topic Re: AutoCAD Parametric help/tip in AutoCAD Forum

AutoCAD Parametric help/tip

Anonymous — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 01:59:23 GMT

So I'm very familiar with parametric constraints in 3d (ProE/Creo + Inventor) but using ACAD to model 2D parametrics is frustrating. Maybe its me or my style but without DRAFT or POINT abilities I am finding it annoying and a slow process.

Namely cause the Parametric tools aren't recognising intersections as a reference; seems only to identify Ends, Centres and Midpoints.

My solution has been to create a DRAFT layer (offset -Z from final) to construct my draft construction and create the parametric relationships. Then essentially the final layers are a trace of the draft and parametric (=) relationship.

Surely this isn't the best method or the way its intended for use in 2D. Likewise modelling something in 3D to create a simple 2D plan drawing seems counter-productive for small scale tasks.

Any help or insights are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Re: AutoCAD Parametric help/tip

leeminardi — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 14:41:32 GMT

"Namely cause the Parametric tools aren't recognising intersections as a reference; seems only to identify Ends, Centres and Midpoints."

To reference an intersection point in AutoCAD's Parametrics I have added a very small circle that has a tangent constraint to both lines. You can then add a dimensional constraint to the center of the circle. This workaround provides surprisingly good results.

Lee

Re: AutoCAD Parametric help/tip

Anonymous — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 21:50:21 GMT

Thanks for that piece of advice. It seems somewhat counterintuitive tho to
having a streamlined design process.
Is there a train of thought to introduce a point or intersection reference?
Perhaps even a toggle for auto-parametric mode? Where any drawings are
automatically constrained as per draft/sketch modes in Inventor/Creo?
The parametric tool in AutoCAD seems gimmicky or aimed as an entry level
introduction, rather than a fully functional feature.

Re: AutoCAD Parametric help/tip

WarrenGeissler — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 22:10:47 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Perhaps even a toggle for auto-parametric mode?

Infer geometric constraints in the Constraint Settings dialog:

@Anonymous wrote:
Is there a train of thought to introduce a point or intersection reference?

Definitely a good wishlist item! You should post wishlist items at the product feedback portal >>HERE<< and/or at the AUGI wishlist portal >>HERE<<

Re: AutoCAD Parametric help/tip

leeminardi — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 01:36:25 GMT

"The parametric tool in AutoCAD seems gimmicky or aimed as an entry level introduction, rather than a fully functional feature."

I wouldn't classify AutoCAD's parametric tools as gimmicky. They are pretty much limited to 2D use similar to the constraints in Inventor's sketch mode. I've used them in a variety of applications. Here is an example for modeling a 4-bar linkage.

https://youtu.be/Y4VAJ5mNnng

The attached drawing is an example where I used a small circle to identify the intersection point of two lines to model the kinematic action of an "invisible hinge".

Lee Minardi