stretch 5.1.9 Extend 5.1.10 Fillet 5.1.11 Chamfer 5.1.12 Offset 5.1.13 Divide 5.1.14 Measure 5.1.15 Change 5.1.16 Pedit
UNIT 6 6.1
Circles Ellipse Polygon Point Polyline Solid Donut
TEXT, DTEXT AND TEXTSTYLES
Describing TEXT and DTEXT command. 6.1.1 Justify Text 6.1.2 Font 6.1.3 Textstyle Operations.
UNIT 7 7.1 7.2 7.3
DIMENSIONING Benefit of using dimension. Describing of Dim Style and Dimupdate Types of dimension. 7.3.1 Linear 7.3.2 Aligned 7.3.3 Angular 7.3.4 Diameter 7.3.5 Radius
UNIT 8
LINETYPE, LAYER AND BLOCK
8.1
Type of line regarding with drawing needed. 8.1.1 Load and setting type of lines
8.2
Layer 8.2.1 8.2.2 8.2.3 8.2.4
8.3
Block and Wblock 8.3.1 Describing of block and Wblock, insert, Minsert, explode, and attribute.
UNIT 9 9.1 9.2
Introduction of Layer Layer Commands Layer Control by using dialog box Create a drawing after layer setting.
PRINTING
Printing Command Print / Plot Configuration .
MODULE GUIDELINES To achieve maximum benefits in using this module, students must follow the instructions carefully and complete all the activities. 1. 2.
This module is divided into 16 units. Each page is numbered according to the subject code, unit and page number. E2004 / UNIT 1 / 5
Subject Unit 1 Page Number 5 3. 4.
The general and specific objectives are given at the beginning of each unit. The activities in each unit are arranged in a sequential order and the following symbols are given:
OBJECTIVES The general and specific objectives for each learning topic are stated in this section.
INPUT This section introduces the subject matter that you are going to learn.
ACTIVITIES The activities in this section test your understanding of the subject matter. You have to complete this section by following the instructions
FEEDBACK Answers to the questions in the activity section are given here
SELF-ASSESSMENT Self-assessment evaluates your understanding of each unit.
FEEDBACK OF SELF-ASSESSMENT This section contains answers to the activities in the self-assessment. .
5. 6.
You have to follow the units in sequence. You may proceed to the next unit after successfully completing the unit and you are confident of your achievement.
GENERAL AIMS This module is prepared for students in the second semester who are following the Certificate/Diploma programmes in Malaysian Polytechnics. It aims to expose students to the Computer Aided Design concept in each unit and to lead them towards self-directed learning or with guidance from their lecturers.
PREREQUISITE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE The prerequisites of this module is at least a pass in SPM. GENERAL OBJECTIVES
At the end of this module, students should be able to: 1. Describe the CAD definition, system requirement and advantage of using CAD. 2. Get started with AutoCAD. 3. Enter command and data input 4. Use draw command to make simple drawing. 5. Use draw aids command to make drawing easier. 6. Learn to use draw limits. 7. Learn to use important editing command. 8. Use display control. 9. Learn how to place text on a drawing. 10. Learn how to use dimensioning. 11. Use linetype in the drawing. 12. Learn how to use layer to control display of the drawing. 13. Learn to make and insert blocks. 14. Set the printing to print drawing.
TEACHING AIDS AND RESOURCES NEEDED 1. 2.
Computer AutoCAD ( R14, R2000 or 2002 ) Software.
REFERENCES 1.
James A.Leach ( 1998 ) – AutoCAD 14 Instructor; McGraw Hill Company.
2.
KnowledgeworksTM ( 1998 ) – AutoCAD R14 Fundamentals; Autodesk Press
3.
Alan J.Kalameja ( 1995 ) – The Autocad Tutor For Engineering Graphics-Release 12 and 13; Autodesk Press.
4.
Bill Burehard, David Pitzer, Francis Soen ( 1998 ) – Inside Autocad 14, Limited Edition; New Rider Publishing, Indianapolis, Indiana.
5.
Alan T.H Khoo ( 2002 ) – Step by Step AutoCADLT, Volume 1: The Basic; Federal Publications Sdn. Bhd, Shah Alam.
E2004/1/1 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
UNIT 1
INTRODUCTION TO CAD
OBJECTIVES General Objective
: To understand the function of CAD and how to begin using AutoCAD
Specific Objectives : At the end of the unit you should be able to: ¾
Explain CAD.
¾
Identify system requirement needed to run the CAD program.
¾
List other CAD packages.
¾
Explain the advantages of using CAD compared to conventional drawing.
¾
Start AutoCAD to begin drawing.
¾
Use menus, dialog box and toolbars.
¾
Save and exit from AutoCAD drawing.
E2004/1/2 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
INPUT 1a
1.0
DEFINITION OF CAD
CAD is an acronym for Computer Aided Design or Computer Aided Drafting. CAD allows you to accomplish design and drafting activities using a computer. We can use CAD to draw a building plan, circuit diagram, chart, 3D object and more. Design is a broad field involving the process of making ideas into a real product or system. The design process requires repeated refinement of ideas until a solution results – a manufactured product or constructed system. Traditionally, design involves the use of sketches, drawings, renderings, 2-dimensional and 3dimensional models, prototypes, testing, analysis, and documentation. Drafting is generally known as the production of drawing that is used to document a design for manufacturing or construction or to archive the design. CAD is a tool that can be used to design and draft activities. CAD can be used to make “rough” ideas drawing, although it is more suited to create accurate finished drawing and rendering. CAD can be used to create a 2-dimensional or 3dimensional computer model or system for further analysis and testing by other computer programs. In addition, CAD can be used to supply manufacturing equipment such as lathes, mills, laser cutter, or rapid prototyping equipment with numerical data to manufacture a product. CAD is also used to create the 2dimensional documentation drawing for communicating and archiving the design. The tangible result of CAD activity is usually a drawing generated by a plotter or printer but can be a rendering of a model or numeric data in binary usually saved to magnetic or optical device such as a diskette, hard disk, tape or CD.
E2004/1/3 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
1.1
SYSTEM REQUIREMENT. The following list consists of recommended hardware and software required for proper operation using CAD software. • • • •
1.2
Windows NT 3.51 or 4.0 or Windows 95 and the latest version. 32 MB of RAM. 50 MB of hard disk space. 10 MB additional RAM for each concurrent CAD session.
THE LIST OF OTHER CAD PACKAGE There are many CAD packages that we can use to make a drawing. Each CAD package has an advantage to make drawing easier. Example of the packages are listed below; • • • • • •
AutoCAD Catiar AutoCADLT MasterCAM PSPICE AutoSketch
However, with the advancement of technology, CAD program has undergone changes and updated to meet the need of users.
1.3
ADVANTAGES OF USING AUTOCAD Although there are many methods used to design and draft activities, CAD offers the following advantages over other methods in many cases: • Improving productivity, capability and accuracy. • Faster editing, reviewing and designing.
E2004/1/4 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
• • 1.3.1
Improving quality of end product. Save storage for drawing. Improving productivity, capability and accuracy. Simple drawing created manually requires lesser time than larger and more complex drawings, particularly those involving similar shapes or repetitive operations. It may take some time to set up the first drawing and create some of the initial geometry, but any of the existing geometry or drawing setup can be easily duplicated in the current or for new drawings. As CAD and the associated technology advance and software are becoming more interconnected, more productive developments are available. For example, it is possible to make a change to a 3dimensional model that automatically causes a related change in the linked 2-dimensional engineering drawing. One of the main advantages of these technological advances is productivity. When you draw with CAD system, the graphical elements, such as lines, arc, and circles are stored in the Cad file as a numeric data. CAD systems store that numeric data with great precision. For example, AutoCAD stores values with fourteen signification digits. The value 1 for example, is stored in scientific notation as the equivalent of 1.0000000000000. This precision provides you with the ability to create design and drawing that are 100% accurate for almost every case.
1.3.2
Faster editing, reviewing and designing. Making changes to a CAD file known as editing is generally much faster than making changes to a traditional manual drawing. Since all the graphics elements in a CAD drawing are stored, only the affected components of the design or drawing need to be altered, and the drawing can be plotted or printed again or converted to other formats. It can save our time to produce a new drawing.
E2004/1/5 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
1.3.3
Improving quality of end product. The quality of end product is improved because during the development, we use accurate measurement without any confusion.
1.3.4
Save of storage With conventional method we use drawing paper as a media to save our file. If we have lot of drawing, more space is needed. This storage problem can be solved by using CAD drawing. We just need an electronic storage element such as hard disk or diskette to save a thousand drawing file.
As a student, learning AutoCAD, as opposed to learning another CAD software product, give you a higher probability of using your skills in industry. Likewise, there are employers who use AutoCAD than any other single CAD system. In addition, learning AutoCAD is a first CAD system gives you a good foundation for learning other CAD packages because many concepts and commands introduced by AutoCAD are utilized by other systems. In some cases, an AutoCAD feature becomes industry standards. The .DXF file format, for example, was introduced by AutoDesk and has become an industry standard for CAD file conversion between systems.
E2004/1/6 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
ACTIVITY 1a
FILL IN THE BLANK. 1.1
What is the definition of CAD? List its main function. _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
1.2
List all the CAD packages that you know of. _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
1.3
List the advantages of using CAD compared to conventional methods. _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
E2004/1/7 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
FEEDBACK TO ACTIVITY 1a
ANSWERS. 1.1
CAD is an acronym for Computer Aided Design or Computer Aided Drafting. CAD allows you to accomplish design and drafting activities using a computer. We can use CAD to draw a building plan, circuit diagram, chart, 3D object and more. (Refer to input 1a page 2 ) 1.2 There are many CAD packages that we can use to make a drawing. Each CAD package has an advantage to make drawing easier. Example of the packages are listed below; a. b. c. d. e. f.
1.3.
AutoCAD Catiar AutoCADLT MasterCAM PSPICE AutoSketch
Although there are many methods used to design and draft activities, CAD offers the following advantages over other methods in many cases: • Improving productivity, capability and accuracy. • Faster editing, reviewing and designing. • Improving quality of end product. • Save storage for drawing.
E2004/1/8 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
INPUT 1b
1.4
STARTING AUTOCAD In this module, we use AutoCAD R14 package. We can use another AutoCAD version because the basic drawing is similar. Assuming that AutoCAD has been installed and configured properly for your system, you are ready to begin using AutoCAD. To start AutoCAD using any Windows, double click on the icon on the desktop as shown below.
Figure 1.1: AutoCAD R14 Icon If the icon does not appear on the desktop, press the ‘Start’ button, highlight ‘Programs’, and search for ‘AutoCAD R14’ in the menu. From the list displayed, select ‘AutoCAD R14’.
Figure 1.2: Start AutoCAD from Start button
E2004/1/9 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
1.4.1
Start Up Dialog Box When you start AutoCAD, the ‘Start Up’ dialog box appears. This dialog box includes several tools to help you open an existing drawing or set up a new drawing.
Figure 1.3: Start Up dialog box The following is the content of the instructions for the ‘Start Up’ dialog box as it explains the purpose of the first four buttons. The button on the left determine how you begin a drawing “ Use a Wizard ” lead through setting up a drawing “ Use a Template ” start a drawing based on the template “ Start from Scratch ”begin drawing quickly using default English or Metric settings “ Open a Drawing ” Open an existing drawing
USE A WIZARD If you want to set up a drawing using a dialog box, choose ‘Use a Wizard’. You can choose from two wizards: ‘Quick Setup’ and ‘Advanced Setup’.
E2004/1/10 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
‘Quick Setup.’ Choose the Quick Setup wizard to set up the drawing area and change settings, such as text height and snap spacing, to an appropriate scale. With the Quick Setup wizard, you establish basic settings that help define the units of measure and drawing area. These settings include the basic unit type (such as architectural, decimal, engineering, fractional, or scientific units) to be used for display and plotting. You also specify the width and length of the drawing area, and thereby establish the drawing's boundaries, called limits. The area within these limits defines the final plotted sheet size. After you accept the settings, the drawing session will begin. Step 1: Units Select the format in which you want to display units of measure. Select the format in which you want to enter and display coordinates and measurements. Several measurement styles are available in AutoCAD. Two of them, Engineering and Architectural, have a specific base unit (inches) assigned to them. You can choose from other measurement styles that can represent any convenient unit of measurement:
Decimal. Engineering. Architectural.Frictional
-
Scientific.
-
Select to display measurements in decimal notation. Select to display measurements in feet and decimal inches. Select to display measurements in feet, inches, and fractional inches. Select to display measurements in mixed number (integer and fractional) notation. Select to display measurements in scientific notation (numbers expressed in the form of the product of a decimal number between 0 and 10 and a power of 10).
E2004/1/11 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
Figure 1.4 : Quick Setup box for step 1. Step 2: Area Enter the approximate width and length in full-scale units of what you plan to draw. This limits the area of the drawing covered by grid dots when the grid is turned on. It also adjusts several default settings, such as text height, linetype scaling, and snap distance, to convenient values. You can also adjust these settings, individually, from the Format menu later in the drawing session.
Figure 1.5 : Quick Setup box for step 2.
E2004/1/12 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
‘Advanced Setup.’ Choose the Advanced Setup wizard to set up the drawing area and change settings, such as text height and snap spacing, to an appropriate scale. You can also establish basic layout features. Step 1: Units Select the format in which you want to enter and display coordinates and measurements. Several measurement styles are available in AutoCAD. Two of them, Engineering and Architectural, have a specific base unit assigned to them (inches). You can choose from other measurement styles that can represent any convenient unit of measurement:
Figure 1.6: Advanced Setup box for step 1 The precision that you specify controls the number of decimal places or fractional size to which you want linear measurements displayed. Step 2: Angles Select the format in which you want to enter and display angles: Decimal Degrees. Select to enter and display partial degrees as decimals. Deg/Min/Sec. Select to enter and display partial degrees as minutes and seconds. Grads. Select to enter and display angles as grads. Radians. Select to enter and display angles as radians. Surveyor. Select to enter and display angles in surveyor units.
E2004/1/13 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
Figure 1.7: Advanced Setup for step 2 Step 3: Angle Measure Select the direction of the zero angles for the entry of angles:
Figure 1.8: Advanced Setup box for step 3. East. North. West. South.
Select to specify the compass direction east as the zero angle. Select to specify the compass direction north as the zero angle. Select to specify the compass direction west as the zero angle. Select to specify the compass direction south as the zero angle.
E2004/1/14 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
Other. Select to specify a direction different from the points of the compass as the zero angle. Step 4: Angle Direction Select the direction to enter and display positive angle values: counterclockwise or clockwise.
Figure 1.9: Advanced Setup Box for step 4 Step 5: Area Enter the approximate width and length of what you plan to draw in full-scale units. This limits the area of the drawing covered by grid dots when the grid is turned on. It also adjusts several default settings, such as text height, linetype scaling, and snap distance, to convenient values. You can also adjust these settings, individually, from the Format menu later in the drawing session.
E2004/1/15 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
Figure 1.10 : Advanced Setup box for Step 5
Step 6: Title Block Select the description of an AutoCAD drawing file of a title block to insert as a symbol in your new drawing. You can add or remove drawing files of title blocks from the list with the ‘Add and Remove’ buttons.
Figure 1.11: Advanced Setup box for Step 6 Step 7: Layout Select Yes to use advanced paper space layout capabilities in AutoCAD. Paper space is often used to create complex multiple-view
E2004/1/16 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
drawings. Select No to use model space only. If you select ‘Yes’ to use paper space, you have three choices of where you want to begin working.
Figure 1.12: Advanced Setup box for step 7 USE A TEMPLATE. If you want to start a drawing based on a template drawing, choose Use a Template.
Figure 1.13 : Create New Drawing using Template Template Drawing is a drawing file that you can use as a starting point for new drawings. It stores all the settings for a drawing and may also include
E2004/1/17 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
predefined layers, dimension styles, and views. Template drawings are distinguished from other drawing files by a different file extension, .dwt. They are normally kept in the template directory. Several template drawings are included with AutoCAD. You can make additional template drawings by changing the extensions of drawing file names to have a .dwt extension.
START FROM SCRATCH If you want to begin drawing quickly using default English or metric settings, choose Start from Scratch.
Figure 1.14 : Create New Drawing box using Start From Scratch From the Select Default setting field, we can choose either English or Metric setting. English Metric
1.5
-
Unit measurement is in traditional setting ( Inches ) Unit measurement is in standard setting ( MM )
AUTOCAD R14 DRAWING SCREEN Below are the standard screens for AutoCAD R14. We can adjust the screen weather to add or remove some toolbar or change the toolbar or resize the screen
E2004/1/18 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
arrangement. In a standard AutoCAD R14, we can see the ‘Menu Bar’, ‘Toolbar’, ‘Layer Status Windows’, ‘Command Line’, ‘Status Line’, ‘Drawing Area’ and ‘Cursor Pointing’.
Menu Bar
Layer Status Window
Crosshair Cursor
Toolbars Drawing Area
Command Line Status Line
Figure 1.15 : AutoCAD Drawing Screen Toolbars AutoCAD R14 provides a variety of toolbars. Each toolbar contains a number of icon buttons that can be selected to invoke command.
Menu Bars These menus provide an alternative method of accessing command and dialog boxes other than the Command Prompt or a toolbars button. They are termed pull-down menus because when you choose one with your left mouse button, the menu is displayed beneath its title, as if you were pulling the menu down from its title.
E2004/1/19 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
Pull-Down Menu
Figure 1.16: Pull-Down Menu Command Line The command line is a docked or floating window where you can enter names or command and where AutoCAD displays prompts and messages. Layer Status Window Layer status window shows the current layer setting. Status Line The status line is a set of informative words or symbols that gives the status of the drawing aids. The following drawing aids can be toggled on or off by double-clicking on the desired word or by using Function keys or Ctrl key sequences. 1.6
GETTING TOOLBARS FROM PULL DOWN MENU We can use toolbars to perform the desired command like ‘line’, ‘circles’ and other. By default there are four toolbars that appear in the AutoCAD screen. To display another toolbar, we can access the ‘Toolbars’ dialog box in the following ways; Toolbar Menu Command
: ‘Right clicking any currently visible toolbar’ : View>Toolbar : toolbar
E2004/1/20 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
The toolbar dialog box is displayed, as shown in the following figure:
Figure 1.17: Toolbar Setting Box Choose any of the toolbar checkboxes displays the toolbar. The toolbar can then be moved anywhere in the application window by selecting the title bar and dragging the toolbar to a location. 1.7
SAVING FILE AND EXIT FROM AUTOCAD AutoCAD uses different file saving command that protect your work by storing the existing drawing status to a named file in a directory. Saving your work is very important because if there is a power failure, all of your work saved prior to the problem will be usable. Various file saving commands are used to store drawing information. These command include SAVE, SAVE AS and QSAVE. The SAVE command saves the drawing with the current filename or a specified name when saved the first time. We can get the command with the following ways Menu Command
: File>Save : SAVE
The SAVE AS command saves unnamed drawings with a filename, or saves the current drawing with a different name.
E2004/1/21 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
The QSAVE command saves currently named drawing one at a time without requesting a filename Toolbar Menu Command
: : File > Save : QSAVE
Use the following steps to save unnamed drawing 1.
Toolbars
:
Menu Command 2.
( If we click this button for the first time, the Save Drawing As box will appear ) : File> Save : SAVE
When the Save Drawing As appears, enter the name of the drawing in file name field. ( the file extension is not required)
Figure 1.18: ‘Save Drawing As’ box After saving the file we can continue or exit the AutoCAD application. To exit from AutoCAD, use the following method; 1. Click at the very right upper button of the screen Menu : File>Exit Command : EXIT
E2004/1/22 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
ACTIVITY 1b
EXERCISES. 1.4
Starting AutoCAD by clicking the ‘AutoCAD R14 shortcut icon’ or ‘AutoCAD R14’ from the ‘programs menu’. If the start up dialog box appears, select ‘start from scratch’. Choose ‘English’ as the default setting, and click the ‘OK’ button. At the AutoCAD screen, name toolbars and menus when we moved the cursor around the screen without clicking.
1.5
Draw a line by typing ‘L’ at the ‘command line’. Click the cursor at the drawing area and move it to other point. Save your drawing and name it ‘exercise1’.
1.6
Exit AutoCAD by selecting the exit option from the ‘pull down menu’ or click the upper right button on the screen. Repeat the open and exit steps until you are confident with the procedure.
1.7
Try to start a new drawing with another set up ‘use a wizard’ and ‘use a template’
1.8
Using the Toolbars Dialog Box • • •
•
At the Command prompt enter toolbar. The toolbars dialog box is displayed, as shown in the figure 1.17 In the Toolbars list box, check the modify 11 checkbox. The Modify 11 toolbar is displayed in the drawing windows as a floating toolbar Now you will change the Modify 11 toolbar from a floating toolbar to a docked toolbar. To do this, place the cursor on the title bar on the toolbar, then press and hold the left mouse button Drag the modify 11 toolbar to the docking region under the Object Properties toolbar, then release the left mouse button. When the toolbar is docked, the title bar name is no longer displayed.
E2004/1/23 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
• •
In the Toolbar dialog box, clear the Modify 11 Checkbox. The Modify 11 toolbar is no longer displayed. Choose Close to close the Toolbars dialog box.
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FEEDBACK TO ACTIVITY 1b
Once you have completed this activity, please refer to your lecturer for further comments.
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ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS BELOW QUESTION 1-1 a) How many ways can you start an AutoCAD drawing session? What are they? b)
How can you disable and reactivate the display of the Start Up dialog box?
c)
Describe the AutoCAD application window and explain each window area.
Layer Status Wi d Toolbars
Command Line
Menu Bar
Crosshair Cursor
Status Line
E2004/1/26 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
d)
How many way provided by AutoCAD to begin drawing. Explain.
e)
What is the purpose of ‘Advanced Setup’ and list all the steps to draw by using ‘Advanced Setup’ format.
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FEEDBACK TO SELF-ASSESSMENT
ANSWERS QUESTION 1-1 a) Two ways to start AutoCAD i. Click on icon AutoCAD R14 on the Desktop ii. Press Start>Programs>AutoCAD R14 b)
We can activate using the following ways Pull-down menu : File>New Toolbar : We can disable by clicking cancel button at start up dialog box and upper right click at the start up dialog box.
c)
Menu Bar
Layer Status Window
Crosshair Cursor
Toolbars Drawing Area
Command Line Status Line
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Toolbars AutoCAD R14 provides a variety of toolbars. Each toolbar contains a number of icon buttons that can be selected to invoke command.
Menu Bars These menus provide an alternative method of accessing command and dialog boxes other than the Command Prompt or a toolbars button. They are termed pull-down menus because when you choose one with your left mouse button, the menu is displayed beneath its title, as if you were pulling the menu down from its title. Command Line The command line is a docked or floating window where you can enter names or command and where AutoCAD displays prompts and messages. Layer Status Window Layer status window shows the current layer setting. Status Line The status line is a set of informative words or symbols that gives the status of the drawing aids. The following drawing aids can be toggled on or off by double-clicking on the desired word or by using Function keys or Ctrl key sequences.
d)
There are 4 ways to begin the drawing. They are: “ Use a Wizard ” lead through setting up a drawing “ Use a Template ” start a drawing based on the template “ Start from Scratch ”begin drawing quickly using default English or Metric settings “ Open a Drawing ” Open an existing drawing
E2004/1/29 INTRODUCTION TO CAD
e)
‘Advanced Setup.’ Choose the Advanced Setup wizard to set up the drawing area and change settings, such as text height and snap spacing, to an appropriate scale. You can also establish basic layout features. Step 1 : Units Step 2 : Angles Step 3 : Angle Measure Step 4 : Angle Direction Step 5 : Area Step 6 : Title Block Step 7 : Layout
E 2004/2/1 Entering Command and Data Input
UNIT 2 ENTERING COMMAND AND DATA INPUT
OBJECTIVES General Objective
: To understand and use the methods of entering command and data input
Specific Objectives : At the end of the unit you will be able to : ¾
Enter command by three different methods.
¾
Create drawing by coordinate entry.
¾
Use Direct Distance Input to create drawing.
¾
Create a drawing by using Absolute Cartesian Coordinate.
¾
Create a drawing by using Relative Coordinate.
¾
Create a drawing by using Polar Input.
¾
Explain the deferential four methods coordinate entry.
E 2004/2/2 Entering Command and Data Input
INPUT 2a
2.1
HOW TO BEGIN A COMMAND
There are three possible methods for entering commands in AutoCAD depending on your preferences setting ( for the screen menu ). Generally any one of the three methods can be used to invoke a particular command.
1.
Keyboard
Type the command name, command alias, or accelerator ( Ctrl ) keys at the keyboard
2.
Pull-Down Menu Select the command or dialog box from a pull-down menu.
3.
Toolbars
Select the command or dialog box by PICKing an icon ( tool ) from a toolbar
2.1.1
Keyboard.
When you enter a command in a command window, AutoCAD either displays a dialog box or prompts you for further information. This line of Command text is termed the Command Prompt. The Command prompt asks you to specify coordinate value, command options, or any other data needed to complete the command. The following text is an example of the Command prompt for the PLINE command.
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Figure 2.1 : Example of the Command prompt.
Once you are comfortable entering commands at the Command prompt, you can learn the command aliases, which are basic one- or two- or three- letter abbreviations of the commands. Many commands have an aliases, and learning these can help you work faster and more productively. A list of all the command aliases is located in the Help menu.
2.1.2
Pull Down Menu
When you perform a Typical installation of AutoCad, you are presented with a menu bar containing 10 menus:
Figure 2.2 : Menu Bar with 10 menus.
These menus provide an alternate method of accessing command and dialog boxes other than the command prompt or toolbar button. They are term pull down menu because when you choose one with your left mouse button, the menu is display beneath its title, as if you were pulling the menu down from its title. The menu remains present until you click anyway outside of it.
2.1.3
Toolbars Another method of performing commands is through the various toolbar
tools. There are many tools in the 21 toolbars, but those most frequently used, relating to file, edit and view, are found in the Standard toolbar, shown in the following figure:
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Figure 2.3 : Standard Toolbars
To display other toolbars, you can access the Toolbar dialog box in the following ways: Toolbar : Right click any currently visible toolbar Menu
: View > Toolbars
Command : TOOLBAR
The Toolbars dialog box is displayed as shown in figure below:
Figure 2.4 : Toolbars dialog box Clik on the box to choose any toolbars you need to use. Then, clik ‘Close’ button to end the session.
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ACTIVITY 2a
FILL IN THE BLANK.
2.1
List three methods for entering command in AutoCAD R14. Explain. i. ii. iii.
2.2
Give the steps to access the ‘line’ command to draw a line by using the pull down menu.
2.3
How can we display the ‘toolbar box?
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Feedback To Activity 2a
ANSWERS.
2.1. 1.
Keyboard
Type the command name, command alias, or accelerator ( Ctrl ) keys at the keyboard
2.
Pull-Down Menu Select the command or dialog box from a pull-down menu.
3.
Toolbars
Select the command or dialog box by PICKing an icon ( tool ) from a toolbar
2.2.
Pull Down Menu
2.3.
Toolbar : Right click any currently visible toolbar Menu
:
: View > Toolbars
Command : TOOLBAR
Draw > Line
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INPUT 2b
2.2
CREATING DRAWING BY USING COORDINATE ENTRY
AutoCAD provides various commands that you use to locate points in the drawing plane. You can create a drawing by using Direct Distance entry, Absolute Coordinates, Relative Coordinates, and Polar entry methods.
2.2.1
Direct Distance Entry. To enter point you can use a feature called direct distance entry. With direct
distance entry, you can specify a relative coordinate by moving the cursor in the desired direction and then entering a distance. Coordinate value are specified by moving the cursor to indicate a direction and then entering the distance from the first point. This is useful when you need to quickly specify a length. An efficient way to create object constrained to the current axes is to use direct distance entry combined with Ortho mode turned on. Direct distance entry can used with all commands except those that prompt you to enter real values. This commands include ARRAY, MEASURE, and DIVIDE.
2.2.2
Absolute Cartesian Coordinate Input. Absolute coordinate system can be used when you know the exact X and Y
values of the point you want to place in the drawing window. The absolute coordinates method uses the Cartesian coordinate system to locate points in the drawing window. All points are measure from origin (0,0).
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The Cartesian coordinate system has three axes X, Y, and Z that are used to locate points and create objects. The Cartesian coordinate system uses distances ( in unit ) to locate points along intersecting axes, the horizontal ‘X’ axes and the vertical ‘Y’ axes. The intersection of these axes called the origin, where X = 0 and Y = 0 denoted as ( 0,0). These axes divide the coordinate system into four quadrant each having positive, negative or positive and negative X and Y values.
You can draw a line by starting at the 0,0 and end at the point 3,4
Figure 2.5 : Two dimensional Cartesian coordinate system.
World Coordinate System ( WCS ) When start a new session, by default you enter the World Coordinate System (WCS). This system consist of a horizontal X displacement, a vertical Y displacement, and a Z displacement that is perpendicular to the XY plane. The Z displacement is used for 3D drawing. All X,Y and Z coordinate values are measured from the origin. The origin is located at the intersection of X, and Y axes (0,0). The origin is originally located in the lower left corner of a drawing. The WCS cannot be redefined, and all other user coordinate system are based on the WCS.
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User Coordinate System ( UCS ) The User Coordinate System ( UCS ) lets you establish your own coordinate origin. The UCS is movable, meaning that the origin can be moved to any desired orientation and its axes can be rotated. The UCS icon is displayed by default in the lower left corner of the drawing window. The icon is used to help better understanding the location and orientation of the movable UCS. The X and Y arrows point in the positive direction of the axis. The W in the following figure indicates the WCS is current. The UCS icon is shown in the following figure:
Figure 2.6 : UCS icon
Method for invoking the UCS command include: Toolbar
: Standard
Menu
: Tools > UCS
Command
: UCS
Relative Cartesian Coordinate Input. A relative Cartesian coordinate is entered as the X and Y distance from the last point you specified. Use relative X,Y coordinate when you know the position of a point in relation to the previous point. For example, to locate a point at a relative direction of 4,5 from the first point specified, precede the next coordinate with the @ symbol. The following example demonstrate how to enter a relative coordinate:
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At the command prompt, enter line. In response to the From point command prompt, enter 0,0 In response to the To point command prompt, enter @4,5.
Figure 2.7 : example to entering relative coordinate
Polar Input
A polar coordinate is entered as a relative distance and angle from an absolute coordinate or the last point specified. To enter a polar coordinate, enter a distance and an angle, separated by an angle bracket (:x,y ( Enter new values to change upper-right corner to allow adequate drawing area.)
The default Limits values in AutoCAD are 12 and 9; that is, 12 units in the X direction and 9 unit in the Y direction ( figure 3.10 ). Starting a drawing by any of the following methods ( of the setup or create new Drawing dialog boxes ) results in limits of 12 X 9
Figure 3.10
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If the GRID is turned ON, the dots are displayed only over the Limits. The AutoCAD screen ( default configuration ) displays additional area on the right past the Limits the units are generic decimal units that can be used to represent inches, feet, millimeters, miles, or whatever is appropriate for the intended drawing. Typically, however, decimal units are used to represent inches or millimeters. If the default units are used to represent inches, the default drawing size would be 12 by 9 inches.
Remember that when a CAD system is used to create a drawing, the geometry should be drawn full size by specifying dimensions of object in real world units. A completed CAD drawing or model is virtually an exact dimensional replica of the actual object. Scaling of the drawing occurs only when plotting or printing the file to an actual fixed-size sheet of paper.
Before beginning to create an AutoCAD drawing, determine the size of the drawing area needed for the intended geometry. After setting Units, appropriate Limits should be set in order to draw the object or geometry to the real-world size in the actual units. There are no practical maximum or minimum settings for Limits.
The X,Y values you enter as Limits are understood by AutoCAD as values in the units specified by the Units command. For example, if you previously specified Architectural units, then the values entered are understood as inches unless the notation for feet ( ` ) is given ( 240,180 or 20’,15’ would define the same coordinate). Remember, you can type in explicit feet and inch values only if Architectural or Engineering units have been specified as the drawing units
If the ON option of Limits is used, limits checking is activated. Limits checking prevents you from drawing objects outside of the limits by issuing an outside-limits error. This is similar to drawing “ off the paper.” Limits checking is OFF by default.
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Limits also defines the display area for GRID as well as the minimum area displayed when Zoom All is used. Zoom All forces the full display of the limits. Zoom All can be invoked by typing Z ( command alias ) then A for the all option
Changing Limits does not automatically change the display. As a general rule, you should make a habit of invoking a Zoom All immediately following a change in Limits to display the area defined by the new limits ( Figure 3.11 )
Figure 3.11
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ACTIVITY 3a
ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS BELOW.
3.1
What is the function of Snap and Grid?. How to adjust the Snap 1.5 (X and Y) spacing and Grid to 2.0 ( X and Y) spacing?
3.2
Complete the steps for the drawing setup below:
Begin a New Drawing. When the Start Up or Create New Drawing dialog box appears, select Start from Scratch. Select the English default settings. Set the GRID to 1. Set SNAP to 0.125 Save this drawing.
3.3
Give the method for accessing the Osnaps and list all the Osnaps.
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FEEDBACK TO ACTIVITY 3a
ANSWERS 3.1
The function of Snap and Grid is making faster and accurate for creating and editing object. It also functions as a guidance for creating objects. We can adjust the Snap and Grid by using ‘Drawing Aids Dialog Box’ and set the X to 1.5 and Y to 2.0 or by type snap / grid and then set the X and Y.
3.4
There are four basic methods of accessing the Osnaps: •
From flyout button on the Standard toolbar
•
From TOOLBAR command, View Toolbars… from the pull-down menu.
•
From the cursor menu. Hold the Shift key down on the keyboard and right-click the mouse to bring up the cursor menu. The menu appears at the current cursor position.
•
From the keyboard by typing their abbreviated name.
Osnaps List 1. Endpoint 2. Midpoint 3. Intersection 4. Apparent Intersect 5. Center 6. Quadrant 7. Tangent 8. Perpendicular 9. Insert 10. Node 11. Nearest
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INPUT 3b
3.6
DISPLAY CONTROL
The accepted CAD practice is to draw full size using actual units. Since the drawing is a virtual dimensional replica of the actual object, a drawing could represent a vast area (several hundred feet or even miles) or a small area (only millimeters). The drawing is created full size with the actual units, but it can be displayed at any size on the screen. Consider also that CAD systems provide for a very high degree of dimensional precision, which permits the generation of drawings with great detail and accuracy. Display commands provide you with different options for changing the view of your drawing while it is being created. These commands make it easier to work with your drawing, and see the overall effects of changes. the commands that facilitate viewing different areas of a drawing are ZOOM, PAN, and View. When you use drawing or editing commands, you can utilize the transparent PAN command and ZOOM command options to change the view and magnification of a drawing. You can also use display commands for saving and restoring specific views, or to display several views. The Viewing commands are found in the View pull-down menu (Figure 3.12 ).
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Figure 3.12: View pull-down menu
Aerial View Pan Realtime
Zoom Previous
Zoom Realtime
Figure 3.13: Standard toolbar button for viewing The Standard toolbar contains a group of tools (icon buttons) for the Figure 3.12 Viewing commands located near the right end of the toolbar ( Figure. 3.12 ). The Realtime options of Pan and Zoom, Zoom Previous, and Aerial View each has an icon permanently displayed on the toolbar, whereas the other Zoom options are located on flyouts.
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3.7
USING ZOOM COMMAND
When you create a drawing, you may need to change the way objects are viewed in the drawing window. To achieve this, the orientation, magnification, or position of the drawing may have to be adjusted. The ZOOM command options let you change the view by increasing or decreasing the size of displayed images. You zoom in to magnify objects so you can see more details. You zoom out to reduce objects in the drawing window and view a larger portion of the drawing.
Zooming does not change the true size of a drawing or object. It only changes the size of the view in your drawing window. You can view the entire drawing, specify a display window, or zoom to re a specific scale. We can get Zoom All Toolbar from Flyout toolbar.
3.7.1
Zoom Window
The Zoom Window option lets you zoom in on an area of your drawing by using a window to specify the viewing boundaries. When you enter the Zoom Window option, AutoCAD displays a rectangular window in the drawing window. Select a point to specify where you want your view to start, then move the window to cover the area or section you want to magnify ( Figure 3.14 )
START
END Before
Figure 3.14: Using Zoom Window
After
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Methods for invoking the zoom window option include:
3.7.2
Toolbar
:
Pull Down Menu
: View> Zoom > Window
Command
: ZOOM> Window
Zoom Previous
The Zoom Previous option displays the last view of your drawing. This option lets you restore as many as ten previous views. Methods for invoking the Zoom Previous option include: Toolbar: Menu: View> Zoom> Previous Command: ZOOM> Previous
3.7.3
Zoom All
The Zoom All option lets you view the entire drawing in the current viewport. The display shows the drawing limits and all objects even if the objects extend outside of the drawing limits. Methods for invoking the Zoom All option include: Toolbar
:
Menu
: View> Zoom > All
Command
: ZOOM> All
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3.7.4
Zoom Extents
The Zoom Extents option displays the region of the drawing where all objects you draw are located. The display is based just on drawing objects, the drawing limits are not considered to recalculate the display. Methods for invoking the Zoom Extents option include:
3.7.5
Toolbar
:
Menu
: View > Zoom> Extents
Command
: ZOOM> Extents
Zoom Center
The Zoom Center option lets you change the displayed size of an object and locate it in the center of the viewport. When you enter the Zoom Center option, you are prompted to locate a center point on the drawing plane. The next command prompt lets you enter a magnification value or a height. The magnification value is followed by an x which is the relative magnification factor. For the Height option, enter smaller numbers for the height to enlarge the image size, and enter larger numbers for the height to decrease the size. Methods for invoking the Zoom Center option include: Toolbar: Menu: View > Zoom > Center Command: ZOOM> Center
3.7.6
Dynamic
The Zoom Dynamic option uses a viewbox to adjust the display. The view box represents your viewport. This means that the region of your drawing that you select
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with the view box will be displayed in the entire drawing window. You can enlarge, reduce, and move the viewbox around your drawing to select the desired view.
Methods for invoking the Zoom Dynamic option include:
3.7.7
Toolbar
:
Menu
: View > Zoom> Dynamic
Command
: ZOOM> Dynamic
Zoom Scale
The Zoom Scale option uses a scale factor to adjust the display. The value you enter should correspond to the limits of the drawing. The Scale (X) option requires you to use positive numbers to change the magnification factor. When you enter the X option, the current display can be enlarged or reduced by a certain multiple. For example, entering 2 at the Zoom Scale Command prompt will display your drawing at twice its size, relative to its full view. However, entering 2x at the Zoom Scale Command prompt will display your drawing at twice the size as displayed in the current view.
You use the Scale (XP) option for scaling the display in floating viewports created in paper space. This is useful when you are plotting layouts of scaled multiview drawings. Methods for invoking the Zoom Scale option include: Toolbar
:
Menu
: View> Zoom> Scale
Command
: ZOOM> Scale
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3.8
REALTIME DISPLAY
3.8.1
Zoom Realtime
When working with complex drawings, you spend significant time using the ZOOM and PAN commands. After you invoke the command, the Realtime Zoom cursor is displayed, drag the cursor down to decrease or up to increase the image. To activate the Realtime ZOOM / PAN menu right-click the mouse. The ZOOM/PAN cursor menu options include: Exit - cancels the Realtime option and returns you to the Command prompt Pan - Switches from Realtime ZOOM to PAN Zoom - Switches from PAN to Realtime ZOOM Zoom window - Displays a specified window and returns to REALTIME ZOOM Zoom Previous - Restores the previous view and returns to the Realtime option Zoom Extents - Displays the drawing extents and returns to the Realtime option
Methods for invoking the Realtime ZOOM command include: Toolbar
:
Menu
: View> Zoom> Realtime
Commands
: ZOOM
The Zoom/Pan Cursor menu is shown in the following figure:
Figure 3.15: The ZOOM/PAN Cursor Menu
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3.8.2 PAN REALTIME With the PAN command, you can move the drawing around the drawing window without changing the magnification. The two options that let you change the display are Realtime and Point.
Methods for invoking the PAN command include: Toolbar
:
Menu
: View> Pan> Realtime
Command
: PAN
When you select the Realtime PAN option, the cursor changes into a hand cursor. To change the location of your drawing, press the left mouse button. This locks the cursor into its current location relative to the coordinate system used in the current viewport. As you move the mouse, the drawing image pans to a new location. The view of the objects in the drawing window shift in the same direction as the cursor.
The PAN Point option lets you specify a single point. AutoCAD then uses the selected point and the current view orientation to displace the image. You also can specify two points, AutoCAD computes the displacement between the two points then moves the image in the drawing window. You can also pan by entering absolute or relative coordinates at the Displacement prompt. To invoke the Pan Point option, select Pan from the View menu, then choose Point.
The PAN command also has preset options that move the drawing in the specified direction. You can access these options from the View menu. They include Left, Right, Up, and Down. A view of the Pan cascading menu is shown in the following figure:
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Figure 3.16: Pan cascading menu options
3.9
The Aerial View Zoom Feature
The Aerial View feature is a viewing aid that saves drawing time by displaying your entire drawing in a separate window. You can then use the ZOOM and PAN command options within the window to change the view of your drawing on the drawing window. If you keep the Aerial View window open while you work, you can pan and zoom around your drawing without entering commands at the Command prompt, or accessing them from the View menu.
Methods for invoking the Aerial View window include: Toolbar
: Standard
Menu
: View> Aerial View
Command
: DSVIEWER
Figure 3.17: Realtime Pan and Zoom cursor menu
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When you enter the Aerial View window, AutoCAD displays the Aerial View window by default, in the same location and with the same size as it was located in the last drawing session. This means that you may have to move or change the size of the Aerial View window so that you can have a better view of the display window. To do so, use the left mouse button to select the title bar. Drag the window to a desired location and release the left mouse button. To change the size of the window, move your cursor to one of the four corners. When you see the doubled-pointed arrow, drag the cursor to change the window size.
The Aerial View window contains the following four menus labeled View, Mode, Options, and Help. The View menu lets you select three zoom options to change the magnification of the Aerial View. These include Zoom In, Zoom Out, and Global.
Zoom In - Increases the magnification of the drawing in the Aerial View by zooming in by a factor of 2, centered on the current view box. Zoom Out - Decreases the magnification of the drawing in the Aerial View by zooming out by a factor of 2, centered on the current view box. Global -
Displays the entire drawing and the current view in the Aerial View window.
3.10
USING REDRAW, REGEN AND REGEN ALL
3.10.1 REDRAW The REDRAW command quickly refreshes the display of the current viewport by removing all blips and any marks left from the use of editing commands. Blips are small crosses left on the drawing window after a point is selected. REDRAW is also a transparent command.
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Methods for invoking the REDRAW command include: Menu
: View > Redraw
Command
: REDRAW
3.10.2 REGEN and REGENALL The REGEN command refreshes the drawing window and recalculates all of the objects in the drawing. When using the REGEN command, it will take AutoCAD a longer time to redisplay your drawing than if the REDRAW command was used. This is a major consideration when working with large drawings. The REGEN command re-indexes the drawing database, re-computes drawing window coordinates for all objects, and smoothes out all circles, arcs. ellipses, and splines. You may need to use REGEN after changes in text styles, layer and linetype properties, and other changes to properties. Methods for invoking the REGEN command include: Menu
: View > Regen
Command
: REGEN
The REGEN command only affects the current viewport. If you are working with multiple viewports that need to be updated, use the REGENAL, command. The REGENALL, command works the same way as REGEN except it regenerates all viewports, and recalculates the drawing window coordinates and view resolution for all objects in each of the active viewports.
Methods for invoking the REGENALL command include: Menu
:View > Regen All
Command
: REGENALL
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Example using REGEN ALL Create the circle with diameter 10mm ( Start new drawing with metric setting ). Then zoom the circle. The figure below shown that the circle before zoom, after zoom and after using regen command
Original Drawing
After Zoom Windows
After Regen All
Figure 3.18 Using Regen All to smoother the display of object
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ACTIVITY 3 b
EXERCISES. 3.5
Controlling the Display You often use the ZOOM command options to change the view in the drawing window. In this activity, you use the ZOOM options to display new drawing views.
A. Using the Zoom Command 1. Open the file C:\Program files\AutoCAD R14\Sample\campus.dwg. The drawing looks like the following figure:
A
B
Figure 3.19 : Campus.dwg 2. From the View menu, choose Zoom, then choose Window. 3. In response to the First corner: prompt, select A. For the Other corner: select B.
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The following figure shows the result of using zoom window:
Figure 3.20: Result of using ZOOM Window 4. To recall a previous display, you can use the Zoom command option Previous. At the Command prompt, enter the command alias z. 5. Enter p at the Command prompt. The previous display is now displayed again. 6. To display all visible objects in the whole drawing, you can use the Zoom Extents option. 7. From the View menu, choose Zoom, then choose Extents. All visible objects in the drawings are now displayed. 8. To center an object in the middle of the drawing window, use the Zoom Center option. At the Command prompt, enter z. Then enter c for the center option.
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B.
Using Realtime ZOOM and PAN 1. The REALTIME PAN and ZOOM commands let you quickly obtain the display you want. Open Campus.dwg file and use REALTIME ZOOM 2. To use the REALTIME ZOOM command, enter z and accept the default command option by pressing ENTER. 3. The Realtime Zoom cursor is now displayed as a magnifying glass with plus and minus signs. Press the left mouse and drag the Realtime Zoom cursor up and down the drawing window. When the desired view is displayed in the drawing window, release the left mouse button. 4. Press the right mouse button. The Pan/Zoom cursor menu is displayed. Select the Pan option, as shown in the following figure:
Figure 3.21: Realtime Pan and Zoom cursor menu
5. The Realtime Pan cursor is now displayed as a hand in the drawing window. Position the Realtime Pan cursor over the office building. Drag the cursor around the drawing window, and when the desired view is displayed in the drawing window, release the left mouse button and press ENTER. 6. This concludes the ZOOM Command exercise. You are encouraged to explore the other Zoom command options and command entry methods. 7. Try another ZOOM command ( All, Extents, Center, Dynamics, Scale )
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C.
Using REDRAW, REGEN and REGEN ALL Start New drawing. Start From Stractch > Metric. Create a circle with diameter 5
mm. Then zoom the circle using ZOOM Windows commands. What happen with this circle? Using Regen All to make the circle smoothes
.
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FEEDBACK TO ACTIVITY 3b
Please discuss with your lecturer
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FOLLOW THE ENTIRE STEP BELOW AND ANSWER THE QUESTION.
QUESTION 3-1 a)
Begin a New drawing. When the Start Up or Create New Drawing dialog box appears, select Start From Scratch. Select the English default settings. Set Limits in order to draw full size. Make the lower-left corner 0,0 and the upper-right at 24,18. Set the grid to 1 and snap to 1. Draw the T character as shown below. Save your drawing.
Figure 3.22 Then, set the Grid to 0.5 What happened with the grid and snap? Discuss with your lecturer.
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b)
Draw the marker of each Osnap below Osnap
Marker
i. Endpoint ii. Midpoint iii. Center iv. Quadrant v. Intersection vi. Perpendicular vii. Tangent
c)
Follow this exercise to demonstrate the use of some of the most commonly used Osnaps. To Draw the Triangle Command: LINE From point: (pick a point in the middle of the drawing area) To point: @15,0 To point: FROM _from Base point: MID _mid of : (pick a point near the middle of the line) : @0,75 To point: C (to close) To Draw the Vertical Line Command: LINE Figure 3.24
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From point: MID _mid of : (pick point near the middle of the triangle base) To point: @0,-100 To point: To Draw the Horizontal Line Command: LINE From point: FROM _from Base point: MID _mid of : (pick a point near the middle of the vertical line) : @-25,0 To point: @50,0 To point: To Draw the Circle Command: CIRCLE 3P/2P/TTR/: INT _int of :(pick a point near the intersection of the two lines) Diameter/ : 12.5 To Trim the Lines within the Circle Command: TRIM Select cutting edges: (Projmode = UCS, Edgemode = No extend) Select objects: (pick the circle on its circumference) Select objects: /Project/Edge/Undo: (pick one of the two lines within the circle) /Project/Edge/Undo: (pick the other line within the circle) /Project/Edge/Undo: To Draw the Text Command: DTEXT Justify/Style/: J
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Align/Fit/Center/Middle/Right/TL/TC/TR/ML/MC/MR/BL/BC/BR: M Middle point: CEN _cen of : (pick a point on the circumference of the circle) Height : 15 Rotation angle : 0 Text: N Text: Command:
d)
Follow the step carefully i. Begin a New drawing. Turn ON the Snap ( F9 ) and Grid ( F7 ). Draw two circles, each with a 1.5 unit radius. The circle centers are at 3,5 and 5,5 See Figure 3.24
Figure 3.24 ii.
iii.
iv.
Use Zoom All. Does the display change? Now use Zoom Extents. What happens? Now use Zoom All again. Which option always showns all the limits? Draw a circle with the center at 10,10 and with a radius of 5. now use Zoom All. Notice the Grid only appears on the area defined by the limits. Can you move the cursor to 0,0? Now use Zoom Extents. What happens? Can you move the cursor to 0,0? Erase the large circle. Use Zoom All. Can you move the cursor 0,0? Use Zoom Extents. Can you find point 0,0?
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e)
Open the file C:\Program files\AutoCAD R14\Sample\azimuth.dwg. The drawing looks like the following figure
Figure 3.25: Azimuth.dwg File Using Zoom and Pan command, please show how the figures below look.
Figure 3.26
Figure 3.27
Figure 3.28
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FEEDBACK TO SELF ASSESSMENT
Discuss your answers with your lecturer
E2004/4/1 DRAW COMMANDS
UNIT 4
DRAW COMMAND
OBJECTIVES General Objective
: To understand and apply the concept of draw commands
Specific Objectives : At the end of this chapter you should be able to: ¾
Use and invoke the draw commands.
¾
Draw Lines by the Line command.
¾
Make Arc by using Arc command with 10 different method.
¾
Draw Circles by five options method.
¾
Makes Polylines by using Pline command.
¾
Create an ellipse with three methods.
¾
Draw Polygon, Donut and Solid by using Draw Comand.
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INPUT 4a
4.0
INTRODUCTION
Draw commands create objects. An object is the smallest component of a drawing. The draw commands listed immediately below create simple objects and are discussed in this unit. Simple objects appear as one entity. Line, Circle, Arc, Point Other draw commands create more complex shapes. Complex shapes appear to be composed of several components, but each shape is usually one object. An example of an object that is one entity but usually appears as several segment is listed below; Pline Other draw commands are combination of simple and complex shapes: Xline, Polygon, Rectangle, Donut, Spline, Ellipse, Divide, Mline, Solid Normally, there are three methods that can be used to access draw commands. We can use either draw toolbar, keyboard entry of the command or pull-down menu ( Figure 4.1 ).
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Draw Toolbar
Pull-Down Menu Keyboard Entry
Figure 4.1: Three methods of using draw commands entry
DRAW COMMANDS 4.1 Line This is the fundamental drawing command. Use the line command to construct a line from one endpoint to the other. One or several line segments can be drawn with the line command. You can specify the endpoints of lines using two-dimensional or threedimensional coordinates.
Draw toolbar Menu Command line From point: To point: To point:
: : Draw > Line : line or type “L”
Specify a point or press ENTER to continue from the last line or arc Specify a point Specify a point, enter u or undo, enter c or close, or press ENTER
AutoCAD draws a line segment and continues to prompt for points. You can draw a continuing series of line segments, but each line segment is a separate object. Press ENTER to end the command.
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For example, the following command sequence draws a single line segment ( figure 4.2 ). Command : line From point : Specify a point (1) To point : Specify a point (2) To point : Press ENTER
2
1 Figure 4.2 4.2 ARC An arc is part of a circle; it is a regular curve of less than 360 degrees. The arc command in AutoCAD provides eleven options for creating arcs. An arc is one object. Arcs are always drawn by default in a counter-clockwise direction. An arc command can be reached by the following way Draw toolbar : Pull-down menu : Draw > arc Command : arc There are a number of ways to create arcs. The 3 points arc option is the default for the ARC command. 3 point arc This command option identifies the location of the 3 points of the arc. We can use the keyboard and specify the coordinates or we may use the mouse to point the coordinates.
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Figure 4.3 Start, Center, End The radius is defined by the first two points that you specify.
Figure 4.4 Start, center, angle The angle is the included angle between the sides from the center to the endpoints. A negative angle can be entered to generate an Arc in a clockwise direction.
Figure 4.5 : Start, Center, Length Length means length of chord. The length of chord is between the start and the other point specified. A negative chord length can be entered to generate an arc of 180+ degrees.
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Figure 4.6 Start, end, angle The included angle is between the sides from the center to the endpoints. Negative angles generate clockwise arcs. The angle for figure below is 70 degrees.
Figure 4.7 Start, end, radius The radius can be picked or entered as a value. A negative radius value generates arcs of 180+ degrees.
Figure 4.8
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Start, end, direction The direction is tangent to the start point. end direction start
Figure 4.9 Center, start, end The option is like start, center, end but in a different order.
end
start center
Figure 4.10 Center, start, angle This option is like start, center, angle but in a difference order.
angle
start center
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Figure 4.11 Center, start, length This is similar to the start, center, length option but in a different order. Length means length of chord.
center start
Length
Figure 4.12 Continue The new Arc continues from and is tangent to the last point. The only other point required is the endpoint of the arc. This method allows drawing arcs tangent to the preceding Line or Arc.
4.3 Circle The CIRCLE command has many options, these include center, radius; center, diameter; two points, three points; tangent, tangent, radius; tangent, tangent, tangent. Draw toolbar Menu Command line
: : Draw > Circle : circle
Circle by Radius Mode: Use the Circle command and the Radius mode to construct a circle by a radius value specified by the user. After selecting a center point for the circle, the user is prompted to enter a radius for the desired circle. Study the prompt below and illustration for constricting a circle using the Radius mode.
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Command : CIRCLE 3P/2P/TTR/ : ( Mark the center at ‘A’ ) Diameter/ : 1.50
Figure 4.13 Circle by Diameter Mode Use the Circle command and the Diameter mode to construct a circle by a diameter value specified by the user. After selecting a center point for the circle, the user is prompted to enter a diameter for the desired circle. Study the prompt and illustration below for constructing a circle by using Diameter mode.
Figure 4.14 Command : CIRCLE 3P/2P/TTR/ : ( Mark the center at ‘A’ ) Diameter/: Diameter Diameter : 3.00
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3 Point Circle Mode: Use the CIRCLE command and the 3 Point mode to construct a circle by 3 points identified by user. No center point is required when entering the 3 Point mode. Simply select three points and the circle is drawn. Study the prompt and illustration below for constructing a circle using the 3 Point mode. Command : CIRCLE 3P/2P/TTR/ : 3P First Point : ( Select the Point at ‘A’ ) Second point : ( Select the Point at ‘B’ ) Third point : ( Select the Point at ‘C’ )
(B)
(C)
(A)
Figure 4.15 2 Point Circle mode: Use the Circle command and the 2 Point mode to construct a circle by selecting 2 points. These points will form the diameter of the circle. No center point is required after entering the 2 point mode. Study the prompt and illustration below for constructing a circle by using the 2 Point mode. Command : CIRCLE 3P/2P/TTR/ : 2P First Point : ( Select the Point at ‘A’ ) Second point : ( Select the Point at ‘B’ )
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B
A
Figure 4.16 Tangent-Tangent-Radius Mode - Method # 1: This mode is very powerful when constructing a circle tangent to two entities. Illustrated below is an application of using the TTR mode to construct a circle tangent to two line segments. Study the prompt below to create this type of circle. Command : CIRCLE 3P/2P/TTR/ : TTR Enter tangent spec : ( Select the line at ‘A’ ) Enter second tangent spec : ( Select the line at ‘B’ ) Radius : 1.4
(B) (A)
Figure 4.17
Tangent-Tangent-Radius Mode : Method # 2:
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Illustrated below is an application of using the Circle TTR mode to construct a circle tangent to the line segment on another circle. Study the prompt below to create this type of circle. Command : CIRCLE 3P/2P/TTR/ : TTR Enter tangent spec : ( Select the line at ‘A’ ) Enter second tangent spec : ( Select the circle at ‘B’ ) Radius : 1.3
(B )
(A)
Figure 4.18
Tangent-Tangent-Radius Mode : Method # 3: Illustrated below is an application of using the Circle TTR mode to construct a circle tangent to another two circle. Study the prompt below to creating this type of circle. Command : CIRCLE 3P/2P/TTR/ : TTR Enter tangent spec : ( Select the circle at ‘A’ ) Enter second tangent spec : ( Select the circle at ‘B’ ) Radius : 1.00
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(A)
(B)
Figure 4.19 4.5 POINT Use the point command to identify the location of a point on a drawing. This point may be used for reference purposes. The Osnap-Node or Nearest options are used to snap to points. By default, a point is displayed as a dot on the screen. This dot may be confused with the existing grid dots already on the screen. To distinguish point entities from grid dots, use the chart at the right to assign a new point type; this is accomplished through the Pdmode system variable. Entering a value of 3 for Pdmode display the point as an ‘X’. The Pdsize system variable controls size of the point. Use the prompts below for changing the point mode to a value of 3.
Command : Pdmode New value for variable PDMODE : 3
Command : Point Point : ( Mark the new position of a point using the cursor or one of the many coordinate systems )
Use the DDPTYPE dialog box below for dynamically selecting a new point mode and point size.
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Figure 4.20 : Point Style dialog box
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ACTIVITY 4a
ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS BELOW. 4.1
Draw the figure below with line, arc and circle command.
Figure 4.21
Figure 4.22
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FEEDBACK TO ACTIVITY 4a
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INPUT 4b
4.4 POLYLINE Polilyne is similarly to individual line segment except that a polyline may consists of numerous segments and still be considered as a single entity. Width may also be assigned to a polyline compared to regular line segment, which makes polylines perfect for drawing border and title block. Study both command sequences below for using the Pline command.
Command : Pline From point : ( Select a point at ‘A’ ) Current line-width is 0.0000 Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width/: ( Mark a point at ‘A’ ) Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width/: Width Starting width : 0.10 Ending width < 0.0000> : ( Strike Enter to accept default ) Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width/: ( Mark a point at ‘B’) Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width/: ( Mark a point at ‘C’) Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width/: ( Mark a point at ‘D’)
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Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width/: ( Mark a point at ‘E’) Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width/: ( Strike Enter to exit this command)
C B
D
A
E
Four segment are representing one polyline entity.
Figure 4.22 Command : Pline From point : ( Select a point at ‘A’ ) Current line-width is 0.0000 Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width/: @1.00rotate
Command
: Rotate
An example of the ROTATE command prompt is as follows: Command: rotate Select Object: ( Specify the objects to rotate ) Base Point : end of ( Specify the basepoint ) < Rotation angle>/Reference:
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Figure 5.2: Using the ROTATE command to rotate the rectangle about 900 from basepoint
5.4
TRIM
The Trim command allows you to trim ( shorten ) the end of end object back to the intersection of another object ( figure ). The middle section of an object can also be trimmed between two intersection objects. There are two steps to this command;
1. PICK one or more “cutting edge” ( existing object ) 2. Then PICK the object or objects to trim ( portion to remove )
The cutting edges are highlighted after selection. Cutting edges themselves can be trimmed if they intersect with other cutting edges, but lose their highlight when trimmed.
Methods for invoking the TRIM command include:
Toolbar
:
Pull-down menu
: MODIFY > TRIM
Command
: TRIM
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An example of the erase command prompt is as follows:
Command: trim Select cutting edges: ( Projmode = UCS, Edgemode = No Extend) Select Objects: PICK ( Select an object to use as a cutting edge ) Select Objects: PICK Select Objects: Enter < Select object to trim >/Project/Edge/Undo:PICK ( select the end of and object to trim ) < Select object to trim >/Project/Edge/Undo: PICK < Select object to trim >/Project/Edge/Undo:Enter Command:
Figure 5.3: Using TRIM command to trim the objects.
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ACTIVITY 5a
EXERCISES. 5.1 Begin a New drawing and create the geometry in Figure 5.4 using Lines and Circles. If desired, set SNAP to .25 to make drawing easy and accurate.
For practice, turn SNAP OFF ( F9 ). Use the Move command to move the circles and lines into the position shown in illustration B. OSNAPs are required to Move the geometry accurately. Save the drawing as MOVE1.
a
b
Figure 5.4
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5.2
Begin a New drawing and create the geometry in Figure 5.5 Rotate the shape into position shown in step B. Save As ROTATE1.
Use the reference option to Rotate the box to align with the diagonal Line as shown in C. Save As ROTATE2.
Figure 5.5 5.3
Trim command i.
Create the shape shown in figure 5.6 A Save As TRIM-EX
ii.
Use Trim to alter the shape as shown in B Save As TRIM1
iii.
Open TRIM-EX to create the shapes shown in C and D using Trim. Save As TRIM2 and TRIM3.
Figure 5.6
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Feedback To Activity 5a
Answers 5.1
Step to Modify Figure 5.4 (A) to get the geometry Figure 5.14 (B) using ‘Move command’ Command: MOVE ( to move the lines ) Select objects: 1 found ( select ‘a’ line ) Select objects: 1 found ( select ‘b’ line ) Select objects: ( enter to finished the selection) Base point or displacement: end of ( select end of right horizontal line ) Second point of displacement: mid of ( select mid of right horizontal line ) Command: MOVE ( to move the first circle ) Select objects: 1 found ( select first circle ) Select objects: ( enter ) Base point or displacement: qua of ( select 90 degree quadrant for circle 1.5 diameter ) Second point of displacement: mid of ( select mid point of ‘a’ line ) Command: MOVE ( to Move second line ) Select objects: 1 found Select objects: ( enter ) Base point or displacement: cen of ( center of the 1.0 diameter circle ) Second point of displacement: int of ( center of ‘b’ line ) Command: ( enter )
5.2
Draw carefully and after that discuss with your lecturer.
5.3
Draw carefully and after that discuss with your lecturer
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INPUT 5b
5.5
SCALE
The scale command is used to increase or decrease the size of objects in a drawing. The scale command does not normally have any relation to plotting a drawing to scale.
Methods for invoking the SCALE command include: Toolbar
:
Pull-down menu
: MODIFY > SCALE
Command
: SCALE
An example of the scale command prompt is as follows:
Command : scale Select Object : PICK or ( coordinates) ( Select the object to scale ) Select Object : ENTER ( Indicates completion of the object selection ) Base point : PICK or ( coordinates ) ( Select the stationary point) Scale factor : PICK or (value) or (coordinates) ( Enter a value for the scale factor or interactively scale the set of object) Command :
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Figure 5.7 : Using SCALE Command to enlarge the rectangle with scale factor;2
5.6
MIRROR
This command creates a mirror image of selected existing objects. You can retain or delete the original objects ( ‘old object’ ). After selecting objects, you create two points specifying a ‘rubberband line’, or ‘mirror line’, about which to mirror.
Methods for invoking the MIRROR command include: Toolbar
:
Pull-down menu
: MODIFY > MIRROR
Command
: MIRROR
An example of the scale command prompt is as follows:
Command : mirror Select Object : PICK ( Select object or group of object to mirror ) Select Object : Enter ( Press Enter to indicate completion of object selection. ) First point of mirror line : PICK or (coordinates) (Draw first endpoint of line to represent mirror axis by PICKing or entering coordinates) Second point of mirror : PICK or (coordinates) (Draw second point of line by PICKing or entering coordinates)
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Delete old objects ? Enter or Y ( Press Enter to yield both sets of objects or enter Y to keep only the mirrored set.) Command :
5.7
ARRAY
The array command creates either a Rectangular or Polar ( circular ) pattern of existing object that you select. The pattern could be created from a single or from a group of objects. Array copies a duplicate set of objects for each ‘item’ in the array.
Methods for invoking the ARRAY command include: Toolbar : Pull-down menu : MODIFY > ARRAY Command : Array
Rectangular This option creates an Array of the selection set in a pattern composed of rows and columns. The command syntax for a rectangular is given next:
Command : Array Select Objects : PICK ( Select object to be arrayed ) Select Objects : Enter ( Indicates completion of object selection) Rectangular or Polar array (/P) : R (indicates rectangular ) Number of rows (---) : (value) ( enter value for number of rows) Number of columns (lll) : (value) (enter value for number of columns) Unit cell or distance between rows (---): ( value) ( enter a value for the distance from any of one object to the same point on an object in the adjacent row. Distance between columns (lll) : (value ) (enter a value for the distance from any point on one object to the same point on an object in the adjacent column.
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Command :
s
Figure 5.8: Using Array with Rectangular option
Polar This option creates a circular pattern of the selection set with any number of copies or ‘items’. The number of item specified includes the original selection set. You also specify the center of the array, angle to generate the array through and orientation of ‘item’.
Command : Array Select Object : PICK ( select object to be arrayed) Select Object : Enter Rectangular or Polar array ( /P ) : P (indicates Polar array) Center point of array : PICK ( select point from array to be generated around) Number of items : ( value ) ( enter value for number of copies including original selection set ) Angle to fill (+=ccw,-=cw) : Enter or (value) (press enter for full circular array, enter value for less than 360 degree array; enter negative value for clockwise generation array) Rotate object as they are copied? Enter or N (Press Enter for rotation of copies object about center, N for keeping objects in original orientation.)
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Figure 5.9 : Using ARRAY Command with polar option
5.8
STRETCH
Object can be made longer or shorter with STRETCH. When ‘Stretched’,Line and Plines become longer or shorter and Arc change radius to become longer or shorter. Circle do not stretch; rather, they move if the circle is selected within the Crossing Window.
Methods for invoking the STRETCH command include:
Toolbar
:
Pull-down menu
: MODIFY > STRETCH
Command
: STRETCH
An example of the stretch command prompt is as follows:
Command : STRETCH Select Object(s) : to stretch by crossing-window or polygon Select Object : First Corner : PICK Other Corner : PICK
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Select Object : Enter Base point or displacement : PICK or (coordinates ) ( Select a point to use as the point to stretch from. ) Second point of displacement : PICK or (coordinates) (Select a point to use as the point to stretch to) Command :
Figure 5.10 : Stretching the drawing
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ACTIVITY 7b
EXERCISES. 5.4
Begin a New drawing and create the geometry in Figure 5.11 (A). Then Scale the shape by a factor of 1.5. Now the geometry look like Figure 5.11 (B)
Figure 5.11 5.5
A manufacturing cell is displayed in Figure 5.12 The view is from above, showing a robot centered in a work station. The production line requires 4 cells. Begin by starting a New drawing, setting Units to Engineering and Limits to 40’ x 30’. Draw one cell to the dimensions indicated. Begin at the indicated coordinates of the lowerleft corner of the cell. SaveAs ROBOT1.
Figure 5.12
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Use Mirror to create the other three manufacturing cells as shown in Figure 5.13 Ensure that there is sufficient space between the cells as indicated. Draw the two horizontal Lines representing the walkway as shown. Save the drawing.
Figure 5.13 5.6
A design change has been requested. Open ROBOT1 drawing and make the following changes The top of the workstation ( work area for the robot ) must be move upward. This design change will add 3 inches to the total height of the workstation. Use Stretch to accomplish the change. Then save the drawing as ROBOCHANGE. The figure below shown the new workstation
Figure 5.14
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5.7
Begin a New drawing. Select Start from Scratch, English defaults. Create the start ing geometry for a Flange Plate as shown in Figure 5.15 Save As ARRAY.
Figure 5.15 i.
Create the Polar Array as shown in Figure 5.16 A. Save As ARRAY1
ii.
Open ARRAY. Create the Polar Array as shown in Figure 5.16 B. SaveAs ARRAY2. (HINT: Use a negative angle to generate the Array in a clockwise direction.)
Figure 5.16
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5.8
Using Array with Rectangular option i.
Begin a New drawing. Select Start from Scratch, Metric setting. Use Save and assign the name LIBDESKS.
ii.
Create the Array of study carrels (desks) for the library as shown in Figure 5.17 Draw the first carrel Each carrel is 30 x 42. Design your own chair.
iii.
Create the Rectangular Array so that the carrels touch side to side and allow a 25 aisle for walking between carrels (not including chairs).
Figure 5.17
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FEEDBACK TO ACTIVITY 7b
Please discuss with your lecturer if you have any problem.
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INPUT 5C
5.9
EXTEND Extend can be thought of as the opposite of Trim. Objects such as Lines, Arc, and
Pline can be extended until intersecting another object called a ‘boundary edge’ as in Figure 5.18. The command first requires selection of existing object to serve as ‘boundary edge(s)’, which become highlighted, then the objects to extend are selected. Objects extend until, and only if, they eventually intersects ‘boundary edge’. An Extended object acquires a new endpoint at the boundary edge intersection.
Methods for invoking the EXTEND command include: Toolbar
:
Pull-down menu
: MODIFY > EXTEND
Command
: Extend
Command : extend Select boundary edges : (Projmode = UCS, Edgemode = No extend ) Select Objects : PICK Select Objects : PICK Select Objects : Enter /Project/Edge/Undo: PICK ( Select object to extend) /Project/Edge/Undo: PICK /Project/Edge/Undo: Enter Command :
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Figure 5.18
Edge mode/Project mode The edge mode and Project mode switches operate identically to their function with the Trim command. Use Edge mode with the Extend option if you want a boundary edge object to be imaginarily extended.
Figure 5.19
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5.10
FILLET
The fillet command automatically rounds a sharp corner ( intersection of two Lines, Arcs, Circles, or Pline vertices ) with a radius. You only specify the radius and select the objects to be filleted. The objects to fillet do not have to completely intersect but can overlap. You can specify whether or not the object are automatically extended or trimmed as necessary ( Figure 5.20 )
Methods for invoking the FILLET command include: Toolbar
:
Pull-down menu
: MODIFY > FILLET
Command
: Fillet
The fillet command is used first to input the desired radius ( if other than the default 0.500 value ) and a second time to select the object to fillet.
Command: fillet ( TRIM Mode ) Current fillet radius = 0.5000 Polyline/Radius/Trim/: r ( Indicates the radius option ) Enter fillet radius < 0.5000>: ( value ) or PICK ( Enter a value for the desired fillet radius or select two points to interactively specify the radius ) Command:
Figure 5.20
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5.11
CHAMFER
Chamfer is a manufacturing process used to replace a sharp corner with an angled surface. In AutoCAD, Chamfer is commonly used to change the intersection of two Lines or Plines by adding an angled line. The Chamfer command is similar to fillet, but rather than rounding with a radius or “fillet”, an angled line is automatically drawn at the distances ( from the existing corner ) that you specify.
Methods for invoking the CHAMFER command include: Toolbar
:
Pull-down menu
: MODIFY > CHAMFER
Command
: Chamfer
Chamfer can be created by two methods: Distance ( specify two distances ) or Angle ( Specify a distance and an angle ). Distance option Æ is used to specify the two values applied to create the chamfer. The value indicate the distances from the corner ( intersection of the two line ) to each chamfer endpoint ( Figure 5.21 ). Use the chamfer command once to specify distances and again to draw the chamfer.
Command: chamfer (TRIM Mode ) Current chamfer Dist1 = 0.0000, Dist2 = 0.0000 Polyline/Distance/Angle/Trim/Method/:d ( Indicates the distance option ) Enter first chamfer distance: ( value ) or PICK Enter second chamfer distance : Enter or PICK Command:
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FIRST DISTANCE
SECOND DISTANCE
Using Angle Method
Using Distance method
Figure 5.21
5.12
OFFSET
Offset creates a parallel copy of selected object. Selected object can be Lines, Arcs, Circles, Plines or other objects. Two options are available with offset; offset a specified distance and offset through a specified point.
Methods for invoking the OFFSET command include: Toolbar
:
Pull-down menu
: MODIFY > OFFSET
Command
: Offset
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Figure 5.22
5.13
DIVIDE
DIVIDE marks off a specified number of equal lengths on a selected object by placing point objects or blocks along the length or perimeter of the object. Valid objects that can be divided include arcs, circles, ellipses and elliptical arcs, polylines, and splines.
Methods for invoking the DIVIDE command include: Pull-down menu
: DRAW > POINT>DIVIDE
Command
: Divide
1
From the Draw menu, choose Point Divide.
2
Select a line, arc, spline, circle, ellipse, or polyline.
3
Enter the number of intervals you want to represent.
AutoCAD places a point at each interval on the object.
The point objects that are added to the object can be used for subsequent construction by allowing you to OSNAP to equally spaced intervals ( Nodes ). After using the Divide Command, the point objects may not be visible unless the point style is changed with the Point Style… dialog box ( Format pull-down menu ). A Regen must be invoked before the new Point style will be displayed. Figure 5.23 below shows Points displayed at the object.
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Figure 5.23
5.14
MEASURE
The Measure command will take an entity such as a line or arc and the measurement along it depends on the length of the segment. It similar with divide command, accomplishes this by placing a point entity at a specified distance given in the measure command.
Methods for invoking the MEASURE command include:
Pull-down menu
: DRAW > POINT>MEASURE
Command
: Measure
Figure 5.24 Using Measure to divide and measure the line with 3.0 inches length.
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5.15
CHANGE
Using the change command allows the characteristics of an entity to be modified. The Change command allows changing three options: Points, Properties or Text
Methods for invoking the CHANGE command :
Command
: Change
Figure 5.23 : Using Change Command with changing point method
This point allows changing the endpoint of an object or endpoints of several objects to one position: Command: Change Select Objects :PICK Select Object :Enter Properties/:PICK ( Select a point to establish as new endpoint of all objects)
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5.16
PEDIT
This command provides numerous options for editing polylines ( Plines ). The list of options below emphasizes the great flexibility possible with polylines. The first step after invoking Pedit is to select Pline to edit.
Methods for invoking the PEDIT command include: Toolbar
:
Pull-down menu
: MODIFY > Object > Polyline
Command
: Pedit.
An example of the Pedit command prompt is as follows:
Command : Pedit Select Polyline : PICK (select the polyline for subsequent editing ) Close or Open/ Join/Width/Edit Vertex/Fit/Spline/Decurve/Ltype gen/Undo/eXit: (option) ( Select the desired option from the screen menu or enter the capitalized letter for the desired option.
Close Close connect the last segment with the first segment of an existing ‘open’ Pline, resulting in a ‘closed’ Pline. (Figure 5.24 ). A closed Pline is one continuous object having no specific start or endpoint, as opposed to one closed by PICKing points. A closed Pline reacts differently to the Spline option and to some commands such as Fillet, Pline option.
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Figure 5.24 Open Open removes the closing segment if the Close option was used previously. ( Figure 5.24 )
Join This option join, or connect, any Pline, Lines, or Arc that have exact matching endpoint and add them to the selected Pline ( Figure 5.25 ) Previously closed Plines cannot be joined.
Figure 5.25 Width Width allows specification of a uniform width for Pline segment. ( Figure 5.26 ). Non-uniform width can be specified with the Edit Vertex option.
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Figure 5.26
Another methods that available under Pedit Command are Edit vertex, fit, Spline,Decurve, Ltype gen, Undo and Exit. Please practice that methods
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ACTIVITY 5c
EXERCISES. 5.9
Open each of the drawing created as solutions for Figure 5.6 ( TRIM1, TRIM2 and TRIM3 ). Use extend to return each of the drawing to the original form shown in Figure 5.6 A. Save As EXTEND1, EXTEND2 and EXTEND3
5.10
Create the ‘T’ Plate shown in Figure 5.27. Use Fillet to create all the fillets and rounds as the last step. When finished, Save the drawing as T-PLATE.
Figure 5.27
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5.11
Start New Drawing with Metric setting. Then using Offset Command to draw the entire box in Figure 5.28
Figure 5.28
5.12
Draw the figure below to learn chamfer command
i.
Begin a New drawing and select Start from Scratch, English defaults.
ii.
Set the Limits to 279,216. Next, type Zoom and use the All option.
iii.
Create the Catch Bracket shown in Figure 5.29. Draw the shape with all vertical and horizontal Lines ( Figure 5.29A )
iv.
Use Chamfer to create the six chamfers ( Figure 5.29B ). Save the drawing as CBRACKET.
B
A Figure 5.29
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5.13
Create the table in Figure 5.30 to be used as a bill of materials. Draw the bottom Line ( as dimensioned ) and a vertical Line. Use Divide along the bottom Line and Measure along vertical line to locate Points as desired. Create Offsets through the Points.
Use Measure command to measure with 0.5
Use Divide command to divice with 6 segment
Figure 5.30
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FEEDBACK TO ACTIVITY 5c
Draw the figure carefully and then discuss with your lecturer
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You are approaching success. Try all the questions in this self-assessment. QUESTION 5-1 : a)
Draw all figures below with all draw and modify commands i)
Figure 5.31
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ii)
Figure 5.32 iii)
Figure 5.33
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Feedback To Self-Assessment
Please discuss with your lecturer if you have any problem.
E2004/6/1 Text, Dtext, Textstyle
UNIT 6
TEXT, DTEXT AND TEXTSTYLE OBJECTIVES General Objective
: To understand and apply the concept of creating and editing text
Specific Objectives : At the end of the unit you will be able to: ¾
Create lines of text in a drawing using Text and Dtext.
¾
Create and format paragraph text using Mtext.
¾
Create text styles with the Style command.
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INPUT 6a
6.0
INTRODUCTION
Annotating a drawing lets you present information that cannot be presented graphically. This information can be included as text in dimensions, notes, and titles. AutoCAD provides you with a number of techniques that let you effectively create and place text in a drawing.
Text in technical drawings is typically in the form of notes concerning information or descriptions of the objects contained in the drawing. For example an architectural drawing might have writing description of rooms or spaces, special instructions for construction or notes concerning materials or furnishing. An engineering drawing may contain in addition to the dimensions, manufacturing notes, or tables.
In AutoCAD, the commands related to creating or editing text include; Text
Dtext
Mtext
Places one line of text in a drawing, but the text is not visible until after pressing Enter Places individual lines of text in a drawing and allow you to see each letter as it is typed Places text in paragraph form ( with word wrap ) within a text boundary and allow many methods of formatting the appearance of the text. Creates text styles for use with any of the text creation commands. You
Style
can select from font files, specify other parameter to design the appearance of the letters, and assign a name for each style.
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6.1
TEXT CREATION COMMANDS
The commands for creating text are formally named Dtext, Mtext and Text ( these are the commands used for typing ). The Draw pull-down menu
provides access to the two
commonly used text commands, Multiline Text… ( Mtext ) and Single-Line Text ( Dtext ) ( Figure 6.1 ). Only the Mtext command has an icon button ( by default ) near the bottom of the draw toolbar ( Figure 6.2 ). The Text command must be typed at the command line.
Mtext Toolbar
Figure 6.1 : Getting text from Pull-down menu
Figure 6.2 : Mtext toolbar
6.1.1 Dtext Dtext ( Dynamic text ) lets you insert text into an AutoCAD drawing. Dtext displays each character in the drawing as it is typed. You can enter multiple lines of text without exiting the Dtext Command. The lines of text do not ‘wrap’. Methods for invoking the Dtext Command include :
Pull Down-Menu
:
Draw > Text > Single Line Text
Command
:
Dtext
If we use the type command, the options are presented below:
Command:
dtext
Justify/Style/< Start point>:
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Start Point The start point for a line of text is the left end of the baseline for the text ( Figure 6.3 ). Height is the distance from the baseline to the top of upper case letters. Additional lines of text are automatically spaced below and left justified. The rotation angle is the angle of the baseline ( Figure 6.4 )
Figure 6.3
Figure 6.4
The command sequence for this option is:
Command: Dtext Justify/Style/; PICK or ( coordinates ) Height < 0.20 >: Enter or ( value ) Rotation Angle < 0 >: Enter or ( value ) Text: ( Type the desired line of text and press Enter. ) Text: ( Type another line of text and press Enter. ) Text: Enter Command:
NOTE: When the “Text;” prompt appears, you can also PICK a new location for the next line of text anywhere in the drawing.
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Justify If you want to use one of the justification methods, invoking this option displays the choices at the prompt: Command: Dtext Justify/Style/: J ( Invokes the justification options.) Align/Fit/Center/Middle/Right/TL/TC/TR/ML/MC/MR/BL/BC/BR: ( choice ) ( Type capital letters)
After specifying a justification option, you can enter the desired text in response to the “Text:” prompt. The text is not justified until after you press Enter.
Align Aligns the line of text between the two points specified ( P1,P2 ). The text height is adjusted automatically ( Figure 6.5 )
Figure 6.5 Fit Fits ( compresses or extends ) the line of text between the two points specified (P1,P2 ). The text height does not change ( Figure 6.5 )
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Center Centers the baseline of the first line of text at the specified point. Additional lines of text are centered below the first ( Figure 6.6 ).
Figure 6.6 Middle Centers the first line of text both vertically and horizontally about the specified point. Additional lines of text are centered below it (Figure. 6.6 ).
Right Creates text that is right justified from the specified point ( Figure. 6.6 ).
TL Top Left. Places the text in the drawing so the top line (of the first line of text) is at the point specified and additional lines of text are left justified below the point. The top line is defined by the upper case and tall lower case letters ( Figure. 6.6 ).
TC Top Center. Places the text so the top line of text is at the point specified and the line(s) of text are centered below the point ( Figure. 6.6 ).
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TR Top Right. Places the text so that the top right corner of the text is at the point specified and additional lines of text are right justified below that point ( Figure. 6.6 ).
ML Middle Left. Places text so that it is left justified and the middle line of the first line of text aligns with the point specified. The middle line is half way between the top line and the baseline, not considering the bottom (extender) line ( Figure 6.6 ).
MC Middle Center. Centers the first line of text both vertically and horizontally about the midpoint of the middle line. Additional lines of text are centered below that point (Figure 6.6 ).
MR Middle Right. Justifies the first line of text at the right end of the middle line. Additional lines of text are right justified ( Figure 6.6 ).
BL Bottom Left. Attaches the bottom (extender) line of the first line of text to the specified point. The bottom line is determined by the lowest point of lower case extended letters such as y, p, q, j, and g. If only upper-case letters are used, the letters appear to be located above the specified point. Additional lines of text are left justified ( Figure 6.6 ).
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BC Bottom Center. Centers the first line of text horizontally about the bottom (extender) line
(
Figure 6.6 ).
BR Bottom Right. Aligns the bottom (extender) line of the first line of text at the specified point. Additional lines of text are right justified ( Figure 6.6 ).
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ACTIVITY 6a
ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS BELOW. 6.1
What is DTEXT and how we access DTEXT Command.?
6.2
By default the justification mode used by the DTEXT command is left justified. Study the following prompt sequence to place the text string “ELECTRICAL.” Start New Drawing and select Start from scratch and select English setting. At your drawing area mark the “A” and “B” point with the distance 2.0 inches. The figure below shows “A” and “B” point.
Figure: 6.7: The “A” and “B” Point with a distance of 3 inches
Follow these instruction to learn about DTEXT a.
Command: DTEXT Justify/Style/ English setting. Please use all the dimensioning technique that we have learned.
Figure 7.17
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PLATE 0.25 mm
Figure 7.18
Figure 7.19
E2004/7/20 DIMENSIONING
FEEDBACK TO ACTIVITY 7a
ANSWERS. 7.1
The components of a dimension are Dimension line Extension lines Dimension text (usually a numeric value ) Arrowheads or tick marks
7.2
Technique for dimensioning Linear methods for horizontal and vertical Aligned Angular method for angles Diameter and Radius methods for circles and arcs. Ordinate method for datum-based
Another question, please draw carefully and after finished, please discuss with your own lecture
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INPUT 7b 7.7
EDITING DIMENSIONS
The dimension edit commands, DIMEDIT and DIMTEDIT are used primarily to adjust the position of the text part of a dimension. This is usually only necessary if the drawing is quite complex and the dimension would read more clearly if it were in a different position.
7.7.1 The Dimension Text Edit Command Toolbar Pull-down
Dimension/Align Text/ ( Choose your options )
Keyboard
DIMTEDIT
The Dimension Text Edit command is used to modify the text position of any single dimension. The command can be used to position the text dynamically (this is the default) or one of the options can be used for a specific type of movement. For example, the dimension shown on Figure 7.20 has been modified by dynamically moving the position of the text and then the text has been rotated using the Angle option.
Figure 7.20
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Command Sequence Command: DIMTEDIT Select dimension: (pick the dimension you want to edit) Enter text location (Left/Right/Home/Angle): (pick a new position or use an option)
Figure 7.21 The results of the four available options are shown in the Figure 7.21.
The Left option moves the text to a left justified position within the dimension. The Right option moves the text to a right justified position within the dimension. The Home option returns the text to the home position after it has been modified. The Angle option enables the text to be rotated about its center.
7.7.2
The Dimension Edit Command
Toolbar Pull-down
Dimension/Oblique (other options are duplicated in DIMTEDIT so don't appear)
Keyboard
DIMEDIT
The Dimension Edit command can be used to modify and change the text of any number of dimensions. The command could, for example, be used to add a standard prefix or suffix to a number of dimensions.
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Command Sequence Command: DIMEDIT Dimension Edit (Home/New/Rotate/Oblique) : (choose an option) Select objects: (pick one or more dimensions) Select objects: (pick more or
end)
The command sequence will vary depending upon which option has been chosen but the results of the various options are illustrated in Figure 7.22
Figure 7.22 The Home option returns dimensions to their home position. The New option displays the Multiline Text Editor. The changes you make to the text will be applied to all selected dimensions so it is important not to delete the "" marker from the text string. Deleting this marker will remove the values from all selected dimensions. The Rotate option can be used to rotate dimension text about its center point. It works in exactly the same way as the Angle option of the DIMTEDIT command except that you can rotate any number of dimensions at once. The Oblique option is used to set the dimension lines at an angle. This option can be very useful when you are dimensioning a drawing in isometric projection (see Figure 7.23 ). In this case the drawing has been dimensioned using the Aligned command and then the oblique angle modified to suit the dimension position. This usually means setting an angle of 30, 330 or 90 degrees depending upon the dimension orientation. If you are creating details in isometric projection make sure you are using the isometric snap/grid option for greater efficiency.
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Figure 7.23 7.8
DIMENSION STYLES
Dimension styles are the main method used to control the way dimensions look. Using styles you can change the text font, the arrow head style, the relative position of the text, the scale of dimensions and many other parameters. Styles are created using the DIMSTYLE command. Dimension styling is a relatively complex area of AutoCAD and the finer points are beyond the scope of this unit. However, the main points which will enable you to create clear, good looking styles are set out below.
7.8.1
The Dimension Style Command
Toolbar Pull-down
Dimension/Style…
Keyboard
DDIM
short-cut D
The Dimension Style command can be used to change the appearance of dimensions. The best method is to create a new style before you start creating dimensions so that you can leave the STANDARD style as a default option. Having created a new style from STANDARD, then you
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can apply any modifications you generally require to the parent style and then more specific modifications to the child styles in order to create a style family.
Name Edit Box
Figure 7.24 Dimension styles are created using the Dimension Styles dialogue box. The dialogue box is shown on Figure 7.24. As you can see from the dialogue box, a style is applied to a family of dimensions. By default, any style changes are made to the parent. Each style parent has six child styles. The child styles, Linear, Radial, Angular, Diameter, Ordinate and Leader can be used to modify the parent style when that particular type of dimension is used. For example, you may like to use a tick rather than an arrow head for your dimensions but this isn't really appropriate for a leader, so the Leader child style can be changed so that leaders will always be drawn with an arrow head whilst all other dimensions of the same style family are drawn using ticks.
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7.8.2
Creating a New Style
To create a new dimension style, make sure the STANDARD style is the current style, click in the Name edit box and type the name of the new style you wish to create. Click the Save button. You will see a message in the lower left corner of the dialogue box which says "Created name from STANDARD" where name is the new style name which you typed. The new style is automatically set as the current style. You may rename the new style if you wish, simply by typing a new name in the Name edit box and clicking on the Rename button. The new style which you have created is identical to the STANDARD style, so you must now modify your new style so that it can be used to create dimensions which conform to your own requirements. Style changes are made in three categories, Geometry, Format and Annotation ( Figure 7.25 ). As you can see from the Dimension Styles dialogue box, each category is represented by a button which leads to a dialogue box which is used to modify the settings in that particular category.
Figure 7.25
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7.8.3
Setting the Arrow Head Type
The style of arrow heads is set using the Geometry dialogue box, illustrated in Figure 7.26. As you can see, the STANDARD style has Closed Filled arrow heads as a default. To change the arrow head style for a new dimension style, make sure the style is current and that the "Parent" radio button is selected (this assumes you are not modifying a child style), click on the "Geometry…" button and select a new arrow head type from the "1st" drop-down list. Once selected the new arrow type is illustrated in the dialogue box. If you require different arrow heads at each end of your dimensions you can set the other type using the "2nd" drop-down list. Click on "OK" to return to the Dimension Styles dialogue box.
Figure 7.26 7.8.4
Dimension Scale
When you are working with drawings, which will be plotted, at different scales, you will need some way of changing the scale of the dimension lines relative to your drawing so that they always appear the same size, irrespective of plotting scale. You can achieve this by using the Scale variable. This option is also available from the Geometry dialogue box. The default value is set to 1.0. The larger the value the larger the dimension will appear. For example, a value of 2.0 would double the text height and the arrow size. To change the scale of dimensions, simply type the required scale in the "Overall Scale" edit box. Try changing the scale factor and check the results. The scaling applies to individual styles, so you could create different styles with different dimension scales to be used for different plotting scales.
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Note that changing the scale of dimensions does not affect the dimension value, this is always calculated in drawing units.
7.8.5
Setting the Text Location
To change the text location click on the "Format…" button in the Dimension Styles dialogue box. The Format dialogue box is shown in Figure 7.27. By default the horizontal justification is set to "Centered" and the vertical justification to "Above". This means that the dimension text will appear centered above a horizontal dimension line and centered left of a vertical dimension line. To have the text cantered within the dimension line, click on the down arrow of the "Vertical Justification" pull-down list to reveal the options and click on "Centered". The illustration changes to reflect your choice. Click on "OK" to return to the Dimension Styles dialogue box. You can see the result of this action by looking at the illustration below. Experiment with the Horizontal Justification and Vertical Justification options to see what results they give.
Figure 7.27
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You can also use Text the option in this dialogue box to change the text orientation in aligned dimensions. By default all dimension text is aligned with the dimension. This option allows you to force text to appear horizontal, irrespective of the orientation of the dimension. You have independent control over dimension text which appears inside and outside of the dimension lines. The illustration on the Figure 7.28 shows a dimension with vertical justification set to "Above" ( left) and to "Centered" (right).
Figure 7.28
7.8.6
Setting Text Style and Units Text style and units are both set using the Annotation dialogue box, illustrated in Figure
7.29 To set a text style to a dimension you must first have created the style using the Text Style command (Format/Text Style… from the pull-down menu). To assign the text style to a dimension style, click on the "Annotation…" button in the Dimension Styles dialogue box, click on the drop-down list in the "Text" area of the Annotation dialogue and select the required text style from the list. Click on "OK" to return to the Dimension Styles dialogue. AutoCAD gives you the option to automatically include a unit prefix or suffix with the dimension text. For example, you could set the dimension style in such a way that it created dimensions with "m" to indicate meters after each dimension text. Most usually, dimensions are drawn without units displayed but with a note on the drawing indicating the units used, such as "All dimensions in meters". However, you may have a drawing where different units are being used for different elements of the drawing.
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Figure 7.29
In such a case it is a good idea to include units to avoid confusion. Remember that the main idea behind dimensioning is to give the maximum amount of information in the clearest and most concise way. To add units to a dimension style, click on the "Annotation…" button in the Dimension Styles dialogue box and enter the required unit character(s) in the "Prefix" and/or "Suffix" edit boxes of the "Primary Units" area of the dialogue box. For example, if you wanted to display meters, you would type "m" in the "Suffix" edit box.
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7.9
THE DIMENSION UPDATE COMMAND
Toolbar Pull-down
Dimension/Update
Keyboard
DIM
UPDATE
The Dimension Update command is used to apply the current dimension style to existing dimensions. You can use this command to change the style of a dimension. Unlike text styles, dimension styles do not automatically update when the style is changed. The UPDATE command must be used to force dimensions to appear in the current text style.
Command Sequence Command: DIM Dim: UPDATE Select objects: (pick dimension to update) Select objects: (pick more dimensions or
to end)
Dim: (press the escape key, Esc to return to the command prompt)
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ACTIVITY 7b
ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS. 7.4
Draw the following figure using the dimension given.
Figure 7.30
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Figure 7.31
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FEEDBACK TO ACTIVITY 7b
Check the completed drawing with your lecturer.
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EXERCISES. Question 7-1 : a)
Draw the figure below with dimension given. i)
Figure 7.32
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ii)
Figure 7.33
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FEEDBACK TO SELF-ASSESSMENT
Check your drawing with your lecturer.
E 2004/9/1 Printing & Plotting
UNIT 9
PRINTING AND PLOTTING OBJECTIVES
General Objective
: To understand and apply the Printing and Plotting setting.
Specific Objectives : At the end of the unit you will be able to : ¾
List the typical steps for printing or plotting.
¾
Invoke and use the Print / Plot Configuration dialog box.
¾
Select from available plotting devices and set the paper size.
¾
Specify the area of the drawing to print or plot.
¾
preview the print/plot before creating a plotted drawing.
E 2004/9/2 Printing & Plotting
INPUT 9a
9.0
INTRODUCTION AutoCAD display drawing in two ways, as hard copies or soft copies. A soft copies
is the view of drawing shown in the drawing window. AutoCAD uses pixels to convert into the images seen on your monitor. A hard copy is the plotted or printed version on your drawing on paper. AutoCAD produces hard copies by converting data into a raster or vector image that is read by a printer or plotter. Hard copies are generally used for finalized drawing or for drawing reviews. Hard copies can be scaled, unscaled, or real life representation of your work.
9.1
Print / Plot Configuration Plotting and printing are accomplished from within AutoCAD by invoking the Plot
command. Using the Plot or Print command invokes the Print/Plot Configuration dialog box ( figure 9.1 ). You have complete control of plotting and printing using the dialog box. In AutoCAD, the term “plotting’ can refer to plotting on a pen plotter and/or printing with a printer.
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figure 9.1 : Print/Plot Configuration dialog box Typical step to plotting / Printing. Assuming the CAD system has been properly configured so the peripheral devices ( plotter and/or printers) are functioning, the typical basic steps to printing and plotting using the Print/Plot Configuration dialog box are listed below:
1. Use Save to ensure the drawing has been saved in its most recent form before plotting ( just in case some problem arises while plotting). 2. Make sure the plotter or printer is turned on, has paper and pens loaded, and is ready to accept the plot information from the computer. 3. Invoke the Print/Plot configuration dialog box. 4. Check the upper left corner of the dialog box to ensure that the intended devices have been selected. If not, select the Devices and Default Selection tile and make the desired choice. 5. Check the upper right corner of the dialog box to ensure the desired paper size has been selected. If not, use the Size…. tile to do so. 6. Only when necessary, change other option such as Rotation and Origin and Pen Assignments. 7. Determine and select which area of the drawing to plot : Display, Extend, Limits, Window or View. 8. Enter the desired scale for the print or plot. If no standard scale is needed, toggle Scale To Fit ( so the check mark appear in the box )
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9. Always Preview the plot to ensure the drawing will be printed or plotted as you expect. Select either a Full or Partial preview. If the preview does not display the plot as you intended, make the appropriate changes. Otherwise, needless time and media could be wasted. 10. If everything is OK, selecting the OK tile causes the drawing to be sent to the plotter and printer. 11. For additional plots or prints, you can use the Preview command to preview and plot the drawing based on the parameters previously set in the Print/Plot Configuration dialog box.
9.2 Using the Plot / Print Command Methods for opening the Print / Plot Configuration dialog box include: Toolbar
:
Menu
:
File > Print
Command
:
Plot
The Print / Plot Configuration dialog box will displayed as shown in figure 9.1.
Devices and Default Selection The Devices and Default Selection option lets you review current information on the configuration of plotters and printers. When you select the Devices and Default Selection button, the Devices and Default selection dialog box is displayed. This section describes the uses of the Select a Device, and the Device specific configuration areas found in the dialog box. You cannot add a device to the dialog box at this stage. You must reconfigured AutoCAD to recognize another plotter. The dialog box is shown below.
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Figure 9.2 : Device and default Selection Dialog Box
The show and change option in the Device Specific Configuration areas lets you review or change the printer/plotter setting. A description of these options follows: •
Show -
when the show button is chosen, the Show Device
Requirements dialog box is displayed with information about the current printing devices. This dialog box is shown in the following figure:
Figure 9.3 : Show Device Requirement Dialog Box •
Change -
If you want to change information about the printer/plotter,
choose the change button. The dialog box that is displayed is determined by the type of printer/plotter currently being used. For examples, if you choose the Change button, the Change Device Requirements dialog box may be displayed. However, another printing device may display the Print Setup
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dialog box. Each of these dialog boxes require you to enter different information to change the printer/plotter setting.
Figure 9.4 : Print Setup Dialog Box Pen Parameters The Pen Parameters areas of the Print / Plot Configuration dialog box lets you change pen parameter settings. The Pen Assignment button, and the Optimization button are located in this area. Choosing the Pen Assignments button opens the Pen Assignments dialog box containing the following option: •
Color -
displays the AutoCAD color to which you assign a width, pen.
speed, or linetype. If you have a single pen plotter, and have chosen the option to plot different colors with different colored pen, AutoCAD pauses when necessary during the plot and issues a prompt let you to stop and change the pen. •
Pen -
pens are used with pen plotters. This option lets you assign a
color to a pen number. •
Ltype -
displays the linetype number assigned to the current color. To
see the available plotter linetype, check the Feature Legend button. •
Speed -
this option is used to assign plotting speed to pens used with
pen plotters. Each plotting speed is assigned a color.
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•
Width -
the width option display the line width assigned to a color.
This option generally determine the line width of lines drawn with raster printer.
Figure 9.5 : Pen Assignment Dialog Box
The optimization button located in the Pen Parameters area, displays the Optimizing Pen Motion dialog box. This dialog box has a list of check boxes that increase optimization, by minimizing wasted pen motion and reducing plotting time. By default, AutoCAD minimizes pen motion when a drawing is plotted. With the exception of the No Optimization button, the more button are checked the higher the optimization. The printer or plotter determines if the options in dialog box are available. The Optimizing Pen Motion dialog box is displayed in the following Figure 9.6:
Figure 9.6 : Optimizing Pen Motion Dialog Box
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Additional Parameters. The Additional Parameters area of the Print / Plot Configuration dialog box has a list of options used to properly setup your drawing for printing and plotting. The following list describes each of these options: •
Display -
this option prints or plots everything shown in the current
view of the drawing window. •
Extents -
this option plots the area of the drawing that contain objects.
Before you print or plot the drawing, use the Zoom to Drawing Extent option to make sure include all the object you have created. •
Limits -
this option prints or plots everything located inside the
established drawing limits. •
View -
this option lets you plot an existing named view. When you
select the View button the View Name dialog box is displayed. Select the name view you want to plot, then choose OK. The Print / Plot Configuration dialog box is redisplayed with the view check box highlighted. •
Window -
this option lets you specify the rectangular you want to plot,
print or save to plot files. When this button is selected, the Window Selection dialog box is displayed. You can enter coordinates for the first Corner and Other Corner in the dialog box, or use the Pick button to define a window in the drawing. After you specify the plot area choose the OK button. The Window checkbox is now checked. The Window Selection dialog box is shown in Figure 9.7:
Figure 9.7 : Window Selection dialog box
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•
Text Resolution -
this option sets the resolution value for printed text.
Lower values increase the plotting speed, but decrease the resolution. Higher values decrease the plotting speed, and increase the resolution. This also sets the resolution, in dot-per-inch, of True Type font while plotting. This value is stored in the TEXTQLTY system variable. •
Text Fill -
if selected, this option displays some text as a solid or filled
objects. If the box is unchecked the latter are plotted in an outline form. •
Hide-Line -
this option if checked, plots model space view with hidden
line removed when a drawing is plotted. •
Adjust Area Fill -
this option lets you compensate for pen-width when
plotting wide polylines, solid-filled traces or filled 2D solid. AutoCAD adjust the boundary of filled areas inward by half a pen width. This can be important for exacting applications like printed circuit board artwork that require greater accuracy. •
Autospool -
this option lets you send a plot file to a printing device while
you continue to work. For more information check the Online Help. •
Plot to file -
the Plot To File option lets you create a plot file. Many
applications such as word processors can include AutoCAD plot file as illustration. Instead of printing or plotting your drawing, you have the option of generating files with .plt file name is the drawing name. When this button is checked the File Name button is activated. •
File name -
when the File Name button is selected, the Create Plot File
dialog box is displayed. This dialog box lets you name the plot file, then save it to a specified directory. After you assign a name and directory, choose the Save button. The Create Plot File dialog box is displayed in the following Figure 9.8:
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Figure 9.8 : Create Plot File Dialog Box
Paper Size and Orientation. The Paper Size and Orientation area is used to determine the size of the paper that will be used for plotting. You can also select the plot specification units. This is done by choosing Inches or the MM button for millimeters. The Paper Size and Orientation area also have a Size button, Orientation icon, and Plot Area line. These features are discussed in the following section:
Size The type of printing device that you use determines if the Size button is activated. If the box is not shaded you can select the Size button. The Paper Size dialog box is then displayed. You will find a list of standard paper size in the window on the left side of the dialog box. To change the paper size, select one of the rows. AutoCAD also lets you create your own paper size by entering numbers at the User lines. This is done by selecting the Width and Height boxes and entering the desired sizes. To add the new paper size to the window, move the cursor inside of the window and press the left mouse button once, or press ENTER. The new paper size is then displayed. When a paper size is selected the assigned name is displayed next to the Size button in the Paper Size and Orientation area.
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Orientation When a paper size is selected the Orientation icon and name are displayed in the Paper Size dialog box. The Orientation icon is also shown in the Paper Size and Orientation area. The icon changes depending on the plotting device configuration. The orientation
can be
Landscape, which means in a horizontal position, or Portrait which is a vertical position.
Plot Area This line displays the numbers used to create the current paper size. When you are plotting , the paper size ( plot area ) dimensions used by AutoCAD and the printing device may not be consistent. This can result in plotted drawing that do not fit on the paper. For example HP plotter have wide margins which often cut into the effective plot area.
Scale, Rotation and Origin. The scale, Rotation and Origin area have options that are used to help you plot drawing that meet certain specifications. The plot image is always aligned with the lower left corner of a specified plot area, even when plot is rotated. When a plot is offset, the offset is applied to the entire plot image, rather than the plot origin point. The plot image is offset away from the lower left corner on the page. A description of the options are:
Rotation If you select the Rotation and Origin button, the Plot Rotation and Origin dialog box is displayed. The Plot and Rotation area of this dialog box lets you select the rotation angle of the plotted drawing. The rotation angle can be set at 0, 90, 180, 270 degree.
Origin The Plot Origin area of the Plot Rotation and Origin dialog box lets you change the origin of the plot. Generally all drawings are printed from the 0,0 origin located in the lower left corner of the paper. If you want your plot to start in a new location, enter the new coordinate values at the X origin and Y origin edit boxes. This lets you place multiple plots on the same sheet. The Plot Rotation and Origin dialog box is shown in the following Figure 9.9
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Figure 9.9 : Plot Rotation and Origin
Scale Scale factor is used to print or plot text, dimensions, tick marks, arrow and drawings at the proper size. After you determine your scale factor, AutoCAD lets you enter a scale in the Plotted Inches = Drawing Units and the Plotted MM = Drawing Units edit boxes. To use this option, make sure the Scale to Fit button is not selected.
Scale to Fit If you do not have a scale factor, select the Scale to Fit option. AutoCAD then adjusts the drawing to fit inside of the selected paper size boundaries. This is done by calculating the ratio between the width and height of your specified drawing area and the width and height of the plotted area. The scale factor set by AutoCAD will be displayed in the Plotted Inches = Drawing Unit and the Plotted MM = Drawing Units edit boxes.
Previewing a Plot The Plot preview area lets you review your drawing before it is printed or plotted. You can select a Partial or Full preview by selecting an option button then choosing Preview. These options are described in the following sections. Partial When the Partial button is selected the Preview Effective Plotting Area dialog box is displayed. This dialog box lets you see your drawing in relation to the current paper size. The paper dimensions are found below at the Paper Size line. The blue outline represents your drawing. The dimension of your drawing are located at the Effective area line. If the
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paper size and effective area are the same dimensions, the outline will have a red and blue dashed line around it.
If there are problems with the orientation of the drawing and the paper size, a warning is displayed at the bottom of the Preview Effective Plotting area dialog box. The most commonly displayed commands are: •
Effective area too small.
•
Origin forced effective area off display.
•
Plotting area exceed paper maximum.
If any of these items are displayed, you may need to adjust the plot setting then preview the drawing again. This ensures that your drawing is set up properly before it is printed or plotted. The dialog box also has a Rotation icon located inside of the red and blue outline areas of the dialog box. To determine the rotation angle observe the icon location. Each angle is assigned a location which includes : 0 bottom-left corner, 90 top-left corner, 180 top-right corner, and 270 bottom-right. The Preview Effective Plotting Area dialog box is displayed in the following Figure 9.10
Figure 9.10 : Preview Effective Plotting Area.
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Full The full preview option lets you see the drawing as it would be displayed on paper. When this option is selected a 0-100% meter is displayed at the bottom of the Print/Plot Configuration dialog box. When the regeneration is complete the drawing is displayed, while a regeneration takes place and the PLOT command process the data. To end the Full preview option, Press ESC. ENTER, or the right mouse button to activate the Realtime PAN and ZOOM menu. This menu lets you use the PAN and ZOOM commands to change the view or location of the plotted image on the display screen. The following figure demonstrates how a drawing would be displayed after a full preview.
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ACTIVITY 9a
EXERCISES.
9.1 i)
Open the drawing from Program File, ( C : \ Program File \ AutoCADR14 \ Sample \ Watch ).
ii)
Invoke the Print / Plot Configuration Dialog Box. Set the Additional Parameter to Limits. Click on the Devices and Default Selection Box and click Change at Device Requirement.
iii)
When the Print Setup Dialog Box appeared, set the paper size to A4 and Orientation to Portrait.
iv)
Click OK and see the result.
i)
Open the drawing from Program File, ( C : \ Program File \
9.2
AutoCADR14 \ Sample \ opera). ii)
Invoke the Print / Plot Configuration Dialog Box. Set the additional parameter to Extents. Click on the Devices and Default Selection Box and click Change at Device Requirement.
iii)
When the Print Setup Dialog Box appeared, set the paper size to A4 and Orientation to Portrait.
iv)
Click OK and see the result
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ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS BELOW. QUESTIONS 9-1 :
a) What is the function of Pen Parameter dialog box and what are the options contain?
b) Open the Schematic Diagram from Draw Command unit (Figure 4.37) that you have done before. Print the drawing to A4 size and Portrait Orientation.
c) Open the office floor plan drawing you have done in unit 8, Print the drawing to A4 size and Landscape Orientation.
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FEEDBACK TO SELF-ASSESSMENT
ANSWERS QUESTION 9-1
a)
Pen Parameters The Pen Parameters areas of the Print / Plot Configuration dialog box lets you change pen parameter settings. The Pen Assignment button, and the Optimization button are located in this area. Choosing the Pen Assignments button opens the Pen Assignments dialog box containing the following option: •
Color -
displays the AutoCAD color to which you assign a width, pen
speed, or linetype. If you have a single pen plotter, and have chosen the option to plot different colors with different colored pen, AutoCAD pauses when necessary during the plot and issues a prompt let you to stop and change the pen. •
Pen -
pens are used with pen plotters. This option lets you assign a
color to a pen number. •
Ltype -
displays the linetype number assigned to the current color. To
see the available plotter linetype, check the Feature Legend button. •
Speed -
this option is used to assign plotting speed to pens used with
pen plotters. Each plotting speed is assigned a color. •
Width -
the width option display the line width assigned to a color.
This option generally determine the line width of lines drawn with raster printer.
