How to convert a 3d model into 2d drawings with different views?

[zmarcoz]

I need to put my 3d model on a piece of paper, so I need to have annotate and different views (FRONT and/or TOP and/or Right) of the model.

 

I tried to use FLATSPOT command, but all annotations (dimensions) are gone. Also, is there any easy way to do annotations?

 

Thanks

[ReMark]

FLATSHOT works on 3D objects not 2D.

 

With AutoCAD 2007 I would use any of the following commands to create 2D output from a 3D model:

 

1) Flatshot

2) Sectionplane

3) SolProf

4) SolView/SolDraw

 

I do all my annotating in my paper space layout and not in model space. The only objects I place in model space consist of my geometry. No text and no dimensions. You can choose to do otherwise.

[zmarcoz]

Thanks Remark. Would you please tell me more about how to do annotation in paper space? Are you talking about doing annotation in Layout1 and Layout2? If so, how to do it exactly? I cannot use dimension function on those space. Thanks

[ReMark]

Yes, I am talking about dimensioning and text in a layout.

 

You're familiar with using a viewport in a layout to see the geometry that was created back in model space?

 

To use dimensions in a layout effectively your dimensions need to be associative which has nothing to do with be annotative.

[zmarcoz]

Thanks Remark

[Dadgad]

You might want to take a look at this thread about ASSOCIATIVE dimensions by Irneb, to familiarize yourself with ASSOCIATIVE DIMENSIONS.

 

http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?61209-Using-Associative-Dimensions

 

Additionally.....

Welcome to the forum.

There are two ways (places really) to do dimensions, either in modelspace or paperspace.

I don't use ANNOTATIVE dims, will stay on thread topic with ASSOCIATIVE dimensions.

You will need to set up a single dimstyle which displays in the units of measure, and with the precision which you usually require.

There are lots of choices to be made in setting up a new dimstyle, you would typically start from the STANDARD dimstyle,

enter NEW, give it a new name and change or adjust whatever needs changing.

Dimension styles, once created are typically included in one's default template, in the interests of ease of use and conformity.

For now let's just assume we will use the STANDARD, or an existing dimstyle.

 

If you use associative dimensions then you really will be good to go.

Turn on your ENDPOINT, QUADRANT and perhaps your MIDPOINT OSNAPS.

Don't turn on NODES, as this will likely screw up the associativity of your dimensions.

I prefer doing dimensions and annotation in paperspace. Your viewports should be set up as you want them, scaled and LOCKED before you start doing your dimensions..

Start doing your dimensions, following standard dimensioning practices.

Be sure that the start and end points of each dimension are SNAPPED to a detail or feature of your drawing, as you are ATTACHING them to the geometry which the lines represent.

This is why I said to turn off your NODES, which are the defining points of your dimension lines.

You do not want your ASSOCIATIVE dimensions associated to other dimensions, but rather to the geometry which they define.

When done in this way you needn't concern yourself with the various scales which might be represented and used in your viewports.

The dimensions are all 1:1 based on the geometry to which they are ASSOCIATED (or attached).

If later the length of a beam, or the location of some holes are changed in modelspace the ASSOCIATED dimensions will reflect those changes in real time in your paperspace layout.

If there are NEW elements, holes or details added you will need to make sure you document those, in the same way as previously described.

 

Dimensioning in modelspace would be done in the same way, just in a different location.

All of these ASSOCIATIVE dimensions and dimension text will display correctly in your paperspace, as well as in your modelspace,

because their display is driven by the text height and other settings which are spelled out in the definition of the DIMSTYLE.

BE SURE TO CHECK in your OPTIONS > USER PREFERENCES, that the box MAKE NEW DIMENSIONS ASSOCIATIVE is checked.

 

There are two schools of thought on where text, dimensions & drawing sheets should be placed.

The company for which, or with whom you are working likely has standards to which you may be expected to comply.

If not, or you are working for yourself, or are the one making such calls, then do it how you feel it works best for the

kind of work which you usually do. Try it both ways first, make an informed decision.

Edited July 30, 2012 by Dadgad