AutoCAD 2013: 3D

Learn how to design surface, solid, and mesh models with AutoCAD. Discover how to solve complex modeling challenges as you focus on an innovative ebike design.

Introduction

• Design surface model with AutoCAD
• What you should know

1. Get Set Up

• Navigate in 3D space
• Configure 3D workspaces
• Configure options
• Create layer and property filters for 3D modeling

2. Model the Bicycle Frame

• Extrude and patch a surface
• Manipulate the user coordinate system
• Use Offset and regions to generate surfaces
• Sweep a profile along a curved path
• Extrude and trim surfaces
• Revolve profiles
• Extrude a profile along a curved path
• Draft multiple cross sections
• Loft surfaces from cross sections
• Draw cross sections along a spline
• Loft with the Path option

3. Create the Belt-Tensioning Mechanism

• Adjust a lofted object's 3D form
• Sculpt a solid out of watertight surfaces
• Use Boolean operations on solid objects
• Model a dropout to be sandwiched between plates
• Model fasteners
• Adjust and trim the bottom triangle
• Mirror the frame and belt-tensioning components

4. Build the Drivetrain Components

• Position cross-sectional drawings relative to a model
• Remove unwanted volume with Subtract
• Combine surface and solid modeling
• Configure sketches of sprockets
• Fillet edges and array sprocket components
• Create the drive belt as a solid object
• Duplicate and 3D rotate the sprocket
• Revolve, extrude, and subtract objects

5. Model the Rear Brakes

• Subobject editing and filleting edges
• Use region editing techniques
• Model fasteners that hold the rotor on the hub
• Use Boundary to generate a profile
• Create disk brake calipers welded onto the frame

6. Create the Rear Wheel

• Revolve profiles and manipulate layers
• Sweep a spoke along a 3D path
• Use Array and Mirror to fill the rim with spokes

7. Make the Power Components

• Build the drive unit using Extrude and Loft
• Model the cranks using the solid tools and point filters
• Smooth a mesh object
• Tilt up and assemble extruded objects
• Use 3D Align to align a pedal with crank

8. Model the Front End

• Loft cross sections to create a complex form
• Clean up 2D entities in preparation for 3D modeling
• Revolve boundaries to create surfaces
• Copy components from the rear to front axle
• Model the front hub
• Sweep spokes along 3D paths
• Adjust the front axle, acorn nuts, and spacer
• Copy and reposition the front brake calipers
• Copy the rim and tire to the front

9. Create the Handlebars

• Weld objects together with Fillet Edge
• Extract isolines from surfaces to loft new surfaces

10. Form the Battery Compartment

• Sculpt a NURBS surface using its CVs
• Loft between NURBS surfaces

11. Make the Seat

• Extrude and subtract regions
• Loft and revolve profiles
• Create a 3D path from the intersection of two extrusions
• Rebuild NURBS surface to optimize its control vertices
• Move CVs in multiple viewports
• Offset a surface and round its hard edges
• Clean up and visualize the entire bicycle

Conclusion

• Next steps