Any referenced datasets can be downloaded from "Module downloads" in the module overview.
Transcript
00:04
Let's review a few of the unique interface elements of AutoCAD Mechanical.
00:08
And then we'll take a look at how we can work with components and views rather than just lines and layers.
00:14
And we'll also set up some construction lines in a way that's slightly different than you might be used to,
00:20
to prepare to create a new component.
00:23
At first glance, AutoCAD Mechanical will appear very familiar to any AutoCAD user.
00:28
However, even some of the tools that seem like they're completely familiar will have some special capabilities inside of AutoCAD Mechanical.
00:37
The concept of construction lines is quite different in AutoCAD Mechanical and there are even specialized types of Construction Lines.
00:47
Tools unique to AutoCAD Mechanical are tools like Hide Situation,
00:51
that can automatically generate hidden lines or remove portions of geometry as objects overlay one another.
00:58
This is done automatically and maintained as you make changes to the geometry,
01:03
something as fundamental as layering is handled differently in AutoCAD Mechanical.
01:07
Because the concept of layers and the concept of objects that AutoCAD Mechanical uses is so important.
01:14
There are specialized tools that allow you to quickly switch on and switch off objects and types of geometry,
01:20
rather than simply focusing on what layer they're on.
01:27
For now, we'll turn on the existing construction lines and you'll see how they align from view to view.
01:38
We can go in and use one of the specialized versions of the construction line,
01:42
which is the offset construction line and use it just like you would use the offset tool.
01:48
But AutoCAD Mechanical automatically creates the correct association for the new objects,
01:52
and makes sure that everything is put on the correct layer for you.
01:57
You can also use the traditional offset tool if you like as well.
02:01
Now we should take a step back and review how this drawing is put together.
02:08
If you select an object, you will simply get that entity.
02:12
For example, a line that represents the top of the shaft, clicking on it a second time will review that other objects are connected to it.
02:21
Other objects that are connected to a component or in this case, an assembly of components.
02:27
This offers us insight into AutoCAD Mechanical's ability to understand the concept of components.
02:33
If we turn on the Mechanical browser, we can see the structure of this design.
02:38
We have a component named "Stand" and we have an assembly named "Lower Shaft".
02:44
Components are managed very much in the way you might expect from a 3D tool.
02:48
But of course, AutoCAD Mechanical is still working with 2D entities.
02:52
If I select the "Stand" or select any of the views of the Stand,
02:57
you'll see the entities associated with those views highlight in the drawing window.
03:03
By selecting the various components of the Lower Shaft, you'll see those objects highlight in the window.
03:10
This makes it much easier to keep your drawings organized and keep track of the changes that you need to make,
03:15
as you'll see in some of the other videos in this series working with components,
03:19
makes a tremendous difference in the speed and efficiency of developing your 2D drawings.
00:04
Let's review a few of the unique interface elements of AutoCAD Mechanical.
00:08
And then we'll take a look at how we can work with components and views rather than just lines and layers.
00:14
And we'll also set up some construction lines in a way that's slightly different than you might be used to,
00:20
to prepare to create a new component.
00:23
At first glance, AutoCAD Mechanical will appear very familiar to any AutoCAD user.
00:28
However, even some of the tools that seem like they're completely familiar will have some special capabilities inside of AutoCAD Mechanical.
00:37
The concept of construction lines is quite different in AutoCAD Mechanical and there are even specialized types of Construction Lines.
00:47
Tools unique to AutoCAD Mechanical are tools like Hide Situation,
00:51
that can automatically generate hidden lines or remove portions of geometry as objects overlay one another.
00:58
This is done automatically and maintained as you make changes to the geometry,
01:03
something as fundamental as layering is handled differently in AutoCAD Mechanical.
01:07
Because the concept of layers and the concept of objects that AutoCAD Mechanical uses is so important.
01:14
There are specialized tools that allow you to quickly switch on and switch off objects and types of geometry,
01:20
rather than simply focusing on what layer they're on.
01:27
For now, we'll turn on the existing construction lines and you'll see how they align from view to view.
01:38
We can go in and use one of the specialized versions of the construction line,
01:42
which is the offset construction line and use it just like you would use the offset tool.
01:48
But AutoCAD Mechanical automatically creates the correct association for the new objects,
01:52
and makes sure that everything is put on the correct layer for you.
01:57
You can also use the traditional offset tool if you like as well.
02:01
Now we should take a step back and review how this drawing is put together.
02:08
If you select an object, you will simply get that entity.
02:12
For example, a line that represents the top of the shaft, clicking on it a second time will review that other objects are connected to it.
02:21
Other objects that are connected to a component or in this case, an assembly of components.
02:27
This offers us insight into AutoCAD Mechanical's ability to understand the concept of components.
02:33
If we turn on the Mechanical browser, we can see the structure of this design.
02:38
We have a component named "Stand" and we have an assembly named "Lower Shaft".
02:44
Components are managed very much in the way you might expect from a 3D tool.
02:48
But of course, AutoCAD Mechanical is still working with 2D entities.
02:52
If I select the "Stand" or select any of the views of the Stand,
02:57
you'll see the entities associated with those views highlight in the drawing window.
03:03
By selecting the various components of the Lower Shaft, you'll see those objects highlight in the window.
03:10
This makes it much easier to keep your drawings organized and keep track of the changes that you need to make,
03:15
as you'll see in some of the other videos in this series working with components,
03:19
makes a tremendous difference in the speed and efficiency of developing your 2D drawings.
