Align 3d objects

[nic6911]

Hi.

I am trying to place some objects on a cone.

But i can't get it to work.

The idea is that the 6 objects should be fitted on the cone so that they are placed all around the cone.

But i can't get them to align with the angle of the cone.

I have tried the 3D align, but this just doesn't work for me.

 

Regards Nic

[tzframpton]

Many ways to do this, but here's "my way".

 

• Use the View Cube to orient to an Elevation View (eg: Front, Left, etc)
  
• At the command line, type UCS V to reorient the UCS.
  
• Make sure OSNAPZ variable is set to 1. (Read up on this in the Help file for a better understanding)
  
• Use common 2D environment methods and commands to "move" the object(s) in place. With OSNAPZ to 1, feel free to use normal OSnaps.
  
• Repeat as necessary in Top View, etc.
  

 

Most of the time I still like using standard 2D methods when creating and manipulating 3D objects. It's only in a parametric environment like Revit that I don't have to do this as often. Also, working in Wireframe to get things lined up properly works great. And type VPORTS to add multiple "views" to the environment. Saving this as a Template file helps speed up the process for future tasks.

 

Hope this helps.

[TKall]

Stykface:

Do you need to rotate the cylinders to match the angle of the cone first? After selecting the cylinder, what do you snap to on the cone? I can kind of do this by eye-balling the placement of the cylinders on the cone but it seems like you are describing a more precise method.

[tzframpton]

Ah yes, good point TKall. I didn't read thoroughly enough to notice the original poster might have wanted to truly align the smaller cylinders on the cone. Attached is a quick and dirty example. If this is the results then I can go step by step but my above post wouldn't apply for most of it.

Cylinder Test.dwg

[TKall]

I was trying to follow the steps you identified above and could not reproduce your results. When you get time I would be interested in hearing how you did it.

[nic6911]

Stykface

That is precisely what i want. I want to align the cylinders on the cone. I want to do what you have done in the drawing you posted. But how did you do that?

 

Regards Nic

[ReMark]

Calculate the angle of the cone.

 

Take one of your disk shaped objects and rotate it to match the cone angle.

 

Place the object on the cone using the align command.

 

Create an array.

 

I haven't actually tried this approach but it seems like it would work.

[JD Mather]

This is a fairly simple geometry problem if you draw the 2D profile, Revolve, Revolve, Subtract, Polar Array

 

 

If you already have solids that you want to Align, this same 2d profile (red - I drew on opposite sides only for clarity) can be used. No calculations required (I try to avoid calculations whenever there is a geometric solution - which is most of the time).

[tzframpton]

Good example JD. I see you are using constraints... I have yet to really try constraints in 3D in AutoCAD.

 

After work today when I'm home I'll do a screen capture if I have the time. I'll show my little trick in how I modeled it. It was easier than what most people might expect.

 

[JD Mather]

Of course it isn't really required to use geometry constraints for this solution, but I like to nail things down to avoid mistakes.

[tzframpton]

Of course it isn't really required to use geometry constraints for this solution, but I like to nail things down to avoid mistakes.

I agree completely. It's just that I find myself in Revit 99.9% of the time so my growth in AutoCAD has swindled down drastically. However, Revit is completely parametric so I use constraints constantly, just not in AutoCAD.

 

[tzframpton]

Here is a screen capture tutorial with audio if you're interested. Hope this helps.

 

http://screencast.com/t/f3bP3yeHeBg

[nic6911]

StykFacE:

That is just awesome Thank's a lot.

Only problem I got is that when I revolve it's not solid!

 

But autocad says: Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4, Closed profiles creation mode = Solid

 

When i type revolve. I then revolve something but it revolves as surface no matter what I do...

[ReMark]

Revolve a line and you get a surface. Revolve a closed profile and you get a solid.

 

Perhaps you have AutoCAD set to create surfaces not solids when you're working in a 3D modeling environment.

[tzframpton]

When u start the revolve command, I believe there are sub-commands to set it to solid or surface. I'm replying from my phone so I can test to be sure.

[nic6911]

Looking at your screencast a couple of times more I see that you use polylines. I use lines. So as ReMark says i won't get a surface...

I didn't know that. But i do know!

 

So now I can revolve in solid 3D

 

Thanks for all the inputs!

[TKall]

Stykface:

Your tutorial is excellent. The part where you reset the ucs to match the angle of the cone was great. I have been struggling with that since I started. Thank you. Also, Thanks to nic6911 for asking and clearly presenting such a germane question.

[tzframpton]

No problem guys. Glad to help.

 

@nic, always use polylines no matter what u are drawing. They are far more beneficial especially for 3D modeling. If u need lines for any reason then simply explode.

 

@TKall, it's all about manipulating the UCS. Soon as this is grasped then 3D becomes very simple.

[TKall]

I saw that FLATSHOT creates a 2D representation of all the 3D objects. Does it have an option allowing the user to select a specific object in a drawing?

[tzframpton]

Also, manipulating the UCS and reorienting the drawing space works great in 2D plan views. For instance, when I'm routing ductwork in a church, usually churches have a 30 degree angle on either side of the building to form around the stage. In doing so I can reorient the drawing space so I can draw in a orthogonal X, Y on each side of the building.