CAD Week 7-8 Part2

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Comp102E ILK Week 7-8 Part 2

The REVOLVE Command

Creates a 3D solid or surface by sweeping a 2D object around an axis


Ribbon: Does not exist on the ribbon.

Toolbar: Modeling

Menu: Draw Modeling Revolve


Command entry: revolve
Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4
Select objects to revolve: Use an object selection method

You can revolve closed objects to create 3D solids and open objects to create surfaces. Objects can
be revolved 360 degrees or another specified angle.

With the REVOLVE command, you can create a new solid or surface by revolving an open or closed
planar curve about an axis. You can revolve more than one object.

The DELOBJ system variable controls whether revolved objects are automatically deleted when the
solid or surface is created or whether you are prompted to delete the objects.

You can select the objects to revolve before you start the command.

You can revolve the following objects:

 Lines

 Arcs

 Elliptical arcs

 2D polylines

 2D splines

 Circles

 Ellipses

 Planar 3D faces

 2D solids

 Traces

 Regions

 Planar faces on solids or surfaces


NoteYou can select faces on solids by pressing and holding CTRL, and then selecting these subobjects.

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You cannot revolve objects contained within a block. Polylines that have crossing or self-
intersecting segments cannot be revolved. REVOLVE ignores the width of a polyline and revolves from the
center of the path of the polyline.

The right-hand rule determines the positive direction of rotation. See Control the User Coordinate
System in 3D in the User's Guide.
Specify axis start point or define axis by [Object/X/Y/Z] <Object>:Specify a point, press ENTER to
select an object for the axis, or enter an option
Axis Start Point
Specifies the first and second points of the axis of revolution. The positive axis direction is
from the first to the second point.
Specify axis endpoint: Specify a point (2)
Specify angle of revolution or [STart angle] <360>: Specify an angle or press ENTER

A positive angle revolves the objects in a counterclockwise direction. A negative angle


revolves the objects in a clockwise direction.
The objects are revolved to the specified angle.

Start Angle
Specifies an offset for the revolution from the plane of the object being revolved.
Specify start angle <0>: Specify an angle or press ENTER
Specify angle of revolution <360>: Specify an angle or press ENTER
Object
Allows you to select an existing object that defines the axis about which to revolve the
selected object. The positive axis direction is from the closest to the farthest endpoint of this
object.
The following objects can be used as an axis:

 Lines

 Linear polyline segments

 Linear edges of solids or surfaces


NoteYou can select an edge on a solid by pressing and holding CTRL, and then selecting an edge.
Select an object: Use an object selection method
Specify angle of revolution or [STart angle] <360>: Specify an angle or press ENTER

X (Axis)
Uses the positive X axis of the current UCS as the positive axis direction.
Specify angle of revolution or [STart angle] <360>: Specify an angle or press ENTER

Y (Axis)
Uses the positive Y axis of the current UCS as the positive axis direction.

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Specify angle of revolution or [STart angle] <360>: Specify an angle or press ENTER

Z (Axis)
Uses the positive Z axis of the current UCS as the positive axis direction.
Specify angle of revolution or [STart angle] <360>: Specify an angle or press ENTER

In revolving a profile to create a solid, we need an AXIS of revolution. It’s imperative.

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Okay, let’s practice.

Create a profile: a CLOSED polyline, on the FRONT UCS, Realistic visual style.
3D Isometric
view (SE,
current UCS)

Then, you may want to view the XY plane (Front UCS) in a PLAN view (flat view...paper view...whatever), not isometric
view.
2D PLAN
3D PLAN view (current
view (current
UCS)
UCS)

But if you’re at ease with isometric view, it’s okay. If you want it to view flat on screen,

1. Enter PLAN
2. Enter

Create this polyline profile. Follow the measurements.


3D SE
isometric view
(FRONT UCS),
GRID Off
2D PLAN
view (FRONT
UCS), GRID
On

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And you’ll have your profile, alright.

To continue with REVOLVE:


(3) click
1. Enter REVOLVE command (or REV)
(4) click
2. Select the profile and confirm.

You are then prompted to Specify axis start point ... or any other
options.

We will revolve this object around the leftmost edge (encircled on the
above image)

3. Click on the upper endpoint of that edge.


4. Click on the lower endpoint of that edge.

You are prompted to enter angle of revolution; the default is 360 .

5. Enter (to accept the rotation angle of 360)

Here’s your solid:

original
profile NOT
deleted

Depending on the system variable DELOBJ in your AutoCAD settings, the original profile is deleted or not after
REVOLVE (or EXTRUDE, for that matter). In this case, I set the DELOBJ value to 0 (zero means “do not delete”)

Just type DELOBJ on the command line and set the value.

5
toptmost
edge

leftmost
edge
rightmost edge

Bottom
(base) edge

Now, if you have selected the topmost edge as your AXIS of revolution, this will be the output:

SE Isometric
view,
current UCS

SW Isometric
view, current
UCS

Or revolved about the rightmost edge:

Or revolved about the base (bottom edge):

You can always specify other angle of rotation...

rotated 180
about the
topmost edge
rotated -60
about the
topmost edge

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Now, draw a vertical line, just a bit right of the profile, like so:

this line

If we revolve the profile about this line, and the result would be:

View adjusted using


Constrained Orbit tool

Have you used the Constrained Orbit in the ORBIT toolbar?

Constrained My very own


Orbit Continuous customized tool
Orbit
Free Orbit

You can use orbit tools to adjust the “tilt” or “swing” angle of the view, or access the interactive viewing of 3D objects.

Say, let us rotate the profile 45 clockwise (we enter – 45 when prompted for Angle of Rotation). You may want to adjust
the vertical line so it won’t intersect with the profile.

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Then try to revolve it around the vertical line.
Then you could have this output:

Alright, we will create a more elaborate profile for revolving: The Goblet of Gold

Let’s use LINE, ARC, FILLET and OFFSET, then Convert to Polyline, JOIN and CLOSE.

Construct the profile on the FRONT UCS. You can estimate your measurements for this outline.

ARC 3

ARC 2 offset

ARC 2

LINE 3
LINE 4
(axis of
revolution) LINE 2

ARC 1

LINE 1

Our profile (SE isometric view, Realistic):

When the profile is revolved, rotated 360 about the leftmost edge (LINE 4),
the resulting
solid is:

You may have noticed, the


axis
profile was deleted after
REVOLVE. (DELOBJ=1)

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What if you revolved the profile about the lowest
edge (LINE 1)? You could get this:
(note the profile)

Profile not
deleted

CHALLENGE: Make a vase, or an urn, or a flask.

Create a profile and use REVOLVE to create the vase, similar to the above model. You may or may not include the lid.

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The SWEEP command

Creates a 3D solid or surface by sweeping a 2D object along a path


Ribbon: Does not exist on the ribbon.

Toolbar: Modeling

Menu: Draw Modeling Sweep


Command entry: sweep

With the SWEEP command, you can create a new solid or surface by sweeping an open or closed
planar curve (profile) along an open or closed 2D or 3D path. SWEEP draws a solid or surface in the shape
of the specified profile along the specified path. You can sweep more than one object, but they all must lie
on the same plane.

When you select an object to sweep, it is automatically aligned to the object that is used as the
path.

You can use the following objects and paths when creating a swept solid or surface:

Objects that Can Be Swept Objects that Can Be Used as a Sweep Path

Line Line

Arc Arc

Elliptical arc Elliptical arc

2D polyline 2D polyline

2D spline 2D spline

Circle Circle

Ellipse Ellipse

Planar 3D face 3D spline

2D solid 3D polyline

Trace Helix

Region Edges of solids or surface

Planar surface

Planar faces of solid

NoteYou can select faces and edges on solids or surfaces by pressing and holding CTRL, and then
selecting these subobjects.

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The DELOBJ system variable controls whether the profile(s) and sweep path are automatically
deleted when the solid or surface is created or whether you are prompted to delete the profile(s) and
path.

You can select the objects to sweep before you start the command.
Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4
Select objects to sweep: Use an object selection method and press ENTER when you finish
Select sweep path or [Alignment/Base Point/Scale/Twist]: Select a 2D or 3D sweep path, or enter an
option

Alignment

Specifies whether the profile is aligned to be normal to the tangent direction of the sweep path. By
default, the profile is aligned.
Align sweep object perpendicular to path before sweep [Yes/No] <Yes>: Enter no to specify that the
profile is not be aligned or press ENTER to specify that the profile is aligned

NoteIf the profile curve is not perpendicular (normal) to the tangent of the start point of the path
curve, then the profile curve automatically aligns. Enter No at the alignment prompt to prevent this.

Base Point

Specifies a base point for the objects to be swept. If the specified point does not lie on the plane of
the selected objects, it is projected onto the plane.
Specify base point: Specify a base point for the selection set

Scale

Specifies a scale factor for a sweep operation. The scale factor is uniformly applied to the objects
that are swept from the start to the end of the sweep path.
Enter scale factor or [Reference] <1.0000>: Specify a scale factor, enter r for the reference option, or
press ENTER to specify the default value

Reference

Scales the selected objects based on the length you reference by picking points or entering values.
Specify start reference length <1.0000>: Specify a beginning length from which to scale the selected
objects
Specify end reference length <1.0000>: Specify a final length to which to scale the selected objects

Twist

Sets a twist angle for the objects being swept. The twist angle specifies the amount of rotation
along the entire length of the sweep path.
Enter twist angle or allow banking for a non-planar sweep path [Bank] <n>: Specify an angle value less
than 360, enter b to turn on banking, or press ENTER to specify the default angle value
Select sweep path [Alignment/Base point/Scale/Twist]: Select a sweep path or enter an option

Banking specifies whether or not the curve(s) being swept will bank naturally (rotate) along a 3D
sweep path (3D polyline, 3D spline, or helix).

The SWEEP command has other features that the EXTRUDE command doesn’t have.

Let us find out.

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Remember this Corner Pocket profile and path we constructed before? Let us use the same profile and path.

Make the Corner Pocket profile 50%


smaller: so we will SCALE it down with
a scale factor = 0.5).

The profile has shrunk half its size:

CREATE 6 COPIES OF THIS PROFILE AND PATH geometry somewhere in your drawing area for later use.

In SWEEP, we have options such as Alignment, Base Point, Scale, and Twist.

Let us try the TWIST option while SWEEPing.


1. Enter SWEEP command
2. Click on the Corner Pocket profile and confirm
3. Enter T (for Twist option)

While sweeping, the profile twists by 360 until the end of the path,
so...

4. Enter 360
You are prompted for other options (again)
5. Click the path.

If the TWIST rotation is set to 180:

The SCALE option (instead of the Twist option in Step 3)

If the scale is specified (on Step 3), and give a scale factor of 0.5 (50%
reduction) , the sweep reduces the profile half its size, depending on where
you click at the path (on Step 5). This is the result if you click near the
beginning of the path.

Clicking near the end of the path has this result:

If we COMBINE the TWIST (360) and SCALE (25%) options (Tadaa!!):


(To do this, after Step 4, enter S for the Scale option)

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Try more fancy sweeping...
from this.. ...to this:
SWEEP
paths

pentagram
profile

Since the profile is not deleted after sweeping,


we can sweep the same profile on the other
paths.

Have you tried a helical path? Sweeping profiles on a helical path.

The HELIX command.

Creates a 2D spiral or 3D spring


Ribbon: Does not exist on the ribbon.

Toolbar: Modeling

Menu: Draw Helix


Command entry: helix
Number of turns = 3 (default)
Twist = CCW (default)
Specify center point of base: Specify a point

Specify base radius or [Diameter] <1.0000>: Specify a base radius, enter d to specify the diameter, or
press ENTER to specify the default base radius value

Specify top radius or [Diameter] <1.0000>: Specify a top radius, enter d to specify the diameter, or
press ENTER to specify the default top radius value

Specify helix height or [Axis endpoint/Turns/turn Height/tWist] <1.0000>: Specify a helix height, or
enter an option

Use a helix as a sweep path for the SWEEP command to create springs, threads, and circular
stairways.
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Initially, the default base radius is set to 1. During a drawing session, the default value for the base
radius is always the previously entered base radius value for any solid primitive or helix.

The default value for the top radius is always the value of the base radius.

The base radius and top radius cannot both be set to 0.

Diameter (Base)

Specifies the diameter of the base of the helix.


Specify diameter <2.0000>: Specify a diameter or press ENTER to specify the default value

Initially, the default base diameter is set to 2. During a drawing session, the default value for the
base diameter is always the previously entered base diameter value.

Diameter (Top)

Specifies the diameter of the top of the helix.


Specify diameter <2.0000>: Specify a diameter or press ENTER to specify the default value

The default value for the top diameter is always the value of the base diameter.

Axis Endpoint

Specifies the endpoint location for the helix axis. The axis endpoint can be located anywhere in 3D
space. The axis endpoint defines the length and orientation of the helix.
Specify axis endpoint: Specify a point

Turns

Specifies the number of turns (revolutions) for the helix. The number of turns for a helix cannot
exceed 500.

Initially, the default value for the number of turns is three. During a drawing session, the default
value for the number of turns is always the previously entered number of turns value.
Enter number of turns: Enter a number

Turn Height

Specifies the height of one complete turn within the helix.

The number of turns in the helix will automatically update accordingly when a turn height value is
specified. If the number of turns for the helix has been specified, you cannot enter a value for the turn
height.
Specify distance between turns <default>: Enter a number to specify the height for each turn in the helix

Twist

Specifies whether the helix is drawn in the clockwise (CW) or the counterclockwise (CCW) direction.
The default value for the helix twist is CCW.
Enter twist direction of helix [CW/CCW] <CCW>: Specify a twist direction for the helix

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Example for Helix...I will use a cylinder as a guide. Just ignore this cylinder and the guide line.

The base diameter is 5 units and the height is 10 units. We will create a helix with the same statistics.

1. Enter HELIX command


2. Specify the center of the base of the helix

You are prompted for the radius of the helix base (or
diameter).

3. Enter D (for base diameter)


4. Enter 5
5. Enter 5 (for the top diameter)

You are prompted for the height of the helix or other options: Axis
endpoint, Turns, turn Height, tWist.
We will enter the height for now.
the output
helix
6. Enter 10 (for the helix height)

If we specify the number of turns, say 15, before entering


the value for height...:

After Step 5, enter T


enter 15
enter 10 (for the height)

If we change the TOP DIAMETER


to a different value, say 2:

If its base diameter = 8,


and top diameter = 2 :

If its base diameter = 6,


top diameter = 0 (zero), and turns = 5:

Remember that you can change these


properties through the Properties pane.

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Now, we will use the helix as a path for EXTRUDE or SWEEP.

Let’s try SWEEP...on the helical path. Construct a helix with

base diameter = 4
top diameter = 0
turns = 3

on the WORLD / TOP UCS.

Switch to FRONT UCS, and create a polyline profile...(just a crazy idea: a six-pointed shuriken)

and move it to the starting point of the


helix, using its center as the base point
like so:

How did the shuriken came to be? Shuriken geometry?

Here’s the “how to build the geometry of the six-pointed shuriken”.

1. Create a hexagon, inscribed in a circle with radius = 1 or diameter = 2.


2. Make an offset of the hexagon (inward) with offset distance of 0.6

Inscribed hexagon
hexagon offset

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3. Create two arcs as shown in the image on the right. Remember to create the
ARC counter-clockwise. Use arc, start point, second point, end.
these two arcs

4. Use Polar Array to create 6 copies of the two arcs around the inner hexagon.

5. Erase the outer and inner hexagons.

6. Convert these arcs into polylines and JOIN the arc segments through PEDIT command.

a. Enter PEDIT command (or PE)


b. Enter M
c. Select the array (all 12 arcs) and confirm.
d. Enter J (for JOIN)
e. Enter (for zero value)
f. Enter (to end PEDIT command)

Then, sweep it!


1. Enter SWEEP command
2. Select the profile (shuriken) and confirm
3. Enter S (for scale)
4. Enter 0.1 (10%)
5. Click the helix near the lower end (not the top end)

The sweep profile is scaled to 10% at the lower end (beginning) of the
helical path (no twist). But the profile and the solid faces the opposite
directions.

The reason is, the profile was transferred from the bottom end to the top
end, and the sweep starts from there. With this profile and path type, the
sweep function fails if we click the helix at the top end on step 5.

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If we focus the top end...

... there goes our profile, in its true orientation.

Now, AutoCAD is unable to sweep the same profile scaling from the top end,
because the profile will intersect itself.

Same thing happens with this sweep:

This sweep has a rectangular profile...

...that results to this:

rectangular
profile,
inclined at
120, FRONT
UCS

The LOFT command

Creates a 3D solid or surface in the space between several cross sections


Ribbon: Does not exist on the ribbon.

Toolbar: Modeling

Menu: Draw Modeling Loft


Command entry: loft

The cross sections can be either open or closed 2D objects such as circles, arcs, or splines.

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With the LOFT command, you can create a new solid or surface by specifying a series of cross
sections. The cross sections define the profile (shape) of the resulting solid or surface. Cross sections
(generally, curves or lines) can be open (for example, an arc) or closed (for example, a circle). LOFT
draws a solid or surface in the space between the cross sections. You must specify at least two cross
sections when you use the LOFT command.

You can use the following objects when creating a lofted solid or surface:

Objects That Can Be Used Objects That Can Be


Objects That Can Be Used as Guides
as Cross Sections Used as a Loft Path

Line Line Line

Arc Arc Arc

Elliptical arc Elliptical arc Elliptical arc

2D polyline Spline 2D spline

2D spline Helix 3D spline

Circle Circle 2D polyline

Note2D polylines can be used as


guides if they contain only 1 segment.

Ellipse Ellipse 3D polyline

Points (first and last 2D polyline


cross section only)

Region 3D polyline

Planar face of solid

Planar surface

Planar 3D face

2D solid

Trace

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With the Path option, you can select a single path curve to define the shape of the solid or surface.
With the Guides option, you can select multiple curves to define the contours of the solid or surface.

The DELOBJ system variable controls whether the cross sections, guides, and path are
automatically deleted when the solid or surface is created or whether you are prompted to delete these
objects.

You can select the cross sections before you start the command.
Select cross sections in lofting order: Select open or closed curves in the order that the surface or solid
will pass through

Enter an option [Guides/Path/Cross sections only] <Cross sections only>: Press ENTER to use the
selected cross sections, displaying the Loft Settings dialog box, or enter an option

Guides

Specifies guide curves that control the shape of the lofted solid or surface. Guide curves are lines
or curves that further define the form of the solid or surface by adding additional wireframe information to
the object. You can use guide curves to control how points are matched up on corresponding cross
sections to prevent undesired results, such as wrinkles in the resulting solid or surface.

Each guide curve must meet the following criteria to work correctly:

 Intersects each cross section

 Starts on the first cross section

 Ends on the last cross section

You can select any number of guide curves for the lofted surface or solid.
Select guide curves: Select the guide curves for the lofted solid or surface, and then press ENTER

Path

Specifies a single path for the lofted solid or surface.

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The path curve must intersect all planes of the cross sections.
Select path: Specify a single path for the lofted solid or surface

Cross Sections Only

Displays the Loft Settings dialog box.

Let us make a solid by lofting using different geometric cross-sections. So this is different from EXTRUDE, SWEEP, or
ROTATE.

On the WORLD / TOP UCS, draw these CLOSED figures: a square, a hexagon, and a circle. Follow the measurements.

Then we have our


profiles,

Switch to SE Isometric view, and apply Realistic visual style.

Next, we apply elevations to each of the profiles by moving the circle and the
hexagon along the +Z direction.

Set ORTHO ON.

1. Click on the circle


2. Enter MOVE command
3. Click-snap on the center of the circle as the base point, move the
crosshairs along +Z direction (image on the right), and enter 5
4. Click on the hexagon
5. Enter MOVE command
6. Click on any vertex of the hexagon as the base point, move the
crosshairs along +Z direction, and enter 10

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These are the elevations of our profiles. CREATE 3 COPIES OF THESE PROFILES
somewhere in your drawing area. Now, let’s create the solid by lofting through each
profile.

1. Enter LOFT command

You are prompted to select the profiles IN ORDER of lofting:

2. Click the square.


3. (CTRL+click to add the next object) click the circle
4. (CTRL+click to add the next object) click the hexagon
5. Confirm your selection set.

You are prompted for options [Guide, Path, Cross-sections only] <Cross-section only>

6. Enter (to select Cross-section option)

If, depending on your system settings, a Loft Settings dialog box


appears. Select the Smooth surface option and click on OK.

The result will be:

This lofting method follows the cross-section / profiles to create the solid.

The ORDER of selection of profiles is important in lofting.


For example, if we click the profiles in this order: (1) the square (2) the
hexagon and (3) the circle, it will be a different solid. Try this on your COPY
of the profiles, and this will be the result:

And if the ORDER of profile selection is (1) the


hexagon, (2) the square, and (3) the circle, the output
will be:

bottom view

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THE PATH OPTION OF THE LOFT COMMAND.

Do you still have a COPY of the Corner Pocket profile and path ?

We only need to add a profile or two to this geometry to get this


combination of profiles and path in the image below.

The rectangle is 4 × 2
The circle has diameter = 12

Switch to RIGHT UCS.

Now, we will add a rectangle and a circle intersecting the path through
their centers.

THE RECTANGLE.

1. Enter RECTANGLE command (or REC)


2. Click anywhere in the drawing area (that’s anywhere in the virtual space)

You are prompted to Specify other corner point or other options: [Area / Dimensions / Rotation]

3. Enter D (for Dimensions ~ length × width)


4. Enter 4
5. Enter 2
6. Click somewhere (to end REC command)

Now, we have the rectangle (4 × 2). Of course, equal values will give you a square.

We will MOVE this rectangle to intersect the path. center of the


rectangle
1. Click on the rectangle
2. Enter MOVE command (or M)
3. Select the center of the rectangle as the base point.

(use OTRACK to find its center, as shown in the


image on the right)

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4. Move the crosshairs to the move the
ENDPOINT of the fillet connecting center of the
the horizontal leg of the path (image rectangle here
on the right), and click on that
location

THE CIRCLE.

1. Enter CIRCLE command (or C)


2. Select the far endpoint of the horizontal leg of the path
3. Enter D (for Diameter)
4. Enter 12 This endpoint

Finally we have this geometry of the profiles and the


path.

Continue with Lofting.

1. Enter LOFT command

You are prompted to select objects. Select the profiles IN THIS ORDER:

2. Select the Corner Pocket profile.


3. (CTRL+click to add objects) select the rectangle
4. (CTRL+click to add objects) select the circle
5. Confirm selection set
6. Enter P (for Path option)
7. Click on the path

The lofted solid (by path option) output will be:

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THE GUIDES OPTION OF THE LOFT COMMAND.

Let’s create an umbrella top! (...of the actual umbrella, and not the dress.)

For this method, we obviously need to create guidelines. So we


will use the Guide and Object layers again.

We will create our profiles in the WORLD/TOP UCS, an


octagon and a circle. We also need to create an arc to define the
curvature of the umbrella spine. The arc will be created on the
FRONT UCS.

Create two layers (if you haven’t already), Guide and Layer.
Make the Guide layer current, switch to WORLD/TOP UCS

A BIG CIRCLE, AN OCTAGON, AND A SMALL CIRCLE .

1. Draw a circle with diameter = 15 units


2. Draw an octagon
a. Enter POLYGON command
b. Enter 8 (for the number of sides)
c. When prompted for the center of the polygon, select the
CENTER of the circle (use OSNAP Center )
d. Enter I (for polygon inscribed in a circle)
e. When prompted for the radius of the circle, select the
QUADRANT of the circle at 0 mark
(use OSNAP Quadrant )
3. Draw the small circle with diameter = 2 units, concentric to the
big circle (that means, they have the same centers)
4. Erase the big circle (it was just a guide for the octagon)

You should have this figure by now:

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One important thing, we need to affix a reference point on the circle, specifically on the 180-quadrant. The purpose of
which is to anchor the arc. So, if you haven’t done it yet, select a point style so we can pinpoint the location of one pixel
on the circle.

1. Enter POINT command (or PO)


2. Select the quadrant of the circle at the 180-mark 

Switch your view to SE isometric, and select FRONT UCS.

What we’ll do then is to move the circle and the point (node) 5 units from
the origin. First, we will draw a 5-unit line.

1. Enter LINE
2. Select the center of the circle for startpoint
3. Move the crosshairs up (+Y direction) and enter 5

Then move the point and the circle

1. Select the circle and the point (node).


2. Enter MOVE
3. Select the center of the circle as the base point.

(but you can click anywhere in the drawing area for this MOVE)

4. Move the circle to the top endpoint of the line (or move the crosshairs +Y direction and enter 5)

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THE A RC.

The arc will be our the lofting guide and creating it is very tricky. We will create the arc from the point on the circle to a
corner in the octagon. To accomplish this, we also need to create another guide for the midpoint of the arc.

This guideline must be created with precision:

1. Enter LINE command


2. Select the lower endpoint of the 5-unit line as the starting point 
3. Enter @6<145

this line

Now, the actual arc. There are three points needed to draw the arc:
(1) first point
(2) second point (node/point)
(endpoint of the
inclined line)

(3) this endpoint/


intersection (corner
of the octagon)

1. Enter ARC
2. When prompted for the start point of the arc, click on the POINT – do this by selecting NODE in OSNAP
(CTRL+RIGHT CLICK, NODE, remember?)

3. When prompted for the second point of the arc, click on the ENDPOINT of the inclined line.

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4. When prompted for the endpoint of the arc, click on the ENDPOINT (that particular corner!) of the octagon.

this is
the arc

Since we have finished creating the important elements for our LOFTing, ERASE the point, and the two lines.

One last thing, we need to create a polar array of the arc, one for each octagon corner. So,

Switch to TOP/WORLD UCS

1. Select the arc


2. Enter ARRAY
On the Array dialog box:
a. Click “Polar Array”
b. Click the “Pick Center”, and select the CENTER of the circle
c. Set the Total number of items to 8
d. Check the “Rotate items as copied”
e. Click OK

...and you’ll have this geometry: arc

arc

Finally, the Lofting, using the Guide option.

Make the Object layer current.

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1. Enter LOFT
2. First, select the octagon
3. then (press and hold CTRL+click) add the circle to the selection set
4. Confirm selection
5. Enter G (for Guide option)
6. Select all eight (8) arcs. You may want to press and hold CRTL+click to add the remaining arcs, right after
you have selected your first arc.
7. Confirm selection Depending on the PICKADD system variable, you add
an object to your selection set by CTRL+CLICK (in my
case, instead of the SHIFT key, I use CTRL).

Or

You can manually set this feature by accessing the


Selection Mode Use Shift to add selection on the
Selection Tab, at the Options dialog box
[Tools, Options]

Turn off the Guide layer...

If you use the Constrained orbit or Free orbit button (ORBIT toolbar), you can view all sides...

free orbit moves the


model in any camera
angle you specify...

Click and hold the


mouse, move it
vertically to rotate the
model around the
horizontal axis

...so you can see


that the 3D model in
full.

Click and hold the


mouse, move it
horizontally to rotate
the model around the ...or use the Continuous orbit so the model
vertical axis will rotate non-stop, until you exit.

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3D Solid Editing commands on Module Part 2...
(on a separate file)

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