AutoCAD Mechanical 2008 User’s Guide Part No.
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Portions of this software include one or more Boost libraries. Use of the Boost libraries is subject to its license agreement http://www.boost.org/LICENSE_1_0.txt. Genius™, Genius CAD Software GmbH and CoKG, licensed to Autodesk Inc. for limited use in connection with Genius™14, Genius™ LT, Genius™ Desktop, Genius™ Mold, Genius™ Motion, Genius™ Pool, Genius™Profile, Genius™ SAP, Genius™ TNT, and Genius™ Vario. Cypress Enable™, Cypress Software, Inc. dBase™ is a registered trademark of Ksoft, Inc.
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Contents Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Chapter 1 About AutoCAD Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 AutoCAD Mechanical Software Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Leveraging Legacy Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Starting AutoCAD Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Accessing AutoCAD Mechanical Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 AutoCAD Mechanical Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Collaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Chapter 2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Chapter 3 New and Revised Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Revised Commands . . . . . AMBALLOON . . . . . AMBOM . . . . . . . . AMOPTIONS . . . . . AMPARTLIST . . . . . AMPARTREF . . . . . . AMPARTREFEDIT . . . AMPOWERDIM . . . . AMSCATLOG . . . . . AMSCREATE . . . . . .
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Working with Mechanical Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Enabling Mechanical structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Creating Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Modifying Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Nesting Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Creating and Dimensioning Detail Views . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Chapter 8 Working with Model Space and Layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Working with Model Space and Layouts . . . Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Scale Areas . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Detail Views . . . . . . . . . . Generating New Viewports . . . . . . . Inserting Holes Within Viewports . . . . Creating Subassemblies in New Layouts . Chapter 9 Dimensioning .
Simplifying Representations of Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . 239 Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Working with Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inserting Part References . . . . . . . . . . . . Editing Part References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Placing Balloons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines . . . . . . . . . 318 Calculating Moments of Inertia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319 Calculating Deflection Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321 Chapter 16 Calculating Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327 Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chain Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . Performing Length Calculations . Optimizing Chain Lengths . . . Inserting Sprockets . . . . . . . . Inserting Chains . . . . . .
Chapter 20 Designing and Calculating Cams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387 Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Designing and Calculating Cams . . . . . . . . Starting Cam Designs and Calculations . . Defining Motion Sections . . . . . . . . . Calculating Strength for Springs . . . . . . Exporting Cam Data and Viewing Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388 . 388 . 389 .
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Overview Part I provides information for getting started with your In this part AutoCAD® Mechanical software. ■ About AutoCAD Mechanical It includes an overview of the product capabilities, a summary ■ Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical ■ New and Revised Commands of commands with their toolbuttons and descriptions, and a summary of new and revised commands in this release of AutoCAD Mechanical.
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1 About AutoCAD Mechanical This chapter provides information about the AutoCAD® In this chapter Mechanical software application. It describes the software ■ AutoCAD Mechanical Software Package ■ Leveraging Legacy Data methods for accessing commands.
AutoCAD Mechanical Software Package AutoCAD Mechanical is a 2D mechanical design and drafting solution for engineers, designers, and detailers. Its intelligent production drawing and detailing features decrease the time required to create and change 2D production designs. AutoCAD Mechanical introduces many 3D concepts in a familiar 2D environment. It is powered by AutoCAD®, with its easy-to-use palette interface and time-saving xref functionality.
Accessing AutoCAD Mechanical Commands AutoCAD Mechanical provides several methods to access commands and manage your design process. The following are samples of the access methods available to you: Context Menu In the graphics area, right-click and choose Power Edit. Toolbutton Menu Modify ➤ Power Commands ➤ Power Edit Command AMPOWEREDIT The step-by-step procedures in the tutorials in Part II of this manual indicate the command name in the opening procedural text.
about all the commands and dialog boxes visited while performing the procedure. ■ Specific information about each of the features in the program. ■ Concepts and procedures for the new features in this release. ■ A keyword index and search function. ■ Printable Command Reference. ■ Guides to system variables and accelerator keys. ■ Access to Support Assistance with integrated links to solutions.
Design Features in AutoCAD Mechanical This section provides an overview of the functionality in the AutoCAD Mechanical software, including numerous innovative 2D design features. Mechanical Structure Mechanical structure comprises a suite of 2D structure tools for organizing drawings and for reusing associative data. The capabilities of reuse in blocks and accessibility in layer groups are combined in mechanical structure.
■ Changes made to an associative instance of a part or assembly, associative component, assembly detailing view, or a standard part or feature are automatically reflected in the other instances. ■ Folders, components, and individual views of components can be reused as needed. They maintain full associativity with each other. ■ Annotation views can be created for components and assemblies to fully document the design.
■ When geometry is hidden, AutoCAD Mechanical knows it is a component in the mechanical structure, and provides a tooltip with the name and view of the component. Autodesk Inventor Companion Support Autodesk® Inventor™ companion support redefines the meaning of 3D to 2D interoperability. Use the companion functionality to: ■ Access and associatively document native 3D part models without the presence of Autodesk Inventor.
■ Mechanical line objects are available for creating centerlines and center crosses, construction lines, symmetrical lines, section lines, break lines, and others. ■ Linear/symmetric stretch is used to modify dimensioned geometry by changing the dimension value. ■ Predefined hatch patterns are applicable in two picks from toolbars and menus. Engineering Calculations The automatic engineering calculations available in AutoCAD Mechanical ensure proper function in mechanical designs.
for chains and belts, and insert these assemblies in your design. Chains and belts can be selected from standard libraries. ■ The cam generator creates cam plates and cylindrical cams given input border conditions. You can calculate and display velocity, acceleration, and the cam curve path. You can couple driven elements to the cam and create NC data through the curve on the path.
■ Dimensions are automatic for 2D geometry with either ordinate or baseline dimensions. ■ One command quickly cleans up and arranges dimensions in 2D drawings. One system setting controls the scale for drawing symbols in all views. ■ Commands are available for align, break, insert, and join to easily dimension a drawing. Annotations ■ Hole notes can be inserted for standard holes.
Standard Parts Tools Standard part tools provide for the elements that go with standard parts, such as a hole to accompany a screw. These tools include: ■ Screw connection feature for selecting entire fastener assemblies at one time. ■ Changeable representation of a standard part between a normal, simplified, or symbolic representation. ■ Power view to automatically generate a different view of a standard part, such as a top view from a front view.
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2 Commands in AutoCAD Mechanical This chapter provides a list of the commands available in In this chapter AutoCAD® Mechanical, along with a brief description of the ■ Command Summary function of each command and the associated toolbutton.
Command Summary The following is a list of the AutoCAD Mechanical commands, a brief description of each, and the associated toolbutton. Some commands do not have an associated toolbutton. This list does not contain AutoCAD® commands. In some cases where some of the task-specific toolbars are available in a more comprehensive format from the Main toolbar at View ➤ Toolbars, it is noted in the table.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMAUTOCLINES Automatically creates construction lines on selected drawing elements. AMAUTODETAIL Creates an external detail drawing (xref) of selected elements from an assembly drawing. AMAUTODIM Creates chain, baseline, ordinate in both axes, shaft, or symmetric dimensions. AMBALLOON Creates and places a balloon. AMBEARCALC Performs calculation on bearings.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMBROWSER Switches the mechanical browser on and off. AMBROWSEROPEN Switches the mechanical browser on. AMBROWSERCLOSE Switches the mechanical browser off. AMBSLOT2D Creates a blind slot. AMCAM Creates and calculates cam designs. AMCENCRANGLE Draws a centerline cross with an angle. AMCENCRCORNER Draws a centerline cross in a corner. AMCENCRFULLCIRCLE Draws a centerline cross on a circle. AMCENCRHOLE Draws a centerline cross with a hole.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMCENCRPLATE Draws centerline cross on a plate. AMCENINBET Draws a centerline in between two lines. AMCENTERHOLE2D Creates a centerhole. AMCENLINE Creates a centerline and center marks through selected circles and arcs while in Drawing mode. AMCENTLINE Draws a centerline. AMCHAINDRAW Draws chain or belt links. AMCHAINLENGTHCAL Determines the tangent definition between sprockets or pulleys. AMCHAM2D Bevels the edges of objects.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMCLINEL Locks or unlocks the construction line layer. AMCLINEO Switches construction lines on or off. AMCOMP2D Designs, calculates, and inserts compression springs, and places spring specification tables in drawings. AMCONSTLINES Draws construction lines.Design Toolbar Design Toolbar - Draw, Construction for more construction line commands. AMCONSTSWI Switches construction lines between lines and rays. AMCONTIN Displays the inner contour of an object.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMCOPYVIEW Copies views to the same layout or to a different layout. AMCOTTERPIN2D Creates a cotter pin. AMCOUNTB2D Creates a standard related counterbore. AMCOUNTS2D Creates a standard related countersink. AMCRIVET2D Creates a countersunk rivet. AMCYLPIN2D Creates a cylindrical pin. AMDATUMID Creates datum identifier symbols. AMDATUMTGT Creates datum target symbols.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMDIMALIGN Aligns linear, rotated, aligned, ordinate, or angular dimensions that have a base dimension of the same type. AMDIMARRANGE Rearranges individual dimensions that lie along one axis, in respect to a reference point. AMDIMBREAK Creates breaks in an existing dimension. AMDIMFORMAT Modifies dimensions in drawing mode. AMDIMINSERT Edits linear, aligned, rotated, and angular dimensions by inserting new dimensions of the same type simultaneously.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMDWGVIEW Creates views of Autodesk Inventor® linked models while in Drawing mode. AMEDGESYM Creates edge symbols. AMEDIT Edits balloons, parts lists, and symbols. AMEDITPSCUTLINE Displays or selects the paper space cutline for breakout section views. AMEDITVIEW Edits views created in Drawing mode. AMEQUATEDIT Generates and organizes equations. AMERASEALLCL Erases all construction lines. AMERASECL Erases selected construction lines.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMFCFRAME Creates feature control frame symbols. AMFEA2D Calculates stress and deformation in a plane for plates with a given thickness or in a cross section with individual forces and stretching loads. AMFEATID Creates feature identifier symbols. AMFILLET2D Rounds and fillets the edges of objects. AMFITSLIST Puts existing fits and their respective dimension values into a list and inserts this fits list into your drawing.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMHATCH_45_13 Creates a 45-degree and 13 mm/0.5 inch hatch. AMHATCH_45_2 Creates a 45-degree and 2.5 mm/0.1 inch hatch. AMHATCH_45_5 Creates a 45-degree and 5 mm/0.22 inch hatch. AMHATCH_DBL Creates a double hatch of 45- and 135-degree and 2.3 mm/0.09 inch. AMHELP Displays the online Help. AMHOLECHART Documents the holes in a design, including coordinate dimensions.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMIVUPDATE Rereads associated Autodesk Inventor part or assembly file and updates the linked .dwg file. AMJOIN Joins different entities. AMLANGCONV Translates text strings in your drawing into another language. AMLANGTEXT Displays and uses text from the Language Converter. AMLAYER Manages the layer system. AMLAYINVO Switches invisible lines on or off. AMLAYMOVE Moves lines to another layer. AMLAYMOVEPL Moves lines to parts layers.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMLAYPARTREFO Switches part reference on or off. AMLAYRESET Resets all layers. AMLAYTIBLO Switches the border and title block on or off. AMLAYVISENH Specifies the layer group setting during a working session. AMLAYVPO Switches viewports on or off. AMLGMOVE Moves elements in a selection set to a specific layer group. AMLIBRARY Displays the Library dialog box. AMLISTVIEW Lists information about a selected view while in Drawing mode.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AM_MECHANICAL_ BROWSER Displays the browser in the mechanical structure environment. AMMIGRATEBB Converts infopoints, position numbers, and parts lists (on a drawing) from Genius 13/Genius 14 to AutoCAD Mechanical 6 format. AMMIGRATESYM Converts all symbols from Genius 13/14 to AutoCAD Mechanical 6 format. AMMODE Switches between model and drawing modes. AMMOVEDIM Moves dimensions on drawings while maintaining their association to the drawing view geometry.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMPARTLIST Creates and places a parts list in a drawing. AMPARTREF Creates part references. AMPARTREFEDIT Edits part reference data. AMPIN2D Creates cylindrical pins, cotter pins, taper pins, and grooved drive studs. AMPLBEAR2D Inserts a plain bearing on a shaft or in a housing. AMPLOTDATE Inserts the current date in the lower right corner of the title block. AMPLRIVET2D Creates a plain rivet. AMPLUG2D Creates a plug.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMPOWERDIM_ANG Creates angular dimensions, or assigns tolerances or fits to dimension. AMPOWEREDIT Starts the command with which the selected object was created to edit the object. AMPOWERERASE Deletes selected objects. AMPOWERRECALL Starts the command with which the selected object was created, to create a new object. AMPOWERSNAP Sets object snap modes, polar snap, and filters for object snaps. AMPOWERVIEW Creates top or side views of standard parts.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMPSNAP4 Sets user-defined snap settings on tab 4. AMPSNAPCEN Snaps the rectangle center. AMPSNAPFILTERO Switches the entity filter on or off. AMPSNAPMID Snaps to the middle of two points. AMPSNAPREF Snaps to a reference point. AMPSNAPREL Snaps to a relative point. AMPSNAPVINT Snaps to a virtual intersection point of two lines. AMPSNAPZO Switches snapping of the Z coordinate on or off.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMREFCOPY Copies objects from other blocks to the REFEDIT working set. AMREFDIM Creates reference dimensions between the part edges created in Model mode and lines, arcs, circles, ellipses created in Drawing mode. AMRESCALE Rescales dimensions and symbols in model and layout. AMREV Switches revision lists on or off. AMREVLINE Inserts a revision list into a drawing or adds an additional revision line to an existing revision list.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMSCAREA Creates a scale area (an area that has a scale that is different to model space scale) in model space. AMSCATALOG Opens the structure catalog dialog box, which gives you the ability to insert structure components to the current drawing as external references and manage them. AMSCATALOGOPEN Opens the structure catalog dialog box AMSCATALOGCLOSE Closes the structure catalog dialog box. AMSCMONITOR Views and edits the scale of scale areas or viewports.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMSCREWMACRO2D Opens the Screw Assembly Templates dialog box. AMSCRIPT Generates scripts. AMSEALRING2D Creates a sealing ring for use under a plug. AMSEALS2D Inserts a seal or O-ring with the appropriate groove in a shaft. AMSECTIONLINE Creates cutting plane lines. AMSEDIT Directly manipulates the contents of an active folder or view in the mechanical structure environment. AMSETUPDWG Sets up a drawing.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMSHAFTKEY2D Inserts a parallel or woodruff key with the appropriate keyseat in a shaft. AMSHAFTLNUT2D Creates a shaft lock nut including the lock washer and inserts both in a shaft. AMSHIDE Creates and edits hide situations in the mechanical structure environment. AMSHIDEEDIT Edits hide situations created with AMSHIDE. AMSHIMRING2D Creates a shim ring on a shaft. AMSIMPLEWELD Creates seam and fillet simple welds.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMSNEW Creates and manages new folders, components, and annotation views in the mechanical structure environment. AMSPROCKET Draws sprockets or pulleys. AMSPURGE Removes unused structure objects, including folders, components, views, and annotation views in the mechanical structure environment. AMSREPLACEDEF Replaces the definition of a folder or view with another definition of objects in the mechanical structure environment.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMSTYLESTAND Changes the text style to standard. AMSTYLETXT Changes the text style to TXT. AMSURFSYM Creates surface texture symbols. AMSYMLEADER Appends or removes a leader. AMSYMLINE Draws symmetrical lines. AMTAPBHOLE2D Creates a standard related tapped blind hole. AMTAPETHREAD2D Creates a taper hole with an external thread. AMTAPITHREAD2D Creates a taper hole with an internal thread. AMTAPERPIN2D Creates a taper pin.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMTEXT3 Inserts mtext with 3.5 mm height. AMTEXT5 Inserts mtext with 5 mm height. See Appendix A, Assistance Toolbar - Text for more text commands. AMTEXT7 Inserts mtext with 7 mm height. AMTEXTCENT Centers text horizontally and vertically. AMTEXTHORIZ Centers text centered horizontally around the selected point. AMTEXTRIGHT Aligns mtext to the right.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMTITLE Inserts a title block and a drawing border. AMTOR2D Designs, calculates, and inserts torsion springs, and inserts spring specification tables in drawings. AMTRCONT Traces contours on construction lines. AMTSLOT2D Creates a standard related through slot. AMUBHOLE2D Creates a user-defined blind hole. AMUBSLOT2D Creates a user-defined blind slot. AMUCOUNTB2D Creates a user-defined counterbore. AMUCOUNTS2D Creates a user-defined countersink.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMUTSLOT2D Creates a user-defined slot. AMVARIODB Connects to a database. AMVIEWALL Zooms the view according to the limits. AMVIEWCEN Zooms the center of the viewports. AMVIEWLL Zooms the predefined lower-left quarter of the drawing. AMVIEWLR Zooms the predefined lower-right quarter of the drawing. AMVIEWUL Zooms the predefined upper-left quarter of the drawing. AMVIEWUR Zooms the predefined upper-right quarter of the drawing.
Toolbutton Command Name Description AMWELDSYM Creates a welding symbol. AMXREFSET Controls the representation of xrefs. AMZIGZAGLINE Draws zigzag lines. AMZOOMVP Displays a selected area in another viewport. SAVEAS Saves a file into a different file format for use in more than one version of AutoCAD Mechanical.
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3 New and Revised Commands This chapter contains information about new and revised In this chapter commands in AutoCAD® Mechanical.
Revised Commands This following are revised commands in this version of AutoCAD Mechanical. AMBALLOON Creates and places a balloon. Toolbutton Menu Annotate ➤ Parts List Tools ➤ Balloons Command AMBOM ■ Contains a powerful expression builder enabling you to create complex formulas for Balloons. ■ All dialog boxes displayed that are displayed in response to this command have been enhanced with the intention of making them easier to understand and easier to use.
■ All dialog boxes displayed that are displayed in response to this command have been enhanced with the intention of making them easier to understand and easier to use. AMOPTIONS Sets configurations. Toolbutton None Menu Assist ➤ Options Command AMOPTIONS ■ The AM:Structure tab has been updated to provide additional options for pre-configure how component views are created when they are copied, arrayed or mirrored. The remaining options have been rearranged to make them easier to understand.
■ All dialog boxes displayed that are displayed in response to this command have been enhanced with the intention of making them easier to understand and easier to use. AMPARTREF Creates part references. Toolbutton Menu Annotate ➤ Parts List Tools ➤ Part Reference Command AMPARTREF ■ All dialog boxes displayed that are displayed in response to this command have been enhanced with the intention of making them easier to understand and easier to use. AMPARTREFEDIT Creates part references.
Toolbutton Menu Annotate ➤ Power Dimensioning Command AMPOWERDIM ■ Command has been enhanced to automatically create arc extension lines when points outside an arc is dimensioned. ■ Supports the creation of inspection dimensions. AMSCATLOG Opens the structure catalog dialog box, which gives you the ability to insert structure components to the current drawing as external references and manage them.
appropriate scale for a given paper size and standard compliant labels for each view. AMSEXTERNALIZE Creates components, component views, folders, and annotation views in drawings in the mechanical structure environment. Toolbutton Command ■ AMSEXTERNALIZE The command can now externalize local annotation views of xref components, back to the source file. AMSINSERT Inserts a new instance of a component view, folder or annotation view in model space, in the mechanical structure environment.
Command ■ AMSLOCALIZE The command can now localize xref annotation views. AMSNEW Creates and manages new folders, components, and annotation views in the mechanical structure environment. Toolbutton Command ■ AMSLOCALIZE The command can now create annotation views in paper space. Creation of annotation views is fully supported with calculation of the most appropriate scale for a given paper size and standard compliant labels for each view. AMSTLSHAP2D Creates a steel shape.
Toolbutton Menu Annotate ➤ Symbols ➤ Surface Texture Command AMSURFSYM ■ You can now specify the surface texture parameter designation, numerical limit value and transmission band as a single surface texture requirement. ■ The Surface Symbol dialog box has been updated to contain customizable drop-down lists. AMWELDSYMBOL Creates welding symbols. Toolbutton Menu Annotate ➤ Symbols ➤ Welding Command AMWELDSYMBOL ■ The Welding Symbol dialog box contains a revised process list.
Command ■ AMBROWSEROPEN Typically invoked when the Structure workspace is turned on. AMBROWSERCLOSE Turns off the mechanical browser. Toolbutton None Menu None Command AMBROWSERCLOSE ■ Typically invoked when workspaces other than the structure workspace is turned on. AMSCATALOGOPEN Turns on the mechanical browser. Toolbutton None Menu None Command AMSCATALOGOPEN ■ Typically invoked when the Structure workspace is turned on. AMSCATALOGCLOSE Turns off the mechanical browser.
AMSNAVMODE Toggles the design navigation mode on or off. Toolbutton None Menu None Command AMSNAVMODE Shortcut Key CTRL - D ■ While the Design Navigation Mode is on, when you move the cursor through model space, each component the cursor moves over highlights (in model space as well as in the mechanical browser) and a tootip displays the hierarchical structure of the component.
Design and Annotation Tools The tutorials in this section teach you how to use AutoCAD® In this part Mechanical’s design, annotation and productivity tools.
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4 Working with Templates In this tutorial, you learn about the predefined templates and In this chapter how to create your own user-defined templates in AutoCAD® ■ Key Terms ■ Working with Templates Mechanical.
Key Terms Term Definition base layer A layer made up of working layers and standard parts layers. Base layers are repeated in every layer group. layer group A group of associated or related items in a drawing. A major advantage of working with layer groups is that you can deactivate a specific layer group and a complete component. The drawing and its overview are enhanced with a reduction in regeneration time. part layers A layer where the standard parts are put.
■ title blocks, borders, and logos ■ dimension and text styles ■ linetypes and lineweights If you start a drawing from scratch, AutoCAD Mechanical reads the system defaults from the registry. The system defaults have a predefined standard. If you create a new drawing based on an existing template and make changes to the drawing, those changes do not affect the template. To begin working with templates immediately, you can use the predefined template files stored in the acadm\template folder.
Choose OK. The layer AM_0 is active, as you can see in the toolbar: Setting Mechanical Options In the Options dialog box, you can specify general settings for AutoCAD Mechanical, Autodesk® Mechanical Desktop®, and AutoCAD®. Tabs that affect settings for either Mechanical Desktop or AutoCAD Mechanical, or both, have an AM prefix. Use the arrows at the right end of the tab bar to move left and right through all of the available tabs.
Menu Assist ➤ Options Command OPTIONS or AMOPTIONS 2 In the Options dialog box, AM:Structure tab, clear the Enable Structure check box, and then choose Apply. 3 On the AM:Standards tab, specify: Standard: ISO Measurement: Metric Model Scale: 1:1 Choose OK. NOTE All settings in this dialog that are stored in the drawing (template) are marked with this icon: The current standard and all related settings are listed in the right section.
Specifying Drawing Limits Specify the drawing limits according to size A0 (840 x 1188 mm). This limits your drawing space to the specified size. To specify the drawing limits 1 Start the Drawing Limits command. Menu Assist ➤ Format ➤ Drawing Limits Command LIMITS 2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify lower left corner or [ON/OFF] <0.00,0.00>: Press ENTER Specify upper right corner <420.00,297.00>: Enter 841, 1189, press ENTER The limits are expanded to A0 format.
Choose Save. 3 In the Template Description dialog box, specify: Description: Tutorial Template Measurement: Metric Choose OK. 4 Close the drawing.
Using Templates Use the previously created template to start a new drawing. To open a template 1 Start the New command. Toolbutton Menu File ➤ New Command NEW 2 In the Select template dialog box, select my_own_template.dwt, and then choose Open. Start the new drawing using the settings of the previously saved template. Setting Default Standards Templates Specify your template as the default template.
To set a default template 1 Start the Mechanical Options command. Menu Assist ➤ Options Command AMOPTIONS 2 In the Options dialog box, AM:Standards tab, choose Browse. 3 In the Open dialog box, select my_own_template.dwt, and then choose Open. 4 In the Options dialog box, choose OK. The template my_own_template is used as the default standards template until you specify a different default template.
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5 Using Mechanical Structure In this tutorial, you learn how to use mechanical structure in In this chapter AutoCAD® Mechanical. You learn how to work with folders, ■ Key Terms ■ Working with Mechanical Structure ■ Folders ■ Selection Modes ■ Mechanical Browser Display Options ■ External Reference Components ■ Annotation Views ■ Associative Hide components and component views. You also review the bill of materials, restructure components and resolve ghost components.
Key Terms Term Definition annotation view A folder that contains one or more component views dedicated to annotating and detailing parts and subassemblies. associative In mechanical structure, the implication that a change to one instance of a definition is reflected in all other instances of that definition, including the definition itself. mechanical browser A browser that contains the hierarchy of components, component views, annotation views, and folders of a given mechanical structure.
Term Definition instance An iteration of a definition as it appears in mechanical structure. object Used variously to describe any item in mechanical structure, whether a component, folder, or geometry. occurrence Placement of a component, usually in multiple-level assemblies, where a component is replicated as a result of multiple placements of a single part or subassembly. Working with Mechanical Structure Mechanical structure is a set of tools used to organize data for reuse.
Enabling Mechanical structure To enable mechanical structure ■ Click the STRUCT status bar button and latch it down to enable mechanical structure. To display the mechanical browser 1 If the mechanical browser is not visible, in the command line, enter AMBROWSER. 2 When prompted, enter ON. Folders The basic element of mechanical structure is the folder. A folder is similar to a block in that it has a definition that can be instanced multiple times.
Modifying Folders While folders are similar to blocks, there are significant differences. The most significant, is that the contents of a folder remain editable without the need for a special editing mode like REFEDIT. To grip edit the circle 1 Continue clicking the circle until you see the word CIRCLE in the tooltip window. 2 Select a grip, drag and then click. If a folder's contents are selectable, how do you select the folder? This is where the tooltip comes in.
3 Continue clicking the circle until you see the word Folder1:1 in the tooltip window. 4 Press ENTER to complete selection, then pick points to finish the copy. 5 Press ESC to finish. The mechanical browser shows a second instance of the folder (Folder1:2), implying that you copied the folder, not just the contents. In the next exercise you modify the contents of a folder to demonstrate that modifying one instance of a folder updates both.
2 Use LINE to draw two diagonal lines from corner to corner on the rectangle. Note that the lines appear in the other instance as soon as the command is completed. 3 Double-click a vacant area in the browser to reset activation. Nesting Folders Like blocks, folders can be nested. However, a folder cannot be nested within itself, which is about the only restriction on folder nesting. 1 Draw a small circle in the lower triangle in the second instance of the folder.
4 Respond to the prompts as shown: Enter folder name : Press ENTER Select objects for new component view: Select the circle and then the line and press ENTER Specify base point: Select the center of the circle. 5 Expand Folder1:1 and Folder 1:2 and verify that a nested folder was created. 6 In the browser, right-click Folder1:2 again and select Insert Folder.
Notice that when you added the nested folders, both instances updated, just like when you added the lines. Folder2:1 was created as a child of Folder1:2 because we chose New Folder from its context menu, and Folder2:2 was inserted into Folder1:2 for the same reason. Note that as with blocks, you were able to rotate the folder instance on insertion. Instance vs. Occurrence To finish with folders, you inspect a few browser functions such as visibility and property overrides.
7 In the browser, right click Folder1:1 ➤ Folder2:1 and select property overrides. 8 Apply a color override of red to the folder. The subfolder you selected is now red, but the other subfolder is not. Notice that the same subfolder is red in Folder1:2. This is because property overrides are instance-based. When you look at visibility you will understand why this matters. To apply visibility overrides 1 In the browser, right-click Folder1:1 and select Visible. The entire folder is now invisible.
Button Function BTM-UP/TOPDN Switches the structure selection order between bottomup and top-down. R-LOCK Switches the Reference Lock on and off. When the Reference Lock is on, you cannot select entities in an external folder or view (more on this later). S-LOCK Switches the Selection Lock on and off. When the Selection Lock is on, selection is restricted to the active edit target and below. The next two exercises demonstrate the behavior of the BTM-UP/TOP-DN and S-LOCK selection modes.
To select items when S-LOCK is on 1 Press ESC to clear any selections. 2 In the browser, double-click Folder1:1 to activate it. 3 Click the S-LOCK button and latch it down to turn on the selection lock. 4 Click one of the circles in Folder1:2. Note that the circle is no longer selectable. 5 Click one of the circles in Folder1:1. Grips appear, indicating that selection is possible. 6 Double-click the root of the mechanical browser tree to reset activation. 7 Close the drawing.
2 Draw a second rectangle, above the first, having the same width (the top view). 3 Right-click anywhere in the browser, and select New ➤ Component.
Creating Assembly Components You now have two component views; Front and Top, and they are grouped together in the browser by COMP1:1. In the next exercise, you insert another instance of COMP1 and assemble the two components (parts) in an “L” shape. To insert a new instance of a component 1 In the browser, right-click a vacant area, and select Insert ➤ Component.
3 In the browser, right-click COMP1:2 and select Insert ➤ Component View ➤ Top. 4 Respond to the prompts as shown: Specify the insertion point or [Base point/Rotate 90]: Pick point 2, the lower left corner of the front view of COMP1:1 Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER. To assemble components 1 Right-click anywhere In the browser, and select New ➤ Component.
2 Respond to the prompts as shown: Enter new component name : Enter ASSY and press ENTER Enter new view name : Enter Front and press ENTER Select objects for new component view: Select COMP1:1 (Front) and COMP1:2 (Top) and press ENTER To select a component view instead of the geometry, continue clicking the geometry until you see the component view name in the tooltip window.
Modifying Assembly Components As you work, you can continue to add views as needed. To demonstrate this, in the next exercise, you add a side view of this assembly. To add a component view 1 Draw a rectangle representing the side view of the first instance of COMP1. 2 In the browser, right-click ASSY:1 and select New ➤ Component View.
Pick the rectangle and press ENTER Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the rectangle 6 In the browser, right-click COMP1:2 and select Insert ➤ Component View ➤ Side.
In the next exercise, you add a component to the assembly to demonstrate the ability to add a component after the assembly is created. To add a component 1 Draw a circle on the top view of the assembly. 2 In the browser, right-click ASSY:1(Top) and select New ➤ Component.
4 Draw a rectangle representing the projected view in the front view of the assembly 5 In the browser, double-click ASSY:1 ➤ Top to activate that view 6 Right-click COMP2:1 and select New ➤ Component View.
8 In the browser, double-click ASSY:1 ➤ Side to activate it. 9 Ensure that S-LOCK is off and copy COMP2:1(Side) and position it in the side view. To select a component view instead of the geometry, continue clicking the geometry until you see the component view name in the tooltip window 10 In the Component View Instance created dialog box, select Existing in the last column. 11 Double-click a vacant area to reset activation.
Using Folders with Component Views When folders are used in conjunction with component views, you can do several useful things. This section shows two examples. You can use folders to contain drawing items that would otherwise not be accounted for with a default component view folder. In the following example, a folder, Groove:1, was created to contain the upper groove and arrayed to create the others. Because the groove is implemented as a folder, it does not have an impact on the BOM.
The default view of the mechanical browser shows the hierarchical organization of components as well as indicates which component owns a given component view. To show the View Tree and Component Tree 1 Right-click the root node of the mechanical browser and select Browser Options. 2 In the View Tree section, select the Display Tree check box. 3 In the Component Tree section, clear the Component Views check box. 4 Click OK. 5 Right-click a vacant area in the browser and select Expand All.
To show both default and expandable assembly views 1 Right-click the root node of the mechanical browser and select Browser Options. 2 In the Component Tree section, select the Component Views check box. 3 Click OK. In this view, the mechanical browser shows the hierarchy of components, component views as well as indicates which component owns a given component view. In practice, you can work with the view settings that makes most sense to you.
To insert a parts list 1 In the command line, enter AMBOM. 2 Respond to the prompts as shown: Specify BOM to create or set current [Main/?] : Press ENTER 3 In the BOM dialog box, click the plus sign (+) in the first column to expand ASSY. 4 Click the Insert Parts list button on the toolbar of the BOM dialog box. 5 In the Parts List dialog box, click OK and click inside the drawing to indicate where to insert the parts list. 6 In the BOM dialog box, click OK.
By associating views through a single component, the BOM is managed accurately and semi-automatically. You can manage component attributes through the BOM editor or directly on the component from the browser. Browser Restructure and Ghost Components In the next exercise you restructure COMP1:1 and COMP2:1 to be parts of an assembly named SUB-ASSY. To do this, you must create SUB-ASSY first. To create a component 1 Right-click a vacant area in the browser and choose New ➤ Component.
Select COMP1:1 (Top) and COMP2:1 (Top) and press ENTER To select a component view instead of the geometry, continue clicking the geometry until you see the component view name in the tooltip window. If you accidentally select the wrong view, you can cancel the selection by selecting the view again with the SHIFT key pressed. Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the combined view The Component Restructure dialog box is displayed. 3 Observe the mechanical browser.
Note that the component SUB-ASSY is already created (1) and COMP1:1 and COMP2:1 are components of it. Also, the COMP1:1 and COMP2:1 continue to exist as components of ASSY1 (2), but the icon changed. This icon indicates that the component is a Ghost Component. Ghost components are containers of the views of components that are in an intermediate state of restructure. To learn how to resolve ghost components, you must stop creating SUB-ASSY at this point. 4 Click OK.
Don’t pick anything. Just press ENTER Specify base point: Pick the lower left corner of the large rectangle in the lower left of the drawing 7 In the browser, right-click SUB-ASSY:1 and select New ➤ Component View again. 8 Respond to the prompts as shown: Enter new view name : Enter Side and press ENTER Select objects for new component view: Don’t pick anything.
To resolve ghost components 1 In the browser, click the ghost component COMP1:1, press the CTRL key and click COMP2:1. Both components are selected. 2 Drag to SUB-ASSY1. The Component Restructure dialog box is displayed. 3 In the Source Component Views list, with the CTRL key pressed select COMP1:1(Front) and COMP2:1(Side). 4 Drag to SUB-ASSY1(Front). The views move from the Source Component Views list to the Destination Component Views list.
The ghost components disappear and COMP1:1 and COMP2:1 are now parts of SUB-ASSY1. In the final exercise of browser restructure, you restructure SUB-ASSY1 to be a subassembly of ASSY1. To restructure components 1 In the browser, drag SUB-ASSY:1 ➤ Front to ASSY:1 ➤ Front. The Restructure components dialog box is displayed. 2 Drag SUB-ASSY:1 (Top) to ASSY:1 (Top) and SUB-ASSY:1 (Side) to ASSY:1 (Side). 3 Click OK.
External Reference Components In AutoCAD Mechanical, you can save individual parts and subassemblies in external files and share them between designs. When a part is modified, the changes are propagated to all instances, ensuring that assembly drawings are always synchronized with their related part drawings.
Inserting External Components In this exercise, you insert a Gripper on to a Gripper Plate drawing. 1 Open the file Tut_Gripper_Plate.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder. Toolbutton Menu File ➤ Open Command OPEN The drawing contains two views of a gripper plate and contains two construction lines. 2 To keep the original file intact, save the file as Gripper.dwg 3 Display the Structure Catalog. Toolbutton Menu Insert ➤ Structure Catalog Command AMSCATALOG 4 In the Files tab, navigate to the acadm\tutori
Once one view of an xref component is inserted, the other views can be inserted as normal. To insert another view of the xref component 1 In the browser, right-click GRIPPER1 and select Insert from Xref Drawing ➤ Component View ➤ Top.
Select objects: Ensure that the selection mode is set to TOP-DN and in model space, click both xref views you just inserted and press ENTER Specify first point of mirror line: Click anywhere on the vertical construction line Specify second point of mirror line: Click elsewhere on the vertical construction line Erase source objects? [Yes/No] : Enter N and press ENTER 3 In the last column of the Component View Instance Created dialog box, select New.
Specify second point of mirror line: Click elsewhere on the horizontal construction line Erase source objects? [Yes/No] : Enter N and press ENTER Next, you assemble the components under an assembly, named GRIPPER ASSEMBLY. To assemble components 1 Right-click a vacant area in the browser, and select New ➤ Component.
The Component Restructure dialog box is displayed. 3 In the Destination Components list, right-click a vacant area, and select Create New View. 4 Respond to the prompts as shown: Enter new view name : Press ENTER Select objects for new component view: Ensure that the selection mode is set to TOP-DN and window select the larger rectangle and the four grippers connected to it and press ENTER Specify base point: Pick the intersection of the two construction lines 5 Save the file as Gripper Assembly.dwg.
In the next exercise, you modify the gripper lever using the activate method. To edit an xref component in place 1 In the browser, double-click Gripper ➤ Front to activate it. Notice that locks appear on all instances of the gripper in the browser. This indicates that the source file containing the gripper is now locked and no one else can modify it. 2 Start the Chamfer command.
7 In the browser, right-click a vacant area, and select Purge All Locks. 8 In the Purge Locks message box, click OK. To verify if the changes were written back to the source file ■ In the browser, right-click GRIPPER1 and select Open to Edit. The Gripper source file opens. Note that the component view Open Position has also been modified. How did this happen? Expand the component Lever1. Notice that it has two instances of the component view Front.
Note that CYLINDER:1 is an xref component in all instances of the GRIPPER component. Annotation Views In some cases, externalizing to detail may be considered excessive. Mechanical Structure provides for creating Annotation Views, an associative view of a component purely for the purpose of detailing. Annotation views have no effect on the BOM. In the next exercise, you create an annotation view for the LEVER component.
Use object tracking mode for alignment, select a point directly below the point you clicked on previously. Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER Specify the insertion point or [Base point/Rotate 90/nextView/Done] : Press ENTER NOTE You can type AMSNEW at the command line to display the New dialog box to create annotation views. To annotate the geometry in the annotation view 1 Start the Automatic Dimension command.
4 Note the dimension of the chamfer section. To modify the chamfer in the assembly 1 Switch to model space. In the browser, expand GRIPPER:1, right-click LEVER:1 ➤ Front and select Zoom to. 2 Start the Power Edit command. Toolbutton Menu Modify ➤ Power Commands ➤ Power Edit Command AMPOWEREDIT 3 Respond to the prompts as shown: Select object: Select the Chamfer 4 In the Chamfer dialog box, select 2.5 as the First Chamfer Length and 5 as the Second Chamfer Length, and click OK. 5 Switch to layout1.
often obscured in the assembly, sometimes the same view is even obscured differently in different instances. This requires a mechanism to make a folder or component view instance partially or fully hidden without effecting other view instances. Use Associative hide (AMSHIDE) to do just that. Basics of AMSHIDE In the next exercise, you create a hide situation between two folders. To create a hide situation 1 Open the file Tut_AMSHIDE.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder.
3 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select foreground objects: Ensure that the selection mode is set to TOP-DN and click the upper rectangle (1) Select foreground objects: Press ENTER 4 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, expand Level1 and Level2. Note how Folder1 is selected for the foreground (Level1) and Folder2 is selected for the background. 5 Click the Hide node on the tree in the dialog box. 6 Click the Hide Style button. The hidden lines are set to invisible.
To edit a hide situation 1 In the browser, expand the Hide Situations node, and select Test Hide. Note that the entities involved in the hide are highlighted in model space. 2 Double-click Test Hide. The Edit Hide situations dialog box is selected. 3 In Edit Hide Situation dialog box, click the to the top of the tree. button. Level3 is added 4 Click the select objects button.
Using AMSHIDE in Assemblies In this section, you create a hide situation on an assembly and save it to the appropriate position in the mechanical structure. To open the sample files ■ Open the file Tut_Robot_Arm.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder. Toolbutton Menu File ➤ Open Command OPEN The drawing contains an assembly of a robotic arm, and has external references to the gripper assembly you created during the exercise for external references.
2 Respond to the prompts as shown: Select foreground objects: Continue clicking (1) until you see GRIPPER:2 (Front) in the tooltip Select foreground objects: Press ENTER 3 In the message box that appears, click No. 4 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, expand Level2. Note that the background selection includes two views, GRIPPER PLATE1:(Front) and ROBOT:1 (Front). The GRIPPER PLATE:1 (Front) should not be in the hide situation at all.
9 In the tree view of the Create Hide Situations dialog box, click the Hide node. In the next step, you select where in the browser the hide situation is stored. The most logical place to store the hide situation is on the Front view of the ROBOT:1 assembly. 10 In the Store Hide Situation on list, select ROBOT:1 (Front). 11 Click OK. The Hide Situation is created and stored under ROBOT:1 (Front) in the browser. This is the end of the tutorial.
6 Working with Layers and Layer Groups In this tutorial, you learn more about the various commands In this chapter used for working with layers and layer groups in ■ Key Terms AutoCAD®Mechanical.
Key Terms Term Definition base layer A layer made up of working layers and standard parts layers. Base layers are repeated in every layer group. layer group A group of associated or related items in a drawing. A major advantage of working with layer groups is that you can deactivate a specific layer group and a complete component. The drawing and its overview is enhanced with a reduction in regeneration time. part layers The layer where the standard parts are put.
Getting Started To open the initial drawing 1 Open the file tut_layers.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder. Toolbutton Menu File ➤ Open Command OPEN 2 Zoom in to the area of interest. Toolbutton Menu View ➤ Zoom ➤ Window Command ZOOM 3 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify first corner: Specify first point (1) Specify opposite corner: Specify second point (2) Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve the original tutorial file.
Changing Layers By Selecting Objects First, you move the layer (and layer group) containing two objects to another layer (and layer group) by selecting an object in the original layer (and layer group). To change a layer by selecting an object 1 Start the Move to another Layer command.
Creating Layer Groups Layer groups provide another way to structure assembly drawings. Use layer groups to highlight single parts and lock and freeze whole parts. This gives you a better overview of your assembly drawing. First, you move a block to a layer group. To move a block to a layer group 1 Start the Move to Another Group command.
4 In the Named Block dialog box, choose Yes All. 5 In the AutoCAD dialog box, choose Yes. The complete block is moved to the layer group Gear. Now, you create two new layer groups and move the parts (blocks) to those groups. To create a new layer group 1 Start the Layer Group Control command.
Command AMLAYER 2 In the Layer Control dialog box, choose the Layer Group Control tab, and then choose Create. 3 Enter Coverplate for the layer group name, and then choose Apply. 4 Choose Create again, and then create a layer group called Bushing. Choose OK. 5 Start the Move to Another Group command. Toolbutton Menu Modify ➤ Properties ➤ Move to another Layer Group.
7 In the Layer Control dialog box, select the layer group Coverplate, and then choose OK. 8 In the Named Block dialog box, choose Yes. Now, move the bushing to the new Bushing layer group. To move elements to another layer group 1 Start the Move to Another Group command.
Toolbutton Menu Modify ➤ Properties ➤ Move to another Layer Group Command AMLGMOVE 2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select objects: Specify the bushing (1) Select objects: Press ENTER Specify new group using object or enter group name (Return for dialog): Press ENTER 3 In the Layer Control dialog box, select the layer group Bushing, and choose OK.
4 In the Name Block dialog box, choose Yes. The coverplate and the bushing have been moved to their respective layer groups. Save your file. Using Layer Groups to Copy Objects Now, copy the objects of the layer group Shaft to a new drawing border. To copy objects of a layer group 1 Zoom to the extents of the drawing. Toolbutton Menu View ➤ Zoom ➤ Extents Command ZOOM 2 Start the Visibility Enhancement command.
Toolbutton Menu Assist ➤ Layer/Layergroup ➤ Visibility Enhancement Command AMLAYVISENH 3 In the Visibility Enhancement dialog box, specify: Mode: Color all Inactive Layer Groups 4 Choose OK. NOTE For a correct representation, you might need to start the REGEN command. 5 Start the Layer Group Control command.
Choose OK. Copy the layer group Shaft to the second drawing border. 7 Start the Copy command, responding to the prompt. Toolbutton Menu Modify ➤ Copy Layer Group Command AMCOPYLG Enter layer group name or (?)
The second drawing order looks like this: This is the end of the tutorial chapter. Save your file.
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7 Designing Levers In this tutorial, you start with a lever inserted from the parts In this chapter library, and then you refine the design using many of the ■ Key Terms design options available in AutoCAD® Mechanical. You also ■ Extending Designs create a drawing detail and add dimensions to it.
Key Terms Term Definition construction lines Lines, which are infinite in both directions or rays, which are infinite starting at a point that can be inserted into the drawing area. You use construction lines to transfer important points (for example, center points of holes) into other views or drawing areas. construction geometry A line or an arc created with construction lines. Using construction geometry in 2D drawings helps define the shape of a contour.
Extending Designs First, you start a new drawing template with ISO standard. Then you load the initial drawing using the Library. To open a template 1 Open a new drawing. Toolbutton Menu File ➤ New Command NEW The Select template dialog box opens. 2 In the Select template dialog box, select the template am_iso.dwt. This opens a new drawing template. Now you insert the drawing from the library. Using Libraries to Insert Parts Insert the required part from the library.
3 Respond to the prompt as follows: Specify insertion point: Specify any point in the drawing 4 Start the Zoom Window command, responding to the prompt.
Save your file. Before starting the design, define the object snaps that you will use in later operations. Configuring Snap Settings In addition to the AutoCAD® snap, mechanical snap options like arc radial, arc tangent, and so forth are available. You also have four different snap settings, which can be configured separately for a quick switch to a different snap setting. For example, you can use different snap settings for detailing or general design.
Menu Assist ➤ Drafting Settings ➤ Osnap Settings Command AMPOWERSNAP 2 In the Power Snap Settings dialog box, specify: Settings 1: Endpoint, Intersection Settings 2: Endpoint, Center, Quadrant, Intersection, Parallel Settings 3: Perpendicular 3 After configuring the settings, activate Setting 1, and then choose OK. Save your file. NOTE Within a command, the various object snap functions are also accessible. Hold down the SHIFT key, and right-click.
To create construction lines 1 Start the Draw Construction Lines command. Toolbutton Menu Design ➤ Construction Lines ➤ Draw Construction Lines Command AMCONSTCRS If you have started the command using the menu, the Construction Lines dialog box opens. If you started the command directly using the toolbar or the command line, you can skip step 2. 2 In the Construction Lines dialog box, choose the Cross icon shown above.
6 In the Construction Lines dialog box, choose the Parallel with Full Distance icon. 7 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select line, ray or xline: Select line c (1) Specify insertion point or Distance (xx|xx|xx..) <10|20|30>: Enter 3|9, press ENTER Specify point on side to offset: Specify a point to the left of line c (2) 8 Insert the second set of parallel lines, and respond to the prompts as follows: Select line, ray or xline: Select line b Specify insertion point or Distance (xx|xx|xx..
Save your file. Creating additional C-Lines AutoCAD Mechanical offers a choice of C-line options. To create additional construction lines 1 Activate snap setting 2. Toolbutton Menu Assist ➤ Drafting Settings ➤ Power Snap Configuration 2 Command AMPSNAP2 2 Start the Draw Construction Lines command. Toolbutton Menu Design ➤ Construction Lines ➤ Draw Construction Lines Command AMCONSTHB If you started the command using the menu, the Construction Lines dialog box is displayed.
4 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify first point: Select the first point (1) Specify second point or Angle (xx|xx|xx..) <30|45|60>: Move the cursor over line a and back to the rectangle until the Parallel symbol appears, click (2) 5 Press ENTER to finish the command. Now, you draw tangential circles between the diagonal C-line and the right vertical line and lower horizontal line of the rectangle. 6 Start the Draw Construction Lines command.
If you started the command using the menu, the Construction Lines dialog box is displayed. 7 In the Construction Lines dialog box, choose the Circle Tangent to 2 Lines icon.
Save your file. Creating Contours and Applying Fillets Now, you connect the two tangential circles with the right part of the rectangle, to build a filleted triangle. To create and edit a contour 1 Start the Polyline command.
Specify endpoint of arc or [Angle/CEnter/CLose/Direction/Halfwidth/Line/ Radius/Second pt/Undo/Width]: Enter CL, press ENTER Now, erase the C-Lines. You can erase all C-lines by calling one command. 3 Erase all C-Lines. Toolbutton Menu Modify ➤ Erase ➤ Erase all Construction Lines Command AMERASEALLCL NOTE You can switch construction lines on and off temporarily by choosing Assist ➤ Layer/Layergroup ➤ Construction Line On/Off. 4 Apply a fillet to the corner of the triangle.
Choose OK. 7 Respond to the prompts as follows: (Dimension mode:OFF)(Trim mode) Current fillet radius = 1 Select first object or [Polyline/Setup/Dimension] : Enter P , press ENTER Select polyline: Select a point on the polyline near the corner 8 Press ESC to cancel the command. The triangular contour is complete. Save your file. Trimming Projecting Edges on Contours Now, you create another part of the contour and trim projecting edges. To edit a contour 1 Activate Power Snap Setting 3 command.
Toolbutton Menu Assist ➤ Drafting Settings ➤ Power Snap Configuration 3 Command AMPSNAP3 Next, insert the next contour. 2 Start the Line command.
Toolbutton Menu Modify ➤ Trim Command TRIM 5 Respond to the prompts as follows: Current settings: Projection = UCS, Edge = None Select cutting edges: Select Objects: Select cutting edge (1) Select Objects: Select cutting edge (2) Select Objects: Press ENTER Select object to trim or shift-select to extend or [Project/Edge/Undo]: Select object to trim (3) Select object to trim or shift-select to extend or [Project/Edge/Undo]: Select object to trim (4) Select object to trim or shift-select to extend or [P
Applying Hatch Patterns to Contours There are a number of predefined hatch patterns available in AutoCAD Mechanical. Choose one of the predefined hatching styles, and then specify a point within a contour to apply the hatching. To apply hatching to a contour 1 Start the Hatch command, using an angle of 45 degrees and 2.5 mm / 0.1 inch spacing. Toolbutton Menu Design ➤ Hatch ➤ Hatch 45 deg. 2.5mm/0.
Save your file. Dimensioning Contours Now, dimension the lever, using the Power Dimensioning command. To dimension a contour 1 Start the Power Snap Setting 1 command. Toolbutton Menu Assist ➤ Drafting Settings ➤ Power Snap Configuration 1 Command AMPSNAP1 2 Start the Power Dimensioning command.
3 Respond to the prompts as follows: (SINGLE) Specify first extension line origin or [Angular/Options/Baseline/Chain/ Update]
Save your file. Creating and Dimensioning Detail Views Now, define a detail of the upper part of the lever. To create a detail 1 Start the Detail command.
3 In the Detail dialog box, specify: Detail View: Detail in Current Space 4 Choose OK, and respond to the prompts as follows: Place the detail view: Select a location to the right of the lever NOTE Some entities such as dimensions and symbols are automatically filtered out in the detail function.
Now, add a dimension to the detail. 5 Start the Power Dimensioning command.
7 Select an appropriate position for the dimension. 8 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, click the tolerances button to deactivate the tolerances. Choose OK. 9 Press ENTER twice to finish the command.
The Power Dimensioning command recognizes the different scale area. If you dimensioned the radius in the original drawing, the dimension value would be the same. The text height is also the same, as related to the standard. This is the end of this tutorial chapter. Save your file.
8 Working with Model Space and Layouts In this tutorial, you work with layouts in In this chapter AutoCAD®Mechanical, to create scale areas, viewports, and ■ Key Terms ■ Working with Model Space and Layouts detail views in model space. You learn how to freeze objects in viewports without affecting the model and other layouts.
Key Terms Term Definition base layer A layer made up of working layers and standard parts layers. Base layers are repeated in every layer group. detail Enlargement of a portion of the design drawing that cannot be clearly displayed or dimensioned. The overall representation (surface texture symbols, etc.) can be enlarged. drawing A layout of drawing views in model space or layout. layer group A group of associated or related items in a drawing.
Working with Model Space and Layouts Using model space and layouts, you can create different views with different scales from the same model. The main advantage of working with layouts is that views are associative. If you make changes in one viewport, those changes are made in all other viewports as well, since each viewport is another view of the same model. You can also freeze objects in a new viewport without affecting objects in other views. Getting Started In this tutorial, you work with viewports.
Command AMSCAREA 2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Define the border....
Choose OK. Since you now have a defined scale area, you can automatically create a viewport. To create a viewport automatically 1 Start the Viewport Auto Create command.
Save your file. Creating Detail Views There are two types of detail views; associative and non associative. In this exercise, you create an associative detail, because you use a viewport. Create an associative detail of the valve. To create a detail 1 Start the Detail command. Toolbutton Menu Design ➤ Detail Command AMDETAIL The viewport is activated automatically. 2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Define the enlargement area for the detail ...
Specify radius or [Diameter]: Drag the radius to the desired size (4) 3 In the Detail dialog box, specify the settings shown in the illustration. Choose OK.
Save your file. Generating New Viewports Now, you create a viewport inside a layout. To create a viewport in the layout 1 Start the Viewport/Scale Area command.
Scale: 5:1 Choose Midpoint. The drawing is changed to model space so that you can define the midpoint. 4 Respond to the prompt: Select view center: Select the endpoint of the centerline 5 In the View dialog box, choose OK.
Save your file. Inserting Holes Within Viewports To demonstrate the main advantage of working with layouts, insert a hole in the housing. When you make this change, it is immediately displayed in every view. Insert a user through hole in the previously created viewport. To insert a through hole 1 Activate the previously created viewport. Toolbutton Command MSPACE The viewport has a thick (highlighted) frame. 2 Start the Through Hole command.
Toolbutton Menu Content ➤ Holes ➤ Through Holes Command AMTHOLE2D 3 In the Select a Through Hole dialog box, scroll to and select User Through Holes, and then click Front View.
6 In the User Through Holes - Nominal Diameter dialog box, specify: Nominal Diameter: 8 Choose Finish. The user through hole is inserted into your drawing.
Because of the associativity, the through hole created in the viewport also appears in the original view. In the next step, you dimension the through hole diameter in the viewport. Since the dimension is to appear only in the detail view, you generate the dimension directly in the layout without having a viewport active. To apply a dimension in the layout 1 Change to the layout.
Specify dimension line location [Options/Pickobj]: Drag the dimension line toward point 3 until it turns red, and then click 4 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, choose OK.
NOTE You can also dimension the hole in model space and turn off the layer of one specific viewport. In that case, the dimension text is correct only in the 1:1 viewport, and not in the detail view. Therefore, you can dimension directly on the layout. Save your file. Creating Subassemblies in New Layouts If you use layer groups in your assembly drawing, you can create detail and subassembly drawings in layouts.
Command AMLAYER 3 In the Layer Control dialog box, Layer Group Control tab, click the icon in the Base Layer Group row, Freeze/Thaw in new viewports column to freeze it. Choose OK. Create an associative view of a subassembly in layout 2. To create an associative view of a subassembly 1 Select the Layout 2 tab on the bottom of your drawing area. Layout 2 is displayed. 2 Start the Viewport/Scale Area command.
Specify first point or [Circle/Border/Object]: Select point 7 in the drawing Specify second point: Select point 8 in the drawing 4 In the View dialog box, specify: Scale: 5:1 Choose Midpoint. The drawing is changed to model space. 5 Specify the point, as shown in the following drawing: 6 In the View dialog box, choose OK.
In the new viewport, only the subassembly you specified is visible. AutoCAD Mechanical freezes the Base Layer Group. Your drawing looks like this: Finish your detail drawing with text, remarks, annotations, and so on. NOTE When you plot the drawing, the red viewport frame is turned off automatically. If you have a plotter or printer driver installed, use the plot command, and preview the drawing. This is the end of this tutorial chapter. Save your file.
9 Dimensioning In this tutorial, you learn how to add dimensions to your In this chapter drawing with the automatic dimensioning in AutoCAD® ■ Key Terms ■ Adding Dimensions to Drawings Mechanical, change the dimensions with Power Commands, and insert a drawing border.
Key Terms Term Definition baseline dimension A dimension that is aligned to extension lines and read from the bottom or right side of the drawing. centerline Line in the center of a symmetrical object. drawing border A standardized frame that is used for technical drawings. fit Range of tightness or looseness in mating parts (for example shafts or holes). Tolerances in these dimensions are expressed in standard form. fit name Name of the selected fit (for example, H7).
Adding Dimensions to Drawings AutoCAD Mechanical offers various dimensioning tools. Use automatic dimensioning to add dimensions to a bushing, and then change these dimensions. To open a file ■ Open the file tut_bushing.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder. Toolbutton Menu File ➤ Open Command OPEN The file contains a drawing of a bushing. Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve the original tutorial file.
2 In the Automatic Dimensioning dialog box, Parallel tab, specify: Type: Baseline Choose OK.
Starting point for next extension line: Press ENTER to end the command Generate the diameter dimensions using shaft dimensioning. To dimension a shaft 1 Start Automatic Dimensioning. Toolbutton Menu Annotate ➤ Automatic Dimension Command AMAUTODIM 2 In the Automatic Dimensioning dialog box, Shaft/Symmetric tab, specify: Type: Shaft (Front View) Choose OK.
3 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select objects [Block]: Select the complete bushing by creating a window around it Select objects [Block]: Press ENTER Select Centerline or new starting point: Select the centerline of the bushing (1) Specify dimension line location or [Options/Pickobj]: Drag the dimensioning tothe right until it snaps in (highlighted red), and then click 4 Continue responding to the prompt: Starting point for next extension line: 174 | Chapter 9 Dimensioning
Press ENTER to end the command Your drawing looks like this. Save your file. Editing Dimensions with Power Commands Some dimensions in the drawing are not necessary. In the next step, you delete the dimensions that you don't need. To delete dimensions 1 Start Power Erase.
Add a single dimension with a fit using Power Dimensioning. To add a dimension with a fit 1 Start Power Dimensioning.
3 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, choose the Add Fit button , and then specify: Fit: Symbol: H7 4 Click the Special Characters button, and then select the diameter symbol (upper left). Choose OK. Apply angular dimensioning.
(Single) Select arc, circle, line or [Linear/Options/Baseline/Chain/Update] : Select the line (1) Select second line: Select the second line (2) Specify dimension arc line location: Drag the dimension to a suitable position, and then click 2 Press ENTER twice to finish the command. Add a fit to the shaft dimensions using Multi Edit. To add a fit using Multi Edit 1 Start Multi Edit.
Choose OK. The fit description h7 is added to the dimensions. Save your file. Breaking Dimension Lines The automatic dimensioning process created intersecting dimension lines. The drawing appearance can be improved by breaking these lines. To break dimension lines 1 Start the Break Dimension command.
The selected dimensions are broken automatically and your drawing looks like this: Save your file. Inserting Drawing Borders Insert a drawing border. To insert a drawing border 1 Start the Drawing Title/Borders command.
Choose OK. 3 Respond to the prompt as follows: Specify insertion point: Enter -150,0, press ENTER 4 In the Edit Attributes dialog box, specify: Drawing Title: Bushing Choose OK.
Select Objects: Select the complete bushing including dimensions Select Objects: Press ENTER New location for objects: Click Zoom Extents New location for objects: Place the bushing in the middle of the drawing border Your drawing looks like this: Save your file. Inserting Fits Lists Insert a fits list. Fits lists describe all fits existing in a drawing. To insert a fits list 1 Start the Fits List command.
Toolbutton Menu Annotate ➤ Fits List Command AMFITSLIST 2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Fits lists [Update all/Order/New] : Press ENTER Specify insertion point: Specify the upper right corner of the title block The fits list is inserted above the title block, and looks like this. Edit a dimension with a fit. The fits list is updated. To edit a dimension 1 In the drawing, double-click the diameter dimension (not the dimension line) 18 h7.
Choose OK. 3 In the AutoCAD Question dialog box, choose Yes. The fits list is updated, too. Save your file. This is the end of this tutorial chapter.
10 Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes In this tutorial, you learn about the features in In this chapter AutoCAD®Mechanical for defining 2D hide situations, and ■ Key Terms ■ Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes how to work with 2D steel shapes.
Key Terms Term Definition background A contour that is covered by another contour or by objects that are lying behind another contour, in the 3D sense. A background may be a foreground for an additional contour. foreground Objects which are lying in front of another contour, in the 3D sense. A foreground may also be a background for an additional contour. hidden line Line that is not visible in a specified view. For example, in a front view, lines behind the front plane are not visible.
Toolbutton Menu File ➤ Open Command OPEN 2 Zoom in to the chain drive on the right. Toolbutton Menu View ➤ Zoom ➤ Window Command ZOOM Defining 2D Hide Situations Define a 2D hide situation. You can define foreground and background contours and the settings for the representation of the hidden objects. To define a 2D hide situation 1 Start the Hide Invisible Edges command.
Command AM2DHIDE 2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select objects for foreground: Select the chain Select objects for foreground: Press ENTER 3 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, Background tab, specify: Representation of Hidden Objects: Dashed Choose Preview. NOTE As you can see, the parts of the sprockets that should be visible appear as hidden lines. This shows that the complete area inside the outer chain contour is defined as foreground.
6 Respond to the prompt as follows: Select point inside a hole or select a loop to remove: Select a point inside the chain (1) The inner contour of the chain is displayed green. 7 Respond to the prompt as follows: Select point inside a hole or select a loop to remove: Press ESC 8 In the Create Hide Situation dialog, choose Preview. The sprocket is no longer displayed as a hidden line and the chain drive is displayed correctly.
9 Respond to the prompt as follows: Accept preview and exit command [Yes/No] : Press ENTER The 2D hide situation is defined correctly, and you can proceed with your drawing. Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve the original tutorial file. Inserting 2D Steel Shapes Steel Shapes can easily be inserted through a selection dialog box, where you can define the standard, profile, size, and length of the steel shape.
2 Start the Steel Shape command. Toolbutton Menu Content ➤ Steel Shapes Command AMSTLSHAP2D 3 In the Select a Steel Shape dialog box, select Steel Shapes ➤ Square/Rectangular Hollow Section, and then select ISO 657/14-1982 (Rectangular) and Top View. 4 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify insertion point: Select point P1 Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER 5 In the ISO 657/14 - 1982 (Rectangular) - Size Selection dialog box, specify: Select a Size: 90x90x4.
Choose Finish. 6 Respond to the prompt as follows: Drag Size: Select point P2 The steel shape is inserted. Your drawing looks like this: Save the file. Modify the steel shapes using the Power Commands.
Modifying Steel Shapes Using Power Commands With the Power Commands, you can create different views of the steel shapes. You can copy, multiply, or edit the steel shapes. Insert the steel shapes in the top view of the assembly using Power View and Power Copy. To modify a steel shape using a Power Command 1 Start the Power View command. Toolbutton Menu Modify ➤ Power Commands ➤ Power View Command AMPOWERVIEW 2 Select the previously inserted steel shape.
Command AMPOWERCOPY 6 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select object: Select the previously inserted steel shape at point P3 Enter an option [Next/Accept]: Press ENTER Specify insertion point: Select point P4 Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER The steel shape is copied. Your drawing looks like this: Save your file. Editing 2D Hide Situations The insertion of the steel shapes in the top view of the assembly created a 2D hide situation automatically. This 2D hide situation is not correct.
4 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select objects for foreground: Select the I-shaped girder Select objects for foreground: Press SHIFT while you click the square hollow section on the left to deselect it Select objects for foreground: Press ENTER 5 In the Modify Hide Situation dialog box, Background tab, choose Select View.
6 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select objects for background: Select the square hollow section on the left Select objects for background: Select the square hollow section on the right Select objects for background: Press ENTER 7 In the Modify Hide Situation dialog box, click Preview.
3 Right-click, and then choose Paste. Respond to the prompt as follows: Specify insertion point: Select point P5 The girder assembly is copied to the new location. Your drawing looks like this. Save your file. Move the chain drive from the beginning of the chapter to the top view of the assembly. To move a 2D hide situation 1 Start the Move command.
The complete chain drive is moved to the top view of the assembly. Your drawing looks like this: Define the 2D hide situation for the girder assembly and the chain drive. To define a 2D hide situation 1 Start the Hide Invisible Edges command. Menu Modify ➤ 2D Hide ➤ Hide Invisible Edges Command AM2DHIDE 2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select objects for foreground: Select the complete chain drive Select objects for foreground: Press ENTER 3 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, choose OK.
Now, the girder assembly is hidden by the chain drive. Your drawing looks like this: This is the end of this exercise. Save your file.
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11 Working with Standard Parts In this tutorial, you learn to work with standard parts in In this chapter AutoCAD®Mechanical. You insert a screw connection, a hole, ■ Key Terms ■ Working with Standard Parts and a pin. You also edit the standard parts with power commands. You work with mechanical structure enabled, and see how the standard parts you insert in the drawing are added to the mechanical browser.
Key Terms Term Definition background A contour that is covered by another contour or by objects that are lying behind another contour, in the 3D sense. A background may be a foreground for an additional contour. C-line (construction line) A line that is infinite in both directions or infinite starting at a point which can be inserted into the drawing area. You use C-lines to transfer important points (for example, center points of holes) into other views or drawing areas.
Term Definition representation Standard parts representation in a drawing in normal, simplified, or symbolic mode. Working with Standard Parts AutoCAD Mechanical provides a large selection of standard parts to work with, including regular and fine threads, many types of holes, fasteners, and other standard parts. You can insert complete screw connections (screws with holes and nuts) in one step. Some intelligence is built into this process.
3 If the mechanical browser is not visible: a In the command line, enter AMBROWSER. b When prompted, enter ON. 4 Zoom in to the area of interest. Toolbutton Menu View ➤ Zoom ➤ Window Command ZOOM 5 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify first corner: Specify the first corner point (1) Specify opposite corner: Specify the second corner point (2) Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve the original tutorial file.
Inserting Screw Connections Insert a screw connection in the differential gear housing. To insert a screw connection 1 Start the Screw Connection command. Toolbutton Menu Content ➤ Screw Connection Command AMSCREWCON2D 2 In the Screw Connection dialog box, choose the Screws button. 3 In the Select a Screw dialog box, select Socket Head Types.
4 Select ISO 4762 and Front View.
You are returned to the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box. 5 In the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box, choose the upper Holes button. Then select Through Cylindrical, and ISO 273 normal. 6 In the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box, choose the lower Holes button. Then select Tapped Holes, Blind, and ISO 262 (Regular Thread). NOTE The screw types available and the order depend on the standard selected to be active in AMOPTIONS, AM:Standard Parts.
Choose Next.
9 In the Screw Assembly Representation - Front View dialog box, choose Next. 10 In the Screw Assembly Grip Representation - Front View dialog box, choose Finish.
11 Respond to the prompts as follows: Drag Size: Drag the screw connection dynamically to size M4 x 16, and then click Drag Size: Enter 12, press ENTER. The screw connection is inserted with a specified a screw length of 16 mm and a blind hole depth of 12 mm. NOTE During dragging, the size of the screw is shown as a tooltip and in the status bar, where the coordinates are usually displayed.
Save your file. Copying Screw Connections with Power Copy With Power Copy, you can copy complete objects, including the information attached to those objects. In the case of a screw connection, you copy the whole screw connection to another location. The background is automatically updated. Copy the new screw connection using the Power Copy command. To copy a screw connection 1 Start the Power Copy command.
The screw is copied to the specified location. Your drawing looks like this: The standard parts you inserted are listed in the browser. If you start with a structured assembly drawing, the standard parts are automatically structured within the subassembly where they are inserted.
Save your file. Creating Screw Templates Create a screw template and store it for repeated use. This makes the insertion of identical or similar screw connections much faster. Before you create and insert the screw template, zoom to the cover plate. To zoom to a window 1 Zoom to the extents of the drawing. Toolbutton Menu View ➤ Zoom ➤ Extents Command ZOOM 2 Zoom in to the coverplate.
Specify first corner: Specify first corner point (1) Specify opposite corner: Specify second corner point (2) Start the screw connection and create a screw template. To create a screw template 1 Start the Screw Connection command. Toolbutton Menu Content ➤ Screw Connection Command AMSCREWCON2D 2 In the Screw Connection dialog box, choose the Screws button.
3 In the Select a Screw dialog box, select Countersink Head Type.
4 Select ISO 10642, and Front View.
5 In the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box, choose the upper Holes button. Then select Countersinks, and ISO 7721. 6 In the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box, choose the lower Holes button. Then select Tapped Holes, Blind, and ISO 262. 7 In the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box, choose Back to store the screw template.
8 In the Screw Assembly Templates dialog box, choose the Save icon. Your screw connection is stored as a template and is added to the list. Choose Next.
NOTE The screw template contains the combination of the used standard parts. It contains no sizes, like diameters or lengths. 9 In the Screw Connection dialog box, choose the Pre-calculation icon. 10 In the Screw Diameter Estimation dialog box, specify: Material Class: 10.
The Result field displays a nominal diameter size of M4. Choose OK. 11 In the Screw Connection - Front View dialog box, the precalculation routine has marked M4. Choose Next.
12 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify insertion point of first hole: Specify first point (1) Specify endpoint of first hole [Gap between holes]: Specify second point (2) 13 In the Screw Assembly Location - Front View dialog box, choose Next. 14 In the Screw Assembly Grip Representation - Front View dialog box, choose Finish.
The screw connection is added to the list in the mechanical browser. Save your file. Editing Screw Connections with Power Edit Rather than use different editing commands for different objects, you can use only one command, Power Edit, for editing all objects in a drawing with built-in intelligence. When you use Power Edit on a screw connection, the whole assembly can be edited and is updated in your drawing with an automatic background update. Change the screw connections to the appropriate length.
Select object: Select the lower screw of the coverplate NOTE You can also start Power Edit by double-clicking the desired part. 3 In the AutoCAD® message box, click OK. 4 Respond to the prompts as follows. Select parent component and view or [Modelspace/Active] : Press ENTER Select entity for another standard component view : Press ENTER The legacy standard part is migrated, and is listed in the mechanical browser.
The Screw Connection New Part Front View - Front View dialog box contains the screw connection as it has been stored in the template. 7 Select the size M4, and then choose Next.
8 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify insertion point of first hole: Press ENTER Specify endpoint of first hole [Gap between holes]: Press ENTER 9 In the Screw Connection New Part Front View - Front View dialog box, Location representation, choose Next. 10 In he Screw Connection New Part Front View - Front View dialog box, Grip representation, choose Finish.
Working with Power View With Power View, you can quickly generate a top or bottom view of a side view of a standard part and vice versa. Before you complete the top view of the coverplate, you have to zoom into it. To zoom to a window 1 Zoom to the extents of the drawing. Toolbutton Menu View ➤ Zoom ➤ Extents Command ZOOM 2 Zoom in to the coverplate.
Use Power View to insert the screws into the top view of the coverplate. To insert a standard part using Power View 1 Start the Power View command. Toolbutton Menu Modify ➤ Power Commands ➤ Power View Command AMPOWERVIEW 2 Respond to the prompt as follows: Select object: Select the screw at cover plate (1) The AutoCAD Mechanical message box is displayed.
3 Choose Top, and respond to the prompt as follows: Specify insertion point: Specify the centerline cross at top view (2) The top view of the screw connection is inserted into the top view of the coverplate. Your drawing should look like this: 4 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to insert the top view of the screw at the other three centerline crosses of the top view of the coverplate.
Save your file. Deleting with Power Erase Power Erase is an intelligent erase command. It detects the object information of a part. If you delete a screw connection with Power Erase, the representation of the background is automatically corrected. Before you delete the standard part, you have to zoom into it. To zoom to a window 1 Zoom to the extents of the drawing. Toolbutton Menu View ➤ Zoom ➤ Extents Command ZOOM 2 Zoom in to the coverplate.
Specify opposite corner: Specify second corner point (2) Delete a screw using the Power Erase command. To delete a standard part 1 Start the Power Erase command.
The screw connection is deleted and the lines and hatch are restored. Save your file. Inserting Holes Replace the previously deleted screw connection with a pin. First you insert a blind hole for the pin.
To insert a hole 1 Start the Blind Hole command. Toolbutton Menu Content ➤ Holes ➤ Blind Holes Command AMBHOLE2D 2 In the Select a Blind Hole dialog box, select Acc. to ISO 273, and Front View.
4 In the Acc. to ISO 273 - Nominal Diameter dialog box, select a size of 5, and then choose Finish. 5 Continue to respond to the prompts as follows: Drag Size: Enter 20, press ENTER The blind hole is inserted.
Save your file. Inserting Pins Insert a pin into the blind hole. To insert a pin 1 Start the Cylindrical Pins command. Toolbutton Menu Content ➤ Fasteners ➤ Cylindrical Pins Command AMCYLPIN2D 2 In the Select a Cylindrical Pin dialog box, select ISO 2338 and Front View.
3 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify insertion point: Specify insertion point (1) Specify rotation angle <0>: Specify a point to define insertion angle (2) 4 In the ISO 2338 - Nominal Diameter dialog box, select a size of 5.
5 Choose Finish, and then continue to respond to the prompt as follows: Drag Size: Drag the pin to size 5 h8 x 16 - B, and then click NOTE Turn the object snap (OSNAP) option off to snap to the correct pin size. 6 In the Select Part Size dialog box, select 5 h8 x 16 - B, and then choose OK. 7 The Create Hide Situation dialog box is displayed. Click OK. The pin is inserted.
You inserted the blind hole first, and then the pin. This results in overlapping centerlines. In order to have a correct plot, turn one centerline off. To turn off a centerline 1 Select the previously inserted cylindrical pin. 2 Right-click, and on the shortcut menu deactivate Centerlines on/off. With the centerline of the pin turned off, only the centerline of the blind hole is displayed. Save your file.
Choose Apply, and then choose OK. Hiding Construction Lines For a better overview, you can hide the construction lines by turning them off temporarily. Zoom to the extents of the drawing. To zoom to the extents ■ Zoom to the extents of the drawing. Toolbutton Menu View ➤ Zoom ➤ Extents Command ZOOM Turn off all construction lines.
To turn off C-lines ■ Start the Construction Line On/Off command. Toolbutton Menu Assist ➤ Layer/Layergroup ➤ Construction Line On/Off Command AMCLINEO All construction lines are turned off temporarily. Save your file. Simplifying Representations of Standard Parts In some cases, such as in complex assemblies, it is helpful to have a simplified representation of the standard parts for a better overview.
3 In the Switch Representation of Standard Parts dialog box, select Symbolic. Choose OK. The representation of the selected standard parts is symbolic.
All of the standard parts you inserted in this exercise are listed in the mechanical browser. Save your file. This is the end of this tutorial chapter.
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12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists In AutoCAD®Mechanical, you can create parts lists and bills In this chapter of material (BOMs), and modify part references and balloons. ■ Key Terms ■ Working with Parts Lists In this chapter, you insert and edit a parts list, and work with the bill of material (BOM) database.
Key Terms Term Definition balloon Circular annotation tag that identifies a bill of material item in a drawing. The number in the balloon corresponds with the number of the part in the bill of material. bill of material A dynamic database containing a list of all the parts in an assembly. Used to generate parts lists that contain associated attributes such as part number, manufacturer, and quantity.
The drawing contains a shaft with a housing. 2 Zoom in to the area of interest. View ➤ Zoom ➤ Window Menu Command ZOOM 3 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify first corner: Specify the first corner point figure (1) Specify opposite corner: Specify the second corner point (2) Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve the original tutorial file. Inserting Part References Part references contain the part information required for a bill of material.
Specify a point on the part (1). 3 In the Part Ref Attributes dialog box, specify: Description: Housing Partition Standard: Size 130x125x55 Material: EN-GJL-200 Click OK. The Part Reference is inserted into the drawing. In the next step, you create a part reference by reference.
To insert a part reference by reference 1 Start the Part reference command again. Toolbutton Menu Annotate ➤ Parts List Tools ➤ Part Reference Command AMPARTREF 2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select point or [Block/Copy/Reference]: Enter R at the command prompt to select Reference. 3 In the drawing, select the previously inserted part reference to create a reference. NOTE You can use the option Copy to create a new part with similar text information.
Editing Part References In this exercise, you edit an existing part reference in an drawing that is not structured. To edit a Part Reference 1 Start the Part Reference Edit command.
4 Zoom to the extents to display the entire drawing. Toolbutton Menu View ➤ Zoom ➤ EXTENTS Command ZOOM Save your file. Placing Balloons Create balloons from the part references in the drawing. To place a balloon 1 Start the Balloon command.
2 Respond to the prompt as follows: Select part/assembly or [auTo/autoAll/set Bom/Collect/arrow Inset/Manual/One/Renumber/rEorganize/annotation View]: Enter B NOTE At this stage the drawing doesn’t contain a BOM database. As with the AMPARTLIST command, the AMBALLOON command creates a BOM database automatically. All part references are added to the database and item numbers are created inside the database. However, unless specifically instructed the commands create only the main BOM database.
Because the balloons are numbered automatically, depending on where you located the part references, the appearance of your drawing can be different. In the next step, you renumber the balloons. To renumber balloons 1 Start the Balloon command again.
To rearrange balloons. 1 Start the Balloon command again.
NOTE You can control snap distance within the Balloon Properties dialog box. Create a part reference and a balloon in one step with the manual option. To create a part reference and a balloon using the manual option 1 Start the Balloon command again.
3 In the Part Ref Attributes dialog box, specify: Description: Shaft Standard: Size Dia 50x150 Material: C45 Click OK. 4 Press ENTER to start the leader line of the balloon in the center of the part reference. 5 Move the cursor through the center of balloon 1 to get the tracking line and the snap distance, and then click the insertion point. NOTE Instead of entering the insertion point, you can select another point to create an extended leader line.
6 Press ENTER. Save your file. Creating Parts Lists Generate a parts list from the part reference information. To create a parts list 1 Start the Parts List command. Annotate ➤ Parts List Tools ➤ Parts List Menu Command AMPARTLIST 2 Respond to the prompt as follows: Select border/annotation view or specify BOM to create/use [Main/?] : Move the cursor over the border until tooltip ISO_A2 is displayed, click the highlighted border The Parts List dialog box is displayed.
Click OK. The parts list appears dynamically on the cursor. 3 Move the cursor to position the parts lists above the title block, and then click to insert the parts list.
NOTE If a drawing contains more than one border, the borders are listed in the BOM dialog box. From there you can select a particular border and view the associated parts list. In the next exercise, you edit balloon and parts list information using several methods. To edit parts list information 1 Start the Edit Part List/Balloon command. Toolbutton Command AMEDIT 2 Respond to the prompt as follows: Select object: Select balloon 2 3 In the Balloon dialog box, Material column, enter 8.8.
Click OK. The parts list reflects the material value you added.
NOTE Choose Apply to see the results in the drawing immediately without leaving the dialog box. All changes made in the dialog box are associative and change the data in the drawing immediately. 4 Double-click the parts list. The Parts List dialog box is displayed. You can edit your data in this dialog box. Some examples are shown next. 5 Select the Hex Nut entry, and then choose the Set values icon.
6 In the Set Value dialog box, specify: Column: Material Value: 8 260 | Chapter 12 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists
Click OK. The material value is added to the Parts List. 7 Now, change the material of the second bolt and nut accordingly. NOTE Use the shortcut menu inside a field to cut, copy, and paste. Merging and Splitting Items In Parts Lists Use the Parts List function to merge like items that are listed repeatedly. To merge items in a parts list 1 In the Parts List dialog box, select the repeated items -Needle Roller Bearing.
The two items are merged. In the table, Item 1 now has a quantity of 2, and Item 6 is missing. You can select several rows to merge or split items. To merge, the selected rows need to have the same entries. 3 Choose Apply to display the changes in the drawing. Balloon is displayed twice.
NOTE Select the gray field to the left of row 1, and the Split item icon is activated. In this case, if you choose Split item, the previously merged items are split again. To select all rows at once, click the gray field in the upper left corner, as shown in the following illustration.
NOTE In this case, the Merge item and Split item icons are active. Using these icons, you can merge or split all items at once. All data is compared, and like items are merged. If they are already merged items, they are split. Now that you have merged the bearing, you can delete one of the balloons and add an additional leader. Click OK to exit the Parts List dialog box. To delete a balloon 1 Use Power Erase, and select the left balloon with the item number 1. 2 Press ENTER to delete the balloon.
NOTE Deleting a balloon in the drawing doesn't delete any data. Data is lost only if you delete a part reference. You can add more than one balloon to a part reference. For example, you can create a balloon with the same item number for the same part in another view. To add an additional leader 1 Select the remaining balloon 1. 2 Right-click to display the shortcut menu.
Toolbutton Menu Annotate ➤ Parts List Tools ➤ Balloons Command AMBALLOON 2 Respond to the prompt as follows: Select part/assembly or [auTo/autoAll/set Bom/Collect/arrow Inset/Manual/One/Renumber/rEorganize/annotation View]: Enter C, press ENTER 3 Continue to respond to the prompts as follows: Select pick object or balloon: Select the part reference of the left nut 4 Continue to respond to the prompts as follows: Select pick object or balloon: Press ENTER Select balloon: Select balloon 2 Pick orientati
Save your file. Sorting and Renumbering Items In Parts Lists You can sort a parts list for manufacturing and sort standard parts with updated item numbers. To sort a parts list 1 Zoom to the extents of the drawing. Toolbutton Menu View ➤ Zoom ➤ Extents Command ZOOM 2 Double-click the parts list to display the Parts List dialog box. 3 Choose the Sort icon.
The Sort dialog box opens. NOTE You can sort within a selection set, otherwise you are sorting all items. 4 In the Sort dialog box, specify as shown in the following image. Click OK.
In the next step, you renumber the items. To renumber parts list items 1 Click the Item cell to select the whole Item column. 2 Choose the Set values icon. 3 In the Set Value dialog box, specify: Column: Item Start value: 10 Step: 10 4 Click OK to return to the Parts List dialog box. 5 Choose Apply to see the results.
The result should look like the following. 6 Choose OK to return to the drawing. Save your file. Using Filters You can create and use one or more filters for every parts list you have inserted in the drawing. To use filters in a parts list 1 Double-click the parts list to display the Parts List dialog box. 2 Right-click the white Filters field.
3 Select Add Filter to display the List of Filters dialog box. 4 Select Custom and click OK.
The details for this filter are displayed in the Filter/Groups section of the Parts List dialog box. 5 Set the following values to define the filter.
6 Activate the filter with the Custom check box. 7 Click Apply. The Standards that contain ISO are displayed.
The filtered parts list is displayed in the drawing. The defined filters are saved with the parts list and can be used again later. To print only the filtered list, choose the Print icon. 8 Deactivate the custom filter, and then click OK to close the dialog box. The filter is used in this drawing.
Save your file. This is the end of this tutorial chapter.
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13 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts In this tutorial, you work with the automated shaft generator In this chapter and standard parts in AutoCAD® Mechanical to create and ■ Key Terms ■ Creating Shafts edit a shaft, and insert bearings. The standard parts you use are automatically structured in the mechanical browser.
Key Terms Term Definition bearing calculation Calculates limiting value, dynamic and static load rating, dynamic and static equivalent load, and fatigue life in revolutions and hours. chamfer A beveled surface between two faces or surfaces. dynamic calculation Calculation required for a revolving bearing. The result is the Adjusted Rating Life. This is the life associated with 90% reliability with contemporary, commonly used material, and under conventional operating conditions.
Creating Shafts In this section, you use the shaft generator to create a shaft with standard parts. You also perform a bearing calculation. To open a template 1 Open a new drawing. Toolbutton Menu File ➤ New Command NEW 2 In the Select template dialog box, click the template am_iso.dwt, and then click Open. This creates a new drawing based on the am_iso template. Use Save As to save the drawing file with an appropriate name.
To enable mechanical structure 1 Click the STRUCT status bar button and latch it down to enable mechanical structure. 2 If the mechanical browser is not visible, in the command line, enter AMBROWSER. 3 When prompted, enter ON. Configuring Snap Options Configure the snap options. To configure the snap options 1 Start the Power Snap Settings.
Choose OK Save your file. Configuring Shaft Generators In the next steps, you start and configure the shaft generator. To start and configure the shaft generator 1 Start the Shaft Generator command.
4 In the Shaft Generator - Configuration dialog box, specify: For Segment inserted: Insert Stationary Shaft End: Left Adjust Centerline: Yes Front View: Radius Reflection Line, Check contour Side and Sectional Views: Sectional with Background, Always update View of Interrupt: Hatch If shaft is in background, hide standard part too: Yes Choose OK. You return to the Shaft Generator dialog box. Creating Cylindrical Shaft Sections and Gears The shaft generator is configured.
To create shaft segments 1 Choose the lower cylinder button to define a cylinder section, and respond to the prompts as follows: Specify length <50>: Enter 12, press ENTER Specify diameter <40>: Enter 20, press ENTER 2 Choose the gear button, and then enter the values for module, number of teeth, and length as shown in the following figure: NOTE Here, the DIN standard requires that you indicate the module. The ANSI standard requires the Diametral Pitch 1/module.
To add an assembly to the mechanical browser 1 In the mechanical browser, right click the file name node (the root node) and choose New ➤ Component.
5 Choose the lower cylinder button to define another cylinder section, and then respond to the prompts as follows: Specify length <10>: Enter 4, press ENTER Specify diameter <20>: Enter 24, press ENTER 6 Choose the lower cylinder button to define another cylinder section, and then respond to the prompts as follows: Specify length <4>: Enter 33, press ENTER Specify diameter <24>: Enter 20, press ENTER The first five sections of the shaft are created, as represented in the following figure: Creating Cyli
Inserting Spline Profiles Add a spline profile to the shaft. To create a profiled segment 1 Choose the Profile button. 2 Choose ISO 14 in the database browser. 3 In the Splined Shaft ISO 14 dialog box, select the standard size 6 x 13 x 16 and enter a length of 26. Choose OK.
Inserting Chamfers and Fillets Apply a chamfer and a fillet to the shaft. To apply a chamfer and a fillet 1 Choose the Chamfer button to apply a chamfer to a shaft section, and then respond to the prompts as follows: Select object: Select the leftmost cylinder section (1) Specify length (max. 12) <2.
NOTE The fillet is applied to the edge of the selected section that is closer to the selected point. The shaft looks like the following figure: Inserting Shaft Breaks Insert a shaft break in the drawing. To insert a shaft break ■ Choose the Break button to insert a shaft break, and then respond to the prompts as follows: Specify point: Select the midpoint of the cylindrical section (1) Specify length (min. 4.
Creating Side Views of Shafts Insert a side view of the shaft. To insert a side view 1 Choose the Side view button. 2 In the Side view from dialog box, select Right. Choose OK. 3 Respond to the prompt as follows: Specify insertion point: Press ENTER The right side view is inserted at the proposed position. In the mechanical browser, the new right side view is listed within the shaft component along with the existing front view. The right side view includes its hide situations.
Inserting Threads on Shafts Add a thread to the shaft. To insert a thread on a shaft 1 Choose the Thread button to insert a thread, and then select ISO 261 External in the browser. 2 In the ISO 261 ExternalThreads (Regular Thread) dialog box, select M10 and enter a length of 20. Choose OK.
NOTE If Always Update is unchecked in Options, AM:Shaft tab, you are prompted to update associated views when you close the Shaft Generator. Editing Shafts and Inserting Sections Edit an existing shaft section and insert a new section. You use the Edit button in the shaft generator to turn on AMPOWEREDIT.
Choose the Slope button, and then respond to the prompts as 3 follows: Specify length or [Dialog] <20>: Enter 4, press ENTER Specify diameter at starting point <24>: Enter 28, press ENTER Specify diameter at endpoint or [Slope/Angle] <20>: Enter 22, press ENTER Replacing Shaft Sections The previously inserted slope needs to be deleted again. To replace a shaft section 1 Choose the Undo button. The previous slope insertion is undone. Replace an existing shaft section.
2 Choose the Options button to start the shaft generator configuration, and then specify: For Segment inserted: Overdraw Choose OK. Choose the Slope button, and then respond to the prompt as 3 follows: Specify length or [Dialog] <4>: Enter D, press ENTER 4 In the Shaft Generator - Cone dialog box, specify the following settings. Choose OK. The slope replaces the cylindrical shaft section.
Inserting Bearings Insert a bearing and perform a bearing calculation. To insert a bearing 1 Choose the Standard Parts button, and then select Roller Bearings ➤ Radial ➤ ISO 355. Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify insertion point on shaft contour: Specify insertion point (1) Direction to [Left]: Select a point to the right (2) 2 In the ISO 355 dialog box, choose Next.
3 Specify the loads, and activate Work Hours as shown in the following. Choose Next. 4 In the ISO 355 dialog box, select the bearing 2BD - 20 x 37 x 12, and then choose Finish.
You can drag the cursor to see all available bearing sizes. 5 Drag to the size 2BD - 20 x 37 x 12, and then press ENTER. 6 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, click OK. The bearing is inserted. 7 Close the Shaft Generator dialog box. In the mechanical structure browser, the roller bearing component is added to the assembly.
This is the end of this tutorial chapter. Save your file.
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14 Calculating Shafts In this tutorial, you use the shaft generator in AutoCAD® In this chapter Mechanical to perform a calculation on an existing shaft, and ■ Key Terms ■ Calculating Shafts apply various loads to a supported shaft. Then you insert the results into a drawing.
Key Terms Term Definition deflection line A curve representing the vertical displacement of different points along the member subjected to a load. bending moment The moment of all forces that act on the member to the left of a section (a point along the member where bending moment needs to be calculated) taken about the horizontal axis of the section. fatigue factor Safety to endurance or fracture under repetitive cycles of loads.
Calculating Shafts With AutoCAD Mechanical, you can perform a shaft calculation using a contour created with the Shaft Generator, or any other symmetric shaft contour. The function provides a static calculation, which is important for the design of the shaft and the bearing load. In this tutorial, you calculate a gearbox shaft. The general way to calculate an existing shaft is to define the contour and insert forces and supports.
Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve the original tutorial file. Creating Shaft Contours Before you can perform any calculations on a shaft, you have to create the shaft contour. To create a shaft contour 1 Start the Shaft Calculator.
5 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify contour position: Press ENTER NOTE The calculation routine recognizes hollow shafts and uses the contour for the calculation. After you create the shaft contour, the Shaft Calculation dialog box is displayed so that you can select the boundary conditions, the material, and the representation of the calculation results. Specifying Material You specify the material by selecting it from a table containing the most commonly used materials.
Choose OK. NOTE If the ANSI standard is not installed on your system, you can select a different standard, but the results may differ from the results in this tutorial. For example, if you select DIN, you can select a similar material, like E335, to achieve similar results. NOTE Some material properties are not complete. In this case, you have to complete them to obtain calculation results. 4 In the Material Properties dialog box, complete the ANSI material properties, if necessary. Choose OK.
Placing Shaft Supports Specify the shaft supports.
2 Choose the Gear icon, and then respond to the prompt as follows: Specify insertion point: Select the midpoint of the second gear from the left 3 In the Gear dialog box, Inputs tab, specify: Gear Load: Constant Motive Power, Driven Torque: 15 Choose OK. NOTE The Components tab displays the force components. Changes in one tab are automatically reflected in the other tab.
Point Load: 2500 Choose OK. 6 Choose the Torque icon, and then respond to the prompt as follows: Specify insertion point: Select the midpoint of the profile section 7 In the Torque dialog box, specify: Torque: Mt=: 15 Choose OK.
All boundary conditions necessary for a shaft calculation are specified. Calculating and Inserting Results Perform a calculation of the moments and deformations, and insert the results in your drawing. To perform a shaft calculation 1 In the Shaft Calculation dialog box, choose the Moments and Deformations button.
3 Choose OK, and then respond to the prompts as follows: Specify insertion point: Select an appropriate point to the right of the shaft The result block and the deflection and torsion moment graphs are inserted. 4 Close the Shaft Calculation dialog box.
The result block provides the most important information about your calculated shaft, such as the maximum stress deflection and moment values.
5 Close the Shaft Calculation dialog box. Save your file. Calculating Strengths of Shafts Check the strength at a critical place of the shaft, such as at a notch.
Select contour or [Create contour/Strength] : Select the shaft contour The Shaft Calculation dialog box opens. Continue with calculations on the previously specified shaft.
Choose OK. 4 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify next point : Specify a point below the shaft Specify next point : Press ENTER The result block is inserted in the drawing.
The safety factors are greater than 1.0, so the shaft does not need to be redesigned at this notch. 5 Close the Shaft Calculation dialog box. This is the end of this tutorial chapter. Save your file.
Engineering Calculations The tutorials in this section teach you how to calculate In this part moments of inertia and deflection lines, create and calculate ■ Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines ■ Calculating Chains ■ Calculating Springs ■ Calculating Screw Connections ■ Calculating Stress Using FEA ■ Designing and Calculating Cams chains, springs and cams.
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15 Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines Many engineering calculations are automated in AutoCAD® In this chapter Mechanical. This tutorial illustrates how you calculate the ■ Key Terms ■ Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines moment of inertia for a profile section, and calculate the deflection line on a beam based on the profile calculation.
Key Terms Term Definition bending moment The moment of all forces that act on the member to the left of a section (a point along the member where bending moment needs to be calculated) taken about the horizontal axis of the section. deflection line A curve representing the vertical displacement of different points along the member subjected to a load. distributed load A load or force that is exerted over a certain length.
AutoCAD Mechanical determines the center of gravity for a cross section, draws the main axes, and calculates the moment of inertia about each of those axes. You can also select a load direction for a cross section; AutoCAD Mechanical calculates the moment of inertia and angle of deflection for that load. NOTE Before you perform this exercise, verify that the ISO standard part standard is installed. Load the initial drawing. To open a file ■ Open the file tut_calc in the acadm\tutorial folder.
Toolbutton Menu Content ➤ Calculations ➤ Moment of Inertia Command AMINERTIA 2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify interior point: Click a point inside the profile Specify interior point: Press ENTER Is the area filled correctly? (Yes/No)? : Press ENTER The coordinates of the centroid and the moment of inertia along the principle axes are displayed on the command line, as follows: Coordinates of centroid (in user coordinates): X coordinate: 228.071933 Y coordinate: 150.
NOTE The main axes, 1 and 2, are the axes with the most and least deflection. The F arrow displays the direction of the force, the s arrow displays the resultant deflection. The moment of inertia block shows the moments related to the main axis, the maximum distances from the edges, and the calculated area. For more detailed information, see Help. A side view of the profile has been created for the deflection line. 5 Zoom to the extents of the drawing.
Toolbutton Menu Content ➤ Calculations ➤ Deflection Line Command AMDEFLINE 2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select moment of inertia block: Select the calculation block (1) Specify starting point or [Existing beam]: Select the left end of the beam (2) Specify endpoint: Select the right end of the beam (3) 3 In the Beam Calculation dialog box, choose Table. 4 In the Select Standard for Material dialog box, select ANSI Material.
Click OK. Define the supports and the loads. 6 Choose the Fixed Support icon, and then respond to the prompt as follows: Specify insertion point: Select the left edge of the beam (1) NOTE The support can only be placed along the beam.
Specify endpoint: Select the midpoint of the beam using midpoint snap (4) Line Load [N/mm]<50>: Enter 10, press ENTER 9 Choose the Moment icon, and then respond to the prompts as follows: Specify insertion point: Select a point in the center of the uniform load (5) Bending moment (Nm)<10>: Enter 3, press ENTER 10 In the Beam Calculation dialog box, choose Moments and Deflection. 11 In the Select Graph dialog box, select the options as shown in the following figure, and then choose OK.
Press ENTER Enter scale for deflection (drawing unit:mm)<37.208:1>: Press ENTER Specify insertion point: Select a point in the drawing The result looks like this: The calculation result block displays all important data on your calculation: This is the end of this tutorial chapter. Save your file.
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16 Calculating Chains In this AutoCAD® Mechanical tutorial, you calculate a chain In this chapter length, and insert sprockets and chain links into a drawing.
Key Terms Term Definition partition Distance in mm or inches between centers of adjacent joint members. Other dimensions are proportional to the pitch. Also known as pitch. pitch diameter The diameter of the pitch circle that passes through the centers of the link pins as the chain is wrapped on the sprocket. roller chain A roller chain is made up of two kinds of links: roller links and pin links alternately and evenly spaced throughout the length of the chain.
2 Use a window to Zoom in to the chain housing. Toolbutton Menu View ➤ Zoom ➤ Window Command ZOOM 3 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify first corner: Specify first corner point (1) Specify opposite corner: Specify second corner point (2) Performing Length Calculations To calculate the required length of the chain 1 Start the Length Calculation command.
2 In the Belt and Chain Length Calculation dialog box, choose Library. 3 In the Library, select ISO 606 metric. 4 In the Select Part Size dialog box, specify: Standard: ISO 606 - 05B - 1 Choose OK.
Specify 2nd point for tangent: Select circle c (2) Specify 1st point for tangent or [Undo] : Select circle c (3) Specify 2nd point for tangent: Select circle b (4) Specify 1st point for tangent or [Undo] : Select circle b (5) Specify 2nd point for tangent: Select circle a (6) Specify 1st point for tangent or [Undo] : Press ENTER The tangent definition is finished, and the length of the chain is calculated.
NOTE You can view the results by resizing the command line or opening the AutoCAD® Text Window using F2. The chain arrangement has to be optimized to a length that is a multiple of the chain division. Save your file. Optimizing Chain Lengths To optimize the chain length 1 Start the Length Calculation command.
Choose OK. 3 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select pulleys or sprockets to be moved. Select objects: Select the relocated circle b Select objects: Press ENTER Specify direction angle to move: Enter 90, press ENTER Sprocket b is moved until a chain length of 122 links is achieved. 4 In the Belt and Chain Length Calculation dialog box, choose OK. Close the dialog box by clicking Cancel. Your drawing looks like this: Save your file.
2 In the Select Pulley and Sprocket dialog box, Buttons tab, click Sprockets ➤ Front view. Respond to the prompts: Specify insertion point: Select the center of circle a Specify rotation angle < 0 >: Enter 360, press ENTER 3 In the Sprockets - Size Selection dialog box, select ISO 606 05B-1, and then click Next. 4 In the Sprockets - Geometry dialog box, specify: Geometry of Sprocket: Number of teeth: 21 Number of Visible Teeth: 21 Shaft Diameter: 10 Click Finish.
A hide situation is created, and is listed at the top of the tree in the mechanical browser. Insert the next two sprockets. 6 Start the Draw Sprocket/Pulley command again. Toolbutton Menu Content ➤ Chains / Belts ➤ Draw Sprocket/Pulley Command AMSPROCKET 7 In the Select Pulley and Sprocket dialog box, Buttons tab, click Sprockets Front view.
Click Finish. 10 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, click OK. A hide situation is created, and is listed in the mechanical browser. The sprocket is inserted into the drawing. Create the next sprocket. 11 Start the Draw Sprocket/Pulley command again. Toolbutton Menu Content ➤ Chains / Belts ➤ Draw Sprocket/Pulley Command AMSPROCKET 12 In the Select Pulley and Sprocket dialog box, Buttons tab, click Sprockets ➤ Front view.
Shaft Diameter: 10 Choose Finish. 15 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, click OK. A hide situation is created, and is listed in the mechanical browser. The last sprocket is inserted as a simplified representation with only three teeth, as specified in the dialog box. Your drawing looks like this: Save your file.
Inserting Chains To insert a chain 1 Start the Draw Chain/Belt Links command. Toolbutton Menu Content ➤ Chains / Belts ➤ Draw Chain/Belt Links Command AMCHAINDRAW 2 In the Select Belt and Chain dialog box, Buttons tab, choose Chains. Respond to the prompts: Select polyline: Select the polyline near point 9 Select starting point on polyline: Select a point on the polyline 3 In the Select a Chain dialog box, select ISO 606 Metric.
Specify direction of Links [Flip/Accept] : Press ENTER Specify orientation of Links [Flip/Accept] : Enter F, press ENTER Specify orientation of Links [Flip/Accept] : Press ENTER 7 In the Create Hide Situation dialog box, click OK. The chain is inserted into the drawing, and a hide situation is created. Your drawing looks like this: The mechanical browser reflects the standard components you created in the drawing. This is the end of this tutorial chapter. Save your file.
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17 Calculating Springs In this tutorial, you calculate a spring for existing boundary In this chapter conditions and insert the spring into a drawing. You copy and ■ Key Terms ■ Calculating Springs edit the spring using the Power Copy and Power Edit commands in AutoCAD®Mechanical.
Key Terms Term Definition Belleville spring washer A washer-type spring that can sustain relatively large loads with small deflections. The loads and deflections can be increased by stacking the springs. compression spring A spring type that can be compressed and can absorb pressure forces. dynamic dragging The act of determining the size of a standard part with the cursor while inserting the part into a side view.
To open a drawing 1 Open the file tut_spring.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder. Toolbutton Menu File ➤ Open Command OPEN 2 Click the STRUCT status bar button and latch it down to enable mechanical structure. 3 Zoom in to the area of the spring housings.
The drawing shows two views (A and B) of the lever and spring housing, to reflect two different states of compression. Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve the original tutorial file. Starting Spring Calculations Specify the spring and the location. To specify a spring 1 Start the Compression Spring command.
3 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify starting point: Specify the starting point (1) Specify direction: Specify endpoint (2) Specifying Spring Restrictions Specify the spring restrictions. Use the Compression Springs dialog box to restrict the spring selection in various ways. To specify the spring restrictions 1 In the Compression Springs - Select from Table SPEC® Catalog A [mm] dialog box, specify: Specification: 2 Loads, 2 Lengths Absolute Set: Lengths Click the Da button.
A row for specifying the outer diameter Da is added to the restrictions table. 2 Click the value field for the diameter Da. You can pick a point on the inner spring housing to specify the diameter, or enter a value. In this instance, enter the value 15. Define the initial spring length. 3 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables SPEC® Catalog A [mm] dialog box, click the value field for the length L1, and then choose the pick icon.
4 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify point for spring length L1: Select a point on the spring pressure plate (1) Use view B of the lever and spring housing to define the compressed spring length. 5 In the Compression Springs dialog box, click the value field for the length L2, and then choose the pick icon.
6 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify point for spring length L2: Select a point on the spring pressure plate in view B (1) The geometric boundary conditions are defined, and you can proceed with the calculation. Calculating and Selecting Springs Make the calculation settings and calculate the possible springs.
To calculate and select a spring 1 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables SPEC® Catalog A [mm] dialog box, choose the Additional Calculation Settings button. 2 In the Compression Springs - Additional Calculation [ANSI] dialog, select the left buckling case, and then choose OK. 3 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables SPEC® Catalog A [mm] dialog box, choose Next.
The possible springs are calculated and the results are displayed in the Compression Springs - Select from Tables SPEC® Catalog A [mm] dialog box. 4 Choose Select All to select all possible springs for the dynamic dragging process.
Choose Finish. Inserting Springs Drag the cursor dynamically to switch between the selected possible springs. The outline of the spring is displayed in the drawing and the spring description is displayed in the tooltip. To insert a spring 1 Drag the cursor until the tooltip reads SPEC - 1.6 x 14.1 x 36, and then click. 2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Topical Length (14.28 - 36) [Force/Deflection] <32.
Save your file. Creating Views of Springs with Power View In order to adjust the length of the spring in view B, the springs in the two views need to be different components rather than instances of the same component. Use the previously inserted spring in view A to create a spring for view B, using the Power View command.
4 Respond to the prompts: Specify starting point: Select point (1) in view B Specify direction: Select point (2) in view B Topical Length (14.28 - 36)[Force/Deflection]<32.01>: Select the lower contact point of the compressed spring Select rod (only closed contours) : Press ENTER The spring is copied into view B in its compressed length. Save your file.
This is the end of this tutorial chapter.
18 Calculating Screw Connections In this tutorial, you calculate a screw connection using the In this chapter stand-alone screw calculation function in AutoCAD® ■ Key Terms ■ Methods for Calculating Screws ■ Using Stand Alone Screw Calculations Mechanical.
Key Terms Term Definition axial force A force parallel to the screw axis. contact area The touching surfaces of the plates, which are effective for the calculation. safety factor The safety factor is the ratio of effective load and safe load. shear force A force perpendicular to the screw axis. stress The force acting on a member or body per unit area.
Menu File ➤ Open Command OPEN The drawing contains the representation of a screw connection. Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve the original tutorial file. Problem for this exercise: ■ Two hollow shafts made of Cq 45 with forged coupling flanges are to be connected by 13 hex-head bolts ISO 4017 M12 x 45 - 10.9, which are arranged at a pitch diameter of 130 mm. ■ The through holes are according to ISO 273 close.
2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select screw connection : Press ENTER The Screw Calculation dialog box opens. Specify the screw connection. Selecting and Specifying Screws In the Definition of SCREW section of the screw calculation, you can select the screw standard and size and the material properties. You can also enter the geometric properties of a user-defined screw, for example in detail. To specify a screw 1 On the Screw: Geometry tab, choose Table of Screws.
Choose OK. The geometric values of the standard screw ISO 4017 M12x45 are entered. Specify the property class. 4 Choose the Material tab and then specify: Property class: DIN 10.9 The screw is specified completely. Specify the nut.
5 Choose Next or the Definition of NUT icon in the top row to proceed. Selecting and Specifying Nuts In the Definition of NUT section of the screw calculation, you can select a nut standard and size. To specify a nut 1 On the Nut tab, choose Table of Nuts. 2 In the Select a Nut dialog box, choose Hex Nuts and ISO 4032 (Regular Thread). You do not need to specify a size, because the size is determined by the screw size. Specify the washers.
Selecting and Specifying Washers In the Definition of WASHERS section of the screw calculation, you can select the washer standard and size and the positions of the washers. To specify a washer 1 On the Washer under: Head 1 tab, clear the Washer check box. 2 Choose the Washer under: Nut 1 tab, and then choose Table of Washers. 3 In the Select a Washer dialog box, choose ISO 7091. Specify the plates. 4 Choose Next or the Definition of PLATES icon in the top row to proceed.
To specify the plates 1 On the Plates tab, specify: Hole: dh: 13 Number of Plates: 2 Height of plate 1 h1: 10 Height of plate 2 h2: 10 2 For the definition of both plate materials, choose Table. 3 In the Please Select a Part dialog box, choose DIN material. 4 Choose the material Cq 45, and then choose OK. Specify the contact area. 5 On the Gaps and Chamfers tab, choose the pick button of the value gr.
The value for gr is changed to 17, as shown in the illustration. 7 Choose Next or the Definition of CONTACT AREA icon in the top row to proceed.
Specifying Contact Areas In the Definition of CONTACT AREA section of the screw calculation, you can specify the geometric properties of the contact area. To specify the contact area 1 On the Contact Area tab, choose the Type icon. 2 In the Select the Type of Contact Area dialog box, choose the third of the predefined icons. 3 Select the User Changes check box. 4 In the entry field, specify: ang: 22.
5 For the outer radius ro, choose the pick button next to the entry field and respond to the prompts as follows: Specify first point: Select the point (1) Second point: Select the point (2) 6 For the inner radius ri, choose the pick button next to the entry field and respond to the prompts as follows: Specify first point: Select the point (1) Second point: Select the point (3) Specify the loads and moments. 7 Choose Next or the Definition of LOADS icon in the top row to proceed.
Axial force: FB: 0 2 Choose the Shear Loads tab and specify: Torsion Moment T =: 185 [Nm] Radius R: 65 Coefficient of Friction: mt=: 0.14 NOTE The torsion moment of 185 Nm results from the total torsion moment of 2405 Nm as given in the terms of reference divided by the 13 bolts.
Specify the settlement. 3 Choose Next or the Definition of SETTLEMENT icon in the top row to proceed. Specifying Settlement Properties In the Definition of SETTLEMENT section of the screw calculation, you can specify settlement properties. To specify the settlement 1 Activate Calculate from Roughness and >= 1.6 micro m.
Specify the tightening. 2 Choose Next or the Definition of TIGHTEN icon in the top row to proceed. Specifying Tightening Properties In the Definition of TIGHTEN section of the screw calculation, you can specify the tightening method and properties. To specify the tightening 1 Specify as follows: Tightening Factor: kA=: 1.5 Coefficient of Friction: in Thread miG =: 0.
Insert the result block. 2 Choose Next or the RESULTS icon in the top row to proceed. Creating and Inserting Result Blocks In the Results section of the screw calculation, you can take a look at the results. You have a complete overview of the results of the screw calculation.
Insert the result block. To insert a result block ■ Choose Finish and respond to the prompts as follows: Specify start point: Specify a point right of the screw connection Specify next point : Press ENTER The result block is inserted at the specified location. This is the end of this tutorial chapter. Save your file.
19 Calculating Stress Using FEA In this tutorial, you calculate the stresses in a lever using the In this chapter finite element analysis (FEA) in AutoCAD® Mechanical. You ■ Key Terms ■ 2D FEA use the results to improve the design of the lever.
Key Terms Term Definition distributed load A load or force that is exerted over a certain length. FEA Finite Element Analysis. A calculation routine based on analyzing a rigid body subject to loads and restraints for stress, strain, and deformation. fixed support A support that prevents translation as well as rotation about all axes. load Force or moment acting on a member or body. movable support A support that prevents rotation in all axes, but allows translation along one axis.
For this exercise, work with mechanical structure disabled. To open the initial drawing 1 Open the file tut_fea.dwg in the acadm\tutorial folder. Toolbutton Menu File Open Command OPEN The drawing contains a lever, which is the basis for your calculations. 2 Zoom in to the lever. Toolbutton Menu View Zoom Window Command ZOOM The complete lever is displayed on your screen.
Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve the original tutorial file. To regenerate the drawing ■ Activate the REGENALL command Menu View Regen All Command REGENALL The drawing is regenerated. Calculating Stress In Parts Before you calculate the stress in a part, specify the border conditions.
Select the thickness and the material of the lever. 3 In the Default section, a thickness of 10. 4 In the Material section, choose Table. Select the material from your preferred standard table, such as Al. Alloys Diecast if you choose ANSI materials. 5 Choose Config to open the FEA Configuration dialog box, and specify: Scale Factor for Symbols: 0.1 6 Choose OK to return to the FEA 2D - calculation dialog box. Defining Loads and Supports To perform calculations, you need to define the loads and supports.
Specify endpoint: Specify point (2) Specify side from endpoint: Specify a point above the contour 2 Choose the movable line support button, and respond to the prompts as follows: Specify insertion point : Hold down SHIFT, right-click and choose Quadrant, specify point (3) Specify endpoint: Press ENTER to define the starting point as the endpoint 3 Choose the line force button, and respond to the prompts as follows: Specify insertion point : Specify point (5) Specify en
4 Choose the line force button again, and respond to the prompts as follows: Specify insertion point : Specify point (6) Specify endpoint: Specify point (7) Specify side from endpoint: Specify a point to the right of the specified points Enter a new value <1000 N/mm>: Enter 500, press ENTER Calculating Results Before you calculate the results, generate a mesh. NOTE If you calculate results without creating a mesh in advance, the mesh will be created automatically.
2 In the Results section, choose the isolines (isoareas) button. 3 In the FEA 2D Isolines (Isoareas) dialog box, select the Graphic -Representation button on the right. Choose OK.
After calculation, the support forces are displayed near the support symbol. Evaluating and Refining Mesh The stress table allocation relative to the lever shows heavy concentration of local stress near drawing points 8 and 9. Refine the mesh near these points to obtain more exact calculation results for the points of interest.
Specify center point 3 : Press ENTER to continue meshing : Press ENTER to return to the dialog box The mesh is refined at the specified points. Recalculate the stress representation. 2 Choose the isolines (isoareas) button. 3 In the FEA 2D Isolines (Isoareas) dialog box, choose the Graphic Representation button on the right.
Refining Designs The results show a critical area around point 8 that can be improved by applying a larger radius. Before changing the geometry, the results and solutions have to be deleted. To edit the geometry 1 Choose the Delete Solution button. 2 In the AutoCAD Question dialog box, choose Yes to delete the solutions and results. 3 In the AutoCAD Question dialog box, choose No to keep the loads and supports.
5 In the Fillet Radius dialog box, specify: Input: 10 Choose OK. 6 Respond to the prompt: Select objects: Press ENTER to exit the command The radius of the fillet is changed to 10. 7 Zoom to the extents of the drawing. Toolbutton Menu View ➤ Zoom ➤ Extents Command ZOOM Save your file. Recalculating Stress Before recalculating the stress division of the lever, calculate and display the deformation.
To calculate the stress 1 Restart the FEA routine. Toolbutton Menu Content ➤ Calculations ➤ FEA Command AMFEA2D 2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify interior point: Specify a point inside the contour Select the thickness and the material of the lever again, as you did it before. 3 In the Default section, enter a thickness of 10. 4 Choose Table, and select the material from your preferred standard table. Select Al. Alloys Diecast if you prefer to use ANSI materials.
Recalculate the stress division of the lever. 1 Choose the isolines (isoareas) button. 2 In the FEA 2D Isolines (Isoareas) dialog box, choose the Graphic Representation button on the right. Choose OK.
3 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify base point : Press ENTER Specify insertion point: To the left of the part, select a location for the table : Press ENTER to return to the dialog box 4 Choose Close to leave the FEA 2D - Calculation. The final result looks like this: NOTE You can return to the FEA 2D - Calculation using Power Edit. This is the end of this tutorial chapter. Save your file.
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20 Designing and Calculating Cams In this tutorial you use the automated cam design and In this chapter calculation functionality in AutoCAD® Mechanical to create ■ Key Terms ■ Designing and Calculating Cams a cam, perform calculations, and generate data for NC production.
Key Terms Term Definition acceleration Rate of change in velocity. cam Types of gears for obtaining unusual and irregular motions that would be difficult to produce otherwise. curve path Geometric shape of the cam. motion diagram Diagram illustrating the lift or rotation of the follower for each degree of rotation or translation of the cam plate. motion section Part of the motion diagram. Some sections are defined by design.
sections. An existing curve path can be scanned and transferred in the motion diagram. A driven element can be coupled to the cam. NC data can be created using the curve path. In the following exercise, you generate a circular cam and a swinging follower with a single roller. You also calculate the spring of the follower. The cam and the follower are inserted into the drawing together with the motion diagrams. At the end you generate the NC data for the cam production. Start with an ISO drawing template.
Diameter of Body [mm]: 50 3 Choose the Follower button. NOTE You can also step through the dialog using the Next button. 4 On the Follower tab, Movement section, click the Translating button. 5 In the Type of Follower dialog box, choose the Swinging button. You are returned to the CAM Design and Calculation dialog box.
Specify the following settings. 6 Choose the Profile button, and define the profile. You can select between a power-contact profile (inner or outer) or a form-contact profile (both outer). Specify an inner profile, which requires a spring to keep contact. Specify the following settings.
7 Choose the Location button. The dialog box is hidden so you can specify a location for the cam and the follower in the drawing. 8 Respond to the prompts as follows: Specify center of cam: 100,100, press ENTER Specify center of follower swing [Undo]: @100,0, press ENTER Specify start of movement [Undo]: @90<157.
Defining Motion Sections Define five motion sections to describe the cam. To specify motions 1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, choose the Motions button, and then choose the New button. In the Select Method to Add New Segment dialog box, you can either insert or append a new motion section.
2 Choose Append. Define the first motion section. 3 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings. Position [deg] 0 -: 90 Elevation [deg] 0 -: 0 Choose OK. The motion is inserted into the drawing and you are reverted back to the Cam Design and Calculation dialog. Define the next motions to describe the cam. 1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Motion tab, choose New.
2 In the Select Method to Add New Segment dialog box, choose Append. 3 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings. Position [deg] 90 -: 150 Elevation [deg] 0 -: 5 4 Click the Context of Follower movement button. 5 Choose Dwell - Constant Velocity (second button from left).
6 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings. Curve: 5th polynomial Velocity [rad/s] 0 -: 2 Choose OK. The next motion section has to be ‘Constant Velocity,’ since the motion section before is ‘Dwell - Constant Velocity’. 1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Motion tab, choose New. 2 In the Select Method to Add New Segment dialog box, choose Append. 3 In the Motion - New mode dialog, specify the following settings.
4 Click the Context of Follower movement button. 5 Choose Constant Velocity (leftmost button). The routine recalculates the elevation and inserts the correct value 10.73. Choose OK. Define the next motion section. 1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Motion tab, choose New. 2 In the Select Method to Add New Segment dialog box, choose Append. 3 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings. Position [deg] 180 -: 220 Elevation [deg] 10.
5 In the Motion - New mode dialog box, specify the following settings. Acceleration [rad/s^2] 0 -: -60 Choose OK. Define the last motion section to complete the 360 degrees. 1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Motion tab, choose New. 2 In the Select Method to Add New Section dialog box, choose Append. 3 In the Motion - New mode dialog, specify the following settings. Position [deg] 220 -: 360 Elevation [deg] 16-: 0 4 Click the Context of Follower movement button.
Choose OK. The definition of the motion section is complete, and all motion sections are displayed in the list. The definition of the geometry is finished. Calculating Strength for Springs To calculate the strength for the spring 1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, select the Strength check box, and then click the Strength button.
2 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, Loads tab, specify: External Force [N] Fe =: 20 Reduced Mass of the Follower [kg] mf =: 0.1 Reduced Inert Mass [kg] mi =: 0.07 3 On the Spring tab, specify: Preload [N] F0 =: 10 Mass of Spring [kg] ms =: 0.
4 On the Material tab, you can specify the material for cam and roller. In this case, use the default material. 5 On the Arm tab, specify: Dimensions of Arm [mm] d =: 8 NOTE You can choose other types of cross sections for the arms. 6 Choose Results, and then choose Calculation. All calculation results are displayed on the respective tabs: Geometry Displays the geometric properties and enables to optimize the cam position.
Pressure Displays the factor of safety to pressure. You can display the pressure at any point of the cam by choosing Simulation and dragging the mouse pointer over the motion graphs. Frequency Displays the resonance frequency and the safety against resonance effects. Shaft Displays the loads on the shaft as well as the necessary drive power for the cam. You can display the shaft loads at any point of the cam by choosing Simulation and dragging the mouse pointer over the cam.
Press ESC or ENTER to exit, or [Change center of cam]: Enter C, press ENTER Specify center of cam <100,100>: Press ENTER 5 Snap to the apex of the triangle that produces a maximal pressure angle less than or equal to the recommended value and a minimal radius of curvature greater than or equal to the recommended value. Exporting Cam Data and Viewing Results To export TXT cam data for an NC machine 1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, click Export.
3 To view the results, choose Finish, and then respond to the prompt as follows: Specify insertion point of result table: Specify a location for the result table The table of results is inserted into the drawing. This is the end of the tutorial chapter. Save your file.
Autodesk Inventor Link The tutorial in this section teaches you how to import an In this part Autodesk Inventor® file and generate drawing views from ■ Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support them for documentation. The Autodesk Inventor assembly and part drawings required for this tutorial are available in the Acadm/tutorial/tut_bracket folder of the AutoCAD® Mechanical installation folder.
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21 Using Autodesk Inventor Link Support In this chapter, you learn how to enable AutoCAD® In this chapter Mechanical to create views and documentation for Autodesk® ■ Key Terms ■ Linking Autodesk Inventor Part Files ■ Exporting Drawing Views to AutoCAD ■ Linking Autodesk Inventor Assembly Files ■ Updating Autodesk Inventor Parts Inventor™ assemblies and parts.
Key Terms Term Definition parametric dimensions A type of dimension associated with an Autodesk Inventor part model. Parametric dimensions control the size and positions of geometry. If the dimension value is changed, the size and position of the geometry adjusts to reflect the new value. Parametric dimensions can be changed only from Autodesk Inventor.
Autodesk Inventor link support is not installed, an error message is displayed when you select the New Inventor link option on the File menu. To link an Autodesk Inventor part file 1 Create a link to the file Holder Bracket.ipt in the acadm\tutorial\. 2 Tut_Bracket\Bracket Components folder. Menu File ➤ New Inventor Link 3 In the Select template dialog box, click the template am_ansi.dwt, then click Open. 4 In the Link Autodesk Inventor File dialog box, click Holder Bracket.ipt, then click Open.
Menu View ➤ Toolbars ➤ Mechanical View Click the Toggle Shading/Wireframe button to shade the part. 2 Use the 3D Orbit tool to rotate the part. To rotate a part 1 Select the 3D Orbit tool from the Mechanical View toolbar. 2 Place the cursor in the appropriate location inside or on the Arcball. 3 Click and hold the left mouse button, then rotate the part to a position that resembles the following illustration. 4 Right-click, then select Exit from the menu.
To insert a drawing border 1 Click the Drawing tab in the browser. 2 Start the Drawing Title/Borders command. Toolbutton Menu Annotate ➤ Drawing Title/Revisions ➤ Drawing Title/Borders Command AMTITLE 3 In the Drawing Borders with Title Block dialog box, specify: Paper Format: C (17.0x22.0 inch) Title Block: US Title Block Scale: 1:1 4 Choose OK. 5 In the Page Setup Manager dialog box, select Layout1, then click Modify.
6 In the Page Setup - Layout1 dialog box, specify the following value: Paper size: ANSI C (22.00 x 17.
7 Choose OK to exit the Page Setup Manager. 8 Click Close. 9 Respond to the prompt as follows: Specify insertion point: Enter -0.25,-0.75, press ENTER 10 In the Change Title Block Entry dialog box, click Next.
12 Choose OK. 13 In the Save Title Block Filename dialog box, verify the following settings: File Name: InventorPart.dwg File of Type: Drawing (*.dwg) 14 Choose Save. Creating Drawing Views You can create a variety of drawing view for a part. Any changes made to the part in Autodesk Inventor are automatically updated in the drawing views, when the .dwg file is updated. When you create a drawing view, the link reads parametric dimensions from the model and adds them to the view.
3 Under Parametric Dimension Display, select the Active Part Views check box. 4 Choose OK. To create a base view 1 Open the AMDWGVIEW command. Toolbutton Menu Drawing ➤ New View Browser Right-click a Layout icon in the Drawing tab, then choose New View.
Orientation: Back Scale: 2.0000 3 Choose OK.
The base view is placed in the lower-left corner of the drawing. Parametric dimensions extracted from the Inventor Part file are displayed.
Create an orthogonal view from the base view. To create an orthogonal view type 1 Open the AMDWGVIEW command. Toolbutton Menu Drawing ➤ New View Browser Right-click the Base icon in the Drawing tab, then choose New View. Context Menu Right-click in the graphics area, then choose New View.
3 Choose OK.
The view is placed in the upper-left corner of the drawing.
Working with Dimensions Some of the dimensions need rearranging, while a few may be redundant. You may also need to create dimensions for some entities. Dimensions you add yourself are called reference dimensions. If the part is modified in Autodesk Inventor, these dimensions automatically display the correct part size. To delete a parametric dimension 1 In the orthogonal view, click the dimension that reads .0450 and press DELETE. The dimension is deleted.
NOTE The dimension you deleted may have been entered as a sketch dimension orginally, and extruded later resulting in the redundancy of dimensions. To move dimensions 1 Click the diameter dimension of 0.8800. Three grip points are displayed on the dimension. 2 Drag the middle grip outside the bracket, and click. The dimension should be displayed as shown in the following image.
3 You may want to rearrange all the dimensions to tidy up the drawing view. To add a hole note 1 Start the Leader note command.
2 Respond to the prompts as follows: Select object to attach [rEorganize]: In the orthogonal view, click the center of the hole in the middle (1), drag to a placement point (2), click and press ENTER The Note Symbol ANSI dialog box is displayed. 3 Click OK. The Hole Note is added. NOTE The note text is automatically generated with details extracted from the part file. To create a vertical reference dimension 1 Start the power dimensioning command.
3 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, click OK. 4 Press ENTER twice to exit the command. NOTE Parametric dimensions and reference dimensions are shown in different colors. To create a radial reference dimension 1 Start the power dimensioning command.
To export a drawing view 1 Start the AMVIEWOUT command. Menu Drawing ➤ Export Views Browser Right-click the Base icon in the Drawing tab, then choose Export. Command AMVIEWOUT 2 In the Export Drawing Views dialog box, from the Source drop-down list, select Select Views/Entities, then click Select. The dialog box is hidden.
7 Close AutoCAD Mechanical, start AutoCAD and open the file that you created in step 5. Linking Autodesk Inventor Assembly Files To link an Autodesk Inventor assembly file 1 Create a link to the file Bracket.iam in the acadm\tutorial\tut_Bracket folder. Menu File ➤ New Inventor link 2 In the Select template dialog box, click the template am_ansi.dwt, then click Open. The Link Autodesk Inventor File dialog box is displayed. 3 In files Files of style list, select *.iam. 4 Locate and click Bracket.
Accessing Parts from the Browser To select a part from the browser 1 Click a part in the browser. The part is highlighted in model space. 2 Right-click a part and select Zoom-to. The display zooms to the part. Accessing iProperties When the assembly file is linked, AutoCAD Mechanical is able to access iProperties through its Bill of Materials (BOM). To access iProperties 1 Start the BOM command.
3 Click the + sign in the first column to expand the row. 4 Click Settings. The BOM Settings dialog box is displayed.
5 Click the More button to display More Properties dialog box. 6 Select Part Number and click OK. You are returned to the BOM dialog box. Notice the additional row in the available component properties list.
7 Save the file as Inventor Assembly.dwg. Inserting Drawing Borders To insert a drawing border 1 Click the Drawing tab in the browser. 2 Start the Drawing Title/Borders command. Toolbutton Menu Annotate ➤ Drawing Title/Revisions ➤ Drawing Title/Borders Command AMTITLE 3 In the Drawing Borders with Title Block dialog box, specify: Paper Format: C (17.0x22.
Retrieve from Assembly Properties: Select 4 Click OK. 5 In the Page Setup Manager dialog box, select Layout1, then click Modify. 6 In the Page Setup - Layout1 dialog box, specify the following value: Paper size: ANSI C (22.00 x 17.00 Inches) 7 Choose OK to exit the Page Setup Manager. 8 Click Close. 9 Respond to the prompt as follows: Specify insertion point: Enter -0.25,-0.75, press ENTER 10 In the Change Title Block Entry dialog box click Next.
To create a base view 1 Create a base view. Toolbutton Menu Drawing ➤ New View Browser Right-click a Layout icon in the Drawing tab, then choose New View. Command AMDWGVIEW 2 In the Create Drawing View dialog box, specify: View Type: Base Data Set: Select Layout: Layout1 Orientation: Top Scale: 2.0000 3 Choose OK.
The base view is placed in the lower-left corner of the drawing. To create the parts list 1 Start the Parts List command. Toolbutton Menu Annotate ➤ Parts List Tools ➤ Parts List Command AMPARTLIST The Part List ANSI dialog box is displayed. 2 Click OK. 3 Move the cursor to position the parts lists above the title block, then click to insert the parts list.
To create balloons 1 Start the Balloon command. Toolbutton Menu Annotate ➤ Parts List Tools ➤ Balloons Command AMBALLOON 2 Respond to the prompt as follows: Select part/assembly or [auTo/autoAll/Collect/Manual/One/Renumber/rEorganize]: Enter A Select pick object: Window select the entire assembly Select pick object: Press ENTER 3 Place the balloons horizontally above the assembly.
Creating Breakout Section Views A breakout section view shows hidden details by cutting away portions that block their visibility. In this exercise, you indicate the section to remove by creating a cut line on one view and marking the depth of the cut on another view. Once the breakout section view is generated, you create an isometric view for it. To create the base view and orthogonal view: 1 Click the Drawing tab in the browser and double-click Layout 2. 2 Start the Drawing Title/Borders command.
The Drawing Borders with Title Block dialog box is displayed 3 Create a new drawing border for Layout2, following the procedure outlined in Inserting Drawing Borders (page 410). To create a base view and orthogonal view 1 Start the AMDWGVIEW command. Toolbutton Menu Drawing ➤ Multiple Views Browser Right-click the Layout2 icon in the Drawing tab, then choose New View. Command AMDWGVIEW 2 In the Create Drawing View dialog box, specify: View Type: Multiple Data Set: Select Layout: Layout2 Scale: 1.
Press ENTER Specify location of projected view or [New parent view]: Press ENTER To create the cut line: 1 Start the creation of a polyline.
A closed polyline is created. To create a breakout section view 1 Create a base view type. Toolbutton Menu Drawing ➤ New View Browser Right-click the Ortho icon in the Drawing tab, then choose New View. Context Menu Right-click in the graphics area, then choose New View.
Hatch: Selected 4 Click OK. 5 Respond to the prompts: Select first parent view for breakout view: Select the orthogonal view Specify location of base view: Drag just above the base view, click to select the location and press ENTER Select polyline to use as cutline: Click the polyline you created in the previous exercise (1) Select second parent view for depth selection: Select the base view (2) Select point for depth of section: Select point (3) The breakout section view is created.
To create an isometric view of the breakout section view: 1 Create an isometric view type. Toolbutton Menu Drawing ➤ New View Browser Right-click the Section icon in the Drawing tab, then choose New View. Context Menu Right-click in the graphics area, then choose New View. Command AMDWGVIEW 2 In the Create Drawing View dialog box, specify: View Type: Iso 3 Choose OK.
Specify location of base view: Drag to the left of the orthogonal view, click and Press ENTER NOTE The details shown in the view that is generated depend on where you place the view. When you drag to the left, the isometric view that is generated reveals a hole and a screw. They would not be visible if you placed the view elsewhere. The isometric view is created. 5 Move the isometric view to the right of the orthogonal view.
Specify new view location: Drag to the right of the orthogonal view, click and press ENTER Modifying Breakout Section Views The cut line used to generate the breakout section view can be modified and breakout section view regenerated. Under normal circumstances, the cut line is not visible. To modify the cut line, you must display it first. To display the cutline: 1 Start the Edit Paper Space Cut Line command. Browser Right-click the Section icon in the Drawing tab, then choose Re-Select Cutline.
Enter an option for paperspace cutline [Display/Select] : Press ENTER The cut line is displayed. 3 Modify the cutline to any shape you want it to be. 4 Start the Edit Paper Space Cut Line command. Browser Right-click the Section icon in the Drawing tab, and then choose Re-Select Cutline. Command AMEDITPSCUTLINE 5 Respond to the prompts.
Removing Views You can remove views, even though that view may have been used to derive other views. To delete the base view: 1 Right-click the base view icon in the browser and select Delete. The Delete dependent views dialog box is displayed. 2 Click No. The base view is deleted. 3 Save the file and close AutoCAD Mechanical.
Updating Autodesk Inventor Parts If you have access to Autodesk Inventor (version 8 or above), you can modify the part file using Autodesk Inventor, then update the part in AutoCAD Mechanical to reflect the change. To edit a dimension using Autodesk Inventor 1 Open Holder Bracket.ipt in Autodesk Inventor. 2 Edit a feature. 3 Save the modified part file. When the part file has been modified outside AutoCAD Mechanical, on the browser, the affected views are highlighted in yellow.
A Layer Specifications This appendix contains a list of the layer specifications for In this appendix AutoCAD® Mechanical.
Layer Specification Listing The AutoCAD Mechanical layer system is comprised of the following layers: Description Name Color Linetype Lineweight Base Contour AM_0 7 ISO: Continuous ANSI: Continuous ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI: 0.3mm=0.012’ no Contour AM_1 14 ISO: Continuous ANSI: Continuous ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI: 0.3mm=0.012’ no Contour AM_2 5 ISO: Continuous ANSI: Continuous ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI: 0.3mm=0.012’ no Hidden AM_3 6 ISO: AM_ISO02W050 ANSI: Hidden ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: 0.15mm=0.
Description Name Color Linetype Lineweight Base Hatch AM_8 1 ISO: Continuous ANSI: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: 0.15mm=0.006’ no Behind AM_9 253 ISO: Continuous ANSI: Continuous 0 no Section Line AM_10 7 ISO: AM_ISO08W050 ANSI: Center ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI: 0.3mm=0.012’ no Phantom AM_11 3 ISO: AM_ISO09W050 ANSI: Phantom2 ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: 0.15mm=0.006’ no Part Reference Objects AM_12 7 ISO: Continuous ANSI: Continuous ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI: 0.3mm=0.012’ no Std.
Description Name Color Linetype Lineweight Base Std. Parts: Auxiliary Line AM_4N 3 ISO: Continuous ANSI: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: 0.15mm=0.006’ no Std. Parts: Dimension /Annotation AM_5N 3 ISO: Continuous ANSI: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: 0.15mm=0.006’ no Std. Parts: Text AM_6N 2 ISO: Continuous ANSI: Continuous ISO: 0.35mm/ANSI: 0.3mm=0.012’ no Std. Parts: Centerline AM_7N 4 ISO: AM_ISO08W050 ANSI: Center ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: 0.15mm=0.006’ no Std.
Description Name Color Linetype Lineweight Base Construction Line AM_CL 1 ISO: Amconstr ANSI: Amconstr ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: 0.15mm=0.006’ yes Part Reference AM_PAREF 4 ISO: Continuous ANSI: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: 0.15mm=0.006’ yes Border/Title Block AM_BOR 7 ISO: Continuous ANSI: Continuous ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI: 0.3mm=0.012’ yes Viewport AM_VIEWS 1 ISO: Continuous ANSI: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: 0.15mm=0.
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B Title Block Attributes This appendix helps you to learn about the AutoCAD® In this appendix Mechanical title block attributes.
Attributes for Title Blocks AutoCAD Mechanical offers several different title blocks you can choose from. To customize these title blocks, it is important to understand their attributes. This appendix will give you an overview which text and attributes are available in a title block, and their location within the title block structure.
Attribute Definitions for Title Block and Drawing Border GEN-TITLE-DES2 Subtitle GEN-TITLE-NAME Name of the Draftsperson GEN-TITLE-QTY Quantity GEN-TITLE-SCA Scale Factor GEN-TITLE-POSI Position Number GEN-TITLE-CHKM Checked By GEN-TITLE-CHKD Check Date GEN-TITLE-DAT Completion Date GEN-TITLE-SHEET Page GEN-TITLE-PLOT Plot Date Curly Brackets The curly brackets behind the attribute display the ratio of the defined width for the text to the text height.
Message Files Message files are text files that contain the attributes which are displayed in the Change Title Block Entry dialog when you are inserting a drawing border. These attributes change, depending on the selected drawing border and standard. The message files can be found in the acadm/translator directory. You can modify or extend the message files to meet your specifications.
C Accelerator and Shortcut Keys Use this appendix as a guide to the AutoCAD® Mechanical In this appendix accelerator keys and shortcut keys.
Accelerator Keys Many frequently used commands are accessible using automated shortcuts known as accelerator keys. Accelerator keys are available for AutoCAD as well as for AutoCAD® Mechanical. WARNING Accelerator keys are loaded when you install AutoCAD Mechanical. Accelerator keys specific to AutoCAD Mechanical are appended at the end of the acad.pgp file.
Accelerator keys available in AutoCAD Mechanical Key Function Command dan Angle Dimensioning AMPOWERDIM_ANG dau Automatic Dimensioning AMAUTODIM dmed Multi Edit AMDIMMEDIT f Fillet AMFILLET2D h User Defined Hatch AMUSERHATCH hioo Invisible Lines ON/OFF AMLAYINVO l0 Layer AM_0 AMLAYER l1 Layer AM_1 AMLAYER l2 Layer AM_2 AMLAYER l3 Layer AM_3 AMLAYER l4 Layer AM_4 AMLAYER l5 Layer AM_5 AMLAYER l6 Layer AM_6 AMLAYER l7 Layer AM_7 AMLAYER l8 Layer AM_8 AMLAYER l10
Accelerator keys available in AutoCAD Mechanical Key Function Command lib Library AMLIBRARY lg Layer/Layer Group Control AMLAYER lgmo Move to another Layer Group AMLGMOVE lgv Layer Group Visibility AMLAYVISENH lmo Move to another Layer AMLAYMOVE o Offset AMOFFSET oo 3DOrbit 3DORBIT par Create Part Reference AMPARTREF pc Power Copy AMPOWERCOPY pd Power Dimensioning AMPOWERDIM ped Power Edit AMPOWEREDIT per Power Erase AMPOWERERASE prc Power Recall AMPOWERRECALL proo
Accelerator keys available in AutoCAD Mechanical Key Function Command rec Rectangle AMRECTANG s1 Power Snap Settings 1 AMPSNAP1 s2 Power Snap Settings 2 AMPSNAP2 s3 Power Snap Settings 3 AMPSNAP3 s4 Power Snap Settings 4 AMPSNAP4 sm Scale Monitor AMSCMONITOR stoo Standard Parts Layer ON/OFF AMLAYPARTO tioo Title Block Layer ON/OFF AMLAYTIBLO txl Language Converter AMLANGCONV u0 Units 0 AMUNIT_0 u1 Units 1 AMUNIT_1 u2 Units 2 AMUNIT_2 u3 Units 3 AMUNIT_3 u4 Units 4
Accelerator keys available in AutoCAD Mechanical Key Function Command v4 Lower Right AMVIEWLR v5 Center AMVIEWCEN val View All AMVIEWALL vpoo Viewport Layer ON/OFF AMLAYVPO 462 | Appendix C Accelerator and Shortcut Keys
Index A acceleration 388 adjusting rings 16 angular dimensions 30, 177 annotation views 66, 104 associative 106, 166 hide 106 views 166 Autodesk Inventor link option 408 Autodesk Inventor linked models 409, 415, 418, 427, 433, 436, 439, 441, 446 base views 415, 433 breakout section views 436, 439 isometric views 441 multiple views 436 orthogonal views 418 shade and rotate 409, 427 update 446 Automatic Dimensioning dialog box 172 automatic dimensions 171 B balloons 244, 249, 435 base layers 56, 114, 152 bas
mechanical structure folders 66 restructure 95 view 76 compression springs 342 construction lines 23, 128, 132, 202, 238 Construction Lines dialog box 133 contact areas in screw calculations 364 context menu command access 5 contours 27, 132, 143, 186, 202 backgrounds and foregrounds 186, 202 hatch patterns 143 lines 132 visibility 27 cotter pins 21 counterbores 21, 39 countersinks 21, 39, 202 countersunk rivets 21 Create Drawing View dialog box 415, 418, 433, 437, 439, 441 cross-hatches 143 crosshairs 30 c
Screw Assembly Grip Representation - Front View 209 Screw Assembly Templates 218 Screw Calculation 358 Screw Connection New Part Front View 223 Screw Diameter Estimation 219 Select a Blind Hole 232 Select a Cylindrical Pin 234 Select a Nut 360 Select a Row 358 Select a Screw 205, 358 Select Graph 308, 324 Select Part Size 236, 330 Select Template 129, 279, 409, 427 Set Value 260, 269 Shaft Calculation 303 Shaft Generator 281 Sort 268 Standard Parts Database 36 Switch Representation of Standard Parts 240 Tem
G Gear dialog box 306 gears 278, 300 geometry in structure 66 ghost components 94 grooved drive studs 24 H hatch patterns 24, 39, 143 hidden edges 194 hidden lines 186 hide situations 106, 187 2D 187 associative 106 in mechanical structure 106 holes 21, 37–39, 202, 231, 423 add notes 423 blind 231 counterbored 39 countersunk 21, 39, 202 tapped blind 37 tapped through 37 through 38 user-defined 39 I inner shaft contours 34 instances 67, 73 compared to occurrences 73 in mechanical structure 67 isoareas in c
new commands 50 Nominal Diameter dialog box 162 notches and stress calculations 300 numerical control (NC) 388 nuts 28 O o-rings 34 object snap modes 30 object snaps 131 objects 67, 122 copy with layer groups 122 mechanical structure 67 occurrences 67, 73 compared with instances 73 in mechanical structure 67 Options dialog box 58 orthogonal views for part files 418 outer shaft contours 34 P Page Setup - Layout dialog box 412, 432 Page Setup Manager dialog box 411, 432 parallel keys 35 part information 245
scale areas 33, 152–153 scale monitors 152 scale of viewports, default 40 Screw Assembly Grip Representation Front View dialog box 209 Screw Assembly Templates dialog box 34, 218 Screw Calculation dialog box 358 Screw Connection dialog box 33, 205, 214, 219 Screw Connection New Part Front View dialog box 223 screw connections 33 Screw Diameter Estimation dialog box 219 screws 33, 213, 219, 356, 358–359, 361, 364–365, 367–368, 370 calculations 356 connections 356 contact areas 364 loads and bending moments 3
supports 300 surface texture symbols 37 Switch Representation of Standard Parts dialog box 240 symbols 23–24, 37 edge 23 feature control frame 24 feature identifier 24 surface texture 37 symmetrical lines 37 T tangent definitions for chains 331 taper pins 37 tapped holes 37 blind 37 through 37 Template Description dialog box 61 templates, drawings 56, 60, 62 text styles 36, 38 thread ends 38 threads on shafts 290 through holes 38 through slots 39 tightening properties in screw calculations 368 title block
