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1.5: Module 5- User Coordinate System – Part 2

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    Module 5: User Coordinate System – Part 2

    Learning Outcomes

    When you have completed this module, you will be able to:

    1. Describe and apply the UCS command to locate and orientate the UCS to any location necessary for model construction.
    2. Draw 3D models using the UCS command to locate and orientate the UCS.

    Locating the UCS in 3D Space

    In Module 4, the UCSMAN command and the UCS II toolbar or ribbon were used to locate the UCS at preset orthographic locations on the model. In this module, the UCS command and the UCS toolbar or ribbon will be used to move and orientate the UCS to locations that are required to construct more complicated models. The most useful option is locating the UCS by selecting 3 points on the model. While it is still necessary to use the predefined orthographic UCS locations for model construction, not all models can be built using only them.

    AutoCAD Command: UCS

    The UCS command is used to locate and orientate the UCS on the model or in model space.

    Shortcut: none

    ucs-11-toolbar.png.jpg
    UCS II Toolbar
    ucs-pull.jpg
    Tool Pull-down
    ucs-ribbon.jpg
    Home Ribbon

    WORK ALONG: Locating and Orientating the UCS Using the UCS Toolbar

    Step 1

    Using the NEW command, start a new drawing using the template: 3D Layout English.

    Step 2

    Save and name the drawing: AutoCAD 3D Workalong 05-1.

    Step 3

    Set the UCS to World. Enter the UNITS command and in the Units dialogue box, set the Insertion Units to Inches. Using the INSERT command, insert the block: AutoCAD 3D Lab 01-1 at the coordinates 0,0,0.

    Step 4

    Explode the block you inserted in step 3.

    Step 5

    Set the current view to SE Isometric. Your model should appear as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 5).

    fig-step-5-3.jpg
    Figure Step 5

    Step 6

    Set the UCS location to Right. (Figure Step 6)

    fig-step-6-2.jpg
    Figure Step 6

    Step 7

    Click the Origin icon and then snap to the end of the line shown in Figure Step 7A. Your model should now appear as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 7A and 7B)

    fig-step-7a-1.jpg
    Figure Step 7A
    fig-step-7b-1.jpg
    Figure Step 7B

    Step 8

    Enable object snap. Click the 3 Point icon. When prompted, select the end of the inclined line. This is the X0Y0Z0 of the UCS. (Figure Step 8)

    fig-step-8-2.jpg
    Figure Step 8

    Step 9

    For the second point, select end of the inclined line on the right side of the model. This is the positive X axis. (Figure Step 9)

    fig-step-9-1.jpg
    Figure Step 9

    Step 10

    For the third point, select the end of the inclined line on the top. This is the positive Y axis. Your model should now appear as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 10A and 10B)

    fig-step-10a-2.jpg
    Figure Step 10A
    fig-step-10b-2.jpg
    Figure Step 10B

    AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: Use the 3 Point method of orientating the UCS as much as possible. It is a very easy to use and will speed your model drawing time. The order of selecting the points is important.

    Pick 1 – The origin or X0Y0Z0.

    Pick 2 – The positive X Axis.

    Pick 3 – The positive Y axis.

    Step 11

    Using what you learned in Steps 8 to 10, locate the UCS as shown in the figure. Ensure that the UCS plane lies on the inclined plane. (Figure Step 11)

    fig-step-11-2.jpg
    Figure Step 11

    Step 12

    Using what you learned in Step 8 to 10, locate the UCS as shown in the figure. Ensure that the UCS plane lies on the plane. (Figure Step 12.)

    fig-step-12-2.jpg
    Figure Step 12

    Step 13

    Click the World UCS icon. The UCS icon will now be located as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 13)

    fig-step-13-2.jpg
    Figure Step 13

    Step 14

    Click the UCS Previous icon and the UCS should now return back to last location. (Figure Step 14)

    step-1-300x233.jpg
    Step 1

    Step 15

    Save and close the drawing.

    USER TIP: Before starting to draw any 3D model, it is important for you to pick the best view to start with. The first view you draw is called the Base view. Usually it is the view with the most difficult contour. The more models you draw the easier it will be to select the best Base view.

    WORK ALONG: Drawing a 3D Wireframe Model by Locating the UCS

    Step 1

    Using the NEW command, start a new drawing using the template: 3D Layout Metric.

    Step 2

    Save and name the drawing: AutoCAD 3D Workalong 05-2. (Figure Step 2A, 2B, and 2C)

    Fig-step-2a-1.jpg
    Figure Step 2A
    Dimensioned Wireframe Model SE Isometric View
    Fig-step-2b-1.jpg
    Solid Model – View from Top.
    Fig-step-2c.jpg
    Figure Step 2C
    Solid Model – View from Bottom.

    Step 3

    If you are using toolbar menus, you will be using the UCS, UCS II, and View toolbars. If you are using ribbon menus, enable the Home tab.

    Step 4

    Ensure that the UCS is located at World. (Figure Step 4)

    fig-step-4-2.jpg
    Figure Step 4
    AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: Before you start drawing any model, you must first decide which view is the best to start your model. Usually it is the view with the most difficult contour. In this model, the Base view is the Front view.

    Step 5

    Change the UCS location to Front. (Figure Step 5)

    fig-step-5-front.jpg
    Figure Step 5

    Step 6

    Change the current view to Front. The UCS icon should now appear as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 6)

    Fig-step-6-front.jpg
    Figure Step 6

    Step 7

    Set layer: Model as the current layer. Draw the front contour of the model as shown in the figure. Drawing it in 2D is sometimes easier. It could have been drawn in the 3D view also. (Figure Step 7)

    fig-step-7-model.jpg
    Figure Step 7
    AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: It is ok to draw the first view of a model in a 2D view. As soon as you complete the Base view and are ready to copy the objects to make it three dimensional and from that point on, you must draw in a 3D view.

    Step 8

    Change the current view to SE Isometric. Your model should now appear as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 8)

    fig-step-8-SE-1.jpg
    Figure Step 8

    Step 9

    Copy the lines 100 millimeters in the negative Z direction.

    Step 10

    Orbit the model slight as shown in the figure. Add the lines as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 10)

    Fig-step-10-orbit.jpg
    Figure Step 10

    Step 11

    Using the 3 Point method, locate the UCS to the top of the inclined plane. (Figure Step 11)

    fig-step-11-3pt.jpg
    Figure Step 11

    Step 12

    Using OFFSET command, offset the existing lines to locate the centre of the circle and arc on the inclined plane. Change the lines to layer: Construction. Insert the circle and the arc and copy them 25 millimeters to the bottom plane. Before you do complete this step, read the User Tip at the end of this workalong. (Figure Step 12)

    Fig-step-12-offset.jpg
    Figure Step 12

    Step 13

    Trim or delete the lines as required. Using the 3 Point method, locate the UCS to the upper incline plane. (Figure Step 13)

    Fig-step-13-trim.jpg
    Figure Step 13

    Step 14

    Using the OFFSET command, offset the existing lines to locate the centre of the slots on the upper inclined plane. Change the offset lines to layer: Construction. Draw the slots and copy them 25 units to the bottom of the inclined plane. (Figure Step 14)

    fig-step-14-offset.jpg
    Figure Step 14

    Step 15

    Using the 3 Point method, locate the UCS to the top plane. (Figure Step 15)

    fig-step-15-3pt.jpg
    Figure Step 15

    Step 16

    Construct the square hole, copy it and trim the lines. (Step 16A and 16B)

    Fig-step-16a.jpg
    Figure Step 16A
    Fig-step-16b.jpg
    Figure Step 16B

    Step 17

    Freeze layer: Construction. Change the current UCS to World and the current view to SE Isometric. (Figure Step 17)

    fig-step-17-1.jpg
    Figure Step 17

    Step 18

    Enter the UNITS command. In the Units dialogue box, set the Insertion Units to Millimeters. Insert the key: AutoCAD 3D Workalong 05-2. It will overlay the model with a magenta model. If it overlays your model perfectly, your model is accurately drawn. (Figure Step 18)

    fig-step-18-1.jpg
    Figure Step 18

    Step 19

    Save and close the drawing.

    MUST KNOW: The 3 Point icon is the easiest method of changing the UCS to lay on a plane. The order of selecting the 3 points is important. The order is as follows:

    1. The X0Y0Z0 or origin of the UCS.
    2. The direction of the positive X axis.
    3. The direction of the positive Y axis.

    Ensure that you enable object snap to snap to existing objects to locate the UCS correctly.3-pt.jpg

    3-pt2.jpg

    USER TIP: If you have to copy existing geometry in the Z direction, an easy way to do it is to use the COPY command and select the objects first (P1 and P2 – Step 1).

    To indicate the copy distance and direction, snap to the ends of an existing line (P3 and P4 in Step 2).

    step-1-300x233.jpg
    Step 1
    step-2-300x246.jpg
    Step 2
    MUST KNOW: The first view of a 3D wireframe model can be drawn in a 2D view. As soon as the objects are copied to make it 3 dimensional, the current view must be changed to a 3D view to complete constructing the model.

    Key Principles

    Key Principles in Module 5

    1. Use the 3 Point method of orientating the UCS as much as possible. It is a very easy to use and will speed your model drawing time. The order of selecting the points is important. Pick 1 – The origin or X0Y0Z0, Pick 2 – The positive X Axis, Pick 3 – The positive Y axis.
    2. Before you start drawing any model, you must first decide what is the best view to start drawing first. Usually it is view with the most complex contour. This is called the Base view.
    3. The first view of a 3D wireframe model can be drawn in a 2D view. As soon as the objects are copied to make it three dimensional, the view must be changed to a 3D view before continuing the model construction.

    Lab Exercise 5-1

    Time allowed: 60 minutes.

    Drawing Name Template Units
    AutoCAD 3D Lab 05-1 3D Layout English Millimeters

    Step 1

    Save and name the drawing: AutoCAD 3D Lab 05-1.

    Step 2

    Draw a wireframe model of the object shown in the figure. (Figure Step 2A ,2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2G)

    5-1-2a.jpg
    Figure Step 2A
    Dimensioned Wireframe Model SE Isometric View
    5-1-2b.jpg
    Figure Step 2B Completed Wireframe Model SE Isometric View

     

    5-1-2c.jpg
    Figure Step 2C Front View – Base View
    5-1-2d.jpg
    Figure Step 2D Detail of Inclined plane
    5-1-2e.jpg
    Figure Step 2E Detail of Keyway
    5-1-2f.jpg
    Figure Step 2F Solid Model – SE Isometric View
    5-1-2g.jpg
    Figure Step 2G Solid Model – Rotated View

    Step 3

    Draw all construction objects on layer: Construction and all model objects on layer: Model.

    Step 4

    Start your model with the current view SE Isometric. If required, orbit it slightly with 3DFORBIT to help your line of sight.

    AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: Start the Base (first) view on the Front UCS. Before you start drawing the 2D view, change the current UCS to the Front.

    Step 5

    When complete, freeze layer: Construction.

    Step 6

    Enter the UNITS command. In the Units dialogue box, set the Insertion Units to Millimeters.

    Step 7

    Change the current UCS to World and check the model with the key.

    Hint 1

    See the steps below to draw the Front view.

    Hint-1-Step-1.jpg
    Step 1 – Draw the bottom lines first.
    Hint-1-Step-2.jpg
    Step 2 – Offset the lines.

     

    Hint-1-Step-3.jpg
    Step 3 – Trim the lines and change length of the top Line to 100 units.
    Hint-1-Step-4.jpg
    Step 4 – Daw a line perpendicular at the end and extend the bottom inclined line.

    Lab Exercise 5-2

    Time allowed: 40 minutes.

    Drawing Name Template Units
    AutoCAD 3D Lab 05-2 3D Layout Metric Millimeters

    Step 1

    Save and name the drawing: AutoCAD 3D Lab 05-2.

    Step 2

    Draw a wireframe model of the object shown in the figure. (Figure Step 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E)

    5-2-2a.jpg
    Figure Step 2A
    Dimensioned Wireframe Model SE Isometric View

    Step 3

    Draw all construction objects on layer: Construction and all model objects on layer: Model.

    Step 4

    Start your model with the current view SE Isometric. If required, orbit it slightly with 3DFORBIT to help your line of sight.

    AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: It is ok to draw the first view of a model in a 2D view. As soon as you complete the Base view and are ready to copy the objects to make it three dimensional and from that point on, you must draw in a 3D view.

    Step 5

    When complete, freeze layer: Construction.

    Step 6

    Enter the UNITS command. In the Units dialogue box, set the Insertion Units to Millimeters.

    Step 7

    Change the current UCS to World and check the model with the key.

    5-2-2b.jpg
    Figure Step 2B
    Completed Wireframe Model SE Isometric View
    5-2-2c.jpg
    Figure Step 2C
    Completed Wireframe Model Orbited View
    5-2-2c.jpg
    Figure Step 2C
    Completed Wireframe Model Orbited View
    5-2-2e.jpg
    Figure Step 2E
    Solid Model – SE Isometric View

    Lab Exercise 5-3

    Time allowed: 60 minutes.

    Drawing Name Template Units
    AutoCAD 3D Lab 05-3 3D Layout English Inches

    Step 1

    Save and name the drawing: AutoCAD 3D Lab 05-3.

    Step 2

    Draw a wireframe model of the object shown in the figure. (Figure Step 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2G)

    5-3-2a.jpg
    Figure Step 2A
    Dimensioned Wireframe Model SE Isometric View

    Step 3

    Draw all construction objects on layer: Construction and all model objects on layer: Model.

    Step 4

    Start your model with the current view SE Isometric. If required, orbit it slightly with 3DFORBIT to help the line of sight.

    AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: Start the Base (first) view on the Front. Before you start drawing, change the current UCS to Front.

    Step 5

    When complete, freeze layer: Construction.

    Step 6

    Enter the UNITS command. In the Units dialogue box, set the Insertion Units to Inches.

    Step 7

    Change the current UCS to World and check the model with the key.

    5-3-2b.jpg
    Figure Step 2B Completed Wireframe Model
    5-3-2c.jpg
    Figure Step 2C
    Front View
    5-3-2d.jpg
    Figure Step 2D
    Solid Model – SE Isometric View
    5-3-2e.jpg
    Figure Step 2E
    Detail of Top
    5-3-2f.jpg
    Figure Step 2F
    Detail of Bottom
    5-3-2g.jpg
    Figure Step 2G
    Detail of Square Hole in Inclined
    AUTHOR’S CONSTRUCTION HINTS: Do your best to complete the lab exercise drawing without using the following hint. If you get stuck and can’t complete it on your own, use the following hint to help you.

    Hint 1

    To draw the inclined line, see the steps below. (Figure Hint 1)

    Step 1

    Draw a construction line from corner to corner and a 1 diameter construction circle with the centre at the midpoint of the line.

    Step 2

    Draw two lines from the endpoints tangent to the circle.

    Step 3

    Extend the lines and trim the horizontal lines.

    5-3-Hint-1.jpg
    Figure Hint 1
    Step 1                                                 Step 2                                                 Step 3

    Lab Exercise 5-4

    Time allowed: 60 minutes.

    Drawing Name Template Units
    AutoCAD 3D Lab 05-4 3D Layout English Inches
    5-4-2a.jpg
    Figure Step 2A
    Dimensioned Wireframe Model SE Isometric View

    Step 1

    Save and name the drawing: AutoCAD 3D Lab 05-4.

    Step 2

    Draw a wireframe model of the object. (Figure Step 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F)

    Step 3

    Draw all construction objects on layer: Construction and all model objects on layer: Model.

    Step 4

    Start your model with the current view SE Isometric. If required, orbit it slightly with 3DFORBIT to help your line of sight.

    AUTHOR’S COMMENTS:  Start the Base view on the Right. Before you start drawing, change the current UCS to Right.

    Step 5

    When complete, freeze layer: Construction.

    Step 6

    Enter the UNITS command. In the Units dialogue box, set the Insertion Units to Inches.

    Step 7

    Change the current UCS to World and check the model with the key.

    5-4-2b.jpg
    Figure Step 2B
    Right Side View
    5-4-2c.jpg
    Figure Step 2C
    Front and Back Detail TYP.
    5-4-2d.jpg
    Figure Step 2D
    Bottom Detail TYP.
    5-4-2e.jpg
    Figure Step 2E
    Solid Model – SE Isometric View
    5-4-2f.jpg
    Figure Step 2F Completed Wireframe Model
    SE Isometric View
    AUTHOR’S CONSTRUCTION HINTS:   Do your best to complete the lab exercise drawing without using the following hint. If you get stuck and can’t complete it on your own, use the following hint to help you.

    Hint 1

    To draw the arc, you must draw the construction circle and lines to locate its centre. (Figure Hint 1)

    5-4-Hint-1.jpg
    Figure Hint 1

    This page titled 1.5: Module 5- User Coordinate System – Part 2 is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Wally Baumback (BC Campus) .

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