Book Image

Getting Started with DraftSight

By : JOAO ANTONIO C DOS SANTOS
Book Image

Getting Started with DraftSight

By: JOAO ANTONIO C DOS SANTOS

Overview of this book

Computer-aided design (CAD) uses computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, and analysis of a design. DraftSight is a 2D computer-aided design (CAD) software application. DraftSight includes all the main tools to draft with precision, and it works with DWG files, the most popular CAD file type. It runs on a wide variety of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Getting Started with DraftSight addresses all the main phases for executing and printing a mechanical project. These concepts and commands can easily be applied to other areas. Beginning with the very basic concepts, and going through all the necessary drawing steps, you will finish by printing a full scale mechanical drawing. The illustrative examples will help you understand the design process and teach you how to utilize DraftSight features in your mechanical design projects. You will start with an overview of the mechanical design process, which will help you understand the different commands, tools, and tasks involved in DraftSight projects. You will then proceed to executing all the phases of the design process. This includes setting up a drawing, drawing and editing with precision, organizing with layers, and finally obtaining valid information from the drawing. Furthermore, you will also learn to apply fills, patterns, and dimensions, and the process of defining and printing sheets. With "GettingStarted with DraftSight" you will learn how to specify and document parts and print drawings with the help of DraftSight. Towards the end of this book you will be introduced to some advanced concepts like additional layer commands, and methods to reference other drawings or images, which can be very useful when dealing with complex projects.
Table of Contents (18 chapters)
Getting Started with DraftSight
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
Index

Creating multiple equally spaced copies


The PATTERN command (alias AR, on the Modify toolbar or on the Modify main menu) creates multiple equally spaced copies of the selected entities, with a rectangular or circular pattern. This command displays a dialog box where in the Pattern type area, a Circular or Linear (rectangular) pattern is specified. If it is not previously selected when entering the command, you can click on the Select entities button to access the drawing area to select entities.

When applying a Linear pattern, copies are made in rows and columns, whose numbers are indicated in Number of elements on:. Distances between equivalent points, in rows and columns, are indicated in Spacing between elements on:. With Pattern angle it is possible to define a Linear pattern rotated from horizontal. All the options are shown in the following screenshot:

When applying a Circular pattern, copies are placed around a center point. There are three choices for distribution, on the Base pattern...