Chapter 1 Introduction to Three-Dimensional Modeling
31
A 3D mesh object, which is a type of surface model, can have a free-flowing t shape fl
because the size of the mesh can be adjusted to achieve various levels of smoothness.
Mesh objects can be converted to solids for use in model construction. See Chapter 9
for a detailed discussion on 3D mesh modeling. Solid primitives also can be modifiedfi
to create a finished product. See fi Figure 1-18.
Surface and solid models can be exported from AutoCAD for use in animation
and rendering software, such as Autodesk 3ds Max®. Rendered models can be used in
any number of presentation formats, including slide shows, black-and-white or color
prints, and animations recorded to video files. Surface and solid models can also be fi
used to create virtual worlds for entertainment and gaming applications.
3D Object Snaps 3D Object Snaps
with the use ficient
of 3D object snaps. These work in the same manner as the standard 2D object snaps
and can be set using the
3D Object Snap
tab of the
Drafting Settings
dialog box. If you
use 3D object snaps, turn on only those options you need to construct the object. See
Figure 1-19.
There are six 3D object snaps. With the exception of the knot snap, these should be
familiar to you from your work in 2D. The knot 3D object snap option refers to a spline
and the point at which one curve ends and the next curve begins.
The 3D AutoSnap markers that appear when drawing can be displayed in a
different color than 2D AutoSnap markers. Set the color for 3D AutoSnap markers by
accessing the
Display
tab in the
Options
dialog box. Pick the
Colors…
button in the
Window Elements
area to access the
Drawing Window Colors
dialog box. Select the
desired context in the
Context:
list and then select a color for the
3d Autosnap marker
element in the
Interface element:
list.
Figure 1-18.
A—These two
cylinders and
the box are solid
primitives. B—With
a couple of quick
modifications,
the large cylinder
becomes a shaft with
a machined keyway.
A B
DSETTINGS
Type
DS
SE
DDRMODES
OPTIONS
Application Menu
Options
Type
OPTIONS
OP