Hagerman & Company, Inc. Technology Bulletin

Ebul 78 - April 2009

By Terry Awalt,
MCAD Solutions Engineer
Hagerman & Company
Mt. Zion, IL

 

Take Design Further -- AutoCAD® 2010

Once again it is that time of year when Autodesk launches its newest versions of products. We will be spotlighting the mechanical CAD products here in the coming months with our first, the foundation of Autodesk products, AutoCAD® 2010.

AutoCAD® 2010 now allows you to tackle your most challenging problems with ease. Your designs can now exist in any shape imaginable, thanks to free-form design tools. Many critical features have been automated, making your workflow more efficient and the move to 3D design even smoother. Sharing and working on projects with colleagues has never been easier, thanks to multiple upgrades to our PDF capabilities and the incredible addition of 3D printing. With these and countless other new capabilities you’ve been asking for, AutoCAD® 2010 takes any idea and turns it into a reality faster than ever before.

Let’s take a look at four key areas where AutoCAD® 2010 gives you more power and more innovation in Parametric Drawing, Dynamic Block Enhancements, Free Form Design, and Enhanced PDF Support. We will also review some general enhancements as well.

Parametric Drawing

Powerful new parametric drawing functionality in AutoCAD 2010 enables you to dramatically increase productivity by constraining drawing objects based on design intent. Geometric and dimensional constraints help ensure that specific relationships and measurements remain persistent even as objects are modified. The tools for creating and managing geometric and dimensional constraints are available on the Parametric ribbon tab, which is automatically displayed in the 2D Drafting and Annotation workspace.

Establishing Geometric Relationships

Geometric constraints establish and maintain geometric relationships between objects, key points on objects, or between an object and the coordinate system. Pairs of key points on or between objects can also be constrained to be vertical or horizontal relative to the current coordinate system. For example, you could specify that two circles must always be concentric, that two lines are always parallel, or that one side of a rectangle is always horizontal.

 

AutoConstrain

You can significantly automate the process of applying constraints using the AutoConstrain functionality, available on the Geometric panel of the Parametric tab. AutoConstrain automatically applies constraints to geometry that falls within specified tolerances.

Establishing Dimensional Relationships

Dimensional relationships put limits on measurements of geometry. For example, you could use a dimensional constraint to specify the radius of an arc, the length of a line, or that two parallel lines are always 15 mm apart. Changing the value of a dimensional constraint forces a change in geometry. You can create dimensional constraints from the Dimensional panel of the Parametric tab or with the DIMCONSTRAINT command. There are seven types of dimensional constraints, similar to the different kinds of dimensions: Linear, Aligned, Horizontal, Vertical, Angular, Radial, and Diameter. In fact, you can use the DIMCONSTRAINT command to convert a traditional dimension to the corresponding dimensional constraint. Dimensional constraints are assigned a name when created. The text of a dimensional constraint can display its name, value, or its name and expression (name = formula or equation or value). A "lock" icon appears next to all dimensional constraints to help you visually distinguish them from regular dimensions. By default, dimensional constraints are displayed with a fixed system style that is zoom-invariant—it stays the same size relative to the screen when you zoom in and out so it is always readable.

Dynamic Blocks

Dynamic blocks have been enhanced to support geometric and dimensional constraints. They also support the ability to define a table of variations of the dynamic block, and some general enhancements have been made to the block editing environment.

Geometric Constraints

You can apply geometric constraints to objects in the Block Editor in the same way as in the Drawing Editor. Constrained geometry in the Drawing Editor that is copied into the Block Editor, or selected when creating a block with the Block command, will remain constrained in the Block Editor.

Constraint Parameters

You can apply dimensional-type constraints, called constraint parameters, to objects within a block. Constraint parameters behave like dimensional constraints but they also expose their name as a property for the block reference similar to dynamic block parameters. You can access constraint parameters from the Dimensional panel of the Block Editor tab in the ribbon or with the BCPARAMETER command. Constraint parameter options include Linear, Aligned, Horizontal, Vertical, Angular, Radial, and Diameter.

Construction Geometry

Sometimes it is helpful to add construction geometry when constraining geometry to achieve the behavior you desire. The Block Editor provides a construction geometry tool (BCONSTRUCTION command) that enables you to convert existing objects to construction geometry. The construction geometry is visible in the Block Editor and can be constrained, but it does not display or plot in the block reference.

Parameters Manager

A Parameters Manager is available in the Block Editor. It lists user parameters, legacy action parameters, block constraint parameters, and attributes. Using the Parameters Manager, you can control whether or not a parameter is displayed in the Properties palette for a selected block reference and you can specify the order in which the parameters appear.

Test Blocks

A new Test Block tool (BTESTBLOCK command) enables you to test a block definition while authoring dynamic blocks. When you use this tool, AutoCAD opens a temporary window, similar to a drawing window, with the block reference already inserted. The Test Block Window is easily identifiable by the title bar, background color, and the contextual ribbon tab which includes a button to Close Test Block. When you close the test block, you’re automatically returned to the Block Editor.

Block Properties Table

A new Block Table tool has been added to the Block Editor. Accessible from the Dimensional panel of the ribbon, or the BTABLE command, it displays the Block Properties Table where you can define different variations of a property set for the block reference. You can enter properties manually or copy and paste from a Microsoft® Office Excel® spreadsheet.

Free-Form Design

The 3D design capabilities in AutoCAD have been significantly improved with the introduction of free-form design. New tools enable you to create and modify meshes that are free-form and flowing. Our free-form design capabilities are now second to none. The new free-form design capabilities allow the user to do full 3D conceptual design, using easy tools to digitally sculpt ideas. AutoCAD now allows for pushing/pulling of faces, smoothing of edges and surfaces, ultimately allowing you to refine objects to the meet your design standards. Design ideas in almost any form you can imagine.

　

Enhanced PDF Support

PDF support has been significantly enhanced in AutoCAD 2010. PDF publishing now provides better visual quality with smaller file sizes, and you can even attach PDF files to a drawing as an underlay.

PDF Output

PDF output provides more flexibility and higher quality output than previously available. The default vector resolution has been increased from 400 to 600 dpi to produce precise lineweights at a reasonable file size. To further improve the visual quality of PDF output, TrueType fonts are exported as text rather than as graphics. This improves the visual quality of text and also enables highlighting, searching, and copying text within the PDF viewer. Additional improvements enable you to specify merge control, include layer information, and automatically preview the plotted PDF.

You can use the Plotter Configuration Editor to view and modify the PDF settings for plotted output. Select the DWG to PDF.pc3 plotter in the Plot dialog box and then choose Properties. The new Merge Control option is displayed under the Graphics node and the other options are accessible when you select Custom Properties.

You can control many of the PDF output settings separately for exported, published, or plotted PDF files. A new Export to DWF/PDF panel on the Output ribbon tab provides access to the Export to DWF/PDF Options dialog box where you can specify a single- or multi-sheet PDF file, include layer information, and apply merge control. After applying the appropriate options, you can select PDF from the flyout tools.

In addition to the Plot and Export functionality, PDF support has been integrated into Sheet Sets and Publish. You can specify PDF output, including single- or multi-sheet, layer information, and merge control, in the Sheet Set Publish Options and the Publish Options dialog boxes.

PDF Underlays

AutoCAD 2010 addresses one of the top AUGI® (Autodesk User Group International) wish list requests by enabling you to attach a PDF file to an AutoCAD drawing as an underlay. You can work with PDF underlays in the same way you work with other external references including DWG, DWF, DGN, and Image files. You can even snap to key points on PDF geometry using familiar object snaps.

General Enhancements

Sheet Sets
Organization isn’t a luxury. The AutoCAD® Sheet Set Manager organizes your drawing sheets, reduces steps to publish, automatically creates layout views, links sheet set information into title blocks and plot stamps, and performs tasks across  sheet set so everything is in one convenient place.

Annotation Scaling
Spend less time creating and managing multiple items across multiple layers. With annotation scaling tools, you can create a single annotative-type object that automatically resizes to reflect the current viewport or model-space scale.

Text Editing
Now you can easily manipulate text by viewing, sizing, and positioning text as you type. Adjust the text’s appearance as needed using familiar tools common in text-editing applications, including paragraph and column tools to achieve professional-quality formatting.

Multiple Leaders
With multileader tools, creating and editing leaders is a breeze. Define multileader styles to ensure consistency across leaders, add multiple leader lines to a single leader object, and even include bubbles or blocks as leader content.

Tables
Increase your productivity by automating the tedious task of creating and maintaining tables. You can define table styles to easily apply consistent table formatting including fonts, colors, borders, and much more.

Data Extraction
Quickly and easily extract property data from objects in drawings (including blocks and attributes) and drawing information with the Data Extraction wizard. The extracted data can then be automatically output to a table or an external file.

Data Linking
Easily link Excel data to your AutoCAD® designs for consistency and efficiency. Data links can be updated in both directions, eliminating the need to update tables or external spreadsheets independently. All linked information can easily be kept current and in sync automatically.

Layer Management
Create and edit layer properties faster, and reduce errors at the same time. With the Layer Dialog box, changes are instantly reflected in the drawing as they are made in the dialog.

Prompts and Editing
Dynamic Input displays a command line type of prompt right at the cursor so you can launch commands, view dimensions, and enter values without even having to look at the command line. With the Quick Properties menu you can dramatically save time by viewing and modifying relevant object properties right at your cursor.

Efficient User Interface
Working with several files doesn’t have to be painful anymore. The Quick View feature uses thumbnails in addition to file names, so you can visually find and open the correct drawing file and layout even faster than before. Within the Menu Browser you can also quickly browse files, examine thumbnail images, and get detailed information about file size and file creator.

Autodesk Design Review
With built-in tools to publish and import DWF™ files within AutoCAD, collaborating on projects is more seamless than ever. Autodesk® Design Review software is the free, integrated, digital solution for clients or vendors to view, print, and mark up designs without needing the original software.

Autodesk Impression 3 (Available to subscription customers only)
Supercharge your design presentations with a hand-drawn look. Autodesk® Impression lets you create compelling presentation-ready graphics directly from your DWG™ and DWF™ files.

Photo-realistic Rendering
With the latest in rendering technology, you can create stunning models in less time. Capabilities include a slider control that graphically displays the trade-off between time and rendering quality.

3D Printing
Do more than just visualize your designs—make them real. Whatever you’re designing can now sit in the palm of your hand with your 3D printer or through a connected service provider.

ShowMotion
With ShowMotion®, you have the power to create camera animations to navigate through your design. The ShowMotion control panel displays thumbnail images of the view categories and view shots saved in the drawing.

Visualization
Visualize your ideas like never before. Choose from over 300 materials, apply photometric lighting, and control the display to create highly accurate, photo-realistic rendered images.

3D Navigation

Walk or fly through a model with the click of a button. Quickly rotate and orient any solid or surface model with the Autodesk® ViewCube® or pan, center, and zoom on any object with the Autodesk® SteeringWheels™.

Programming Interface
Take advantage of our flexible development platform to boost your productivity. With direct access to database structures, the graphics system, and native command definitions, you can specialize design and drafting applications to perfectly fit your needs.

Action Recorder
Save time and increase productivity by automating repetitive tasks without requiring the assistance of a CAD manager. Now you can record tasks, add text messages, and request user input, then quickly select and play back recorded macros.

Autodesk Partner Products and Services
Get the most out of thousands of Autodesk’s software partners from around the world. These partners can further enhance your software with a broad range of fully integrated and interoperable solutions no matter what you’re designing.

Autodesk Developer Network
If you’re creating innovative software built on AutoCAD®, you’ll want to join the Autodesk® Developer Network. Training and support ensure your software or plug-in tightly integrates with your workflow with the latest AutoCAD release.

Ribbon User Interface
Pump up overall drafting productivity with the ribbon interface. The ribbon is both easily customizable and expandable so that it can be optimized for each user and can meet each company’s standards.

　

With AutoCAD 2010, you can tackle your most challenging problems with ease. Create almost any shape imaginable with free-from design tools, cut revision time and keep everything connected with parametric drawing, share your ideas as PDFs, or bring them to life with 3D printing. AutoCAD 2010 takes you from idea to reality faster. For more information on specific improvements visit www.autodesk.com or contact your local Hagerman Representative. In addition, visit our website www.hagerman.com for upcoming web casts on the new products and information on launch events in your area.