AUTO CAD

BY: Dinkineh kalbesa

march 2024

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 COURSE CONTENT

1. Introduction to Basic CAD software

2. Basic Drawing & Editing Commands
3. Drawing Precision in CAD
4. Text Annotation and Dimensioning:
5. Introduction to 3D Drawings

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1. Introduction to Basic CAD software

Content:
 Basic principles of auto CAD
 Introduction to AutoCAD
 CAD window;
 Setting up of a new drawing;
 Working with an existing CAD
files;
  Hardware and Software 4
 Introduction to AutoCAD
What is Auto CAD?
 AutoCAD is a software package used for
Drafting and designing almost anything
you wish.
 Design software developed by Auto-Desk.
 First released in 1982 under the name
‘MicroCAD’.
 Revolutionary drafting and design tool.
 Translated into more than 18 different
languages.
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 Specifically it can be applied in:
 Mechanical engineering
 Civil engineering
 Electrical engineering etc
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Advantages of CAD
1. Faster rate of producing drawing
2. Greater accuracy of drawing
3. Neat and clear drawing
4. No reputation of design/drawing is just copy and
past with in a second
5. Special drafting techniques like zoom, rotate,
move, copy, mirror etc
6. Quickly and accurately dimensioning of various
components.
7. Superior design forms like finite element analysis
8. Integrating design department with other
department. Like CAM.
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Now let us see how
to start CAD?

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 I. Starting Auto CAD
 There are three methods of starting auto CAD
1. Opening Auto CAD from All programs
 Start all programs Auto desk
AutoCAD2008 AutoCAD2008
2. Opening Auto CAD from desktop
 Right-click on the shortcut icon on desk top the
drop-down menu appear then click on Open
 On the screen /desktop/ double click on the
AutoCAD2008 shortcut icon.
3. Opening Auto CAD from program file
 My comp C program file autocad2008
acad double click on it or Right-click and open

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II. Graphic window(user interface)

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 Basic Toolbars
(AutoCAD Environment)
Menu standard toolbars

Drawing Area

ToolBars

Command Window Status Bar

 Basic components of CAD windows

1. Title bar
2. Menu bar
3. Drawing Area
4. Command pallet (area)
5. Status bar:
6. Toolbars
 Standard toolbar
 Object property toolbar
 Drawing toolbar
 Modifying toolbar
 Style toolbar
 Layer toolbar etc
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 The Auto CAD Interface cont’d
1. Title bar:
 This is found at the top of the window
and it is by default with blue color.
 It shows:
 The auto cad version
 The file location
 The file name with its extension.

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The Auto CAD Interface cont’d
2. Menu bar:
 It is found at the top of the window
immediately below the title bar.
 It contains File, Edit, View, Insert,
Format, Tools, Draw, Dimension, Modify,
Express, Window and Help.
 These menus are sometimes called pull
down menus.

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 The Auto CAD Interface cont’d

3. Drawing Area:
 It is the area that we can draw and edit
our drawings.
 It also contains :
 the UCS (user coordinate system),
cross hair
 There are two types of drawing areas:
 Model window,
 Layout window,

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The Auto CAD Interface cont’d

4. Command line:
 Is used to insert necessary instruction to the
software.
 It is used to Displays and prompts
messages.
 The default position of the command line is
the bottom of the window immediately
above the status bar.
 To display/hide the command line press
ctrl+9 on the keyboard

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The Auto CAD Interface cont’d
5. Status bar:
 This part of auto cad window is found at the bottom of the
window.
 It contains:
 SNAP
 GRID
 ORTHO
 POLAR
 OSNAP
 MODEL / PAPER
 We can display or hide elements of status bar by
the status bar menu icon.
 Also display x, y and z coordinate of the cursor.
 A click on a button turns that function on, if it is
off, a click on a button when it is off turns the 22
function back on.
A. Standard toolbar
 Standard toolbar is docked at the top of the
AutoCAD window under the Menu bar.
 It contains basic commands like open, save,
print, etc
 Unit Two. Producing New and
Modifying Existing CAD
Drawings
2. Basic Drawing & Editing Commands
CONTENTS
 Drawing Lines;
 Drawing circles and circular arcs;
 Drawing ellipse and elliptical arcs;
 Drawing polygons;
 Drawing Curves (Sketch);
 Creating regions;
 Hatching areas

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I. Basic Geometrical objects and Tools

CONTENTS
1. Line
2. Polyline
3. Multi line
4. Polygons
5. Rectangle
6. Arc
7. Circle
8. Ellipse

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1. Drawing of lines
 There are d/t methods of drawing a line
METHOD-I: using Grids and Snap command
 Set grid and snap (10 and 5 as default)
 Turn on grid and snap others off
 Move the cursor until the following coordinates are
shown in the status bar
1. 60,140 6. 80,100 11. 55,50 16. 60,120
2. 80,140 7. 80,50 12. 60,50 17. 60,140
3. 80,120 8. 85,50 13. 60,100 1
4. 100,120 9. 85,40 14. 40,100
5. 100,100 10. 55,40 15. 40,120

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Drawing of lines….
METHOD-II: using Ortho command(direct entry
method)
 Turn ‘on’ ORTHO and off others
 Menu – Draw-Line
 First point: pick on any point or specify
x, y
 Second point: drag to right/left enter
the dimension and enter/right-click
 Practice this:-

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 Drawing of lines…..
METHOD-III: using coordinate entry methods
(CEM)
 Basically there are Four CEM
A. Cartesion coordinate system(x,y,z)
 Is used to explain a point by giving the x, y and z axis
coordinates
Eg. Draw an object using the following x,y & z

1. St.(20,10,0) 6. 10,30,0
2. 30,10,0 7.10,20,0
3. 30,20,0 8. 20,20,0
4. 40,20,0 9. 20,10,0(or type
5. 40,30,0 C and enter)
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Drawing of lines…..
B. Absolute coordinate systems(x , y)
 Is used to draw the object only by feeding
the x & y coordinates from the origin.
Eg. Draw an object using the following x & y

1. St.(20,10) 6. 10,30
2. 30,10 7.10,20
3. 30,20 8. 20,20
4. 40,20 9. 20,10(or type C
5. 40,30 and enter)

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Drawing of lines…..
C. Relative coordinate system(@x , y)
 Is a method used to draw a line relative
to the current position of a cursor OR the
point which drawn previously.
Eg. Draw an object using the following x &
y coordinates:- draw- line- then enter
below
1. 10,10 7.@0,10 13.@0,-50 or
2. @40,0 8.@-30,0 type C and
3. @0,10 9.@0,10 press enter
4.@-30,0 10.@30,0
5.@0,10 11.@0,10
6.@30,0 12.@-40,0 43
Drawing of lines…..
D. Polar coordinate system(D<θ)
 A method used to draw an object if the
distance D and the angle θ b/n the
coordinates are given
Eg. Draw an object using the following
D&θcoordinates:- draw- line- then enter below
1. 50,50
2.@20<0
3.@20<60
4.@20<120
5.@-20<0
6.@20<240
7.@20<300 or type C and press enter
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2. Drawing of Multi line
Multiline: Are composed of one or more
parallel line called elements
 It is basically used to draw building
and factory layout drawings.
 To promote multiline
 Using menu bar: draw-multiline

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3. Drawing of Polyline
Polyline: is a continuous line used to construct
continuous polygons like triangles, rectangle
etc
 It is a series of connected line and arc
segments created as one object.
 Width of the object can also be controlled.
 To promote Polyline
 Using menu bar: draw-Polyline
 Using command window: type pl or pline then
enter- specify points
4. Drawing of Regular Polygons
 Polygons: Is a plane figure with at least three
straight sides and angles, and typically five or
more.
 The Polygon command is the simplest method
for creating equilateral triangles, squares,
pentagons, hexagons, and so on.
 Use polygon to create closed polylines with
between 3 and 1,024 equal-length sides.

 The Polygon Command is found at:

 Toolbar: Draw
 Dashboard:
 Pull-down: Draw  Polygon
 Keyboard: POLYGON shortcut POL
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 Drawing of Polygons……
 There are three ways of constructing a polygon

I. Inscribed in a Circle
Steps:
1. Take a Polygon command,
2. Enter the number of sides, for
example, 6,
3. Specifies the center to location
for the center of the polygon
4. Specify the Inscribed type I and
enter. This determines how the
distance that you enter in the
next prompt is measured
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 Regular Polygons………..
II. Circumscribed about Circle
Steps:
1. Take a Polygon command,
2. Enter the number of sides,
for example, 6,
3. Specifies the center to
location for the center of the
polygon
4. Specify the Circumscribed.
type C and enter, This
determines how the distance
that you enter in the next
prompt is measured
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 Regular Polygons………..
III. Edge
 Steps to draw a polygon by specifying
one edge:
1. Take a Polygon command,
2. On the command line, enter the
number of sides,
3. Select (Edge): type e and Enter
4. Specify the start point for one
polygon segment.
5. Specify the endpoint of the
polygon segment.
6. Click to define orientation for the
polygon.
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 5. Drawing of Rectangle
The Rectangle command
 The Use of Rectangle is to create closed polylines
in a rectangular shape.
 The Rectangle Command is found at:
 Toolbar: Draw
 Dashboard:
 Pull-down: Draw  Rectangle
 Keyboard: RECTANGLE shortcuts REC
 This command is promoted: Specify first
corner point or [Chamfer/ Elevation/ Fillet/
Thickness/ Width]:
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 The Rectangle cont’d

Notice that; instead of picking a second point to

draw the rectangle ,you have option of entering
dimensions. You can specify the length, width,
area, and rotation parameters.
Steps:
1. Take a Rectangle command,
2. Specify the first corner of the rectangle,
3. Specify the other corner of the rectangle, or
4. Enter ‘D’ for dimension,
5. Give length value,
6. Give width value,
7. Click for orientation.
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6. Drawing of Arcs

 The Arc Command is found at:

 Toolbar: Draw
 Dashboard:
 Pull-down menu: Draw  Arc
 Keyboard: Arc shortcut A
 Steps: To draw an arc by specifying three
points
1. Take the arc command,
2. Specify the start point,
3. Specify a point on the arc,
4. Specify the endpoint. 56
 Drawing of Arcs…..
 There are 11- methods used to draw an arc
 To call go to menu bar-Draw-Arc-the following
drop-down menu is appear then select the
method you want.

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7. Drawing of circle
 The circle Command is found at:
 Toolbar: Draw
 Dashboard:
 Pull-down menu: Draw  Circle
 Keyboard: Circle shortcut C
 Steps:
1. Take the circle command,
2. Specify the center point,
3. Specify the radius or diameter.

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 Drawing of circle….
 There are 6-d/t methods
used to draw a circles.
 These are:
1. Center , Radius
2. Center , Diameter
3. 2 point method
4. 3 point method
5. Tan , Tan, Radius and
6. Tan, Tan, Tan

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8. The Donut Command

 Donuts are filled rings or solid-filled

circles that actually are closed Polyline
with width.
 To create a donut, you specify its inside
and outside diameters and its center.
 You can continue creating multiple
copies with the same diameter by
specifying different center points.
 To create solid-filled circles, specify an
inside diameter of 0.
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The Donut cont’d

 The Donut Command is found at:

 Pull-down menu: Draw  Donut
 Keyboard: DONUT shortcut D O
 Steps:
1. Take the command,
2. Specify the inside diameter,
3. Specify the outside diameter,
4. Specify the center of the donut,
5. Specify the center point for another
donut, or press ENTER to complete the
command.
9. Drawing of Ellipse
 There are 3- methods used to draw an arc
 To call go to menu bar-Draw-Ellipse-the
following drop-down menu is appear then
select the method you want.

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 10. Hatch and Gradient
 You can hatch an enclosed area or hatch within a
specified boundary using HATCH.
 By default, HATCH creates associative hatches that are
updated when the boundary is changed.
 You create a hatch by selecting an object to hatch or by
defining a boundary and then specifying an internal
point.
 A hatch boundary can be any combination of objects,
such as lines, arcs, circles, and Polyline, that forms an
enclosed area.
 The Hatch and Gradient Command is found at:
 Toolbar: Draw
 Dashboard:
 Pull-down menu: Draw  Hatch/gradient
 Keyboard: Hatch shortcut H 63
 Hatch and Gradient Cont’d
 To hatch areas
1. Take the Hatch or Gradient command,
2. In the Hatch and Gradient dialog box, click Add:
Pick points
3. In your drawing, specify a point inside each area
that you want hatched, and then press ENTER.
This point is known as the internal point.
4. In the Hatch and Gradient dialog box, Hatch tab,
in the swatch box, verify that the sample pattern
is the pattern you want to use. To change
patterns, select another pattern from the Pattern
list.
5. Click OK. 64
 11. Layer
What is a Layer?
 A layer can be thought of as a large piece
of clear plastic, as infinitely large as the
drawing area in Autocad.
 When drawing in Autocad, everything is
drawn on the default layer which is set
current. Only the objects you are drawing
are visible on the layer, the layer itself
can never be seen - it is invisible.
Layers
 In Auto CAD, we make individual
layers…
 For things like
 Hidden lines
 Center lines
 Section lines
 Break lines
 Layers are a way of managing, tidying and
also controlling the visual layout of a
drawing.
 A whole section of a drawing can be turned
on or off, or simply one aspect can be
controlled - text for example.
Layers
 This is all done by using layers within
Autocad.
 Layers are controlled by the layer properties
manager button which is located on the
object properties toolbar:

 Each new layer is created by you, the user.

Normally, it is acceptable to have a layer for
each different part of a drawing.
In Layer Property manger
 Add a New Layer - Press the New button to
create a new layer.
 Delete a Layer - Press the delete button to
delete the selected layer.
 Set Current layer - Press the current button to
set the selected layer current. All objects drawn
will then be drawn on this current layer.
 Show Details - Press the show details button
to see more detailed information about the
selected layer.
 Each layer also has the following options against
it:
 Exercise-1 ***
Additional
1. Draw polygon having 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 sides
inscribed and circumscribed about a
circles of diameter 40.
2. Draw a two different rectangle and practice
create Hatch and Gradient.

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 3. Drawing
Precision in CAD

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3. Drawing Precision in CAD

CONTENTS
 Advanced editing commands
 Using Object Snap;
 Making changes in a drawing;
 Changing an object's length;
 Blocks and Attributes.

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 Modifying Tools
 Are the tools used to modify the
existing/current drawings to change their
shapes or some parts of it.
 To call go to menu bar-modify-the following
drop-down menu is appear then select the
method you want.
 Some of the basic modifying tools are: Erase,
Copy, Mirror, Offset, Array, Move, Rotate,
Scale, Trim.
 Most of Modify tools can be accessed in one of
the following four ways;
1. By Keyboard,
2. By Dashboard,
3. By Modify Pull-down menu,
4. By Modify Tool bar,
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1. The Erase Command

 The Erase Command is found at:

 Toolbar: Modify
 Dashboard:
 Pull down menu: Modify  Erase
 Keyboard: ERASE; Shortcut: E
 Steps:
1. Take Erase command,
2. Select Objects to erase,
3. Enter.

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 2. The Copy Command
 The Copy Command is found at:
 Toolbar: Modify
 Dashboard:
 Pull down menu: Modify  Copy
 Keyboard: COPY; Shortcut: Co
 Steps:
1. Take Copy command,
2. Select Objects to copy,
3. Specify the base point,
4. Specify the destination point, or points
5. Enter to end. 76
 3. The Mirror Command

 The Mirror Command is found at:

 Toolbar: Modify
 Dashboard:
 Pull down menu: Modify  Mirror
 Keyboard: Mirror; Shortcut: Mi
 Steps:
1. Take Mirror command,
2. Select Objects to mirror,
3. Specify the first and the second point of the
mirroring line
4. Enter Y or N for erasing the original object
or not.
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 4. The Offset Command
 The Offset Command is found at:
 Toolbar: Modify
 Dashboard:
 Pull down menu: Modify  Offset
 Keyboard: OFFSET; Shortcut: O
 Steps:
1. Take Offset command,
2. Select Objects to offset,
3. Specify offset distance or the through point,
4. Specify the direction or the through point,
5. Enter to end.
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 5. The Array Command
 Array command is used to Creates multiple
copies of objects in a pattern.
 Use the Rectangular Array option to create an array of
rows and columns of copies of the selected object.
 Use the Polar Array option to create an array by
copying the selected objects around a center point.
Menus
 Toolbar: Modify
 Menu: Modify Array...At the Command
prompt, enter array.
 Command entry: array

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 I. To create a Rectangular array
1. Click Modify menu Array....At the Command prompt, enter array.
2. In the Array dialog box, select Rectangular Array.
3. Click Select Objects. The Array dialog box closes. You are prompted for
object selection.
4. Select the objects to be arrayed and press ENTER.
5. In the Rows and Columns boxes, enter the number of rows and columns in the
array.
6. Specify the horizontal and vertical spacing (offsets) between objects by using
one of the following methods:
 In the Row Offset and Column Offset boxes, enter the distance between rows and
between columns. Adding a plus sign (+) or a minus sign (-) determines direction.
 Click the Pick Both Offsets button to use the pointing device to specify the
diagonal corners of a cell in the array. The cell determines the vertical and
horizontal spacing of the rows and columns.
 Click the Pick Row Offset or Pick Column Offset button to use the pointing device
to specify the horizontal and vertical spacing. 80
To create a Rectangular array…..
7. The example box displays the result.
8. To change the rotation angle of the array, enter the new
angle next to Angle of Array.
9. The default angle 0 direction setting can also be changed in
UNITS.
10. Click OK to create the array.

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II. To create a Polar array
1. Click Modify menu Array....At the Command prompt, enter array.
2. In the Array dialog box, select Polar Array.
3. Next to Center Point, do one of the following:
 Enter an X value and a Y value for the center point of the polar
array.
 Click the Pick Center Point button. The Array dialog box closes
and you are prompted for object selection. Use the pointing device
to specify the center point of the polar array.
4. Click Select Objects. The Array dialog box closes and you are
prompted for object selection.
5. Select the objects to be arrayed.
6. In the Method box, select one of the following methods:
 Total Number of Items & Angle to Fill
 Total Number of Items & Angle Between Items
 Angle to Fill & Angle Between Items 82
 To create a Polar array …..
7. Enter the number of items (including the original object), if available.
8. Use one of the following methods:
 Enter the angle to fill and angle between items, if available. Angle to Fill
specifies the distance to fill around the circumference of the array. Angle
Between Items specifies the distance between each item.
 Click the Pick Angle to Fill button and the Pick Angle Between Items
button. Use the pointing device to specify the angle to fill and the angle
between items.
 The example box displays the result.
9. You can set any of the following options:
7. To rotate the objects as they are arrayed, select Rotate Items As Copied.
The example area displays the result.
8. To specify the X,Y base point, select More, clear the Set to Object's
Default option and enter values in the X and Y boxes, or click the Pick
Base Point button and use the pointing device to specify the point.
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10. Click OK to create the array.
Polar array
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 6. The Move Command

 The Move Command is found at:

 Toolbar: Modify
 Dashboard:
 Pull down menu: Modify  Move
 Keyboard: Move; Shortcut: M
 Steps:
1. Take Move command,
2. Select Objects to move,
3. Specify a base point for the move.
4. Specify the destination point,
 The objects you selected can be moved to a new
location determined by the distance and direction
8 5
between the first and second (destination) poin t
s.
 7. The Rotate Command
 The Rotate Command is found at:
 Toolbar: Modify
 Dashboard:
 Pull down menu: Modify  Rotate
 Keyboard: ROTATE; Shortcut: Ro
 Steps:
1. Take Rotate command,
2. Select Objects to rotate,
3. Specify the base point for the rotation,
4. Do one of the following:

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 The Rotate Cont’d

a. Enter the angle of rotation.

b. Drag the object around its base point
and specify a point location to which
you want to rotate the object.
c. Enter c to create a copy of the selected
objects.
d. Enter r to rotate the selected objects
from a specified reference angle to an
absolute angle

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 8. The Scale Command
 The Scale Command is found at:
 Toolbar: Modify
 Dashboard:
 Pull down menu: Modify  Scale
 Keyboard: SCALE; Shortcut: Sc
 Steps:
1. Take Scale command,
2. Select Objects to scale,
3. Specify the base point,
4. Do one of the following:
a. Enter the scale factor, or
b. Drag and click to specify a new scale,
or c. Enter r (Reference); then
  Select the first and second reference points, or
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 enter a value for the reference length.
9. The Stretch Command

 The Stretch Command is found at:

 Toolbar: Modify
 Dashboard:
 Pull down menu: Modify  Stretch
 Keyboard: STRETCH; Shortcut: S
 Steps:
1. Take Stretch command,
2. Select Objects with cross window selection,
The crossing window must include at least
one vertex or endpoint.
3. Specify the base point for the stretch, and
then specify a second point, to determine
the distance and direction. 89
 10. The Trim Command

 The Trim Command is found at:

 Toolbar: Modify
 Dashboard:
 Pull down menu: Modify  Trim
 Keyboard: TRIM; Shortcut: Tri

 Steps:
1. Take Trim command,
2. Select the objects to serve as cutting
edges, To select all displayed objects as
potential cutting edges, press ENTER without
selecting any objects.
3. Select the Objects to trim.
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11. The Extend Command
 The Extend Command is found at:
 Toolbar: Modify
 Dashboard:
 Pull down menu: Modify  Extend
 Keyboard: EXTEND; Shortcut: Ex

 Steps:
1. Take Extend command,
2. Select the objects to serve as boundary
edges, To select all displayed objects as
potential boundary edges, press ENTER without
selecting any objects.
3. Select the Objects to extend.
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 12. The Join Command
 The Join Command is found at:
 Toolbar: Modify
 Dashboard:
 Pull down menu: odify  Join
 Keyboard: JOIN; Shortcut: J

 Steps:
1. Take Join command,
2. Select the source object to which you want to
join objects.
3. Select one or more objects to join to the
source object. (Valid objects include arcs, elliptical
arcs, lines, Polyline, and spines)
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4. Enter.
 13. The Chamfer Command
 The Chamfer command enables you to create a
chamfer between any two non-parallel lines.
 Usually, the Chamfer command is used to set
the chamfer distances before drawing the
chamfer.

 The Chamfer Command is found at:

 Toolbar: Modify
 Dashboard:
 Pull down menu: Modify  Chamfer
 Keyboard: CHAMFER; Shortcut: Cha
93
The Chamfer Cont’d

 Steps:
1. Take Chamfer command,
2. Select the first line,
3. Select the second line.
 To set chamfer distances:
1. Take Chamfer command,
2. Enter d (Distances),
3. Enter the first chamfer distance,
4. Enter the second chamfer distance,
5. Select the lines for chamfering.

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14. The Explode Command
 If you need to modify one or more objects
within a block separately, you can disassemble,
or explode, the block reference into its
component objects.
 The Explode Command is found at:
 Toolbar: Modify
 Dashboard:
 Pull down menu: Modify  Explode
 Keyboard: EXPLODE; Shortcut: Xp
 Steps:
1. Take Explode command,
2. Select Objects to explode, and Enter.
95
4. Text Annotation
and Dimensioning
in Auto CAD

99
 4. Text Annotation and
Dimensioning in Auto CAD

CONTENTS
 Adding text to drawing;
 Adding Dimensions
 Setting preconditions for dimensioning
 Dimension style
 Primary units
 Dimensioning different features

100
 Adding text to drawing
Text Command
 To create single-line text
1. Click Draw menu » Text » Single Line Text.
2. Specify the insertion point for the first
character.
3. Specify the height of the text.
4. Specify the text style and text font and color.
5. Specify a text rotation angle. You can enter
an angle value or use your pointing device.
6. Enter the text. At the end of each line, press
ENTER.
101
7. Click Ok to end the command.
Dimension Styles
Dimension style Manager allows to create new styles, sets the current style,
modifies styles, sets overrides on the current style, and compares styles.
Each time a dimension is drawn it conforms to the settings of the Dimensioning
System Variables in effect at the time. The entire set of Dimensioning System
Variable settings can be saved in their respective states as a Dimension Style.

Dimension Style Manager

Create New Dimension Style dialog box

Modify Dimension Style dialog box – Lines selection

Modify Dimension Style dialog box – Symbols and Arrows selection

Arrowhead types
Modify Dimension Style dialog box – Text selection
Dimensioning Text with various
Text appearance selections

Dimensioning Text with various

Text placement (horizontal) selection
Modify Dimension Style dialog box – Fit selection

Dimensioning example with various

Text placement options

Dimensioning examples with various Fit options

Modify Dimension Style dialog box – Primary Units selection

Dimensioning example with various

dimensioning unit formats

Dimensioning example with

prefix, suffix, and alternate units
Modify Dimension Style dialog box – Alternate Units selection

Modify Dimension Style dialog box

– Tolerances selection
II. 3D-MODELING USING
AUTOCAD

151
What is Modeling
 a process of constructing a virtual 3D graphics
object
 Modeling tools: creating and constructing
complex 3D models fast and easy.
 Rendering is a process of creating images
from graphics models.

152
 Creating solid models.
 A solid model is defined by volumes.
 Hierarchy of entities from low to high:
keypoints lines areas volumes. Volumes

 You cannot delete an entity if a higher-

order entity is attached to it.

Areas

Volumes
Areas
Lines Lines &
Keypoints Keypoints

158
Simple 3D Half-Spaces
 Sphere
 Cylinder
 Cone
 Torus
 Box
 Plane
 it splits space into two infinite half-spaces
 you can use an infinite cylinder and two planes to make a capped
cylinder
 You can also get a box from 6 planes…

159
 2. Bottom-up modeling
Approaches
2. Bottom-up modeling starts with keypoints,
from which you “build up” lines, areas, etc.

 You may combine both methods.

Constructive Solid Geometry
(CSG) Techniques
Primitive Solids Boolean Operations
 Draw / Solids…
+  Modify / Solid Editing
 Box …
 Cone  Union
 Cylinder
 Joins selected solids
 Extrude
 Subtract
 Subtract one set of solids
 Revolve from another
 Sphere  Intersect
 Torus  Create a solid of
intersection (common
 Wedge volume) from the
selected solids
165
Common Operations
Drawing Object Modification
Environments  Fillet
 Metric unit orientation
 Extrude
 Set the drawing limit
 Subtract
 Set isometric
viewpoint  Union
 Move
Primitive Solids and
2D Object Dimensioning
 Solid boxes
 Cylinders
 Rectangular
166
Step 1: Solid box
 Create solid box
at 0,0,0
 Define size of the
box: 50,50,15
 x, y, z coordinate
Unit Three. Producing CAD Outputs
This learning unit is developed to provide the trainees the
necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:
 Saving Drawing Files with Appropriate Format
 Printing Drawing Files
This unit will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes
stated in the cover page. Specifically, upon completion of this
learning guide, you will be able to:
 Save drawing files with appropriate format
 Print drawing files
3.1. Saving Drawing Files with Appropriate Format
When saving drawing files, the correct file format is chosen
and saved according to established procedures or guidelines.
These procedures could outline the acceptable formats for
saving drawings, such as .PDF, .DWG, or .JPEG, ensuring
consistency and compatibility with the software or
applications used for drawing. This adherence to standard
operating procedures helps maintain organization,
consistency, and efficient workflow within the drawing files.
Step-by-step instructions for saving an AutoCAD file in the
formats .pdf, .dwg, and .jpeg:
3.1.1. Saving AutoCAD file as Portable Document Format
(PDF)
The steps for saving auto CAD file as Portable Document
Format (PDF) is listed below:
A. In AutoCAD, go to the "File" menu and select "Plot" or
use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + P" to open the plot dialog
box.
B. In the "Plotter/Printer" section, select the "DWG to
PDF.pc3" plotter or any other PDF printer/plotter from the
list.
C. Adjust the plot settings if necessary, such as paper size,
orientation, scale, and plot area.
D. Under the "Plot Settings" section, ensure that the "Plot
Area" is set to "Layout" to plot the entire drawing or select
"Window" or "Viewport" for specific areas.
E. Choose the desired plot style table, if applicable, and any
other plotting preferences.
F. Under the "Plot Options" section, select the desired
resolution, quality, and other settings.
G. Click on the "Plot" button to initiate the plotting process.
H. In the "Save As" dialog box, specify the file name,
destination folder, and select .pdf as the file format.
I. Click on the "Save" button to save the AutoCAD drawing
as a PDF file.
3.1.2. Saving AutoCAD file as Drawing (DWG)
The steps for saving auto CAD file as drawing (DWG) is listed
below:
A. Open the AutoCAD drawing that you want to save as a
DWG file.
B. Go to the "File" menu and select "Save As" or use the
keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + Shift + S" to open the Save As
dialog box.
C. In the Save As dialog box, choose the destination folder
where you want to save the DWG file.
D. Specify the file name for your DWG file.
E. In the "Files of type" drop-down menu, select "AutoCAD
Drawing (*.dwg)".
3.2. Printing Drawing Files
Plotter machines are commonly used to print drawing files in
large format or on specialized materials. These devices use a
set of pens or inkjet nozzles to create precise and detailed
prints. Plotter printers can handle complex line art,
architectural designs, engineering drawings, maps, or any
other files that require high-quality and accurate
reproduction. In addition to plotters, there are also other
equivalent devices like wide-format printers that can
perform similar functions.
To print a drawing file using a plotter or inkjet printer, you
can follow these steps:
A. Prepare the drawing file: Ensure that your drawing file is
in a compatible format such as PDF, CAD, or vector-based
graphics (e.g., SVG, AI) that can be recognized by the
plotter or inkjet printer.
B. Set the print parameters: Open the printing software or
driver for your plotter or inkjet printer and configure the
necessary settings. This includes selecting the correct paper
size, paper type (if applicable), orientation (portrait or
landscape), and desired print quality (e.g., DPI).
C. Load the paper or material: If using a plotter, load the
appropriate paper or material onto the plotter's roll or
 flatbed. Make sure it is aligned properly to avoid any
misprints.
D. Print the file: Send the drawing file to the plotter or inkjet
printer for printing. Depending on your setup, you may need
to choose the specific plotter or printer from the available
options in the print dialog.
E. Monitor the printing process: Keep an eye on the printing
progress to ensure everything is functioning correctly. If
any issues arise, such as paper jams or ink cartridge
problems, address them as necessary.
F. Collect the printed output: Once the printing is complete,
carefully retrieve the printed drawing from the plotter or
inkjet printer. Be cautious while handling the output to
prevent smudging or damage.
G. Inspect the print quality: Check the printed output for any
errors, inaccuracies, or imperfections. If necessary, make
adjustments to the settings or reprint the file.
Remember to refer to the specific instructions provided by
the manufacturer of your plotter or inkjet printer for precise
guidelines on loading paper, maintenance, and
troubleshooting.
Operation Sheet 3.1
Operation title:
 Saving auto CAD file as drawing (DWG)
Purpose:
 To practice and demonstrate the knowledge and skill
required to save auto CAD file as drawing (DWG)
Instruction:
 Use given tools and equipment to save auto CAD file as
drawing (DWG). For this operation you have given 1
hour.
Tools and requirement:
 Computer with accessories and installed with AutoCAD
software
Procedures:
Step by step procedure saving auto CAD file as drawing
(DWG):
 Step 1. Open the AutoCAD drawing that you want to save
as a DWG file.
 Step 2. Go to the "File" menu and select "Save As" or use
the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + Shift + S" to open the Save
As dialog box.
 Step 3. In the Save As dialog box, choose the destination
folder where you want to save the DWG file.
 Step 4. Specify the file name for your DWG file.
 Step 5. In the "Files of type" drop-down menu, select
"AutoCAD Drawing (*.dwg)".
Operation Sheet 3.2
Operation title:
 Saving AutoCAD file as PDF
Purpose:
 To practice and demonstrate the knowledge and skill
required to save AutoCAD file as PDF
Instruction:
  Use given tools and equipment to save AutoCAD file as
PDF. For this operation you have given 1 hour.

Tools and requirement:

 Computer with accessories and installed with AutoCAD
software
Procedures:
Step by step procedure Saving AutoCAD file as PDF:
 Step 1. In AutoCAD, go to the "File" menu and select
"Plot" or use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + P" to open the
plot dialog box.
 Step 2. In the "Plotter/Printer" section, select the "DWG
to PDF.pc3" plotter or any other PDF printer/plotter from
the list.
 Step 3. Adjust the plot settings if necessary, such as paper
size, orientation, scale, and plot area.
 Step 4. Under the "Plot Settings" section, ensure that the
"Plot Area" is set to "Layout" to plot the entire drawing or
select "Window" or "Viewport" for specific areas.
 Step 5. Choose the desired plot style table, if applicable,
and any other plotting preferences.
  Step 6. Under the "Plot Options" section, select the
desired resolution, quality, and other settings.
 Step 7. Click on the "Plot" button to initiate the plotting
process.
 Step 8. In the "Save As" dialog box, specify the file name,
destination folder, and select .pdf as the file format.
 Step 9. Click on the "Save" button to save the AutoCAD
drawing as a PDF file

Quality Criteria: Accuracy and Speed

1.2. Computer Initiating and Shutting Down Operation
1.2.1. Computer Operation
For efficient CAD use, computers must meet certain operational
requirements. Here are some crucial aspects related to computer
operation in CAD:
A. Hardware Requirements: CAD programs demand high
computing power and rely on a combination of hardware
components. This includes a fast processor (CPU), sufficient
RAM, a capable graphics card (GPU) to handle 3D graphics,
and ample storage space to store design files. Advanced CAD
usage may require additional hardware, such as specialized
graphics cards for rendering or large-scale data processing.
B. Operating System Compatibility: CAD programs are designed
to run on specific operating systems like Windows, macOS, or
Linux. Choosing a compatible operating system and ensuring it
is up-to-date with the necessary service packs and updates is
vital for seamless CAD operation.
C. Storage and Backup: CAD files usually become quite large,
especially for complex designs. Adequate storage capacity is
crucial to handle these files and ensure smooth operation.
Regular backup routines should also be enforced to prevent data
loss in case of hardware failures or accidental deletions.
D. Software Compatibility: CAD programs often rely on other
software and plug-ins to enhance their capabilities. Ensuring
compatibility with essential software, such as rendering engines,
data analysis tools, or manufacturing software, is essential for
efficient workflow.
1.2.2. Computer Initiating Operation

Starting a computer typically involves the following steps:

A. Connect the power cable: Plug the power cable into the
computer and then into a power outlet.
B. Press the power button: Locate the power button on your
computer (usually located on the front or top of the case) and
press it to turn on the computer.
C. Boot up process: The computer's basic input/output system
(BIOS) starts up, followed by the operating system's booting
process. This may involve displaying the manufacturer's logo,
 checking hardware connections, and loading the operating
system.
D. User login: Once the operating system has successfully loaded,
you will be prompted to log in with a username and password, if
required.
E. Desktop screen: After logging in, the computer will display the
desktop screen. This is where you'll find icons, shortcuts, and
other features depending on your operating system.
F. Launching applications: From the desktop screen, you can
launch various applications like web browsers, word processors,
games, and any other software installed on your computer.
These steps may vary slightly depending on the specific computer
model and operating system you are using.

1.2.3. Shutting Down Operation

The general steps to properly shut down a computer system:

A. Save your work: Make sure to save any open documents or
files you are currently working on. This ensures that you won't
lose any unsaved data when shutting down.
B. Close programs and applications: Close all running programs
and applications to prevent any data loss or conflicts during the
shutdown process. You can usually do this by clicking the "X"
 button in the top right corner of each program's window or by
selecting "File" > "Exit" or "Close" within the program.
C. Disconnect external devices: If you have any external devices
connected to your computer, such as USB drives, external hard
drives, printers, or other peripherals, safely eject or disconnect
them by following the appropriate procedure. This helps avoid
potential data corruption or damage to the devices.
D. Save and close web browser tabs: If you have multiple tabs
open in your web browser, save any pending work or bookmark
important web pages, then close the browser.
E. Log out of user accounts: If you are using a shared computer or
have multiple user accounts on your system, log out of your user
 account(s) before shutting down. This prevents unauthorized
access to your personal files and settings.
F. Click Start menu, power button, or equivalent: In most cases,
you can click the Windows Start menu icon or the Apple logo in
the top-left corner of the screen and select either "Shut down,"
"Power," or a similar option. Alternatively, you may have a
dedicated power button on your computer tower or laptop
keyboard that can be pressed to initiate the shutdown process.
G. Confirm shutdown: Some systems may prompt you to confirm
your decision to shut down. Ensure that no unsaved work or
processes are running, then click "OK" or similar to proceed.
H. Wait for shutdown process: The computer will begin shutting
down, and you may see a screen displaying the progress. Be
patient and wait for the process to complete.
I. Power off the computer: Once the shutdown process is finished,
the computer will power off automatically. If it doesn't, you can
Computer Aided Drafting Software Installation
To install AutoCAD 2007, follow these steps:
A. Insert the AutoCAD 2007 installation disc or flash disk into
your computer.
B. Open the disc and locate the installer file, usually named
"Setup.exe" or something similar.
C. Double-click on the installer file to begin the installation
process.
D. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the installer.
You may be prompted to enter your product key, accept the
license agreement, choose the installation type and destination
folder, and select any additional components to install.
E. Once you have completed the installation process, you can
launch AutoCAD 2007 by finding its shortcut in the Start menu
or desktop.