4.3.2: How to create an engineering drawing
- Page ID
- 114932
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Step 1 - Download and Open the Template
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Download the Template
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Visit the AutoCAD website and download the "Manufacturing Metric" template from the 2022 templates [here].
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AutoCAD templates include pre-configured title blocks and page layouts. Additional components can be added later as needed.
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Change Workspace
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Hover over your part name in the workspace menu at the top.
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Switch to the desired workspace to proceed, as shown in Figure 1.
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Open the Template
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Right-click on the Layouts tab at the bottom of the screen.
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Select From Template from the context menu.
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In the file selection window, navigate to where you saved the template file, select it, and open it.
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Fill Out the Title Block
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Locate the title block on your template.
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Click on the title block, and a menu will appear for editing. Update all appropriate fields with your information.
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Some fields may be non-editable, depending on the template.
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Figure 1.) The menu appears when hovering over a model part which allows you to change layouts.
When searching for the template file, you may need to specify the file type. Look for files with the extension .DWT in your file manager
Step 2 - Open Your Model
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Access the Home Menu
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In the layout with your template open, go to the Home menu.
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Select Base View
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Locate the Base tool, positioned to the far right of the Home menu.
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Click on Base and From Model Space to initiate the placement of your base view.
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Figure 2.) An open base view, ready to be placed. Right click to change parameters.
Step 3 - Place Your Base View
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Preview the Model
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After completing Step 2, a preview of your model will appear on the page.
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Adjust Model Settings
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Right-click on the preview to access the model settings menu.
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Select the Base View orientation that best suits your needs.
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Ensure that Tangent Edges are visible to capture all necessary details.
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Adjust visibility settings as required.
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Finalize the Base View Placement
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Position the model in your desired location on the page.
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When satisfied with your settings, press Enter to place the view.
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These settings can be adjusted later if needed.
Figure 3.) A base view being placed on the template
Step 4 - Place Your Projected Views
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Position Additional Views
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After placing your base view, position the following views:
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One view directly above the base view.
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One view directly to the right of the base view.
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Add the Isometric View
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Between the top and right views, place a fourth view on the diagonal.
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This diagonal view will serve as the Isometric View, providing a 3D perspective of the model.
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Purpose of the Isometric View
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Use the isometric view to verify dimensions and to offer a clear 3D representation of the design.
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Figure 4.) Projected views that are correctly placed.
Step 5 - Select Your Dimension Tools
Proper dimensioning is a critical aspect of an engineering drawing. It ensures that your drawing serves two primary purposes:
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Tracking Parts: Maintaining a record of part specifications and geometry.
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Effective Communication: Conveying essential information to engineers and non-engineers alike.
To achieve these goals, all necessary dimensions must be clear and discernible directly from the views on the drawing.
Dimension Tools in AutoCAD
Below is a table listing commonly used dimension tools in AutoCAD, along with their corresponding command bar inputs:
|
Tool Name |
Command Bar Prompt |
Function |
|
linear dimension tool |
dli |
Allows you to specify linear dimensions EX: A ruler |
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Radial dimension tool |
dra |
Allows you to specify the radius of a full or partial circular section EX: A radius Gague |
|
Angular dimension tool |
dan |
Allows you to specify the angle between to intersecting lines EX: A protractor |
There are more than just these tools available to you in AutoCAD, however these are the most commonly use
Step 6 - Add Your Dimensions
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Apply Dimensions
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Use the dimension tools outlined in Step 5 to add dimensions to your part.
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Ensure each dimension is:
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Unique: Each dimension should appear only once.
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Discernible: Dimensions must be clear and easy to read.
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Dimensioning Guidelines
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Dimensions can be added to hidden lines and centerlines when necessary.
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Proper dimensioning methods vary, so focus on conveying the required information clearly. Refer to Figure 5 for an example of a part being dimensioned. You may want to add or remove some dimensions depending on legibility, and geometry.
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Adjust Text Properties
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To modify text properties (font, size, or style):
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Click on the dimension text.
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Use the text formatting options to adjust as needed.
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Adjustments may be required for larger templates to ensure all text is legible.
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By carefully dimensioning your part, you ensure that your drawing effectively communicates essential details to both engineers and non-engineers.
Figure 5) A part being dimensioned. More dimensions are needed than what is on this diagram
Step 7 - Export Your Drawing as a PDF
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Access the Export Menu
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Click the dropdown menu next to the AutoCAD logo in the top-right corner of the interface.
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Select the Export Option
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In the dropdown menu, navigate to the Export tab.
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Click on the PDF option to initiate the export process.
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Save as PDF
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Choose the desired location on your computer to save the file.
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Name your file appropriately and click Save.
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Your drawing is now exported as a PDF, ready for sharing or printing.