AutoCAD 3D
The 3D feature of the AutoCAD makes it unique from other CAD Software. When we go for the 3D modelling in AutoCAD it generates the 3rd axis which is called as "Z". In the previous tutorials we have created the 2D drawings and now we will go further for creating a 3D model. The main advantage behind creating a 3D model is you don't need to create a Section, Plan or elevation separately. With one model you get all of this. Now we will try to enter in the amazing world of 3D modelling.
AutoCAD 3D Terms
Before entering the amazing world of 3D be sure you are totally aware about the basic commands of 2D. If you have any doubt with them then i will suggest you to take a look back.
| Term | Explanation |
| 2-D |
A concept of displaying real-world objects on a flat
surface showing only height and width. This system
uses only the X and Y axes.
|
| 3-D |
A way of displaying real-world object in a more natural
way by adding depth to the height and width. This
system uses the X Y and Z axes.
|
| Boolean operations |
Commands that allow you to add, subtract or intersect solid
objects in AutoCAD.
|
| Complex surface |
Generally a curved surface. Examples: car fender, landscape contour.
|
| Elevation |
The difference between an object being at zero on the
Z-axis and the height that it is above zero.
|
| Extrude | The extrude command raises the shape of a 2D outline into a 3D solid. For example, a circle would be extruded into a cylinder. |
| Face |
The simplest true 3-D surface.
|
| Facet |
A three or four sided polygon that represents a piece (or section) of a 3-D surface.
|
| Hidden line removal |
A way of hiding lines that would not be visible if
you were viewing the actual object you have drawn
in AutoCAD. (Command: HIDE)
|
| Isometric Drawing |
A simple way of achieving a '3-D' appearance using
2-D drawing methods.
|
| Plan View |
Also known as the top view, a plan view looks directly
down the WCS Z-axis to the X-Y axis.
|
| Primitive |
A basic solid building block. Examples would be boxes,
cones, cylinders.
|
| Region |
A 2-D area consisting of lines, arcs, etc.
|
| Rendering |
A complex way of adding photo-realistic qualities
to a 3-D model you have created.
|
| Shading |
A quick way of adding color to a 3-D object you have
drawn. (Command: SHADE)
|
| Solid Model |
A 3-D model creating using solid 'building blocks'.
This is the most accurate way of representing real-world
objects in CAD.
|
| Surface Model |
A 3-D model defined by surfaces. The surface consists
of polygons. (See facets.)
|
| Thickness |
A property of lines and other objects that gives
them a 3-D like appearance.
|
| UCS |
The user co-ordinate system. This is defined by the
person drawing to have easier access to portions
of a 3-D model.
|
| View |
A particular view of the object you have created.
|
| Viewport |
A window into your drawing showing a particular view.
You can have several viewports on your screen. Different from the viewports used in plotting.
|
| Wire-frame Model |
A 3-D shape that is defined by lines and curves.
A skeletal representation. Hidden line removal
is not possible with this model.
|
| Z-Axis |
The third axis that defines the depth.
|
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