Chapter 11 Modifying Objects
351
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Reference Option
The
Reference
option is an alternative to entering a scale factor that allows you to
specify a new size in relation to an existing dimension. For example, to change the size
of a part with an overall dimension of 2.50″ to an overall dimension of 3.00″ propor-
tionately, select the
Reference
option. Specify the current length,
2.5
in the example,
at the
Specify reference length current:
prompt. Next, specify the new length for the
dimension,
3
in the example. See Figure 11-34.
PROFESSIONAL TIP PROFESSIONAL TIP
Specify the reference length and new length using specifi c values or
select points on existing objects. Picking points is especially effective
when you do not know the exact reference and new lengths.
Copying While Scaling
The
Copy
option of the
SCALE
command copies and scales the selected objects,
leaving the original objects unchanged. The copy is created at the specifi ed location.
NOTE NOTE
The
SCALE
command changes all dimensions of an object propor-
tionately. Use the
STRETCH
or
LENGTHEN
command to change only
the length, width, or height.
Exercise 11-9
Complete the exercise on the companion website.
www.g-wlearning.com/CAD
Exploding Objects Exploding Object s
The
EXPLODE
command allows you to change a single object that consists of
multiple items into a series of individual objects. For example, you can explode a poly-
line object into individual line and arc objects. See Figure 11-35. Another example
is exploding a multiline text object to create several single-line text objects. You can
explode a variety of other objects, including multilines, regions, dimensions, leaders,
and blocks. This textbook explains these objects when appropriate. Access the
EXPLODE
command, pick the object to explode, and press
[Enter]
to cause the explosion.
EXPLODE
Ribbon
Home
Modify
Explode
Type
EXPLODE
BREAKUP
DISASSEMBLE
X
Figure 11-34.
Using the
Reference
option of the
SCALE
command.
After Before
Base point
(midpoint)
Reference length
New length
3.00
2.50