Page Last Updated And Links Checked: 1 September 2003 Page Last Updated And Links Checked: 1 September 2003 My Tips And Memory Joggers
* Technique For 15,000 Part Assemblies In MDT!
The assembly is referenced into a separate file specifically to create the 2D drawings.
Performance gains between 10% to 100% are experienced by the respected Leo Laimer of Bad Ischl - Austria.
The concept of not creating layouts in the "model" file but to have a second "drawing" file that the model is xrefed into for the specific purpose of producing the layouts in order to handle larger than normal assmblies is not under discussion itself. Rather, concerns that the layouts have to be manually updated due to the 3D model and the 2D drawings being in separate files are expressed and the possibity of using programming to cause either an automatic update or to alert the user to manually update the drawings is discussed.
The trap is that normally when 2D views are not up-to-date you are not able to dimension, edit view or amviewout for example and you get a warning when you try to save and print. However when the 3D file changes, and you open the file with the 2D work, it reads in the edited 3D file as an xref, and everything seems to be OK. But the 2D views DO NOT NOTICE THAT THERE WAS ANY CHANGE IN THE 3D DATA, give no warning, you can dim, edit view, amviewout, print, - whatever, - all with the wrong view data.
You have (to remember) to force a view update manually to get correct views.
Methods of manually updating the 2D drawing (Do not rely on AMRefresh!):
AMRefresh does not push through to drawing views (for me).
Only Reload and AmUpdate->View->All Layouts push through to the drawing views.
Another method. If you open the (drawing) file and then do an 'All Instances->Reload All' in the model space browser (not seen in MDT4 -aj), it forces a view update. Even though this should not be necessary, since the part was just loaded on opening the annotation file.
(MDT4) I have a go in Drawing mode of the drawing file (assumes your xrefs are fully re-loaded which is done for sure if you close the file and re-open it)!
All true! You have to AMUpdate (one way or another) the drawing current (L)ayout or (A)ll layouts.
To update a single (current) drawing view:-
(Drawing Browser) RClk on a Layout -> select Update Layout (updates that layout only).
Same result is achieved using..
(Far right lightening bolt button in at bottom of Drawing browser) LClk Update View button -> Enter L for 'current Layout' at command line (updates the layout currently selected in the Drawing browser tree).
Same result is achieved using..
(Command line) AMUPDATE -> Enter V for 'View' -> Enter L for 'current Layout'.
To update all the drawing views in one hit (could take some time to do):-
(Drawing Browser) RClk in open space -> select Update All Layouts.
(Command line) AMUPDATE (or LClk on the Update button then..) -> Enter V for 'View' -> Enter A for 'All layouts'.
Now in Model of the drawing file!
(reserved)
(MDT6/7?)
(reserved)
Discussion Group Posting Link to Autodesk Discussion Group posting that refer to 15,000 part assemblies.
acad/mdt/mdt1500parts/mdt15000parts.html Local version. Really the pertinent stuff is in the summary above ..leave this local file for a while to be sure it's all understood, make any final changes to the summary above (the name and title of the Adesk developer looking at it?) and consider deleting the 10kb local file (still got link to original postings).
* Enter numbers at the Command line to control various views, particularly:-
1, 2, 3 or 4 for one, two, three or four viewports respectively.
5 for Plan View (the no duff World XY plane no matter where the Sketch Plane is located).
8 for the RightFrontIsoView (SouthEastIso in AutoCad speak).
88 for the LeftFrontIsoView (the SouthWestIso in AutoCad speak and my preferred general working orientation).
9 for Sketch View (seems like AmView -Sketch)
(equivalent to clicking on the Sketch View button in the Mechanical Views toolbar ie AMSKETCHVIEW )and that does put you on to your current sketch plane (created with AMSKPLN or the second button down on the Parts Modeling toolbar).
f for a Zoom Extents like effect. ( I ofen use it to 'center' the part before using oo to ORBIT a single part.) It does not cause the cause the model to completely fill the screen and is actually more the equivalent of Zoom Scale 0.9 in terms of how much clear screen remains.
Note the undocumented (AutoCad 2000) Zoom V works in MDT4 and I assume it works in all subsequent AutoCad amd MDT releases. It made my model look as though it would fit on a postage stamp. But undocumented commands are cool. "Waddaya mean you can't purge the layer ..did you try a Zoom V? ..where is my Rel9 manual ..I saw something on this in there just the other day!"
* oo Gives ORBIT (to dynamically rotate the model).
Q How to change the center point for 3DORBIT?
A Enter _DVIEW _Points command and specify a new Target point. It becomes the center of 3DORBIT. You can also use the _CAMERA command.
* Once in your chosen view by whatever means, you can adjust the model position incrementally entering:-
= Rotate up. (AmView -Up)
- Rotate down. (AmView -Down)
[ Rotate left. (AmView -Left)
] Rotate right. (AmView -Right)
* Also
xx Zoom In
x Zoom Out
z Zoom (slap space bar and start windowing)
zz Zoom Realtime (same as z and two slaps of spacebar instead of usual one)
f Zoom Fit (seems like AmView -Fit) (also useful to 'center' a single part before using oo to ORBIT it but these days it is even more convenient to double click on the mouse wheel to center the object in the screen -see Scrolling Mouse section of AutoCad page)
ff Zoom Extents
p Pan
* And
aa Update assembly constraints (brings MOVEd constrained parts back together).
pp AmProfile. Select what you want to profile.
jj AmAddCon (to a profile) gives AmShowCon effect and leaves options for key board picking a constraint or thumb Esc
ii AmParDim (to a profile)
g Extrude (a profile)
gg AmRevolve (a profile)
hh AmHole
ee AmFillet
q AmDwgView. Create Drawing View (Model or Drawing modes)
qq AmeditView (Drawing mode)
ss AmSkPln
v ddview (autocad's restore a view) (Note v, ddview and view all give same View dialog box in MDT4)
d dview (autocad's persective view)
w toggle between Model and Layout modes
* Additional Layers for Model Mode -Bill Fane
MDT handles most layer-control operations automatically. However you should create two more layers to assist you working in model mode.
Create a layer for your sketches, and another one for the solid parts. MDT will automatically take care of the dimensioning and construction geometry layers. At times, while you are editing a model, it is common to have sketch geometry, construction geometry, dimensions, and solids all visible on screen at one time. Contrasting colors make it easier for you to identify the various objects.
By default, parametric dimensions are green with yellow text, and construction geometry is yellow. I use red for my sketch layer and color 42, a brassy bronze color, for my part layer. Just be sure you use ones that contrast with the default colors.
If you create these layers in your template drawing, and set the sketch layer to be current, then you will be ready to go as soon as you start a new drawing.
(My experience. First the sketch constraints were red also and I did not like that. Second I profile and extrude on the trot and forget to change to the part layer and have to transfer it later. Third if I want one part to be a different color and change it by properties then I have a different color on the gold part layer which I am uncomfortable with. Fourth if I xref the parts into an assembly model for each part xrefed in there is a separate differentiated sketch and part layer (200 parts 400 layers in the layer manager just due to this proposal. I would ditch this and delete all reference except Bill Fane is a clueful Canadian academic and I am no guru so I'll think on it -aj.)
* Get screen set the way you want it
(Thinking drawing and constraint toolbars up together at top of screen -aj).
..most likely your MDT profile went corrupt. If a restart of MDT doesn't cure it, goto Options, profiles and delete the MDTPP. It will be recreated on the next launch of MDT (any customization will
get lost)
Regards, Leo Laimer -Bad Ischl Austria
* Topic: Rotate
Msg: 1 of 4
From: jbryant4
Date: May/23/03 - 18:46 (GMT)
I have 2 parts I have modeled and would like to see if they mate up. I move them into place, now I would like to rotate one of them a few degrees at a time. How on earth does one perform such a complicated task such as this! Please don't tell me to use the (edited) 'power Manipulator' tool. Thanks .
Msg: 2 of 4
From: Robert Davis
The standard Acad rotate command should work. Or, am I missing something??
Msg: 3 of 4
From: JDMATHER
Date: May/24/03 - 13:52 (GMT)
The easiest way is to use Inventor. In MDT the same thing can be 'sort of' done by the following method:-
Apply a constraint that will allow a change of value, like offset distance in mate or angle amount with the angle constraint. After applying the constraint edit the constraint, click in the dialog box to edit the value and turn the scroll wheel on your mouse. As the value scrolls the assembly will move. I did it with a piston and crank.
Again all of this is much easier in Inventor where you can drive constraints, apply motion constraints, collision detection, and animate. One of the difficulties that you will run into in simulating or testing motion in MDT is that it is a consecutive constraint solver while Inventor is a simultaneous constraint solver.
..by the way in Inventor you don't even need a tool like the power manipulator, you simply click on the part you want to move, hold the mouse button down and try to rotate or move the part along the remaining DOFs. Much easier. Very slick.
Msg: 4 of 4
From: Paul Houlker
I use this method also, but one more point. If you right click on the little increment arrows to the side of the Edit 3D Constraints expression/value box, you can change the unit of increment. One wheel click = 0.1deg or one wheel click = 1 deg etc.
My Observations (MDT4)!
(Msg: 2) Yes I've been sticking AM in front of ROTATE3D to try to rotate parts and move them into approximate place before applying 3D constraints and been stunned when I got an 'Unknown commnd' message. Just use the standard AutoCad ROTATE3D (or ROTATE if applicable). For ROTATE3D just click on any two points for a rotation axis and for ROTATE pick on any point and the object (no matter what its orientation) will rotate around a vector pointing in the z direction passing through the nominated point.
(Msg: 3) Cool. Just RClk -> Edit the constraint of interest in the browser tree. Clk in the value box as you would to enter a new value then roll the mouse wheel to cycle through the range of value options and watch the parts in the editor smoothly change relative position. Click the wheel over slowly for static views or roll , even spin, the wheel for a dynamic 'animation' effect. Be careful to Clk 'Cancel' when you have finished if you dont really want to change the Offset value. Note you cant delete a constraint via a this version of the Edit 3D Constraint dialog box (you would right click in the tree) but if you don't want to use the browser or just as a learning alturnative try the Edit 3D Constraint dialog box you get by issuing AMEDITCONST(raint) ie (screen Rclk or menu) Assembly->3D Constraints->Edit. It has its own cute little built in constraint tree.
(Msg: 4) When you RClk on the little increment arrows to the side of the Edit 3D Constraints expression/value box there are actually three options. The first is the unit of increment and this is valuable to know in general terms but to get the rate of movement on screen to me was a matter of either slowly turning the wheel or rolling/spining it more rapidly.
The second option was 'Global Setting' which intrigued me and prompted me to RClk in the expression/value box and saw the option exists to call up the Equation Assistant which opens up all the options of using Global Values, Local Values, equations and tables driven variations that (presumably) allow you to link variations in part dimensions to specific constrain offsets or, for that matter, link the value of one constraint offset to another offset. All the facilty of table driven parts applied to offsets. Got to think about this. In any event I created a global variable "del" and used it as constraint offset (did not like using a local variable to constrain two parts).
The third and final option was the facility to tick or untick Autoassemble which could be useful as I am always MOVEing parts already constrained out of the way. Although I suspect I really want just the two parts I'm trying to constrain to come together rather than turn of the assembling of the parts altogether.
Note the same Paul Houlker in anther discussion on animating (see below) advocates rolling the wheel and and grabbing screen shots with the free software www.fraps.com and sDotson posted elsewhere to tell everyone about the free www.capturepad.com software that was better than the package he paid for.
* AMEDITCONST allows you to delete all the constraints on a part
If you open a drawing you can delete all assembly constraints on the active assembly within the ameditconst dialog box. Active the assembly and within the dialog box select all the parts displayed at the same time then select delete all constraints. You really need to think about your decision to want to do this.
* Summary of 13 June 03 Autodesk Discussion Group Animation Topic
acadanimate/index.html Index of AcadAnimate folder.
* Starting with MDT6 SP3, Regen will smooth out curves on your parts in all 3D modes. The isolines trick might be slightly faster though. The isolines trick is just issuing the command isolines = 4 (even making a toolbutton for it) wether you are already in isolines = 4 or not!
* Try 'if' statements in your local variables? I would think that you could work around it in that way - how many part versions are there for each global version?
* InsertObj. The common view is you can only xref in a jpeg, gif or bmp and certainly it looks that way starting from the Insert->Raster Image (top dropdown menu ) but InsertObJ at the comand line allows you to make a number of image formats a permanent part of the drawing. Inoticed PaintShopPro's .psp for example.
* If you want to save as Vanilla then use amviewout to export layouts. Or if you want a solid, use amacisout to go into a neutral format using the proper acisoutver variable. It will of course be a dumb solid.
* Enter Symbol ¿ for preparing lessons in .html format.
¿ is (&)iquest; in my editor (remove the brackets around the ampersand) eg
3DPOLY ¿
Suggest you supply i or tt {font-family:symbol; ...} in a style in the head of the page and then will require 7 to 13 characters per use.
But at the cost of two characters per use, _| made with underscore pipe (ie shift -, shift \) is hard to beat and renders the same way in .html and .txt eg.
3DPOLY _|
* GRIPCOLOR to change the cold grip color and hence the blue that occurs in MDT editing generally. Thats Assist->Options->Selection Tab->Unselected gripcolor. I suggest color 140 (a light 'icey' blue that retains the blue theme that a MDT/Autocad user expects but shows up clearly on black, grey or white background screens.
* Change background to 253 (or 9) for a Rhino3D like grey. Consider changing the command line background to it also. At a pinch if you can not remember 253 number just choose the grey to the far right in the Standard Colors box (which is 9). Thats Assist->Display Tab->Colors button-> More (in the Colors drop down box) then enter 253 (or9) in the Color box or just chose the grey (9) on the far right of the Standard Color box. There may be a differnce between 253 and 9 but I can not see it so perhaps the 'Standard Color 9' is the appropriate choice because it is 'standard'.
* Work Planes (AMWORKPLN), Work Axis (AMWORKAXIS) and Work Points (AMWORKPT) can also be coloured just like parts by right clicking on the entry in the browser tree then select Properties->Color.
* AMBROWSERFONT to change the font in the browser tree.
* STATUS to check how much ram is left when I have Homesite, Google, Excel and MDT all up before I reach the point where it all falls over. Gives file swap space and room on HD as well.
* AMNEW (n) to start new part (toolbody) or subassembly using keyboard. Part->NewPart.
* Re the sketch solver settings (Part->Options->Part): Set both 'Apply Constraint Rules' and 'Assume Rough Sketch' off (ie untick) (or at least that's what I'd do) for a spiral based on many points generated in VB. Actually I have discovered the value of turning it off just when doing sketches that had fine arcs which were were turned into straight lines.
* AMDIST (MDT4,6)
(Assembly >Analysis->Minimum3DDistance)(R.Click->Analysis->Minimum3DDistance)(Button with big MN on it at end of Mass Properties flyout of Assembly Modeling toolbar.
To measure the minimum distance between two objects or parametic parts (in MDT it seems the word object seems to be taken to mean non-parametric like a dumb solid for example ..the test being that nothing appears in your browser -got to think about this). Bit confusing -just pick parts and R click/Enter for everthing else offered on the command line once you have picked each part. Interestlying at the end, accepting Display (an offered default) gives you a tempory visual line linking the parts by the most direct path but if you choose Line by entering L, then a permanant line is made which requires erasing to remove.
* AMREPLAY to watch the model being built (tutorial models for example).
* AMBASICPLANES (Part->Work Features->Basic3DWorkPlanes) (button is last on the WorkPlane flyout of the PartModelling toolbar)
Listed in MDT4 Help->Contents->CommandsByFunction->PartModeling. Note not listed in the Mechanical Desktop/AutoCad Mechanical command listing because it is not common to both packages (a trap). See it being constructed by Using AMREPLAY.
Puts three mutually perpendicular workplanes passing through a workpoint to commence start off. Picking 0,0,0 would give you a commencing setup somewhat like Rhino3D's opening screen layout (picking 200,150,0 would put you in the middle of the metric grid). Now do Zoom Extents (or for a similar effect click on the SketchPlane button in the Mechanical View toolbar that I always have up or press 5 Enter) to center on the workplane containing the current sketch plane in the (X-Y) plan view. Alturnatively, if you prefer to draw in a 3D orientation right from the start like I do then immeadiately after executing AMBASICPLANES press 88 Enter or click on the LeftFrontIsometricView button in the views flyout/dropdown of the Mechanical View toolbar. Alturnatively again the RightFrontIsometricView could have been executed from the keyboard by pressing 8 Enter.
If you do not want to start sketching in the XY workpane then you are going to have to put the sketch plane on the workplane of your interest by with AMSKPLN (Part->NewSketchPlane or using the NewSketchPlane button on the Part Modelling toolbar) then start sketching away.
If your browser is not displayed on-screen it should be so use AMBROWSER to put it up or more conveniently click on the ToggleBrowserON/OFF button located just right of the Undo button (we all know where that is!). The three workplanes thrown up in the browser are named WorkPlane1, WorkPlane2 and WorkPlane3 by default. In MDT6 (apparently not MDT4) if you were to hover the cursor over each of the individual workplanes on the main screen (the Editor' as the computing experts would say) the cursor tool tip would show 'WorkPlaneYZ', 'WorkPlaneXZ' and 'WorkPlaneXY' respectively.
Because I need all the help I can get to not become confused, I rename the workplane default names in the browser so they agree with what appears in the tool tips onscreen. Incidently I always reorder them in the browser and you should too if only for the practice of changing the order of things in the browser (which is a signifigant part of parametric drawing -parent-child relationships, feature dependencies, blah blah). I usually reorder them before renaming. Click gently on WorkPlane3 in the browser and, holding the left button down drag it up to the top of the browser. Now do the same with WorkPlane2 and place it just above WorkPlane1. To me this is the more logical order. Now change the broswer names to agree with the tool tips (ie the planes they are on) in the main screen as discussed (1 to YZ, 2 toXZ, and 3 to XY).
Of course all this makes sense to do just once so perhaps you can include this in a template file or if that's not warranted or your not up to making template files just yet try saving what you have now as New.dwg so you can just open it up and resave immediately in your intended file name. Sort of like treating an existing drawing as a template without it being a real MDT Template File.
* Most Frequently Asked Question (No Dialog Box!).
Reset filedia=1, cmddia=1. Also attdia=1 (attribute dialog box) and attreq=1 (attribute prompt) in AutoCad.
As a side note, should you ever get the command line version and you have no time to cancel and go to change FILEDIA, you can always type a tilde ~ and the file dialog will appear for that moment. This does not reset FILEDIA to 1 however.
* DISPSILH When working on a sketch profile set DISPSILH to 1 (in your template files would be good) to allow you to dimension or constrain to the edge of the profile of a curved surface -for example, an edge of the side view of a cylinder feature that has been previously created.
* In Model mode, left click once on one or more particlar parts of interest in the editor screen (which become highlighted with dashes to indicate selection), then click on the orbit button (3DORBIT). Only the part(s) you clicked on are shown in the orbit (worked in MDT4 and MDT6). Doesn't work with the spacemouse though. If you change your mind or made a mistake during the initial selection remember you can always press Shift and select it again to deselect it. Remember when selecting generally while in shaded mode, pick on an edge of the part rather than in the middle of a large shaded area which might not result in selection occuring (or use right crossing windows).
Of interest here is the system variable HIGHLIGHT (1 or 0). The setting 1 results in a selected item being highlighted (dashed lines) while 0 results in no visual indication of selection at all. If you are aware of the practical purpose of not having a visual indication of selection please let me know.
* In Model mode, double left click on any part (in the editor screen) to make it active (worked in MDT4 and MDT6). In MDT6 an additional further double left clicking on the part brings up the edit dialog box for the first feature in the feature tree (for me usually an extrusion) for that part (did not work for me in MDT4 but may work in MDT5). And..
In Model mode for MDT4 on, with the contents of the browser expanded double left clicking on a particular part name makes that part active. Then double left clicking on a given Extrusion, Profile, Hole or Fillet for example causes the appropriate edit dialog to come up. -Saves a lot of of time in the browser doing Right Click on a part, selecting Activate and Right Click select Edit or Edit Sketch as I was instructed to do in the tutorial book that came in the box with MDT. Browser not on? It shoud be. Use AMBROWSER or use the ToggleBrowserON/OFF button (just to the right of the undo button).
* Use browser to suppress memory intensive features (and their dependencies ..so a little strategy may be necessary) to speed up operations. Fillets for a simple example.
* DDEDIT (Autocad command) Can use to say add a remark under a dimension in Model or Layout using <>\XHello in the Mtext box that comes up. Seems to work well in MDT4.
* AMSHOWCON (the button with a T in a sunburst' on the Constraints toolbar) to show constraints
* AMCONDSP (from CONstraintDiSPlay)(0 or 1) to control constraint display coming on when dimensioning a sketch (with AmParDim). Note this was not listed as a system variable MDT4 or MDT6 (so MDT5?) but it worked in both for me.
* AMCONDSPSZ ) (from CONstraintDiSPlaySiZe)(1 to 19 ..default is ~5) to set constraints display size. Quicker than from Menu! (ie Assist->DesktopOptions->Part->ConstraintSize). Note AmOptions launches DeskTopOptions or click on the AmOptions button at the bottom of the browser (looks like a clipboard).
Note neither AmConDsp or AmConDspSz were listed in the index of MDT4 or 6 (5?) but work in both for me.
* AMVER and the more extensive AMVERALL to see what version/build MDT you have.
* CONSTRAINT STRAIN (asserted for 'MDT' -no ver number stated) (worked for me in MDT4,6).
Set the PELLIPSE variable in Mechanical Desktop to 0 to draw a true mathematical ELLIPSE (EL) that requires only three constraints. When PELLIPSE is set to 1, you draw a polyline version that may need more than 20 constraints to be fully constrained.
* AMASSEMBLE functionality has been transferred to AMUPDATE from MDT4.
* AMEXTRUDE, AMRIB and AMBEND -the only three commands allowed with with open profiles. Good. For MDT5,6 (and presumably 2004)
* AMREPLACE (MDT4,5,6,2004?) to replace an externally referenced component with other referenced components.
* AMSHOWACT (MDT4,5,6,2004?) (Part or RClick->Part->ShowActivePart->Part or SketchPlane)(3rd button (yellow part) on NewPart flyout of Part Modeling toolbar)
to highlight the active part or the current sketch plane emter S (for Sketch plane) option.
* AMSHOWSKETCH (show sketch) (Part or RClick->Sketch Solving->HighlightSketchPlaneEntities) to highlight geometry on the current sketch plane.?? I do not know whats happening here?? Showing the current sketch plane is an option of AmShowAct (ie choose active Sketch plane or active Part option)
* AMVISIBILITY (button with face with eyepatch under browser) Leads to being able to turn off all workplanes, workaxis and workpoints in one hit. Can do other stuff. Sadly cannot turn off all fillets for example.
* AMSHOWINST (show selected part/instances -useful in large assembly files) Pick part on screen and it highlights in the browser (actually from MDT4 you can just DLC on the part and it is selected in the browser and becomes active and this is appears to be all that AmShowInst does).
* AMSPLITLINE applies to lines or closed loops. Is a bit like AmProfile in that after you have done an AmSplitLine on a sketch you can go ahead and constrain/dimension it. The follow up is AMFACESPLIT and I gather, AMPARTSPLIT. If you do an AmFaceSplit with the pRoject option onto the base of a block using a angled work plane pivoting on a work axis you can generate really cool sketches which can be AmProfile'd (do a Enter first then pick out the projected sketch shape to profile it) then AmExtrude Through with the Intersection option. Would make a great Cadalyst article and you wou make heaps if paid by the word but sadly I have not done anthing useful with it.
* AMJOIN (Modify -> Join Entities)
Connect lines, polylines, arcs, and circles together. Can also be used to join overlapping arcs, circles, and lines to form a single element.
* AMJOIN3D (Surface->Edit Wireframe-> Join)
Note I first used this when creating a CAM milling machine path. See VBA For CAD/CAM section of acadmdt.html (ie Page 1)
Joins wires to form one 3D polyline, spline, or augmented line.
Use AMJOIN3D to create a polyline, spline, or augmented line by joining any combination of lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, augmented lines, splines, and polylines. The direction of input wires can vary. AMJOIN3D controls the direction of the new object resulting from the joined wires. Arcs, circles, ellipses, and splines are exploded before being joined. The new object inherits the properties, including group membership, of the first wire you select.
Use this command to combine parts of your wireframe model into a single wireframe object.
* AM2DPATH (another line only) must lie in one plane, a workpoint is placed at the start of the line and a workplane normal to the start is offered as an option. You can add constraints and dimensions right up until you AmSweep ('extrude') a profile along it, after that you have to double click on 2DPath1 (for example) in the browser tree to edit it. (The radius of any arc should be greater than the cross section being sweept ('bent') so there is no self-intersection. Best use eqn like bendrad=1.5*PipeDia or something to facilitate subsequent parametric changes.) (Talking about bending, with MDT5,6,7? you can just AMBEND a part ..it works on any part not just for 'thin plate' that we conceptually associate the command with so I guess you could just extrude something and bend it and end up what you get by extruding a profile along a 2D path.)
It can be thought of as a component of an extended extrude command ie make profile, make 2D path, extrude profile along the path and it can be used in this sequence. However by default you can make the 2D path first, create the workplane normal to the path at the start (a workpoint is placed as part of this process), then create a profile and extrude the profile along the path using AmSweep.
I used it doing Ex 7-3 in Autodesk's MDT 6 Fundamentals Courseware (worked ok in MDT4) which required you to put a workplane normal to the start of a workaxis (of all things). Here a work point was also created at the start of the work axis 'line' as part of the process as it is with Am2DPath.
Interestingly you could not use this generated workpoint to place a hole using the Point option but had to issue AmWorkPoint and place another workpoint nearby and dimension the x and y values between them to zero to cause the new workpoint to be superimposed on the generated one. Facinating. Then a hole could be placed by Point option which would be created along the workaxis (finally you had something cylindrical to go with your earlier created work axis). All very analgous to An2DPath and the subsequent AmSweep. It turns out that hole cannot be placed on a Point using the Am2DPath's workpoint either and a 2nd workpoint has to be superimposed on it for that purpose also.
* AMSWEEP to sweep (cf 'extrude') a profile along a 2D path (see AM2DPATH above?).
Note the profile being swept can be anywhere on the workplane normal to the start although normally the start of the sweep is 'attached' to the profile with dimensions and constraints.
I made a 2D path from an exiting part then use AmPartEdge on one end of a part, then turned off visability of the part, profiled the part edge amd AmSwept it around the 2D path. I turned the part back on and depending on what I wanted to do I guess maybe I could have issued AmNew first so it could be a new part.
See also the additional considerations for a 3D path including the need for 3dpoly lines and two types of tables, related pipe commands, drawing straight lines and specifing the angle of arc in a table and more.
* AM3DPATH (cf Am2DPath) See also 3D Edge Path, 3D Helix Path and 3D Spline Path options. Was told once that Am3DPath had to be used on a 3DPOLY line. Don't know how that comes together with 3D Edge Path for example ..is the 'line' that forms the edge of a 3D solid a 3DPOLY line?
12 May 03 OK used some helical and spiral lisps in AutoCad and then went in a did a bit in MDT. Its like his. To make a flat spiral you can use polylines. To make a 3d spiral as a basis for making a thread or a coil spring in Acad you do need to use 3DPoly and that's where the basis of the worry wether or not 3Dpoly should be used.
In MDT working in one (current active workplane/skechplane) you can make a AM2DPATH out of anything (including a Spline I think you just wont get abox to edit it ..got to check this)). If working in true 3D Issuing AM3DPATH requires you to choose between the options (H)elical (you select a Workaxis or circular/cylindrical face to specfy a workaxis that will be ceated) or (S)pline (in which case it has to be a spline!) or (E)dge (which is will be made up of lines and arcs and you have to select them all individually) or (P)ipe (which requires lines arcs or filleted polylines although I had no trouble with my pecked out polyline Length and Arc to produce arcs in the polyline as I drew the polyline without resorting to doing a polyline fillet).
Incidently, to put fillets in after drawing straight lines or polylines I brought up the AutoCad Modify tool bar because F Enter gives Zoom Extents (or similar) and I'm to impatient to type the full FILLET.
SUMMARY:
First you 'profile' a series of lines with AM2DPATH or AM3DPATH, accept a workplane and sketch plane being made on the end.
Sketch your profile and AMPROFILE it. Dimension and constrain your profile as necessay as well as constraining it to the Workpoint provided at the start point.
Issue AMSWEEP to produce the (long) extruded shape along the path. Only question left in my mind is does a sweep produce a solid or a surface? I'm confident it's a solid but LISTing just tells you its whatever you named the part.
* AMAUTODIM to automatically dimension parts in Drawing mode (and Model mode profiles).
* AMINTERFERE check for solids clashing. Can make another solid of the overlap.
* AMMASSPROP for surface area, volume and mass -assign material, results tab, calculate. For MDT6(5? not 4). Just to add. If you need the surface area/data of individual faces, copy the part and run AM2SF on the copy. Then use the surfacing mass prop tools on the individual/grouped faces
* AMVARS brings up the Design Variables dialog box in MDT4. Equation Assistant and Power Dimensioning.
The variables under the 'Active Part' tab applies to the currently active part and can use identical variable names used in other parts. The variables listed under the tab 'Global' are the same no matter which part is active and applies to all the parts in an Assembly file (or presumably to the part and all toolbodies in a part file).
It does not matter which part you are active in when altering Global variables but to sure which part is active when altering 'Active Part' variables it is probably better to launch AmVars by double clicking on the part of interest on the screen (or in the browser tree) then RClick on it in the browser tree and select Variables.
You change a variable value/eqn with AmVars and double clicking on the value/eqn. If you change a variable value/eqn currently in use, the part/s will adjust to the new size automatically.
If you are in the process of editing an extrusion distance for example you could double click on the extrusion in the browser tree, right click in the Extrusion Distance box, choose Equation Assistant, select Variables and select (by one firm double click) another of the existing variables you have already created with AmVars. With Equation Assistant you do have the facility to create an equation (utilising variables made with AmVars if any have been made). The equations variously created also accumulate in a drop down box rather like websites you have entered into your internet browser or recently used files in MS Ofice for example.
Aside.. (Equation Assistant and Power Dimensioning)
One strength of power dimensioning (well power editing anyway) is that equations (that may or may utilise variables created with AmVars) can be edited by altering/adding to an existing equation whereas the classic AmModDim require you to rewrite the entire equation again. However right clicking in a dimension box while using Power Dimensioning or AmModDim accesses the power of the Equation Assistant.
Power Dimensioning/Editing is good in '2D' situations like editing profiles and in Layouts (where it also gives access to tolerance, fits and other Layout annotation options) while AmModDim is aimed at '2D' editing in the Model environment (profiles). When features are dimension/edited, right clicking in a particular dimension box accesses Equation Assistant also.
* Q: Wrong part moves when I add constraints (4201)
A: In the Desktop browser, drag the icon for the part you wish to remain stationary to the top of the list. The constraints are based upon insertion order. In the browser the lower of two parts you are constraining will move toward the higher. Of course if the lower is already constrained in some way to one even higher in the browser it will be more stationary.- Kent Keller
(Plus I heard someone say they use the Autocad command GROUP to to hold things together -aj)
* sysvar PROXYNOTICE that can be set to zero.
Proxies are kind of a representation of objects created by an application
(add-on) that's not available at the moment.
Example:When you open a MDT file in ACAD, you will see proxies of the MDT things.
Sometimes if you edit parts in an assembly file you get the message and have to set it to 0 to get rid of the message.
A dialog box comes and says:
'The last command created proxy objects and proxy entities to represent
original objects and entities whose parent ARX application(s) are currently
not loaded.
These proxy objects and proxy entities may yield unexpected results during
certain operations.
Missing application: ACRX_MODULE_NAME
Total number of Proxies: (a number ..say 40)'
Toolbodies and Combining
* What are Toolbodies?
Toolbodies are a way around the fact that that you cannot create (or establish by any means) a second part in a part file. It does not matter that you intend to merge (ie Combine) it with the existing part to make single part finally. This is gotten around by anything else you create or bring in being deemed a 'toolbody'.
In a part file, a toolbody is an additional solid that is combined with the (base) part using a boolean operation. Both the base part and the toolbody can have a feature history.
A toolbody is to a part, like a part is to an assembly. For example, if you are creating a part that uses multiple instances of a feature, such as a keyway or fan blade for example, you can create a toolbody in the single part drawing and then multiple instances of that toolbody, followed by a simple combine operation to create a part. I have used them for example to create the blades of a cooling fan. It is also good for when you are creating a complex feature that is used in multiple parts, as a toolbody can be xref'd and used as a toolbody in other single parts.
Lets look at the last sentance in the paragraph above slowly. The toolbody may be another part you xref'd into your current part file. When this external part is brought into your current part file it has to be brought in defined as a toolbody (because you can not have two parts in a part file right!) which is then combined with the part making the toolbody part of the tree of the part.
Note: I (aj) tend to work in Assembly mode a lot. There, I can create any number of parts including some parts that were just steps in a process intended to produce one part finally. When you combine an inactive part with the currently active part (only one part can be active at a time), the inactive part becomes a toolbody and appears in the tree of the active part and is recognisable by the crossed hammer and spanner symbol.
Now, if in the assembly file you elected to xref in a part which had its own xref'd in toolbody then combined that part with an existing part you would make that xref'd in part a toolbody of the existing part. The bowser tree should look interesting!
Q: When I use AMCOMBINE it works fine - it combines (2) parts. But how can I later delete either of these combined parts - the one of MY choosing?
A:From: Ray Dyson 3Mar03. If you want to delete the booleaned portion (the 'Combine') but keep the base, make the base part active, right click on the combine icon in the browser tree and delete.
If you want to keep the booleaned portion and delete the base part, go to the catalog, expand the base part, right click on the booleaned portion and instance in a copy. Then delete the base part and combine from the browser.
Utilizing Existing Sketches or Edges
Using existing sketches, edges or other geometry by copying, mirroring or projecting has been confusing for me largely because the commands all seem so similarly named.
* Any way to mirror symmetrical features about a central line?
AMCopyFeat, Flip, rotate, rotate but you will still have to dimension it's basic
location (Kent Keller -mdt5)(Command is in MDT4 but this did not work for me).
----------------------------------------
* Hi, how can I project the edges on current sketch plane and use its for new sketch? I am familiar with Solidworks where there is a simple command for that.
1. You can use the model edge to close your sketch. After drawing the outline, use amdt_1profile or amprofile to profile your sketch (depending on whether you used a polyline or a line). You will be asked to: Select part edge to close the profile <open profile>, then choose the model edges to close your profile. You must choose all bounding edges on that sketch plane to close your profile.
2. If you are using a model edge to close a sketch, that sketch or feature cannot be copied onto another sketch plane.
(another response) Use 'AmPoject2pln' command before you profile section (worked for me in MDT4).
(Note from MDT4 Help:-
Use AMPROJECT2PLN to project planar objects and 3D faces to a work plane, sketch plane, or 3D face.
Graphics area: Right-click and choose Sketch Solving->Project Objects to Plane.
Toolbutton: Project to Plane (on the Profile a Sketch flyout/dropdown).
Desktop Menu: Part->Sketch Solving->Project Objects to Plane).
* AMPARTEDGE Note I myself have used AMPARTEDGE and then MOVEed the part away from the created outline to see it clearly in order to profile it. Because the created outline can be many lines and arcs each of which would have to tediously picked using Ctrl and pick to turn the picking cycle on then if I do not want to MOVE the object away from the created outline then I have my own Sketch and individual part layers so I can selectively turn a layer off to isolate the outline to easily profile it and use the profile for the next intended step.
Further note in some situations AMCOPYSKETCH may have been a option (MDT4,6).
Selects a single sketch to copy and specifies placement of the sketch center. Creates a copy of an existing sketch and copies all independent constraints, dimensions, sketch geometry, and construction geometry.
Browser: Right-click profile, path, cut line, break line, or split line icon, and choose Copy.
Context Menu: In the graphics area, right-click and choose Sketch Solving->Copy Sketch.
Toolbutton: Copy Sketch
Desktop Menu: Part->Sketch Solving->Copy Sketch.
Note. If you select the Browser or Context Menu method, the sketch option is automatically activated.
---------------------------------------
Assembly
* To copy a part definition (as opposed to copy a part instance)
In AMCatalog, select the 'All' tab. Highlight the definition you want to copy. Right Mouse Button (RMB) on the name and pick 'Copy definition' from the context menu. You should be prompted for a new name. Then RMB
on the newly created part definition and choose 'instance'. Place the part in model space, then 'return' to the catalog. OK button out and there you go.
* Changing/replacing a copy (instace) to a new part
In an assembly which contain parts and copies (instances) of those parts which are constrained throughout the assembly the constraints will be deleted when you do a 'replace' to make a new part out of a part copy (instance). Stated for MDT5.
Mirror Assembly Or SubAssembly
* For MDT6 (and worked for me in MDT4) Since mirroring an assembly is not permitted in Mechanical Desktop, here's a little quick and easy workaround that usually fits the bill. Highlight all items in the assembly (this may also include any AutoCAD objects) so that the grips are visible. Make any one grip hot by clicking on the grip. Now right-click, and select 'Rotate' from the context menu. Enter 'C' (for COPY) at the command line, then 'B' (for Base Point). Now select a point on screen that lies on the line about which you want to mirror your assembly. Enter '180' for the number of degrees and hit 'Enter' again.
What happened for me is that copies (or instances) of the parts where made but, for 180 degrees they mirrored in the 'wrong' plane. By using 0 (or 360) degrees or just Ortho On and physically swinging them around, you can drop them back onto themselves then use M (for MOVE) to just move them far enough apart from the originals to produce the mentally intended mirror effect.
In any event the result was the same as copying (or instancing) each part individually although you will not get the exact same relative positioning. If you wanted a new subassembly name in the browser tree for them then ideally you should have issued AMNEW (or n) then Enter A (for subAssembly) before carrying out the proceedure outlined above. If want however, you can create a new subassembly and move it up the tree in MDT4 while in MDT6 you have to hold the 'Shift' button down at the same time.
Note I was able to move a part from one subassembly up to a higher one in the assembly tree in MDT4 but could not move it back down to it's original subassembly again (could be some good reason to do with all the rotation business). In any event I understood you could not move (drag) parts between subassemblies in MDT4. I understood the requirement to hold down 'Shift' when moving parts in the tree in MDT6 was a requirement of being able to move parts between subassemblies supposedly introduced in MDT6. Have to look at this moving parts between subassemblies in MDT4 a bit more closely (** Done! See 'Reorder' hints in MDT5 and/or MDT6 Only section **).
However from MyCad... (See www.mymcad.com/mdtfaq_category.html
for heaps of stuff to look at on MDT3/4 a lot of must flow on to MDT5,6,2004).
Product: MDT 2.x, 3.x ,4.x
Q: How can I move parts from main level into a sub-assembly? (4401)
A: Lets say you have an assy file with a number of parts all at the lowest level and you want to now break that into a series of sub assemblies each consisting of some of the original parts.
Ideally you should have created the sub-assembly before creating or attaching parts and then created or instanced them into their respective subassemblies, however we are assuming that this was not done, so what can you do?
If the parts are not constrained yet you could create the empty sub-assembly . Next activate the sub-assembly, allowing MDT to place the part into the sub-assembly then re-instance them using AMCATALOG, Once the parts are located within the sub-assembly, delete the original part instances.
Parts already located in an assembly file cannot be dragged into a sub-assembly maintaining constraints. MDT does not allow you to do this easily but you could start a new assy file, instance (& localize) the original numerous part assy into it a number of times equaling the number off sub assemblies you want. Once in place you can edit each subassembly and remove the unwanted parts from each sub.
Q: How can I copy a Sub-Assembly definition? (4402)
A: Copy Definition does not work for subs. Here are a couple of tricks to try...
For an external sub just copy the subassembly file make any desired changes in the new file and attach to your main assembly.
If the assembly is local, externalize it to make a file. CANCEL the amcatalog dialog this will leave the sub local (the file will have already been created). Then attach the file and localize if desired. - Dave Hinrichs
MDT5 and/or MDT6 Only
* AMTEXTSK (MDT6, MDT5?) to create text sketch profile to extrude for making raised or embossed text on a part. Note the text sketch is placed as a profile (you go straight to extrude after placing it).
See Part->SketchSolving->TextSketch. Button with a big letter A is on SketchProfile flyout.
* AMBEND (MDT6, MDT5?) to bend a plate.
First use LINE to draw a line on the part surface where you want the bend to commence. Profile it with AMPROFILE (SketchFeatures->SingleProfile) to create an OpenProfile then AMBEND (RClick->SketchedAndWorkFeatures->Bend) and click on the openprofile line (could RClick on the OpenProfile that was created in the browser tree).
To improve appearance you could display silhoutte edges by setting DISPSILH=1 then hide the hidden lines with View->Hide.
* AMRIB (MDT6, MDT5?) to place a rib using a single line open profile. Does not do any thing I have not done in MDT4 with a closed profile. Probably quicker and less keystokes but maybe a downside too -don't know yet ..for example a rib against a cylinder edge would extrude off the wall losing contact (I assume)?
* AMRIB (MDT6, MDT5?) Right click on a feature in the browser tree such a Hole for example gives a Color option.
* AMTHREAD
The AmHole dialog box (which has two tabs: Hole and Thread) is brought upleaving you in the Thread tab. It appears that if, after making a threaded hole, you do not set the Thread Type to None you will keep getting threads in any further holes you make using AMHOLE in the same session.
Change the color of layer AM_4 before placing threaded holes. Or right click on thread feature in browser and change color after the fact.
* AMMASSPROP
* SCALE (MDT6, MDT5?) this Autocad command is asserted to work in MDT6 on profiles. Reference to a variable name list would be lost and the parametric dimension would become the value calculate at the time of scaling.
* AMOPTIONS (MDT6, MDT5?) it is asserted that in MDT6 there is a tab that includes the facility to alter the defaults such as the extrusion distance value for example. This facility presumably exists as system variables.
* To reorder browser parts (within a sub-assembly! -aj) you need to press SHIFT (MDT 5 onwards).
The reason for this change is that MDT 5 allows you to promote or demote parts into and out of sub-assemblies. To disinguish the regular reorder operation from this new browser function, shift is now required to perfom the reorder function.
(ie shift and drag to move parts within an assembly and just drag to move parts between sub-assemblies is what I assume is being said after reading Leo Lamers posting below)
In MDT4 pressing Shift is not required moving parts in the browser, but by the same token you can not take them from one level down into a sub-assembly. You have to externalize them, then bring them back into the appropriate sub-assembly and clean up after yourself by deleting, renaming parts, localising or what ever. Same result could be pursued by AmCopyOut -delete the part being 'moved' then AmCopyIn (into desired sub-assembly)
(** You should also refer to material from www.mycad.com reproduced with more comments here in the Mirror Assembly Or SubAssembly section which addresses need to duplicate assemblies and if you want to take a couple of parts and their constraints into another assembly. Guts is sub-assemblies cannot be copied but can be mirrored, at least by grip editing, and dragging parts between sub-assemblies losses constraints but a wholesale duplication process followed by deleting unwanted parts leaves the required constrained parts.**)
* Reorder an assembly with the aid of the SHIFT key (Leo Laimer, MDT2004 Discussion -Jun/30/03)
Cut&paste doesn't work that great in the browser.
You should be able to SHIFT & drag the parts to reorder, and drag into another assembly to restructure.
Most of the time this should work for multiple selections, but not always.
Check and Fix Parts
* CHECK AND FIX PARTS (asserted for MDT6, worked for me in MDT4 and MDT6)
AMSanityCheck command verifies the integrity of 3D models. To make sure a part is not corrupt, Enter AMSanityCheck and select the part. Switch to the text screen (or just drag the command line window up a bit to expose the text. If the part is okay, you see a list of checked features (lump, shell, wire, face, etc.). If not, the list is preceded by a paragraph of illegible letters and numbers.
AMReplay command to fix it by recreating the part. Stop before corruption occurs. You can also look in the browser for red features and delete them. Another option is to explode your part back to a 3D solid. Run the AMStitch command and select the solid. In the Surface Stitching dialog box, select Custom Stitching as the stitching type and check the Heal Gaps options, then select OK. Mechanical Desktop will try to correct any errors in the solid.
* Drawing quality on Screen (asserted for MDT5)
Getting 'line broken' circles and arcs when zoom the drawing? Use the command REGENALL (RR) to improve drawing quality on screen (works in MDT4,5,6).
* Zombies
Infamous bug (still observed in MDT6). MDT copies some parts in an assembly, converted them to blocks, and inserts them on top of the existing parts. Unreproducible. Only answer is to delete them.
Surfacing
* AM2SF converts your solid to surfaces.
Trouble editing a solid or blending two solids? Consider converting your solid(s) to surfaces with AM2SF then do the detail or blending with surfaces.Make sure you create a closed surface model, stitch it into a solid (AMSTITCH), and combine as necessay with the existing solids using AMCOMBINE.
More hints:
-Remember an option is to use surfaces (in a subtractive approach) to cut away material to get a final shape eg mold design! or subtract a surface from a from a simple loft to create a more complex transition between two regular shaped components.
-It would probaly be best to model a complicated transition as a separate part and use amcombine to create a single part.
-when 'stitching and blending' be sure to use the MDT 'blend' command and not the Autocad 'edgesurf' command to do the surfaces.
* AMBLEND
creates a surface that fits smoothly between two to four wires. The new surface is tangent to each wire and effectively joins them.You can use AMBLEND to solve difficulties when surfacing 3D models that have little geometry. Given only the edges of the area to be surfaced, AMBLEND creates a new, blended surface.
* AMJOINSF
Gives a surface that looked like the corners are filleted or smoothed out. Join (say three surfaces) without the smoothing by using AMSTITCH which gives C0 (sharp edges ie corners are crisp!) surfaces, and stitches (the) surfaces into a quilt
* AMSTITCH Stitch Surfaces Into Solids (or quilts!).
Gives C0 (sharp edges ie corners are crisp!) surfaces, and stitches (the) surfaces into a quilt.
See also acadmdt/quilts/quilts.htmlMDT Quilts MDT Quilts.
(Note AmStitch ie Surface->Surface Stitching, joins surfaces into a quilt or a 3D solid. If you fail to get a solid you probably ended up with a quilt (or quilts?) To get back to surfaces use AM2SF (Objects). To see that the surfaces are no longer quilted, select each surface separately and they will highlight individually.
Discussed in a post as a possible option to be able to use AMInterfere on parts made using surfaces. Or if you have a surfaces missing in a part you imported you can then patch the part up with new surfaces, provided you have the necessary boundaries, and then stitch it into a solid. And also in context of fea, import an IGES (note mdt can but autocad cannot translate IGES files) trimmed surface part then will stitch the surfaces into a solid and modify the solid so we can get a proper FEA mesh.
(My Experience 4July03: I suggest using Insert Iges part, explode it and examine it carefully, if geomety missing get rid of it and bring it in again. Use Amstitch 'Optimum' to turn it into a solid. If it just becomes a quilt, use Am2sf to take it back and try to turn it into a solid again with Amstitch 'Custom' (all 3 hboxes ticked). If still quilts take it back with Am2sf and work on patching the surface (although the color options imply maybe you can do some work bringing it together in the quilted state)
I made a cylinder and chamfered the ends in mdt4 and IGESOUT (File->Export->Iges...) to a folder. I opened a new file and did an IGESIN (Insert->Iges..). It comes in as a block and had to be exploded before Amstitch would work on it. It looked excellent but using Amstitch with the default (Optimum) setting failed, producing a quilt and a lot of geometry was missing. I used Am2sf to take it back from a quilt and reproduced some missing geometry by using Mirror3D and redrawing outlines and using surfacing commands like Amsweepsf (and experimented with Amblend in little gaps) but it was hard work. when you thought it was right you would try Amstitch, fail (to a quilt), use Amsf to get back, and continue trying to patch it. The upshot was I gave up patching and and opened a new file and Inserted the iges part again and exploded it again but this time when using Amstich I selected 'Custom' and ticked the unticked box so all 3 boxes offering to fix things were ticked. Using Amstitch resulted in a good solid part which (Part_1 appeared in the browser) which i changed the color of, shaded and did a 3DOrbit.
Also note that when you use the Menu for Exporting or Inserting Iges, the status line shows Amigesout and Amigesin but these entered directly produce 'Unknown command' responses. you have to use Igesout and Igesin at the command line.)
From MDT Help under... stitching: solids or surfaces.
Optimal stitching performs stitching without healing. You can access the Surface Stitching option from two menus: Insert and Surface.
Before you begin, create a part with a watertight body of surfaces.
1. Choose Surface -> Surface Stitching (AMSTITCH).
2. Select the objects to stitch. Notice that Parts is not selectable.If necessary, use the Explode command to prepare parts for stitching.
3. Press ENTER.
4. In the Surface Stitching dialog box, choose Optimal Stitching.
5. Under Enclosed Surfaces Output, choose Part.
Part: Outputs the stitching as a part; however, you must be working with a closed, water-tight body.
Quilt: Outputs a single entity from two or more continuous surfaces.
6.Choose OK. A message on the command line defines how many parts, quilts, or surfaces were created.
Note: At this point, Mechanical Desktop attempts to stitch together the selected geometry. If the geometry makes up a completely enclosed space, it will be stitched together into a solid. If the geometry is not completely closed, a quilt is created. If there are several distinct sets of geometry selected, then a number of solids and/or quilts will be created, as appropriate.
Stitching will not change any of the underlying geometry. It will only assign appropriate tolerant edges to connect the existing geometry together.
* AMPRIMSF (MDT4,5,6,2004?) (Surface->Create Primitives) (on flyout off first button of Surfacing toolgroup) for the primative surfaces like a sphere, cone, cylinder or torus that can be used to create more complex shapes. See Help for discussion on altering with grip editing.
* AMPLANE (MDT4,5,6,2004?) (Surface->CreateSurface->Planer) to make a plane surface (mesh? list show it is an 'ASSURFACE') on a closed wire or between two window picks? Must lie in a plane.
* AMREPLACEDGE (MDT4,5,6,2004?) (Surface->EditSurface->ReplaceEdge) to replace the edge of a surface with that of another specified.
Changing Formats Or Object Types
* moknows (Mechanical) Aug 27, 2002
I know how to convert a solid into a 3dmesh, and a 3dmesh into lines, but does anyone out there know how to convert a 3dmesh into a solid?
FH (Mechanical)
There is no command in AutoCAD to convert a 3D mesh to solids, but if you access the Mechanical Desktop, you can convert the mesh to surfaces using the AM2SF command, convert the resulting surfaces to a part using the AMSTITCH command and at last convert the part to 3D solid using the EXPLODE command.
* ssikora Sep/05/02
I have currently made a fixture out of solids. I need to export to IGES, bring it back in, and use the surfaces for certification. When I bring the IGES file back in, some of it is surfaces, and some are regions. I cannot use the regions for anything and am wondering if there is a way to make it all surfaces?? Thanks Shaun
cadsysmgr
Try using the AM2SF command first. Then IGES out the resulting surfaces as Trimmed Surfaces in the IGES Option settings....Has worked for me for several MCAD releases when straight IGES out from the Solid sometimes gave strange data.
ssikora
Worked great. Thanks very much.
Seems you had to pay for some extra to export as STEP (.stp) file from MDT4. I was able to STEP out a solid model from MDT6 into Rhino to surface a face ok.
Note for the record. I drew a simple solid 3D bracket with fillet and hole features then entered AM2SF and selected the object and it turned into a mesh object (removing the part reference from the browser). I entered EXPLODE and selected the mesh object and it turned into lines (ie a 'wireframe'). Alturnatively using EXPLODE directly on the 3D solid object turned it into a dumb solid (also removing the part reference from the browser).
* Consider AMCOMBINE then AMACISOUT (or EXPLODE) to change a parametric assembly into a single entity solid.
Note. In MDT4 and MDT6 the AMACISOUT worked fine for me. After selecting the object I was able to save it as a .sat file with no effect to on the MDT parametric drawing. In fact two UNDO's took me back to prior to the AmCombine to make it a (sub)assembly again!.
If you choose do the AmCombine followed by Explode then it turns into dumb solid (ie an 'Autocad object)' on your MDT screen and all reference to the parts/subassembly disappear from the browser. Be careful, you should have done an update save prior to issuing the Explode command if you wanted to retain your parametric drawing then ensure you save the dumb solid in it with an appropriately different name.
A solid can be brought in and exploded to surfaces using AM2SF (in MDT4 and MDT6 so MDT5?). Again all reference to the part is lost from the browser so be careful about presaving, subsequent saving and choice of separate file names if appropriate.
* To to convert a surface model (like a pyramid say) to a solid model (without having MDT), take into Rhino3D as a dwg, do any further editing in Rhino as required then export as a .sat file and take back into Autocad. (Seen in an Autocad forum posting.)
* AMVRMLOUT to export selected objects to Virtual Reality Modeling Language so that they can be displayed on Web pages. File->Export->DesktopVRML (then select object onscreen and nominate file to save into). Format extension is wrl. From MDT4 Help. Worked in MDT4 and MDT6.
(Note: The wrl file gave a 'Invalid or unsupported image file' message when I tried to bring it in using Insert->RasterImage in MDT4. Also it was nor recognised by Homesite 4.5, my website building editor. PaintShopPro7 said it 'could not be identified as a supported type'. MS Paint gave a similar message.)
Layout Related
* AMVIEWOUT with the MDT layout open, will give you a nice 2D dwg you can open in Autocad. I understand that if you are writing out a part or sub-assembly that you have already made layouts of within your assembly drawing, the layouts will not be transferred. So depending on the circumstances a separate file using AmViewOut might be a useful reference.
* AMLEGIBLE offered up by a poster as an alturnative when the MDT6 Spt4's AMVIEWOUT was causing shutdowns (or multiplying the dimensions by 4 or whatever). Recognised by MDT4.
* AMAUTODIM to automatically dimension parts in Drawing mode (and Model mode profiles).
* AMDIMSTRETCH in MDT6. What is it? I get 'Unknown command' in MDT4 and MDT6 (while in modal mode) yet it is listed in MDT6 Help along with several other commands prefixed AmDimXxxx. Not refered to in the MDT4 Help Command Listing Alphabetical (although again there are a number of similar AmDimXxxx commands. The AmDimXxxx commands are annotation commands for use in Drawing Mode (ie layouts).
* AMMOVEDIM (Anotate->Edit Dimensions->Edit Dimension)
To reconnect the lines that overlap the drawing outline or centerlines to the endpoints of those lines. Very useful. Used in virtually every layout!
* AMAUTOHATCHROT (MDT6,7 -not in MDT4)
Can also be used to automatically change direction of the hatch patterns. Doesn't always do a perfect job, but it's fast.
* AMPATTERNDEF (Assembly->Assembly->Hatch Patterns)
for changing the hatch pattern and/or angle in section drawings of different parts.
(Note. Interestingly it appears to have to be done from Model mode rather than while in Drawing mode. -aj)
* Drawings of a part in it's stages as it gets machined using one file with one part.
One way to do it is to suppress Automatic View Updates in the Mechanical(/Desktop?) Options. Once you've done that, you can create a series of drawing views based on Active Part rather than Scene, showing the part in its various stages. You'd have to suppress the features in the Model environment instead of the Scene environment.
There could be problem with dimensions, maybe solvable by putting some separate (-non-parametric?) dimensions on the drawings. Alturnatively you could create each drawing progressively (presumes no going back to change anything) Could be wrong -aj
Be Aware! If you click on the manual Update all the drawings will update.
* In the options of the view creation, you can set to use individual part colors for every part seen in the view, same for hatches. It work pretty straight and I often use this feature to get more architectural looking drawings. Just try it out, it works really nice!
OK I found it! I did not know there is an option in Drawing/Drawing Options/Mechanical Options/Drawing tab/ View Entity Color to change the way the parts are coloured in the Layout.
* Avoid sectioning a shaft or bolt a section line passes through.
You'll have to base your view on a Scene. In the scene browser, you can 'suppress sectioning' on the part you don't want sectioned. eg Create a scene. Right click on the part/supress sectioning and create your drawing from the scene. (Still don't know about how to deal with the rib sectioning issue. -aj)
Unresolved Issues
* From a Bill Fane article about MDT4.
Multiple Design Environment means you can open several design documents at one time, each with its own content browser. You can cut and paste or drag and drop geometry or parts back and forth between documents.
HighLight (1 or 0) to make lines not have dashed effect when selected (MDT4,6).
* AMSLOT3D -an easier way to create slot holes other than making two circles and a rectangle and trim them etc. (Note Amslot3d gives 'Unknown command' in both MDT4 and MDT6)
Note amubslot2d, amutslot2d and amubslot3d, amutslot3d were found in the Help of MDT6. The 2d ones tried to load some sort of power pack and the 3d ones gave 'Not available in running product'. No reference could be found to them in MDT4.
* AMAUDIT lists all externally referenced drawing files that need updating. After xref'd files have been saved, use AMREFRESH (note AmRefresh only lists the top level xrefs) in master file (all work for me in MDT4). Note MDT7 includes an auto alert warning for changes to external files.
* AMRECOVER to audit a file. This audit examines MDT drawing files and corrects any errors. Use if data has been problematic or crashes have occurred when you are loading certain files. Use Desktop Options to set automatic audit options (works in MDT4). In the context of large assemblies, one piece of advice is to check the integrity of parts (files) rigorously before you assemble them and, if in doubt, run AmRecover on the part files.
* AMREORDFEAT (MDT4,5,6,2004?) (Part->ReorderFeature) (RClick->Edit Features->Reorder) (2nd button on the Edit Features flyout on the Part Modeling toolbar)
to change the order of the feature used in the creation of the part by clicking on the feature on screen you want to reorder then clicking on the feature you want to put it above. (Note you can move a hole, chamfer and fillet that are independant of each other up and down in the part tree just like moving parts or subassemblies around by holding and draging with the left mouse button. AmReordFeat allows you to achieve the same reult through picking features on screen. Note also the part can change eg by moving a through hole down below a combined feature. The hole will now punch through the combined (joined) portion of the part).
surface. Not only replaces the edge and trims the surface but blends at the apparent intersection.
* AMSHOWSKETCH (show sketch) (Part or RClick->Sketch Solving->HighlightSketchPlaneEntities) to highlight geometry on the current sketch plane.?? I do not know whats happening here??
Import MDT/AutoCad Via Internet
* AJ summary of how to import a MDT/AutoCad .dwg drawing via the internet...
Methods Of Copying A Part Or Assembly Into An Assembly File.
1. Insert->Block->Click on Browse in Insert box->Click on Web Browser button in Select Drawing File box->In BrowsetheWeb-Open window, enter the required URL (to the folder) in Look In: then LC (pick) the dwg file you want from the folder contents display. The completed URL with the file name appear the File Name box. Click Open (alturnatively just DLC on the file name)->Back in Insert box. Confirm scale=1 and OK->Enter 0,0,0 at MDT command line or left pick somewhere->Zoom Extents to ensure you can see everything (f Enter is shortcut or 88 Enter for same effect but in LeftFrontIsoView)->Double click on the part name that has appeared in the browser to make it active (or DLC on the part itself on the screen)if you want to start doing something with it eg alter it or make more copies (ie RClick on part in browser->Copy).
In the above process you could (should?) have started with AMCOPYIN command and you go straight to the File To Load box (equivalent to Select Drawing File box above) ie:
2. AMCOPYIN->Click on Web Browser button in File To Load box->Enter the required URL (to the folder) in Look In box then pick the dwg file you want from the folder contents display. The completed URL with the file name appear the File Name box. Click Open (alturnatively just DLC on the file name)->Back in Insert box. Confirm scale=1 and OK->Enter 0,0,0 at MDT command line or left pick somewhere->Zoom Extents to ensure you can see ..blah blah. The major difference is you are not interacting with the insert box so you do not have to confirm Scale=1 and you can just keep left clicking if you want several instances in your assembly drawing as you might with bolts for example. On the other hand if you were bringing in a single substantial part or assembly you may want to use the last minute option to rotate it on-screen or something. The Insert->Block process above was taught to 1st year Engineering students using MDT5 by guys who know of what they speak (even if they are not 'Authorised Autodesk Trainers').
Methods Of Externally Referencing A Part Or Assembly Into An Assembly File.
Suggest Xrefing would just start off as appropriate for external referencing for AutoCad or MDT and just join into above where appropriate eg...
(AutoCad'ish) Insert->XrefManager-Attach(assumed)->Click on Web Browser button->Enter the required URL blah blah similar in vein to 1. above.
(**Have to confirm this AutoCad'ish series of instructions will work in MDT**)
(Pure MDT) AMATALOG->ExternalTab->RClick in DirectoriesWindow->Browse&Attach->Click on Web Browser button->Enter the required URL blah blah as above in 2.
Methods Of Copying OR Externally referncing a Part AS A Toolbody into a Part File.
Bringing a part into a Part drawing (with a part already in it) just causes it to arrive as Toolbody. The end. Thinking and process does not differ from everything described above.
Interesting Note On Combining Xrefed Parts And Toolbodies.
It is interesting to note in general that there is nothing to stop you using AMCOMBINE to combine an Xrefed part brought into an Assembly drawing with an existing part. Similarly you could choose to merge in a toolbody which was sourced via an Xref with an existing part in a part file. In both cases you will have a part that can be altered by altering the outside xrefed file. In the browser the fact that the part has an Xrefed feature (Combine in the Assembly drawing or toolbody in a part file causes the teal coloured background that iindicates an xref only be half as wide as normal. Plenty of scope to stuff up here especially if you further xref such a part with it's xrefed toolbody into an Assembly drawing and then combine that into a local part (or another completely xrefed part). Some of these permutations may be quit legit as say with mould design where small bits are changed.
Undocumented Commands and System Variables
Q The long-right-click trick.
A If you have a grip-selected object, you can use long right-click to copy or move the selected object. Press the RMB till your cursor changes to an arrow then move the object. When you release the RMB you can select Copy, Move or Paste as block from the context menu.
from www.cadforum.cz/cadforum_en/default.asp Heaps of Autocad/MDT tips **duplicated in MDT (MDT Links) and AutoCad (Some Other Interesting Links).
* DROPGEOM seems to be associated with the long right click. after I had used the method described above and doing a right click to conclude I saw it appear at the top of my Context Menu as an invitation to repeat the last 'command'. Entering it at the command line did not cause any thing to happen as far as I could see but neither do you get an 'Unknown command' message.
* Acad 2000: Undocumented Move and Copy Commands (Found to work in MDT4).
You can move objects in AutoCAD 2000 and LT 2000 without using the Move command. Here's how:
1. Select one or more objects; notice the object grips.
2. Drag the object(s) by holding down the LEFT mouse button. Don't grab the object by its grips.
Notice that AutoCAD relocates the objects.
Although you might expect to copy the object by holding down the Shift key, this is not the case in AutoCAD. Instead, use the right mouse button, as follows:
1. Select one or more objects; notice the object grips.
2. Drag the object(s) by holding down the RIGHT mouse button.
3. Let go of the button. notice that AutoCAD displays a shortcut menu with the following options:
Move Here
Copy Here
Paste as Block
Cancel
Note also from another source Zoom V as beein undocumented better, say than the E(xtents or A(ll) options in A2000 ( worked for me in MDT4) (A2002?,MDT6?)
* Undocumented MDT commands and variables. Has anyone got a list of the undocumented commands (aprox 60 of) in MDT like (amshowunstitched etc).
* AMAUTODIM you can profile the geometry first (including dimensioning) and then the dims will be appended as dimensional constraints. Originated from amdim and amdimv (undocumented temporary commands in MDT3. AmAutoDim is much improved). Not sure of documentation of AmAutoDim in MDT4(5?,6?). From MyCad MDT FAQ -Undocumented.
See www.mymcad.com/mdtfaq_category.html
for heaps of stuff to look at on MDT3/4.
He also says check out www.spatial.com who are often good sources of support info for MDT (referring to info he got on AmSanityCheck).
* AMUPDATE (aLl) He says always do before going to layouts.
* adeskhints.html More MDT Hints and Tips. Press browser backbutton to return. From www.cideon-systems.de/services/english/tips.html
Note this external link now no longer has any MDT content (as at 3 May 03 anyway). My local copy of the MDT tips it did have is now virtually a mini MDT page 3. Either need an MDT page 3 (unlikely) or absorb the contents here and elswhere and remove the page.
MDT(7) 2004
Note this is duplicated the Advantages Of MDT(7)2004 Over MDT6 section in MDT(7) 2004 section of MDT Page 1.
* AUTOCAD 2004 TIPS: (I assume this applies to MDT2004)
AutoCAD 2004 adds a few new tricks to the right-click menu:
In Windows Explorer or File menu dialog boxes (Open, Save, etc.), you can preview all drawings in a folder simultaneously - in the file list, right-click and select View/Thumbnails.
Right-click on the Command line and select Recent Commands to access the last five commands you've used.
www.caddigest.com/./
A right click tutorial for A2000,i,2,4 series by Alireza Parsai of www.cadpanel.com. Note: Right click options in the command window were introduced in A2000 (despite the A2004 context).
* Some new aspects to consider in MDT 2004 include:
- copy definition with keep/replace option.
- fastener sets get automatically constrained together (auto constraints for fastener sets). ie When you create a screw connection, the contraints are created for you.
- several dialog boxes enhanced/streamlined
- auto alert for xref changes
- several dialog boxes can be transparent and autohide/autorollup
You can drag the command line into the drawing area, right click on it, and 'ghost' it. you can then see your geometry underneath the command line. It gives you an extra couple of inches of screen.
(To bad all the fancy ghost features are not supported in hardware acceleration mode.)
The properties and and the new 'tool palette' commands can be nested along the side of the screen, and when you want to activate them, you just move the cursor over them and they open up. Very neat.
The biggest thing to get used to is the Icons are a bit different looking, so it takes a little time to adjust.
Another goody is the enhanced RMB treatment.
Surfacing:
The only information I can find is that there are no new surface tools in MDT 2004. The only difference in Inventor 7 is that surfaces can now be used to split each other and then one side of split surface deleted. (Kind of a two step surface trim - very tedious.)
My Reminders
* Optimum sized images for Web use.
First size the image in the MDT or AutoCad screen down to the size you want by zooming, windowing. If necessary move components together to further minimise raster image size. Bring the components and the (appropriate) Ucsicon together if required. Draw little square pick boxe in place if necessary inn iso view might have to rotate3d the 'pickbox' 45deg to correct appearance). Set background White! Move cursor out of way! Now do screen capture.
Screen capture (PrintScreen) Edit->Paste into Paint.
'Lasso' portion wanted. File->New Paint (discard old file -No Save)
Edit->Paste into the New Paint file.
(if line drawing/model)
File->Save As 16 Color Bmp
Open in PSPro FileSave As Png
(else if line areas of continous color eg shaded model)
File->Save As 16 or 256 Color Bmp in Paint
Open in PSPro FileSave As Gif
(or)
File->Save As Gif in Paint
Forget use of PSPro
(else if changing color like render with lighting and backgrounds)
File->Save As 256 Color Bmp in Paint
Open in PSPro FileSave As Jpg
(or)
File Save as Jpg in Paint
Forget use of PSPro
* Exporting MDT Drawings Into Word
Insert MDT drawing into Word.
To make all black: RClk on dwg in Word ...Format Object ...Picture tab ...Color ..Black
* To get pipe length
Sweep a solid. Got volume. Nor from Vol=Area*Length => Length=Vol/Area
Shell afterwards to make pipe for cross-section. (I dont trust mass.) note pi in MDT is 180.
Other ideas for length are draw a center polyline and find sum or arcs and lengths.
And add straights to all the theata*(internal bend + 0.5*Dia) where theta=(angle/180)*3.1416.
Nothing above allows for real world material bending allowances
* 15 Aug 2002: There are only two areas in Inventor that causes me to miss MDT. Being able to apply custom hole notes and implied intelliconstraints in assemblies.
* John Wilson says little mention of MDT any more and and much said of Inventors ease of use but little said of what Inventor can do or what it's limitations are.
* Promotional blurb said IV5 is 'now .dwg compatible'. Promotional blurb for IV5.3 said .dwg compatability has been enhanced.
**REVIEWED TO HERE.**
My 2 Do List
**See some entries above iee Unresolved Undocumented and other problem areas not referred to here but need looking at in MDT6.**
**Print Cad Chat posting by Spiret et al. Summarise statements re-Rhino etc and create local file.
**Print Sham Tickoo's MDT5 sample chapters and appendices. Work thru Ch10 Assemb (AmCopyOut, Replace Definition Unload, Load ...
http://www.autodeskpress.com/../ Thompson Learning. Leads to MDT4 and MDT5 sample chapters (and Autocad).
*** Has been recently put in MDT Links. Print out! ***
hera.eeginc.com/../session_list.cfm Dec 2002 Autodesk University Handouts (also on Inventor page).
View any session handout (pdf) or download all the handouts in your area of interest, such as
Manufacturing (22.1Mb zipped!) or
Education for example, in one zip file.
There is so much that would interest any Autocad user but here the direct links to the six MDT6 presentations:
## 400 Not Found 25 April 2003
hera.eeginc.com/../MA11-2.pdf Jump Start MDT5 -Tom Short. Worth printing out (I did).
hera.eeginc.com/../MA12-1.pdf 'Advanced' Introducing MDT6 -Anthony Dudek
hera.eeginc.com/../pdf/MA21-1.pdf Part Modelling.
hera.eeginc.com/../pdf/MA23-2.pdf Drive Models With spreadsheets
hera.eeginc.com/../MA32-2.pdf Table Driven Parts And Assemblies
hera.eeginc.com/../MA42-3.pdf Assembly Modelling
*** Has been recently put in MDT Links. Print out! ***
Other non-MDT stuff of interest to me was:
hera.eeginc.com/autodesk/au/GD11-1 Get up to speed in A2002
hera.eeginc.com/../GD12-2 Step into 3D
hera.eeginc.com/../IN21-1 Design Awesome Website
hera.eeginc.com/../IN21-1 Design Awesome Website
hera.eeginc.com/../GD21-2 Future of Autocad
hera.eeginc.com/../CP22-1 Script Programming for Dummies
hera.eeginc.com/../GD22-1 Whats New In A2002
hera.eeginc.com/../GD23-1 Tips And Tricks
hera.eeginc.com/../GD31-1 Things You Should Know In Acad
hera.eeginc.com/../GD33-2 Blocks With Attitude
hera.eeginc.com/../GD34-1 Acad PowerUsers
hera.eeginc.com/../CP34-2L Customising For The Av Joe
hera.eeginc.com/../ED34-1 Trng Secrets
hera.eeginc.com/../IND-8 Education
hera.eeginc.com/../IND-9 Manufacturing
hera.eeginc.com/../AR41-3 Profiles
hera.eeginc.com/../GD41-3 Local Users
hera.eeginc.com/../GD42-1 Tips and Techniques A2002
*** Has been recently put in MDT Links. Print out! ***
technology.calumet.purdue.edu/met/tickoo/students/mdt/mdt.htm Sham Tickoo. Three pdf chapters of his MDT5 book (** See duplicated fuller content listing in MDT Links section for the chapters) and three Appendices. AppendixA is the Toolbars detailed, AppendixB is the System variables and AppendixC is the Commands. Excellent. Print the lot. Applies to MDT5,6 (and presumably 2004). Majority still applies to MDT4.
acadmdt/tickoo/Appendix-C.pdf Local file of the MDT5 Commands (pdf 90kb).
acadmdt/tickoo/acadmdt5cmds.html Local file of the MDT5 Commands with some notes (html 34kb).
acadmdt/tickoo/Appendix-B.pdfLocal file of the MDT5 System Variables (pdf 85kb).
acadmdt/tickoo/acadmdt5sysvar.html Local file of the MDT5 System Variables with some notes (html 31kb).
*** My Local html files have been recently put in MDT Links. Print out! ***
**Print Virginia Polytechnic Institute MDT6 Course Notes (in pdf)
Try to down load the assignments that would not come down in lab.
See whats in fbox.vt.edu/eng/ef/devens/EF1016
**Practice the Inserting and Externally Referencing MDT/AutoCad drawings via the web as outlined by Virginia Polytech and summarised by me toward bottom of My Tips And Memory Joggers.
Contrast and modify the wording for bringing a part or assembly in via the internet in (get the lot printed out in one place and step through the instructions):-
Virginia Polytechnic Assembly tutorial.
Summary toward bottom of My Tips And Memory Joggers.
mdt/mdt_tuts/sweepbracket/sweepbracket.html blurb.
mdt/mdt_tuts/mastergraphics/mastergraphics.html blurb on AmCopyOut.
**Check Zoom V (A2000 undocumented) in A2002 amd MDT6. Discuss rationale with G.
*GripColor to change cold grip blue
*Intelli Constraints. What exactly are they? AutoDesk have endevoured to explain on their website.
** AMSHOWSKETCH (show sketch) (Part or RClick->Sketch Solving->HighlightSketchPlaneEntities) to highlight geometry on the current sketch plane.??I do not know whats happening here??
**Practice Embossing tut up in acadmdt.html, Links, MyCAD Local file (first listing).
**Practic Power Pack (std steel sections) tut in acadmdt.html, MDT Tuts, first tut listing.
**Practice rendering in Autocad and with G for mdt/mdt_tuts/render/render.html
**Check My Tips and Memory Joggers for obvious typos and layout concerns.
**Discuss with S real prospects of getting one or more seats of AIS (wait for July release of MDT2004 or not?)
Contact: Aussie John wpsmoke@yahoo.co.uk