SOLID MODELLING FUNDAMENTALS

Tutorial Exercise

Figure I

Purpose

This tutorial exercise is designed to produce 3D solid model of the column and then generate
orthographic views of the solid using the SOLVIEW and SOLDRAW commands. See figure I

System settings
Begin a new drawing called column. Use the units control dialogue box to change the number of
decimal places past the zero from four to two. Keep all default values in the dialogue box

Layers
Create the following layers with the format:

Name – Model, Color – Cyan, Linetype – Continuous

Suggested commands
Begin this by creating a solid model of the column. Then use the SOLVIEW command to lay out
the front, top, right side and isometric views of the column. Next draw the views in two
dimensions using the SOLDRAW command. Dimensioning techniques will be explained. This
tutorial switches you from model space to paper space to accomplish the necessary tasks in
building the solid model and abstracting the views.

Whenever possible substitute the appropriate command alias in place of the full AutoCAD
command in each tutorial step. For example use co for the copy command. L for line command
and so on.

PHASE I: Creating the Solid Model

Step #1
Choose the format from the MENU bar as shown in fig. A. And click on the units tab. Change the
precision to two decimal places from the Drawing units dialogue box. See fig. B. Next click File on the
Menu bar then select NEW and for the title block description, pick the ANSI-D Color dependent plot
styles from the list. See fig. D. Make sure you name the file Column and the file with an extension .Dwg
will be created and save it where you can retrieve it later

Fig. A Fig. B

Fig. C Fig. D
 Step #3
Leave the paper space environment and enter the model space. This area will be used to construct
model of the column before re-entering paper space and begging the layout phase of the drawing.
Model space is entered by setting TILEMODE to a value of 1 or in the pull down menu area, click
on the view> Model space (tiled) to enter the model space environment. Once in the model
space, create a new layer called MODEL if it has not been already created; make this layer
current in the drawing. Then draw circle 3.5 units in diameter to begging the construction of the
large cylinder. See fig. 3.

Command: TILEMODE
New value for TILEMODE <0>: 1

Command: LAYER

Command: CIRCLE
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr
(tan tan radius)]: 5,5
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: D
Specify diameter of circle: 3.5

Figure 1

Figure 3

Figure 2
 Step #4
Click on view in the pull down menu area and pick 3D viewpoint> SE Isometric to view the
image in the south east view point direction. If the image is too large on the screen, Use the
zoom command to de-magnify it at the value of 0.6 units. See fig.4. Convert the circle into a
cylinder using the EXTRUDE command

Command: ZOOM
Specify corner of window, enter a scale factor (nX or nXP), or
[All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/Scale/Window/Object
] <real time>: 0.6

Command: EXTRUDE
Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4
Select objects to extrude: (Select the circle) 1 found
Select objects to extrude: (Press Enter to continue with this
command)
Figure 4
Specify height of extrusion or [Direction/Path/Taper angle]: 5

Step #5
Begging defining a number of user coordinate systems using the UCS command. Locate the new
origin of the UCS at the centre of the cylinder base. See fig. 5. If the UCS icon does not move to
the new origin use the UCSICON command and activate the origin option; the UCS icon will now
reflect the position of the new user coordinate system under a unique name; name this
coordinate system “BOTTOM”

Command: UCS
Current ucs name: *WORLD*
Specify origin of UCS or
[Face/NAmed/OBject/Previous/View/World/X/Y/Z/ZAxis]
<World>: CEN
of
Specify point on X-axis or <Accept>: (Pick the edge of the
bottom of the cylinder at A)

Command: UCS
Current ucs name: *NO NAME*
Specify origin of UCS or A
[Face/NAmed/OBject/Previous/View/World/X/Y/Z/ZAxis]
<World>: S (For Save)
Enter name to save current UCS or [?]: BOTTOM Figure 5
 Step #6
Move the UCS icon 2.5 units in the Z direction using the UCS command. See fig. 6. Then rotate
the UCS icon 90 degrees along the X axis using the X axis option of the UCS command. The
purpose of this operation is to prepare for the construction of the extension lug coming off the
cylinder. Save this coordinate system as “LUG”

Command: UCS
Current ucs name: BOTTOM
Specify origin of UCS or
[Face/NAmed/OBject/Previous/View/World/X/Y/Z/ZAxis]
<World>: O (For Origin)
Specify new origin point <0,0,0>: 0,0,2.5
Command: UCS
Current ucs name: *NO NAME*
Specify origin of UCS or
[Face/NAmed/OBject/Previous/View/World/X/Y/Z/ZAxis] <World>: X
Specify rotation angle about X axis <90>: 90
Command: UCS
Current ucs name: *NO NAME*
Specify origin of UCS or
[Face/NAmed/OBject/Previous/View/World/X/Y/Z/ZAxis]<World>: S
Enter name to save current UCS or [?]: LUG Figure 6

Step #7
Create a construction line from 0, 0, 0 and 3.5 units in the X positive direction. Then offset these
line 1.5 units up and down using the OFFSET command. These lines represent the beginning of
the extension lug. See fig. 7.

Command: LINE
Specify first point: 0,0,0
Specify next point or [Undo]: @3.5<0
Specify next point or [Undo]: (Press Enter to end the command)

Command: OFFSET
Current settings: Erase source=No Layer=Source
OFFSETGAPTYPE=0
A C
Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <Through>: 1.5
Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: (Select the line at B)
Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: (Pick
at C) B
Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: (Select the line at B)
Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: (Pick
at D) D
Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: (Press enter to end
this command) Figure 7
 Step #8
Use the ERASE command to delete line B in fig. 8. Then use the FILLET command to cap the
endpoints of lines C & D with an arc, as shown in fig. Even if the fillet radius is set to a value, the
command will determine the radius based on the distance between the opposite end points of
the two parallel lines. Use the line command and connect endpoints E & F

Command: ERASE
Select objects: (Select line B in fig. ) 1 found
Select objects: (Press enter to execute this command)

Command: FILLET E
Current settings: Mode = TRIM, Radius = 0.0000
Select first object or [Undo/Polyline/Radius/Trim/Multiple]: R
(for radius) C
Specify fillet radius <0.0000>: 0.5
Select first object or [Undo/Polyline/Radius/Trim/Multiple]:
(Pick the end point at C)
Select second object or shift-select to apply corner: (Pick the F
end point at D)

Command: LINE
Specify first point: Endp D
Of (Pick the end point of the line at E)
Specify next point or [Undo]: Endp Figure 8
Of (Pick the end point of the line at F)
Specify next point or [Undo]: (Press Enter to end this
command)
 Step #9
While in the current user coordinate system (LUG), use the PEDIT command to convert the
three line segments and arc segment into a single poly-line see fig. 9. This poly-line will be used
to create an extrusion representing the lug in later step. Once the four ha objects has been
converted into a poly-line, move the object -1.25 units in the Z direction using the MOVE command. The
1.25 units represent one-half of the total thickness (2.5) of the lug.

Command: PEDIT
Select polyline or [Multiple]: (Pick the line at A)
Object selected is not a polyline
Do you want to turn it into one? <Y> (Press enter to turn
the line into a polyline)
Enter an option [Close/Join/Width/Edit
vertex/Fit/Spline/Decurve/Ltype gen/Undo]: J
Select objects: (Pick one of the remaining lines) 1 found
Select objects: (Pick the second line) 1 found, 2 total A
Select objects: (Pick the arc segment) 1 found, 3 total
Select objects: (Press enter to perform the conversion
operation)
3 segments added to polyline
Enter an option [Open/Join/Width/Edit
vertex/Fit/Spline/Decurve/Ltype gen/Undo]: (Press enter
to end this command) Figure 9

Command: MOVE
Select objects: L (for Last; this should highlight the
polyline object)
1 found
Select objects: (Press enter to continue with this
command)
Specify base point or [Displacement] <Displacement>:
0,0,0
Specify second point or <use first point as displacement>:
0,0,-1.25

Your image should be similar to fig. 10

Figure 10
 Step #10

Use the EXTRUDE command to extrude the poly-

line outline representing the lug a distance of 2.5
units see fig. 11

Command: EXTRUDE
Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4 A
Select objects to extrude: (Pick the polyline
outline of the lug at A) 1 found
Select objects to extrude: (Press enter to continue
with this command)
Specify height of extrusion or
[Direction/Path/Taper angle] <5.0000>: 2.5

Figure 11

Step #11

Use the UNION command to join the lug and

cylinder to form a single solid object as shown in
A
fig. 12

Command: UNION
Select objects: (Pick the cylinder at A) 1 found
Select objects: (Pick the solid object of the lug at B)
1 found, 2 total
Select objects: (Press enter to perform the union
operation)
B

Figure 12

Step #12
While in the current user coordinates system construct a cylinder from the back edge of the lug at a
height of 2.5 units. See fig. 13. Use the SUBTRACT command to subtract the cylinder from solid object to
create a hole
Command: CYLINDER
Specify center point of base or [3P/2P/Ttr/Elliptical]: CEN
of (Pick the edge of the arc at A) B
Specify base radius or [Diameter]: D
Specify diameter: 1.5
Specify height or [2Point/Axis endpoint] <2.5000>: 2.5

Command: SUBTRACT A
Select solids and regions to subtract from..
Select objects: (Select the solid object at B) 1 found
Select objects: (Press Enter to continue with this command) C
Select solids and regions to subtract...
Select objects: (Select the small cylinder at C) 1 found
Select objects: (Press Enter to perform the subtraction
command)
Figure 13

Step #13
Restore the previously stored user coordinate system called BOTTOM. Construct another cylinder from
the bottom of the large cylinder, as shown in fig.12. Create the cylinder with a diameter of 2.5 units and
a height of 5 units. Subtract the cylinder from the main object. The column is completed. Continue with
this tutorial to create 2D orthographic views from the solid model.

Command: UCS
Current ucs name: LUG B
Specify origin of UCS or
[Face/NAmed/OBject/Previous/View/World/X/Y/Z/ZAxis]
<World>: R (For Restore)
Enter name of UCS to restore or [?]: BOTTOM A

Command: CYLINDER
Specify center point of base or [3P/2P/Ttr/Elliptical]: 0,0,0
Specify base radius or [Diameter] <0.7500>: D (For diameter)
Specify diameter <1.5000>: 2
Specify height or [2Point/Axis endpoint] <2.5000>: 5

Command: SUBTRACT
Select solids and regions to subtract from...
Select objects: (Select the solid object at A) 1 found
Select objects: (Press Enter to continue with this command) Figure 14
Select solids and regions to subtract...
Select objects: (Pick the cylinder at B) 1 found
Select objects: (Press Enter to perform the subtraction com
 PHASE II: Extracting the Orthographic Views

With the completed model of the column, begin the extraction process which will create the
orthographic views of front, top and right side in addition to a section view and isometric view. After all
views are extracted, drawn, sectioned, and dimensioned, the completed drawing will appear similar to
fig. 15

Figure 15

Step #1
From figure 14, note the position of the user coordinate system. This location will begin the extraction
process to create the initial orthographic view. All other views will be based on the initial view. To begin
enter the paper space environment by setting the TILEMODE to 0. Once inside the paper space, bring up
the layer and Linetype properties dialogue box. Delete the layer called VIEWPORT; this layer was created
when begging the drawing in phase I. A different layer will be created shortly to hold all viewport
information. Next, to further prepare for extraction and drawing of the orthographic views, load the
HIDDEN Linetype. You may also make color assignments to various layers

Command: TILEMODE
New value for Tilemode <1>: 0
 Figure 16

Step #2
While inside the paper space, use the SOLVIEW command to begin the extraction process. This
command will allow you to build an initial view based on the current position of the user coordinate
system. Once you locate the view on the drawing, you may change the scale of the view, give the view a
name and construct a viewport around the view. When constructing the viewport, take care to make it
large enough to accommodate the dimensions that need to be added later on the view. See fig. And the
following prompts.
Command: SOLVIEW
Enter an option [Ucs/Ortho/Auxiliary/Section]: U (to base the view on the current User coordinate
system)
Enter an option [Named/World/?/Current] <Current>: (press enter to accept the <current> default)
Enter view scale <1.00>: (press enter to accept this default scale value)
Specify view center: (locate the image approximately in the upper left corner of the border area)
Specify view center <specify viewport>: (press enter to place the view and continue with the command)
Specify first corner of viewport: (Pick a point near A)
Specify opposite corner of viewport: (Pick a point near B)
Enter view name: TOP
Enter an option [Ucs/Ortho/Auxiliary/Section]: (Press enter to exit this command)
 B

Figure 17

Step #3
Before continuing with SOLVIEW command, view the layers at this point through the layer and Linetype
properties dialogue box in figure18. Three layers were automatically created as a result of laying out the
first view using SOLVIEW, namely TOP-DIM, TOP-HID and TOP-VIS. TOP-DIM will hold all dimension
information located in the top view. TOP-HID will hold all hidden information for the top view; TOP-VIS
will hold all visible line information in the top view. These three layers are automatically visible in the
current viewport and automatically frozen in other viewports; the presence of the snowflake symbol
states this.
Now return to the SOLVIEW command and layout the remaining orthographic views

Figure 18
 Step # 4
Use SOLVIEW and Ortho option to create the front view based on the initial view already place z(see
figure 19). As the new view is being located Ortho mode is automatically turned on to keep both views
lined up with each other in the same orientation. Also OSNAP-Midpoint mode is activated allowing you
to select the midpoint of the viewports edge and project the new view down. Create a viewport by
following the prompts to clip a first corner and other corner. Again you will add dimensions to this view
later on so make the viewport a good size. Name the view FRONT and continue on by laying out the
R_SIDE view in using the same prompt sequence. Create a small viewport since no dimensions will be
placed on this view.

C F

E
B

Figure 19

Step # 5
To demonstrate the flexibility of the SOLVIEW command, a section view will be created by constructing
a cutting plane line on the R_SIDE view. See figure 20. Be sure the R_SIDE view is the active viewport
when creating this section.
 Figure 20

Step #6
To create the projection of an isometric view, return to the solid model; this is accomplished back in
model space by setting TILEMODE to 1. The use the UCS command to create a new user coordinate
system based on the current view. See figure 21

Command: TILEMODE
Enter new value for TILEMODE <0>: 1

Command: UCS
Current ucs name: *NO NAME*
Specify origin of UCS or
[Face/NAmed/OBject/Previous/View/World/X/Y/Z/ZAxis]
<World>: V

Figure 21
 Step #7

Return back to paper space by setting TILEMODE Specify view center <specify viewport>: (press enter
back to 0. Issue the SOLVIEW command and use to place the view and continue with the command)
the UCS option to layout the isometric view of the Specify first corner of viewport: (Pick a point near A)
column based on the current user coordinate Specify opposite corner of viewport: (Pick a point
system. See figure 22. near B)
Enter view name: ISO
Command: TILEMODE Enter an option [Ucs/Ortho/Auxiliary/Section]: (Press
Enter new value for TILEMODE <1>: 0 enter to exit this command)

Command: SOLVIEW All views have been successively laid out. However
Enter an option [Ucs/Ortho/Auxiliary/Section]: U none of the orthographic views show hidden features
(To base the view on the current user coordinate defined by hidden lines. Also the section view does
system) not show section lines to illustrate which surfaces
Enter an option [Named/World/?/Current] were cut by the imaginary cutting plane line.
<Current>: (press enter to accept the current
position of the user coordinate system) The SOLVIEW command is used only as a layout tool.
Enter view scale <1.00>: (press enter to accept this To actually draw the view complete with visible,
default value) object, and section lines, use the SOLDRAW
Specify view center: (locate the Isometric view in command. This will be covered in phase III of this
the upper right corner of the title block area) project

Figure 22
 Phase III- Using SODRAW to construct the 2D Views

Step #1
The SOLDRAW command is designed to follow the Command: SOLDRAW
SOLVIEW command. SOLVIEW is used as a layout Select viewports to draw:
tool; it allows positioning the Top, Front, R_side, Select objects: (select the edges of the five
section, and Isometric views in the paper space viewports to draw the orthogonal views)
environment. See figure23. SOLDRAW is used to Select objects: (Press enter to perform the
draw object, hidden and section lines. Dimensions SOLDRAW operation)
will be place in the drawing during another phase.

Figure 23

Step # 2
Notice the Isometric view in figure... has Command: LAYER
been drawn complete with hidden lines.
This lines need to be made invisible in the While inside the layer and Linetype properties
isometric view. To accomplish this, first dialogue box, locate the layer called ISO-HID and
enter floating mode space. Click inside the freeze this layer in the current viewport in the
viewport that holds the drawing of the illustration provided
isometric view in figure 24. This makes
the viewport current. Then issue the
LAYER command and freeze the layer
containing the hidden lines just in the
isometric view in figure 25.

Command: MS (to enter the model

space)
Activate the viewport holding the
Isometric view

Figure 24

Figure 25
.
 Step # 3
While still in Model Space activate the
viewport holding the section view information.
The cross-hatching looks too dense and needs
to be scaled up in size using the HATCHEDIT
dialogue box in figure 26.

(Click in the viewport that contains the section

view)

Command: HATCHEDIT
Select hatch object: (Select the hatch object
located in the viewport in figure 27)

In the scale area of the HATCHEDIT dialogue

box change the hatch pattern scale to a new
value of 3 units. Click the Ok button to change
the scale of the hatch pattern.
Figure 26

Figure 27
PHASE IV – Adding Dimensions to the Views

Step #1
Begging adding dimensions to the front view, do this while still in the Model space. First click in
the viewport containing the front view information. Then issue the UCS command along with the
view option. This will line up the user coordinate system icon parallel to the display screen. This
will enable the dimensions to be placed as in a normal 2D drawing. Once the icon has been
changed, make the FRONT –DIM layer current and begin placing the dimensions in the front
viewport. As you place the dimensions notice they don’t appear in other viewports. The
SOLVIEW command automatically creates dimension layers and freezes the layers in the
viewports that they don’t apply in.
(Click in the viewport at A in figure 28 that contains the front view)

Command: UCS
Current ucs name: *NO NAME*
Specify origin of UCS or [Face/NAmed/OBject/Previous/View/World/X/Y/Z/ZAxis]<World>:V

Command: LAYER
Select FRONT-DIM on the Layer properties dialogue box and click ok to set it the current
layer.

(A)

Figure 28

Step # 2
Begin adding dimensions to the front view. Before performing this operation, lock yourself into
the OSNAP-Intersection mode since numerous intersections will be required in dimensioning.
Enter the dimension style dialogue box (DDIM); click on the annotation button, click on the
Units button, and change the decimal precision to two places. With the front viewport active and
the user coordinate system set to the current view, begin placing the linear, radius, and diameter
dimensions. See figure 29.
Command: DIMLIN Command: DIMLIN
Specify first extension line origin or <select Specify first extension line origin or <select
object>: (Select the intersection at A) object>: Mid
Specify second extension line origin: (Select the of (select the midpoint at G)
intersection at B) Specify second extension line origin: Cen
Specify dimension line location or of (Select the center at E)
[Mtext/Text/Angle/Horizontal/Vertical/Rotated]: Specify dimension line location or
(Pick at C) [Mtext/Text/Angle/Horizontal/Vertical/Rotated]:
Dimension text = 2.5000 (Pick at H)
Dimension text = 2.5000
Command: DIMLIN
Specify first extension line origin or <select Command: DIMRAD
object>: (Select the intersection at D) Select arc or circle: (Select at E)
Specify second extension line origin: Cen Dimension text = 1.7500
of (Select the center at E) Specify dimension line location or
Specify dimension line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle]: (Select at I)
[Mtext/Text/Angle/Horizontal/Vertical/Rotated]:
(Pick at F) Command: DIMDIA
Dimension text = 2.5000 Select arc or circle: (Select at J)
Dimension text = 2.0000
Specify dimension line location or
[Mtext/Text/Angle]: (Select at K)

I
H
C B
G

A D F

Figure 29
 Step # 3
Begin adding dimensions to the top view ; do this while still in Model Space. First click in the viewport
containing the top view information. Then issue the UCS command along with the view option. This will
position the user coordinate system icon parallel to the display screen. This will enable the
dimensions to be placed as in a normal 2D drawing. Once the icon has been aligned to the view
make the TOP-DIM layer current and begin placing the dimensions in the top viewport. As you
place the dimensions notice they don’t appear in other viewports. The SOLVIEW command
automatically creates dimension layers and freezes the layers in the viewports that they don’t
apply in.
(Click in the viewport at A in figure 30 that contains the front view)

Command: UCS
Current ucs name: *NO NAME*
Specify origin of UCS or [Face/NAmed/OBject/Previous/View/World/X/Y/Z/ZAxis]<World>:V

Command: LAYER
Select TOP-DIM on the Layer properties dialogue box and click ok to make it current.

(A)
A)

Figure 30
 Step # 4

Begin adding linear, radius and diameter

dimensions to the top view. The OSNAP- Command: DIMRAD
Intersection mode should still be active or running. Select arc or circle: (Select at D)
See figure 31 Dimension text = 1.7500
Specify dimension line location or
Command: DIMLIN [Mtext/Text/Angle]: (Locate the radius dimension
Specify first extension line origin or <select at E)
object>:(Select the intersection at A)
Specify second extension line origin: (Select the Command: DIMDIA
intersection at B) Select arc or circle: (Select at F)
Specify dimension line location or Dimension text = 2.0000
[Mtext/Text/Angle/Horizontal/Vertical/Rotated]: Specify dimension line location or
(Pick at C) [Mtext/Text/Angle]: (Locate the radius dimension
Dimension text = 2.5000 at G)

B C
F

D
A

Figure 31