0% found this document useful (0 votes)

232 views512 pages

AutoCAD Mech 2007 UserGuide

Uploaded by

enjoylife0290

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

0% found this document useful (0 votes)

232 views512 pages

AutoCAD Mech 2007 UserGuide

Uploaded by

enjoylife0290

We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

You are on page 1/ 512

AutoCAD Mechanical 2007

Users Guide

Part No. 20611-050000-5000A

February 10, 2006

Copyright 2006 Autodesk, Inc.

All Rights Reserved
This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form, by any method, for any purpose.
AUTODESK, INC., MAKES NO WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE REGARDING THESE
MATERIALS, AND MAKES SUCH MATERIALS AVAILABLE SOLELY ON AN "AS-IS" BASIS.
IN NO EVENT SHALL AUTODESK, INC., BE LIABLE TO ANYONE FOR SPECIAL, COLLATERAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF PURCHASE OR USE OF THESE MATERIALS.
THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY TO AUTODESK, INC., REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, SHALL NOT
EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE MATERIALS DESCRIBED HEREIN.
Autodesk, Inc., reserves the right to revise and improve its products as it sees fit. This publication describes the state of the
product at the time of publication, and may not reflect the product at all times in the future.

Autodesk Trademarks
The following are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries: 3D Props, 3D Studio, 3D Studio
MAX, 3D Studio VIZ, 3DSurfer, 3ds max, ActiveShapes, ActiveShapes (logo), Actrix, ADI, AEC Authority (logo), AEC-X, Animator
Pro, Animator Studio, ATC, AUGI, AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD Map, Autodesk, Autodesk Envision, Autodesk Inventor,
Autodesk (logo), Autodesk Map, Autodesk MapGuide, Autodesk Streamline, Autodesk University (logo), Autodesk View,
Autodesk WalkThrough, Autodesk World, AutoLISP, AutoSketch, backdraft, Biped, bringing information down to earth, Buzzsaw,
CAD Overlay, Character Studio, Cinepak, Cinepak (logo), cleaner, Codec Central, combustion, Design Your World, Design
Your World (logo), EditDV, Education by Design, gmax, Heidi, HOOPS, Hyperwire, i-drop, Inside Track, IntroDV, Kinetix, lustre,
MaterialSpec, Mechanical Desktop, NAAUG, ObjectARX, Physique, Planix, Powered with Autodesk Technology (logo),
ProjectPoint, RadioRay, Reactor, Revit, Softdesk, Texture Universe, The AEC Authority, The Auto Architect, VISION*, Visual,
Visual Construction, Visual Drainage, Visual Hydro, Visual Landscape, Visual Roads, Visual Survey, Visual Toolbox, Visual Tugboat,
Visual LISP, Volo, WHIP!, and WHIP! (logo).
The following are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries: AutoCAD Learning Assistance, AutoCAD
LT Learning Assistance, AutoCAD Simulator, AutoCAD SQL Extension, AutoCAD SQL Interface, AutoSnap, AutoTrack, Built
with ObjectARX (logo), burn, Buzzsaw.com, CAiCE, Cinestream, Civil 3D, cleaner central, ClearScale, Colour Warper, Content
Explorer, Dancing Baby (image), DesignCenter, Design Doctor, Designer's Toolkit, DesignKids, DesignProf, DesignServer,
Design Web Format, DWF, DWFit, DWG Linking, DXF, Extending the Design Team, GDX Driver, gmax (logo), gmax ready
(logo),Heads-up Design, jobnet, ObjectDBX, onscreen onair online, Plans & Specs, Plasma, PolarSnap, Productstream, Real-time
Roto, Render Queue, Visual Bridge, Visual Syllabus, and Where Design Connects.

Autodesk Canada Co. Trademarks

The following are registered trademarks of Autodesk Canada Inc. in the USA and/or Canada, and/or other countries: discreet,
fire, flame, flint, flint RT, frost, glass, inferno, MountStone, riot, river, smoke, sparks, stone, stream, vapour, wire.
The following are trademarks of Autodesk Canada Inc., in the USA, Canada, and/or other countries: backburner, Multi-Master
Editing.

Third Party Trademarks

All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Third Party Software Program Credits

ACIS Copyright 1989-2001 Spatial Corp. Portions Copyright 2002-2006 Autodesk, Inc.
Active Delivery 2.0 1999-2000 Inner Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
AnswerWorks 3.0 1997-2000 Wex Tech Systems, Inc. Portion so f this software Lemout & Hauspie, Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright 1999-2000 The Apache Software Foundation. All rights reserved. This product includes software developed by
the Apache Software Foundation (http://www.apache.org) subject to its license terms and conditions (http://xml.
apache.org/dist/LICENSE.txt).
AutoCAD 2007 is produced under a license of data derived from DIC Color Guide from Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc.
Copyright Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc. All rights reserved.l DIC Color Guide Computer color simulations used in the
product may not exactly match DIC Color Guide, DIC Color Guide Part 2 identified solid color standards. DIC Color Guide
Manuals for exact color reference. DIC and DIC Color Guide are registered trademarks of Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc.
Portions of this software include one or more Boost libraries. Use of the Boost libraries is subject to the following license
agreement.
Boost Software License - Version 1.0 - August 17th, 2003.
Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person or organization obtaining a copy of the software and accompanying
documentation covered by this license (the Software) to use, reproduce, display, distribute, execute, and transmit the

Software, and to prepare derivative works of the Software, and to permit third parties to whom the Software is furnished to
do so, all subject to the following.
The copyright notices in the Software and this entire statement, including the above license grant, this restriction and the
following disclaimer, must be included in all copies of the Software, in whole or in part, and all derivative works of the Software,
unless such copies or derivative works are solely in the form of machine-executable object code generated by a source language
processor.
THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED AS IS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS OR ANYONE DISTRIBUTING THE SOFTWARE BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES
OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH
THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.
Cypress Enable, Cypress Software, Inc.
dBase is a registered trademark of Ksoft, Inc.
Genius, Genius CAD Software GmbH and CoKG, licensed to Autodesk, Inc.l for limited use in connection with Genius14,
Genius LT, Genius Desktop, Genius Mold, Genius Pool, Genius SAP, Genius Vario.
HLM is a trademark of D-Cubed Ltd. HLM Copyright D-Cubed Ltd. 1996-2006.
International CorrectSpell Spelling Correction System 1995 by Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products, N.V. All rights reserved.
Licensing Technology Copyright Macrovision Corp. 1996-2004.
LUCA TCP/IP Package, Portions copyright@1997 Langener GmbH. All rights reserved.
Copyright 1996-2002Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
PANTONE Colors displayed here may not match PANTONE-identified standards. Consult current PANTONE Color Publications
for accurate color. PANTONE and other Pantone, Inc. trademarks are the property of Pantone, Inc. Pantone, Inc., 2004.
PKWARE Data Compression Library , PKWARE, Inc.
Portions Copyright 1991-1996 Arthur D. Applegate. All rights reserved.
Portions of this software are based on the work of the Independent JPEG Group.
RAL DESIGN RAL, Sankt Augustin, 2002
RAL CLASSIC RAL, Sankt Augustin, 2002
Representation of the RAL Colors is done with the approval of RAL Deutsches Institut fr Gtesicherung und Kennzeichnung
e.V. (RAL German Institute for Quality Assurance and Certification, re. Assoc.), D-53757 Sankt Augustin. Please note that the
representation of colors on monitors can only approximate the actual color shades as they are registered as lacquered samples.
Neither the quality of the present software nor the hardware used is responsible for it.
Stingray Objective Toolkit & Objective Grid Rogue Wave Software, Inc.
SPEC, Associated Spring/Barnes Group, Inc.
The New Features Workshop contains Macromedia Flash Player software by Macromedia, Inc., copyright 1995-2004
Macromedia, Inc. All rights reserved. Macromedia and Flash are trademarks of Macromedia, Inc.
Typefaces from the Bitstream typeface library 1992.
Typefaces from Payne Loving Trust 1996. All rights reserved.
Printed manual and produced with Idiom WorldServer.

GOVERNMENT USE
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in FAR 12.212 (Commercial
Computer Software-Restricted Rights) and DFAR 227.7202 (Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software), as applicable.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Contents

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter 1

About AutoCAD Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

AutoCAD Mechanical Software Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Leveraging Legacy Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Starting AutoCAD Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Accessing AutoCAD Mechanical Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
AutoCAD Mechanical Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Product Support and Training Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Design Features in AutoCAD Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Mechanical Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Associative Design and Detailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
External References for Mechanical Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Associative 2D Hide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Autodesk Inventor Companion Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2D Design Productivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Engineering Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Machinery Systems Generators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Intelligent Production Drawing and Detailing . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Detailing Productivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Annotations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Standard Mechanical Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Standard Parts Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Collaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Chapter 2

Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Chapter 3

New and Revised Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Revised Commands . . . .
AMBOM . . . . . . .
AMDATUMID . . . .
AMDATUMTGT . . .
AMDIMSTRETCH . .
AMEDGESYM . . . .
AMFCFRAME . . . .
AMFEATID . . . . . .
AMHOLECHART . .
AMPARTLIST . . . .
AMPARTREF . . . . .
AMPARTREFEDIT . .
AMPOWERDIM . . .
AMRESCALE . . . . .
AMSCAREA . . . . .
AMSCATLOG . . . .
AMSIMPLEWELD . .
AMSURFSYM . . . .
AMIVLINK . . . . . .
AMSHIDE . . . . . .
AMSHIDEEDIT . . .
AMSLOCALIZE . . .
AMNOTE . . . . . .
AMSREPLACEDEF . .
AMWELDSYMBOL .
New Commands . . . . .
AMTAPERSYM . . . .

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 44
. 44
. 44
. 44
. 45
. 45
. 45
. 46
. 46
. 47
. 47
. 47
. 48
. 48
. 48
. 49
. 49
. 50
. 50
. 50
. 51
. 51
. 51
. 52
. 52
. 52
. 52

Design and Annotation Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Chapter 4

Working with Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working with Templates . . . . .
Setting Up Starting Layers . .
Setting Mechanical Options .
Specifying Drawing Limits .
Saving Templates . . . . . .

vi | Contents

.
.
.
.
.
.

. 58
. 58
. 59
. 60
. 62
. 62

Using Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Setting Default Standards Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Chapter 5

Using Mechanical Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Working with Mechanical Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Enabling Mechanical structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Creating Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Modifying Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Nesting Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Instance vs. Occurrence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Selection Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Components and Component Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Creating Part Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Creating Assembly Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Modifying Assembly Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Using Folders with Component Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Mechanical Browser Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Mechanical Browser and BOMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Browser Restructure and Ghost Components . . . . . . . . . . . 92
External Reference Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Inserting External Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Editing External Components In-place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Localizing and Externalizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Annotation Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Associative Hide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Basics of AMSHIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Using AMSHIDE in Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Chapter 6

Working with Layers and Layer Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working with Layers and Layer Groups . . .
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing Layers By Selecting Objects .
Creating Layer Groups . . . . . . . . .
Using Layer Groups to Copy Objects .

Chapter 7

.
.
.
.
.
.

. 116
. 116
. 117
. 118
. 119
. 124

Designing Levers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extending Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Libraries to Insert Parts . . . . . .
Configuring Snap Settings . . . . . . . .
Creating Construction Lines (C-Lines) .

.
.
.
.
.

. 130
. 131
. 131
. 133
. 134

Contents | vii

Creating additional C-Lines . . . . . . . .

Creating Contours and Applying Fillets . .
Trimming Projecting Edges on Contours .
Applying Hatch Patterns to Contours . . .
Dimensioning Contours . . . . . . . . . .
Creating and Dimensioning Detail Views

Chapter 8

.
.
.
.
.
.

Dimensioning

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

. 137
. 139
. 142
. 144
. 145
. 147

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 154
. 155
. 155
. 155
. 158
. 160
. 162
. 167

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 172
. 173
. 173
. 176
. 180
. 181
. 183

Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes . . . . . . . . . . 187

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes . . . . . .
Opening the initial drawing . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining 2D Hide Situations . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting 2D Steel Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modifying Steel Shapes Using Power Commands .
Editing 2D Hide Situations . . . . . . . . . . . .
Copying and Moving 2D Hide Situations . . . . .

Chapter 11

.
.
.
.
.
.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Dimensions to Drawings . . . . . . . . . .
Adding Automatic Dimensions . . . . . . . .
Editing Dimensions with Power Commands .
Breaking Dimension Lines . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting Drawing Borders . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting Fits Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 10

.
.
.
.
.
.

Working with Model Space and Layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working with Model Space and Layouts . . .
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Creating Scale Areas . . . . . . . . . . .
Creating Detail Views . . . . . . . . . .
Generating New Viewports . . . . . . .
Inserting Holes Within Viewports . . . .
Creating Subassemblies in New Layouts .

Chapter 9

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 188
. 188
. 188
. 189
. 192
. 195
. 196
. 198

Working with Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working with Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting Screw Connections . . . . . . . . . .
Copying Screw Connections with Power Copy .
Creating Screw Templates . . . . . . . . . . . .
Editing Screw Connections with Power Edit . .
Working with Power View . . . . . . . . . . . .

viii | Contents

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 204
. 205
. 206
. 213
. 215
. 224
. 227

Deleting with Power Erase . . . . . . . . . . . .

Inserting Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting Pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off Centerlines in Configurations . . .
Hiding Construction Lines . . . . . . . . . . .
Simplifying Representations of Standard Parts .

Chapter 12

.
.
.
.
.
.

. 230
. 232
. 235
. 238
. 239
. 240

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 244
. 244
. 245
. 247
. 249
. 254
. 259
. 263
. 265
. 267

Creating Shafts with Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Creating Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuring Snap Options . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuring Shaft Generators . . . . . . . . . .
Creating Cylindrical Shaft Sections and Gears .
Inserting Spline Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting Chamfers and Fillets . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting Shaft Breaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Creating Side Views of Shafts . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting Threads on Shafts . . . . . . . . . . .
Editing Shafts and Inserting Sections . . . . . .
Replacing Shaft Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 14

.
.
.
.
.
.

Working with BOMs and Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working with Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting Part References . . . . . . . . . . . .
Editing Part References . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Placing Balloons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Creating Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Merging and Splitting Items In Parts Lists . . . .
Collecting Balloons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sorting and Renumbering Items In Parts Lists .
Using Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 13

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 274
. 275
. 276
. 277
. 278
. 282
. 283
. 284
. 285
. 286
. 287
. 288
. 290

Calculating Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Calculating Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . .
Creating Shaft Contours . . . . . .
Specifying Material . . . . . . . . .
Placing Shaft Supports . . . . . . .
Specifying Loads on Shafts . . . . .
Calculating and Inserting Results .
Calculating Strengths of Shafts . .

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 296
. 297
. 298
. 299
. 301
. 301
. 304
. 307

Contents | ix

Engineering
Chapter 15

Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311

Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines . . . . . . 313

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection
Calculating Moments of Inertia . . . . . .
Calculating Deflection Lines . . . . . . . .

Chapter 16

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.

. 314
. 314
. 315
. 317

.
.
.
.
.
.

. 324
. 324
. 325
. 328
. 329
. 333

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 338
. 338
. 340
. 341
. 344
. 347
. 348

Calculating Screw Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methods for Calculating Screws . . . . . . . . .
Using Stand Alone Screw Calculations . . . . .
Selecting and Specifying Screws . . . . . .
Selecting and Specifying Nuts . . . . . . .
Selecting and Specifying Washers . . . . .
Specifying Plate Geometry and Properties .
Specifying Contact Areas . . . . . . . . .
Specifying Loads and Moments . . . . . .
Specifying Settlement Properties . . . . .
Specifying Tightening Properties . . . . .
Creating and Inserting Result Blocks . . .

Chapter 19

.
.
.
.

Calculating Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Calculating Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Spring Calculations . . . . . . . . .
Specifying Spring Restrictions . . . . . . . .
Calculating and Selecting Springs . . . . . .
Inserting Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Creating Views of Springs with Power View .

Chapter 18

.
.
.
.

Calculating Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chain Calculations . . . . . . . . . . .
Performing Length Calculations .
Optimizing Chain Lengths . . .
Inserting Sprockets . . . . . . . .
Inserting Chains . . . . . . . . .

Chapter 17

. . . .
Lines .
. . . .
. . . .

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 352
. 352
. 353
. 354
. 356
. 357
. 357
. 360
. 361
. 363
. 364
. 365

Calculating Stress Using FEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
2D FEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370

x | Contents

Calculating Stress In Parts . . .

Defining Loads and Supports .
Calculating Results . . . . . . .
Evaluating and Refining Mesh .
Refining Designs . . . . . . . .
Recalculating Stress . . . . . .

Chapter 20

.
.
.
.
.
.

. 372
. 373
. 375
. 377
. 379
. 380

Designing and Calculating Cams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Designing and Calculating Cams . . . . . . . .
Starting Cam Designs and Calculations . .
Defining Motion Sections . . . . . . . . .
Calculating Strength for Springs . . . . . .
Exporting Cam Data and Viewing Results .

.
.
.
.
.
.

. 386
. 386
. 387
. 391
. 397
. 401

Autodesk Inventor Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403

Chapter 21

Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Linking Autodesk Inventor Part Files . . . .
Shading and Rotating Geometry . . .
Inserting Drawing Borders . . . . . . .
Creating Drawing Views . . . . . . . .
Working with Dimensions . . . . . . .
Exporting Drawing Views to AutoCAD . . .
Linking Autodesk Inventor Assembly Files .
Accessing Parts from the Browser . . .
Accessing iProperties . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting Drawing Borders . . . . . . .
Creating Parts Lists & Balloons . . . .
Creating Breakout Section Views . . .
Modifying Breakout Section Views . .
Removing Views . . . . . . . . . . . .
Updating Autodesk Inventor Parts . . . . . .

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 406
. 406
. 407
. 408
. 412
. 418
. 422
. 424
. 425
. 425
. 427
. 429
. 432
. 439
. 441
. 442

Appendix A Toolbar Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443

Main Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Main Toolbar - New . . . . . . .
Main Toolbar - Basic Layer . . . .
Main Toolbar - Layer Functions .
Main Toolbar - Design Center . .
Main Toolbar - Power Edit . . . .
Main Toolbar - Power Erase . . .
Main Toolbar - Power Copy . . .

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 444
. 444
. 445
. 445
. 446
. 446
. 446
. 446

Contents | xi

Main Toolbar - Power Dimensioning . . . . . . . .

Main Toolbar - Power Dimensioning - Units .
Main Toolbar - Power Snap . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Main Toolbar - Inquiry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Main Toolbar - UCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Annotation Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Annotation Toolbar - Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . .
Annotation Toolbar - Leader Note . . . . . . . . . .
Annotation Toolbar - BOM Database . . . . . . . .
Arc Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assistance Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assistance Toolbar - Block Create . . . . . . . . . .
Assistance Toolbar - Xref/Insert Block . . . . . . . .
Assistance Toolbar - Title Block . . . . . . . . . . .
Assistance Toolbar - Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assistance Toolbar - Paper/Model Space . . . . . . .
Construction Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Content Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Content - Screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Content - Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Content - Shaft Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Content - Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Content - Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Content - Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Design Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Design Toolbar - Draw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Design Toolbar - Modify . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Design Toolbar - New Structure . . . . . . . . . . .
Design Toolbar - Edit Structure . . . . . . . . . . .
Design Toolbar - Associative Hide . . . . . . . . . .
Desktop Annotation Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desktop Annotation Toolbar - Dimensioning . . . .
Desktop Annotation Toolbar - Text . . . . . . . . .
Desktop Annotation Toolbar - Annotation . . . . .
Desktop Annotation Toolbar - BOM data . . . . . .
Draw Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Draw Toolbar - Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Draw Toolbar - Arc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Draw Toolbar - Rectangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Draw Toolbar - Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Draw Toolbar - Centerline . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Draw Toolbar - Hatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Draw Toolbar - Construction . . . . . . . . . . . .
Draw Toolbar - Construction Edit . . . . . . . . . .
Draw Toolbar - Contour Finder . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawing Layout Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

xii | Contents

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 447
. 447
. 447
. 448
. 448
. 448
. 449
. 449
. 449
. 450
. 450
. 450
. 450
. 451
. 451
. 451
. 452
. 452
. 453
. 453
. 453
. 454
. 454
. 454
. 455
. 455
. 456
. 456
. 457
. 457
. 457
. 458
. 458
. 458
. 458
. 459
. 459
. 460
. 460
. 460
. 461
. 461
. 461
. 462
. 462
. 462

Layer Functions Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . .

Mechanical View Toolbar . . . . . . . . . .
Modify Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modify Toolbar - Copy . . . . . . . . .
Modify Toolbar - 2D Operations . . . .
Modify Toolbar - Stretch . . . . . . . .
Modify Toolbar - Break . . . . . . . . .
Modify Toolbar - Divide . . . . . . . .
Power Snap Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Snap Toolbar - Point Filter . . .
Power Snap Toolbar - Compass Rose .
Rectangle Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Structure Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Text Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Title Block Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Zoom Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Zoom Toolbar - Zoom Real-time . . . .
Zoom Toolbar - Zoom Window . . . .
Zoom Full Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

. 463
. 463
. 464
. 464
. 464
. 465
. 465
. 465
. 465
. 466
. 466
. 467
. 468
. 469
. 469
. 470
. 470
. 470
. 471

Appendix B Layer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 473

Layer Specification Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 474

Appendix C Title Block Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 479

Title Block Attributes . . . . . . .
Attributes for Title Block . .
Attribute Definitions .
Curly Brackets . . . .
Message Files . . . . .

.
.
.
.
.

. 480
. 480
. 480
. 481
. 482

Appendix D Accelerator & Shortcut Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 483

Accelerator Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 484
Shortcut Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 488

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 491

Contents | xiii

Overview

Part I provides information for getting started with your

In this part

AutoCAD Mechanical software.

About AutoCAD Mechanical

Commands in AutoCAD
Mechanical

New and Revised Commands

It includes an overview of the product capabilities, a summary

of commands with their toolbuttons and descriptions, and a
summary of new and revised commands in this release of
AutoCAD Mechanical.
In addition, Part I includes information about methods to
access commands, AutoCAD Mechanical Help, and product
support and training resources.

About AutoCAD
Mechanical

This chapter provides information about the AutoCAD

In this chapter

Mechanical software application. It describes the software

AutoCAD Mechanical Software

Package

package, the basic design features in the software, and the

Leveraging Legacy Data

methods for accessing commands.

Starting AutoCAD Mechanical

Accessing AutoCAD Mechanical

Commands

AutoCAD Mechanical Help

Product Support and Training

Resources

Design Features in AutoCAD

Mechanical

A brief overview of the Help, along with information about

where to find resources for product learning, training, and
support are included.

AutoCAD Mechanical Software Package

AutoCAD Mechanical is a 2D mechanical design and drafting solution for
engineers, designers, and detailers. Its intelligent production drawing and
detailing features decrease the time required to create and change 2D
production designs. AutoCAD Mechanical introduces many 3D concepts in
a familiar 2D environment. It is powered by AutoCAD, with its easy-to-use
palette interface and time-saving xref functionality.
The AutoCAD Mechanical design software package includes both AutoCAD
Mechanical and AutoCAD. You can use one Options dialog box to customize
settings for both AutoCAD Mechanical and AutoCAD.

Leveraging Legacy Data

The tools for migrating legacy data are installed automatically when you install
the AutoCAD Mechanical software. A separate utility tool is available for
adding structure to legacy files after they are migrated.
The integrated Autodesk IGES Translator for transferring and sharing of CAD
data between CAD/CAM/CAE systems is installed along with the AutoCAD
Mechanical product.
Newly generated files in AutoCAD Mechanical can be saved to a previous
version so that you can run multiple versions of AutoCAD Mechanical within
the same environment.

Starting AutoCAD Mechanical

You can start AutoCAD Mechanical by using one of the following procedures:

Click Start on the task bar, and then choose Programs. Select Autodesk
AutoCAD Mechanical 2005.

On the desktop, double-click the AutoCAD Mechanical icon:

4 | Chapter 1 About AutoCAD Mechanical

Accessing AutoCAD Mechanical Commands

AutoCAD Mechanical provides several methods to access commands and
manage your design process.
The following are samples of the access methods available to you:
Context Menu
Toolbutton

In the graphics area, right-click and choose Power Edit.

Menu
Command

Modify Power Commands Power Edit

AMPOWEREDIT

The step-by-step procedures in the tutorials in Part II of this manual indicate

the command name in the opening procedural text. The appropriate toolbutton
is displayed in the margin next to the preferred access method. In the tutorials,
the context menu method is used when the menus are sensitive to what you
are doing. The browser method is used when you can save time and steps.
You can use any of the alternate methods as well.
Here is an example of how methods are used in the tutorials:
1 Use AMPOWEREDIT to edit a feature.
Context Menu

In the graphics area, right-click and choose Power Edit.

NOTE To find the location of a particular toolbutton, refer to Appendix A.

AutoCAD Mechanical Help

The Help in AutoCAD Mechanical provides information about AutoCAD
Mechanical with the power pack.
The Help is formatted for easy navigation, and includes:

Content organized by the major functional areas of AutoCAD Mechanical,

with How To, Reference, and Learn About pages for each functional area.

Specific information about each of the features in the program.

Concepts and procedures for the new features in this release.

Accessing AutoCAD Mechanical Commands | 5

A keyword index and search function.

Printable Command Reference.

Guides to system variables and accelerator keys.

Access to Support Assistance with integrated links to solutions.

For access to Help, you can choose from the following methods:

From the Help menu, select Mechanical Help Topics.

Select the Help button in the standard toolbar.

Press F1.

Click the Help button within a dialog box.

Product Support and Training Resources

Sources for product support and learning and training are listed on the
AutoCAD Mechanical Services and Support Web page. From the AutoCAD
Mechanical Web site at http://www.autodesk.com/autocadmech, navigate to
Services and Support. There you can link directly to product support, training,
and consulting resources, including those for:

Training Centers, for a list of official Autodesk Training Centers.

Training Courseware, for AOTC (Autodesk Official Training Courseware)

courseware.

A list of Autodesk authorized resellers and trainers.

Autodesk Official Training Courseware (AOTC) is the Autodesk-endorsed

courseware for instructor-led training. To register for a training course, contact
an Authorized Autodesk Training Center, Authorized Autodesk Reseller, or
Autodesk System Center.

Design Features in AutoCAD Mechanical

This section provides an overview of the functionality in the AutoCAD
Mechanical software, including numerous innovative 2D design features.

6 | Chapter 1 About AutoCAD Mechanical

Mechanical Structure
Mechanical structure comprises a suite of 2D structure tools for organizing
drawings and for reusing associative data. The capabilities of reuse in blocks
and accessibility in layer groups are combined in mechanical structure. When
you start the AutoCAD Mechanical application, the Mechanical structure
environment is enabled by default. You can also work with it disabled.
The mechanical structure tools include:

A browser interface for structured 2D mechanical design, where parts,

assemblies, views, and folders containing associated data are organized,
structured, and managed. Standard parts are automatically organized and
managed in the browser. All components are accessible through the browser
for many functions, and filters can be set to control the type and level of
detail of information displayed.

Folders in the browser are used for capturing elements of design for reuse.
These elements provide all of the associative instancing benefits of
components, but do not register as items in the live BOM database. They
can contain geometry.

All geometry remains selectable and editable at all times using familiar
commands in open workflows. Workflows for structure can be bottom-up
(recommended), middle-out (the most flexible and common workflow),
and top-down (not the primary workflow).

Associative Design and Detailing

The browser is used to manage and reuse data in both the design and detailing
drafting stages. Many functions can be performed in the browser, including
the following:

You can instance components and assemblies multiple times. The live
BOM database in AutoCAD Mechanical keeps track of the quantity of each
part or assembly used.

Changes made to an associative instance of a part or assembly, associative

component, assembly detailing view, or a standard part or feature are
automatically reflected in the other instances.

Folders, components, and individual views of components can be reused

as needed. They maintain full associativity with each other.

Mechanical Structure | 7

Annotation views can be created for components and assemblies to fully

document the design. Changes made to geometry result in associative
dimensions being updated to reflect the change.

External References for Mechanical Structure

External References for mechanical structure provides for the components of
a drawing to be inserted as an external reference to multiple drawings.
Conversely, multiple drawings can be attached as external references to a
single drawing.
The following are the key benefits of external references for mechanical
structure:

Increased efficiency by allowing insertion of structure components from

many drawings as external reference associatively for concurrent design.

Reuse of parts from existing assembly drawings very quickly.

Those involved in multiple design projects that reference the same drawing
are able to obtain the most updated design from the externally reference
component.

Ability to set up design specific reference directories as libraries for different

applications.

A tutorial on external references for mechanical structure is available with

online help.

Associative 2D Hide
The 2D hide situation tool in AutoCAD Mechanical automates the process to
accurately represent parts and features which are partially or completely hidden
in drawing views. The following are some of the 2D hide benefits:

Associative hide situations are managed in the browser.

The underlying geometry is not altered when you create an associative

hide situation.

8 | Chapter 1 About AutoCAD Mechanical

When geometry is hidden, AutoCAD Mechanical knows it is a component

in the mechanical structure, and provides a tooltip with the name and
view of the component.

Autodesk Inventor Companion Support

Autodesk Inventor companion support redefines the meaning of 3D to 2D
interoperability. Use the companion functionality to:

Access and associatively document native 3D part models without the

presence of Autodesk Inventor.

Visualize part models, examine and use part properties such as material,
name, and number.

Associatively document part models using precision hidden-line removed

projections, dimensions, and annotations.

Link to the native Autodesk Inventor part models automatically notifies

you of changes and enables updating of views and annotations to keep
your drawing up-to-date.

2D Design Productivity
These features increase productivity and reduce the number of steps needed
to complete mechanical designs:

AutoCAD Mechanical provides an intelligent, customizable layer

management system that puts objects on the appropriate layers
automatically.

Entities that are not on the current layer group, or entities that are on a
locked layer group can be displayed in a different color to reduce screen
clutter.

2D hidden-line calculations are based on defined foreground and

background objects. You can choose hidden line representation types.

Auto detailing creates detailed drawings of individual components from

an assembly drawing.

One set of power commands is used to create, update, and edit objects.

Autodesk Inventor Companion Support | 9

Mechanical line objects are available for creating centerlines and center
crosses, construction lines, symmetrical lines, section lines, break lines,
and others.

Linear/symmetric stretch is used to modify dimensioned geometry by

changing the dimension value.

Predefined hatch patterns are applicable in two picks from toolbars and
menus.

Engineering Calculations
The automatic engineering calculations available in AutoCAD Mechanical
ensure proper function in mechanical designs.

The 2D FEA feature determines the resistance capability of an object put

under a static load and analyzes design integrity under various loads.

A number of moment of inertia and beam deflection calculations are

available.

Engineering calculations are available for shafts, bearings, and screws.

Machinery Systems Generators

Machinery systems in AutoCAD Mechanical generate the design and
calculation of shafts, springs, belts and chains, and cams. These tools ensure
that you get the design right the first time:

With the shaft generator, you can create drawing views of solid and hollow
shafts. Common shaft features supported include center holes, chamfers,
cones, fillets, grooves, profiles, threads, undercuts, and wrench fittings.
Common standard parts supported include bearings, gears, retaining rings,
and seals.

With the spring generator, you select, calculate, and insert compression,
extension, and torsion springs, and Belleville spring washers in a design.
You control the representation type of the spring, and create a spec form
to incorporate in the drawing.

The belt and chain generator function provides features to create chain
and sprocket systems, belt and pulley systems, calculate optimal lengths

10 | Chapter 1 About AutoCAD Mechanical

for chains and belts, and insert these assemblies in your design. Chains
and belts can be selected from standard libraries.

The cam generator creates cam plates and cylindrical cams given input
border conditions. You can calculate and display velocity, acceleration,
and the cam curve path. You can couple driven elements to the cam and
create NC data through the curve on the path.

Intelligent Production Drawing and Detailing

A number of commands are available in AutoCAD Mechanical that automate
the process to create balloons and bills of material.

You can create formatted balloons and bills of material, as well as detailed
views of portions of designs.

Multiple parts lists per drawing are supported. Grouping of a parts list
provides lists of like items. Selected items can be combined to calculate
total length required for stock ordering. The parts lists recognize standard
parts. You can format item numbers on parts lists.

Standard-sized drawing borders and customizable title blocks are available.

Intelligent and associative hole tables show a total count of each type of
hole along with a description of them. A second chart lists the coordinates
for each of the holes selected. Any update to the holes is reflected in the
charts.

A language converter translates text on a drawing into one of seventeen

different languages.

Revision control tables in drawings track revisions and display comments.

Fits lists chart all fits used in a drawing.

Detailing Productivity

Smart dimensions automatically maintain the proper arrangement with

each other.

Power dimension commands provide a single command to create and edit

all dimensions, apply specified formats, and add fits or tolerances.

Intelligent Production Drawing and Detailing | 11

Dimensions are automatic for 2D geometry with either ordinate or baseline

dimensions.

One command quickly cleans up and arranges dimensions in 2D drawings.

One system setting controls the scale for drawing symbols in all views.

Commands are available for align, break, insert, and join to easily
dimension a drawing.

Annotations

Hole notes can be inserted for standard holes.

Commands are available to create standards-based surface texture symbols,

geometric dimensioning and tolerances, targets, and weld symbols.

Fits description command creates fits descriptions for standard holes.

Leader command creates intelligent balloons and other leaders common

in mechanical drawings.

Standard Mechanical Content

Standard content includes parametrically generated, intelligent geometry that
you can use to generate an object from scratch. The following are available:

About 600,000 standard parts, including screws, nuts, washers, pins, rivets,
bushings, rings, seals, bearings, keys, and others, can be quickly
incorporated into any design.

About 8,000 standard features, including center holes, undercuts, keyways,

and thread ends can be quickly incorporated into any design.

More than 20,000 standard holes, including through, blind, counterbored,

countersunk, oblong, and others, can be quickly incorporated into any
design.

Thousands of structural steel shapes, including U-shape, I-shape, T-shape,

L-shape, Z-shape, rectangular tube, round tube, rectangular full beam,
rectangular round beam, and others, can be quickly incorporated into any
design.

12 | Chapter 1 About AutoCAD Mechanical

Standard Parts Tools

Standard part tools provide for the elements that go with standard parts, such
as a hole to accompany a screw. These tools include:

Screw connection feature for selecting entire fastener assemblies at one

time.

Changeable representation of a standard part between a normal, simplified,

or symbolic representation.

Power view to automatically generate a different view of a standard part,

such as a top view from a front view.

Collaboration
Enjoy the benefits of design collaboration for your 2D output through Autodesk
Streamline support. Autodesk Streamline is a hosted Web service for sharing
personalized design data across the entire extended manufacturing enterprise.
Autodesk Streamline functionality includes the following:

Members can view and interact with the 3D data set published on Autodesk
Streamline, without waiting for the data to download.

Using Streamline, many people can share design information and

collaborate online. Functionality includes instant messages, e-mail
notifications, polling/voting, discussion threads, database creation, and
more.

AutoCAD Mechanical data can be written to the AutoCAD DWF file format,
which is one of the file types that Autodesk Streamline leverages.

You can export 3D CAD data in ZGL format (a compressed form of a

standard Open GL file format called XGL). ZGL readily captures 3D data
that can be rendered by the Open GL library. ZGL files can then be
uploaded to Autodesk Streamline.

Standard Parts Tools | 13

Commands in AutoCAD
Mechanical

This chapter provides a list of the commands available in

In this chapter

AutoCAD Mechanical, along with a brief description of the

Command Summary

function of each command and the associated toolbutton.

Command Summary
The following is a list of the AutoCAD Mechanical commands, a brief
description of each, and the associated toolbutton.
Some commands do not have an associated toolbutton. This list does not
contain AutoCAD commands.
In some cases where some of the task-specific toolbars are available in a more
comprehensive format from the Main toolbar at View Toolbars, it is noted
in the table.
Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

ADCENTER

Provides layer group support within the AutoCAD Design Center.

AM2DHIDE

Hides invisible edges in unstructured situations.

AM2DHIDEDIT

Edits existing unstructured hide situations.

AMADJRINGS2D

Creates an adjusting ring on a shaft.

AMANALYSEDWG

Creates a file in which the current layer structure of the drawing is written.

AMANNOTE

Creates, deletes, adds, and moves annotations

associated with drawing views.

AMASSOHATCH

Suits an existing hatch to a changed contour.

AMATTACHSYM

Displays or attaches non attached symbols.

16 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMAUTOCLINES

Automatically creates construction lines on

selected drawing elements.

AMAUTODETAIL

Creates an external detail drawing (xref) of

selected elements from an assembly drawing.

AMAUTODIM

Creates chain, baseline, ordinate in both axes,

shaft, or symmetric dimensions.

AMBALLOON

Creates and places a balloon.

AMBEARCALC

Performs calculation on bearings.

AMBELL2D

Selects, calculates, and inserts Belleville spring

washers, and inserts spring specification tables
in drawings.

AMBHOLE2D

Creates a standard related blind hole.

AMBOM

Creates a formatted BOM database containing

a list of attributes, parts lists with item numbers, and lists of like items in a BOM.

AMBREAKATPT

Breaks a line, polyline, or a spline on a specified point.

AMBROUTLINE

Draws a special spline to show the breakout

borders.

Command Summary | 17

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMBROWSER

Switches the mechanical browser on and off.

AMBSLOT2D

Creates a blind slot.

AMCAM

Creates and calculates cam designs.

AMCENCRANGLE

Draws a centerline cross with an angle.

AMCENCRCORNER

Draws a centerline cross in a corner.

AMCENCRFULLCIRCLE

Draws a centerline cross on a circle.

AMCENCRHOLE

Draws a centerline cross with a hole.

AMCENCRINHOLE

Draws a centerline cross in a hole.

AMCENCROSS

Draws a centerline cross.

AMCENCRPLATE

Draws centerline cross on a plate.

18 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMCENINBET

Draws a centerline in between two lines.

AMCENTERHOLE2D

Creates a centerhole.

AMCENLINE

Creates a centerline and center marks through

selected circles and arcs while in Drawing
mode.

AMCENTLINE

Draws a centerline.

AMCHAINDRAW

Draws chain or belt links.

AMCHAINLENGTHCAL

Determines the tangent definition between

sprockets or pulleys.

AMCHAM2D

Bevels the edges of objects.

AMCHECKDIM

Checks for, highlights, and edits dimensions

with overridden text.

AMCLEVISPIN2D

Creates a clevis pin.

AMCLINEL

Locks or unlocks the construction line layer.

Command Summary | 19

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMCLINEO

Switches construction lines on or off.

AMCOMP2D

Designs, calculates, and inserts compression

springs, and places spring specification tables
in drawings.

AMCONSTLINES

Draws construction lines.Design Toolbar

(page 455)Design Toolbar - Draw (page 455),
Construction for more construction line commands.

AMCONSTSWI

Switches construction lines between lines and

rays.

AMCONTIN

Displays the inner contour of an object.

AMCONTOUT

Displays the outer contour of an object.

AMCONTRACE

Traces all points of a contour.

AMCONVDWG

Converts the current drawing.

AMCOPYLG

Copies a user specified layer group or selected

geometry into a new layer group.

AMCOPYVIEW

Copies views to the same layout or to a different layout.

20 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMCOTTERPIN2D

Creates a cotter pin.

AMCOUNTB2D

Creates a standard related counterbore.

AMCOUNTS2D

Creates a standard related countersink.

AMCRIVET2D

Creates a countersunk rivet.

AMCYLPIN2D

Creates a cylindrical pin.

AMDATUMID

Creates datum identifier symbols.

AMDATUMTGT

Creates datum target symbols.

AMDEFLINE

Calculates the deflection line or moment line

of an object that has various force elements
acting on it.

AMDELVIEW

Deletes views and its dependent views.

AMDETAIL

Creates associative and scaled detail frames of

selected parts of a drawing.

Command Summary | 21

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMDIMALIGN

Aligns linear, rotated, aligned, ordinate, or

angular dimensions that have a base dimension of the same type.

AMDIMARRANGE

Rearranges individual dimensions that lie along

one axis, in respect to a reference point.

AMDIMBREAK

Creates breaks in an existing dimension.

AMDIMFORMAT

Modifies dimensions in drawing mode.

AMDIMINSERT

Edits linear, aligned, rotated, and angular dimensions by inserting new dimensions of the
same type simultaneously.

AMDIMJOIN

Edits linear, aligned, and angular (3-point or

2-line) dimensions by joining similar dimensions into a single dimension.

AMDIMMEDIT

Edits multiple dimensions at the same time.

AMDIMSTRETCH

Resizes objects by stretching/shrinking linear

and symmetric dimensions.

AMDRBUSH2D

Creates a single drill bushing.

AMDRBUSHHOLE2D

Creates a drill bushing and the corresponding

hole.

22 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMDWGVIEW

Creates views of Autodesk Inventor linked

models while in Drawing mode.

AMEDGESYM

Creates edge symbols.

AMEDIT

Edits balloons, parts lists, and symbols.

AMEDITPSCUTLINE

Displays or selects the paper space cutline for

breakout section views.

AMEDITVIEW

Edits views created in Drawing mode.

AMEQUATEDIT

Generates and organizes equations.

AMERASEALLCL

Erases all construction lines.

AMERASECL

Erases selected construction lines.

AMEXPLODE

Breaks a compound object in the mechanical

structure environment into its component
objects.

AMEXT2D

Designs, calculates, and inserts extension

springs, and inserts spring specification tables
in drawings.

AMEXTHREAD2D

Creates an external thread.

Command Summary | 23

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMFCFRAME

Creates feature control frame symbols.

AMFEA2D

Calculates stress and deformation in a plane

for plates with a given thickness or in a cross
section with individual forces and stretching
loads.

AMFEATID

Creates feature identifier symbols.

AMFILLET2D

Rounds and fillets the edges of objects.

AMFITSLIST

Puts existing fits and their respective dimension values into a list and inserts this fits list
into your drawing.

AMGROOVE2D

Inserts a retaining ring/circlip with the appropriate groove in a shaft.

AMGROOVESTUD2D

Creates a grooved drive stud.

AMHATCH_135_11

Creates a 135-degree and 11 mm/0.4 inch

hatch.

AMHATCH_135_2

Creates a 135-degree and 2.7 mm/0.11 inch

hatch.

AMHATCH_135_4

Creates a 135-degree and 4.7 mm/0.19 inch

hatch.

24 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMHATCH_45_13

Creates a 45-degree and 13 mm/0.5 inch

hatch.

AMHATCH_45_2

Creates a 45-degree and 2.5 mm/0.1 inch

hatch.

AMHATCH_45_5

Creates a 45-degree and 5 mm/0.22 inch

hatch.

AMHATCH_DBL

Creates a double hatch of 45- and 135-degree

and 2.3 mm/0.09 inch.

AMHELP

Displays the online Help.

AMHOLECHART

Documents the holes in a design, including

coordinate dimensions.

AMINERTIA

Calculates the following tasks: center of gravity, directions of the main axes moment, moments of inertia, effective moment of inertia,
deflection angle.

AMINERTIAPROF

Calculates the moment of inertia for cross

sections of cylinders, hollow cylinders, rectangular prisms, or hollow rectangular prisms.

AMIVLINK

Recreates the associative link between a .dwg

file and an Autodesk Inventor assembly (.iam)
or part (.ipt) document.

AMIVPROJECT

Selects an Autodesk Inventor Project (.ipj) file

to use as the active project file for opening
Autodesk Inventor assembly (.iam) files.

Command Summary | 25

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMIVUPDATE

Rereads associated Autodesk Inventor part or

assembly file and updates the linked .dwg file.

AMJOIN

Joins different entities.

AMLANGCONV

Translates text strings in your drawing into

another language.

AMLANGTEXT

Displays and uses text from the Language

Converter.

AMLAYER

Manages the layer system.

AMLAYINVO

Switches invisible lines on or off.

AMLAYMOVE

Moves lines to another layer.

AMLAYMOVEPL

Moves lines to parts layers.

AMLAYMOVEWL

Moves lines to working layers.

AMLAYPARTO

Switches standard parts on or off.

26 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMLAYPARTREFO

Switches part reference on or off.

AMLAYRESET

Resets all layers.

AMLAYTIBLO

Switches the border and title block on or off.

AMLAYVISENH

Specifies the layer group setting during a

working session.

AMLAYVPO

Switches viewports on or off.

AMLGMOVE

Moves elements in a selection set to a specific

layer group.

AMLIBRARY

Displays the Library dialog box.

AMLISTVIEW

Lists information about a selected view while

in Drawing mode.

AMLUBRI2D

Creates a lubricator.

AMMANIPULATE

Dynamically moves and rotates selected geometry along/around the X, Y, Z axes.

AMMCONTV

Makes a contour visible.

Command Summary | 27

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AM_MECHANICAL_
BROWSER

Displays the browser in the mechanical structure environment.

AMMIGRATEBB

Converts infopoints, position numbers, and

parts lists (on a drawing) from Genius 13/Genius 14 to AutoCAD Mechanical 6 format.

AMMIGRATESYM

Converts all symbols from Genius 13/14 to

AutoCAD Mechanical 6 format.

AMMODE

Switches between model and drawing modes.

AMMOVEDIM

Moves dimensions on drawings while maintaining their association to the drawing view
geometry.

AMMOVEVIEW

Moves a drawing view to another location in

the drawing or to another layout while in
Drawing mode.

AMNOTE

Describes holes, fits, and standard parts, and

creates associative notes to the drawing with
a leader.

AMNUT2D

Creates a nut.

AMOFFSET

Creates new objects at specified distances from

an existing object or through a specified point.

AMOPTIONS

Sets configurations. Merged with AutoCAD

command OPTIONS.

28 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMPARTLIST

Creates and places a parts list in a drawing.

AMPARTREF

Creates part references.

AMPARTREFEDIT

Edits part reference data.

AMPIN2D

Creates cylindrical pins, cotter pins, taper pins,

and grooved drive studs.

AMPLBEAR2D

Inserts a plain bearing on a shaft or in a

housing.

AMPLOTDATE

Inserts the current date in the lower right

corner of the title block.

AMPLRIVET2D

Creates a plain rivet.

AMPLUG2D

Creates a plug.

AMPOWERCOPY

Copies an object with its internal information

to another position in the drawing.

AMPOWERDIM

Creates power dimensions, or assigns tolerances or fits to power dimensions.

Command Summary | 29

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMPOWERDIM_ANG

Creates angular dimensions, or assigns tolerances or fits to dimension.

AMPOWEREDIT

Starts the command with which the selected

object was created to edit the object.

AMPOWERERASE

Deletes selected objects.

AMPOWERRECALL

Starts the command with which the selected

object was created, to create a new object.

AMPOWERSNAP

Sets object snap modes, polar snap, and filters

for object snaps.

AMPOWERVIEW

Creates top or side views of standard parts.

AMPROJO

Creates a projection crosshairs used for creating orthographic views.

AMPSCALE

Controls the scale of all drawing symbols.

AMPSNAP1

Sets user-defined snap settings on tab 1.

AMPSNAP2

Sets user-defined snap settings on tab 2.

AMPSNAP3

Sets user-defined snap settings on tab 3.

30 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMPSNAP4

Sets user-defined snap settings on tab 4.

AMPSNAPCEN

Snaps the rectangle center.

AMPSNAPFILTERO

Switches the entity filter on or off.

AMPSNAPMID

Snaps to the middle of two points.

AMPSNAPREF

Snaps to a reference point.

AMPSNAPREL

Snaps to a relative point.

AMPSNAPVINT

Snaps to a virtual intersection point of two

lines.

AMPSNAPZO

Switches snapping of the Z coordinate on or

off.

AMRECTANG

Creates a rectangle by defining its starting and

endpoint. See Appendix A, Design Toolbar Draw - Rectangle for more rectangle commands.

AMREFCLOSE

Saves REFEDIT working set changes.

Command Summary | 31

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMREFCOPY

Copies objects from other blocks to the

REFEDIT working set.

AMREFDIM

Creates reference dimensions between the

part edges created in Model mode and lines,
arcs, circles, ellipses created in Drawing mode.

AMRESCALE

Rescales dimensions and symbols in model

and layout.

AMREV

Switches revision lists on or off.

AMREVLINE

Inserts a revision list into a drawing or adds

an additional revision line to an existing revision list.

AMREVUPDATE

Updates revision lists.

AMRIVET2D

Creates plain and countersunk rivets.

AMROLBEAR2D

Inserts a radial or axial roller bearing on a shaft

or in a housing.

AMSACTIVATE

Selects folder(s) or view folder(s) in mechanical

structure and sets them as the active edit target.

AMSBASE

Specifies new base points for folders or views

that can be activated.

AMSCALEXY

Allows scaling for entities in X and Y direction.

32 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMSCAREA

Creates a scale area (an area that has a scale

that is different to model space scale) in
model space.

AMSCATALOG

Opens the structure catalog dialog box, which

gives you the ability to insert structure components to the current drawing as external references and manage them.

AMSCMONITOR

Views and edits the scale of scale areas or

viewports.

AMSCOPYDEF

Copies the definitions of instanced folders,

components or views in the mechanical
structure environment.

AMSCREATE

Creates components, component views, folders, and annotation views in drawings in the
mechanical structure environment.

AMSCREW2D

Creates a screw or bolt.

AMSCREWCALC

Calculates factors of safety for parts of a screw

connection.

AMSCREWCON2D

Opens the Screw Connection dialog box.

AMSCREWMACRO2D

Opens the Screw Assembly Templates dialog

box.

AMSCRIPT

Generates scripts.

Command Summary | 33

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMSEALRING2D

Creates a sealing ring for use under a plug.

AMSEALS2D

Inserts a seal or O-ring with the appropriate

groove in a shaft.

AMSECTIONLINE

Creates cutting plane lines.

AMSEDIT

Directly manipulates the contents of an active

folder or view in the mechanical structure environment.

AMSETUPDWG

Sets up a drawing.

AMSEXTERNALIZE

Moves a structure component from the current drawing to a new drawing file and converts it to an external reference component.

AMSHAFT2D

Creates rotationally symmetric shaft parts and

inner and outer shaft contours.

AMSHAFTCALC

Calculates deflection line, bending moment,

torsion moment, supporting force, torque rotation angle, equivalent tension, and the
safety factor of shafts.

AMSHAFTEND

Creates a zigzag line, a free-hand line, or loop

to represent a shaft end.

AMSHAFTKEY2D

Inserts a parallel or woodruff key with the appropriate keyseat in a shaft.

34 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMSHAFTLNUT2D

Creates a shaft lock nut including the lock

washer and inserts both in a shaft.

AMSHIDE

Creates and edits hide situations in the mechanical structure environment.

AMSHIDEEDIT

Edits hide situations created with AMSHIDE.

AMSHIMRING2D

Creates a shim ring on a shaft.

AMSIMPLEWELD

Creates seam and fillet simple welds.

AMSINSERT

Inserts a new instance of a component view,

folder or annotation view in model space, in
the mechanical structure environment.

AMSLOCALIZE

Converts an external reference component to

a local component on the current drawing.

AMSMOVE

Moves objects and their associated occurrences in one or more folders or views to another folder or view in the mechanical structure environment.

AMSNEW

Creates and manages new folders, components, and views in the mechanical structure
environment.

AMSPROCKET

Draws sprockets or pulleys.

Command Summary | 35

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMSPURGE

Removes unused structure objects, including

folders, components, views, and annotation
views in the mechanical structure environment.

AMSREPLACEDEF

Replaces the definition of a folder or view with

another definition of objects in the mechanical
structure environment.

AMSTDPLIB

Opens the Standard Parts Database dialog box

for selection.

AMSTDPLIBEDIT

Opens the Standard Parts Database dialog box

for editing.

AMSTDPREP

Changes the representation of a standard part.

AMSTLSHAP2D

Creates a steel shape.

AMSTYLEITAL

Changes the text style to italic.

AMSTYLESIMP

Changes the text style to simplex.

AMSTYLESTAND

Changes the text style to standard.

AMSTYLETXT

Changes the text style to TXT.

36 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMSURFSYM

Creates surface texture symbols.

AMSYMLEADER

Appends or removes a leader.

AMSYMLINE

Draws symmetrical lines.

AMTAPBHOLE2D

Creates a standard related tapped blind hole.

AMTAPETHREAD2D

Creates a taper hole with an external thread.

AMTAPITHREAD2D

Creates a taper hole with an internal thread.

AMTAPERPIN2D

Creates a taper pin.

AMTAPTHOLE2D

Creates a standard related tapped through

hole.

AMTAPERSYM

Creates a taper or slope symbol.

AMTEXT3

Inserts mtext with 3.5 mm height.

Command Summary | 37

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMTEXT5

Inserts mtext with 5 mm height. See Appendix

A, Assistance Toolbar - Text for more text
commands.

AMTEXT7

Inserts mtext with 7 mm height.

AMTEXTCENT

Centers text horizontally and vertically.

AMTEXTHORIZ

Centers text centered horizontally around the

selected point.

AMTEXTRIGHT

Aligns mtext to the right.

AMTEXTSIZE

Sets text to its default size in model space and

layout, and defines a height for an inserted
text.

AMTEXTTXT

Creates text with the text style to TXT.

AMTHOLE2D

Creates a standard related through hole.

AMTHREADEND2D

Creates a thread end.

AMTITLE

Inserts a title block and a drawing border.

38 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMTOR2D

Designs, calculates, and inserts torsion springs,

and inserts spring specification tables in
drawings.

AMTRCONT

Traces contours on construction lines.

AMTSLOT2D

Creates a standard related through slot.

AMUBHOLE2D

Creates a user-defined blind hole.

AMUBSLOT2D

Creates a user-defined blind slot.

AMUCOUNTB2D

Creates a user-defined counterbore.

AMUCOUNTS2D

Creates a user-defined countersink.

AMUNDERCUT2D

Creates an undercut on a shaft.

AMUSERHATCH

Inserts a user-defined hatch.

AMUTSLOT2D

Creates a user-defined slot.

AMVARIODB

Connects to a database.

Command Summary | 39

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMVIEWALL

Zooms the view according to the limits.

AMVIEWCEN

Zooms the center of the viewports.

AMVIEWLL

Zooms the predefined lower-left quarter of

the drawing.

AMVIEWLR

Zooms the predefined lower-right quarter of

the drawing.

AMVIEWUL

Zooms the predefined upper-left quarter of

the drawing.

AMVIEWUR

Zooms the predefined upper-right quarter of

the drawing.

AMVPORT

Creates a viewport in layout.

AMVPORTAUTO

Creates viewports automatically.

AMVPZOOMALL

Resets the viewports to the default scale factor.

AMWASHER2D

Creates a washer.

AMWELDSYM

Creates a welding symbol.

AMXREFSET

Controls the representation of xrefs.

40 | Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical

Toolbutton

Command Name

Description

AMZIGZAGLINE

Draws zigzag lines.

AMZOOMVP

Displays a selected area in another viewport.

SAVEAS

Saves a file into a different file format for use

in more than one version of AutoCAD Mechanical.

Command Summary | 41

New and Revised

Commands

This chapter contains information about new and revised

In this chapter

commands in AutoCAD Mechanical.

Revised Commands

New Commands

Revised Commands
This following are revised commands in this version of AutoCAD Mechanical.

AMBOM
Creates a formatted BOM database containing a list of attributes, parts lists with item numbers, and lists
of like items in a BOM.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Parts List Tools BOM Database

AMBOM

Recognizes the new BOM attribute, BOM_UNITS (Units) that has been
added to maintain consistency and interoperability with Autodesk
Productstream.

When external reference assemblies are inserted in a drawing, recognizes

quantity overrides on parts as the true quantity of the part in that assembly.

AMDATUMID
Creates datum identifier symbols.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Symbols Datum Identifier

AMDATUMID

Symbol can now be attached to objects in paper space.

AMDATUMTGT
Creates datum target symbols.

44 | Chapter 3 New and Revised Commands

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Symbols Datum Target

AMDATUMTGT

Symbol can now be attached to objects in paper space.

AMDIMSTRETCH
Resizes objects by stretching/shrinking linear and symmetric dimensions.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Edit Dimensions Linear/Symmetric

Stretch
AMDIMSTRETCH

Now lets you select multiple objects for stretching as well as selectively
remove objects from the selection set.

AMEDGESYM
Creates edge symbol.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Symbols Edge Symbol

AMEDGESYM

Symbol can now be attached to objects in paper space.

AMFCFRAME
Creates feature control frame symbols.

AMDIMSTRETCH | 45

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Symbols Feature Control Frame

AMFCFRAME

Symbol can now be attached to objects in paper space.

AMFEATID
Creates feature identifier symbols.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Symbols Feature Identifier

AMFEATID

Symbol can now be attached to objects in paper space.

AMHOLECHART
Documents the holes in a design, including coordinate dimensions.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Hole Charts

AMHOLECHART

Hole charts have been enhanced with the ability to create multiple hole
charts for a single origin. Each chart can be filtered separately, allowing
for long hole charts to be split into several shorter ones, based on the filters.
Hole charts in paper space are now able to retrieve hole properties from
the model.

46 | Chapter 3 New and Revised Commands

AMPARTLIST
Creates and places a parts list in a drawing.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Parts List Tools Parts list

AMPARTLIST

Recognizes the new BOM attribute, BOM_UNITS (Units) that has been
added to maintain consistency and interoperability with Autodesk
Productstream.

AMPARTREF
Creates part references.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Parts List Tools Part Reference

AMPARTREF

Recognizes the new BOM attribute, BOM_UNITS (Units) that has been
added to maintain consistency and interoperability with Autodesk
Productstream.

AMPARTREFEDIT
Creates part references.

Toolbutton
Menu

Annotate Parts List Tools Part Reference Edit

AMPARTLIST | 47

Command

AMPARTREFEDIT

Recognizes the new BOM attribute, BOM_UNITS (Units) that has been
added to maintain consistency and interoperability with Autodesk
Productstream.

AMPOWERDIM
Creates power dimensions, or assigns tolerances or fits to power dimensions.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Power Dimensioning

AMPOWERDIM

New options allow you to create arc length and jogged radii dimensions.

AMRESCALE
Rescales dimensions and symbols in model and layout.

Command

AMRESCALE

Has been enhanced to rescale tables.

AMSCAREA
Creates a scale area (an area that has a scale that is different to model space scale) in model space.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Viewports Viewport/Scale Area

AMSCAREA

Has been enhanced to rescale tables.

48 | Chapter 3 New and Revised Commands

AMSCATLOG
Opens the structure catalog dialog box, which gives you the ability to insert structure components to
the current drawing as external references and manage them.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Insert Structure Catalog

AMSCATALOG

A File search feature, similar in capability to file searching in the Design

Center, has been added to the Structure Catalog. CTRL+drag capability has
been introduced to copy parts and assemblies from external drawings rather
than insert them as xrefs. The Get from Vault option lets you down load
files directly from the Data Management Server, in environments where
Autodesk Vault has been installed.

You can now copy parts and assemblies from external drawings by dragging
the part with the CTRL key pressed.

The Get from Vault option lets you download files directly from the Data
Management Server, in environments where Autodesk Vault has been
installed.

AMSIMPLEWELD
Creates seam and fillet simple welds.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Symbols Simple Weld

AMSIMPLEWELD

Symbol can now be attached to objects in paper space.

AMSCATLOG | 49

AMSURFSYM
Creates surface texture symbols.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Symbols Surface Texture

AMSURFSYM

Symbol can now be attached to objects in paper space.

AMIVLINK
Recreates an associative link between a file and an Autodesk Inventor assembly (.iam) or part (.ipt)
document.

Command

AMIVLINK

Command has been enhanced to support linking to Autodesk Inventor

assembly files.

AMSHIDE
Creates and edits hide situations in the mechanical structure environment.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Associative Hide Create Associative Hide

Situation
AMSHIDE

AMSHIDE has been improved to support splines.

50 | Chapter 3 New and Revised Commands

AMSHIDEEDIT
Edits hide situations created with AMSHIDE

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Associative Hide Edit Associative Hide

Situation
AMSHIDEEDIT

AMSHIDEDIT has been improved to support splines.

AMSLOCALIZE
Converts an external reference component to a local component on the current drawing.

Command

AMSLOCALIZE

Provides options to quickly rename components and folders being localized,

in the event a like named component/folder exists in the current drawing.

AMNOTE
Describes holes, fits, and standard parts, and creates associative notes to the drawing with a leader.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Leader Note

AMNOTE

Symbol can now be attached to objects in paper space.

AMSHIDEEDIT | 51

AMSREPLACEDEF
Replaces the definition of a folder or view with another definition of objects in the mechanical structure
environment.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Replace Definition

AMSREPLACEDEF

Provides options to select specific instances to be replaced.

AMWELDSYMBOL
Creates welding symbols.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Symbols Welding

AMWELDSYMBOL

Symbol can now be attached to objects in paper space.

New Commands
AMTAPERSYM
Creates a taper or slope symbol.

Toolbutton
Menu

Annotate Symbols Taper and Slope

52 | Chapter 3 New and Revised Commands

Command

AMTAPERSYM

Provides options to swap symbol directions, display the taper rate/slope

as a theoretically exact dimension and align. Additionally provides options
to align the reference line parallel to the centerline of the taper.

AMTAPERSYM | 53

Design and Annotation

Tools

The tutorials in this section teach you how to use AutoCAD

In this part

Mechanicals design, annotation and productivity tools. The

Working with Templates

Using Mechanical Structure

Working with Layers and Layer

Groups

Designing Levers

Working with Model Space and

Layouts

Dimensioning

Working with 2D Hide and 2D

Steel Shapes

Working with Standard Parts

Working with BOMs and Parts

Lists

Creating Shafts with Standard

Parts

Calculating Shafts

lessons include step-by-step instructions and helpful

illustrations. You learn how to work with templates and layers,
mechanical structure, model space and layouts, dimensions,
steel shapes, bills of material (BOMs) and parts lists.
Instructions on how to prepare your designs for final
documentation are also included.

Working with Templates

In this tutorial, you learn about the predefined templates and

In this chapter

how to create your own user-defined templates in AutoCAD

Key Terms

Working with Templates

Mechanical.

Key Terms
Term

Definition

base layer

A layer made up of working layers and standard parts layers. Base layers are repeated in every layer group.

layer group

A group of associated or related items in a drawing. A major advantage of

working with layer groups is that you can deactivate a specific layer group and
a complete component. The drawing and its overview are enhanced with a reduction in regeneration time.

part layers

A layer where the standard parts are put. All standard parts layers have the suffix
AM_*N.

template

A file with predefined settings to use for new drawings. However, any drawing
can be used as a template.

working layer

The layer where you are currently working.

Working with Templates

In AutoCAD Mechanical, you can use templates (*.dwt files) to create drawings.
Predefined templates, which contain settings for various drawings, such as
am_iso.dwt or am_ansi.dwt, are supplied with AutoCAD Mechanical. You can
create your own templates, or use any drawing as a template. When you use
a drawing as a template, the settings in that drawing are used in the new
drawing.
Although you can save any drawing as a template, prepare templates to include
settings and drawing elements that are consistent with your company or
project standards, such as the following items:

unit type and precision

drawing limits

snap, grid, and ortho settings

layer organization

58 | Chapter 4 Working with Templates

title blocks, borders, and logos

dimension and text styles

linetypes and lineweights

If you start a drawing from scratch, AutoCAD Mechanical reads the system
defaults from the registry. The system defaults have a predefined standard.
If you create a new drawing based on an existing template and make changes
to the drawing, those changes do not affect the template.
To begin working with templates immediately, you can use the predefined
template files stored in the acadm\template folder.
However, for this tutorial you create your own template.

Setting Up Starting Layers

Each time you start AutoCAD Mechanical, layer 0 is active. Since layer 0 does
not belong to the Mechanical layers, it is not displayed in the Layer Control
dialog box of AutoCAD Mechanical if you select Mechanical Layer in the Show
field.
It is required that you specify the mechanical layer AM_0 as the default starting
layer.
To specify a starting layer
1 Start the Layer Control command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Assist Layer/Layergroup Layer/Layer Group

Control
AMLAYER

2 In the Layer Control dialog box, Layer Control tab, select the layer AM_0
and then choose Current.

Setting Up Starting Layers | 59

Choose OK.
The layer AM_0 is active, as you can see in the toolbar:

Setting Mechanical Options

In the Options dialog box, you can specify general settings for AutoCAD
Mechanical, Autodesk Mechanical Desktop, and AutoCAD. Tabs that affect
settings for either Mechanical Desktop or AutoCAD Mechanical, or both, have
an AM prefix. Use the arrows at the right end of the tab bar to move left and
right through all of the available tabs.
When you start the AutoCAD Mechanical application, mechanical structure
is enabled by default. Although this setting is not stored in templates, disable
mechanical structure for this exercise.
To set mechanical options
1 Start the Mechanical Options command.

60 | Chapter 4 Working with Templates

Menu
Command

Assist Options
OPTIONS or AMOPTIONS

2 In the Options dialog box, AM:Structure tab, clear the Enable Structure
check box, and then choose Apply.
3 On the AM:Standards tab, specify:
Standard: ISO
Measurement: Metric
Model Scale: 1:1

Choose OK.
NOTE All settings in this dialog that are stored in the drawing (template) are
marked with this icon:
The current standard and all related settings
are listed in the right section.

Setting Mechanical Options | 61

Specifying Drawing Limits

Specify the drawing limits according to size A0 (840 x 1188 mm). This limits
your drawing space to the specified size.
To specify the drawing limits
1 Start the Drawing Limits command.
Menu
Assist Format Drawing Limits
Command
LIMITS
2 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify lower left corner or [ON/OFF] <0.00,0.00>: Press ENTER
Specify upper right corner <420.00,297.00>: Enter 841,1189, press

ENTER
The limits are expanded to A0 format.

Saving Templates
Save the previously changed drawing as a template.
To save a template
1 Start the Save As command.
Menu
File Save As
Command
SAVEAS
In the Save Drawing As dialog box, specify:
Files of type: AutoCAD Mechanical Drawing Template (*.dwt)
File name: my_own_template

62 | Chapter 4 Working with Templates

Choose Save.
2 In the Template Description dialog box, specify:
Description: Tutorial Template
Measurement: Metric

Choose OK.
3 Close the drawing.
Menu
Command

File Close
CLOSE

Saving Templates | 63

Using Templates
Use the previously created template to start a new drawing.
To open a template
1 Start the New command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

File New
NEW

2 In the Select template dialog box, select my_own_template.dwt, and then

choose Open.

Start the new drawing using the settings of the previously saved template.

Setting Default Standards Templates

Specify your template as the default template.

64 | Chapter 4 Working with Templates

To set a default template

1 Start the Mechanical Options command.
Menu
Assist Options
Command
AMOPTIONS
2 In the Options dialog box, AM:Standards tab, choose Browse.

3 In the Open dialog box, select my_own_template.dwt, and then choose

Open.
4 In the Options dialog box, choose OK.
The template my_own_template is used as the default standards template
until you specify a different default template.
NOTE The default standards template is used if a drawing does not contain
any AutoCAD Mechanical configuration. If a drawing already contains
AutoCAD Mechanical configuration data, or a new drawing has been created
using an AutoCAD Mechanical template, the default template does not affect
the drawing.
This is the end of this tutorial chapter.

Setting Default Standards Templates | 65

Using Mechanical
Structure

In this tutorial, you learn how to use mechanical structure in

In this chapter

AutoCAD Mechanical. You learn how to work with folders,

Key Terms

Working with Mechanical

Structure

Folders

Selection Modes

components and component views. You also review the bill

of materials, restructure components and resolve ghost
components. You learn how to insert components from

Mechanical Browser Filters

external files, edit in-place, localize external components and

External Reference Components

externalize local components.

Annotation Views

Associative Hide

Key Terms
Term

Definition

annotation view

A folder that contains one or more component views dedicated to annotating

and detailing parts and subassemblies.

associative

In mechanical structure, the implication that a change to one instance of a

definition is reflected in all other instances of that definition, including the definition itself.

mechanical browser

A browser that contains the hierarchy of components, component views, annotation views, and folders of a given mechanical structure.

component

A browser placeholder and identification for the component type. A component

is analogous to the manufacturing units of parts and assemblies.

component view folder

A folder nested under a component that contains the geometry for a particular
view of that component.

definition

A description of a folder, component, or view that AutoCAD Mechanical saves

in the database, similar to a block definition.

elemental geometry

The graphical elements of a drawing that represent the shape and size of a part
or assembly.

folder

A folder that contains any drawing item that does not have a dedicated or default
folder preprogrammed in mechanical structure.

free object (as used in

the Create Hide Situation dialog box)

A unit of elemental geometry.

geometry

The graphical elements of a drawing that represent the shape and size of a part
or assembly.

hidden geometry

Geometry that is included in a hide situation.

68 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

Term

Definition

instance

An iteration of a definition as it appears in mechanical structure.

object

Used variously to describe any item in mechanical structure, whether a component, folder, or geometry.

occurrence

Placement of a component, usually in multiple-level assemblies, where a component is replicated as a result of multiple placements of a single part or subassembly.

Working with Mechanical Structure

Mechanical structure is a set of tools used to organize data for reuse. Structure
is graphically represented by a tree called the mechanical browser.

In this chapter, you learn how to use mechanical structure by working through
simple demonstrations. First, you must create a new drawing and enable
mechanical structure.

Working with Mechanical Structure | 69

Enabling Mechanical structure

To enable mechanical structure

Click the STRUCT status bar button and latch it down to enable mechanical
structure.

To display the mechanical browser

1 If the mechanical browser is not visible, enter AMBROWSER in the
command prompt and press ENTER.
2 When prompted, enter ON and press ENTER.

Folders
The basic element of mechanical structure is the folder. A folder is similar to
a block in that it has a definition that can be instanced multiple times. Like
a block, the definition is stored away in the non graphical area of the drawing.

70 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

Similar to blocks, any change you make to the folder definition is reflected in
all instances of that folder.

Creating Folders
1 Use the Circle tool to create a circle. The size and proportions are not
important.
2 Use the Rectangle tool to draw a rectangle around the circle.
3 Right-click anywhere in the browser, and select New Folder.
4 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter folder name <Folder1>: Press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Select the circle and then the

rectangle and press ENTER

Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the rectangle

Modifying Folders
While folders are similar to blocks, there are significant differences. The most
significant, is that the contents of a folder remain editable without the need
for a special editing mode like REFEDIT.
To grip edit the circle
1 Continue clicking the circle until you see the word CIRCLE in the tooltip
window.
2 Select a grip, drag and then click.

Creating Folders | 71

If a folder's contents are selectable, how do you select the folder? This is where
the tooltip comes in. You select folders (and other elements of structure) by
cycling through a selection, and the tooltip tells you what you are selecting.
In the next exercise, you copy the folder to demonstrate structure selection.
To copy the folder
1 Press ESC to clear any preselection.
2 In the command line, enter COPY and press ENTER.
3 Continue clicking the circle until you see the word Folder1:1 in the tooltip
window.
4 Press ENTER to complete selection, then pick points to finish the copy.
5 Press ESC to finish.

The mechanical browser shows a second instance of the folder (Folder1:2),

implying that you copied the folder, not just the contents.

72 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

In the next exercise you modify the contents of a folder to demonstrate that
modifying one instance of a folder updates both.
To edit an instance
1 Continue clicking a circle until you see the word CIRCLE in the tooltip
window.
2 Press DELETE. Note how the circle is deleted from both instances.
Next, you add new geometry to a folder. Before you add geometry you must
activate the folder to make it the active edit target. This ensures that geometry
is added to the folder and not simply to model space.
To activate and add geometry
1 In the browser, right-click Folder1:1 and select Activate. Note that
geometry that does not belong to this folder is dim.
2 Use LINE to draw two diagonal lines from corner to corner on the
rectangle. Note that the lines appear in the other instance as soon as the
command is completed.

3 Double-click a vacant area in the browser to reset activation.

Modifying Folders | 73

Nesting Folders
Like blocks, folders can be nested. However, a folder cannot be nested within
itself, which is about the only restriction on folder nesting.
1 Draw a small circle in the lower triangle in the second instance of the
folder.
2 Draw a line from the center of the circle to the 3 oclock quadrant of the
circle.

3 In the browser, right-click Folder1:2 and select New Folder.

4 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter folder name <Folder2>: Press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Select the circle and then the

line and press ENTER.

Specify base point: Select the center of the circle.

5 Expand Folder1:1 and Folder 1:2 and verify that a nested folder was
created.

74 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

6 In the browser, right-click Folder1:2 again and select Insert Folder.

7 Respond to the prompts as below:
Enter folder name to insert or [?] <?>: Enter Folder2 and press ENTER
Specify the insertion point or [Base point/Rotate 90]: Click in

the triangle on the right, in the second instance of Folder1

Specify rotation angle <0>: Enter 45 and press ENTER

Notice that when you added the nested folders, both instances updated,
just like when you added the lines. Folder2:1 was created as a child of
Folder1:2 because we chose New Folder from its context menu, and
Folder2:2 was inserted into Folder1:2 for the same reason. Note that as
with blocks, you were able to rotate the folder instance on insertion.

Nesting Folders | 75

Instance vs. Occurrence

To finish with folders, you inspect a few browser functions such as visibility
and property overrides. While performing these exercises you learn the
difference between instances and occurrences.
To override properties
1 In the browser, right-click Folder1:1 and select Property Overrides.
2 In the Property Overrides dialog box, select the Enable overrides check
box.
3 Select the Color check box, The default color changes to red.
4 Click OK.
Note how the entire instance, inclusive of the nested folders is now red.
Also note how the color change did not have an effect on Folder1:2.
5 In the browser, right-click Folder1:1 again, and select Property Overrides
6 In the Property Overrides dialog box, clear the Enable overrides check
box, and click OK.
7 In the browser, right click Folder1:1 Folder2:1 and select property
overrides.
8 Apply a color override of red to the folder.

The subfolder you selected is now red, but the other subfolder is not.
Notice that the same subfolder is red in Folder1:2. This is because property

76 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

overrides are instance-based. When you look at visibility you will

understand why this matters.
To apply visibility overrides
1 In the browser, right-click Folder1:1 and select Visible. The entire folder
is now invisible.
2 In the browser, right-click Folder1:1 and select Visible. The folder is visible
again.
3 In the browser, right-click Folder1:1\Folder2:2 and select Visible. Notice
that unlike the property overrides, both instances of Folder2 are visible
in Folder1:2. That's because visibility is occurrence-based.

Selection Modes
The three status bar buttons next to the STRUCT status bar button control the
different selection modes.

Button

Function

BTM-UP/TOPDN

Switches the structure selection order between bottomup and top-down.

R-LOCK

Switches the Reference Lock on and off. When the Reference Lock is on, you cannot select entities in an external
folder or view (more on this later).

S-LOCK

Switches the Selection Lock on and off. When the Selection

Lock is on, selection is restricted to the active edit target
and below.

The next two exercises demonstrate the behavior of the BTM-UP/TOP-DN and
S-LOCK selection modes.

Selection Modes | 77

To select items when the selection mode is set to top-down

1 Press ESC to clear any selections.
2 Click the BTM-UP/TOP-DN button and ensure that the text on the button
reads TOP-DN.
3 Click one of the circles in Folder1:1. Note the tooltip indicates that you
selected the folder, Folder1:1, and not the circle.
4 Click the circle again. Note the tooltip indicates that you selected the
nested folder.
5 Click the circle again. Note the tooltip indicates that you have finally
managed to select the circle.
6 Click the circle again. Selection cycles to Folder1:1 again.
When the selection mode is set to top-down, the selection sequence begins
at the topmost level and ends with the elemental geometry. When the selection
mode is set to bottom-up the selection begins with the elemental geometry.
You may want to set the selection mode and repeat the exercise to verify the
behavior of the selection modes under the bottom-up.
To select items when S-LOCK is on
1 Press ESC to clear any selections.
2 In the browser, double-click Folder1:1 to activate it.
3 Click the S-LOCk button and latch it down to turn on the selection lock.
4 Click one of the circles in Folder1:2. Note that the circle is no longer
selectable.
5 Click one of the circles in Folder1:1. Grips appear, indicating that selection
is possible.
6 Double-click the root of the mechanical browser tree to reset activation.
7 Close the drawing. You can save the drawing, if required.

Components and Component Views

You may notice that folders provide some useful features, but they're probably
not different enough from blocks to convince you to change over to the

78 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

structure paradigm. The potential of mechanical structure begins to be revealed

when you start dealing with components and component views.
Component Views are basically folders with some extra rules that make them
more suitable for mechanical design. You typically need more than one view
to fully describe a part or assembly. Folders (and blocks before them) don't
offer any mechanism other than naming to associate multiple views of the
same part. Components and views solve this by allowing you to collect multiple
folders (component views) under a single Component.
A component can be a part or assembly, based on its contents (if a component
contains another component, then it's an assembly). The component also
gives you a place to store attributes like description and material. Components
don't actually contain geometry; they just group the views that contain the
geometry. This will begin to make more sense when you create some
components and component views.

Creating Part Components

1 Start a new drawing and draw a long thin rectangle (the edge view of a
plate).
2 Draw a second rectangle, above the first, having the same width (the top
view).
3 Right-click anywhere in the browser, and select New Component.
4 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new component name <COMP1>: Press ENTER
Enter new view name <Top>: Press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Select the larger rectangle and

press ENTER
Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the rectangle

Note that the mechanical browser now displays the component COMP1:1
and that it contains the component view; Top, below it.

Creating Part Components | 79

To add a new view to a component

1 In the browser, right-click COMP1:1 and select New Component
View.
2 Accept the default name for the component view.
3 Select the smaller rectangle and press ENTER.
4 To specify a base point, click the lower left corner of the rectangle. Note
that the new component view, Front, was added to the component
COMP1:1

80 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

Creating Assembly Components

You now have two component views; Front and Top, and they are grouped
together in the browser by COMP1:1. In the next exercise, you insert another
instance of COMP1 and assemble the two components (parts) in an L shape.
To insert a new instance of a component
1 In the browser, right-click a vacant area, and select Insert Component.
2 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter component name or [?] <?>: Enter COMP1 and press ENTER
Enter component view name or [?] <Top>: Enter Front and press ENTER
Specify the insertion point or [Base point/Rotate 90]: Pick point

1, the top left corner of the larger rectangle

Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER

3 In the browser, right-click COMP1:2 and select Insert Component

View Top.
4 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Specify the insertion point or [Base point/Rotate 90]: Pick point

2, the lower left corner of the front view of COMP1:1.

Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER.

Creating Assembly Components | 81

To assemble components
1 Right-click anywhere In the browser, and select New Component.
2 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new component name <COMP2>: Enter ASSY and press ENTER
Enter new view name <Top>: Enter Front and press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Select COMP1:1 (Front) and

COMP1:2 (Top) and press ENTER

To select a component view instead of the geometry, continue clicking
the geometry until you see the component view name in the tooltip
window. If you accidently select the wrong view, you can cancel the
selection by selecting the view again with the SHIFT key pressed.
Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the combined view.

The Component Restructure dialog box is displayed.

82 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

3 In the Destination Components list, right-click a vacant area and select

Create New View.
4 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new view name <Top>: Press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Select COMP1:1 (Top) and

COMP1:2 (Front) and press ENTER

Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the combined view

Creating Assembly Components | 83

Modifying Assembly Components

As you work, you can continue to add views as needed. To demonstrate this,
in the next exercise, you add a side view of this assembly.
To add a component view
1 Draw a rectangle representing the side view of the first instance of COMP1.
2 In the browser, right-click ASSY:1 and select New Component View.
3 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Enter new view name <Right>: Enter Side and press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Dont pick anything - just press

ENTER
Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the rectangle

4 In the browser, right-click COMP1:1 and select New Component

View.
5 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new view name <Right>: Enter Side and press ENTER
Specify parent view or [?] <Front>: Enter Side and press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Pick the rectangle and press

ENTER
Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the rectangle

84 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

6 In the browser, right-click COMP1:2 and select Insert Component

View Side.
7 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Specify parent view or [?] <Front>: Enter Side and press ENTER
Specify the insertion point or [Base point/Rotate 90/nextView]:

Enter R and press ENTER

Specify the insertion point or [Base point/Rotate 90/nextView]:

Pick a place close to the other view

Specify rotation angle <90>: Press ENTER

8 Move the view into the correct position.

In the next exercise, you add a component to the assembly to demonstrate

the ability to add a component after the assembly is created.
To add a component
1 Draw a circle on the top view of the assembly.
2 In the browser, right-click ASSY:1(Top) and select New Component.
3 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new component name <COMP2>: Press ENTER
Enter new view name <Top>: Press ENTER

Modifying Assembly Components | 85

Select objects for new component view: Select the circle and press

ENTER
Specify base point: Click the center of the circle

4 Draw a rectangle representing the projected view in the front view of the
assembly
5 In the browser, double-click ASSY:1 Top to activate that view
6 Right-click COMP2:1 and select New Component View.
7 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new view name <Front>: Enter Side and press ENTER
Specify parent view or [?] <Front>: Press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Select the rectangle and press

ENTER
Specify base point: Pick the mid point of the lower edge of the rectangle

86 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

8 In the browser, double-click ASSY:1 Side to activate it.

9 Ensure that S-LOCK is off and copy COMP2:1(Side) and position it in the
side view.
To select a component view instead of the geometry, continue clicking
the geometry until you see the component view name in the tooltip
window
10 In the Component View Instance created dialog box, select Existing in
the last column.

11 Double-click a vacant area to reset activation.

Modifying Assembly Components | 87

Using Folders with Component Views

When folders are used in conjunction with component views, you can do
several useful things. This section shows two examples.
You can use folders to contain drawing items that would otherwise not be
accounted for with a default component view folder.
In the following example, a folder, Groove:1, was created to contain the upper
groove and arrayed to create the others. Because the groove is implemented
as a folder, it does not have an impact on the BOM. Modifying one of the
grooves results in all grooves being updated.

In the following example, a folder, Profile:1, was created to contain the

upper-wheel profile. Profile:2 is another instance of this folder, created by
mirroring Profile:1. Changing one profile automatically updates the other.
The wheel component was created after the Profile folders. The design intent
is captured and organized with these folders.

Mechanical Browser Filters

The mechanical browser shows the hierarchical organization of components
within a drawing. In this section, you use browser filters to show data in
different ways to get a better understanding of components and component
views.

88 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

The default view of the mechanical browser shows the hierarchical organization
of components as well as indicates which component owns a given component
view.

To show the View Tree and Component Tree

1 Right-click the root node of the mechanical browser and select Browser
Filters.
2 In the View Tree section, select the Display Tree check box.
3 In the Component Tree section, clear the Component Views check box.
4 Click OK.
5 Right-click a vacant area in the browser and select Expand All.

In this view, the hierarchy of components as well as views are shown.

Mechanical Browser Filters | 89

To show both default and expandable assembly views

1 Right-click the root node of the mechanical browser and select Browser
Filters.
2 In the Component Tree section, select the Component Views check box.
3 Click OK.

In this view, the mechanical browser shows the hierarchy of components,

component views as well as indicates which component owns a given
component view. In practice, you can work with the view settings that makes
most sense to you.

Mechanical Browser and BOMs

Components not only group component views, they hold bills of material
(BOM) attributes as well. In the next exercise, you insert a parts list and in the
process, explore the BOM of the simple assembly you created.

90 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

To insert a parts list

1 In the command line, enter AMBOM.
2 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Specify BOM to create or set current [Main/?] <MAIN>: Press ENTER

3 In the BOM dialog box, click the plus sign (+) in the first column to
expand ASSY.
4 Click the Insert Parts list button on the toolbar of the BOM dialog box.
5 In the Parts List dialog box, click OK and click inside the drawing to
indicate where to insert the parts list.
6 In the BOM dialog box, click OK.

Mechanical Browser and BOMs | 91

By associating views through a single component, the BOM is managed

accurately and semi-automatically. You can manage component attributes
through the BOM editor or directly on the component from the browser.

Browser Restructure and Ghost Components

In the next exercise you restructure COMP1:1 and COMP2:1 to be parts of an
assembly named SUB-ASSY. To do this, you must create SUB-ASSY first.
To create a component
1 Right-click a vacant area in the browser and choose New Component.
2 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Enter new component name <COMP3>: Enter SUB-ASSY and press ENTER
Enter new view name <Top>: Press ENTER

92 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

Select objects for new component view: Select COMP1:1 (Top) and

COMP2:1 (Top) and press ENTER

The Component Restructure dialog box is displayed.

3 Observe the mechanical browser.

Browser Restructure and Ghost Components | 93

Note that the component SUB-ASSY is already created (1) and COMP1:1
and COMP2:1 are components of it. Also, the COMP1:1 and COMP2:1
continue to exist as components of ASSY1 (2), but the icon changed. This
icon indicates that the component is a Ghost Component. Ghost
components are containers of the views of components that are in an
intermediate state of restructure.
To learn how to resolve ghost components, you must stop creating
SUB-ASSY at this point.
4 Click OK. You now have two ghost components in the browser.
Before you start resolving ghost components, you must add two
component views to the component SUB-ASSY.
5 In the browser, right-click SUB-ASSY:1 and select New Component
View.
6 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Enter new view name <Front>: Press ENTER

94 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

Select objects for new component view: Dont pick anything - just press

ENTER
Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the large rectangle in the

lower left of the drawing

7 In the browser, right-click SUB-ASSY:1 and select New Component
View again.
8 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new view name <Right>: Enter Sideand press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Dont pick anything - just press

ENTER
Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the assembly displayed in
the lower right of the drawing

Browser Restructure and Ghost Components | 95

To resolve ghost components

1 In the browser, click the ghost component COMP1:1, press the CTRL key
and click COMP2:1. Both components are selected.
2 Drag to SUB-ASSY1. The Component Restructure dialog box is displayed.

3 In the Source Component Views list, with the CTRL key pressed select
COMP1:1(Front) and COMP2:1(Side).
4 Drag to SUB-ASSY1(Front). The views move from the Source Component
Views list to the Destination Component Views list.
5 Drag the remaining views in the Source Component Views list to
SUB-ASSY1:(Side) in the Destination Component Views list.
6 Click OK.

96 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

The ghost components disappear and COMP1:1 and COMP2:1 are now parts
of SUB-ASSY1.
In the final exercise of browser restructure, you restructure SUB-ASSY1 to be
a subassembly of ASSY1.
To restructure components
1 In the browser, drag SUB-ASSY:1 Front to ASSY:1 Front. The
Restructure components dialog box is displayed.
2 Drag SUB-ASSY:1 (Top) to ASSY:1 (Top) and SUB-ASSY:1 (Side) to ASSY:1
(Side).
3 Click OK. SUB-ASSY1 is restructured as a subassembly of ASSY:1

Browser Restructure and Ghost Components | 97

External Reference Components

In AutoCAD Mechanical, you can save individual parts and subassemblies in
external files and share them between designs. When a part is modified, the
changes are propagated to all instances, ensuring that assembly drawings are
always synchronized with their related part drawings.

98 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

Inserting External Components

In this exercise, you insert a Gripper on to a Gripper Plate drawing.
1 Open the file Tut_Gripper_Plate.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

File Open
OPEN

The drawing contains two views of a gripper plate and contains two
construction lines.
2 To keep the original file intact, save the file as Gripper.dwg
3 Display the Structure Catalog.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Insert Structure Catalog

AMSCATALOG

4 In the Files tab, navigate to the acadm\tutorial folder and select

Tut_Gripper.dwg. The structure panel shows the mechanical structure
components in the drawing and the preview panel shows a preview of
the drawing.
5 In the structure panel, drag GRIPPER Front to model space.
6 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Specify the insertion point or [Base point/Rotate 90/nextView]:

Pick the upper left corner of the smaller rectangle

Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER

Note the mechanical browser. The external reference (xref) component

is indicated by a blue colored marker.

Inserting External Components | 99

Once one view of an xref component is inserted, the other views can be
inserted as normal.
To insert another view of the xref component
1 In the browser, right-click GRIPPER1 and select Insert Component
View Top.
2 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Specify the insertion point or [Base point/Rotate 90/nextView]:

Pick the upper left corner of the larger rectangle

Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER

To Insert more instances of the xref component

1 In the command line enter MIRROR and press ENTER.
2 Respond to the prompts as shown:

100 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

Select objects: Ensure that the selection mode is set to TOP-DN and in
model space, click both xref views you just inserted and press ENTER
Specify first point of mirror line: Click anywhere on the vertical

construction line
Specify second point of mirror line: Click elsewhere on the vertical

construction line
Erase source objects? [Yes/No] <N>: Enter N and press ENTER

3 In the last column of the Component View Instance Created dialog box,
select New.

A new instance of the component, GRIPPER:2 is created. You will now

mirror the top views of GRIPPER:1 and GRIPPER:2 to draw two more
grippers on the top view of the plate.
4 In the command line enter MIRROR and press ENTER.
5 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Select objects: Ensure that the selection mode is set to TOP-DN and in
model space, click the top views of the two grippers, press ENTER
Specify first point of mirror line: Click anywhere on the horizontal

construction line
Specify second point of mirror line: Click elsewhere on the horizontal

construction line
Erase source objects? [Yes/No] <N>: Enter N and press ENTER

Inserting External Components | 101

6 In the last column of the Component View Instance Created dialog box,
select New.

Next, you assemble the components under an assembly, named GRIPPER

ASSEMBLY.
To assemble components
1 Right-click a vacant area in the browser, and select new component.
2 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new component name <COMP1>: Enter GRIPPER ASSEMBLY and press

ENTER
Enter new view name <Top>: Enter Front and press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Ensure that the selection mode
is set to TOP-DN and window select the smaller rectangle and the two grippers
connected to it and press ENTER
Specify base point: Pick the intersection of the construction line with the
upper edge of the rectangle

102 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

The Component Restructure dialog box is displayed.

7 In the Destination Components list, right-click a vacant area, and select
Create New View.
8 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Enter new view name <Top>: Press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Ensure that the selection mode
is set to TOP-DN and window select the larger rectangle and the four grippers
connected to it and press ENTER
Specify base point: Pick the intersection of the two construction lines

9 Save the file as Gripper Assembly.dwg.

Editing External Components In-place

In AutoCAD Mechanical, you can edit xref components in-place. Although
this is very convenient, if you accidently modify a component, the mistake
effects all drawings that use this xref component. As a precaution, you must
do one of the following before you edit an xref component:

Release the R-LOCK status bar button.

Activate the xref component view or folder to be edited.

Editing External Components In-place | 103

In the next exercise, you modify the gripper lever using the activate method.
To edit an xref component in place
1 In the browser, double click Gripper Front to activate it.
Notice that locks appear on all instances of the gripper in the browser.
This indicates that the source file containing the gripper is now locked
and no one else can modify it.
2 Start the Chamfer command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Chamfer
AMCHAM2D

3 Respond to the prompts as shown:

Select first object or [Polyline/Setup/Dimension]: <Setup> Press

ENTER
4 In the Chamfer dialog box, select 10 as the first and second chamfer
lengths, and click OK
5 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Select first object or [Polyline/Setup/Dimension]: <Setup> Select

the left vertical line of the gripper lever (1)

Select second object or <Return for polyline>: Select the lower

horizontal line of the gripper lever (2)

Select object to create original length: Press ESC

6 In the browser, double-click a vacant area to reset activation.

Note that although the xref component view is no longer the active edit
target, the gripper continues to be locked.

104 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

7 In the browser, right-click a vacant area, and select Purge All Locks.
8 In the Purge Locks message box, click OK.
To verify if the changes were written back to the source file

In the browser, right-click GRIPPER1 and select Open to Edit. The Gripper
source file opens.

Note that the component view Open Position has also been modified. How
did this happen?
Expand the component Lever1. Notice that it has two instances of the
component view Front. Another example of how mechanical structure can
eliminate repetitive tasks.

Localizing and Externalizing

If you want to modify a part without effecting other drawings that use the
part, you can localize the xref component. By localizing you copy the definition
of the xref component to the current drawing and the link with the xref file
is severed.
To localize an xref component
1 From the Window menu, switch to the Gripper Assembly drawing.
2 In the browser, right-click and of the GRIPPER components, and select
All Instances Localize.
3 In the Xref Info message box, click Yes.
The Gripper is no longer an xref component.
If you want to detail a part without loosing associativity between the detail
and assembly, you can externalize the part to a file and detail it in that file.
In the next exercise you externalize the cylinder component.
To externalize a component
1 In the browser, expand one of the Gripper components and right click
CYLINDER:1.
2 Select All Instances Externalize

Localizing and Externalizing componentsexternalize local | 105

3 In the New External File dialog box, accept the defaults and click Save.
Note that CYLINDER:1 is an xref component in all instances of the
GRIPPER component.

Annotation Views
In some cases, externalizing to detail may be considered excessive. Mechanical
Structure provides for creating Annotation Views, an associative view of a
component purely for the purpose of detailing. Annotation views have no
effect on the BOM.
In the next exercise, you create an annotation view for the LEVER component.
To create an annotation view
1 In the browser, expand one of the Gripper components and right-click
LEVER:1
2 Select New Annotation View.
3 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Enter annotation view name <LEVER(AV)>: Press ENTER
Specify base point: Select a point below and to the right of the Top View

of the Gripper Assembly

Specify the insertion point or [Base point/Rotate
90/nextView/Done] <Done>: Select a point just below and to the right of the

point you clicked on previously

Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER
Specify the insertion point or [Base point/Rotate
90/nextView/Done] <Done>: Select a point directly below the point you

clicked on previously
Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER
Specify the insertion point or [Base point/Rotate
90/nextView/Done] <Done>: Press ENTER

106 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

To annotate the geometry in the annotation view

1 Start the Automatic Dimension command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Automatic Dimension

AMAUTODIM

The Automatic Dimensioning dialog box is displayed.

2 In the Type drop-down list, select Chain and click OK.
3 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Select objects [Block]: Window select the larger of the two views in the

annotation view
Select objects [Block]: Press ENTER
First extension line origin: Pick the upper left corner of the geometry
Specify dimension line location or [Options/Pickobj]: Select a

point to the left of the geometry

Starting point for next extension line: Press ENTER

Annotation Views | 107

4 Note the dimension of the chamfer section.

To modify the chamfer in the assembly
1 In the browser, expand GRIPPER:1, right-click LEVER:1 Front and
select Zoom to.
2 Start the Power Edit command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Power Commands Power Edit

AMPOWEREDIT

3 Respond to the prompts as shown:

Select object: Select the Chamfer

4 In the Chamfer dialog box, select 2.5 as the First Chamfer Length and 5
as the Second Chamfer Length, and click OK.
5 In the browser, right click LEVER(AV) and select Zoom to.
Note that the Lever shape is changed and the dimensions are updated.

Associative Hide
Mechanical structure is all about reuse, especially reuse of components in an
assembly to show multiple instances of a component and reuse of component
views in the assembly and in the part detail. Component view instances are
often obscured in the assembly, sometimes the same view is even obscured

108 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

differently in different instances. This requires a mechanism to make a folder

or component view instance partially or fully hidden without effecting other
view instances. Use Associative hide (AMSHIDE) to do just that.

Basics of AMSHIDE
In the next exercise, you create a hide situation between two folders.
To create a hide situation
1 Open the file Tut_AMSHIDE.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

File Open
OPEN

The drawing contains three instances of a folder, where two overlap each
other.

2 Start the Associative Hide command.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Associative Hide Create Associative

Hide Situation
AMSHIDE

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Basics of AMSHIDE | 109

Select foreground objects: Ensure that the selection mode is set to

TOP-DN and click the upper rectangle (1)
Select foreground objects: Press ENTER

4 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, expand Level1 and Level2. Note
how Folder1 is selected for the foreground (Level1) and Folder2 is selected
for the background.

5 Click the Hide node on the tree in the dialog box.

6 Click the Hide Style button.

The hidden lines are set to invisible. The change is immediately reflected
in model space.
7 In the Name box, enter Test Hide.
8 To swap the foreground and background, select Level1 on the tree and
click the Send to Back button on the toolbar of the dialog box. Note that
the position of Level1 changes in the tree and model space reflects the
change immediately.
9 Click OK.
In the next exercise, you edit the hide situation and add the third folder
to the hide situation.

110 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

To edit a hide situation

1 In the browser, expand the Hide Situations node, and select Test Hide.
Note that the entities involved in the hide are highlighted in model space.

2 Double click Test Hide.

The Edit Hide situations dialog box is selected.
3 In the toolbar of the dialog box, click the New Level button. Level3 is
added to the top of the tree.

4 Click the select objects button.

5 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Select objects: Ensure that the selection mode is set to TOP-DN and click
the rectangle on the extreme right
Select objects: Press ENTER

6 Click OK.
7 Use the MOVE command to move the contents of Folder 1:3 on top of
Folder1:2 and Folder 1:3.

Basics of AMSHIDE | 111

Using AMSHIDE in Assemblies

In this section, you create a hide situation on an assembly and save it to the
appropriate position in the mechanical structure.
To open the sample files

Open the file Tut_Robot_Arm.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder.

Toolbutton
Menu
File Open
Command
OPEN
The drawing contains an assembly of a robotic arm, and has external
references to the gripper assembly you created during the exercise for
external references.

To create a hide situation between the gripper and the axis of the robotic
arm
1 Start the Associative Hide command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Associative Hide Create Associative

Hide Situation
AMSHIDE

112 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

2 Respond to the prompts as shown:

Select foreground objects: Continue clicking (1) until you see GRIPPER:2

(Front) in the tooltip

Select foreground objects: Press ENTER

3 In the message box that appears, click No.

4 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, expand Level2.
Note that the background selection includes two views, GRIPPER
PLATE1:(Front) and ROBOT:1 (Front). The GRIPPER PLATE:1 (Front)
should not be in the hide situation at all. The correct object for the
background should be AXIS:1 (Front) and not ROBOT:1, which is the
current selection. So, remove both objects selected for Level2 and do the
selection all over again.
5 In the tree of the Create Hide Situation dialog box, right click GRIPPER
PLATE:1 (Front) and select Remove.
6 Similarly remove ROBOT:1 (Front) from Level2
NOTE You could have removed both component views at once by clicking
the Clear Selection button.

7 Click the select objects button.

8 Respond to the prompts as shown:
Select objects: Continue clicking (2) until you see AXIS:1 (Front) in the

tooltip
9 Select objects: Press ENTER
10 In the tree view of the Create Hide Situations dialog box, click the Hide
node.

Using AMSHIDE in Assemblies | 113

In the next step, you select where in the browser the hide situation is
stored. The most logical place to store the hide situation is on the Front
view of the ROBOT:1 assembly.
11 In the Store Hide Situation on list, select ROBOT:1 (Front).
12 Click OK. The Hide Situation is created and stored under ROBOT:1 (Front)
in the browser.
This is the end of the tutorial.

114 | Chapter 5 Using Mechanical Structure

Working with Layers and

Layer Groups

In this tutorial, you learn more about the various commands

In this chapter

used for working with layers and layer groups in AutoCAD

Key Terms

Working with Layers and Layer

Groups

Mechanical.

115

Key Terms
Term

Definition

base layer

A layer made up of working layers and standard parts layers. Base layers are repeated in every layer group.

layer group

A group of associated or related items in a drawing. A major advantage of

working with layer groups is that you can deactivate a specific layer group and
a complete component. The drawing and its overview is enhanced with a reduction in regeneration time.

part layers

The layer where the standard parts are put. All standard parts layers have the
suffix AM_*N.

working layer

The layer where you are working.

Working with Layers and Layer Groups

Layers and their colors can be customized and renamed according to your
needs. In the Options dialog box, AM Standards tab, choose a standard. In
the list of related settings for your standard, double-click Layer/Objects. The
Layer/Objects dialog box is displayed. See customize layers in Help for further
information.

Layer 0 is a default layer and not a mechanical layer, because this layer
has special properties (by block). If you want to have these special properties
available, rename layer AM_0 to 0 in the Layer/Objects dialog box.

Because AutoCAD always starts with Layer 0, we recommend that you

use template files, where layer AM_0 is always the starting layer.

If you move elements on layer 0 to other layer groups, you are asked if you
always want to move the elements on layer group layergroupname-AM_0.

116 | Chapter 6 Working with Layers and Layer Groups

Getting Started
To open the initial drawing
1 Open the file tut_layers.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

File Open
OPEN

2 Zoom in to the area of interest.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Window

ZOOM

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify first corner: Specify first point (1)
Specify opposite corner: Specify second point (2)

Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve

the original tutorial file.

Getting Started | 117

Changing Layers By Selecting Objects

First, you move the layer (and layer group) containing two objects to another
layer (and layer group) by selecting an object in the original layer (and layer
group).
To change a layer by selecting an object
1 Start the Move to another Layer command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Properties Move to another Layer

AMLAYMOVE

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select objects: Specify the centerlines of the differential gear (1, 2)
Select objects: Press ENTER
Specify new layer using object, layer field or keyboard (RETURN
for dialog):

Specify the engine centerline (3)

The centerlines of the differential gear are moved to the layer and layer
group of the engine centerline.
Save your file.

118 | Chapter 6 Working with Layers and Layer Groups

Creating Layer Groups

Layer groups provide another way to structure assembly drawings. Use layer
groups to highlight single parts and lock and freeze whole parts. This gives
you a better overview of your assembly drawing.
First, you move a block to a layer group.
To move a block to a layer group
1 Start the Move to Another Group command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Properties Move to another Layer

Group
AMLGMOVE

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select objects: Specify the gear (1)
Select objects: Press ENTER
Specify new group using object or enter group name (Return for
dialog):

PressENTER

3 In the Layer Control dialog box, choose the Create button, and create a
new layer group called Gear. Choose Apply, and then choose OK.

Creating Layer Groups | 119

4 In the Named Block dialog box, choose Yes All.

5 In the AutoCAD dialog box, choose Yes.

The complete block is moved to the layer group Gear.

Now, you create two new layer groups and move the parts (blocks) to
those groups.

120 | Chapter 6 Working with Layers and Layer Groups

To create a new layer group

1 Start the Layer Group Control command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Assist Layer/Layergroup Layer/Layer Group

Control
AMLAYER

2 In the Layer Control dialog box, choose the Layer Group Control tab,
and then choose Create.
3 Enter Coverplate for the layer group name, and then choose Apply.
4 Choose Create again, and then create a layer group called Bushing.

Choose OK.
5 Start the Move to Another Group command.
Toolbutton
Menu

Modify Properties Move to another Layer

Group.

Creating Layer Groups | 121

Command

AMLGMOVE

6 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select objects: Specify the coverplate (1)
Select objects: Press ENTER

7 In the Layer Control dialog box, select the layer group Coverplate, and
then choose OK.

8 In the Named Block dialog box, choose Yes.

122 | Chapter 6 Working with Layers and Layer Groups

Now, move the bushing to the new Bushing layer group.

To move elements to another layer group
1 Start the Move to Another Group command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Properties Move to another Layer

Group
AMLGMOVE

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select objects: Specify the bushing (1)
Select objects: Press ENTER
Specify new group using object or enter group name (Return for
dialog):

PressENTER

3 In the Layer Control dialog box, select the layer group Bushing, and
choose OK.

Creating Layer Groups | 123

4 In the Name Block dialog box, choose Yes.

The coverplate and the bushing have been moved to their respective layer
groups.
Save your file.

Using Layer Groups to Copy Objects

Now, copy the objects of the layer group Shaft to a new drawing border.
To copy objects of a layer group
1 Zoom to the extents of the drawing.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Extents

ZOOM

2 Start the Visibility Enhancement command.

124 | Chapter 6 Working with Layers and Layer Groups

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Assist Layer/Layergroup Visibility Enhancement

AMLAYVISENH

3 In the Visibility Enhancement dialog box, specify:

Mode: Color all Inactive Layer Groups

4 Choose OK.
NOTE For a correct representation, you might need to start the REGEN
command.
5 Start the Layer Group Control command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Assist Layer Layergroup Layer/Layer Group

Control
AMLAYER

6 In the Layer Control dialog box, Layer Group Control tab, select the layer
group Shaft, and then choose the Current button.
NOTE You can activate the layer group Shaft with a double-click, too.

Using Layer Groups to Copy Objects | 125

Choose OK.
Copy the layer group Shaft to the second drawing border.
7 Start the Copy command, responding to the prompt.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Copy Layer Group

AMCOPYLG

Enter layer group name or (?) <select object>: EnterShaft, press

ENTER
Layer group "shaft" selected, 47 found.
Select objects: Press ENTER
Enter new layer group name or (?) <Group1>: Enter Shaft2, press ENTER
Specify base point or displacement: Specify a point on the shaft
Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as
displacement>: Specify another point in the drawing border on the right

The second drawing order looks like this:

126 | Chapter 6 Working with Layers and Layer Groups

This is the end of the tutorial chapter.

Save your file.

Using Layer Groups to Copy Objects | 127

Designing Levers

In this tutorial, you start with a lever inserted from the parts

In this chapter

library, and then you refine the design using many of the

Key Terms

design options available in AutoCAD Mechanical. You also

Extending Designs

create a drawing detail and add dimensions to it.

129

Key Terms
Term

Definition

construction lines

Lines, which are infinite in both directions or rays, which are infinite starting at
a point that can be inserted into the drawing area. You use construction lines
to transfer important points (for example, center points of holes) into other
views or drawing areas.

construction geometry

A line or an arc created with construction lines. Using construction geometry

in 2D drawings helps define the shape of a contour.

detail

A portion of a design drawing that cannot be clearly displayed or dimensioned

in the overall representation but can be enlarged to show the details.

distance snap

To give the dimensions in a drawing a uniform appearance, Power Dimensioning

and Automatic Dimensioning enable automatic insertion of the dimension line
at a defined distance from the object being dimensioned. While dragging the
dimension line dynamically, you will find that it remains fixed and is highlighted in red as soon as the required distance to the object being dimensioned is
reached.

library

A feature that makes it possible to store parts such as blocks and drawings in a
library. For every inserted part, an icon can be created. The icon is put in the
display section on the right side of the dialog box along with an assigned name.

power command

A collective term for the Power Copy, Power Recall, Power Edit, Power Dimensioning, Power Erase, and Power View commands.

Power Dimensioning

Power Dimensioning is a very useful tool for generating linear, radial and diameter dimensions, which minimizes the number of the individual actions required
while generating a dimension. Power Dimensioning selects the type of linear
dimension (horizontal, vertical, or aligned), based on the selected point, and
the dimensions of the drawing can have a uniform style using the distance snap.

130 | Chapter 7 Designing Levers

Extending Designs
First, you start a new drawing template with ISO standard. Then you load the
initial drawing using the Library.
To open a template
1 Open a new drawing.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

File New
NEW

The Select template dialog box opens.

2 In the Select template dialog box, select the template am_iso.dwt.
This opens a new drawing template. Now you insert the drawing from
the library.

Using Libraries to Insert Parts

Insert the required part from the library.
To insert a drawing from the library
1 Start the Library.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Insert Library
AMLIBRARY

2 Double-click the tut_lever.dwg file in the Library.

Extending Designs | 131

3 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Specify insertion point: Specify any point in the drawing

4 Start the Zoom Window command, responding to the prompt.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Window

ZOOM

Specify first corner: Specify first corner (1)

Specify opposite corner: Specify opposite corner (2)

132 | Chapter 7 Designing Levers

Save your file.

Before starting the design, define the object snaps that you will use in
later operations.

Configuring Snap Settings

In addition to the AutoCAD snap, mechanical snap options like arc radial,
arc tangent, and so forth are available. You also have four different snap
settings, which can be configured separately for a quick switch to a different
snap setting. For example, you can use different snap settings for detailing or
general design.
NOTE The snap defaults can be set in the Options dialog box on the
AM:Preferences tab.
To configure Power Snap settings
1 Start the Power Snap settings.
Toolbutton

Configuring Snap Settings | 133

Menu
Command

Assist Drafting Settings Osnap Settings

AMPOWERSNAP

2 In the Power Snap Settings dialog box, specify:

Settings 1: Endpoint, Intersection
Settings 2: Endpoint, Center, Quadrant, Intersection, Parallel
Settings 3: Perpendicular

3 After configuring the settings, activate Setting 1, and then choose OK.
Save your file.
NOTE Within a command, the various object snap functions are also
accessible. Hold down the SHIFT key, and right-click.

Creating Construction Lines (C-Lines)

Construction lines are very useful when you start your design process. With
their help, you draw a design grid with your defined values for distance and
angles. After generating the design grid, you simply trace your contour with
the contour layer.
Now insert the construction lines, which will help you draw the contour lines.

134 | Chapter 7 Designing Levers

To create construction lines

1 Start the Draw Construction Lines command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Design Construction Lines Draw Construction Lines

AMCONSTCRS

If you have started the command using the menu, the Construction Lines
dialog box opens. If you started the command directly using the toolbar
or the command line, you can skip step 2.
2 In the Construction Lines dialog box, choose the Cross icon shown above.
3 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify insertion point: Specify the intersection of line b and line c (1)
Specify insertion point: Press ENTER

4 Next, draw two lines parallel to the vertical and horizontal lines of the
construction line cross.
5 Start the Draw Construction Lines command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Design Construction Lines Draw Construction Lines

AMCONSTPAR

If you started the command using the menu, the Construction Lines
dialog box is displayed.
6 In the Construction Lines dialog box, choose the Parallel with Full
Distance icon.

Creating Construction Lines (C-Lines) | 135

7 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select line, ray or xline: Select line c (1)
Specify insertion point or Distance (xx|xx|xx..) <10|20|30>:

Enter 3|9, press ENTER

Specify point on side to offset: Specify a point to the left of line c (2)

8 Insert the second set of parallel lines, and respond to the prompts as
follows:
Select line, ray or xline: Select line b
Specify insertion point or Distance (xx|xx|xx..) <3|9>:

Enter4.5|9.5, pressENTER
Specify point on side to offset: Specify a point below line b (2)

9 Press ENTER.
Save your file.

136 | Chapter 7 Designing Levers

Creating additional C-Lines

AutoCAD Mechanical offers a choice of C-line options.
To create additional construction lines
1 Activate snap setting 2.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Assist Drafting Settings Power Snap Configuration 2

AMPSNAP2

2 Start the Draw Construction Lines command.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Design Construction Lines Draw Construction Lines

AMCONSTHB

If you started the command using the menu, the Construction Lines
dialog box is displayed.
3 In the Construction Lines dialog box, choose the Two Points or Angle
icon.

4 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify first point: Select the first point (1)

Creating additional C-Lines | 137

Specify second point or Angle (xx|xx|xx..) <30|45|60>: Move the

cursor over line a and back to the rectangle until the Parallel symbol appears,
click (2)

5 Press ENTER to finish the command.

Now, you draw tangential circles between the diagonal C-line and the
right vertical line and lower horizontal line of the rectangle.
6 Start the Draw Construction Lines command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Design Construction Lines Draw Construction Lines

AMCONSTKR

If you started the command using the menu, the Construction Lines
dialog box is displayed.
7 In the Construction Lines dialog box, choose the Circle Tangent to 2
Lines icon.

138 | Chapter 7 Designing Levers

8 Draw the two circles by responding to the prompts as follows:

Select first tangent: Select tangent point (1)
Select second tangent: Select tangent point (2)
Specify diameter: Enter 2, press ENTER
Select first tangent: Select tangent point (3)
Select second tangent: Select tangent point (4)
Specify diameter <2>: Enter 2, press ENTER

9 Press ENTER to end the command.

All construction lines have been inserted, and the contour can be
generated.
Save your file.

Creating Contours and Applying Fillets

Now, you connect the two tangential circles with the right part of the rectangle,
to build a filleted triangle.
To create and edit a contour
1 Start the Polyline command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Design Polyline
PLINE

2 Create the contour by responding to the prompts as follows:

Specify start point: Specify the intersection point (1)

Creating Contours and Applying Fillets | 139

Specify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]:

Specify next point (2)

Specify next point or [Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]:

EnterA, pressENTER
Specify endpoint of arc or
[Angle/CEnter/CLose/Direction/Halfwidth/Line/ Radius/Second
pt/Undo/Width]: Specify next point (3)
Specify endpoint of arc or
[Angle/CEnter/CLose/Direction/Halfwidth/Line/ Radius/Second
pt/Undo/Width]: Enter L, press ENTER
Specify next point or [Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]:

Specify next point (4)

Specify next point or [Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]:

Enter A, press ENTER

Specify endpoint of arc or
[Angle/CEnter/CLose/Direction/Halfwidth/Line/ Radius/Second
pt/Undo/Width]: Specify next point (5)
Specify endpoint of arc or
[Angle/CEnter/CLose/Direction/Halfwidth/Line/ Radius/Second
pt/Undo/Width]: Enter CL, press ENTER

Now, erase the C-Lines. You can erase all C-lines by calling one command.
3 Erase all C-Lines.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

140 | Chapter 7 Designing Levers

Modify Erase Erase all Construction Lines

AMERASEALLCL

NOTE You can switch construction lines on and off temporarily by choosing
Assist Layer/Layergroup Construction Line On/Off.
4 Apply a fillet to the corner of the triangle.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Fillet
AMFILLET2D

5 Respond to the prompts as follows:

(Dimension mode:OFF)(Trim mode) Current fillet radius = 2.5
Select first object or [Polyline/Setup/Dimension] <Setup>: Press

ENTER
6 In the Fillet Radius dialog box, specify:
Input: 1
Trim Mode: On

Choose OK.
7 Respond to the prompts as follows:
(Dimension mode:OFF)(Trim mode) Current fillet radius = 1
Select first object or [Polyline/Setup/Dimension] <Setup>: EnterP,

press ENTER
Select polyline: Select a point on the polyline near the corner

Creating Contours and Applying Fillets | 141

8 Press ESC to cancel the command.

The triangular contour is complete.
Save your file.

Trimming Projecting Edges on Contours

Now, you create another part of the contour and trim projecting edges.
To edit a contour
1 Activate Power Snap Setting 3 command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Assist Drafting Settings Power Snap Configuration 3

AMPSNAP3

Next, insert the next contour.

2 Start the Line command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Design Line
LINE

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify first point: Hold down SHIFT as you right-click, choose

Intersection
_int of: Select line a (1)

142 | Chapter 7 Designing Levers

and: Select intersection on line b (2)

Specify next point or [Undo]: Hold down SHIFT as you right-click,
choose Perpendicular, trace over line e, click the perpendicular point (3)
Specify next point or [Undo]: Drag the cursor to the right, crossing over
line c, and select intersection point (4)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Press ENTER

Now, trim the projecting edges at the upper edge of the lever.
4 Start the Trim command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Trim
TRIM

5 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Current settings: Projection = UCS, Edge = None
Select cutting edges:
Select Objects: Select cutting edge (1)
Select Objects: Select cutting edge (2)
Select Objects: Press ENTER
Select object to trim or shift-select to extend or
[Project/Edge/Undo]: Select object to trim (3)
Select object to trim or shift-select to extend or
[Project/Edge/Undo]: Select object to trim (4)
Select object to trim or shift-select to extend or
[Project/Edge/Undo]: Press ENTER

Trimming Projecting Edges on Contours | 143

6 Zoom to the extents of the lever.

The contour is complete and looks like this. Save your file.

Applying Hatch Patterns to Contours

There are a number of predefined hatch patterns available in AutoCAD
Mechanical. Choose one of the predefined hatching styles, and then specify
a point within a contour to apply the hatching.

144 | Chapter 7 Designing Levers

To apply hatching to a contour

1 Start the Hatch command, using an angle of 45 degrees and 2.5 mm /
0.1 inch spacing.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Design Hatch Hatch 45 deg. 2.5mm/0.1 inch

AMHATCH_45_2

2 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Select additional boundary or point in area to be hatched or
[Select objects]: Click a point inside the contour (outside the cutouts)

The lever is hatched. It looks like this:

Save your file.

Dimensioning Contours
Now, dimension the lever, using the Power Dimensioning command.

dimensionscontoursDimensioning Contours | 145

To dimension a contour
1 Start the Power Snap Setting 1 command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Assist Drafting Settings Power Snap Configuration 1

AMPSNAP1

2 Start the Power Dimensioning command.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Power Dimensioning

AMPOWERDIM

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

(SINGLE) Specify first extension line origin or
[Angular/Options/Baseline/Chain/ Update] <Select>: Select the first

corner point of the lever opening (1)

Specify second extension line origin: Select the second corner point

(2)
Specify dimension line location or [Options/Pickobj]: Drag the

dimension line to the left until it is highlighted in red, click (3)

4 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, click the Add Tolerance icon and
specify:
Deviation: Upper: 0.1
Deviation: Lower: 0
Precision: Primary: 1

146 | Chapter 7 Designing Levers

Choose OK.
5 Press ENTER twice to finish the command.
The lever looks like this:

Save your file.

Creating and Dimensioning Detail Views

Now, define a detail of the upper part of the lever.

Creating and Dimensioning Detail Views | 147

To create a detail
1 Start the Detail command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Design Detail
AMDETAIL

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Center of circle or [Rectangle/Object]: Click a point in the center of

the area to be detailed (1)

Specify radius or [Diameter]: Drag the radius to the appropriate size,

click (2)

3 In the Detail dialog box, specify:

Detail View: Detail in Current Space

148 | Chapter 7 Designing Levers

4 Choose OK, and respond to the prompts as follows:

Place the detail view: Select a location to the right of the lever

NOTE Some entities such as dimensions and symbols are automatically filtered
out in the detail function.

Now, add a dimension to the detail.

5 Start the Power Dimensioning command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Power Dimensioning

AMPOWERDIM

6 Respond to the prompts as follows:

(SINGLE) Specify first extension line origin
or[Angular/Options/Baseline/Chain/ Update] <Select>: Press ENTER
Select arc, line, circle or dimension: Select the radius (1)

Creating and Dimensioning Detail Views | 149

7 Select an appropriate position for the dimension.

8 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, click the tolerances button to
deactivate the tolerances.

Choose OK.
9 Press ENTER twice to finish the command.
Now, your lever looks like this:

150 | Chapter 7 Designing Levers

The Power Dimensioning command recognizes the different scale area.

If you dimensioned the radius in the original drawing, the dimension
value would be the same. The text height is also the same, as related to
the standard.
This is the end of this tutorial chapter.
Save your file.

Creating and Dimensioning Detail Views | 151

Working with Model

Space and Layouts

In this tutorial, you work with layouts in AutoCAD

In this chapter

Mechanical, to create scale areas, viewports, and detail views

Key Terms

Working with Model Space and

Layouts

in model space. You learn how to freeze objects in viewports

without affecting the model and other layouts.

153

Key Terms
Term

Definition

base layer

A layer made up of working layers and standard parts layers. Base layers are repeated in every layer group.

detail

Enlargement of a portion of the design drawing that cannot be clearly displayed

or dimensioned. The overall representation (surface texture symbols, etc.) can
be enlarged.

drawing

A layout of drawing views in model space or layout.

layer group

A group of associated or related items in a drawing. A major advantage of

working with layer groups is that you can deactivate a specific layer group and
a complete component. The drawing and its overview are enhanced by reduction
in regeneration time.

layout

The tabbed environment in which you create and design floating viewports to
be plotted. Multiple layouts can be created for each drawing.

Power Dimensioning

A command useful for generating linear, radial, and diameter dimensions, which
minimizes the number of the individual actions while generating a dimension.
Power Dimensioning automatically selects the type of the linear dimension
(horizontal, vertical, aligned), based on the selected point.

scale area

Defines the scale for an area of the drawing.

scale monitor

A function to view and control the scale for any scale area.

viewport

A scaled view of the model defined in a layout.

view scale

The scale of a base drawing relative to the model scale. Also, the scale of dependent views relative to the base view.

working layer

The layer where you are currently working.

154 | Chapter 8 Working with Model Space and Layouts

Working with Model Space and Layouts

Using model space and layouts, you can create different views with different
scales from the same model. The main advantage of working with layouts is
that views are associative. If you make changes in one viewport, those changes
are made in all other viewports as well, since each viewport is another view
of the same model. You can also freeze objects in a new viewport without
affecting objects in other views.

Getting Started
In this tutorial, you work with viewports. You generate an associative detail
and create a subassembly drawing.
To open a file

Open the file tut_engine.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder.

Toolbutton
Menu
File Open
Command
OPEN
The drawing contains parts of a four-stroke engine.
Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve
the original tutorial file.

Creating Scale Areas

To generate correct views with correct zoom factors in a layout, you must
define a scale area in model space.
Create the scale area.
To create a scale area
1 Start the Viewport/Scale Area command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Viewports Viewport/Scale Area

AMSCAREA

Working with Model Space and Layouts | 155

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Define the border....
Specify first point or [Circle/Object]: Specify the first corner point

(1)
Specify second point: Specify the second corner point (2)

3 In the Scale Area dialog box, specify:

Scale: 1:1

156 | Chapter 8 Working with Model Space and Layouts

Choose OK.
Since you now have a defined scale area, you can automatically create a
viewport.
To create a viewport automatically
1 Start the Viewport Auto Create command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Viewports Viewport Auto Create

AMVPORTAUTO

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Enter layout name (<Return> for Layout1): Press ENTER
Select target position (<Return> for current position):

Place the viewport on the left, inside the drawing border

Creating Scale Areas | 157

Save your file.

Creating Detail Views

There are two types of detail views; associative and non associative. In this
exercise, you create an associative detail, because you use a viewport.
Create an associative detail of the valve.
To create a detail
1 Start the Detail command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Design Detail
AMDETAIL

The viewport is activated automatically.

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Define the enlargement area for the detail ...
Center of circle or [Rectangle/Object]: Select the center of the detail

(3)
Specify radius or [Diameter]: Drag the radius to the desired size (4)

158 | Chapter 8 Working with Model Space and Layouts

3 In the Detail dialog box, specify the settings shown in the illustration.

Choose OK.
4 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Select target position (<Return> for current position):

Place the detail to the right of the current viewport

Creating Detail Views | 159

Save your file.

Generating New Viewports

Now, you create a viewport inside a layout.
To create a viewport in the layout
1 Start the Viewport/Scale Area command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Viewports Viewport/Scale Area

AMVPORT

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify first point or [Circle/Border/Object]: Select point 5 in the

drawing
Specify second point: Select point 6 in the drawing

3 In the View dialog box, specify:

Scale: 5:1

Choose Midpoint.

The drawing is changed to model space so that you can define the
midpoint.
4 Respond to the prompt:

160 | Chapter 8 Working with Model Space and Layouts

Select view center: Select the endpoint of the centerline

5 In the View dialog box, choose OK.

Your drawing looks like this:

Save your file.

Generating New Viewports | 161

Inserting Holes Within Viewports

To demonstrate the main advantage of working with layouts, insert a hole in
the housing. When you make this change, it is immediately displayed in every
view.
Insert a user through hole in the previously created viewport.
To insert a through hole
1 Activate the previously created viewport.
Toolbutton
Command

MSPACE

The viewport has a thick (highlighted) frame.

2 Start the Through Hole command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Holes Through Holes

AMTHOLE2D

3 In the Select a Through Hole dialog box, scroll to and select User Through
Holes, and then click Front View.

162 | Chapter 8 Working with Model Space and Layouts

4 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify insertion point:

Hold down the SHIFT key and right-click, and then choose Midpoint
Specify insertion point: _mid of Select the midpoint of the housing (1)
Specify hole length: Select the endpoint of the hole (2)

Inserting Holes Within Viewports | 163

5 In the User Through Holes - Nominal Diameter dialog box, specify:

Nominal Diameter: 8

Choose Finish.
The user through hole is inserted into your drawing.
The drawing looks like this:

Because of the associativity, the through hole created in the viewport

also appears in the original view.
In the next step, you dimension the through hole diameter in the
viewport. Since the dimension is to appear only in the detail view, you
generate the dimension directly in the layout without having a viewport
active.

164 | Chapter 8 Working with Model Space and Layouts

To apply a dimension in the layout

1 Change to the layout.
Toolbutton
Command

PSPACE

2 Start the Power Dimensioning command

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Power Dimensioning

AMPOWERDIM

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

(SINGLE) Specify first extension line origin for
[Angular/Options/Baseline/Chain/Update] <Select>: Select the first

edge of the hole (1)

Specify second extension line origin: Select the second edge of the

hole (2)
Specify dimension line location [Options/Pickobj]:

Drag the dimension line toward point 3 until it turns red, and then click

4 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, choose OK.

Inserting Holes Within Viewports | 165

5 Continue to respond to the prompts as follows:

(SINGLE) Specify first extension line origin or
[Angular/Options/Baseline/ Chain/Update] <Select>: Press ENTER
Select arc, line, circle or dimension: Press ENTER

The viewport looks like this:

NOTE You can also dimension the hole in model space and turn off the layer
of one specific viewport. In that case, the dimension text is correct only in
the 1:1 viewport, and not in the detail view. Therefore, you can dimension
directly on the layout.
Save your file.

166 | Chapter 8 Working with Model Space and Layouts

Creating Subassemblies in New Layouts

If you use layer groups in your assembly drawing, you can create detail and
subassembly drawings in layouts. You can switch off selected layer groups in
a viewport so that only the detail or subassembly is visible.
Before you create a subassembly in a new layout, freeze the model and other
views. Then when you create a new viewport in Layout 2, only the specified
subassembly is displayed, and objects are not hidden in the model and other
views.
To freeze the model and other layouts
1 Select the Layout 2 tab on the bottom of your drawing area. Layout 2 is
displayed.
2 Start the Layer Group Control.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Assist Layer/Layergroup Layer/Layer Group

Control
AMLAYER

3 In the Layer Control dialog box, Layer Group Control tab, click the icon
in the Base Layer Group row, Freeze/Thaw in new viewports column to
freeze it.

Creating Subassemblies in New Layouts | 167

Choose OK.
Create an associative view of a subassembly in layout 2.
To create an associative view of a subassembly
1 Select the Layout 2 tab on the bottom of your drawing area. Layout 2 is
displayed.
2 Start the Viewport/Scale Area command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Viewports Viewport/Scale Area

AMVPORT

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify first point or [Circle/Border/Object]: Select point 7 in the

drawing
Specify second point: Select point 8 in the drawing

4 In the View dialog box, specify:

Scale: 5:1

168 | Chapter 8 Working with Model Space and Layouts

Choose Midpoint.

The drawing is changed to model space.

5 Specify the point, as shown in the following drawing:

6 In the View dialog box, choose OK.

In the new viewport, only the subassembly you specified is visible.
AutoCAD Mechanical freezes the Base Layer Group.
Your drawing looks like this:

Creating Subassemblies in New Layouts | 169

Finish your detail drawing with text, remarks, annotations, and so on.
NOTE When you plot the drawing, the red viewport frame is turned off
automatically. If you have a plotter or printer driver installed, use the plot
command, and preview the drawing.
This is the end of this tutorial chapter.
Save your file.

170 | Chapter 8 Working with Model Space and Layouts

Dimensioning

In this tutorial, you learn how to add dimensions to your

In this chapter

drawing with the automatic dimensioning in AutoCAD

Key Terms

Adding Dimensions to Drawings

Mechanical, change the dimensions with Power Commands,

and insert a drawing border.

171

Key Terms
Term

Definition

baseline dimension

A dimension that is aligned to extension lines and read from the bottom or
right side of the drawing.

centerline

Line in the center of a symmetrical object.

drawing border

A standardized frame that is used for technical drawings.

fit

Range of tightness or looseness in mating parts (for example shafts or holes).

Tolerances in these dimensions are expressed in standard form.

fit name

Name of the selected fit (for example, H7).

multi edit

An option where you determine a selection set of dimensions and edit them
together.

Power Dimensioning

Power Dimensioning is a tool for generating linear, radial, angular, and diameter
dimensions, which minimizes the number of the individual actions required
while generating a dimension. Power Dimensioning selects the type of linear
dimension (horizontal, vertical, or aligned), based on the selected point, and
the dimensions of the drawing can have a uniform style using the distance snap.

Power Erase

Command for deleting. Use Power Erase when you delete part reference numbers
or dimensions that were created with Power Dimensioning and Automatic Dimensioning.

title block

A title block contains a series of attributes. Some already have values. The preassigned values can be modified, and the vacant attributes can be completed
with new values.

tolerance

The total amount by which a given dimension (nominal size) may vary (for example, 20 0.1).

172 | Chapter 9 Dimensioning

Adding Dimensions to Drawings

AutoCAD Mechanical offers various dimensioning tools. Use automatic
dimensioning to add dimensions to a bushing, and then change these
dimensions.
To open a file

Open the file tut_bushing.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder.

Toolbutton
Menu
File Open
Command
OPEN
The file contains a drawing of a bushing.

Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve

the original tutorial file.

Adding Automatic Dimensions

Dimension the bushing using automatic dimensioning.
To dimension a contour automatically
1 Start Automatic Dimensioning.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Automatic Dimension

AMAUTODIM

2 In the Automatic Dimensioning dialog box, Parallel tab, specify:

Adding Dimensions to Drawings | 173

Type: Baseline

Choose OK.
3 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Select objects [Block]: Select the complete bushing by creating a window

around it
Select objects [Block]: Press ENTER
First extension line origin: Select the lower leftmost corner of the

bushing (1)
Specify dimension line location or [Options/Pickobj]: Drag the
dimensioning downwards until it snaps in (highlighted red), and then click

174 | Chapter 9 Dimensioning

Starting point for next extension line: Press ENTER to end the command
Generate the diameter dimensions using shaft dimensioning.
To dimension a shaft
1 Start Automatic Dimensioning.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Automatic Dimension

AMAUTODIM

2 In the Automatic Dimensioning dialog box, Shaft/Symmetric tab, specify:

Type: Shaft (Front View)

Choose OK.

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select objects [Block]: Select the complete bushing by creating a window

around it
Select objects [Block]: Press ENTER
Select Centerline or new starting point: Select the centerline of the

bushing (1)
Specify dimension line location or [Options/Pickobj]: Drag the
dimensioning to the right until it snaps in (highlighted red), and then click

Adding Automatic Dimensions | 175

4 Continue responding to the prompt:

Starting point for next extension line: Press ENTER to end the

command
Your drawing looks like this.

Save your file.

Editing Dimensions with Power Commands

Some dimensions in the drawing are not necessary. In the next step, you delete
the dimensions that you don't need.

176 | Chapter 9 Dimensioning

To delete dimensions
1 Start Power Erase.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Power Commands Power Erase

AMPOWERERASE

2 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Select objects: Select baseline dimensions 2 and 61, and diameter
dimensions 12, 14, and 36, press ENTER

The dimensions are deleted, and the remaining dimensions are rearranged.
Your drawing looks like this:

Add a single dimension with a fit using Power Dimensioning.

To add a dimension with a fit
1 Start Power Dimensioning.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Power Dimensioning

AMPOWERDIM

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

(Single) Specify first extension line origin or
[Angular/Options/Baseline/Chain/ Update] <Select>: Select the first

point (1)

Editing Dimensions with Power Commands | 177

Specify second extension line origin: Select second point (2)

Specify dimension line location or [Options/Pickobj]:

Drag the dimensioning to the left until it is highlighted red, and then click

3 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, choose the Add Fit button
, and then specify:
Fit: Symbol: H7

4 Click the Special Characters button, and then select the diameter symbol
(upper left).

Choose OK.
Apply angular dimensioning.
To apply an angular dimension
1 Respond to the prompts as follows:

178 | Chapter 9 Dimensioning

(Single) Specify first extension line origin or

[Angular/Options/Baseline/Chain/ Update] <Select>: EnterA, press

ENTER
(Single) Select arc, circle, line or
[Linear/Options/Baseline/Chain/Update] <specify vertex>: Select

the line (1)

Select second line: Select the second line (2)
Specify dimension arc line location:

Drag the dimension to a suitable position, and then click

2 Press ENTER twice to finish the command.

Add a fit to the shaft dimensions using Multi Edit.
To add a fit using Multi Edit
1 Start Multi Edit.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Edit Dimensions Multi Edit

AMDIMMEDIT

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select dimensions: Select the dimensions 18 and 30
Select dimensions: Press ENTER

3 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, choose the Add Fit button
, and then specify:
Fit: Symbol: h7

Editing Dimensions with Power Commands | 179

Choose OK.
The fit description h7 is added to the dimensions.
Save your file.

Breaking Dimension Lines

The automatic dimensioning process created intersecting dimension lines.
The drawing appearance can be improved by breaking these lines.
To break dimension lines
1 Start the Break Dimension command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Edit Dimensions Break Dimension

AMDIMBREAK

2 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Select dimension or extension line to break <Multiple>: Press

ENTER
Select dimensions: Select baseline dimension 10 and 13, and diameter
dimensions 18, 30, and 40, press ENTER
Select Objects [Restore] <Automatic>: Press ENTER

The selected dimensions are broken automatically and your drawing

looks like this:

180 | Chapter 9 Dimensioning

Save your file.

Inserting Drawing Borders

Insert a drawing border.
To insert a drawing border
1 Start the Drawing Title/Borders command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Drawing Title/Revisions Drawing

Title/Borders
AMTITLE

2 In the Drawing Borders with Title Block dialog box, specify:

Paper Format: A4 (297x210mm)
Title Block: ISO Title Block A
Scale: 1:1

Inserting Drawing Borders | 181

Choose OK.
3 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Enter -150,0 press ENTER

4 In the Edit Attributes dialog box, specify:

Drawing Title: Bushing

Choose OK.
5 Respond to the prompts as follows:

182 | Chapter 9 Dimensioning

Select Objects: Select the complete bushing including dimensions

Select Objects: Press ENTER
New location for objects: Click Zoom Extents
New location for objects: Place the bushing in the middle of the drawing

border
Your drawing looks like this:

Save your file.

Inserting Fits Lists

Insert a fits list. Fits lists describe all fits existing in a drawing.
To insert a fits list
1 Start the Fits List command.

Inserting Fits Lists | 183

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Fits List

AMFITSLIST

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Fits lists [Update all/Order/New] <New>: Press ENTER
Specify insertion point: Specify the upper right corner of the title block

The fits list is inserted above the title block, and looks like this.

Edit a dimension with a fit. The fits list is updated.

To edit a dimension
1 In the drawing, double-click the diameter dimension (not the dimension
line) 18 h7.
2 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, specify:
Fit symbol: g6

184 | Chapter 9 Dimensioning

Choose OK.
3 In the AutoCAD Question dialog box, choose Yes.

The fits list is updated, too. Save your file.

This is the end of this tutorial chapter.

Inserting Fits Lists | 185

Working with 2D Hide

and 2D Steel Shapes

In this tutorial, you learn about the features in AutoCAD

In this chapter

Mechanical for defining 2D hide situations, and how to work

Key Terms

Working with 2D Hide and 2D

Steel Shapes

with 2D steel shapes.

187

Key Terms
Term

Definition

background

A contour that is covered by another contour or by objects that are lying behind
another contour, in the 3D sense. A background may be a foreground for an
additional contour.

foreground

Objects which are lying in front of another contour, in the 3D sense. A foreground may also be a background for an additional contour.

hidden line

Line that is not visible in a specified view. For example, in a front view, lines
behind the front plane are not visible.

steel shapes

Steel shapes are standardized steel geometries and profiles that are used for
steel and plant construction.

Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes

Use the AM2DHIDE command when mechanical structure is not enabled. Use
AMSHIDE when mechanical structure is enabled. For this exercise you work
with AM2DHIDE.

Opening the initial drawing

To open a drawing
1 Open the file tut_steelshape.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

File Open
OPEN

2 Zoom in to the chain drive on the right.

Toolbutton

188 | Chapter 10 Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes

Menu
Command

View Zoom Window

ZOOM

Defining 2D Hide Situations

Define a 2D hide situation. You can define foreground and background
contours and the settings for the representation of the hidden objects.
To define a 2D hide situation
1 Start the Hide Invisible Edges command.
Menu
Modify 2D Hide Hide Invisible Edges
Command
AM2DHIDE
2 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Select objects for foreground: Select the chain
Select objects for foreground: Press ENTER

3 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, Background tab, specify:

Representation of Hidden Objects: Dashed

Choose Preview.

Defining 2D Hide Situations | 189

NOTE As you can see, the parts of the sprockets that should be visible appear
as hidden lines. This shows that the complete area inside the outer chain
contour is defined as foreground.
Define the 2D hide situation in a way that the chain has an inner contour.
4 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Accept preview and exit command [Yes/No] <Yes>: Enter N, pressENTER

5 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, Foreground tab, choose Select
Inner Contours.

190 | Chapter 10 Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes

6 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Select point inside a hole or select a loop to remove:

Select a point inside the chain (1)

The inner contour of the chain is displayed green.
7 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Select point inside a hole or select a loop to remove: Press ESC

8 In the Create Hide Situation dialog, choose Preview.

The sprocket is no longer displayed as a hidden line and the chain drive
is displayed correctly.

Defining 2D Hide Situations | 191

9 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Accept preview and exit command [Yes/No] <Yes>: Press ENTER

The 2D hide situation is defined correctly, and you can proceed with
your drawing.
Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve
the original tutorial file.

Inserting 2D Steel Shapes

Steel Shapes can easily be inserted through a selection dialog box, where you
can define the standard, profile, size, and length of the steel shape.
Insert a steel shape with a square hollow section on the left edge of the I-shaped
girder.
To insert a 2D steel shape
1 Start the Zoom All command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom All

ZOOM

192 | Chapter 10 Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes

2 Start the Steel Shape command.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Steel Shapes

AMSTLSHAP2D

3 In the Select a Steel Shape dialog box, select Steel Shapes

Square/Rectangular Hollow Section, and then select ISO 657/14-1982
(Rectangular) and Top View.

4 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify insertion point: Select point P1
Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER

5 In the ISO 657/14 - 1982 (Rectangular) - Size Selection dialog box, specify:
Select a Size: 90x90x4.0

Inserting 2D Steel Shapes | 193

Choose Finish.
6 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Drag Size: Select point P2

The steel shape is inserted. Your drawing looks like this:

Save the file.

Modify the steel shapes using the Power Commands.

194 | Chapter 10 Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes

Modifying Steel Shapes Using Power Commands

With the Power Commands, you can create different views of the steel shapes.
You can copy, multiply, or edit the steel shapes.
Insert the steel shapes in the top view of the assembly using Power View and
Power Copy.
To modify a steel shape using a Power Command
1 Start the Power View command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Power Commands Power View

AMPOWERVIEW

2 Select the previously inserted steel shape.

3 In the Select new view dialog box, select the Front View.
4 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select point P3
Specify rotation angle <0>: 0, press ENTER

The steel shape is inserted in the top view of the assembly. Your drawing
looks like this:

Copy the previously inserted view to the other edge of the girder.
5 Start the Power Copy command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Power Commands Power Copy

AMPOWERCOPY

Modifying Steel Shapes Using Power Commands | 195

6 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select object: Select the previously inserted steel shape at point P3
Enter an option [Next/Accept]<Accept>: Press ENTER
Specify insertion point: Select point P4
Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER

The steel shape is copied. Your drawing looks like this:

Save your file.

Editing 2D Hide Situations

The insertion of the steel shapes in the top view of the assembly created a 2D
hide situation automatically. This 2D hide situation is not correct. Use the
command AM2DHIDEDIT when mechanical structure is disabled.
Edit the 2D hide situation.
To edit a 2D hide situation
1 Start the Edit Hidden Edges command.
Menu
Modify 2D Hide Edit Hidden Edges
Command
AM2DHIDEDIT
2 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Edit the behind situation [modifY/Move/Restore/Genius12]
<Update>: EnterY, press ENTER
Select objects: Select the square hollow section on the left
Select objects: Press ENTER

3 In the Modify Hide Situation dialog box, Foreground tab, choose Select
View.

196 | Chapter 10 Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes

4 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select objects for foreground: Select the I-shaped girder
Select objects for foreground:

PressSHIFT while you click the square hollow section on the left to deselect it
Select objects for foreground: Press ENTER

5 In the Modify Hide Situation dialog box, Background tab, choose Select
View.

Editing 2D Hide Situations | 197

6 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select objects for background: Select the square hollow section on the

left
Select objects for background: Select the square hollow section on the

right
Select objects for background: Press ENTER

7 In the Modify Hide Situation dialog box, click Preview.

Your drawing looks like this:

8 Respond to the prompts:

Accept preview and exit command [Yes/No] <Yes>: PressENTER
Edit the behind situation [modifY/Move/Restore/Genius12]
<Update>: Press ENTER
Select objects: Press ENTER

The 2D hide situation is corrected.

Save your file.

Copying and Moving 2D Hide Situations

If you copy or move assemblies that contain 2D hide situations, the 2D hide
information is not lost.
Copy the girder assembly.
To copy a 2D hide situation
1 Select the I-shaped girder and the two square hollow sections.
2 Right-click the graphics area background, and then choose Copy with
Base Point.
Respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify base point: Select point P3

198 | Chapter 10 Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes

3 Right-click, and then choose Paste.

Respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select point P5

The girder assembly is copied to the new location. Your drawing looks
like this.

Save your file.

Move the chain drive from the beginning of the chapter to the top view
of the assembly.
To move a 2D hide situation
1 Start the Move command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Move
MOVE

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select objects: Select the complete chain drive using a window
Select objects: Press ENTER
Specify base point or displacement: Select point P6
Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as
displacement>:

Select point P7

Copying and Moving 2D Hide Situations | 199

The complete chain drive is moved to the top view of the assembly. Your
drawing looks like this:

Define the 2D hide situation for the girder assembly and the chain drive.
To define a 2D hide situation
1 Start the Hide Invisible Edges command.
Menu
Modify 2D Hide Hide Invisible Edges
Command
AM2DHIDE
2 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Select objects for foreground: Select the complete chain drive
Select objects for foreground: Press ENTER

3 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, choose OK.

200 | Chapter 10 Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes

Now, the girder assembly is hidden by the chain drive. Your drawing
looks like this:

This is the end of this exercise.

Save your file.

Copying and Moving 2D Hide Situations | 201

Working with Standard

Parts

In this tutorial, you learn to work with standard parts in

In this chapter

AutoCAD Mechanical. You insert a screw connection, a hole,

Key Terms

Working with Standard Parts

and a pin. You also edit the standard parts with power
commands. You work with mechanical structure enabled, and
see how the standard parts you insert in the drawing are added
to the mechanical browser.

203

Key Terms
Term

Definition

background

A contour that is covered by another contour or by objects that are lying behind
another contour, in the 3D sense. A background may be a foreground for an
additional contour.

C-line (construction
line)

A line that is infinite in both directions or infinite starting at a point which can
be inserted into the drawing area. You use C-lines to transfer important points
(for example, center points of holes) into other views or drawing areas.

countersink

A chamfered hole that allows bolt and screw heads to be flush or below the
part surface.

dynamic dragging

The act of determining the size of a standard part with the cursor while inserting
it into a side view. The standard part is displayed dynamically on the screen and
can be dragged to the next possible size or length. The values (sizes) are taken
from the Standard parts database.

Power Command

Summary term for Power Copy, Power Recall, Power Edit, Power Dimensioning,
Power Erase and Power View.

Power Copy

A command that copies a drawing object to another position in the drawing.

Power Copy produces an identical copy of the original object.

Power Edit

An edit command for all objects in your drawing.

Power Erase

A command for intelligent deleting. Use Power Erase when you delete part reference numbers or when you delete dimensions that have been created with
Power Dimensioning and Automatic Dimensioning.

Power Recall

A command that lets you click an existing drawing object and places you in the
correct command for creating that object.

Power View

A command where you can quickly and easily create a standard part top view
or bottom view of a side view and vice versa.

204 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

Term

Definition

representation

Standard parts representation in a drawing in normal, simplified, or symbolic

mode.

Working with Standard Parts

AutoCAD Mechanical provides a large selection of standard parts to work with,
including regular and fine threads, many types of holes, fasteners, and other
standard parts. You can insert complete screw connections (screws with holes
and nuts) in one step. Some intelligence is built into this process. For example,
if you select a screw with a metric thread, you get only metric threads when
you add any additional parts such as tapped holes or nuts.
NOTE It is required that the ISO standard parts be installed for this tutorial exercise.
When standard parts are placed in a drawing, they are automatically included
in mechanical structure, whether or not the assembly drawing is structured.
Open the initial drawing.
To open a drawing
1 Open the file tut_std_pts.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

File Open
OPEN

The drawing contains a motor with a gearbox. Some construction lines

are inserted to help you work through the tutorial exercise. The gearbox
is not completed yet. We want to add standard components and show
how easy it is to edit standard parts with an automatic update of the
background objects.
Before you proceed, you must enable mechanical structure. If you proceed
without mechanical structure enabled, some command line prompts will
differ from the prompts in the exercise.
2 On the status bar, click the STRUCT button to latch it down.
3 Zoom in to the area of interest.

Working with Standard Parts | 205

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Window

ZOOM

4 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify first corner: Specify the first corner point (1)
Specify opposite corner: Specify the second corner point (2)

Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve

the original tutorial file.

Inserting Screw Connections

Insert a screw connection in the differential gear housing.

206 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

To insert a screw connection

1 Start the Screw Connection command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Screw Connection

AMSCREWCON2D

2 In the Screw Connection dialog box, choose the Screws button.

3 In the Select a Screw dialog box, select Socket Head Types.

Inserting Screw Connections | 207

4 Select ISO 4762 and Front View.

208 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

You are returned to the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box.
5 In the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box, choose the upper Holes
button. Then select Through Cylindrical, and ISO 273 normal.
6 In the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box, choose the lower Holes
button. Then select Tapped Holes, Blind, and ISO 262 (Regular Thread).
NOTE The screw types available and the order depend on the standard
selected to be active in AMOPTIONS, AM:Standard Parts.
7 In the Screw Connection dialog box, specify the size M4.

Inserting Screw Connections | 209

Choose Next.
8 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify insertion point of first hole: Specify first point (1)
Specify endpoint of first hole [Gap between holes]: Specify second

point (2)

210 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

9 In the Screw Assembly Representation - Front View dialog box, choose

Next.

10 In the Screw Assembly Grip Representation - Front View dialog box,

choose Finish.

Inserting Screw Connections | 211

11 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Drag Size: Drag the screw connection dynamically to size M4 x 16, and then

click
Drag Size: Enter 12, press ENTER.

The screw connection is inserted with a specified a screw length of 16

mm and a blind hole depth of 12 mm.
NOTE During dragging, the size of the screw is shown as a tooltip and in
the status bar, where the coordinates are usually displayed.

The background is automatically hidden, and your drawing looks like

this:

212 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

Save your file.

Copying Screw Connections with Power Copy

With Power Copy, you can copy complete objects, including the information
attached to those objects. In the case of a screw connection, you copy the
whole screw connection to another location. The background is automatically
updated.
Copy the new screw connection using the Power Copy command.
To copy a screw connection
1 Start the Power Copy command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Power Commands Power Copy

AMPOWERCOPY

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select object: Select the previously inserted screw
Specify insertion point: Specify a point (1)
Specify direction: Press ENTER

Copying Screw Connections with Power Copy | 213

The screw is copied to the specified location. Your drawing looks like
this:

The standard parts you inserted are listed in the browser. If you start with
a structured assembly drawing, the standard parts are automatically
structured within the subassembly where they are inserted.

214 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

Save your file.

Creating Screw Templates

Create a screw template and store it for repeated use. This makes the insertion
of identical or similar screw connections much faster.
Before you create and insert the screw template, zoom to the cover plate.
To zoom to a window
1 Zoom to the extents of the drawing.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Extents

ZOOM

2 Zoom in to the coverplate.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Window

ZOOM

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify first corner: Specify first corner point (1)

Creating Screw Templates | 215

Specify opposite corner: Specify second corner point (2)

Start the screw connection and create a screw template.

To create a screw template
1 Start the Screw Connection command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Screw Connection

AMSCREWCON2D

2 In the Screw Connection dialog box, choose the Screws button.

216 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

3 In the Select a Screw dialog box, select Countersink Head Type.

Creating Screw Templates | 217

4 Select ISO 10642, and Front View.

218 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

5 In the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box, choose the upper Holes
button. Then select Countersinks, and ISO 7721.
6 In the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box, choose the lower Holes
button. Then select Tapped Holes, Blind, and ISO 262.
7 In the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box, choose Back to store
the screw template.

Creating Screw Templates | 219

8 In the Screw Assembly Templates dialog box, choose the Save icon. Your
screw connection is stored as a template and is added to the list.

Choose Next.

220 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

NOTE The screw template contains the combination of the used standard
parts. It contains no sizes, like diameters or lengths.
9 In the Screw Connection dialog box, choose the Pre-calculation icon.

10 In the Screw Diameter Estimation dialog box, specify:

Material Class: 10.9
Applied Force: 1500
Nature of Load: Static and Centric applied Axial Force (upper-left

icon)
Method for Tightening Screw: Mechanical Screw Driver

Creating Screw Templates | 221

The Result field displays a nominal diameter size of M4. Choose OK.
11 In the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box, the precalculation
routine has marked M4.

Choose Next.

222 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

12 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify insertion point of first hole: Specify first point (1)
Specify endpoint of first hole [Gap between holes]: Specify second

point (2)

13 In the Screw Assembly Location - Front View dialog box, choose Next.
14 In the Screw Assembly Grip Representation - Front View dialog box,
choose Finish.
15 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Drag Size: Drag screw connection dynamically to size M4 x 12, and then

click
Drag Size: Enter 8, press ENTER

The screw connection is inserted with a screw length of 12 mm and a

blind hole depth of 8 mm.
Your drawing looks like this:

Creating Screw Templates | 223

The screw connection is added to the list in the mechanical browser.

Save your file.

Editing Screw Connections with Power Edit

Rather than use different editing commands for different objects, you can use
only one command, Power Edit, for editing all objects in a drawing with
built-in intelligence. When you use Power Edit on a screw connection, the
whole assembly can be edited and is updated in your drawing with an
automatic background update.
Change the screw connections to the appropriate length.
To edit a screw connection that is not yet structured
1 Start the Power Edit command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Power Commands Power Edit

AMPOWEREDIT

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select object: Select the lower screw of the coverplate

224 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

NOTE You can alo start Power Edit by double-clicking the desired part.
3 In the AutoCAD message box, click OK.

4 Respond to the prompts as follows.

Select parent component and view or [Modelspace/Active] <Active>:

Press ENTER
Select entity for another standard component view <Done>: Press

ENTER
The legacy standard part is migrated, and is listed in the mechanical
browser.
5 In the Screw Connection New Part Front View - Front View dialog box,
choose Back.
6 On the Templates page, double-click the ISO 10642 screw template in
the list, or select it and choose the Load the template icon.

Editing Screw Connections with Power Edit | 225

The Screw Connection New Part Front View - Front View dialog box
contains the screw connection as it has been stored in the template.
7 Select the size M4, and then choose Next.

8 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify insertion point of first hole: Press ENTER
Specify endpoint of first hole [Gap between holes]: Press ENTER

9 In the Screw Connection New Part Front View - Front View dialog box,
Location representation, choose Next.
10 In he Screw Connection New Part Front View - Front View dialog box,
Grip representation, choose Finish.
Drag Size:

Drag the screw connection dynamically to the size M4 x 12, and then click
Drag Size: Enter 8,press ENTER

The screw connection is edited to a screw length of 12 mm and a blind

hole depth of 8 mm.
Your drawing looks like this:

226 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

Save your file.

Working with Power View

With Power View, you can quickly generate a top or bottom view of a side
view of a standard part and vice versa.
Before you complete the top view of the coverplate, you have to zoom into
it.
To zoom to a window
1 Zoom to the extents of the drawing.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Extents

ZOOM

2 Zoom in to the coverplate.

Working with Power View | 227

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Window

ZOOM

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify first corner: Specify first corner point (1)
Specify opposite corner: Specify second corner point (2)

Use Power View to insert the screws into the top view of the coverplate.
To insert a standard part using Power View
1 Start the Power View command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Power Commands Power View

AMPOWERVIEW

2 Respond to the prompt as follows:

228 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

Select object: Select the screw at cover plate (1)

The AutoCAD Mechanical message box is displayed.

3 Choose Top, and respond to the prompt as follows:

Specify insertion point: Specify the centerline cross at top view (2)

The top view of the screw connection is inserted into the top view of the
coverplate. Your drawing should look like this:

Working with Power View | 229

4 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to insert the top view of the screw at the other three
centerline crosses of the top view of the coverplate.
The coverplate should look like this:

Save your file.

Deleting with Power Erase

Power Erase is an intelligent erase command. It detects the object information
of a part. If you delete a screw connection with Power Erase, the representation
of the background is automatically corrected.
Before you delete the standard part, you have to zoom into it.
To zoom to a window
1 Zoom to the extents of the drawing.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Extents

ZOOM

2 Zoom in to the coverplate.

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Window

ZOOM

230 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify first corner: Specify first corner point (1)
Specify opposite corner: Specify second corner point (2)

Delete a screw using the Power Erase command.

To delete a standard part
1 Start the Power Erase command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Power Commands Power Erase

AMPOWERERASE

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select object: Select the screw (1)
Select object: Press ENTER

Deleting with Power Erase | 231

The screw connection is deleted and the lines and hatch are restored.

Save your file.

Inserting Holes
Replace the previously deleted screw connection with a pin. First you insert
a blind hole for the pin.

232 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

To insert a hole
1 Start the Blind Hole command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Holes Blind Holes

AMBHOLE2D

2 In the Select a Blind Hole dialog box, select Acc. to ISO 273, and Front
View.

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify insertion point: Specify insertion point (1)
Specify rotation angle <0>: Specify a point to define insertion angle (2)

Inserting Holes | 233

4 In the Acc. to ISO 273 - Nominal Diameter dialog box, select a size of 5,
and then choose Finish.

5 Continue to respond to the prompts as follows:

Drag Size: Enter 20, press ENTER

The blind hole is inserted.

Your drawing should look like this:

234 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

Save your file.

Inserting Pins
Insert a pin into the blind hole.
To insert a pin
1 Start the Cylindrical Pins command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Fasteners Cylindrical Pins

AMCYLPIN2D

2 In the Select a Cylindrical Pin dialog box, select ISO 2338 and Front View.

Inserting Pins | 235

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify insertion point: Specify insertion point (1)
Specify rotation angle <0>: Specify a point to define insertion angle (2)

4 In the ISO 2338 - Nominal Diameter dialog box, select a size of 5.

236 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

5 Choose Finish, and then continue to respond to the prompt as follows:

Drag Size: Drag the pin to size 5 h8 x 16 - B, and then click

NOTE Turn the object snap (OSNAP) option off to snap to the correct pin
size.
6 In the Select Part Size dialog box, select 5 h8 x 16 - B, and then choose
OK.

7 The Create Hide Situation dialog box is displayed. Click OK.

The pin is inserted. Your drawing should look like this:

Inserting Pins | 237

You inserted the blind hole first, and then the pin. This results in
overlapping centerlines. In order to have a correct plot, turn one centerline
off.
To turn off a centerline
1 Select the previously inserted cylindrical pin.
2 Right-click, and on the shortcut menu deactivate Centerlines on/off.
With the centerline of the pin turned off, only the centerline of the blind
hole is displayed.
Save your file.

Turning Off Centerlines in Configurations

If your drawing already contains holes with centerlines, and you want to add
standard parts, it is recommended to turn off the centerlines for standard parts
in the configuration. This avoids removing overlapped centerlines.
To turn off centerlines in the configuration
1 Open the Mechanical Options dialog box.
Menu
Assist Options
Command
AMOPTIONS
2 On the AM:Standard Parts tab, clear the Draw Centerlines check box.

238 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

Choose Apply, and then choose OK.

Hiding Construction Lines

For a better overview, you can hide the construction lines by turning them
off temporarily.
Zoom to the extents of the drawing.
To zoom to the extents

Zoom to the extents of the drawing.

Toolbutton
Menu
View Zoom Extents
Command
ZOOM
Turn off all construction lines.

Hiding Construction Lines | 239

To turn off C-lines

Start the Construction Line On/Off command.

Toolbutton
Menu

Assist Layer/Layergroup Construction Line

On/Off
Command
AMCLINEO
All construction lines are turned off temporarily.
Save your file.

Simplifying Representations of Standard Parts

In some cases, such as in complex assemblies, it is helpful to have a simplified
representation of the standard parts for a better overview. With AutoCAD
Mechanical, you can switch between different representation types without
losing object or part information.
Change the representation of the differential gear screws.
To change the representation of a standard part
1 Start the Change Representation command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Change Representation

AMSTDPREP

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select objects: Select the differential gear with a window (1, 2)
Select objects: Press ENTER

240 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

3 In the Switch Representation of Standard Parts dialog box, select Symbolic.

Choose OK.
The representation of the selected standard parts is symbolic. Your
drawing should look like this:

Simplifying Representations of Standard Parts | 241

All of the standard parts you inserted in this exercise are listed in the
mechanical browser.
Save your file.
This is the end of this tutorial chapter.

242 | Chapter 11 Working with Standard Parts

Working with BOMs and

Parts Lists

In AutoCAD Mechanical, you can create parts lists and bills

In this chapter

of material (BOMs), and modify part references and balloons.

Key Terms

Working with Parts Lists

In this chapter, you insert and edit a parts list, and work with
the bill of material (BOM) database.

243

Key Terms
Term

Definition

balloon

Circular annotation tag that identifies a bill of material item in a drawing. The
number in the balloon corresponds with the number of the part in the bill of
material.

bill of material

A dynamic database containing a list of all the parts in an assembly. Used to

generate parts lists that contain associated attributes such as part number,
manufacturer, and quantity.

BOM attribute

An entity that contains attributes by default (the attribute is invisible) that can
add information to and describe details of a part in the drawing. The values of
these attributes are transformed into the parts list attributes when converting
BOM attributes and creating a parts list.

part reference

Part information for a bill of material, which is attached to the part in the
drawing.

parts list

A dynamic list of parts and associated attributes generated from a bill of material database. The parts list automatically reflects additions and subtractions of
parts from an assembly.

Working with Parts Lists

The drawing used for this exercise is not structured. In structured drawings,
BOMs and parts list are generated automatically, and it is not necessary to
insert part references manually.
Open the initial drawing.
To open a drawing
1 Open the file tut_pts_list in the acadm\tutorial folder.
File Open
Menu
Command

OPEN

244 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

The drawing contains a shaft with a housing.

2 Zoom in to the area of interest.
View Zoom Window
Menu
Command

ZOOM

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify first corner: Specify the first corner point figure (1)
Specify opposite corner: Specify the second corner point (2)

Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve

the original tutorial file.

Inserting Part References

Part references contain the part information required for a bill of material.
The information in a part reference is available in the BOM database for
creating a parts list.
Use the part reference command to enter part information for your part.
To insert a part reference
1 Start the Part Reference command.
Annotate Parts List Tools Part Reference
Menu
Command

AMPARTREF

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select point or [Block/Copy/Reference]: Specify a point on the part

(1)

Inserting Part References | 245

3 In the Part Ref Attributes dialog box, specify:

Description: Housing Partition
Standard: Size 130x125x55
Material: EN-GJL-200

Choose OK.
The Part Reference is inserted into the drawing. In the next step, you
create a part reference by reference.
To insert a part reference by reference
1 Start the Part reference command again.
Toolbutton
Menu

Annotate Parts List Tools Part Reference

246 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

Command

AMPARTREF

2 Right-click to display the context menu, and select Reference, or enter R

at the Command prompt.

3 In the drawing, select the previously inserted part reference to create a

reference.
NOTE You can use the option Copy to create a new part with similar text
information.
4 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Select point or: Specify the insertion point at the circular edge (2)

5 In the Part Ref Attributes dialog box, choose OK.

NOTE This part reference looks different, because it has been attached to an
object (the circular edge) of the part.
Subsequently, when you generate the parts list, it will show a quantity
of 2 for this item.
Save your file.

Editing Part References

In this exercise, you edit an existing part reference in an drawing that is not
structured.

Editing Part References | 247

To edit a Part Reference

1 Start the Part Reference Edit command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Parts List Tools Part Reference

Edit
AMPARTREFEDIT

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select pick object: Specify the part reference of the left bolt (3)

3 In the Part Ref Attributes dialog box, Reference Quantity field, enter 3,
and then choose OK.

4 Zoom to the extents to display the entire drawing.

248 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom EXTENTS

ZOOM

Save your file.

Placing Balloons
Create balloons from the part references in the drawing.
To place a balloon
1 Start the Balloon command.
Toolb8utton
Menu
Command

Annotate Parts List Tools Balloons

AMBALLOON

2 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Select part/assembly or [auTo/autoAll/set Bom/Collect/arrow
Inset/Manual/One/Renumber/rEorganize]: Enter B

NOTE At this stage the drawing doesnt contain a BOM database. As with
the AMPARTLIST command, the AMBALOON command creates a BOM
database automatically. This means all part references are added to the
database and item numbers are created inside the database. However, unless
specifically instructed the commands create only the main BOM database.
For the purpose of this tutorial, you need to create a BOM database to contain
part references held within the border; a border BOM. This is why you are
instructed to type B, to trigger the set BOM option of the AMBALOON
command.
NOTE To create and edit a database manually, use the AMBOM command
Specify BOM to create or set current [Main/?] <MAIN>:

Click the border in model space.

Select part/assembly or [auTo/autoAll/set Bom/Collect/arrow
Inset/Manual/One/Renumber/rEorganize]: Enter A

3 Use a window to select all objects, and then press ENTER.

Placing Balloons | 249

NOTE Press ENTER to change the type of arrangement (horizontal, vertical,

angle or stand-alone).
4 Place the balloons horizontally, above the assembly.

Because the balloons are numbered automatically, depending on where

you located the part references, the appearance of your drawing can be
different.
In the next step, you renumber the balloons.
To renumber balloons
1 Start the Balloon command again.
Menu
Annotate Parts List Tools Renumber Balloons
2 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Enter starting item number: <1>: Press ENTER
Enter increment: <1>: Press ENTER
Select balloon: Select the balloons in numerical order from 1 to 7
Select balloon: Press ENTER

250 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

Your drawing needs to look like the following in order for you to continue:

NOTE Since balloon 7 has a reference, there is no need to select balloon 8.

It is numbered 7 automatically.
Rearrange the balloons for a better representation.
To rearrange balloons.
1 Start the Balloon command again.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Parts List Tools Balloons

AMBALLOON

2 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Select part/assembly or [auTo/autoAll/set Bom/Collect/arrow
Inset/Manual/One/Renumber/rEorganize]: Enter E
Select balloon: Select the six balloons on the right
Select balloon: Press ENTER
Align [Angle/Standalone/Horizontal/Vertical]<Vertical>: Enter h,

press ENTER

Placing Balloons | 251

3 Move the cursor through the center of balloon 1 to get the horizontal
tracking line.
NOTE Make sure that the OTRACK function is active.
4 Move the cursor to the right, and snap along the tracking line until you
reach a distance of 120, and then click.

The result needs to look like the following:

NOTE You can control snap distance within the Balloon Properties dialog
box.
Create a part reference and a balloon in one step with the manual option.
To create a part reference and a balloon using the manual option
1 Start the Balloon command again.
Annotate Parts List Tools Balloons
Menu
Command

AMBALLOON

252 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

2 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Select part/assembly or [auTo/autoAll/set Bom/Collect/arrow
Inset/Manual/One/Renumber/rEorganize]: Enter M, press ENTER
Select point or [Block/Copy/Reference]: Select a point on the shaft

NOTE Instead of selecting a point to create a part reference, you can use
Copy or Reference from the Manual option to get the information from an
existing balloon or part reference.
3 In the Part Ref Attributes dialog box, specify:
Description: Shaft
Standard: Size Dia 50x150
Material: C45

Choose OK.
4 Press ENTER to start the leader line of the balloon in the center of the
part reference.

Placing Balloons | 253

5 Move the cursor through the center of balloon 1 to get the tracking line
and the snap distance, and then click the insertion point.
NOTE Instead of entering the insertion point, you can select another point
to create an extended leader line.

6 Press ENTER.
Save your file.

Creating Parts Lists

Generate a parts list from the part reference information.
To create a parts list
1 Start the Parts List command.
Annotate Parts List Tools Parts List
Menu
Command

AMPARTLIST

2 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Specify BOM to create or set current [Main/?] <MAIN>: Move the
cursor over the border until tooltip ISO_A2 is displayed, click the highlighted
border

The Parts List dialog box is displayed.

254 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

Choose OK.
The parts list appears dynamically on the cursor.
3 Move the cursor to position the parts lists above the title block, and then
click to insert the parts list.
The parts list looks like the following:

NOTE If a drawing contains more than one border, the borders are listed in
the BOM dialog box. From there you can select a particular border and view
the associated parts list.

Creating Parts Lists | 255

In the next exercise, you edit balloon and parts list information using
several methods.
To edit parts list information
1 Start the Edit Part List/Balloon command.
Toolbutton
Command

AMEDIT

2 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Select object: Select balloon 2

3 In the Balloon dialog box, Material column, enter 8.8.

Choose OK.
The parts list reflects the material value you added.

256 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

NOTE Choose Apply to see the results in the drawing immediately without
leaving the dialog box. All changes made in the dialog box are associative
and change the data in the drawing immediately.
4 Double-click the parts list.
The Parts List dialog box is displayed.

You can edit your data in this dialog box. Some examples are shown next.
5 Select the Hex Nut entry, and then choose the Set values icon.

Creating Parts Lists | 257

6 In the Set Value dialog box, specify:

Column: Material
Value: 8

Choose OK.
The material value is added to the Parts List.

258 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

7 Now, change the material of the second bolt and nut accordingly.
NOTE Use the shortcut menu inside a field to cut, copy, and paste.

Merging and Splitting Items In Parts Lists

Use the Parts List function to merge like items that are listed repeatedly.
To merge items in a parts list
1 In the Parts List dialog box, click the box in front of item 1, and then
hold down CTRL while you click the box in front of item 6.
2 With items 1 and 6 selected, choose the Merge items icon.

Merging and Splitting Items In Parts Lists | 259

The two items are merged. In the table, Item 6 now has a quantity of 2,
and Item 1 is missing.

You can select several rows to merge or split items. In order to merge, the
selected rows need to have the same entries.
3 Choose Apply to display the changes in the drawing.
Balloon 6 is displayed twice.

NOTE Select the gray field to the left of row 1, and the Split item icon is
activated.

260 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

In this case, if you choose Split item, the previously merged items are
split again.
To select all rows at once, click the gray field in the upper left corner, as
shown in the following illustration.

Merging and Splitting Items In Parts Lists | 261

NOTE In this case, the Merge item and Split item icons are active. Using
these icons, you can merge or split all items at once. All data is compared,
and like items are merged. If they are already merged items, they are split.

Now that you have merged the bearing, you can delete one of the balloons
and add an additional leader. Choose OK to exit the Parts List dialog box.
To delete a balloon
1 Use Power Erase, and select the left balloon with the item number 6.
2 Press ENTER to delete the balloon.
NOTE Deleting a balloon in the drawing doesn't delete any data. Data is lost only
if you delete a part reference. You can add more than one balloon to a part
reference. For example, you can create a balloon with the same item number for
the same part in another view.
To add an additional leader
1 Select the remaining balloon 1.

262 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

2 Right-click to display the shortcut menu. Select Add Leader and respond
to the prompts as follows:
Select object to attach: Select the left bearing
Next point (or F for first point): Select a point inside the balloon 1

The leader is added and your drawing should look like the following:

Save your file.

Collecting Balloons
Collecting balloons enables you to place balloons of related parts to one leader
line. For example, you can place the balloons of a screw and a nut to one
common leader line.
Use Zoom Window to zoom in the top view of the drawing.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Window

ZOOM

To collect balloons
1 Start the AMBALLOON command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Parts List Tools Balloons

AMBALLOON

Collecting Balloons | 263

2 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Select part/assembly or [auTo/autoAll/set Bom/Collect/arrow
Inset/Manual/One/Renumber/rEorganize]: Enter C, press ENTER

3 Continue to respond to the prompts as follows:

Select pick object or balloon: Select the part reference of the left nut

4 Continue to respond to the prompts as follows:

Select pick object or balloon: Press ENTER
Select balloon: Select balloon 2
Pick orientation: Select a vertical orientation

5 Repeat the collect balloon command for the screw and nut on the right
side.
The result should look like this:

Save your file.

264 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

Sorting and Renumbering Items In Parts Lists

You can sort a parts list for manufacturing and sort standard parts with updated
item numbers.
To sort a parts list
1 Zoom to the extents of the drawing.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Extents

ZOOM

2 Double-click the parts list to display the Parts List dialog box.
3 Choose the Sort icon.

The Sort dialog box opens.

NOTE You can sort within a selection set, otherwise you are sorting all items.
4 In the Sort dialog box, specify as shown in the following.

Sorting and Renumbering Items In Parts Lists | 265

Choose OK.
The result should look like this:

In the next step, you renumber the items.

To renumber parts list items
1 Click the Item cell to select the whole Item column.

2 Choose the Set values icon.

3 In the Set Value dialog box, specify:
Column: Item
Start value: 10
Step: 10

266 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

4 Choose OK to return to the Parts List dialog box.

5 Choose Apply to see the results.
The result should look like the following.

6 Choose OK to return to the drawing.

Save your file.

Using Filters
You can create and use one or more filters for every parts list you have inserted
in the drawing.
To use filters in a parts list
1 Double-click the parts list to display the Parts List dialog box.
2 Right-click the white Filters field.

Using Filters | 267

3 Select Add Filter to display the List of Filters dialog box.

4 Select Custom and choose OK.

The details for this filter are displayed in the Filter/Groups section of the
Parts List dialog box.
5 Set the following values to define the filter.

268 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

6 Activate the filter with the Custom check box.

7 Choose Apply.
The Standards that contain ISO are displayed.

Using Filters | 269

The filtered parts list is displayed in the drawing. The defined filters are
saved with the parts list and can be used again later.
If you want only to print the filtered list, choose the Print icon.
8 Deactivate the custom filter, and then click OK to close the dialog box.
The filter is used in this drawing.
The result looks like the following:

270 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

Save your file.

This is the end of this tutorial chapter.

Using Filters | 271

Creating Shafts with

Standard Parts

In this tutorial, you work with the automated shaft generator

In this chapter

and standard parts in AutoCAD Mechanical to create and

Key Terms

Creating Shafts

edit a shaft, and insert bearings. The standard parts you use
are automatically structured in the mechanical browser.

273

Key Terms
Term

Definition

bearing calculation

Calculates limiting value, dynamic and static load rating, dynamic and static
equivalent load, and fatigue life in revolutions and hours.

chamfer

A beveled surface between two faces or surfaces.

dynamic calculation

Calculation required for a revolving bearing. The result is the Adjusted Rating
Life. This is the life associated with 90% reliability with contemporary, commonly
used material, and under conventional operating conditions. With the number
of revolutions you get the life in working hours.

dynamic dragging

The act of determining the size of a standard part with the cursor while inserting
it into a side view. The standard part is displayed dynamically on the screen and
can be dragged to the next possible size and length. The values (sizes) are taken
from the Standard parts database.

fillet

A curved transition from one part face or surface to another. The transition cuts
off the outside edge or fills in the inside edge.

gear

Any of several arrangements, especially of toothed wheels in a machine, which

allow power to be passed from one part to another to control the power, speed,
or direction of movement.

radius reflection line

Thin line that represents the radius in the side or top view.

shaft break

Interruption of a shaft. A shaft can be interrupted at a point, and the shaft break
symbols are inserted in a suitable size.

shaft generator

Tool to draw rotationally symmetrical parts. A shaft is usually created from left
to right using different sections. These sections are positioned automatically
one after the other. Additionally, any shaft section can be inserted, deleted, or
edited.

274 | Chapter 13 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts

Creating Shafts
In this section, you use the shaft generator to create a shaft with standard
parts. You also perform a bearing calculation.
To open a template
1 Open a new drawing.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

File New
NEW

2 In the Select template dialog box, click the template am_iso.dwt, and then
click Open.

This creates a new drawing based on the am_iso template. The name of
the file is displayed at the top of the mechanical browser. Use Save As to
save the drawing file with an appropriate name.
NOTE The ISO standard part standard has to be installed for this tutorial
exercise.
Ensure that mechanical structure is enabled

Creating Shafts | 275

To enable mechanical structure

Click the STRUCT status bar button and latch it down to enable mechanical
structure.

Configuring Snap Options

Configure the snap options.
To configure the snap options
1 Start the Power Snap Settings.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Assist Drafting Settings Osnap Settings

AMPOWERSNAP

2 In the Power Snap Settings dialog box, activate the tab Setting 4 and
specify:
Snap Modes: Endpoint, Midpoint, Intersection

Choose OK
Save your file.

276 | Chapter 13 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts

Configuring Shaft Generators

In the next steps, you start and configure the shaft generator.
To start and configure the shaft generator
1 Start the Shaft Generator command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Shaft Generator

AMSHAFT2D

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Enter shaft component name <Shaft1>: Press ENTER
Specify starting point or select center line: Enter 150,150, press

ENTER
Specify centerline endpoint: Enter 240,150, press ENTER

NOTE The start and endpoints of the centerline are only important in
determining the direction. The length of the centerline is automatically
adapted to the length of the shaft.
3 In the Shaft Generator dialog box, click Options.

4 In the Shaft Generator - Configuration dialog box, specify:

For Segment inserted: Insert
Stationary Shaft End: Left
Adjust Centerline: Yes

Configuring Shaft Generators | 277

Front View: Radius Reflection Line, Check contour

Side and Sectional Views: Sectional with Background, Always
update
View of Interrupt: Hatch
If shaft is in background, hide standard part too: Yes

Choose OK.
You return to the Shaft Generator dialog box.

Creating Cylindrical Shaft Sections and Gears

The shaft generator is configured. Now you want to generate the first shaft
segments.
To create shaft segments

Choose the lower cylinder button to define a cylinder section,

and respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify length <50>: Enter 12, press ENTER
Specify diameter <40>: Enter 20, press ENTER

278 | Chapter 13 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts

Choose the gear button, and then enter the values for module,
number of teeth, and length as shown in the following figure:

NOTE Here, the DIN standard requires that you indicate the module. The
ANSI standard requires the Diametral Pitch 1/module. You can switch between
these two representations using the DIN and ANSI options.
3 Close the Shaft Generator dialog box.
In the mechanical structure browser, the shaft is added as a component.
Add an assembly to structure the shaft components you create in this
exercise.
To add an assembly to the mechanical browser
1 In the mechanical browser, right click the file name node (the root node)
and choose New Component.
2 Respond to the prompts:
Enter new component name <COMP1>: Entershaftassembly,press ENTER
Enter new view name <Top>: Enter front,press ENTER
Select objects for new component view: Select the shaft with a window
Select objects for new component view: Press ENTER

Creating Cylindrical Shaft Sections and Gears | 279

Specify base point: Specify a point at the upper left of the shaft

The shaft assembly is listed at the top of the browser, and the existing
shaft components are listed within the assembly. As you add more
components to the shaft, they are automatically structured in the
assembly.

Return to the shaft generator.

Double-click the left shaft segment in the drawing, and click ESC.

Choose the lower cylinder button to define a further cylinder

section and respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify length <10>: Enter 5, press ENTER
Specify diameter <20>: Enter 20, press ENTER

Choose the gear button, and then enter the values for module,
number of teeth, and length as shown in the following figure:

280 | Chapter 13 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts

Choose the lower cylinder button to define another cylinder

section, and then respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify length <10>: Enter 4, press ENTER
Specify diameter <20>: Enter 24, press ENTER

Choose the lower cylinder button to define another cylinder

section, and then respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify length <4>: Enter 33, press ENTER
Specify diameter <24>: Enter 20, press ENTER

The first five sections of the shaft are created, as represented in the
following figure:

Creating Cylindrical Shaft Sections and Gears | 281

Inserting Spline Profiles

Add a spline profile to the shaft.
To create a profiled segment

Choose the Profile button.

2 Choose ISO 14 in the database browser.

3 In the Splined Shaft ISO 14 dialog box, select the standard size 6 x 13 x
16 and enter a length of 26.

Choose OK.
You created another section of the shaft, as shown in the following figure:

282 | Chapter 13 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts

Inserting Chamfers and Fillets

Apply a chamfer and a fillet to the shaft.
To apply a chamfer and a fillet

Choose the Chamfer button to apply a chamfer to a shaft section,

and then respond to the prompts as follows:
Select object: Select the leftmost cylinder section (1)
Specify length (max. 12) <2.5>: Enter 2, press ENTER
Specify angle (0-79) or [Distance] <45>: Enter 45, press ENTER

Choose the Fillet button to apply a fillet to a shaft section, and

then respond to the prompts as follows:
Select object:

Select the cylinder section between the two gears near the second gear (1)
Enter radius (max. 5.00) <2.50>: Enter 2, press ENTER

Inserting Chamfers and Fillets | 283

NOTE The fillet is applied to the edge of the selected section that is closer
to the selected point.
The shaft looks like the following figure:

Inserting Shaft Breaks

Insert a shaft break in the drawing.
To insert a shaft break

Choose the Break button to insert a shaft break, and then respond
to the prompts as follows:
Specify point: Select the midpoint of the cylindrical section (1)
Specify length (min. 4.00) <6>: Enter 10,press ENTER

NOTE You can insert the break to the left if you enter a negative value.
The shaft break is inserted.

284 | Chapter 13 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts

Creating Side Views of Shafts

Insert a side view of the shaft.
To insert a side view

Choose the Side view button.

2 In the Side view from dialog box, select Right. Choose OK.
3 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Press ENTER

The right side view is inserted at the proposed position.

In the mechanical browser, the new right side view is listed within the
shaft component along with the existing front view. The right side view
includes its hide situations.

Creating Side Views of Shafts | 285

Inserting Threads on Shafts

Add a thread to the shaft.
To insert a thread on a shaft

Choose the Thread button to insert a thread, and then select ISO
261 External in the browser.

2 In the ISO 261 ExternalThreads (Regular Thread) dialog box, select M10
and enter a length of 20. Choose OK.

The thread is added to the shaft, which looks like this:

286 | Chapter 13 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts

NOTE If Always Update is unchecked in Options, AM:Shaft tab, you are

prompted to update associated views when you close the Shaft Generator.

Editing Shafts and Inserting Sections

Edit an existing shaft section and insert a new section. You use the Edit button
in the shaft generator to turn on AMPOWEREDIT.
To edit and insert a shaft section
1 Choose the Edit button, and then respond to the prompts as follows:
Select object: Select the first cylindrical section (1)
Specify length <12>: Press ENTER
Specify diameter <20>: Enter 18, press ENTER

The diameter is changed to 18 while the length remains 12.

2 Choose the Insert button, and then respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify point: Select a point after the second gear (1)

Editing Shafts and Inserting Sections | 287

Choose the Slope button, and then respond to the prompts as

follows:
Specify length or [Dialog] <20>: Enter 4, press ENTER
Specify diameter at starting point <24>: Enter 28,press ENTER
Specify diameter at endpoint or [Slope/Angle] <20>: Enter 22, press

ENTER

Replacing Shaft Sections

The previously inserted slope needs to be deleted again.
To replace a shaft section
1 Choose the Undo button.
The previous slope insertion is undone.
Replace an existing shaft section. To do this, change the settings in the
configuration.

288 | Chapter 13 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts

2 Choose the Options button to start the shaft generator configuration,

and then specify:
For Segment inserted: Overdraw

Choose OK.

Choose the Slope button, and then respond to the prompt as

follows:
Specify length or [Dialog] <4>: Enter D, press ENTER

4 In the Shaft Generator - Cone dialog box, specify the following settings.

Choose OK.
The slope replaces the cylindrical shaft section.

Replacing Shaft Sections | 289

Inserting Bearings
Insert a bearing and perform a bearing calculation.
To insert a bearing
1 Choose the Standard Parts button, and then select Roller Bearings
Radial ISO 355. Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify insertion point on shaft contour: Specify the insertion point

(1)
Direction to [Left]: Select a point to the right (2)

2 In the ISO 355 dialog box, choose Next.

290 | Chapter 13 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts

3 Specify the loads, and activate Work Hours as shown in the following.

Choose Next.
4 In the ISO 355 dialog box, select the bearing 2BD - 20 x 37 x 12, and then
choose Finish.

Inserting Bearings | 291

You can drag the cursor to see all available bearing sizes.
5 Drag to the size 2BD - 20 x 37 x 12, and then press ENTER.
6 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, click OK.
The bearing is inserted.

7 Close the Shaft Generator dialog box.

In the mechanical structure browser, the roller bearing component is
added to the assembly.

292 | Chapter 13 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts

This is the end of this tutorial chapter.

Save your file.

Inserting Bearings | 293

Calculating Shafts

In this tutorial, you use the shaft generator in AutoCAD

In this chapter

Mechanical to perform a calculation on an existing shaft, and

Key Terms

Calculating Shafts

apply various loads to a supported shaft. Then you insert the

results into a drawing.

295

Key Terms
Term

Definition

deflection line

A curve representing the vertical displacement of different points along the

member subjected to a load.

bending moment

The moment of all forces that act on the member to the left of a section (a point
along the member where bending moment needs to be calculated) taken about
the horizontal axis of the section.

fatigue factor

Safety to endurance or fracture under repetitive cycles of loads.

fixed support

A support that prevents translation as well as rotation about all axes.

gear

Any of several arrangements in a machine, especially toothed wheels, that allow

power to be passed from one part to another to control the power, speed, or
the direction of movement.

load

The forces and moments that act on a part.

movable support

A support that prevents translation as well as rotation about all axes.

notch

A change of cross section, such as an undercut, groove, hole or shoulder. A

notch leads to higher stress in the part. The flux of the stress is interrupted or
redirected.

point force

A force that is concentrated on a point.

strength

A summary term for all forces and moments, thus loads and stress, which act
on a part.

stress

Force or pressure on a part. Stress is the force per unit area.

yield point

Safety to the stress beyond which the material exhibits permanent deformation.

296 | Chapter 14 Calculating Shafts

Calculating Shafts
With AutoCAD Mechanical, you can perform a shaft calculation using a
contour created with the Shaft Generator, or any other symmetric shaft
contour. The function provides a static calculation, which is important for
the design of the shaft and the bearing load.
In this tutorial, you calculate a gearbox shaft. The general way to calculate an
existing shaft is to define the contour and insert forces and supports. The
routine calculates all necessary values and draws the respective graphs for
moment and deflection.
Mechanical structure does not impact this engineering structure routine. You
can calculate shafts with mechanical structure enabled or disabled.
Load the initial drawing.
To open a file
1 Open the file tut_shafts in the acadm\tutorial folder.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

File Open
OPEN

The drawing contains a shaft in front and side view.

2 Zoom in to the shaft.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Window

ZOOM

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify first corner: Specify the first corner point (1)
Specify opposite corner: Specify the second corner point (2)

Calculating Shafts | 297

Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve

the original tutorial file.

Creating Shaft Contours

Before you can perform any calculations on a shaft, you have to create the
shaft contour.
To create a shaft contour
1 Start the Shaft Calculator.
Toolbutton
2
Menu
Command

Content Calculations Shaft Calculation

AMSHAFTCALC

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select contour or [Create contour/Strength] <Create>: Enter C,

press ENTER
Select objects: Select the complete shaft
Select objects: Press ENTER

4 In the AutoCAD Question dialog box, choose Yes.

298 | Chapter 14 Calculating Shafts

5 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify contour position: Press ENTER

NOTE The calculation routine recognizes hollow shafts and uses the contour
for the calculation.
After you create the shaft contour, the Shaft Calculation dialog box is
displayed so that you can select the boundary conditions, the material,
and the representation of the calculation results.

Specifying Material
You specify the material by selecting it from a table containing the most
commonly used materials. You can also to enter the characteristics for other
materials using the option Edit.
To specify a material
1 In Material, choose Edit.
The Material Properties dialog box is displayed.
2 In the Material Properties dialog box, choose Table, and then select the
ANSI Material standard.
3 In the Material dialog box, select the material Steel SAE 1045 from the
table.

Specifying Material | 299

Choose OK.
NOTE If the ANSI standard is not installed on your system, you can select a
different standard, but the results may differ from the results in this tutorial.
For example, if you select DIN, you can select a similar material, like E335,
to achieve similar results.
NOTE Some material properties are not complete. In this case, you have to
complete them to obtain calculation results.
4 In the Material Properties dialog box, complete the ANSI material
properties, if necessary.

Choose OK.

300 | Chapter 14 Calculating Shafts

Placing Shaft Supports

Specify the shaft supports.
To place a support

In the Shaft Calculation dialog box, select the Movable Support

icon, and then respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the midpoint of the leftmost shaft section

Select the Fixed Support icon, and then respond to the prompt as
follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the midpoint of the third cylindrical shaft

section
The shaft supports are specified, and the result looks like this:

Specifying Loads on Shafts

Specify the effective loads. AutoCAD Mechanical uses geometry from the
drawing for load calculations.
The loads depend on the Calculated Part setting. There are three possibilities:
Rotating Shaft, Rotating Axle, and Not rotating Axle. Shafts transfer torque
and rotating axles results in different stress values than static axles results.
To specify a load
1 From the Calculated Part drop-down list, choose Rotating Shaft.

Placing Shaft Supports | 301

Choose the Gear icon, and then respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the midpoint of the second gear from the

left
3 In the Gear dialog box, Inputs tab, specify:
Gear Load: Constant Motive Power, Driven
Torque: 15

Choose OK.
NOTE The Components tab displays the force components. Changes in one
tab are automatically reflected in the other tab.

Choose the Point Load icon, and then respond to the prompts as
follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the midpoint of the profile section

Specify rotation angle: Press ENTER

5 In the Point Load dialog box, Resultant tab, specify:

302 | Chapter 14 Calculating Shafts

Point Load: 2500

Choose OK.

Choose the Torque icon, and then respond to the prompt as

follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the midpoint of the profile section

7 In the Torque dialog box, specify:

Torque: Mt=: 15

Choose OK.
The loads are specified, and the result looks like this:

Specifying Loads on Shafts | 303

All boundary conditions necessary for a shaft calculation are specified.

Calculating and Inserting Results

Perform a calculation of the moments and deformations, and insert the results
in your drawing.
To perform a shaft calculation
1 In the Shaft Calculation dialog box, choose the Moments and
Deformations button.
2 In the Select Graph dialog box, specify:
Bend: Bending Moment in Y - Axis, Deflection in Y - Axis
Torsion: Torsion Moment in X - Direction
Stresses: Result Bending Stress
Table Title: Shaft Calculation Exercise

304 | Chapter 14 Calculating Shafts

3 Choose OK, and then respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify insertion point: Select an appropriate point to the right of the

shaft
The result block and the deflection and torsion moment graphs are
inserted.
4 Close the Shaft Calculation dialog box.
Your drawing looks like this:

Calculating and Inserting Results | 305

The result block provides the most important information about your
calculated shaft, such as the maximum stress deflection and moment
values.

306 | Chapter 14 Calculating Shafts

5 Close the Shaft Calculation dialog box.

Save your file.

Calculating Strengths of Shafts

Check the strength at a critical place of the shaft, such as at a notch.
To calculate the strength at a notch
1 Restart the Shaft Calculation
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Calculations Shaft Calculation

AMSHAFTCALC

2 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Calculating Strengths of Shafts | 307

Select contour or [Create contour/Strength] <Create>: Select the

shaft contour
The Shaft Calculation dialog box opens. Continue with calculations on
the previously specified shaft.
3 In the Shaft Calculation dialog box, choose the Strength button, and
then respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify calculation position on shaft or [Graph]: Specify the notch
at the end of the conical section (1) (do not select the endpoint of the cylindrical
shaft section)

NOTE This notch was selected because the calculation established that the
highest bending stress is close to this place.
The Strength Calculation dialog box opens.
Use the Strength Calculation dialog box to specify the properties of the
notch in more detail and display the strength values and factors.

308 | Chapter 14 Calculating Shafts

Choose OK.
4 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify next point <Symbol>: Specify a point below the shaft
Specify next point <Symbol>: Press ENTER

The result block is inserted in the drawing.

Calculating Strengths of Shafts | 309

The safety factors are greater than 1.0, so the shaft does not need to be
redesigned at this notch.
5 Close the Shaft Calculation dialog box.
This is the end of this tutorial chapter.
Save your file.

310 | Chapter 14 Calculating Shafts

Engineering Calculations

The tutorials in this section teach you how to calculate

In this part

moments of inertia and deflection lines, create and calculate

Calculating Moments of Inertia and

Deflection Lines

Calculating Chains

Calculating Springs

Calculating Screw Connections

Calculating Stress Using FEA

Designing and Calculating Cams

chains, springs and cams. The drawing files for each lesson
can be found in the Acadm/tutorial/ folder of the AutoCAD

Mechanical installation folder. These drawing files provide

design elements that help you understand several AutoCAD
Mechanical concepts.

311

Calculating Moments of
Inertia and Deflection
Lines

Many engineering calculations are automated in AutoCAD

In this chapter

Mechanical. This tutorial illustrates how you calculate the

Key Terms

Calculating Moments of Inertia and

Deflection Lines

moment of inertia for a profile section, and calculate the

deflection line on a beam based on the profile calculation.

313

Key Terms
Term

Definition

bending moment

The moment of all forces that act on the member to the left of a section (a point
along the member where bending moment needs to be calculated) taken about
the horizontal axis of the section.

deflection line

A curve representing the vertical displacement of different points along the

member subjected to a load.

distributed load

A load or force that is exerted over a certain length.

fixed support

A support that prevents translation as well as rotation about all axes.

load

Force or moment acting on a member or body.

moment of inertia

An important property of areas and solid bodies. Standard formulas are derived
by multiplying elementary particles of area and mass by the squares of their
distances from reference axes. Moments of inertia, therefore, depend on the
location of reference axes.

movable support

A support that prevents rotation in all axes, but allows translation along one
axis.

point force

A force that is concentrated on a point.

Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines

The measurement unit for the moment of inertia is mm4 or inches4. These
are geometric values, which appear in deflection, torsion, and buckling
calculation. AutoCAD Mechanical uses the result of the moment of inertia
calculation for the deflection line calculation.
Moment of inertia calculations are performed on cross sections of beams or
on other objects that can be represented as closed contours. Calculations can
be performed on a cross section of any shape, as long as the geometry of the
cross section forms a closed contour.

314 | Chapter 15 Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines

AutoCAD Mechanical determines the center of gravity for a cross section,

draws the main axes, and calculates the moment of inertia about each of those
axes. You can also select a load direction for a cross section; AutoCAD
Mechanical calculates the moment of inertia and angle of deflection for that
load.
NOTE Before you perform this exercise, verify that the ISO standard part standard
is installed.
Load the initial drawing.
To open a file

Open the file tut_calc in the acadm\tutorial folder.

Toolbutton
Menu
File Open
Command
OPEN
The drawing contains this profile:

Save your file under a different name or directory to preserve the original
tutorial file.

Calculating Moments of Inertia

In order to perform any calculations on a profile, you need to know its moment
of inertia.
To calculate the moment of inertia
1 Start the calculation for the moment of inertia.

Calculating Moments of Inertia | 315

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Calculations Moment of Inertia

AMINERTIA

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify interior point: Click a point inside the profile
Specify interior point: Press ENTER
Is the area filled correctly? (Yes/No)? <Yes>: Press ENTER

The coordinates of the centroid and the moment of inertia along the
principle axes are displayed on the command line, as follows:
Coordinates of centroid (in user coordinates):
X coordinate: 228.071933 Y coordinate: 150.027674
Moments of inertia along principal axes:
I1: 2.359e+004 I2: 1.4095e+004
Axis angle for major moment (I1): 5.3

Define the direction of the loads. They must be in one plane.

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify direction of load forces (must all lie in one plane):

Enter 270, press ENTER

The data for this load direction is displayed on the command line, as
follows:
Effective moment of inertia for this load direction: 2.341e+004
Angle of deflection: 266.5
Maximum distances neutral line - border:
Extension side: 16.690 Compression side: 14.444

Enter a description for the calculated profile and locate the block with
the calculation data in the drawing.
4 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Enter description: Enter Frame Profile, press ENTER
Specify insertion point: Place the calculation block next to the profile

Your drawing looks like this:

316 | Chapter 15 Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines

NOTE The main axes, 1 and 2, are the axes with the most and least deflection.
The F arrow displays the direction of the force, the s arrow displays the
resultant deflection. The moment of inertia block shows the moments related
to the main axis, the maximum distances from the edges, and the calculated
area. For more detailed information, see Help.
A side view of the profile has been created for the deflection line.
5 Zoom to the extents of the drawing.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Extents

ZOOM

Save your file.

Calculating Deflection Lines

The calculation of the deflection line requires the calculation result from the
moment of inertia calculation.
Calculate the deflection line under a specific load situation.
To calculate the deflection line
1 Start the deflection line calculation.

Calculating Deflection Lines | 317

Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Calculations Deflection Line

AMDEFLINE

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select moment of inertia block: Select the calculation block (1)
Specify starting point or [Existing beam]: Select the left end of the

beam (2)
Specify endpoint: Select the right end of the beam (3)

3 In the Beam Calculation dialog box, choose Table.

4 In the Select Standard for Material dialog box, select ANSI Material.
5 In the Material Type dialog box, select ANSI standard and the material
Al. Bronze Cast.
NOTE If you have not installed ANSI standard, selecting a different standard
according to your preference is also possible, but the results will differ from
the results in this tutorial exercise. For example, if you select DIN, you can
select a similar material, like AlMgSi0.5F22, to achieve similar results.

318 | Chapter 15 Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines

Click OK.
Define the supports and the loads.
6

Choose the Fixed Support icon, and then respond to the prompt
as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the left edge of the beam (1)

NOTE The support can only be placed along the beam.

Choose the Movable Support icon, and then respond to the prompt
as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the right edge of the beam (2)

Choose the Uniform Load icon, and then respond to the prompts
as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the left edge of the beam (3)

Calculating Deflection Lines | 319

Specify endpoint: Select the midpoint of the beam using midpoint snap (4)
Line Load [N/mm]<50>: Enter 10, press ENTER

Choose the Moment icon, and then respond to the prompts as

follows:
Specify insertion point: Select a point in the center of the uniform load

(5)
Bending moment (Nm)<10>: Enter 3, press ENTER

10 In the Beam Calculation dialog box, choose Moments and Deflection.

11 In the Select Graph dialog box, select the options as shown in the
following figure, and then choose OK.

12 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Enter scale for bending moment line (drawing unit:Nm)<1:1.3913>:

Press ENTER

320 | Chapter 15 Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines

Enter scale for deflection (drawing unit:mm)<37.208:1>: Press

ENTER
Specify insertion point: Select a point in the drawing

The result looks like this:

The calculation result block displays all important data on your

calculation:

This is the end of this tutorial chapter.

Save your file.

Calculating Deflection Lines | 321

Calculating Chains

In this AutoCAD Mechanical tutorial, you calculate a chain

In this chapter

length, and insert sprockets and chain links into a drawing.

Key Terms

Chain Calculations

323

Key Terms
Term

Definition

partition

Distance in mm or inches between centers of adjacent joint members. Other

dimensions are proportional to the pitch. Also known as pitch.

pitch diameter

The diameter of the pitch circle that passes through the centers of the link pins
as the chain is wrapped on the sprocket.

roller chain

A roller chain is made up of two kinds of links: roller links and pin links alternately
and evenly spaced throughout the length of the chain.

sprocket

A toothed wheel that transfers the power from the chain to the shaft or the
other way round.

Chain Calculations
NOTE Before you begin this tutorial exercise, be sure the ISO standard parts are
installed on your screen.
To load the tutorial drawing
1 Open the file tut_chain.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

File Open
OPEN

Save your file under a different name to preserve the original tutorial file.
2 Use a window to Zoom in to the chain housing.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Window

ZOOM

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

324 | Chapter 16 Calculating Chains

Specify first corner: Specify first corner point (1)

Specify opposite corner: Specify second corner point (2)

Performing Length Calculations

To calculate the required length of the chain
1 Start the Length Calculation command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Chains / Belts Length Calculation

AMCHAINLENGTHCAL

2 In the Belt and Chain Length Calculation dialog box, choose Library.

Performing Length Calculations | 325

3 In the Library, select ISO 606 metric.

4 In the Select Part Size dialog box, specify:
Standard: ISO 606 - 05B - 1

Choose OK.
5 In the Belt and Chain Length Calculation dialog box, choose OK, and
then respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify 1st point for tangent or [Undo] <exit>: Select circle a (1)
Specify 2nd point for tangent: Select circle c (2)

326 | Chapter 16 Calculating Chains

Specify 1st point for tangent or [Undo] <exit>: Select circle c (3)
Specify 2nd point for tangent: Select circle b (4)
Specify 1st point for tangent or [Undo] <exit>: Select circle b (5)
Specify 2nd point for tangent: Select circle a (6)
Specify 1st point for tangent or [Undo] <exit>: Press ENTER

The tangent definition is finished, and the length of the chain is

calculated. Because the length is divided into whole numbers of links,
one sprocket has to be moved to achieve such a length.
6 Continue responding to the prompts as follows:
Select pulleys or sprockets to be moved. Select objects: Select

circle b
Select objects: Press ENTER
Specify base point of displacement: Select the center of circle b
Specify second point of displacement: Select the center of the cross (8)
Select pulleys or sprockets to be moved.
Select objects: Press ENTER

AutoCAD Mechanical calculated the new length, which is still not a

multiple of the chain division:
Number of links in chain: 121 Distance to next link: 6.88567 mm
Length:974.8857

NOTE You can view the results by resizing the command line or opening the
AutoCAD Text Window using F2.

Performing Length Calculations | 327

The chain arrangement has to be optimized to a length that is a multiple

of the chain division.
Save your file.

Optimizing Chain Lengths

To optimize the chain length
1 Start the Length Calculation command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Chains / Belts Length Calculation

AMCHAINLENGTHCAL

2 In the Belt and Chain Length Calculation dialog box, select Auto
Optimization and Move, and then specify:
Required Number of Links: 122

Choose OK.
3 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Select pulleys or sprockets to be moved.

328 | Chapter 16 Calculating Chains

Select objects: Select the relocated circle b

Select objects: Press ENTER
Specify direction angle to move: Enter 90, press ENTER

Sprocket b is moved until a chain length of 122 links is achieved.

4 In the Belt and Chain Length Calculation dialog box, choose OK.
Close the dialog box by clicking Cancel.
Your drawing looks like this:

Save your file.

Inserting Sprockets
To insert the sprocket
1 Start the Draw Sprocket/Pulley command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Chains / Belts Draw Sprocket/Pulley

AMSPROCKET

2 In the Select Pulley and Sprocket dialog box, Buttons tab, click Sprockets
Front view.
Respond to the prompts:
Specify insertion point: Select the center of circle a
Specify rotation angle < 0 >: Enter 360, press ENTER

Inserting Sprockets | 329

3 In the Sprockets - Size Selection dialog box, select ISO 606 05B-1, and
then click Next.
4 In the Sprockets - Geometry dialog box, specify:
Geometry of Sprocket:
Number of teeth: 21
Number of Visible Teeth: 21
Shaft Diameter: 10

Click Finish.
The sprocket is inserted into the drawing, and the Create Hide Situation
is displayed.
5 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, click OK.

330 | Chapter 16 Calculating Chains

A hide situation is created, and is listed at the top of the tree in the
mechanical browser.
Insert the next two sprockets.
6 Start the Draw Sprocket/Pulley command again.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Chains / Belts Draw Sprocket/Pulley

AMSPROCKET

7 In the Select Pulley and Sprocket dialog box, Buttons tab, click Sprockets
Front view.
Respond to the prompts:
Specify insertion point: Select the center of circle b
Specify rotation angle < 0 >: Enter 360, press ENTER

8 In the Sprockets - Size Selection dialog box, select ISO 606 05B-1, and
then click Next.
9 In the Sprockets - Geometry dialog box, specify:
Geometry of Sprocket:
Number of teeth: 13
Number of Visible Teeth: 13
Shaft Diameter: 10

Click Finish.

Inserting Sprockets | 331

10 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, click OK.

A hide situation is created, and is listed in the mechanical browser.
The sprocket is inserted into the drawing.
Create the next sprocket.
11 Start the Draw Sprocket/Pulley command again.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Chains / Belts Draw Sprocket/Pulley

AMSPROCKET

12 In the Select Pulley and Sprocket dialog box, Buttons tab, click Sprockets
Front view.
Respond to the prompts:
Specify insertion point: Select the center of circle c
Specify rotation angle < 0 >: Enter 360, press ENTER

13 In the Sprockets - Size Selection dialog box, select ISO 606 05B-1, and
then click Next.
14 In the Sprockets - Geometry dialog box, specify:
Geometry of Sprocket:
Number of teeth: 51
Number of Visible Teeth: 3
Shaft Diameter: 10

332 | Chapter 16 Calculating Chains

Choose Finish.
15 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, click OK.
A hide situation is created, and is listed in the mechanical browser.
The last sprocket is inserted as a simplified representation with only three
teeth, as specified in the dialog box. Your drawing looks like this:

Save your file.

Inserting Chains
To insert a chain
1 Start the Draw Chain/Belt Links command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Chains / Belts Draw Chain/Belt

Links
AMCHAINDRAW

2 In the Select Belt and Chain dialog box, Buttons tab, choose Chains.
Respond to the prompts:
Select polyline: Select the polyline near point 9
Select starting point on polyline: Select a point on the polyline

3 In the Select a Chain dialog box, select ISO 606 Metric.

Inserting Chains | 333

4 In the Chains - Size Selection dialog box, select ISO 606 05B - 1, and then
choose Next.
5 In the Chains - Geometry selection dialog box, specify:
Number of Links: 121

Click Finish.
6 Respond to the prompts:
Specify direction of Links [Flip/Accept] <Accept>: Press ENTER
Specify orientation of Links [Flip/Accept] <Accept>: Enter F, press

ENTER
Specify orientation of Links [Flip/Accept] <Accept>: Press ENTER

7 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, click OK.

The chain is inserted into the drawing, and a hide situation is created.
Your drawing looks like this:

334 | Chapter 16 Calculating Chains

The mechanical browser reflects the standard components you created

in the drawing.

This is the end of this tutorial chapter.

Save your file.

Inserting Chains | 335

Calculating Springs

In this tutorial, you calculate a spring for existing boundary

In this chapter

conditions and insert the spring into a drawing. You copy and

Key Terms

Calculating Springs

edit the spring using the Power Copy and Power Edit
commands in AutoCAD Mechanical.

337

Key Terms
Term

Definition

Belleville spring washer

A washer-type spring that can sustain relatively large loads with small deflections.
The loads and deflections can be increased by stacking the springs.

compression spring

A spring type that can be compressed and can absorb pressure forces.

dynamic dragging

The act of determining the size of a standard part with the cursor while inserting
the part into a side view. The standard part is displayed dynamically on the
screen and can be dragged to the next possible size and length. The values
(sizes) are taken from the Standard parts database.

extension spring

A spring type that can absorb tension forces.

Power Copy

A command that copies a drawing object to another position in the drawing.

Power Copy produces an identical copy of the copied object.

Power Edit

A single edit command for all objects in a drawing.

torsion spring

A spring type that can absorb torque forces.

Calculating Springs
With the AutoCAD Mechanical spring function, you can insert compression,
extension, and torsion springs, as well as Belleville spring washers. The
calculation is carried out in accordance with DIN 2098 or ANSI. The standard
sizes of the springs can be selected from various standard catalogs.
NOTE The ISO standard parts have to be installed for this tutorial exercise.
In this tutorial, you create a compression spring in two different compression
situations. You calculate and insert the springs in the existing drawing.
Perform this tutorial with mechanical structure disabled.

338 | Chapter 17 Calculating Springs

To open a drawing
1 Open the file tut_spring.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

File Open
OPEN

2 Click the STRUCT status bar button and latch it down to enable
mechanical structure.
3 Zoom in to the area of the spring housings.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Window

ZOOM

4 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify first corner: Specify first corner (1)
Specify opposite corner: Specify opposite corner (2)

The drawing shows two views (A and B) of the lever and spring housing,
to reflect two different states of compression.

Calculating Springs | 339

Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve

the original tutorial file.

Starting Spring Calculations

Specify the spring and the location.

To specify a spring
1 Start the Compression Spring command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Springs Compression

AMCOMP2D

2 In the Select Compression Spring dialog box, choose Standards SPEC

Catalog A Front View.

340 | Chapter 17 Calculating Springs

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify starting point: Specify the starting point (1)
Specify direction: Specify endpoint (2)

Specifying Spring Restrictions

Specify the spring restrictions. Use the Compression Springs dialog box to
restrict the spring selection in various ways.
To specify the spring restrictions
1 In the Compression Springs - Select from Table SPEC Catalog A [mm]
dialog box, specify:
Specification: 2 Loads, 2 Lengths
Absolute Set: Lengths

Click the Da button.

Specifying Spring Restrictions | 341

A row for specifying the outer diameter Da is added to the restrictions

table.
2 Click the value field for the diameter Da. You can pick a point on the
inner spring housing to specify the diameter, or enter a value. In this
instance, enter the value 15.
Define the initial spring length.
3 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables SPEC Catalog A [mm]
dialog box, click the value field for the length L1, and then choose the
pick icon.

342 | Chapter 17 Calculating Springs

4 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify point for spring length L1: Select a point on the spring pressure

plate (1)

Use view B of the lever and spring housing to define the compressed
spring length.
5 In the Compression Springs dialog box, click the value field for the length
L2, and then choose the pick icon.

Specifying Spring Restrictions | 343

6 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify point for spring length L2:

Select a point on the spring pressure plate in view B (1)

The geometric boundary conditions are defined, and you can proceed
with the calculation.

Calculating and Selecting Springs

Make the calculation settings and calculate the possible springs.

344 | Chapter 17 Calculating Springs

To calculate and select a spring

1 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables SPEC Catalog A [mm]
dialog box, choose the Additional Calculation Settings button.
2 In the Compression Springs - Additional Calculation [ANSI] dialog, select
the left buckling case, and then choose OK.

3 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables SPEC Catalog A [mm]

dialog box, choose Next.

Calculating and Selecting Springs | 345

The possible springs are calculated and the results are displayed in the
Compression Springs - Select from Tables SPEC Catalog A [mm] dialog
box.
4 Choose Select All to select all possible springs for the dynamic dragging
process.

346 | Chapter 17 Calculating Springs

Choose Finish.

Inserting Springs
Drag the cursor dynamically to switch between the selected possible springs.
The outline of the spring is displayed in the drawing and the spring description
is displayed in the tooltip.
To insert a spring
1 Drag the cursor until the tooltip reads SPEC - 1.6 x 14.1 x 36, and then
click.
2 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Topical Length (14.28 - 36) [Force/Deflection] <32.01>:

Select a point on the spring pressure plate (1)

3 Continue to respond to the prompts as follows:

Select rod (only closed contours) <Enter=continue>: PressENTER

The spring is inserted as shown below.

Inserting Springs | 347

Save your file.

Creating Views of Springs with Power View

In order to adjust the length of the spring in view B, the springs in the two
views need to be different components rather than instances of the same
component.
Use the previously inserted spring in view A to create a spring for view B, using
the Power View command.
To create a view of a spring with Power View
1 Start the Power View command
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Power Commands Power View

AMPOWERVIEW

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Select objects: Select the spring in view A

3 In the Select New View dialog box, select Front View.

348 | Chapter 17 Calculating Springs

4 Respond to the prompts:

Specify starting point: Select point (1) in view B
Specify direction: Select point (2) in view B
Topical Length (14.28 - 36)[Force/Deflection]<32.01>:

Select the lower contact point of the compressed spring

Select rod (only closed contours) <Enter=continue>: Press ENTER

Creating Views of Springs with Power View | 349

The spring is copied into view B in its compressed length.

Save your file.
This is the end of this tutorial chapter.

350 | Chapter 17 Calculating Springs

Calculating Screw
Connections

In this tutorial, you calculate a screw connection using the

In this chapter

stand-alone screw calculation function in AutoCAD

Key Terms

Methods for Calculating Screws

Using Stand Alone Screw

Calculations

Mechanical.

351

Key Terms
Term

Definition

axial force

A force parallel to the screw axis.

contact area

The touching surfaces of the plates, which are effective for the calculation.

safety factor

The safety factor is the ratio of effective load and safe load.

shear force

A force perpendicular to the screw axis.

stress

The force acting on a member or body per unit area.

Methods for Calculating Screws

The Screw Calculation provides two different ways to calculate a screw
connection:

Stand-alone calculation: All data and properties are specified by the user.

Calculation of an existing screw connection: The user selects an existing

screw connection to be calculated. All geometric and standard-related data
is taken from the screw connection and cannot be edited.

In this exercise, you use the stand-alone Screw Calculation. With the
standalone calculation, you can calculate a screw connection without any
prerequisites. You can specify the screw connection in detail (material,
geometry, load, settlement and tightening properties). In this exercise, you
are provided with the drawing of a screw calculation. Some values are selected
from tables, some are entered manually, and some are taken directly from the
drawing.
To open the initial drawing

Open the file tut_screw in the acadm\tutorial folder.

Toolbutton
Menu

File Open

352 | Chapter 18 Calculating Screw Connections

Command

OPEN

The drawing contains the representation of a screw connection.

Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve
the original tutorial file.
Problem for this exercise:

Two hollow shafts made of Cq 45 with forged coupling flanges are to be

connected by 13 hex-head bolts ISO 4017 M12 x 45 - 10.9, which are
arranged at a pitch diameter of 130 mm.

The through holes are according to ISO 273 close.

The bolts are safeguarded against loosening by gluing the threads ( =

0.14). The tightening takes place manually using a torque wrench (k = 1.8).

The flanged connection is to be designed for a alternating torque of T =

2405 Nm and non-skid (seal safety of plates 1).

Using Stand Alone Screw Calculations

To start the Screw Calculation
1 Start the Screw Calculation command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Calculations Screw Calculation

AMSCREWCALC

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Using Stand Alone Screw Calculations | 353

Select screw connection <Stand alone calculation>: Press ENTER

The Screw Calculation dialog box opens.

Specify the screw connection.

Selecting and Specifying Screws

In the Definition of SCREW section of the screw calculation, you can select
the screw standard and size and the material properties. You can also enter
the geometric properties of a user-defined screw, for example in detail.
To specify a screw
1 On the Screw: Geometry tab, choose Table of Screws.

2 In the Select a Screw dialog box, choose Hex Head Types, and then choose
ISO 4017 (Regular Thread).
3 In the Select a Row dialog box, choose the standard M12x45.

354 | Chapter 18 Calculating Screw Connections

Choose OK.
The geometric values of the standard screw ISO 4017 M12x45 are entered.
Specify the property class.
4 Choose the Screw: Material tab and then specify:
Property class: DIN 10.9

The screw is specified completely.

Specify the nut.

Selecting and Specifying Screws | 355

5 Choose Next or the Definition of NUT icon in the top row to proceed.

Selecting and Specifying Nuts

In the Definition of NUT section of the screw calculation, you can select a nut
standard and size.
To specify a nut
1 On the Nut tab, choose Table of Nuts.

2 In the Select a Nut dialog box, choose Hex Nuts and ISO 4032 (Regular
Thread).
You do not need to specify a size, because the size is determined by the
screw size.
Specify the washers.
3 Choose Next or the Definition of WASHERS icon in the top row to
proceed.

356 | Chapter 18 Calculating Screw Connections

Selecting and Specifying Washers

In the Definition of WASHERS section of the screw calculation, you can select
the washer standard and size and the positions of the washers.
To specify a washer
1 On the Washer under: Head 1 tab, clear the Washer check box.

2 Choose the Washer under: Nut 1 tab, and then choose Table of Washers.
3 In the Select a Washer dialog box, choose ISO 7091.
Specify the plates.
4 Choose Next or the Definition of PLATES icon in the top row to proceed.

Specifying Plate Geometry and Properties

In the Definition of PLATES section of the screw calculation, you can select
plate materials and their geometric properties.

Selecting and Specifying Washers | 357

To specify the plates

1 On the Plates tab, specify:
Hole: dh: 13
Number of Plates: 2
Height of plate 1 h1: 10
Height of plate 2 h2: 10

2 For the definition of both plate materials, choose Table.

3 In the Please Select a Part dialog box, choose DIN material.

4 Choose the material Cq 45, and then choose OK.
Specify the contact area.
5 On the Gaps and Chamfers tab, choose the pick button of the value gr.
6 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify first point: Select the point (1)
Second point: Select the point (2) as shown in the following figure

358 | Chapter 18 Calculating Screw Connections

The value for gr is changed to 17, as shown in the illustration.

7 Choose Next or the Definition of CONTACT AREA icon in the top row
to proceed.

Specifying Plate Geometry and Properties | 359

Specifying Contact Areas

In the Definition of CONTACT AREA section of the screw calculation, you
can specify the geometric properties of the contact area.
To specify the contact area
1 On the Contact Area tab, choose the Type icon.
2 In the Select the Type of Contact Area dialog box, choose the third of
the predefined icons.

3 Select the User Changes check box.

4 In the entry field, specify:
ang: 22.5

360 | Chapter 18 Calculating Screw Connections

5 For the outer radius ro, choose the pick button next to the entry field
and respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify first point: Select the point (1)
Second point: Select the point (2)

6 For the inner radius ri, choose the pick button next to the entry field and
respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify first point: Select the point (1)
Second point: Select the point (3)

Specify the loads and moments.

7 Choose Next or the Definition of LOADS icon in the top row to proceed.

Specifying Loads and Moments

In the Definition of LOADS section of the screw calculation, you can specify
the loads and moments and their points of application.
To specify loads and moments
1 On the Axial Loads tab, clear the Dynamic check box and specify:
Axial force: FB: 0

Specifying Loads and Moments | 361

2 Choose the Shear Loads tab and specify:

Torsion Moment T =: 185 [Nm]
Radius R: 65
Coefficient of Friction: mt=: 0.14

NOTE The torsion moment of 185 Nm results from the total torsion moment
of 2405 Nm as given in the terms of reference divided by the 13 bolts.

362 | Chapter 18 Calculating Screw Connections

Specify the settlement.

3 Choose Next or the Definition of SETTLEMENT icon in the top row to
proceed.

Specifying Settlement Properties

In the Definition of SETTLEMENT section of the screw calculation, you can
specify settlement properties.
To specify the settlement
1 Activate Calculate from Roughness and >= 1.6 micro m.

Specifying Settlement Properties | 363

Specify the tightening.

2 Choose Next or the Definition of TIGHTEN icon in the top row to
proceed.

Specifying Tightening Properties

In the Definition of TIGHTEN section of the screw calculation, you can specify
the tightening method and properties.
To specify the tightening
1 Specify as follows:
Tightening Factor: kA=: 1.5
Coefficient of Friction: in Thread miG =: 0.12

364 | Chapter 18 Calculating Screw Connections

Insert the result block.

2 Choose Next or the RESULTS icon in the top row to proceed.

Creating and Inserting Result Blocks

In the Results section of the screw calculation, you can take a look at the
results.
You have a complete overview of the results of the screw calculation.

Creating and Inserting Result Blocks | 365

Insert the result block.

To insert a result block

Choose Finish and respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify start point: Specify a point right of the screw connection
Specify next point <Symbol>: Press ENTER

The result block is inserted at the specified location.

This is the end of this tutorial chapter.

366 | Chapter 18 Calculating Screw Connections

Save your file.

Creating and Inserting Result Blocks | 367

Calculating Stress Using

FEA

In this tutorial, you calculate the stresses in a lever using the

In this chapter

finite element analysis (FEA) in AutoCAD Mechanical. You

Key Terms

2D FEA

use the results to improve the design of the lever.

369

Key Terms
Term

Definition

distributed load

A load or force that is exerted over a certain length.

FEA

Finite Element Analysis. A calculation routine based on analyzing a rigid body

subject to loads and restraints for stress, strain, and deformation.

fixed support

A support that prevents translation as well as rotation about all axes.

load

Force or moment acting on a member or body.

movable support

A support that prevents rotation in all axes, but allows translation along one
axis.

Power Edit

A single edit command for the objects in your drawing.

stress

The force acting on a member or body per unit area.

2D FEA
To determine the stability and durability of a given structure under various
loading situations, you need to observe the stress and deformation in the
components while they are being loaded. A structure is considered to be
durable if the maximum stress is less than what the material permits.
There are various computational methods for calculating deformation and
stress conditions. One of these methods is called the Finite Element Analysis.
The knowledge gained from this stress rating may lead to changing the
structure in certain areas, which in turn necessitates changes to the design.
The FEA routine uses its own layer group for input and output.
Note that FEA is not designed for solving all special FEA tasks. Its purpose is
to provide you with a quick idea of the stress and deformation distributions.
NOTE The ISO standard parts have to be installed for this tutorial exercise.

370 | Chapter 19 Calculating Stress Using FEA

For this exercise, work with mechanical structure disabled.

To open the initial drawing
1 Open the file tut_fea.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

File Open
OPEN

The drawing contains a lever, which is the basis for your calculations.
2 Zoom in to the lever.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Window

ZOOM

The complete lever is displayed on your screen.

Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve

the original tutorial file.

2D FEA | 371

To regenerate the drawing

Activate the REGENALL command

Menu
View Regen All
Command
REGENALL
The drawing is regenerated.

Calculating Stress In Parts

Before you calculate the stress in a part, specify the border conditions.
To specify the border conditions
1 Activate the FEA calculation
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Calculations FEA

AMFEA2D

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify interior point: Specify a point inside the contour

The FEA 2D Calculation dialog box opens so that you can define border
conditions and perform calculations.

372 | Chapter 19 Calculating Stress Using FEA

Select the thickness and the material of the lever.

3 In the Default section, enter a thickness of 10.
4 In the Material section, choose Table. Select the material from your
preferred standard table, such as Al. Alloys Diecast if you choose ANSI
materials.
5 Choose Config to open the FEA Configuration dialog box, and specify:
Scale Factor for Symbols: 0.1

6 Choose OK to return to the FEA 2D - calculation dialog box.

Defining Loads and Supports

To perform calculations, you need to define the loads and supports.
To specify loads and supports

Choose the fixed line support button, and respond to the prompts
as follows:
Specify insertion point <Enter=Dialogbox>: Specify point (1)

Defining Loads and Supports | 373

Specify endpoint: Specify point (2)

Specify side from endpoint: Specify a point above the contour

Choose the movable line support button, and respond to the

prompts as follows:
Specify insertion point <Enter=Dialogbox>: Hold down the SHIFT
key, right-click and choose Quadrant, specify point (3)
Specify endpoint: Press ENTER to define the starting point as the endpoint

Choose the line force button, and respond to the prompts as

follows:
Specify insertion point <Enter=Dialogbox>: Specify point (5)
Specify endpoint: Specify point (4)
Specify side from endpoint: Specify a point to the right of the specified

points
Enter a new value <1000 N/mm>: Enter 500, press ENTER

374 | Chapter 19 Calculating Stress Using FEA

Choose the line force button again, and respond to the prompts
as follows:
Specify insertion point <Enter=Dialogbox>: Specify point (6)
Specify endpoint: Specify point (7)
Specify side from endpoint: Specify a point to the right of the specified

points
Enter a new value <1000 N/mm>: Enter 500, press ENTER

Calculating Results
Before you calculate the results, generate a mesh.
NOTE If you calculate results without creating a mesh in advance, the mesh will
be created automatically.
To calculate the results

In the Mesh section, choose the mesh button, and then press
ENTER to return to the dialog box.

Calculating Results | 375

In the Results section, choose the isolines (isoareas) button.

3 In the FEA 2D Isolines (Isoareas) dialog box, select the Graphic

-Representation button on the right.

Choose OK.
4 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify base point <Return = in boundary>: Press ENTER to place the

isoareas in the boundary

Insertion point: Select a point to place the table to the left of the part
<Return>: Press ENTER to return to the dialog box

The result looks like this:

376 | Chapter 19 Calculating Stress Using FEA

After calculation, the support forces are displayed near the support symbol.

Evaluating and Refining Mesh

The stress table allocation relative to the lever shows heavy concentration of
local stress near drawing points 8 and 9. Refine the mesh near these points to
obtain more exact calculation results for the points of interest.
To refine the mesh

In the Refining section, choose the left refining button, and

respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify center point 1 <Return=Continue>: Specify a point near point

8
Specify center point 2 <Return=Continue>: Specify a point near point

Evaluating and Refining Mesh | 377

Specify center point 3 <Return=Continue>: Press ENTER to continue

meshing
<Return>: Press ENTER to return to the dialog box

The mesh is refined at the specified points.

Recalculate the stress representation.

Choose the isolines (isoareas) button.

3 In the FEA 2D Isolines (Isoareas) dialog box, choose the Graphic

Representation button on the right.

Choose OK
4 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify base point <Return = in boundary>: Press ENTER
Insertion point: To the left of the part, select a location for the table
<Return>: Press ENTER to return to the dialog box

378 | Chapter 19 Calculating Stress Using FEA

Refining Designs
The results show a critical area around point 8 that can be improved by
applying a larger radius. Before changing the geometry, the results and
solutions have to be deleted.
To edit the geometry
1 Choose the Delete Solution button.
2 In the AutoCAD Question dialog box, choose Yes to delete the solutions
and results.

3 In the AutoCAD Question dialog box, choose No to keep the loads and
supports.

4 Start Power Edit to change the radius, and respond to the prompt as
follows:
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Modify Power Commands Power Edit

AMPOWEREDIT

Select object: Select the radius at point 8

Enter an option [Next/Accept] <Accept>: Press ENTER to exit the

command

Refining Designs | 379

5 In the Fillet Radius dialog box, specify:

Input: 10

Choose OK.
6 Respond to the prompt:
Select objects: Press ENTER to exit the command

The radius of the fillet is changed to 10.

7 Zoom to the extents of the drawing.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

View Zoom Extents

ZOOM

Save your file.

Recalculating Stress
Before recalculating the stress division of the lever, calculate and display the
deformation.

380 | Chapter 19 Calculating Stress Using FEA

To calculate the stress

1 Restart the FEA routine.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Calculations FEA

AMFEA2D

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify interior point: Specify a point inside the contour

Select the thickness and the material of the lever again, as you did it
before.
3 In the Default section, enter a thickness of 10.
4 Choose Table, and select the material from your preferred standard table.
Select Al. Alloys Diecast if you prefer to use ANSI materials.

Choose the deformation button in the Results field.

6 In the FEA 2D - Displacements dialog box, choose OK.

7 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify base point <Return = in boundary>: Press ENTER
Insertion point: To the right of the part, select a location for the table
<Return>: Press ENTER to return to the dialog box

The result looks like this:

Recalculating Stress | 381

Recalculate the stress division of the lever.

Choose the isolines (isoareas) button.

2 In the FEA 2D Isolines (Isoareas) dialog box, choose the Graphic

Representation button on the right.

Choose OK.

382 | Chapter 19 Calculating Stress Using FEA

3 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify base point <Return = in boundary>: Press ENTER
Specify insertion point: To the left of the part, select a location for the

table
<Return>: Press ENTER to return to the dialog box

4 Choose Close to leave the FEA 2D - Calculation.

The final result looks like this:

NOTE You can return to the FEA 2D - Calculation using Power Edit.
This is the end of this tutorial chapter.
Save your file.

Recalculating Stress | 383

Designing and Calculating

Cams

In this tutorial you use the automated cam design and

In this chapter

calculation functionality in AutoCAD Mechanical to create

Key Terms

Designing and Calculating Cams

a cam, perform calculations, and generate data for NC

production.

385

Key Terms
Term

Definition

acceleration

Rate of change in velocity.

cam

Types of gears for obtaining unusual and irregular motions that would be difficult
to produce otherwise.

curve path

Geometric shape of the cam.

motion diagram

Diagram illustrating the lift or rotation of the follower for each degree of rotation
or translation of the cam plate.

motion section

Part of the motion diagram. Some sections are defined by design. For example,
the maximum lift of 15 mm is reached at an angle of 90 degrees.

Numerical Control. Used in manufacturing to represent the control on machine

tool motion through numeric data for 2 to 5 axis machining.

resolution

Controls the precision of curves. A low value increases computing time. Use a
higher value for initial design.

step width

Graph of the speed of the straight driven element, or the rotation angle of a
rocker and the cam plate angle of rotation.

Designing and Calculating Cams

With the cam design and calculation functionality in AutoCAD Mechanical,
you can implement all motions required in the scope of process control with
a minimum number of gear elements. The basis for systematic design
procedures is offered using standardized laws of movement in the development
of new cam gears.
With the automated cam features, you can create cams (linear, circular, and
cylindrical cams) based on sections drawn in a motion diagram. You can also
calculate velocity and acceleration of an existing section of the motion
diagram. The cam curve path can be determined with the calculated cam

386 | Chapter 20 Designing and Calculating Cams

sections. An existing curve path can be scanned and transferred in the motion
diagram. A driven element can be coupled to the cam. NC data can be created
using the curve path.
In the following exercise, you generate a circular cam and a swinging follower
with a single roller. You also calculate the spring of the follower. The cam and
the follower are inserted into the drawing together with the motion diagrams.
At the end you generate the NC data for the cam production.
Start with an ISO drawing template.
To open a template
1 Open a new drawing.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

File New
NEW

2 The Select template dialog box opens. Select the template am_iso.dwt
and click Open. This creates a new drawing based on the am_iso template.
The name of the file is displayed at the top of the mechanical browser.
Use Save As to save the drawing file with an appropriate name.

Starting Cam Designs and Calculations

To start a cam design and calculation
1 Open the cam design and calculation tool.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Content Cams
AMCAM

Specify the cam type.

2 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, on the Cam tab, specify:
Type: Circular

In the Type of Cam dialog box, click the center Circular icon and specify:
Revolutions [1/min]: 100
Drawn: Select the check box

Starting Cam Designs and Calculations | 387

Diameter of Body [mm]: 50

3 Choose the Follower button.

NOTE You can also step through the dialog using the Next button.

4 On the Follower tab, Movement section, click the Translating button.

5 In the Type of Follower dialog box, choose the Swinging button. You are
returned to the CAM Design and Calculation dialog box.

388 | Chapter 20 Designing and Calculating Cams

Specify the following settings.

6 Choose the Profile button, and define the profile.

You can select between a power-contact profile (inner or outer) or a
form-contact profile (both outer). Specify an inner profile, which requires
a spring to keep contact.
Specify the following settings.

Starting Cam Designs and Calculations | 389

7 Choose the Location button.

The dialog box is hidden so you can specify a location for the cam and
the follower in the drawing.
8 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify center of cam: 100,100, press ENTER
Specify center of follower swing [Undo]: @100,0, press ENTER
Specify start of movement [Undo]: @90<157.36, press ENTER
Specify origin of movement diagram [Undo/Window] <Window>:

Specify a point next to the cam

Specify length of movement diagram [Undo]: @360,0, press ENTER

The cam and the follower are inserted into the drawing with the motion
diagram. Your drawing looks like this:

The Cam Design and Calculation dialog box is opened again.

390 | Chapter 20 Designing and Calculating Cams

Defining Motion Sections

Define five motion sections to describe the cam.
To specify motions
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, choose the Motions
button, and then choose the New button.

In the Select Method to Add New Segment dialog box, you can either
insert or append a new motion section.

Defining Motion Sections | 391

2 Choose Append.

Define the first motion section.

3 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings.
Position [deg] <from - to> 0 -: 90
Elevation [deg] 0 -: 0

Choose OK.
The motion is inserted into the drawing and you are reverted back to the
Cam Design and Calculation dialog.
Define the next motions to describe the cam.
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Motion tab, choose New.

392 | Chapter 20 Designing and Calculating Cams

2 In the Select Method to Add New Segment dialog box, choose Append.
3 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings.
Position [deg] <from - to> 90 -: 150
Elevation [deg] 0 -: 5

4 Click the Context of Follower movement button.

5 Choose Dwell - Constant Velocity (second button from left).

Defining Motion Sections | 393

6 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings.
Curve: 5th polynomial
Velocity [rad/s] 0 -: 2

Choose OK.
The next motion section has to be Constant Velocity, since the motion
section before is Dwell - Constant Velocity.
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Motion tab, choose New.
2 In the Select Method to Add New Segment dialog box, choose Append.
3 In the Motion - New mode dialog, specify the following settings.
Position [deg] <from - to> 150 -: 180
Elevation [deg] 5 -: 8

394 | Chapter 20 Designing and Calculating Cams

4 Click the Context of Follower movement button.

5 Choose Constant Velocity (leftmost button).

The routine recalculates the elevation and inserts the correct value 10.73.
Choose OK.
Define the next motion section.
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Motion tab, choose New.
2 In the Select Method to Add New Segment dialog box, choose Append.
3 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings.
Position [deg] <from - to> 180 -: 220
Elevation [deg] 10.73 -: 16

4 Click the Context of Follower movement button, and then choose

Constant Velocity - Reverse (fourth button from left).

Defining Motion Sections | 395

5 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings.
Acceleration [rad/s^2] 0 -: -60

Choose OK.
Define the last motion section to complete the 360 degrees.
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Motion tab, choose New.
2 In the Select Method to Add New Section dialog box, choose Append.
3 In the Motion - New mode dialog, specify the following settings.
Position [deg] <from - to> 220 -: 360
Elevation [deg] 16-: 0

4 Click the Context of Follower movement button.

The routine calculates the correct values for the end position.
5 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings.
Curve: Harmonic Combination

396 | Chapter 20 Designing and Calculating Cams

Choose OK.
The definition of the motion section is complete, and all motion sections are
displayed in the list.

The definition of the geometry is finished.

Calculating Strength for Springs

To calculate the strength for the spring
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, select the Strength check
box, and then click the Strength button.

Calculating Strength for Springs | 397

2 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Loads tab, specify:
External Force [N] Fe =: 20
Reduced Mass of the Follower [kg] mf =: 0.1
Reduced Inert Mass [kg] mi =: 0.07

3 On the Spring tab, specify:

Preload [N] F0 =: 10
Mass of Spring [kg] ms =: 0.08
Spring Location [mm] ls =: 45
Spring Rate: Select the User Change check box, and then enter30

398 | Chapter 20 Designing and Calculating Cams

4 On the Material tab, you can specify the material for cam and roller. In
this case, use the default material.
5 On the Arm tab, specify:
Dimensions of Arm [mm] d =: 8

NOTE You can choose other types of cross sections for the arms.
6 Choose Results, and then choose Calculation.

All calculation results are displayed on the respective tabs:

Geometry

Displays the geometric properties and enables to

optimize the cam position.

Calculating Strength for Springs | 399

Pressure

Frequency
Shaft

Arm

Bearing
Spring

3D Cam

Displays the factor of safety to pressure. You can

display the pressure at any point of the cam by
choosing Simulation and dragging the mouse
pointer over the motion graphs.
Displays the resonance frequency and the safety
against resonance effects.
Displays the loads on the shaft as well as the necessary drive power for the cam. You can display the
shaft loads at any point of the cam by choosing
Simulation and dragging the mouse pointer over
the cam.
Displays the stress on the arm. You can display the
arm stress at any point of the cam by choosing
Simulation and dragging the mouse pointer over
the cam.
Displays the middle normal force on the bearing.
Displays the results of the spring calculation. You
can display the results at any point of the cam by
choosing Simulation and dragging the mouse
pointer over the cam.
Generates a 3D body of the cam.

The Calculation button gives you the results of your design. To optimize
your design, you can choose to generate the correct size of the cam based
on the pressure angle and the radius of curvature.
To generate a cam design based on pressure angle and radius of curvature
1 Click the Calculation button.
To optimize the size of the cam, the pressure angle from your design must
be less than or equal to a certain value (automatically calculated and
displayed at the bottom of the cam Design and Calculation dialog box)
while the radius of curvature must be greater than or equal to a certain
value (automatically calculated and displayed at the bottom of the cam
Design and Calculation dialog box).
2 Click the Results button.
3 In the Geometry tab, click the Center of Cam button.
Two hatched open triangles are displayed on the screen.
4 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Press ESC or ENTER to exit, or [Change center of cam]: Enter C,

press ENTER

400 | Chapter 20 Designing and Calculating Cams

Specify center of cam <100,100>: Press ENTER

5 Snap to the apex of the triangle that produces a maximal pressure angle
less than or equal to the recommended value and a minimal radius of
curvature greater than or equal to the recommended value.

Exporting Cam Data and Viewing Results

To export TXT cam data for an NC machine
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, click Export.
On the File tab, specify:
Export Curves: Inner
Precision [mm]: 0.01
Data Type: File: TXT

Data Type: Coordinates: Polar

Choose Generate File.

2 In the Save As dialog box, specify a descriptive file name and a location.
Choose Save.
The cam is completely designed and calculated.
3 To view the results, choose Finish, and then respond to the prompt as
follows:

Exporting Cam Data and Viewing Results | 401

Specify insertion point of result table: Specify a location for the

result table
The table of results is inserted into the drawing.

This is the end of the tutorial chapter.

Save your file.

402 | Chapter 20 Designing and Calculating Cams

Autodesk Inventor Link

The tutorial in this section teaches you how to import an

In this part

Autodesk Inventor file and generate drawing views from them

Using Autodesk Inventor Link

Support

for documentation. The Autodesk Inventor assembly and part

drawings required for this tutorial are available in the
Acadm/tutorial/tut_bracket folder of the AutoCAD Mechanical
installation folder.

403

Using Autodesk Inventor

Link Support

In this chapter, you learn how to enable AutoCAD Mechanical

In this chapter

to create views and documentation for Autodesk Inventor

Key Terms

Linking Autodesk Inventor Part

Files

Exporting Drawing Views to

AutoCAD

Linking Autodesk Inventor

Assembly Files

Updating Autodesk Inventor Parts

assemblies and parts.

405

Key Terms
Term

Definition

parametric dimensions

A type of dimension associated with an Autodesk Inventor part model. Parametric

dimensions control the size and positions of geometry. If the dimension value
is changed, the size and position of the geometry adjusts to reflect the new
value. Parametric dimensions can be changed only from Autodesk Inventor.

power dimensioning

A command useful for generating linear, radial, and diameter dimensions, which
minimizes the number of individual actions while generating a dimension.
Power dimensioning automatically selects the type of linear dimension (horizontal, vertical, or aligned), based on the selected point.

reference dimensions

A type of dimension that indicates the size and position of geometry. Reference
dimensions do not control the geometry size or position, but follow them instead. The type of dimensions created with power dimensioning commands
are reference dimensions.

template

A file with predefined settings to use for new drawings. However, any drawing
can be used as a template.

title block

A title block contains a series of attributes. Some already have values. The preassigned values can be modified, and the vacant attributes can be completed
with new values.

viewport

A scaled view of the model defined in a layout.

view scale

The scale of the base drawing relative to the model scale. Also, the scale of dependent views relative to the base view.

Linking Autodesk Inventor Part Files

With Autodesk Inventor link support, you can create views of Autodesk
Inventor part files while maintaining full model to drawing associativity. Note
that the exercises in this chapter can be done only if AutoCAD Mechanical
was installed with the Install Autodesk Inventor link option enabled. If

406 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

Autodesk Inventor link support is not installed, an error message is displayed

when you select the New Inventor link option on the File menu.
To link an Autodesk Inventor part file
1 Create a link to the file Holder Bracket.ipt in the acadm\tutorial\
2 Tut_Bracket\Bracket Components folder.
Menu
File New Inventor Link
3 In the Select template dialog box, click the template am_ansi.dwt, then
click Open.

4 In the Link Autodesk Inventor File dialog box, click Holder Bracket.ipt,
then click Open.

Shading and Rotating Geometry

Use the Mechanical View toolbar to shade and rotate geometry.
To shade a part
1 Activate the Mechanical View toolbar.

Shading and Rotating Geometry | 407

View Toolbars Mechanical View

Click the Toggle Shading/Wireframe button to shade the part.

Use the 3D Orbit tool to rotate the part.

To rotate a part

Select the 3D Orbit tool from the Mechanical View toolbar.

2 Place the cursor in the appropriate location inside or on the Arcball.

3 Click and hold the left mouse button, then rotate the part to a position
that resembles the following illustration.

4 Right-click, then select Exit from the menu.

Inserting Drawing Borders

If the mechanical browser isnt visible, complete the following steps.
Menu
Command

View Display Mechanical Browser

AMBROWSER

Desktop browser? [ON/OFf/Auto hide] <ON>: Type ON

408 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

To insert a drawing border

1 Click the Drawing tab in the browser.
2 Start the Drawing Title/Borders command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Drawing Title/Revisions Drawing

Title/Borders
AMTITLE

3 In the Drawing Borders with Title Block dialog box, specify:

Paper Format: C (17.0x22.0 inch)
Title Block: US Title Block
Scale: 1:1

4 Choose OK.
5 In the Page Setup Manager dialog box, select Layout1, then click Modify.

Inserting Drawing Borders | 409

6 In the Page Setup - Layout1 dialog box, specify the following value:
Paper size: ANSI C (22.00 x 17.00 Inches)

410 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

7 Choose OK to exit the Page Setup Manager.

8 Click Close.
9 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Enter -0.25,-0.75, press ENTER

10 In the Change Title Block Entry dialog box, click Next.

11 In the next page specify:
File Name: InventorPart

Inserting Drawing Borders | 411

12 Choose OK.
13 In the Save Title Block Filename dialog box, verify the following settings:
File Name: InventorPart.dwg
File of Type: Drawing (*.dwg)

14 Choose Save.

Creating Drawing Views

You can create a variety of drawing view for a part. Any changes made to the
part in Autodesk Inventor are automatically updated in the drawing views,
when the .dwg file is updated.
When you create a drawing view, the link reads parametric dimensions from
the model and adds them to the view.
To enable creation of parametric dimensions
1 Open the Options dialog box
Menu
Assist Options
Command
OPTIONS or AMOPTIONS
2 Select the AM:Drawing tab.

412 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

3 Under Parametric Dimension Display, select the Active Part Views check
box.

4 Choose OK.
To create a base view
1 Open the AMDWGVIEW command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Browser
Command

Drawing New View

Right-click a Layout icon in the Drawing tab, then
choose New View.
AMDWGVIEW

2 In the Create Drawing View dialog box, specify:

View Type: Base
Data Set: Select
Layout: Layout1
Orientation: Back

drawing viewsviewsdrawingCreating Drawing Views | 413

Scale: 2.0000

3 Choose OK.
4 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify location for base view:

Click in the lower left corner of the graphics area, press ENTER

414 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

The base view is placed in the lower-left corner of the drawing. Parametric
dimensions extracted from the Inventor Part file are displayed.

Create an orthogonal view from the base view.

To create an orthogonal view type
1 Open the AMDWGVIEW command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Browser
Context Menu
Command

Drawing New View

Right-click the Base icon in the Drawing tab, then
choose New View.
Right-click in the graphics area, then choose New
View.
AMDWGVIEW

2 In the Create Drawing View dialog box, specify:

View Type: Ortho

drawing viewsviewsdrawingCreating Drawing Views | 415

3 Choose OK.
4 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Select parent view: Select the base view
Specify location for orthogonal view: Drag to a location above the

base view, click to select location

Specify location for orthogonal view: Press ENTER

416 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

The view is placed in the upper-left corner of the drawing. Parametric

dimensions read from the Autodesk Inventor part are displayed

drawing viewsviewsdrawingCreating Drawing Views | 417

Working with Dimensions

You will notice that some of the dimensions need rearranging, while a few
may be redundant. You may also need to create dimensions for some entities.
Dimensions you add yourself are called reference dimensions. If the part is
modified in Autodesk Inventor, these dimensions will automatically display
the correct part size.
To delete a parametric dimension
1 In the orthogonal view, click the dimension that reads .0450 and press
DELETE. The dimension is deleted.

418 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

NOTE The dimension you deleted may original have been entered as a sketch
dimension and extruded later. Hence the redundancy of dimensions.

To move dimensions
1 Click the diameter dimension of 0.8800.

Three grip points are displayed on the dimension.

2 Drag the middle grip outside the bracket, and click. The dimension should
be displayed as shown below.

Working with Dimensions | 419

3 You may want to rearrange all the dimensions to tidy up the drawing
view.

To add a hole note

1 Start the Leader note command
Menu
Annotate Leader Note
Command
AMNOTE
2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

420 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

Select object to attach [rEorganize]: In the orthogonal view, click

the center of the hole in the middle (1), drag to a placement point (2), click and
press ENTER

The Note Symbol ANSI dialog box is displayed

3 Click OK. The Hole Note is added.
NOTE The note text is automatically generated with details extracted from
the part file.

To create a vertical reference dimension

1 Start the power dimensioning command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Power Dimensioning

AMPOWERDIM

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

(Single) Specify first extension line origin or
[Angular/Options/Baseline/Chain/Update] <Select>: Press ENTER
Select arc, line, circle or dimension: In the orthogonal view, click
the end points of the line (1 & 2 shown in the figure below)
Specify dimension line location of [Options/Pickobj]:

Drag the dimension line to the right until it is highlighted in red and click (3)
3 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, click OK.
4 Press ENTER twice to exit the command.

Working with Dimensions | 421

NOTE Parametric dimensions and reference dimensions are shown in different

colors.

To create a radial reference dimension

1 Start the power dimensioning command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Power Dimensioning

AMPOWERDIM

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

(Single) Specify first extension line origin or
[Angular/Options/Baseline/Chain/Update] <Select>: Press ENTER
Select arc, line, circle or dimension: In the base view, click the circle
indicating the hole (1), drag the dimension to a placement point (2) and click

3 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, click OK.

Exporting Drawing Views to AutoCAD

It is possible to export a drawing view of a linked drawing such that it can be
viewed in AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.
To export a drawing view
1 Start the AMVIEWOUT command.
Menu
Drawing Export Views

422 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

Browser
Command

Right-click the Base icon in the Drawing tab, then

choose Export.
AMVIEWOUT

2 In the Export Drawing Views dialog box, from the Source drop-down list,
select Select Views/Entities, then click Select.

The dialog box is hidden.

3 Respond to the prompts as below:
Select objects to export <all views>: Select the base view
Select objects to export <all views>: Press ENTER

You are returned to the Export Drawing Views dialog box.

4 In the File Name box, enter the name of a drawing file to export to.
5 Click OK.
6 Save the file.
7 Close AutoCAD Mechanical, start AutoCAD and open the file that you
created in step 5.

Exporting Drawing Views to AutoCAD | 423

Linking Autodesk Inventor Assembly Files

To link an Autodesk Inventor assembly file
1 Create a link to the file Bracket.iam in the acadm\tutorial\tut_Bracket
folder.
Menu
File New Inventor link
2 In the Select template dialog box, click the template am_ansi.dwt, then
click Open.
The Link Autodesk Inventor File dialog box is displayed.
3 In files Files of style list, select *.iam.
4 Locate and click Bracket.iam, then click Open.
To shade and rotate the assembly

Click the Toggle Shading/Wireframe button to shade the part.

Use the 3D orbit tool to rotate the part.

Select the 3D Orbit tool from the Mechanical View toolbar.

3 Place the cursor in the desired location inside or on the Arcball.

4 Click and hold the left mouse button, then rotate the part to a position
that resembles the following illustration.

424 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

Accessing Parts from the Browser

To select a part from the browser
1 Click a part in the browser. The part is highlighted in model space.
2 Right-click a part and select Zoom-to. The display zooms to the part.

Accessing iProperties
When the assembly file is linked, AutoCAD Mechanical is able to access
iProperties via its Bill of Materials (BOM).
To access iProperties
1 Start the BOM command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Part List Tools BOM Database

AMBOM

2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify BOM to create or set current [Main/?] <MAIN>: Press ENTER

The BOM dialog box is displayed.

Accessing Parts from the Browser | 425

3 Click the + sign in the first column to expand the row.

4 Click Properties. The BOM properties dialog box is displayed.

5 Click the >> button (bottom right) to expand the dialog box. The dialog
box expands and the iProperties that are accessible are shown in a list.

426 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

6 Select Part Number and click Add Columns.

7 Click OK. You are returned to the BOM dialog box.
8 Use the horizontal scroll bar to see the Part Number column.
9 Click OK.
10 Save the file as Inventor Assembly.dwg.

Inserting Drawing Borders

To insert a drawing border
1 Click the Drawing tab in the browser.
2 Start the Drawing Title/Borders command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Drawing Title/Revisions Drawing

Title/Borders
AMTITLE

3 In the Drawing Borders with Title Block dialog box, specify:

Inserting Drawing Borders | 427

Paper Format: C (17.0x22.0 inch)

Title Block: US Title Block
Scale: 1:1
Retrieve from Assembly Properties: Select

4 Click OK.
5 In the Page Setup Manager dialog box, select Layout1, then click Modify.
6 In the Page Setup - Layout1 dialog box, specify the following value:
Paper size: ANSI C (22.00 x 17.00 Inches)

7 Choose OK to exit the Page Setup Manager.

8 Click Close.
9 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Enter-0.25,-0.75, pressENTER

10 In the Change Title Block Entry dialog box click Next.

Observe how the drawing title is displayed using information extracted
from the Autodesk Inventor assembly file.

428 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

Creating Parts Lists & Balloons

You can create a variety of drawing view types for a part, but you must create
a base view first. Subsequent changes made to the assembly file in Autodesk
Inventor are automatically updated in the drawing views when the drawing
file is updated.
To create a base view
1 Create a base view.
Toolbutton
Menu
Browser
Command

Drawing New View

Right-click a Layout icon in the Drawing tab, then
choose New View.
AMDWGVIEW

2 In the Create Drawing View dialog box, specify:

View Type: Base
Data Set: Select
Layout: Layout1
Orientation: Top
Scale: 2.0000

3 Choose OK.
4 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify location for base view: Click in the lower left corner of the

graphics area, press ENTER

drawing viewsviewsdrawingCreating Parts Lists & Balloons | 429

The base view is placed in the lower-left corner of the drawing.

To create the parts list
1 Start the Parts List command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Parts List Tools Parts List

AMPARTLIST

The Part List ANSI dialog box is displayed.

2 Click OK.
3 Move the cursor to position the parts lists above the title block, then click
to insert the parts list.

430 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

To create balloons
1 Start the Balloon command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Parts List Tools Balloons

AMBALLOON

2 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Select part/assembly or
[auTo/autoAll/Collect/Manual/One/Renumber/rEorganize]: Enter A
Select pick object: Window select the entire assembly
Select pick object: Press ENTER

3 Place the balloons horizontally above the assembly.

drawing viewsviewsdrawingCreating Parts Lists & Balloons | 431

Creating Breakout Section Views

A breakout section view shows hidden details by cutting away portions that
block their visibility. In this exercise, you indicate the section to remove by
creating a cut line on one view and marking the depth of the cut on another
view. Once the breakout section view is generated, you create an isometric
view for it.
To create the base view and orthogonal view:
1 Click the Drawing tab in the browser and double-click Layout 2.
2 Start the Drawing Title/Borders command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Command

Annotate Drawing Title/Revisions Drawing

Title/Borders
AMTITLE

The Drawing Borders with Title Block dialog box is displayed

432 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

3 Create a new drawing border for Layout2, following the procedure

outlined on page 355.
To create a base view and orthogonal view
1 Start the AMDWGVIEW command.
Toolbutton
Menu
Browser
Command

Drawing Multiple
Right-click the Layout2 icon in the Drawing tab,
then choose New View.
AMDWGVIEW

2 In the Create Drawing View dialog box, specify:

View Type: Multiple
Data Set: Select
Layout: Layout2
Scale: 1.5
Display Hidden Lines: Clear the check box

3 Choose OK.
4 Respond to the prompt as follows:
Select planar face, work plane or
[sTandard view/Ucs/View/worldXy/worldYz/worldZx]: Enter X
Select work axis, straight edge or [worldX/worldY/worldZ]: Enter

X
Adjust orientation [Flip/Rotate] <Accept>: Press ENTER
Specify location of base view:

Position the view in the lower left corner of the graphics area and click
Specify location of base view or [Done] <next view>: Press ENTER
Specify location of projected view or [New parent view]:

Drag to a location above the base view, click to select location

Specify location of projected view or [Done] <next view>: Press

ENTER
Specify location of projected view or [New parent view]: Press

ENTER

Creating Breakout Section Views | 433

To create the cut line:

1 Start the creation of a polyline.
Menu
Design Polyline
Command
PLINE
2 Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify start point: Click point (1)
Specify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]: Click

point (2)
Specify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]: Click

point (3)
Specify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]:

Enter close and press ENTER

A closed polyline is created.

434 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

.To create a breakout section view

1 Create a base view type.
Toolbutton
Menu
Browser
Context Menu
Command

Drawing New View

Right-click the Ortho icon in the Drawing tab, then
choose New View.
Right-click in the graphics area, then choose New
View.
AMDWGVIEW

2 In the Create Drawing View dialog box, specify:

View Type: Base

3 On the Section Tab, specify

Type: Breakout
Hatch: Selected

4 Click OK.

Creating Breakout Section Views | 435

5 Respond to the prompts as below

Select first parent view for breakout view: Select the orthogonal

view
Specify location of base view:

Drag just above the base view, click to select the location and press ENTER

Select polyline to use as cutline:

Click the polyline you created in the previous exercise (1)

Select second parent view for depth selection: Select the base view

(2)
Select point for depth of section: Select point (3)

The breakout section view is created.

436 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

To create an isometric view of the breakout section view:

1 Create an isometric view type.
Toolbutton
Menu
Browser
Context Menu
Command

Drawing New View

Right-click the Section icon in the Drawing tab,
then choose New View.
Right-click in the graphics area, then choose New
View.
AMDWGVIEW

2 In the Create Drawing View dialog box, specify:

View Type: Iso

3 Choose OK.
4 Respond to the prompts as below
Select parent view: Select the breakout section view
Specify location of base view:

Creating Breakout Section Views | 437

Drag to the left of the orthogonal view, click and Press ENTER

NOTE The details shown in the view that is generated depend on where you
place the view. When you drag to the left, the isometric view that is generated,
reveals a hole and a screw, that would not be visible if you placed the view
elsewhere.
The isometric view is created.
5 Move the isometric view to the right of the orthogonal view.
Menu
Drawing Move View
Browser
In the Drawing tab, right-click the Iso icon, then
choose Move.
Context Menu
Right-click in the graphics area, then choose Move
View.
Command
AMMOVEVIEW
6 Respond to the prompts as below
Select view to move: Select the isometric view
Specify new view location:

Drag to the right of the orthogonal view, click and press ENTER

438 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

Modifying Breakout Section Views

The cut line used to generate the breakout section view can be modified and
breakout section view regenerated. Under normal circumstances, the cut line
is not visible. In order to modify the cut line, you must display it first.
To display the cutline:
1 Start the Edit Paper Space Cut Line command.
Browser
Right-click the Section icon in the Drawing tab,
then choose Re-Select Cutline.
Command
AMEDITPSCUTLINE
2 Respond to the prompts as below
Select broken-out section view: Click the breakout section view
Enter an option for paperspace cutline [Display/Select]
<Display>: Press ENTER

The cut line is displayed.

Modifying Breakout Section Views | 439

3 Modify the cutline to any shape you want it to be.

4 Start the Edit Paper Space Cut Line command.

Browser
Right-click the Section icon in the Drawing tab,
and then choose Re-Select Cutline.
Command
AMEDITPSCUTLINE
5 Respond to the prompts.
Select broken-out section view: Click the breakout section view
Enter an option for paperspace cutline [Display/Select]
<Display>: EnterS
Select polyline to use as cutline: Click the edited polyline

The breakout section view and the isometric view update.

440 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

Removing Views
You are allowed to remove views, even though that view may have been used
to derive other views.
To delete the base view:
1 Right-click the base view icon in the browser and select Delete. The Delete
dependant views dialog box is displayed.
2 Click No. The base view is deleted.
3 Save the file and close AutoCAD Mechanical.

Removing Views | 441

Updating Autodesk Inventor Parts

If you have access to Autodesk Inventor (version 7 or above), you can modify
the part file using Autodesk Inventor, then update the part in AutoCAD
Mechanical to reflect the change.
To edit a dimension using Autodesk Inventor
1 Open Holder Bracket.ipt in Autodesk Inventor.
2 Edit a feature.
3 Save the modified part file.
When the part file has been modified outside of AutoCAD Mechanical, on
the browser, the affected views are highlighted in yellow. Additionally, a
balloon is displayed on the status bar informing you that a newer version is
now available. To bring in the modifications, you must update the part file.
To update the part file
1 Use AutoCAD Mechanical to open the Assembly file or Part file that was
used in this exercise.
2 Observe how the browser indicates the parts and views affected by the
part modification.
3 Start the update command.
Browser
Right-click the yellow part node, then choose Update.
Command
AMIVUPDATE
4 Verify that your part has been modified.
You are notified of the number of drawing views that have been updated.
Save your file.
This is the end of this tutorial chapter.

442 | Chapter 21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support

Toolbar Icons

Use this appendix as a guide to help you become acquainted

In this chapter

with AutoCAD Mechanical toolbar icons. The Mechanical

Main Toolbar

Annotation Toolbar

Right and Mechanical Left menus are illustrated here. Some

Arc Toolbar

of the task-specific toolbars are available in a more

Assistance Toolbar

comprehensive format from the Main toolbar at View

Construction Toolbar

Content Toolbar

Design Toolbar

Desktop Annotation Toolbar

Draw Toolbar

Drawing Layout Toolbar

Layer Functions Toolbar

Mechanical View Toolbar

Modify Toolbar

Power Snap Toolbar

Rectangle Toolbar

Structure Toolbar

Text Toolbar

Title Block Toolbar

Zoom Toolbar

Zoom Full Toolbar

Toolbars.

443

Main Toolbar

1 New
2 Open
3 Save
4 Basic Layer
5 Layer Functions
6 Undo
7 Redo
8 Toggle Browser On/Off
9 Design Center
10 Tool Palettes

Main Toolbar - New

444 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

11 Power Edit
12 Power Erase
13 Power Copy
14 Power Dimensioning
15 Power Snap
16 Inquiry
17 UCS
18 Redraw All
19 Help

Main Toolbar - Basic Layer

Main Toolbar - Layer Functions

Main Toolbar - Basic Layer | 445

Main Toolbar - Design Center

Main Toolbar - Power Edit

Main Toolbar - Power Erase

Main Toolbar - Power Copy

446 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

Main Toolbar - Power Dimensioning

Main Toolbar - Power Dimensioning - Units

Main Toolbar - Power Snap

Main Toolbar - Power Dimensioning | 447

Main Toolbar - Inquiry

Main Toolbar - UCS

Annotation Toolbar

448 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

Annotation Toolbar - Symbols

1 Surface Texture
2 Edge Symbol
3 Taper and Slope Symbol
4 Welding Symbol
5 Simple Weld

6 Feature Control Frame

7 Feature Identifier
8 Datum Identifier
9 Datum Target

Annotation Toolbar - Leader Note

1 Leader Note

2 Append Leader

Annotation Toolbar - BOM Database

1 BOM Database
2 Balloon
3 Part Reference

4 Parts List
5 Part Reference Edit
6 Part List/Balloons

Annotation Toolbar - Symbols | 449

Arc Toolbar

Assistance Toolbar

Assistance Toolbar - Block Create

1 Create Block

2 WBlock

Assistance Toolbar - Xref/Insert Block

1 Insert Block

450 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

3 Explode

2 Library

4 External Reference Attach

Assistance Toolbar - Title Block

1 Drawing Title/Borders
2 Plot Date in Title

3 Add One Revision Line

Assistance Toolbar - Text

Assistance Toolbar - Paper/Model Space

1 Mspace <-> Pspace

2 Viewport/Scale Area
3 Scale Monitor

4 Zoom All Viewports

5 Viewport Auto Create

Assistance Toolbar - Title Block | 451

Construction Toolbar

Content Toolbar

452 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

Content - Screws

1 Screw Connection
2 Screw Template
3 Screw

4 Nut
5 Washer

Content - Holes

1 Through Holes
2 Tapped Through Holes
3 External Threads
4 Blind Holes
5 Tapped Blind Holes
6 Counterbores

7 Countersinks
8 Thread Ends
9 Taper External Threads
10 Taper Internal Threads
11 Through Slots
12 Blind Slots

Content - Shaft Generator

1 Shaft Generator
2 Parallel/Woodruff Keys
3 Retaining Rings/Circlips
4 Seals
5 Adjusting Rings
6 Centerholes

7 Undercuts
8 Shaft Breaks
9 Roller Bearings
10 Plain Bearings
11 Shaft Lock Nuts
12 Shim Rings

Content - Screws | 453

Content - Standard Parts

1 Parts Library
2 Steel Shapes
3 Cylindrical Pins
4 Taper Pins
5 Grooved Drive Studs
6 Split/Cotter Pins
7 Plain Rivets

8 Countersunk rivets
9 Clevis Pins
10 Plugs
11 Lubricators
12 Sealing Rings
13 Drill Bushings
14 Drill Bushings with Hole

Content - Springs

1 Compression Springs
2 Extension Springs

3 Torsion Springs
4 Belleville Springs

Content - Calculations

1 FEA
2 Screw Calculation
3 Shaft Calculator
4 Moment of Inertia
5 Predefined Profile Section
6 Deflection Line

454 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

7 Bearing Calculator
8 Cam Design and Calculation
9 Draw Sprocket/Pulley
10 Length Calculation
11 Draw Chain/Belt Links

Design Toolbar

Design Toolbar - Draw

Design Toolbar | 455

Design Toolbar - Modify

Design Toolbar - New Structure

456 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

Design Toolbar - Edit Structure

Design Toolbar - Associative Hide

1 Create Associative Hide

2 Edit Associative Hide

Desktop Annotation Toolbar

Design Toolbar - Edit Structure | 457

Desktop Annotation Toolbar - Dimensioning

1 Align Dimension
2 Join Dimension

3 Insert Dimension
4 Break Dimension

Desktop Annotation Toolbar - Text

1 Line Text
2 Multiline Text

3 Edit Text

Desktop Annotation Toolbar - Annotation

1 Annotation
2 Leader

3 Hole Notes
4 Centerlines

Desktop Annotation Toolbar - BOM data

1 Edit BOM database

458 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

4 Place Parts List

2 Place Balloons
3 Place Reference

5 Part Reference Edit

6 Edit Part List/Balloon

Draw Toolbar

Draw Toolbar - Line

Draw Toolbar | 459

Draw Toolbar - Arc

Draw Toolbar - Rectangle

Draw Toolbar - Circle

460 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

Draw Toolbar - Centerline

Draw Toolbar - Hatch

Draw Toolbar - Construction

Draw Toolbar - Centerline | 461

Draw Toolbar - Construction Edit

Draw Toolbar - Contour Finder

Drawing Layout Toolbar

462 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

Layer Functions Toolbar

Mechanical View Toolbar

Layer Functions Toolbar | 463

Modify Toolbar

Modify Toolbar - Copy

Modify Toolbar - 2D Operations

464 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

Modify Toolbar - Stretch

Modify Toolbar - Break

Modify Toolbar - Divide

Power Snap Toolbar

Modify Toolbar - Stretch | 465

Power Snap Toolbar - Point Filter

1 X Filter
2 Y Filter
3 XY Filter

4 Z Filter
5 XZ Filter
6 YZ Filter

Power Snap Toolbar - Compass Rose

1 Relative Point
2 Rel. Ang. 0 deg
3 Rel. Ang. 45 deg
4 Rel. Ang. 90 deg
5 Rel. Ang. 135 deg

466 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

6 Rel. Ang. 180 deg

7 Rel. Ang. 225 deg
8 Rel. Ang. 270 deg
9 Rel. Ang. 315 deg

Rectangle Toolbar

Rectangle Toolbar | 467

Structure Toolbar

468 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

Text Toolbar

Title Block Toolbar

Text Toolbar | 469

Zoom Toolbar

Zoom Toolbar - Zoom Real-time

Zoom Toolbar - Zoom Window

470 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

Zoom Full Toolbar

Zoom Full Toolbar | 471

Layer Specifications

This appendix contains a list of the layer specifications for

In this chapter

AutoCAD Mechanical.

Layer Specification Listing

473

Layer Specification Listing

The AutoCAD Mechanical layer system is comprised of the following layers:
Description

Name

Color

Linetype

Lineweight

Base

Contour

AM_0

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI:
0.3mm=0.012

Contour

AM_1

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI:
0.3mm=0.012

Contour

AM_2

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI:
0.3mm=0.012

Hidden

AM_3

ISO:
AM_ISO02W050
ANSI: Hidden

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

Auxiliary Line

AM_4

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

Dimension/
Annotation

AM_5

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

Text

AM_6

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO:
0.35mm/ANSI:
0.3mm=0.012

Centerline

AM_7

ISO:
AM_ISO08W050
ANSI: Center

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

474 | Appendix B Layer Specifications

Description

Name

Color

Linetype

Lineweight

Base

Hatch

AM_8

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

Behind

AM_9

253

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

Section Line

AM_10

ISO:
AM_ISO08W050
ANSI: Center

ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI:
0.3mm=0.012

Phantom

AM_11

ISO:
AM_ISO09W050
ANSI: Phantom2

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

Part Reference
Objects

AM_12

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI:
0.3mm=0.012

Std. Parts: Contour

AM_0N

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI:
0.3mm=0.012

Std. Parts: Contour

AM_1N

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI:
0.3mm=0.012

Std. Parts: Contour

AM_2N

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI:
0.3mm=0.012

Std. Parts: Hidden

AM_3N

ISO:
AM_ISO02W050
ANSI: Hidden

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

Layer Specification Listing | 475

Description

Name

Color

Linetype

Lineweight

Base

Std. Parts: Auxiliary Line

AM_4N

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

Std. Parts: Dimension /Annotation

AM_5N

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

Std. Parts: Text

AM_6N

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO:
0.35mm/ANSI:
0.3mm=0.012

Std. Parts: Centerline

AM_7N

ISO:
AM_ISO08W050
ANSI: Center

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

Std. Parts: Hatch

AM_8N

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

Std. Parts: Behind

AM_9N

253

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

Std. Parts: Section Line

AM_10N

ISO:
AM_ISO08W050
ANSI: Center

ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI:
0.3mm=0.012

Std. Parts: Phantom

AM_11N

ISO:
AM_ISO09W050
ANSI: Phantom2

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

Std. Parts: Part

Reference Objects

AM_12N

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI:
0.3mm=0.012

476 | Appendix B Layer Specifications

Description

Name

Color

Linetype

Lineweight

Base

Construction
Line

AM_CL

ISO: Amconstr
ANSI: Amconstr

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

yes

Part Reference

AM_PAREF

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

yes

Border/Title
Block

AM_BOR

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI:
0.3mm=0.012

yes

Viewport

AM_VIEWS

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

yes

Behind (extra)

AM_INV

253

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

yes

Trailing Line

AM_TR

ISO: Continuous
ANSI: Continuous

ISO:
0.25mm/ANSI:
0.15mm=0.006

yes

Layer Specification Listing | 477

Title Block Attributes

This appendix helps you to learn about the AutoCAD

In this chapter

Mechanical title block attributes.

Title Block Attributes

479

Title Block Attributes

AutoCAD Mechanical offers several different title blocks you can choose from.
To customize these title blocks, it is important to understand their attributes.
This appendix will give you an overview which text and attributes are available
in a title block, and their location within the title block structure.

Attributes for Title Block

When a title block drawing is inserted, it is displayed with attributes, curly
brackets, and text messages, that refer to the message files from which the
attribute is called.

Attribute Definitions
The following definitions are assigned to the attributes used in the title block:
Attribute Definitions for Title Block and Drawing Border
Attribute

Definition

GEN-TITLE-NR

Drawing Number

GEN-TITLE-DWG

File Name

GEN-TITLE-MAT1

Material

480 | Appendix C Title Block Attributes

Attribute Definitions for Title Block and Drawing Border

GEN-TITLE-MAT2

Material (second line)

GEN-TITLE-DES1

Drawing Name

GEN-TITLE-DES2

Subtitle

GEN-TITLE-NAME

Name of the Draftsperson

GEN-TITLE-QTY

Quantity

GEN-TITLE-SCA

Scale Factor

GEN-TITLE-POSI

Position Number

GEN-TITLE-CHKM

Checked By

GEN-TITLE-CHKD

Check Date

GEN-TITLE-DAT

Completion Date

GEN-TITLE-SHEET

Page

GEN-TITLE-PLOT

Plot Date

Curly Brackets
The curly brackets behind the attribute display the ratio of the defined width
for the text to the text height.
Example: If you want to enter a text with the height of 5 units, and the width
of the available space is 100 units, the value {20} has to be entered. In this
case the text is fit exactly. If a text with a greater height is inserted afterwards
(for example 8), the value in the curly brackets also has to be adjusted (to
{12.5}); otherwise, the text is displayed outside the available space.

Attributes for Title Block | 481

Message Files
Message files are text files that contain the attributes which are displayed in
the Change Title Block Entry dialog when you are inserting a drawing border.
These attributes change, depending on the selected drawing border and
standard.
The message files can be found in the acadm/translator directory. You can
modify or extend the message files to meet your specifications.

482 | Appendix C Title Block Attributes

Accelerator & Shortcut

Keys

Use this appendix as a guide to the AutoCAD Mechanical

In this chapter

accelerator keys and shortcut keys.

Accelerator Keys

Shortcut Keys

483

Accelerator Keys
Many frequently used commands are accessible using automated shortcuts
known as accelerator keys. Accelerator keys are available for AutoCAD as well
as for AutoCAD Mechanical.
WARNING Accelerator keys are loaded when you install AutoCAD Mechanical.
Accelerator keys specific to AutoCAD Mechanical are appended at the end of the
acad.pgp file. If you have created custom accelerator keys with the same letter
combinations as those in the following table, they will be superseded because the
last entry in the file is activated by the keystrokes. To restore custom accelerator
keys, move the definition to the end of the acad.pgp file.
To use an accelerator key to start a command
1 On the command line, enter the key(s) that correspond to the command
you want to use.
2 Press ENTER, the spacebar, or the right mouse button to execute the
command.
Accelerator keys available in AutoCAD Mechanical
Key

Function

Command

bal

Place Balloon

AMBALLOON

Centerline Cross with Hole

AMCENCRHOLE

cha

Chamfer

AMCHAM2D

Centerline

AMCENTLINE

clin

Draw C-Lines

AMCONSTLINES

cloo

C-Lines ON/OFF

AMCLINEO

Copy+Rotate+Move

AMMANIPULATE

Centerline Cross

AMCENCROSS

484 | Appendix D Accelerator & Shortcut Keys

Accelerator keys available in AutoCAD Mechanical

Key

Function

Command

dan

Angle Dimensioning

AMPOWERDIM_ANG

dau

Automatic Dimensioning

AMAUTODIM

dmed

Multi Edit

AMDIMMEDIT

Fillet

AMFILLET2D

User Defined Hatch

AMUSERHATCH

hioo

Invisible Lines ON/OFF

AMLAYINVO

Layer AM_0

AMLAYER

Layer AM_1

AMLAYER

Layer AM_2

AMLAYER

Layer AM_3

AMLAYER

Layer AM_4

AMLAYER

Layer AM_5

AMLAYER

Layer AM_6

AMLAYER

Layer AM_7

AMLAYER

Layer AM_8

AMLAYER

l10

Layer AM_10

AMLAYER

l11

Layer AM_11

AMLAYER

Accelerator Keys | 485

Accelerator keys available in AutoCAD Mechanical

Key

Function

Command

lib

Library

AMLIBRARY

Layer/Layer Group Control

AMLAYER

lgmo

Move to another Layer Group

AMLGMOVE

lgv

Layer Group Visibility

AMLAYVISENH

lmo

Move to another Layer

AMLAYMOVE

Offset

AMOFFSET

3DOrbit

3DORBIT

par

Create Part Reference

AMPARTREF

Power Copy

AMPOWERCOPY

Power Dimensioning

AMPOWERDIM

ped

Power Edit

AMPOWEREDIT

per

Power Erase

AMPOWERERASE

prc

Power Recall

AMPOWERRECALL

proo

Part Reference Layer ON/OFF

AMLAYPARTREFO

pss

Power Snap Settings 1-4

AMPOWERSNAP

Create View

AMDWGVIEW

Edit View

AMEDITVIEW

486 | Appendix D Accelerator & Shortcut Keys

Accelerator keys available in AutoCAD Mechanical

Key

Function

Command

rec

Rectangle

AMRECTANG

Power Snap Settings 1

AMPSNAP1

Power Snap Settings 2

AMPSNAP2

Power Snap Settings 3

AMPSNAP3

Power Snap Settings 4

AMPSNAP4

Scale Monitor

AMSCMONITOR

stoo

Standard Parts Layer ON/OFF

AMLAYPARTO

tioo

Title Block Layer ON/OFF

AMLAYTIBLO

txl

Language Converter

AMLANGCONV

Units 0

AMUNIT_0

Units 1

AMUNIT_1

Units 2

AMUNIT_2

Units 3

AMUNIT_3

Units 4

AMUNIT_4

Upper Left

AMVIEWUL

Upper Right

AMVIEWUR

Lower Left

AMVIEWLL

Accelerator Keys | 487

Accelerator keys available in AutoCAD Mechanical

Key

Function

Command

Lower Right

AMVIEWLR

Center

AMVIEWCEN

val

View All

AMVIEWALL

vpoo

Viewport Layer ON/OFF

AMLAYVPO

Shortcut Keys
Many frequently used commands are accessible using automated shortcuts
known as shortcut keys. Shortcut keys are not available by default and must
be loaded before they can be used. However, once loaded, they remain available
for subsequent drawing sessions.
To load the optional shortcut keys
1 On the command line, type CUILOAD and press ENTER. The Load/Unload
customizations dialog box is displayed.
2 Click Browse and select the file amshortcut.cui.
3 Click OK until all dialog boxes close.
Mechanical Structure Commands
Key

Function

Command

CTRL+SHIFT+S

Opens/closes the Structure Catalog.

AMSCATALOG

Toggles the object selection mode between top-down and bottom-up.

AMSSMODE

CTRL+SHIFT+A

Activates a component view or a folder.

AMSACTIVATE

488 | Appendix D Accelerator & Shortcut Keys

Mechanical Structure Commands

Key

Function

Command

CTRL+SHIFT+B

Changes the base point of an active

component view or folder.

AMSBASE

CTRL+SHIFT+E

Edits active component view or folder.

AMSEDIT

CTRL+SHIFT+Q

Purges all uninstanced component and

folder definitions.

AMSPURGE

Power Snap Commands

Key

Function

Command

CTRL+P

Displays the Power Snap Setting dialog

box.

AMPOWERSNAP

CTRL+1

Sets object snaps to Setting 1.

AMPSNAP1

CTRL+2

Sets object snaps to Setting 2.

AMPSNAP2

CTRL+3

Sets object snaps to Setting 3.

AMPSNAP3

CTRL+4

Sets object snaps to Setting 4.

AMPSNAP4

Power Commands
Key

Function

Command

CTRL+ALT+D

Creates power dimensions or adds fits

and tolerances to existing power dimensions.

AMPOWERDIM

CTRL+ALT+Q

Toggles the object selection mode between top-down and bottom-up.

AMPOWERERASE

Shortcut Keys | 489

Power Commands
Key

Function

Command

CTRL+ALT+C

Copies an object, along with its mechanical intelligence, to another position in

the drawing.

AMPOWERCOPY

CTRL+ALT+E

Edits power objects by automatically

invoking the appropriate editing command.

AMPOWEREDIT

CTRL+ALT+V

Creates top, bottom or side views of

standard parts.

AMPOWERVIEW

CTRL+ALT+R

Invokes the command used to create a

power object you select.

AMPOWERRECALL

490 | Appendix D Accelerator & Shortcut Keys

Index
A
acceleration 386
adjusting rings 16
angular dimensions 30, 178
annotation views 68, 106
associative 168
views 168
AutoCAD, export drawing views to 422
Autodesk 6
Authorized Reseller 6
Authorized Training Center 6
Official Training Courseware 6
System Center 6
Autodesk Inventor link option 406
Autodesk Inventor linked models 407,
413, 424, 432, 435, 437, 442
base views 413
breakout section views 432, 435
isometric views
437
shade and rotate 407, 424
update 442
Automatic Dimensioning dialog box 173
automatic dimensions 173

B
balloons 244, 249, 431
base layers 58, 116, 154
base views 413, 429
for assembly files 429
for part files 413
baseline dimensions 172
Beam Calculation dialog box 318
bearing calculations 290
bearing calculations
274
bearings, plain 29
belleville spring washers 17, 338
Belt and Chain Length Calculation dialog
box 325
belts 19

bending moments 34, 296, 314

bills of material 17, 244
blind holes 17, 39, 232
blind slots 18, 39
bolts 33
BOM databases 17, 244, 249
border conditions in stress
calculations 372
break dimensions 22, 180
breakout section views, assembly
files 432, 435
breaks in shafts 284

C
calculations on bearings 17, 290
Cam Design and Calculation dialog
box 387, 391, 397, 401
cams 386
centerholes 19
centerlines 172, 238
centroids 316
chains 19, 323325, 333
calculations 323
length calculations 325
partitions 324
pitch diameters 324
roller 324
sprockets 324
chamfers 274, 283
Change Title Block Entry dialog
box 411, 428
circlips 24
clevis pins 19
command access methods 5
command summary 16
components 68, 79, 9698, 100, 103,
105
insert views of external 100
mechanical structure folders 68
external reference 98, 103, 105

491 | Index

ghost 96
mechanical structure 68
restructure 97
view 79
compression springs 338
construction lines 23, 130, 134, 204, 239
Construction Lines dialog box 135
contact areas in screw calculations 360
context menu command access 5
contours 27, 134, 144, 188, 204
lines 134
background and foreground 188
backgrounds and foregrounds 204
hatch patterns 144
visibility 27
cotter pins 21
counterbores 21, 39
countersinks 21, 39, 204
countersunk rivets 21
Create Drawing View dialog box 413,
415, 429, 433, 435, 437
cross-hatching 144
crosshairs 30
curve paths on cams 386
custom filters for parts lists 270
cutlines 434
cutting planes 34
cylinders in shafts 278
cylindrical pins 21

D
default layers 116
deflection lines 34, 296, 314, 317
Detail dialog box 148
detail views 130, 147, 154, 158
deviations to dimensions 146
dialog boxes 60, 131, 135, 148, 165,
167, 173, 181182, 246, 248,
253, 275276, 299300, 303, 318,
325, 354, 372, 387, 407, 409
413, 415, 423424, 427429, 433,
435, 437
Automatic Dimensioning 173
Beam Calculation 318

492 | Index

Belt an Chain Length

Calculation 325
Cam Design and Calculation 387
Change Title Block Entry 411, 428
Construction Lines 135
Create Drawing View 413, 415,
429, 433, 435, 437
Detail 148
Drawing Borders with title
Block 409, 427
Drawing Borders with Title
Block 181
Edit Attributes 182
Export Drawing Views 423
FEA 2D Calculation 372
Layer Control 167
Material Properties 300
Options 60, 412
Page Setup Manager 409, 428
Page Setup-Layout 410, 428
Part Ref Attributes
246, 248, 253
Power Dimensioning 165
Power Snap Settings 276
Save Title Block Filename 412
Select a Row 354
Select Template 131, 275, 407, 424
Shaft Calculation 299
Torque
303
dimensions viii, 22, 145146, 172, 179,
412, 418, 421422
breaks 22
contours viii, 145
deviations 146
multi edit 172, 179
parametric 412, 418
radial 422
reference 421
distance snaps 130
distributed loads 314, 370
drawing borders 38, 181, 409, 427
Drawing Borders with Title Block dialog
box 181, 409, 427
drawing views xi, 409, 412, 422, 427,
429
export to AutoCAD 422
insert drawing borders 409, 427

drawings 5859, 62, 64, 172

borders 172
default templates 64
layers 58
limits 58, 62
new 64
templates 5859, 62
drill bushings 22
durability calculations 370
dynamic calculations
274
dynamic dragging 204, 338
dynamic dragging
274

G
Gear dialog box 302
gears 274, 296
geometry in structure 68
ghost components 96
grooved drive studs 24

edge symbols 23
Edit Attributes dialog box 182
Export Drawing Views dialog box 423
export drawing views to AutoCAD 422
extension springs 23, 338
external reference components 98, 103,
105
external threads 23

hatch patterns 24, 39, 144

hidden edges 196
hidden lines 188
hide situations 108, 189
in mechanical structure
2D 189
holes 21, 39, 232, 420
add notes 420
blind 232
counterbored 21, 39
countersunk 39
user-defined 39
hollow cylinders 25

fatigue factors 296

FEA (Finite Element Analysis) 370
FEA 2D Calculation dialog box 372
FEA 2D Isolines (Isoareas) dialog box 376
FEA Configuration dialog box 373
feature control frame symbols 24
feature identifier symbols 24
Fillet Radius dialog box 141
fillets 24, 141, 274
filters for parts lists 267, 270
finite element analysis (FEA) 370
fits 24, 172, 179
fits lists 183
fixed supports 296, 314, 370, 373
fixed supports on shafts 301
folders 68, 7072, 88
instances of 72
mechanical structure 68, 70, 88
modify 71
frequently used commands 484, 488

inner shaft contours 34

instances vii, 69, 76
compared to occurrences vii, 76
in mechanical structure 69
isoareas in calculations 376
isolines in stress calculations 376

108

K
keys in shafts

L
language converter 26
Layer Control dialog box 59, 119, 121,
125, 167
layer groups 27, 58, 116, 119, 154
layer specifications 473
layer system 26, 474

493 | Index

layers 59
layouts 154155
leaders 28, 37, 253, 263
length calculations for chains 325
libraries for storage 130
Library dialog box 27
lines 134, 296, 317
construction 134
deflection 296, 317
link to part files 407
List of Filters dialog box 268
load calculations 24, 296, 314, 361, 370
lock washers 35
lubricators 27

Material dialog box 299

Material Properties dialog box 300
material properties for screws 354
Material Type dialog box 318
mechanical browser 18, 68, 88, 90, 92
restructure 92
usage with Bill of Materials 90
mechanical layers 59, 116
mechanical options 60
mechanical structure 6870, 276
enable 70, 276
folders 68, 70
mesh in stress calculations 375, 377
model space 33, 155, 160
module values in shafts 279
moments of inertia 25, 314
motion diagrams for cams 386
movable supports 296, 314, 370, 374
movable supports on shafts 301
mtext 37
multi edit dimensions 172, 179

Page Setup - Layout dialog box 410, 428

Page Setup Manager dialog box 409, 428
parallel keys 34
part information 245
Part Ref Attributes dialog box 246, 248,
253
part references 29, 244245
partitions in chains 324
parts layers 26, 58, 116
Parts List dialog box 257
parts lists 29, 244, 254, 259260, 265,
267, 430
merge rows 259
defined 244
filters 267
sort 265
split rows 260
pins 235
pitch diameters in chains 324
plain bearings 29
plain rivets 29
plugs 29, 34
point forces 296, 314
Point Load dialog box 302
polylines 139
power commands 130, 195
Power Copy 213, 338
Power Copy
204
Power Dimensioning 130, 154, 172

N
NC (numerical control) 386
Nominal Diameter dialog box 164
notches and stress calculations 296
numerical control (NC) 386
nuts 28

494 | Index

o-rings 34
object snap modes 30
object snaps 133
objects 69, 124
copy with layer groups 124
mechanical structure 69
occurrences vii, 69, 76
compared with instances vii, 76
in mechanical structure 69
Options dialog box 60
orthogonal views for part files 415
outer shaft contours 34

Power Dimensioning dialog box 146,

150, 165
Power Edit 204, 224, 338, 370, 379
Power Erase 172, 204, 230, 262
Power Recall 204
Power Snap Settings dialog box 134, 276
Power View 204, 227, 348
precision in dimensions 146
profiles in shafts 282
property class for screws 355
pulleys 19, 35
Pulleys and Sprockets dialog box 329

R
radial dimensions 422
radius reflection lines 274
rectangles 31
reference dimensions 421
reference points 31
relative points 31
representations of standard parts 36,
205, 240
resolution in cam calculations 386
restructure components 97
result blocks in screw calculations 366
retaining rings 24
revised commands 44
revision lists 32
rivets 29
plain 29
roller bearings 32
roller chains 324
rotate tool 407, 424

S
Save Drawing As dialog box 62
Save Title Block Filename dialog box 412
Scale Area dialog box 156
scale areas 33, 154155
scale monitors 154
scale of viewports, default 40
Screw Assembly Grip Representation Front View dialog box 211

Screw Assembly Templates dialog

box 33, 220
Screw Calculation dialog box 354
Screw Connection dialog box 33, 207,
216, 221
Screw Connection New Part Front View
dialog box 225
screw connections 33
Screw Diameter Estimation dialog
box 221
screws 33, 215, 221, 352, 354355, 357,
360361, 363364, 366
calculations 352
connections 352
contact areas 360
loads and bending moments 361
material properties 354
precalculations 221
property class 355
result blocks 366
settlement properties 363
stand-alone calculations
352
templates 215
tightening properties 364
washers 357
scripts 33
sealing rings 34
Select a Blind Hole dialog box 233
Select a Cylindrical Pin dialog box 235
Select a Nut dialog box 356
Select a Row dialog box 354
Select a Screw dialog box 207, 354
Select Graph dialog box 304, 320
Select Part Size dialog box 237, 326
Select Template dialog box 131, 275,
407, 424
Set Value dialog box 258, 266
settlement properties in screw
calculations 363
Shaft Calculation dialog box 299
Shaft Generator dialog box 277
shafts 29, 3435, 39, 274, 278279, 282
286, 288, 297, 304
breaks 274, 284
calculations 297, 304
chamfers and fillets 283

495 | Index

commands that act on 39

commands that act on
29
contours 34
cylinders 278
generator 274, 297
lock nuts 35
module values 279
profiles 282
safety factors
34
side views 285
slopes 288
threads 286
shim rings 35
shortcuts 484, 488
simple welds 35
slopes on shafts 288
slots, through 39
snap distance for balloons 254
snap settings 30, 133
Sort dialog box 265
sort parts lists 265
springs 17, 20, 23, 39, 337338, 341
belleville 338
calculations 337338
compression 338
extension 338
layouts 341
torsion 338
sprockets 19, 35
sprockets for chains 324, 329
stability calculations 370
standard parts 30, 205
Standard Parts Database dialog box 36
steel shapes 36, 188, 192, 195
step width in cam calculations 386
Strength Calculation dialog box 308
strength calculations for shafts 296, 307
stress 296
yield points 296
stress calculations 24, 296, 370
stress divisions 380
stress representations 378
stress tables 377
structure catalog 33
supporting forces 34
supports 296

496 | Index

surface texture symbols 37

Switch Representation of Standard Parts
dialog box 241
symbols 2324
edge 23
feature control frame
24
feature identifier 24
symmetrical lines 37

T
tangent definitions for chains 327
taper pins 37
tapped blind holes 37
tapped through holes 37
Template Description dialog box 63
templates, drawings 5859, 62, 64
text styles 36, 38
thread ends 38
threads on shafts 286
through holes 38
through slots 39
tightening properties in screw
calculations 364
title blocks 29, 38, 172
tolerances 29, 146, 172
toolbutton command access 5
Torque dialog box 303
torque rotation angles 34
torsion moments 34
torsion springs 39, 338
trace contours 39
tracking lines 254
translate text 26
trims 143
Type of Follower dialog box 388

U
undercuts

V
view components 79
View dialog box 160, 168

viewports 27, 40, 154155, 158

views xi, 106, 130, 154, 158, 168, 285,
412, 415, 429, 432, 437
annotation 106
associative 168
base 429
breakout section 432
detail 130, 158
drawing xi, 412, 429
isometric 437
multiple for assembly files 432
orthogonal 415
scales 154
sides of shafts 285
virtual intersections 31
Visibility Enhancement dialog box 125

W
washers

35, 40, 357

weld symbols 40
woodruff keys 34
working layers 58, 116, 154

X
xref components
xrefs 40

98, 103, 105

Y
yield points of stress

296

Z
z coordinate 31
zigzag lines 41
zigzag lines for shaft ends
zoom 40

497 | Index

Precert Handout
No ratings yet
Precert Handout
1 page
500 MW Familiarisation
100% (1)
500 MW Familiarisation
338 pages
Dsa Nov 2024
No ratings yet
Dsa Nov 2024
3 pages
Rust Cheatsheet
No ratings yet
Rust Cheatsheet
1 page
Pertmaster Risk Expert Training Manual PDF
100% (3)
Pertmaster Risk Expert Training Manual PDF
45 pages
OOAD Chapter 5
No ratings yet
OOAD Chapter 5
23 pages
P 2M: Generating Deployable Models From Natural Language Instructions
No ratings yet
P 2M: Generating Deployable Models From Natural Language Instructions
10 pages
Principles: Life and Work
From Everand
Principles: Life and Work
Ray Dalio
4/5 (648)
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
From Everand
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
Brené Brown
4/5 (1175)
The Glass Castle: A Memoir
From Everand
The Glass Castle: A Memoir
Jeannette Walls
4.5/5 (1856)
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer
From Everand
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer
Siddhartha Mukherjee
4.5/5 (298)
Sing, Unburied, Sing: A Novel
From Everand
Sing, Unburied, Sing: A Novel
Jesmyn Ward
4/5 (1267)
Steve Jobs
From Everand
Steve Jobs
Walter Isaacson
4.5/5 (1139)
Agenda - Oracle OpenWorld Asia - Singapore 2019 - Oracle Singapore
No ratings yet
Agenda - Oracle OpenWorld Asia - Singapore 2019 - Oracle Singapore
26 pages
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
From Everand
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
Phil Knight
4.5/5 (629)
K Uniflair Ug30
No ratings yet
K Uniflair Ug30
48 pages
The Outsider: A Novel
From Everand
The Outsider: A Novel
Stephen King
4/5 (2886)
Her Body and Other Parties: Stories
From Everand
Her Body and Other Parties: Stories
Carmen Maria Machado
4/5 (903)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
From Everand
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky
4.5/5 (4103)
Angela's Ashes: A Memoir
From Everand
Angela's Ashes: A Memoir
Frank McCourt
4.5/5 (943)
Literature Review
100% (1)
Literature Review
5 pages
The World Is Flat 3.0: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century
From Everand
The World Is Flat 3.0: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century
Thomas L. Friedman
3.5/5 (2289)
Mid Term
No ratings yet
Mid Term
19 pages
Fear: Trump in the White House
From Everand
Fear: Trump in the White House
Bob Woodward
3.5/5 (836)
Atsc Readme PDF
No ratings yet
Atsc Readme PDF
15 pages
Answers For Chapter 2: How Organisations Use ICT 1: Questions 1 To 3 Relate To This Scenario
0% (1)
Answers For Chapter 2: How Organisations Use ICT 1: Questions 1 To 3 Relate To This Scenario
5 pages
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
From Everand
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
Doris Kearns Goodwin
4.5/5 (244)
Rise of ISIS: A Threat We Can't Ignore
From Everand
Rise of ISIS: A Threat We Can't Ignore
Jay Sekulow
3.5/5 (144)
Aile Landscape
No ratings yet
Aile Landscape
28 pages
Question and Ans
No ratings yet
Question and Ans
5 pages
A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius: A Memoir Based on a True Story
From Everand
A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius: A Memoir Based on a True Story
Dave Eggers
3.5/5 (233)
Yuyuyu
No ratings yet
Yuyuyu
7 pages
Should Know About?" The Competition, External Market Factors, and The Product
No ratings yet
Should Know About?" The Competition, External Market Factors, and The Product
2 pages
The Yellow House: A Memoir (2019 National Book Award Winner)
From Everand
The Yellow House: A Memoir (2019 National Book Award Winner)
Sarah M. Broom
4/5 (100)
Aswin Resume Fresher PDF
No ratings yet
Aswin Resume Fresher PDF
2 pages
Module - 3 Notes
No ratings yet
Module - 3 Notes
22 pages
John Adams
From Everand
John Adams
David McCullough
4.5/5 (2546)
Horror
No ratings yet
Horror
1 page
User's Manual-Software PDF
No ratings yet
User's Manual-Software PDF
23 pages
Henry Tam and MGI Team
No ratings yet
Henry Tam and MGI Team
12 pages
Article Template PDF
No ratings yet
Article Template PDF
3 pages
Barwani
No ratings yet
Barwani
5 pages
In India
No ratings yet
In India
2 pages
Itil 2011mind Maps
No ratings yet
Itil 2011mind Maps
1 page
Project 2 Instructions
No ratings yet
Project 2 Instructions
2 pages
Seven Pragmatic Practices To Improve Software Quality
No ratings yet
Seven Pragmatic Practices To Improve Software Quality
10 pages
Configuring Drilldown On A Form Applet
No ratings yet
Configuring Drilldown On A Form Applet
2 pages
IC Engine Objective Questions and Answer by S K Mondal PDF
100% (2)
IC Engine Objective Questions and Answer by S K Mondal PDF
0 pages
Little Women
From Everand
Little Women
Louisa May Alcott
4.5/5 (2369)
Manhattan Beach: A Novel
From Everand
Manhattan Beach: A Novel
Jennifer Egan
3.5/5 (919)
The Light Between Oceans: A Novel
From Everand
The Light Between Oceans: A Novel
M.L. Stedman
4.5/5 (815)
Chapter 4 The Enhanced Entity-Relationship (EER) Model: Dr. Bernard Chen PH.D
No ratings yet
Chapter 4 The Enhanced Entity-Relationship (EER) Model: Dr. Bernard Chen PH.D
42 pages
SAS - Statistical Analysis System
No ratings yet
SAS - Statistical Analysis System
34 pages
8 Exercise MF-FM - Exercise - Mesh - Generation PDF
No ratings yet
8 Exercise MF-FM - Exercise - Mesh - Generation PDF
16 pages
Duct Construction Manual
No ratings yet
Duct Construction Manual
110 pages
The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America
From Everand
The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America
George Packer
4/5 (45)
Cisco ITU-T G.8032 Ethernet Ring Protection Switching
No ratings yet
Cisco ITU-T G.8032 Ethernet Ring Protection Switching
24 pages
8086 Interrupt System: By. M. Chinyuku
No ratings yet
8086 Interrupt System: By. M. Chinyuku
29 pages
Final Placement Report 2012: Indian Institute of Management Indore
No ratings yet
Final Placement Report 2012: Indian Institute of Management Indore
8 pages
How To Use Matlab and Simulink With Arduino
No ratings yet
How To Use Matlab and Simulink With Arduino
16 pages
How To Overcome Android Boot Loop
No ratings yet
How To Overcome Android Boot Loop
9 pages