Book Image

Practical Autodesk AutoCAD 2023 and AutoCAD LT 2023 - Second Edition

By : Jaiprakash Pandey, Yasser Shoukry
Book Image

Practical Autodesk AutoCAD 2023 and AutoCAD LT 2023 - Second Edition

By: Jaiprakash Pandey, Yasser Shoukry

Overview of this book

AutoCAD is one of the most versatile software applications for architectural and engineering designs and the most popular computer-aided design (CAD) platform for 2D drafting and 3D modeling. This hands-on 2nd edition guide will take you through everything you need to know to make the most out of this powerful tool, from a simple tour of the user interface to using advanced tools. Starting with basic drawing shapes and functions, you'll get to grips with the fundamentals of CAD designs. You’ll then learn about effective drawing management using layers, dynamic blocks, and groups, and discover how to add annotations and plots like a professional. As you progress, the book will show you how to convert your 2D drawings into 3D models and shapes. You’ll also discover advanced features, such as isometric drawings, drawing utilities for managing and recovering complex files, quantity surveying, and multidisciplinary drawing files using xRefs. Finally, you’ll focus on rendering and visualizing your designs in AutoCAD. By the end of this book, you’ll have developed a solid understanding of CAD principles and be able to work with AutoCAD software confidently to build impressive 2D and 3D creations.
Table of Contents (21 chapters)
1
Part 1: Introduction and 2D Drafting
6
Part 2: Customization, Collaboration, and Using Reusable Content
12
Part 3: 3D Modeling

Using the Sweep command

The Sweep command extrudes a 2D shape along a path. In Sweep, you can make a path in different directions, and the sweep geometry and path are separate curves. In addition to that, the Sweep command has more options for the behavior of the base shape along the path, such as the Alignment and Twist angle options, which are not present in the Extrude command.

To start the Sweep command, you can type the command name SWEEP, or just SW, and then press Enter. Alternatively, you can click on the Sweep button found in the Create panel in the 3D Basics workspace, and if you are using the 3D modeling workspace, you will find the Sweep button in the Modeling panel under the Home tab, or in the Solid panel under the Solid tab, as shown in the following screenshots:

Figure 12.18: Alternative methods to start the Sweep command

Depending on the selected object, the Sweep command will create a 3D solid or a surface. Generally, if you select...