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Tips & Tools Weekly (Vol. 14, No. 43)
14 Dec, 2009 By: Cadalyst Staff
This Week's Software Tips
Following is a collection of tips from readers to help you make the most of AutoCAD's 3D functionality. Thank you to those who answered the call for 3D tips!
Improve 3D Accuracy with Point Filters
Tipster Greg Silva demonstrates how he uses point filters when drawing in three dimensions. "Point filters have been in AutoCAD for a very long time. If you are currently working in 3D then you already know that AutoCAD's coordinate system is x, y, and z, in that order. Point filters can grab part of a coordinate and build a new one." View the complete tip and post your feedback.
Lengthen 3D Objects
Ted Kruysman shares a method he uses to increase the size of 3D objects. "When I want to lengthen a 3D object, I copy it and move the end of the copied object to the desired position. If there is a gap between the original and the copy, then I copy a third or fourth time and overlap each segment." View the complete tip and post your feedback.
Use Interfere and Slice to Model Compound Miters
Richard Farlow sends a tip using a combination of two commands to create mitered edges in objects. "The Interfere tool and the Slice tool are two separate 3D editing commands available in AutoCAD. The Interfere tool finds the area where two or more objects intersect, and creates a 3D object of that area." View the complete tip and post your feedback.
Manage Visual Styles to Speed PC Performance
Jasni Kamarudin describes his process of displaying his 3D objects in different visual styles to improve the performance of his PC using model space and paper space. "We are often impressed with our creations if, when we are working on a model, we display it in Realistic view. But that view may slow down your computer, depending on the file size." View the complete tip and post your feedback.
Align 3D Objects
Design supervisor Joe Ryan shares with us his method for aligning 3D objects in AutoCAD. He uses the PressPull and Align commands when working on 3D piping files. "Locate your elbows, let's say 48 inches apart. Use a circle to make the pipe diameter. Extrude the circle to only 12 inches or so in any plane. Use the Align command to place the pipe on one elbow." View the complete tip and post your feedback.
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Submit Your Tip for your favorite CAD software. If we publish your tip, you'll earn points to trade for merchandise from the Cadalyst Store. Please remember:
- Submit only code and other tips that are your original work (or provide the original source so we can include proper credit).
- Tell us which software version you use.
By submitting code, you grant Cadalyst the right to print and distribute your code in print, digitally, and by other means. Cadalyst and individual authors retain all rights to the code; published code is not to be used for commercial purposes.
Got Feedback? To share feedback about one of today's tips, navigate to the tip using the link provided above, then click Comment. The Comment tool is available to registered users of Cadalyst's CAD Tips site.
Tips & Tools Weekly software tips for AutoCAD are reviewed by Cadalyst staff and the Tip Patrol before publication. Use all tips at your own discretion, please. We're sorry, but editors and Tip Patrol members cannot provide assistance with technical problems; please refer to Cadalyst's Hot Tip Harry-Help discussion forum for assistance with AutoLISP and other AutoCAD customization questions.
Sincere thanks to our volunteer Tip Patrol members: Brian Benton, Don Boyer,
Mitchell Hirschklau, R.K. McSwain, and Billy Wooten.
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Resources
Autograph Technical Services Offers AutoCAD Charts, Printable Instructions
CadCARD slide chart manufacturer Autograph Technical Services is now offering slide charts for AutoCAD in U.S., Metric ISO A/B, ANSI/Architectural converted to metric, and U.S. ANSO/Architectural junior versions. CadCARD slide charts are AutoCAD productivity, reference, and educational aids. Designers, architects, engineers, drafters, trainers, students, and surveyors can refer to them while performing daily CAD tasks.
Organice Publishes White Paper on Document Management
Cadac Organice, developer of a SharePoint-based engineering document management solution (EDMS) called Organice, has published a white paper about the 10 steps to a successful EDMS implementation. According to the company, the white paper is based on more than 20 years of experience in implementing EDMS systems for project-driven companies in engineering industries.
RapidEye Opens German Online Satellite Data Store
Geospatial solutions provider RapidEye has released a German version of its online shop for satellite imagery, the RapidEye Geodata Kiosk. The Kiosk offers satellite imagery with ready-to-use data available immediately after purchase. All data in the Geodata Kiosk are RapidEye Ortho Products (level 3A): orthorectified, five-meter-pixel-size imagery from the RapidEye satellite constellation, which can be integrated into any GIS system.
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Deals & Freebies
Buy One Product Communication Software License, Get One Free
QuadriSpace's software products enable users to create documents, illustrations, and animations from 3D CAD files. Until January 15, 2010, customers who purchase a Pages3D Standard or Publisher3D Standard license can receive an additional license free of charge. After receiving a receipt for their purchase, buyers must fill out a free product request form to receive the second license.
Bunkspeed Discounts 3D Camera and Animation Software
Bunkspeed, a developer of 3D graphics and design software, is offering reduced prices on its hyperMove and hyperShot software until December 24, 2009. Promotions include $250 off hyperShot HD, plus a free upgrade to hyperShot 10; $500 off hyperMove 10, plus a free year of maintenance; $300 off an upgrade to hyperShot HD, plus a free upgrade to hyperShot 10; and $500 off an upgrade to hyperShot Pro, plus a free year of maintenance.
E-on Provides Trial Versions of 3D Environment Creation Software
E-on software, maker of the Digital Nature software solutions, announced the availability of the personal learning editions (PLE) of Vue 8 xStream and Vue 8 Infinite, its solutions for CG professionals. The company also announced the availability of trial versions of its products for 3D artists: Vue 8 Esprit, Vue 8 Studio, and Vue 8 Complete. Users can download the Vue 8 PLE and Vue 8 trial versions at no charge.
Graphisoft Offers Savings on ArchiCAD Bundles for BIM
Graphisoft's year-end deals combine ArchiCAD v13 with add-ons, for a limited time. Discounted 2D and 3D design software bundles include EcoDesigner, Virtual Building Explorer G, and MEP Modeler. These deals end December 30, 2009.
Solido3D Bundles 3D Printer with Modeling Kits
Solido3D, a provider of 3D printers, has launched the new SD300 Pro 3D printer and is offering three packages that bundle the machine with modeling kits. The new SD300 Pro starts at €2,950 when purchased as part of the Platinum Value Pack. Solido3D’s Premium and Gold Plans offer the SD300 Pro at €3,950 and €5,950. Customers may upgrade from the Premium Plan to the Platinum Value package until February 28, 2010.
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Books & Training
Guidebook Explains Xara Xtreme Drawing Software
Written by author and graphic artist Gary Bouton, Xara Xtreme 5: The Official Guide explains how to create vector graphics and animations for print and the web using the latest version of Xara's drawing program, Xara Xtreme. Using step-by-step demonstrations, the book explains how to customize the software, draw shapes, work with text, add color, achieve photorealistic effects, and create animations.
New Book Chronicles Black Achievements in Science and Engineering
Unheralded but Unbowed: Black Scientists & Engineers Who Changed the World, by Garland L. Thompson, traces the history of black Americans in innovation and scientific achievement, which reveals a long line of accomplishments he feels are too often overlooked. It chronicles the growth in access to technology careers against the backdrop of the larger struggles against discrimination through the 20th century to the present day.
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Mark Your Calendar
ArchiCAD 13: A Revolution in BIM Collaboration
January 21–March 11, 2010
11 a.m. EST
Join Graphisoft for a free webinar showcasing ArchiCAD 13 and building information modeling (BIM). Read more
2010 ESRI User Group Conference
February 3–4, 2010
Redlands, California
Professionals from California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Islands are invited to connect with peers, colleagues, and ESRI contacts at the 2010 ESRI Regional User Group Conference. Read more
For a complete list of CAD meetings, conferences, training sessions, and more, check out our calendar of events on Cadalyst.com. Are you hosting an event that you would like to include in our calendar? Submit details at least two weeks in advance to news@cadalyst.com.
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What's New at Cadalyst.com
CAD Manager's Toolbox: Survival Kit for CAD Machines
To recover from a computer disaster, follow a few simple steps before anything goes wrong. Read more
CAD Managers Seek Self-Improvement at Autodesk University 2009
CAD managers arrived at this year's AU determined to learn new skills and safeguard their careers. Read more
New Autodesk Seek Integration Aimed at Consumer Market
Web service now links with Dragonfly and Showroom to get building product data into the hands of homeowners. Read more
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AutoCAD Tips!
Autodesk Technical Evangelist Lynn Allen guides you through a different AutoCAD feature in every edition of her popular "Circles and Lines" tutorial series. For even more AutoCAD how-to, check out Lynn's quick tips in the Cadalyst Video Gallery. Subscribe to Cadalyst's Tips & Tricks Tuesdays free e-newsletter and we'll notify you every time a new video tip is available. All exclusively from Cadalyst! |
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