Top Essential Tools of any CAD Program
Difficulty: Noob
Objective: Although there are many different CAD programs, they each are very similar to one another. To get started with any CAD software, these are all the tools I would learn.
Objective: Although there are many different CAD programs, they each are very similar to one another. To get started with any CAD software, these are all the tools I would learn.
Sketch
Everything starts from a sketch. From a sketch you can use various tools to make a 3D model. To make a sketch you first need a plane or face to sketch onto. The you can use various methods such as line, spline, circle, etc. to draw a sketch. Make sure your sketch is enclosed, otherwise it will fail. You should always dimension your sketches to be fully constrained, it will save you frustration later on, trust me.
Dimensions
If you ignore dimensions, then I don't know why you are even using a CAD program. Being able to add dimensions onto your sketch and model is the best thing to get in a good habit of.
What is fully constrained?
I always say you can test a sketch to see if it is fully constrained by wiggling all of the elements. If anything moves than that part needs a dimension to constrain the model. Basically dimensions limit what the sketch can do. You add dimensions on your sketch until your sketch is static and can't move anywhere. This also will save you frustration later down when tools fail. The best habit to get into right out of gate with these programs is a fully constrained sketch every time.
Note: For most tools you can choose to add or subtract. So you can add the extrude to the object or subtract the extrude to the object as seen below:
For more information you can download my powerpoints under "Classroom Powerpoints"
http://guides.lib.byu.edu/content.php?pid=529916&sid=4360174
Extrude
The basic of basic tools is an extrude, which takes your sketch and moves it straight to make a 3D object. It's the same as a sweep with a straight path. This is probably the most common tool.
Note: For most tools you can choose to add or subtract. So you can add the extrude to the object or subtract the extrude to the object as seen below:
Revolve
This requires a sketch and an axis to rotate the sketch around. This would be like a sweep but with a circle path. Between extrudes and revolves alone, mostly things can be made.
Sweep
I will start with the sweep because I think if you understand this tool then you can understand the others easier. A sweep is what I call the "snake tool" and requires a sketch and a path. The sketch then will follow the path, creating a 3D object. For example: sketch=circle and a path will make a tube like shape.
Loft
When I think of loft, I think of an airplane wing. This tool takes multiple sketches and blends them together. So if the first sketch is a circle and the second is a star, this will create a 3 model that starts of looking like a cylinder and then gradually changes into a star shape.
Chamfer / Fillet
I think of this tool as softening the edges so they aren't so sharp. These not only make you model look good, but they are also make your model more comfortable a safe. And it also makes your model stronger as stresses tend to love to gather in sharp edges.
Shell
Think hollow. For 3D printing, the default on your printer automatically shells your object to save on material. But you can always change to setting to print solid, or the thickness to how you shelled your model.
Split
When it comes to 3D printing and you only use PLA or ABS, this tool will be your best friend. You can print models that would need supports without any by printing your model in parts and then connecting the parts afterwards. I do this all the time and highly suggest it, to avoid supports.
For more information you can download my powerpoints under "Classroom Powerpoints"
http://guides.lib.byu.edu/content.php?pid=529916&sid=4360174
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And as always, thanks for visiting.
3D Printing Ninja
3DNinjaneer@gmail.com
And as always, thanks for visiting.
3D Printing Ninja
3DNinjaneer@gmail.com
Category: 123D Design, Noob, Tools, Tricks & Tips
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