pip install — Autocad

Welcome to the pip install series. This time we’re back with the most commonly used drafting tool by mechanical engineers, ‘Autocad’. We are sure that whatever branch you choose you will come across Autocad in your engineering.In this detailed guide we will see what Autocad is and its uses and applications.

This is the Fifth article after Proteus, of the series PIP INSTALL. If you want to know more about AUTOCAD, checkout the additional resources we have included at the end of the article.

We will also take you on a step by step process on how to use Autocad.

Here’s What we will learn in this Article.

1.Introduction to Autocad

2.Uses of Autocad

3.Applications of Autocad

4.How to install Autocad

5.Getting familiar with Autocad basics

(a)Saving files in dwg

(b)converting dwg files into pdfs for easy sharing

6.Extra resources

1.Introduction to Autocad

• AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application, developed and marketed by Autodesk.
• AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers.
• Before AutoCAD was introduced, most commercial CAD programs run on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with each CAD operator (user) working at a separate graphics terminal.
• AutoCAD is also available as mobile and web apps.
• AutoCAD is used in industry, by architects, project managers, engineers, graphic designers, city planners and other professionals.

Extensions

AutoCAD supports a number of APIs for customization and automation. These include AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA, .NET and ObjectARX. ObjectARX is a C++ class library, which was also the base for:

products extending AutoCAD functionality to specific fields

creating products such as AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D third-party AutoCAD-based application

There are a large number of AutoCAD plugins (add-on applications) available on the application store Autodesk Exchange Apps. AutoCAD’s DXF, drawing exchange format, allows importing and exporting drawing information.

2. Uses of AutoCAD

Programs based on computer-aided design have revolutionized the world of engineering and architecture. It’s simply much easier, faster and better to design things using a computer instead of using sheets of paper.

Here’s how AutoCAD is frequently used,

1.Engineering Drafting Tool

• It produces very accurate designs.
• Frequently used to analyze and solve design issues when creating plans for buildings or mechanical components.
• Example : It can show how large an engine component should be to fit into a new car model. Adjustments can be done with just a few clicks. Saves life time when compared to paper drawing.

2 . Architectural Planning Tool

• Designing new buildings and floor plans.
• Features a multifaceted layout which lets architects create designs for small or large buildings.
• Can color-code key elements leading to better understanding of names and functions of components.

3. 3D Printing

• Can create a three-dimensional model of an object you design in a computer program.
• Example : Designing a rubber duck and then the printer takes data from this program to print it as a 3-D object. This is the basics of 3D printing and it’s the future when it comes to manufacturing processes.
• Easy communication with other computer programs, for exporting, editing and printing designs.

4. Fashion Industry

• Possibility to design a multitude of objects in various sizes.
• Example : Used in the jewelry industry like designing new diamond rings and calculating where and how the precious stone attaches to the metal.
• Used to design toys, including LEGO bricks.

5. Mechanical Industry

• Possible to design almost anything in virtual reality.
• Example : Engineers can design the shape of an aircraft wing and determine scenarios on how much lift this type of wing can generate. Making such calculations and projections in computer programs saves a great deal of time and money, not to mention that it optimizes the designing process.
• Designing new types of screws, bolts, bathroom accessories, furniture items, power tools and many more.
• Allows collaboration and to work on a single project simultaneously.

3.Applications of Autocad-

1. Increase Productivity

• Easy Assembling of parts.
• Animation feature for better understanding of how your designed component works.

2. Create Documentation

• Other than design stuff, it allows you to add information such as specifications, details, dimensions, material names,parts etc next to components.
• This helps manufacturers estimate costs and learn exactly what they have to change while creating new products.

3. Data Can Be Saved

• Everything is saved in the cloud similar to google drive, easy access.
• The only undestroyable weapon, “Copy-Paste” of elements can be used from one project to another.

4. Reduce Design Errors

• Helps in identifying problems and eliminating them before the design is put into mass production.
• Offers great visualization features which aids in discovering errors and problems, which saves time, money and effort.

4.How to install Autocad

a. Go to the below link

https://www.autodesk.com/education/edu-software/overview?sorting=featured&page=1

b. Click on signup on the top right and create an account.

c. Use the credentials of our institute mail .

d. Now scroll down for autocad and click on Get started.

e. Check your details and go to the next page.

f. Then you will be asked to upload a document — Use REGISTRATION SLIP (could be of any sem) for this.

g. Soon after, you will receive a verification mail from autodesk saying that your Education Mail has been verified.

h. Login to the same web with your credentials

i. Slide down, then u can see AUTOCAD icon..Click on Get Product..Then Select any version (prefer old versions if your laptop’s ram is under 8gb..)

j. Autocad will be downloaded.

k. Sign in with your autodesk id and now you can design whatever you want.

Once the installation is complete,reboot your computer.

5. Getting familiar with Autocad basics

• Make sure to tick them for faster drawing and you can tick any if you think necessary.

• Try using every command to get used to them.
• Try writing your name with different shapes and apply commands to them.

1. EXAMPLE_01:

1.1 Search for Autocad in windows, and open it.

1.2 Once it opens, .

1.3 We are going to practice the below drawing today

1.4 First draw a hexagon

1.5 Type 6 for the number of sides and specify a point and then circumscribe the circle.

1.6 Enter the radius as 20 if it’s not in the right direction try pressing ctrl and click.

1.7 Draw a circle with radius as 30.

1.8 Now draw a line with length 129 from the center of the circle horizontally.

1.9 Follow the same process and draw a pentagon inscribed in a circle with radius 15 with the center as the end point of the horizontal line.

1.10 And draw the circle taking the end point as center with radius 20.

1.11 Now select the line and shorten it such that it touches both circles.

1.12 Select the offset command in the modify tools and select the shortened horizontal line and enter offset distance as 10(given 20, so we take half).Move the cursor to up and down and right click.

1.13 Now select the fillet option in the modify bar and enter radius(you can give as much you want in limits, here taken as 5) and press enter.

1.14 And select the line as 1st object and circle as 2nd object and right click.

1.15 Now do the same for other 3 sides.( you can use mirror option too by selecting the fileted one. )

1.16 Now select polyline or line option and draw w.r.t to center as shown below with 70 x 10 dimensions(You can use rectangle option but specifying first corner would be difficult)

1.17 Now offset the breadth with some length(here taken 5) and draw an arc(start, center, end).

1.18 Mirror the arc to the right side taking midpoints as reference and trim all the unwanted edges.

1.19 Modify<Trim< Enter<trim all the unwanted edges with cursor.

1.20 It looks like this.

1.21 You can mention it’s dimensions by going to the annotations bar.

1.22 You can color the elements by selecting them and going to properties<By layer<Select color<enter.

1.23 You can try hatching in the right bottom in the draw section and select the design to hatch.

1.24 And the final drawing looks like this.

(a)Saving files in dwg

• Press Ctrl+S and save it wherever you want.

(b)Converting dwg files into pdfs for easy sharing.

1, Type plot in command

• For the size of the printout you can leave if anything is recommended or else you can select w.r.t your drawing.

• Now select the window and select your drawing in the window area.

• Tick center to plot and fit to paper if they are not ticked.
• Do accordingly if you want print out as coloured or black and white one.(Plot style table)
• You can preview your print and decide which is comfortable in portrait and landscape(make sure all the designed parts are visible in the selected layout i.e, some parts might be cutted if selected layout is not sufficient.)

• And then Click Ok.

• And save the file wherever you want.
• Once the file is saved it opens up in your respective application.

2, Or from File menu bar

3, or ctrl+P

• You can use Autocad 3D by changing the drafting and annotation to 3d basics or modeling.

6.Extra Resources

• Blogs

1. https://academy.archistar.ai/30-great-autocad-secrets-you-didnt-know
2. https://interestingengineering.com/top-50-autocad-tricks-shortcuts-need-know

• Assemblies to practice

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10AjjLpDtTVFtw_nwaHict4rXunnCmig8/view?usp=drivesdk

• Courses for Autocad

https://skillscouter.com/online-autocad-courses/

https://youtu.be/QuR-VKis3jU

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Uk9_AI5M322KZsiIffa5kauY5kGHQ5-

https://www.udemy.com/course/advanced-autocad-parametric-drawing/?couponCode=16663CC96B280714E9F1

https://youtu.be/pvKVy-eMDYc

• Youtube lectures useful for EG and CAD

Scales Dr T Srinivas — YouTube (Scales)

Projections of Points Dr T Srinivas — YouTube(Projection of Points)

Projections of Lines 1 Dr T Srinivas — YouTube (Projection of lines 1)

Projections of Lines 2 Dr T Srinivas — YouTube(Projection of lines 2)

Projections of Planes Dr T Srinivas — YouTube(Projection of planes)

Projections of Solids Dr T Srinivas — YouTube(Projection of solids)

Sections of Solids Dr T Srinivas — YouTube(Selection of solids)

Development of Surfaces Dr T Srinivas — YouTube(Development of surfaces)

Isometric Projection Dr T Srinivas — YouTube (Isometric Projection)

This Article is a part of the PIP INSTALL series by EA and HAM club at NIT, Warangal. If you are a software enthusiasts we have a good news for you, there are several more articles lined up to be posted. To stay updated, Subscribe to our Mailing letter and follow us on Linkedin, Instagram and Facebook