3D Modeling in AutoCAD, 2/e

Take your AutoCAD skills to the next level - master its 3D modeling capabilities. Using the same 2D commands and tools you are accustomed to drafting with, you can actually construct the object you are designing. From that model, you can produce renderings and dimensioned, multi-view 2D drawings that will ensure accurate manufacture.

You get a complete and thoroughly illustrated explanation of all of the concepts and principles of AutoCAD's 3D features and you get experience using them with hands-on exercises. Detailed descriptions of every 3D AutoCAD command are included so you can:

• Work with 3D wireframe, surface, and solid models
• Build surface models and sculpted free-form models
• Build solid models from profiles and primitives
• Make complex, solid models with Boolean operations
• Make conventional 2D drawings from 3D models
• Render 3D Models using lights, surface opacities, and textures

The companion CD-ROM contains exercise materials, bitmap files that are useful in renderings, and a selection of AutoLISP programs and script files you can use to automate important AutoCAD functions.

Contents

Preface
Introduction

Section 1    Working with Wireframe Models in 3D Space

Chapter 1    The World Coordinate System and 3D Space

Chapter 2    Managing AutoCAD's User Coordinate System

Chapter 3    Using Multiple Viewports

Chapter 4    2D Wireframe Objects in 3D Space

Chapter 5    3D Curves

Section 2     Building Surface Models

Chapter 6    Extruded and Planar Surfaces

 Chapter 7    Visualizing Surface Models

Chapter 8    3D Polygon Mesh Surfaces

Chapter 9    Modifying Polygon Mesh Surfaces

Section 3    Building Solid Models

Chapter 10    Getting Started in Solid Modeling

Chapter 12    Using Boolean Operations

Chapter 13    Modifying 3D Solids

Chapter 14    Visualizing and Using 3D Solid Models

Section 4    2D Output and Paper Space

Chapter 15    Paper Space and Floating Viewports

Chapter 16    2D Drawings from 3D Solid Models

Section 5    Renderings from 3D Models

Chapter 17    Renderings

Chapter 18     Lights in Renderings

Chapter 19    Rendering Materials

Chapter 20    Landscape Objects and Depth Perception

Appendix A     Using the Book's CD-ROM
Index