2004

298 | Chapter 16 Draw Geometric Objects
To set the thickness of new objects
1 From the Format menu, choose Thickness.
2 On the command line, enter the value for the thickness.
New objects are created at the current thickness.
Command line THICKNESS
To change the thickness of existing objects
1 Select the objects whose thickness you want to change.
2 Right-click one of the objects and click Properties on the shortcut menu.
3 In the Properties palette, select Thickness and enter a new value.
Standard toolbar
Command line
PROPERTIES
Create Wireframe Models
A wireframe model is an edge or skeletal representation of a real-world 3D
object using lines and curves. You can use a wireframe model to
■ View the model from any vantage point
■ Generate standard orthographic and auxiliary views automatically
■ Generate exploded and perspective views easily
■ Analyze spatial relationships, including the shortest distance between
nscorners and edges, and checking for interferences
■ Reduce the number of prototypes required
Tips for Working with Wireframe Models
Creating 3D wireframe models can be more difficult and time-consuming
than creating their 2D views. Here are some tips that will help you work more
effectively:
■ Plan and organize your model so that you can turn off layers to reduce the
visual complexity of the model. Color can help you differentiate between
objects in various views.
■ Create construction geometry to define the basic envelope of the model.
■ Use multiple views, especially isometric views, to make visualizing the
model and selecting objects easier.
■ Become adept at manipulating the UCS in 3D. The XY plane of the current
UCS operates as a construction plane to orient planar objects such as
circles and arcs. The UCS also determines the plane of operation for
trimming and extending, offsetting, and rotating objects.