Chapter 15: Introducing 3D

Overview

Viewing an object in three dimensions gives you a sense of its true shape and form. It also helps you conceptualize the design, which results in better design decisions. Finally, using three- dimensional objects helps you communicate your ideas to those who might not be familiar with the plans, sections, and side views of your design.

A further advantage to drawing in three dimensions is that you can derive 2D drawings from your 3D model, which might otherwise take considerably more time with standard 2D drawing methods . For example, you can model a mechanical part in 3D and then quickly derive its top, front, and right-side views by using the techniques discussed in this chapter.

AutoCAD offers two methods for creating 3D models: surface modeling and solid modeling. This chapter will introduce you to surface modeling. You'll get a chance to explore solid modeling in Chapter 18.

With surface modeling, you use two types of objects. One is called a 3D Face, which you will learn about later in this chapter. The other is the standard AutoCAD set of objects you've been using all along, but with a slight twist. By changing the thickness property of objects, you can create 3D surfaces. These surfaces, along with some 3D editing tools, let you create virtually any 3D form you might need.

In this chapter, you will use AutoCAD's 3D capabilities to see what your studio apartment looks like from various angles.