Sample Shapes
The following simple examples show the key methods of making 3D shapes. You can also use these diagrams to get started on a design by finding the shape closest to what you need.
When reading the Z values in the diagrams, consider that the distance across the 2D front view is generally one inch.
Also see File | New | Sample Shapes.
Also see the Wizards.
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3D view |
Top view
Front view
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Description
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1
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To create a simple flat washer using milling create two circles and set the Z value of each circle as shown.
To create a washer using a 2D process (e.g. router) draw the same way but there is no need to set the Z values.
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2
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To create a five side box, draw a rectangle. Line | Corner | Round. Line | Contour | Inner. Set Z values as shown. Side holes and cutouts can be added in side
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To create a pipe with side holes draw concentric circles in the top view and set Z values as shown. In the Front view draw the hole circle and set Z as shown. The light colored lines are created automatically.
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4
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To create this pipe spacer draw a circle in the Top view and set Z as shown. In a side view (e.g. Front) draw the shape shown by the dark line and set Z to Air Outside. The Air Outside setting specifies that all material outside the line should be removed.
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5
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To create a shaft retaining clamp:
- Choose View | Top.
- Draw the shape shown by the bold line.
- Set Z as shown.
- Choose View | Back.
- Draw a circle for the retaining screw.
- Choose Line | Machine | Thread and select the desired thread.
- Set Z to slightly more than the length of the screw.
- Create the outermost circle for the unthreaded bore using a diameter slightly more than the screw size.
- Set Z to the depth of the unthreaded portion.
- Choose View | Top.
- Verify that the light projection lines are as shown.
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6
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To create a pulley, create a circle in the top view and set Z as shown. In the Front view draw the cross section to be revolved (the dark line)
and set Z to Revolve. The light colored rectangle and center line are
created automatically. The revolved shape must be to one side of the center axis and must touch 3 sides of the rectangle.
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7
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To create a chess pawn, create a circle in the top view and set Z as shown. In the Front view draw the cross section to be revolved (the dark line)
and set Z to Revolve. The light colored rectangle and center line are
created automatically. The revolved shape must be to one side of the center axis and must touch 3 sides of the rectangle.
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8
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To create a gear choose File | New | Gear.
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9
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To create a sheet metal box, choose File | New | Box.
To create other sheet metal designs with bends:
- Draw the flat shape (something like shown here).
- Multiple select the above lines.
- Draw straight lines where you want bends.
- Multiple select the above lines.
- Choose Line | Machine | Bend.
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10
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To create a front panel, draw the outer rectangle, inner cutouts and mounting holes if needed. Choose Job | Finish and consider adding one more more finishes such as brush, anodize, powder coat, etc. On the left toolbar choose the text button and add text labels for controls. Choose Line | Machine | Silk Screen to assign the text for silk screen printing.
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11
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Note: The Z value for the square block is assumed 0.5 in these examples.
To create a thru hole draw a circle and set Z to Air Inside.
To create a countersink: draw a circle; set Z to Air Inside; choose Line | Machine | Auto | Chamfer and select the desired settings. For the angle use 90 minus head angle / 2. For example, for an 82 degree head use (90 - 82/2 = 49). Adjust the chamfer size so the side view fits a drawing of the flat head screw which you can make using Comments To Myself. (Using a chamfer size of (head diameter - screw diameter) / 2 does not account for recessing the head or any rounding at the edge of the head.)
To create a counterbore, for the outer circle set Z to minus the bore depth.
To create a blind hole, set Z to a negative value less than the overall part depth.
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12
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To create a recess or protrusion adjacent to a curved shape proceed as in this example.
Note: Z = 0.4 for outer rectangle in this example. And suppose that the Z = -0.2 notch is not yet drawn.
- At the location of the notch draw a rectangle extending past the left edge of the outer rectangle and past the large arc.
- Choose Edit | Select All.
- Duplicate via Edit | Copy, Edit | Paste.
- Nudge the copy fully away from the original, using the arrow keys.
- Choose Line | Intersect.
- Remove all lines except the shape corresponding to the arced notch.
- Group the lines of the notch.
- Set Z to -0.2.
- Delete the original notch rectangle.
- Nudge the arced notch into place.
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13
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To create a "foot" on an outermost part surface proceed as in this example (we assume the circle is already drawn but not the foot):
- At the location of the "foot" draw a rectangle extending inside the outermost circle.
- Choose Edit | Select All.
- Duplicate via Edit | Copy, Edit | Paste.
- Nudge the copy fully away from the original, using the arrow keys.
- Choose Line | Intersect.
- Delete large arc and straight segments inside the circle.
- Group the lines of the "foot".
- Set Z to -0.75.
- Select original rectangle and circle.
- Choose Line | Intersect.
- Delete small arc and straight segments inside the circle.
- Group the lines of the boundary region and set Z to 0.8.
- Nudge the "foot" into place.
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