Create Wireframe Models
Create Wireframe ModelsA wireframe model is an edge or skeletal
representation of a real-world 3D object using lines and curves.You
can specify a wireframe visual style to help you see the overall
structure of 3D objects such as solids, surfaces, and meshes. In
older drawings, you might also encounter wireframe models that were
created using legacy models.
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Wireframe models consist only of points, lines, and curves that
describe the edges of the object. Because each object that makes up
a wireframe model must be independently drawn and positioned, this
type of modeling can be the most time-consuming..
You can use a wireframe model to: View the model from any
vantage point Generate standard orthographic and auxiliary views
automatically Generate exploded and perspective views easily
Analyze spatial relationships, including the shortest distance
between corners and edges, and checking for interferences Reduce
the number of prototypes requiredThe ISOLINES system variable
controls the number of tessellation lines used to visualize curved
portions of the wireframe. The FACETRES system variable adjusts the
smoothness of shaded and hidden-line objects.Methods for Creating
Wireframe ModelsYou can create wireframe models by positioning any
2D planar object anywhere in 3D space, using the following methods:
Use the XEDGES command to create wireframe geometry from regions,
3D solids, surfaces, and meshes. XEDGES extracts all the edges on
the selected objects or sub objects. The extracted edges form a
duplicate wireframe composed of 2D objects such as lines, circles,
and 3D polylines.Wireframe modeling is a skill that requires
practice and experience. The best way to learn how to create
wireframe models is to begin with simple models before attempting
models that are more complex. Enter 3D coordinates that define the
X, Y, and Z location of the object. Set the default work plane (the
XY plane of the UCS) on which to draw the object. Move or copy the
object to its proper 3D location after you create it.Tips for
Working with Wireframe ModelsCreating 3D wireframe models can be
more difficult and time-consuming than creating their 2D views.
Here are some tips that will help you work more effectively: Plan
and organize your model so that you can turn off layers to reduce
the visual complexity of the model. Color can help you
differentiate between objects in various views. Create construction
geometry to define the basic envelope of the model. Use multiple
views, especially isometric views, to make visualizing the model
and selecting objects easier. Become adept at manipulating the UCS
in 3D. The XY plane of the current UCS operates as a work plane to
orient planar objects such as circles and arcs. The UCS also
determines the plane of operation for trimming and extending,
offsetting, and rotating objects. Use object snaps and grid snap
carefully to ensure the precision of your model. Use coordinate
filters to drop perpendiculars and easily locate points in 3D based
on the location of points on other objects.
Add 3D Thickness to ObjectsUse the thickness property to give
objects a 3D appearance.
The 3D thickness of an object is the distance that object is
extended, or thickened, above or below its location in space.
Positive thickness extrudes upward in the positive Z direction;
negative thickness extrudes downward (negative Z). Zero (0)
thickness means that there is no 3D thickening of the object.
The orientation of the UCS when the object was created
determines the Z direction. Objects with a non-zero thickness can
be shaded and can hide other objects behind them.
The thickness property changes the appearance of the following
types of objects. 2D solids Arcs Circles Lines Polylines (including
spline-fit polylines, rectangles, polygons, boundaries, and donuts)
Text (only if created as a single-line text object using an SHX
font) Points
Modifying the thickness property of other types of objects does
not affect their appearance.You can set the default thickness
property for new objects you create by setting the THICKNESS system
variable. For existing objects, change the thickness property on
the Properties Inspector palette. The 3D thickness is applied
uniformly to an object; a single object cannot have different
thicknesses. You might need to change the 3D viewpoint to see the
effect of thickness on an object.
