Lock Z = 0 at a specific level in 3D model

[david.penney00]

AutoCAD Mechanical 2017

Hi,

In a 3D model – plan view, is there a way to make Z coordinate a certain level, say the top of a “platform”, lock the coordinates there and draw a 2D shape at Z = 0, only utilising X and Y for the shape?

I would like to ‘lock Z = 0’ at a specific level of face of a model, so that any subsequent 2D geometry is produced consistently at Z= 0, unless manually turned off or changed.

Is this possible?

PS: I searched previous posts but did not find a definitive solution.

Cheers,

DP

[cheryl.buck]

Greetings dpenny,

Your situation sounds a lot like one I encountered not long ago. In my case moving the current UCS via the Coordinates, View, Face drop-down on the Visualize tab in the ribbon worked.

After creating the reference 3D part, switch back to the (2D) Mechanical Workspace. A temporary line can be drawn to create a snap point on the face of your model that marks the location of your new Z=0 location.

Return to the 3D Workspace. The UCS can now be placed via the Coordinates, View, Face drop-down on the Visualize Tab, or by dragging and dropping the UCS to the snap point on the line you created. The line can now be removed. When you return to the (2D) Mechanical Workspace, new geometry will be placed at the new Z=0 elevation on the associated XY plane.

I hope this solution was helpful.

[david.penney00]

Hi and thanks for your reply.

That is a great method you suggest!

However, when passing from my Classical Customised (3D) Desktop  setup, to another mode (2D), it reverts back to the generic Ribbon setup, so totally changing how I have everything is set up regarding icons, etc.

It does of course revert back, when I choose my own  Workspace, but it would be preferable not to have to change/modify desktops to achieve this outcome.

If I was a pure Ribbon user, this method would be a winner.

Cheers.

DP

[cheryl.buck · Accepted solution]

Hi dpenny, 

I can understand why you would not want to change workspaces under those circumstances. The drag and drop method of moving the UCS (using a reference point for placement) might work better. I just tested it on the face of a simple model, staying in the 3D workspace and using only the command line (not the ribbon). I did need to rotate the UCS so that the xyz planes were in the positions I wanted them, but when I added new 2D geometry it was automatically placed on the new xy plane. The new UCS location was also saved with the file when it was reopened. 

I hope that helps. 

[david.penney00]

Hi Cheryl,

Late yesterday I cam across something in my long search that is a combo of what you suggest and a custom cuix file containing icons and commands for OSNAPZ 0 and OSNAPZ 1 ....

This seems to work reasonably well for my needs.

Many thanks for your time and replies.

Cheers

David

[cheryl.buck]

Hi David,

Thanks for sharing that one!! I had long ago forgotten the OSNAPZ, but it is going back in my tool belt now.