Mechanical Desktop6 UG PDF

AutoCAD Mechanical
Users Guide
6
20606-010000-5001A January 24, 2002
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Contents
Part I Getting Started with AutoCAD Mechanical 6 . . . 1
Chapter 1 Where to Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

About AutoCAD Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Modeling with AutoCAD Mechanical 6. . . . . . . . . . . .4
Object Oriented Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Layer and Layer Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Linetypes, Lineweight, and Color. . . . . . . . . . . .6
Dimension Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Text Styles and Text Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Scale Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Rescaling Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Starting AutoCAD Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Where to Go First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
New AutoCAD User . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
New AutoCAD Mechanical 6 User . . . . . . . . . . .7
Upgrading User . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Accessing AutoCAD Mechanical Commands . . . . . . . . . .8
Migration Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
AutoCAD Mechanical Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Printed and Online Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
AutoCAD Mechanical Printed Manual . . . . . . . . . 11
AutoCAD Printed Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
iii
Online Installation Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
AutoCAD 2002 Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . 13
AutoCAD Mechanical Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Product Support Assistance in Help . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Updating the Support Assistance Knowledge Base . . . . . 14
Learning and Training Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Internet Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Typographical Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Chapter 2 Features and Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Key Features in AutoCAD Mechanical 6 . . . . . . . . . . 18
Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Chapter 3 New and Revised Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

New and Revised Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . 38
AMBALLOON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
AMBELL2D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
AMBOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
AMCAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
AMCOMP2D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
AMCOMP2D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
AMHOLECHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
AMMANIPULATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
AMNOTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
AMOPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
AMPARTLIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
AMSTLSHAP2D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
AMTOR2D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
SAVEAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Part II AutoCAD Mechanical 6 Tutorials . . . . . . . 43
Chapter 4 Working with Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Working with Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Setting up the Starting Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Setting the Mechanical Options . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Specifying the Drawing Limits. . . . . . . . . . . . 49
iv | Contents
Saving a Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Using a Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Setting a Default Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Chapter 5 Working with Layers and Layer Groups . . . . . . . . 55

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Working with Layers and Layer Groups . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Changing a Layer By Selecting Objects . . . . . . . . . 58
Creating Layer Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Using a Layer Group to Copy Objects . . . . . . . . . . 64
Chapter 6 Designing Levers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Extending the Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Using the Library to Insert Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Preliminary Settings: Snap Configuration . . . . . . . . . 73
Creating Construction Lines (C-Lines) . . . . . . . . . . 74
Creating additional C-Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Creating a Contour and Applying a Fillet . . . . . . . . . 79
Creating a Contour and Trimming Projecting Edges . . . . . 82
Cross-Hatching the Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Dimensioning the Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Creating a Detail and Additional Dimensions . . . . . . . 87
Chapter 7 Working with Model Space and Layouts . . . . . . . . 93

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Working with Model Space and Layouts . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Creating a Scale Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Creating a Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Generating a New Viewport . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Inserting a User Through Hole . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Creating a Subassembly in a New Layout . . . . . . . . 106
Chapter 8 Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Automatic Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Editing Dimensions with Power Commands . . . . . . . 116
Breaking Dimension Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Inserting a Drawing Border . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Inserting a Fits List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Contents | v
Chapter 9 Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes . . . . . . 125
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes . . . . . . . . . 127
Defining a 2D Hide Situation . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Inserting a 2D Steel Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Modifying Steel Shapes using Power Commands . . . . . . 133
Editing a 2D Hide Situation . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Copying and Moving a 2D Hide Situation . . . . . . . . 137
Chapter 10 Working with Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Working with Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Inserting Screw Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Copying Screw Connections with Power Copy . . . . . . 149
Creating Screw Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Editing Screw Connections with Power Edit . . . . . . . 160
Working with Power View . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Deleting with Power Erase . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Inserting Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Inserting Pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Turning Off Centerlines in Configurations . . . . . . . . 172
Hiding Construction Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Simplifying Representations of Standard Parts. . . . . . . 174
Chapter 11 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . 177

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Working with Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Inserting a Part Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Editing Part References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Placing Balloons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Creating a Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Merging and Splitting Items in a Parts List . . . . . . . . 194
Collecting Balloons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Sorting and Renumbering Items on a Parts List . . . . . . 198
Using Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
vi | Contents
Chapter 12 Creating Shafts With Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . 205
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Creating Shafts with Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Configuring the Snap Options . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Starting and Configuring Shaft Generators . . . . . . . 208
Creating Cylindrical Shaft Sections and Gears . . . . . . 210
Inserting Spline Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Inserting Chamfer and Fillet . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Inserting Shaft Breaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Creating Side Views of Shafts. . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Inserting Threads on Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Editing Shafts and Inserting Sections . . . . . . . . . 216
Replacing Shaft Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Inserting Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Chapter 13 Calculating Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Calculating Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Creating Shaft Contours . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Specifying the Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Placing Shaft Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Specifying Loads on Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Calculating and Inserting Results . . . . . . . . . . 232
Calculating Strengths of Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Chapter 14 Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines . . . . 239

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines . . . . . . 241
Calculating Moments of Inertia . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Calculating Deflection Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Chapter 15 Calculating Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Chain Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Performing Length Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . 252
Optimizing the Chain Length . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Inserting Sprockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Inserting Chains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Contents | vii
Chapter 16 Calculating Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Calculating Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Starting Spring Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Specifying Spring Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Calculating and Selecting Springs. . . . . . . . . . . 270
Inserting Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Copying Springs with Power Copy . . . . . . . . . . 273
Editing Springs with Power Edit . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Chapter 17 Calculating Screw Connections . . . . . . . . . . 277

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Methods for Calculating Screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Using Stand Alone Screw Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Selecting and Specifying Screws . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Selecting and Specifying Nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Selecting and Specifying Washers. . . . . . . . . . . 284
Specifying Plate Geometry and Properties . . . . . . . . 285
Specifying Contact Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Specifying Loads and Moments . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Specifying Settlement Properties . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Specifying Tightening Properties . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Creating and Inserting Result Blocks . . . . . . . . . . 293
Chapter 18 Calculating Stress Using FEA . . . . . . . . . . . 295

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
2D FEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Calculating the Stress in a Lever . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Defining Loads and Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Calculating Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Evaluating and Refining Mesh. . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Refining Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Recalculating Stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Chapter 19 Designing and Calculating Cams. . . . . . . . . . 311

Key Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Designing and Calculating Cams. . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Starting Cam Designs and Calculations . . . . . . . . . 314
Defining Motion Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Calculating Strength for Springs . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Exporting Cam Data and Viewing the Results . . . . . . . 328
viii | Contents
Appendix A Toolbar Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Main Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Main Toolbar - New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Main Toolbar - Basic Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Main Toolbar - Layer Functions . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Main Toolbar - Undo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Main Toolbar - Inquiry . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Main Toolbar - AutoCAD Mechanical Today . . . . . . . 333
Main Toolbar - dbConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Main Toolbar - Power Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Main Toolbar - Power Erase . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Main Toolbar - Power Copy . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Main Toolbar - Power Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . 334
Main Toolbar - Power Dimensioning - Units . . . . . . . 335
Main Toolbar - Power Snap . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Main Toolbar - Compass Rose . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Main Toolbar - UCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Zoom Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Zoom Toolbar - RTZOOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Zoom Toolbar - ZOOM2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Design Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Design Toolbar - Draw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Design Toolbar - Draw - Line . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Design Toolbar - Draw - Arc . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Design Toolbar - Draw - Rectangle . . . . . . . . . . 338
Design Toolbar - Draw - Circle . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Design Toolbar - Draw - Centerline . . . . . . . . . . 339
Design Toolbar - Draw - Hatch . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Design Toolbar - Draw - Construction . . . . . . . . . 339
Design Toolbar - Draw - Construction Edit . . . . . . . 339
Design Toolbar - Modify . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Assistance Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Assistance Toolbar - Block Create . . . . . . . . . . 341
Assistance Toolbar - Xref/Block Insert . . . . . . . . . 341
Assistance Toolbar - Title Block . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Assistance Toolbar - Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Assistance Toolbar - Paper/Model Space . . . . . . . . 342
Annotation Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Annotation Toolbar - Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Annotation Toolbar - Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Annotation Toolbar - BOM . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Contents | ix
Content Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Content - Screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Content - Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Content - Shaft Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Content - Standardtools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Content - Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Content - Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Content - Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Content - Calculation - Chain/Belt Calculation . . . . . . 346
Content - Calculation - Springs . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Power Snap Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Power Snap Toolbar - Point Filter . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Appendix B Layer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Appendix C Title Block Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Appendix D Accelerator Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
x | Contents
Part I
Getting Started
with AutoCAD
Mechanical 6
Part I provides information for getting started with your AutoCAD Mechanical 6 software.
It includes an overview of the product capabilities and functionality, and information
about the migration of files from previous releases.
In addition, Part I provides a guide to both the print and online documentation that you
received with your AutoCAD Mechanical software. Information about training courseware
and Internet resources are also included.
1
2 |
Where to Start
In This Chapter
1
This chapter provides information to get you started The AutoCAD Mechanical 6
software package
using the AutoCAD Mechanical 6 software. It describes
Modeling concepts
the basic concepts for modeling with the software, and Where to go first
Migration Assistance
the migration of files from previous releases.
AutoCAD Mechanical Today
An overview of the printed and online documentation Product documentation

Internet resources
is included, along with resources for product learning,
Typographical conventions
training, and support. Read this section so that any time
you need product information, you will know where to
locate it.
3
About AutoCAD Mechanical
AutoCAD Mechanical is a purpose built 2D mechanical design solution for
the internet age. Built on the AutoCAD 2002 software platform, the
AutoCAD Mechanical 6 design software package includes:
AutoCAD Mechanical 6 with the power pack (2D Parts and Calculations)
AutoCAD 2002
The AutoCAD Mechanical software provides 2D mechanical engineering and

design tools, including:
Improved design and detailing tools, including cams, springs, holes, and
notes for holes and standard parts.
Improved workflow and compliance with company standards
Intelligent production drawing and detailing
Assembly tools for managing detailed 2D drawings and assemblies
Standards based design and content, with more than half a million
reusable 2D standard parts, features, holes and structural steel shapes
Machinery systems generators that speed up systems creation and reduce
errors
Engineering calculations that provide greater accuracy
Collaboration tools, including support for Autodesk Streamline
Built-in IGES translator
Modeling with AutoCAD Mechanical 6

AutoCAD Mechanical 6 software contains over half a million standard parts
with data for creating the parts list, standard dependent drawing borders
with title blocks, symbols, calculations, and so on.
Object Oriented Construction

If you compare the AutoCAD drawing objects with the objects from
AutoCAD Mechanical 6, you notice that the Mechanical objects contain
contours, centerlines, symbols, shafts, screws, bearings, and so on.
4 | Chapter 1 Where to Start

For example, if the nominal diameter of a screw connection has to be
changed, all elements of the screw connection (such as edges and hatches)
have to be changed manually. AutoCAD Mechanical 6 recognizes the screw
connection, and changes the elements automatically. Therefore the
construction is object oriented.
Layer and Layer Groups

The AutoCAD Mechanical layer system is made up of base layers, special
layers, and layer groups.
Base Layer - consists of the working layers and standard part layers. Base
layers are repeated in each layer group.
Special Layers - serve to turn object layers on and off to make a drawing
clearer, and speed up plotting.
Layer Groups - you can assign associated or related items of a drawing to
particular layer groups and add those layer groups to the base layer group.
If you are creating an object or inserting a part into the drawing, the object
is placed on the appropriate layer automatically. For example, centerlines
will be placed on base layer AM_7, hatches on base layer AM_8, and
dimensions on base layer AM_5. Standard parts are placed on base layers with
the suffix *N.
Modeling with AutoCAD Mechanical 6 | 5

Linetypes, Lineweight, and Color
The predefined layers have suitable lineweights, linetypes and colors
assigned to them, varying depending on the set standard.
Since the object attributes of almost all drawing elements are configured with
the ByLayer method, centerlines, construction lines, hidden edges, and so
on, are controlled automatically.
Dimension Styles
AutoCAD Mechanical 6 contains several standard dependent dimension
styles, which are used automatically according to the dimension functions.
Text Styles and Text Fonts

There are four text style formats with different text heights, and alignments.
Additionally AutoCAD Mechanical 6 offers font databases with a vast
number of special characters, for example the diameter symbol.
Scale Factors
Dimensions, hatches, and text styles depend on the plot scale. The linetypes,
symbols, and so on, are synchronized accordingly.
You can set the base scale factor in the Mechanical Options dialog box, or by
inserting a predefined drawing border for a new drawing. If you combine
several drawing borders to a file, each of the drawings can have a different
plot scale.
In model space it is easy to handle more than one scale, by creating scale
areas with different scale factors. These are taken into consideration
automatically, for example when adding dimensions or symbols to drawing
objects.
When you choose a layout tab, you can create viewports with the appropriate
enlargement scale. It is also possible to automatically or manually create new
viewports, that are based on existing scale areas in model space.
Rescaling Objects
If you determine that the format or the scale factor for a drawing border has
to be changed, AutoCAD Mechanical 6 rescales all affected drawing objects.
All texts, dimensions, and symbols, will automatically be resized according
to the new scale factor.

Starting AutoCAD Mechanical
You can start AutoCAD Mechanical by using one of the following procedures:
Click Start on the task bar, then choose Programs. Select AutoCAD
Mechanical 6 or AutoCAD Mechanical 6 Power Pack.
On the desktop double-click the desired AutoCAD Mechanical icon:
Where to Go First
Here you learn which components of the documentation are most helpful
for your level of experience.
See Printed and Online Manuals on page 11 for a description of the printed
and online documentation components and their locations.
New AutoCAD User

If you are new to AutoCAD 2002:
See the AutoCAD 2002 User's Guide, which explains concepts and provides
procedures for completing common drafting tasks. The glossary helps you
understand AutoCAD 2002 terminology.
Quick Reference Card: An at-a-glance reference to AutoCAD toolbars and
accelerator keys. The card is located at the back of the printed Users Guide,
but is not available online.
Once you are familiar with AutoCAD 2002, follow the suggestions in the next
section for learning AutoCAD Mechanical 6.
New AutoCAD Mechanical 6 User

If you are familiar with AutoCAD, but you are new to AutoCAD Mechanical:
Read chapter 2, Features and Commands on page 17. This is an
overview of AutoCAD Mechanical basics and the user interface.
Go through the AutoCAD Mechanical tutorials in this manual. The
tutorials are also offered in PDF format on the product CD and on the
Web.
Refer to the Glossary in the Help to familiarize yourself with AutoCAD
Mechanical terminology.
As you use AutoCAD Mechanical, refer to Help for information about
commands, procedures, and concepts. From the Help menu, choose
AutoCAD Mechanical, select the general area of information you seek, and
then choose a specific topic.
Starting AutoCAD Mechanical | 7

Upgrading User
If you are upgrading from a previous release of AutoCAD Mechanical, see
chapter 3, New and Revised Commands on page 37 for all of the revised
and new features in this release.
Compatibility
If you are saving a file in AutoCAD Mechanical 6 format, the drawing is not
compatible with drawings saved in AutoCAD Mechanical 2000i format.
However, it is possible to save AutoCAD Mechanical 6 files in AutoCAD
Mechanical 2000i format with the revised Save As command.
Accessing AutoCAD Mechanical Commands

AutoCAD Mechanical provides several methods to access commands and
manage your design process.
The following are samples of the access methods available to you:
Context Menu In the graphics area, right-click and choose Power Edit.
Toolbutton Power Edit
Desktop Menu Modify Power Commands Power Edit
Command AMPOWEREDIT
The step-by-step procedures in the tutorials indicate the command name in

the opening procedural text. The appropriate toolbutton is displayed in the
margin next to the preferred access method. In the tutorials, the context
menu method is used when the menus are sensitive to what you are doing.
The Browser method is used when you can save time and steps. You can use
any of the alternate methods as well.
Here is an example of how methods are used in the tutorials:
1 Use AMPOWEREDIT to edit a feature.
Context Menu In the graphics area, right-click and choose Power Edit.
NOTE To find the location of a particular toolbutton, refer to Appendix A.

Migration Assistance
To migrate Genius 14 parts lists, layers, and symbols to use with AutoCAD
Mechanical 6, you can use the Migration Assistance.
The File Migration Tool (FMT) is a component of AutoCAD Mechanical 6
Migration Assistance, an independent Visual Basic (not VBA) application
located on your product CD. The FMT migrates multiple files from previous
releases of AutoCAD Mechanical to the current format. You can install
AutoCAD Mechanical 6 Migration Assistance during or after the installation
of your Autodesk mechanical product.
To install the Migration Assistance from your product CD

1 Hold down the SHIFT key while you insert the product CD into the CD-ROM
drive. This prevents Setup from starting automatically.
2 In the file tree of the CD-ROM drive, navigate to the Migrate folder and
double-click setup.exe.
3 Respond to the directions in the AutoCAD Mechanical 6 Migration
Assistance installation dialog boxes.
For more information about the Migration Assistance, refer to the AutoCAD
Mechanical 6 and Mechanical Desktop 6 Installation Guide on your product CD.
Migration Assistance | 9
The first time you open the AutoCAD Mechanical program, the Today
window is displayed on top of the program interface along with instructions
about how to use it. The Today feature is a powerful tool that makes it easy
to manage drawings, communicate to design teams, and link directly to
design information.
In the Today window, you can expand the following options for access to the
services you require.
My Workplace Connect directly to files on your computer and your local
network.
My Drawings Open existing drawings, create new ones, or access
symbol libraries.
Bulletin Board Post your own Web page with links to block libraries, CAD
standards, or other folders and directories on your
company intranet. CAD managers can use the Bulletin
Board to communicate with their design teams. An HTML
bulletin board template is provided.
The Web Connect directly to the Internet.
Autodesk Link directly to design information and tools such as
Point A Buzzsaw.com on the Web. Use the units converter, link to
Autodesk Web sites, and much more.
Login and create your free account. Customize the
information in Autodesk Point A for your specific needs.
You can close the Today Window and use the File menu to create new draw-
ings or open existing drawings.
If you prefer not to see the Today Window when you start AutoCAD Mechanical,
you can turn it off in Assist AutoCAD Options System Startup.

Printed and Online Manuals
The extensive set of printed and online documentation provided with your
purchase of AutoCAD Mechanical 6 software includes the printed AutoCAD
Mechanical 6 Users Guide and the AutoCAD Users Guide.
The online AutoCAD Mechanical 6 and Mechanical Desktop 6 Installation Guide
is provided on the product CD.
All of the AutoCAD Mechanical 6 manuals are available in PDF format in
Help and on the AutoCAD Mechanical product page of the Autodesk Web
site at http://www.autodesk.com/autocadmech Product Information
Online and Print Manuals.
AutoCAD Mechanical Printed Manual

The printed AutoCAD Mechanical 6 Users Guide is divided into two parts.
Part I An introduction to the product and information you need
to get started using the software.
Part II A set of tutorials to expand your skills in using AutoCAD
Mechanical.
Whats New In the Tutorials

This release of AutoCAD Mechanical 6 has many features that will help you
create drawings faster and more intuitively.
In addition to the features described in the following, you will find
New tool buttons providing access to more commands

Shortcut menus, accessible in the graphics area as you work on your
drawing.
Redesigned command prompts and user interfaces that provide more
information, and make it easier to choose from command options.
Chapter 4 Working with Templates: Improved Mechanical Options

dialog box and AutoCAD Mechanical Today window.
Chapter 5 Working with Layers and Layer Groups: New Visibility
Enhancement dialog box.
Chapter 6 Designing Levers: New Power Dimensioning dialog box.
Chapter 7 Working with Model Space and Layouts: Improved Detail
dialog box
Printed and Online Manuals | 11

Chapter 8 Dimensioning: Improved Power Dimensioning dialog
box.
Chapter 9 Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes: new 2D Hide
feature, and insert and modify steel shapes.
Chapter 10 Working with Standard Parts: screw assembly templates.
Chapter 11 Working with a Bill of Material and a Parts List: improved
part reference behavior
Chapter 12 Creating Shafts with Standard Parts: start a new drawing
and use a predefined template with AutoCAD Today.
Chapter 13 Calculating Shafts: improved shaft calculation routine
and new strength calculation routine.
Chapter 14 Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines:
improved material selection dialog
Chapter 15 Calculating Chains: Improved methods to create and
calculate chains or belts.
Chapter 16 Calculating Springs: improved spring calculation routine.
Chapter 17 Calculating Screw Connections: new screw calculation
routine.
Chapter 18 Calculating Stress Using FEA: improved command line
prompts for the FEA routine.
Chapter 19 Designing and Calculating Cams: improved cam design
and calculation routine.
AutoCAD Printed Manual

The printed AutoCAD Users Guide contains comprehensive information and
instructions for using AutoCAD. This manual is also available online in the
AutoCAD Help.
Online Installation Guide

The AutoCAD Mechanical 6 and Mechanical Desktop 6 Installation Guide is
available on the product CD. It provides the following information:
Introduction Whats in the software.
Chapter 1 System requirements and recommendations for installing
and running the software.

Chapter 2 Procedures to install, upgrade, authorize, and maintain
the software for a single user, and information you need
to know before you begin your installation.
Chapter 3 Information for network administrators. Instructions for
installing and configuring for a network environment.
Chapter 4 Technical information about environment variables and
performance enhancements to optimize performance of
the software.
Chapter 5 Information about cabling and option settings, plus other
information necessary to link and configure plotters and
printers with AutoCAD Mechanical/Mechanical Desktop.
Chapter 6 Instructions to uninstall the software, maintain your hard
disk, and recover data in case of a system failure.
AutoCAD 2002 Documentation

You should be familiar with AutoCAD before you use AutoCAD Mechanical.
The complete set of AutoCAD 2002 documentation is available in the
AutoCAD Help. It includes:
User's Guide*
Command Reference*
Customization Guide*
ActiveX and VBA Developer's Guide*
ActiveX and VBA Reference
AutoLISP Reference
Visual LISPTM Developer's Guide*
Visual LISPTM Tutorial*
DXFTM Reference
Driver Peripheral Guide
Connectivity Automation Reference
Network Administrators Guide
AutoCAD 2002 manuals marked with an asterisk can be ordered in print from
your local reseller.
The AutoCAD 2002 Learning Assistance CD that is included in your package
is a multimedia learning tool for intermediate to experienced AutoCAD
users.
If you currently own a valid license for an Autodesk product and require
replacement media or documentation, please call the Customer Service
Center at 1-800-538-6401 to order.
Printed and Online Manuals | 13

AutoCAD Mechanical Help
The Help in AutoCAD Mechanical provides information about AutoCAD
Mechanical with the power pack.
The Help is formatted for easy navigation, and includes:
Content organized by the major functional areas of AutoCAD Mechanical,

with How To, Reference, and Learn About pages for each functional area
Specific information about each of the features in the program
Concepts and procedures for the new features in this release
A keyword index and search function
Printable Command Reference
Guides to system variables and accelerator keys
Access to Support Assistance with integrated links to solutions
For access to Help, you can choose from the following methods:
From the Help menu, select Mechanical Help Topics.
Select the Help button in the standard toolbar.
Press F1. This opens the topic for an active button or command.
Click the Help button within a dialog box.
Product Support Assistance in Help

When you need product support, refer to Support Assistance in the Help
menu. Support Assistance ensures quick access to technical support informa-
tion through an easy-to-use issue/solution format with self-help tools and a
knowledge base.
Product Support Assistance provides information about support options
available from resellers, Autodesk System Centers (ASCs), user groups in your
area, and those available directly from the Autodesk Web pages, including
the Autodesk Product Support Index.
Updating the Support Assistance Knowledge

Base
You can update your Support Assistance knowledge base with the latest
support information about AutoCAD Mechanical by using the
Documentation Update utility in the Support Assistance Welcome.

To update your Support Assistance Knowledge Base
1 From the Help menu, choose Support Assistance, then choose Download.
2 Follow the prompts to update your knowledge base.
Learning and Training Resources

Many sources for learning and training are listed on the AutoCAD Mechanical
Learning and Training Web page. From the AutoCAD Mechanical Web site at
http://www.autodesk.com/autocadmech, navigate to Learning and Training. You
can link directly to sources for
Online courses and tutorials
The Autodesk Official Training Courseware (AOTC)
A list of Autodesk authorized resellers and trainers
Autodesk Official Training Courseware (AOTC) is the Autodesk-endorsed

courseware for instructor-led training. To register for a training course,
contact an Authorized Autodesk Training Center, Authorized Autodesk
Reseller, or Autodesk System Center.
You can find a list of these organizations on the Autodesk Technical
Assistance Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/support and click Autodesk
Training Centers.
Internet Resources
Following are resources for information about Autodesk products and
assistance with your AutoCAD Mechanical questions.
Autodesk Web site: http://www.autodesk.com
Autodesk Premier Products + Support Web site:
http://www.autodesk.com/supp/resource/phonespt/premier.htm
AutoCAD Mechanical discussion groups:
http://www.autodesk.com/autocadmech-discussion
Mechanical Desktop discussion groups:
http://www.autodesk.com/mechdesktop-discussion
To locate an authorized reseller in your area, go to:
http://www.autodesk.com/support.
Learning and Training Resources | 15

Typographical Conventions
To orient you to AutoCAD Mechanical features as they appear on the screen,
specific terms are set in typefaces that distinguish them from the body text.
Throughout AutoCAD Mechanical documentation, the following
conventions are used.
Typographical conventions
Text element Example
Commands ADCENTER, DBCONNECT, SAVE

AutoCAD system variables DIMBLK, DWGNAME, LTSCALE
AutoCAD named-objects, such as linetypes and stylesDASHDOT, STANDARD
Prompts Bom table [Delete/Main/Edit] <Edit>:
Instructions after prompt sequences Select objects: Select the object you want to copy
File names and file name extensions acad.exe, Readme file, .dwg file extension
Folder or directory names Sample folder, c:\ACADM2000i\support
Text you enter At the Command prompt, enter shape.
Keys you press on the keyboard CTRL, F10, ESC, ENTER
Keys you press simultaneously on the keyboard CTRL + C

Features and Commands
In This Chapter
2
This chapter provides information on the key areas of The AutoCAD Mechanical 6
functionality
2D mechanical design functionality in AutoCAD
Command summary
Mechanical 6.
A summary of commands with their toolbuttons and
functions is also provided.
17
AutoCAD
Key Features
Mechanical
in AutoCAD
6 Mechanical 6
AutoCAD MechanicalOverview
Functionality 6 extends the basic drawing, dimensioning and
documentation functionality of AutoCAD 2002. It provides 2D engineering
features
AutoCAD forMechanical
optimizing6your design,
extends the and
basicfeatures fordimensioning
drawing, getting the most
andout of
the intelligent standard
documentation parts in
functionality of your drawings.
AutoCAD 2002. It provides features for
getting the most out of the intelligent standard parts in your drawing, as well
The following are some of the features and functionality in five key areas of
as engineering features for optimizing your design.
mechanical design in AutoCAD Mechanical 6:
2D
2D Standard
Standard Parts
Parts
To generate an object from scratch, use the parametrically generated,
To generate an object from scratch, use the parametrically generated,
intelligent geometry listed below:
intelligent geometry listed below:
Standard Parts contain more than 800.000 intelligent standard parts
Standard Parts contain more than 800,000 intelligent standard parts
including screws, nuts, washers, pins, rivets, bushings, rings, seals,
including screws, nuts, washers, pins, rivets, bushings, rings, seals,
bearings, and others.
bearings, and others.
Standard Features contain 8,000 intelligent standard features including
Standard Features contain 8,000 intelligent standard features including
slots, centerholes, undercuts, keyways, and thread ends.
slots, centerholes, undercuts, keyways, and thread ends.
Standard Holes contain over 20,000 intelligent standard holes including
Standard Holes contain over 20,000 intelligent standard holes including
through holes, blind holes, counterbores, countersinks, and others.
through holes, blind holes, counterbores, countersinks, and others.
Standard Structural Steel Shapes contain over 44,000 intelligent standard
Standard Structural Steel Shapes contain over 44,000 intelligent standard
structural steel shapes.
structural steel shapes.
Standard
Standard Part
PartsTools
Tools
Almost more important than the standard parts are the tools designed for
Almost more important than the standard parts are the tools designed for
them. After all, how often does a design call for a screw without an
them. After all, how often does a design call for a screw without an
accompanying hole? In AutoCAD Mechanical 6 these tools include:
accompanying hole? In AutoCAD Mechanical 6 these tools include:
A Screw Connection for inserting complete fastener assemblies.
A Screw Connection for inserting complete fastener assemblies.
Change Representation functionality changes the representation of your
Change Representation functionality changes the representation of your
standard parts (symbolic, simplified, standard).
standard parts (symbolic, simplified, standard).
The Power View function for deriving associative orthographic views, for
The Power View function for deriving associative orthographic views, for
example, a side view of a standard part from a front view or vice versa.
example, a side view of a standard part from a front view or vice versa.
18 | Chapter 2 Features and Commands

Design Productivity
Features designed to increase productivity and reduce the number of steps
needed to complete mechanical designs include:
Design and detailing tools, including cam and spring design and analysis,
hole charts, and notes for holes and standard parts.
Improved workflow and compliance with company standards, including
enhancements to BOMs, grouping of a Parts list, automatic scaling of
Mechanical symbols, layer group support within the AutoCAD Design
Center, and enhancements.
An intelligent, customizable layer management system that puts objects on
the appropriate layers automatically. The existing layer groups enable
separate handling of parts (as well as the appropriate hidden edges,
hatches, dimensions, and so on).
Power commands which provide a single command to edit, copy (with the
objects intelligence), update, or recall a previous command.
Double-click editing - where you can double-click any entity in AutoCAD
Mechanical 6 the appropriate function needed to edit that entity is
invoked.
Simple commands for creating geometry typically found in mechanical
drawings such as centerlines and centerline crosses, symmetrical lines, section
lines, break lines, and others.
Leveraging legacy data, with a built-in IGES translator and Save as previ-
ous release support.
Production Drawing Creation Tools

AutoCAD Mechanical 6 offers tools that automate the creation of typical
objects found in drawings and can reduce the time needed to complete
production drawing. These features include:
Balloons and bills of material including support of multiple parts lists per
drawing as well as features such as summation and position lists and mask
editor.
A feature for creating detailed views at user-specified scale and location.
Functionality for creating standard sized drawing borders and title blocks in
your drawing.
A command for creating hole charts and charts of (X,Y) coordinates.
Language conversion features for converting the text on a drawing into one
of 17 different languages.
Key Features in AutoCAD Mechanical 6 | 19

Dimensioning and Annotation Productivity Tools
Features designed to make you more productive in dimensioning and
annotating your mechanical designs include
Power Dimension commands provide a single command to create or edit

any type of angular, linear, radial, or diameter dimension including
adding fits or tolerances according to any standard.
Automatic dimension commands add either ordinate, baseline, chain, or
shaft dimensions to 2D geometry automatically.
A feature for quick creation of leader notes.
Functionality for creating surface texture symbols, geometric dimensioning
and tolerances, targets, weld symbols, and other symbols commonly found
in mechanical drawings.
2D Assembly Design Tools

Functionality aimed at helping you manage detailed component drawings
from a 2D assembly include
A 2D Hide command for performing 2D hidden line calculations based on

foreground and background objects.
Auto Detailing functionality for creating and managing detailed drawings
of individual components from an assembly drawing.
Machinery Systems Generator

Machines that have movement required systems to transfer power and
motion. AutoCAD Mechanical 6 offers the following tools to help you save
time and reduce errors when designing these types of systems:
Shaft Generator creates shafts with commonly found features including

centerholes, chamfers, cones, fillets, grooves, profiles, threads, undercuts,
and wrench fittings. In addition, standard parts such as bearings, gears,
retaining rings and seals, that are commonly found in shafts are also
available.
Spring Generator calculates, selects and inserts compression, extension
and/or torsion springs, and Belleville spring washers in a design. The
representation type of the spring can be controlled by the user and a spec
form can be created to incorporate into the drawing.
Belt and Chain Generator create sprockets and pulleys, calculate optimal
lengths for chains and belts, and insert chain or belt elements in your
design.

Calculation Tools
AutoCAD Mechanical 6 provides the following tools for saving you time with
your engineering calculations, and insuring you get the design right the first
time
Cam Generator creates cam plates and cylindrical cams given input border
conditions. Velocity and acceleration, as well as the cam curve path can
be calculated and displayed. Driven elements can be coupled to the cam
and NC data can be created via the curve on the path.
Beam Calculation determines the moment of inertia and deflection of
beams.
Engineering Calculation
A mechanical design includes more than just proper fit and form, it also
includes proper function. Insuring proper function requires incorporating
Engineering know-how. AutoCAD Mechanical 6 provides the following tools
for saving you time with your engineering calculations, and insuring you get
the design right the first time:
Shaft Calculations include the deflection line, bending moment, torsion

moment, supporting force, torque rotation angle, equivalent tension and
safety factor for shafts with regards to influence of notches and dynamic
load according to DIN 743 and ANSI.
Screw Pre-Calculation selects the right size screw based on given forces,
materials, and methods of tightening.
Bearing Calculations select the right bearing based on load and life ratings.
FEA for determining the resistance capability of an object put under a
static load. This function allows you to add movable and fixed supports to
the part to be analyzed and also enter stress points, lines, and areas.
The Screw Calculation gives the designer a tool to check a screw
connection. As a result it calculates the different safety factors. The
designer can calculate high duty bolted joints with one screw.
Collaboration with Manufacturing Teams

AutoCAD Mechanical 6 provides support for Autodesk Streamline.
There is More...
There are many more productivity enhancing features and functions in
AutoCAD Mechanical 6. Read the next section for a command summary
listing all of the AutoCAD Mechanical 6 features.
Key Features in AutoCAD Mechanical 6 | 21

Command Summary
The following is a list of the AutoCAD Mechanical 6 commands, the
associated toolbutton, and a brief description of each. This list does not
contain the commands for AutoCAD 2002. For more information about the
commands, see the option, Commands in Alphabetical Order, in the Help.
Toolbutton Command Name Description
AM2DHIDE Hides invisible edges
AM2DHIDEDIT Edits existing hide situations
AMADJRINGS2D Creates an adjusting ring on a shaft
AMANALYSEDWG Creates a file in which the current layer structure

of the drawing is written
AMASSOHATCH Suits an existing hatch to a changed contour
AMATTACHSYM Displays or attaches non-attached symbols
AMAUTOCLINES Automatically creates construction lines on

selected drawing elements
AMAUTODETAIL Creates an external detail drawing (xref) of

selected elements from an assembly drawing
AMAUTODIM Creates chain, baseline, ordinate in both axes,

shaft, or symmetric dimensions
AMBALLOON Creates and places a balloon
AMBEARCALC Performs calculation on bearings
AMBELL2D Selects, calculates, and inserts Belleville spring

washers
AMBHOLE2D Creates a standard related blind hole

AMBOM Creates a BOM database containing a list of

attributes
AMBREAKATPT Breaks a line, polyline, or a spline on a specified

point
AMBROUTLINE Draws a special spline to show the breakout

borders
AMBSLOT2D Creates a blind slot
AMCAM Starts the cam design and calculation routine
AMCENCRANGLE Draws a centerline cross with an angle
AMCENCRCORNER Draws a centerline cross in a corner
AMCENCRFULLCIRCLE Draws a centerline cross on a circle
AMCENCRHOLE Draws a centerline cross with a hole
AMCENCRINHOLE Draws a centerline cross in a hole
AMCENCROSS Draws a centerline cross
AMCENCRPLATE Draws a centerline cross on a plate
AMCENINBET Draws a centerline in between two lines
AMCENTERHOLE2D Creates a centerhole
AMCENTLINE Draws a centerline
Command Summary | 23
AMCHAINDRAW Draws chain or belt links
AMCHAINLENGTHCAL Determines the tangent definition between

sprockets/pulleys
AMCHAM2D Bevels the edges of objects
AMCLEVISPIN2D Creates a clevis pin
AMCLINEL Locks or unlocks the construction line layer
AMCLINEO Switches construction lines on/off
AMCOMP2D Selects, calculates, and inserts compression

springs.
AMCONSTLINES Draws construction lines
AMCONSTSWI Switches construction lines between lines and

rays
AMCONTIN Displays the inner contour of an object
AMCONTOUT Displays the outer contour of an object
AMCONTRACE Traces all points of a contour
AMCONVDWG Converts the current drawing
AMCOPY Makes copies of one or multiple selected

objects.

AMCOTTERPIN2D Creates a cotter pin
AMCOUNTB2D Creates a standard related counterbore
AMCOUNTS2D Creates a standard related countersink
AMCRIVET2D Creates a countersunk rivet
AMCYLPIN2D Creates a cylindrical pin
AMDATUMID Creates a datum identifier symbol
AMDATUMTGT Creates and edits a datum target symbol
AMDEFLINE Calculates the deflection line or moment line of

an object that has various force elements acting
on it
AMDETAIL Enlarges selected parts of a drawing
AMDIMALIGN Aligns linear, rotated, aligned, ordinate, or

angular dimensions that have a base dimension
of the same type
AMDIMARRANGE Rearranges individual dimensions that lie along

one axis, in respect to a reference point
AMDIMBREAK Creates breaks in an existing dimension
AMDIMFORMAT Modifies dimensions in drawing mode
AMDIMINSERT Edits linear, aligned, rotated, and angular

dimensions by inserting new dimensions of the
same type simultaneously
AMDIMJOIN Edits linear, aligned, and angular (3-point or 2-

line) dimensions by joining similar dimensions
into a single dimension
AMDIMMEDIT Edits multiple dimensions at the same time
AMDIMSTRETCH Shortens or lengthens linear or symmetric

dimensions
AMDRBUSH2D Creates a single drill bushing
AMDRBUSHHOLE2D Creates a drill bushing and the corresponding

hole
AMEDGESYM Creates edge symbols
AMEQUATEDIT Generates and organizes equations
AMERASEALLCL Erases all construction lines
AMERASECL Erases selected construction lines
AMEXT2D Selects, calculates, and insertsextension springs.
AMEXTHREAD2D Creates an external thread
AMFCFRAME Creates feature control frame symbols
AMFEA2D Calculates stress and deformation in a plane for

plates with a given thickness or in a cross section
with individual forces and stretching loads
AMFEATID Creates feature identifier symbols
AMFILLET2D Rounds and fillets the edges of objects
AMFITSLIST Puts existing fits and their respective dimension

values into a list and inserts this fits list into your
drawing

AMGROOVE2D Inserts a retaining ring/circlip with the

appropriate groove in a shaft
AMGROOVESTUD2D Creates a grooved drive stud
AMHATCH_135_11 Creates a 135-degree and 11 mm/0.4 inch

hatch
AMHATCH_135_2 Creates a 135-degree and 2.7 mm/0.11 inch

hatch
AMHATCH_135_4 Creates a 135-degree and 4.7 mm/0.19 inch

hatch
AMHATCH_45_13 Creates a 45-degree and 13 mm/0.5 inch hatch
AMHATCH_45_2 Creates a 45-degree and 2.5 mm/0.1 inch hatch
AMHATCH_45_5 Creates a 45-degree and 5 mm/0.22 inch hatch
AMHATCH_DBL Creates a double hatch of 45- and 135-degree

and 2.3 mm/0.09 inch
AMHELP Displays the online help
AMHOLECHART Creates coordinate dimensions for holes in a

work piece and generates hole charts
AMINERTIA Carries out the following tasks: center of gravity,

directions of the main axes moment, moments
of inertia, effective moment of inertia, deflection
angle
AMINERTIAPROF Calculates the moment of inertia for cross

sections of cylinders, hollow cylinders,
rectangular prisms, or hollow rectangular prisms
AMJOIN Joins different entities
AMLANGCONV Translates text strings in your drawing into

another language
AMLANGTEXT Displays and uses text from the Language

Converter
AMLAYER Manages the layer system
AMLAYINVO Switches invisible lines on/off
AMLAYMOVE Moves lines to another layer
AMLAYMOVEPL Moves lines to parts layers
AMLAYMOVEWL Moves lines to working layers
AMLAYPARTO Switches standard parts on/off
AMLAYPARTREFO Switches part reference on/off
AMLAYRESET Resets all layers
AMLAYTIBLO Switches the border and title block on/off
AMLAYVISENH Specifies the layer group setting during a

working session
AMLAYVPO Switches viewports on/off
AMLGMOVE Moves elements in a selection set to a specific

layer group
AMLIBRARY Displays the Library dialog box
AMLUBRI2D Creates a lubricator
AMMCONTV Makes a contour visible

AMMIGRATEBB Converts infopoints, position numbers, and

parts lists (on a drawing) from Genius 13/Genius
14 to AutoCAD Mechanical 2002 format
AMMIGRATESYM Converts all symbols from Genius 13/14 to

AutoCAD Mechanical 2002 format
AMNOTE Describes holes and fits, and creates notes to the

drawing with a leader
AMNUT2D Creates a nut
AMOFFSET Creates new objects at specified distances from

an existing object or through a specified point
AMOPTIONS Sets configurations
AMPARTLIST Creates and places a parts list in a drawing
AMPARTREF Creates part references
AMPARTREFEDIT Edits part reference data
AMPLBEAR2D Inserts a plain bearing on a shaft or in a housing
AMPLOTDATE Inserts the current date in the lower right corner

of the title block
AMPLRIVET2D Creates a plain rivet
AMPLUG2D Creates a plug
AMPOWERCOPY Copies an object with its internal information to

another position in the drawing
AMPOWERDIM Creates dimensions, or assigns tolerances or fits

to any of these dimensions
AMPOWERDIM_ANG Creates angular dimensions, or assigns

tolerances or fits to dimension
AMPOWEREDIT Starts the command with which the selected

object was created to edit the object
AMPOWERERASE Deletes selected objects
AMPOWERRECALL Starts the command with which the selected

object was created, to create a new object
AMPOWERSNAP Sets object snap modes, polar snap, and filters

for object snaps
AMPOWERVIEW Creates top or side views of standard parts
AMPROJO Creates a projection crosshairs used for creating

orthographic views
AMPSNAP1 Sets user-defined snap settings on tab 1
AMPSNAPCEN Snaps the rectangle center
AMPSNAPFILTERO Switches the entity filter on or off
AMPSNAPMID Snaps to the middle of two points
AMPSNAPREF Snaps to a reference point

AMPSNAPREL Snaps to a relative point
AMPSNAPVINT Snaps to a virtual intersection point of two lines
AMPSNAPZO Switches snapping of the Z coordinate on or off
AMRECTANG Creates a rectangle by defining its starting and

endpoint
AMREFCLOSE Saves REFEDIT working set changes
AMREFCOPY Copies objects from other blocks to the

REFEDIT working set
AMRESCALE Rescales dimensions and symbols in model and

layout
AMREV Switches revision lists on or off
AMREVLINE Inserts a revision list into a drawing or adds an

additional revision line to an existing revision list
AMREVUPDATE Updates revision lists
AMROLBEAR2D Inserts a radial or axial roller bearing on a shaft

or in a housing
AMSCALEXY Allows scaling for entities in X and Y direction
AMSCAREA Creates a scale area in model space
AMSCMONITOR Views and edits the scale of scale areas or

viewports
AMSCREW2D Creates a screw or bolt
AMSCREWCALC Checks a screw connection
AMSCREWCON2D Opens the Screw Connection dialog box
AMSCREWMACRO2D Opens the Screw Assembly Templates dialog

box
AMSCRIPT Generates scripts
AMSEALRING2D Creates a sealing ring for use under a plug
AMSEALS2D Inserts a seal/O-ring with the appropriate

groove in a shaft
AMSECTIONLINE Creates cutting plane lines
AMSETUPDWG Sets up a drawing
AMSHAFT2D Creates rotationally symmetric shaft parts and

inner and outer shaft contours
AMSHAFTCALC Calculates deflection line, bending moment,

torsion moment, supporting force, torque
rotation angle, equivalent tension, and the
safety factor of shafts
AMSHAFTEND Creates a zigzag line, a free-hand line, or loop to

represent a shaft end
AMSHAFTKEY2D Inserts a parallel or woodruff key with the

appropriate keyseat in a shaft
AMSHAFTLNUT2D Creates a shaft lock nut including the lock

washer and inserts both in a shaft
AMSHIMRING2D Creates a shim ring on a shaft
AMSIMPLEWELD Creates seam and fillet simple welds

AMSPROCKET Draws sprockets or pulleys
AMSTDPLIB Opens the Parts Database dialog box for editing

and selection
AMSTDPREP Changes the representation of a standard part
AMSTLSHAP2D Creates a steel shape
AMSTYLEITAL Changes the text style to italic
AMSTYLESIMP Changes the text style to simplex
AMSTYLESTAND Changes the text style to standard
AMSTYLETXT Changes the text style to TXT
AMSURFSYM Creates surface texture symbols
AMSYMLEADER Appends/removes a leader
AMSYMLINE Draws symmetrical lines
AMTAPBHOLE2D Creates a standard related tapped blind hole
AMTAPERPIN2D Creates a taper pin
AMTAPTHOLE2D Creates a standard related tapped through hole
AMTBFULL Displays the Mechanical Toolbar at the left side

and the Snap Toolbar at the right side
AMTBLEFT Places the Mechanical Express Toolbar at the left

side
AMTBRIGHT Places the Mechanical Express Toolbar at the

right side
AMTEXT3 Inserts mtext with 3.5 mm height
AMTEXT5 Inserts mtext with 5 mm height
AMTEXT7 Inserts mtext with 7 mm height
AMTEXTCENT Centers text horizontally and vertically
AMTEXTHORIZ Centers text horizontally
AMTEXTRIGHT Aligns mtext to the right
AMTEXTSIZE Sets text to its default size in model space and

layout, and defines a height for an inserted text
AMTHOLE2D Creates a standard related through hole
AMTHREADEND2D Creates a thread end
AMTITLE Inserts a title block and a drawing border
AMTOR2D Selects, calculates, and inserts torsion springs.
AMTRCONT Traces contours on construction lines
AMTSLOT2D Creates a standard related through slot.
AMUBHOLE2D Creates a user-defined blind hole

AMUBSLOT2D Creates a user-defined blind slot
AMUCOUNTB2D Creates a user-defined counterbore
AMUCOUNTS2D Creates a user-defined countersink
AMUNDERCUT2D Creates an undercut on a shaft
AMUSERHATCH Inserts a user-defined hatch
AMUTHOLE2D Creates a user-defined through hole
AMUTSLOT2D Creates a user-defined slot
AMVIEWALL Zooms the view according to the limits
AMVIEWCEN Zooms the center of the viewports
AMVIEWLL Zooms the predefined lower-left quarter of the

drawing
AMVIEWLR Zooms the predefined lower-right quarter of the

drawing
AMVIEWUL Zooms the predefined upper-left quarter of the

drawing
AMVIEWUR Zooms the predefined upper-right quarter of

the drawing
AMVPORT Creates a viewport in layout
AMVPORTAUTO Creates viewports automatically
AMVPZOOMALL Resets the viewports to the default scale factor
AMWASHER2D Creates a washer
AMWELDSYM Creates welding symbols
AMXREFSET Controls the representation of xrefs
AMZIGZAGLINE Draws zigzag lines
AMZOOMVP Displays a selected area in another viewport

New and Revised
Commands
In This Chapter
3
This chapter contains information about the new and New and Revised Commands
New functions
revised commands and functions in AutoCAD
Mechanical 6.
37
New and Revised Command Summary
AutoCAD Mechanical 6 includes a number of new commands and
commands revised from the previous version. This is an overview of the most
important changes in AutoCAD Mechanical 6.
For more information about new features, see Key Features in AutoCAD
Mechanical 6 on page 18.
AMBALLOON
Creates and places balloons.
Menu Annotate Parts List Tools Balloons

Command AMBALLOON
Improved collection of different balloon types.
AMBELL2D
Selects, calculates, and inserts Belleville spring washers.
Menu Content Springs

Command AMBELL2D
Spring selection from Standard Parts Database.

Every spring type has its own command.
New user interface.
Changed insertion sequence for simplified handling.
Former spring blocks changed to custom entities.
38 | Chapter 3 New and Revised Commands

AMBOM
Creates a BOM database containing a list of attributes.
Menu Annotate Parts List Tools BOM Database

Command AMBOM
Grouped by functionality in Parts List.

Item number enhancement (text, increment, leading zero)
Set values improvement (ascending text for item).
Grid lines on/off.
Improved cuts list creation.
AMCAM
Calculates various cams.
Menu Content Cams

Command AMCAM
Completely new User Interface.

Supports circular, cylindrical, and linear cams.
Supports follower design and calculation.
Enables strength calculations of the cam.
Supports polynominals, not only fifth degree.
Calculation of various motion curves is possible.
Generates 3D solids for 3D representation of the cam.
Enhanced export functions.
AMCOMP2D
Selects, calculates, and inserts compression springs.

Command AMSPRING

New user interface.
New and Revised Command Summary | 39

AMEXT2D
Selects, calculates, and inserts extension springs.

Command AMEXT2D

New user interface.
AMHOLECHART
Creates coordinate dimensions for holes in a work piece and generates hole charts.
Menu Annotate Hole Chart

Command AMHOLECHART
New, and improved user interface.

Changed hole chart from block to custom entities.
Migration of Genius hole chart to AutoCAD Mechanical 6 hole chart.
Hole chart is standard dependent.
Allows user-defined modifications of hole charts.
AMMANIPULATE
Dynamically moves and rotates selected geometry along/around the X, Y, Z axes.
Menu Modify Power Manipulator

Command AMMANIPULATE
User-friendly, modeless dialog.

Supports tooltips.
Redesigned Properties dialog.

AMNOTE
Describes holes and fits, and creates notes to the drawing with a leader.
Menu Annotate Note

Command AMNOTE
New dialog, which displays all variables of features.

Can be attached to all features (standard parts, holes, and so on).
Allows the creation of templates specific to a feature type.
Simplified insertion of special characters.
Applying of different dimension styles is possible.
AMOPTIONS
Sets the configuration
Menu Assist Mechanical Options

Command AMOPTIONS
New, Hole Chart entry in Standard Settings.

Note Template added to Mechanical Options.
AMPARTLIST
Creates and places a parts list in a drawing.
Menu Annotate Parts List Tools Parts List

Command AMPARTLIST
New Grouping tool, which compares items by key definitions and groups
them according to the selection.
Parts List allows different increments.
Grid lines on/off.
Item columns can be changed from numeric entries to text entries.
New and Revised Command Summary | 41

AMSTLSHAP2D
Creates a 2D steel shape.
Menu Content Steel Shapes

Command AMSTLSHAP2D
Simplified representation of 2D steel shapes.
AMTOR2D
Selects, calculates, and inserts torsion springs.

Command AMTOR

New user interface.
SAVEAS
Saves a file into a different file format.
Menu File SaveAs

Command SAVEAS
Allows saving of a AutoCAD Mechanical 6 file format to a AutoCAD

Mechanical 2000i format.

Part II
AutoCAD
Mechanical 6
Tutorials
The tutorials in this section teach you how to use the AutoCAD Mechanical 6 software. The
lessons include step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations.
You learn how to work with templates and layers, model space and layouts, dimensions,
steel shapes and bills of material (BOMs) and parts lists. You also calculate moments of iner-
tia and deflection lines, including chain, spring and cam calculation. You will also learn
how to prepare your designs for final documentation. Specific drawing files for each lesson
are included with the program. These drawing files provide design elements that help you
understand and learn AutoCAD Mechanical 6 concepts.
43
44 |
Working with Templates
In This Chapter
4
In this tutorial, you learn about the predefined Setting up the starting layer
Setting the mechanical options
templates and how to create your own user-defined
Specifying the drawing limits
templates in AutoCAD Mechanical 6.
Saving a template
Using a template
Setting a default template
45
Key Terms
Term Definition
base layer A layer made up of working layers and standard parts layers. Base layers are
repeated in every layer group.
layer group A group of associated or related items in a drawing. A major advantage of

working with layer groups is that you can deactivate a specific layer group and a
complete component. The drawing and its overview are enhanced with a
reduction in regeneration time.
part layers A layer where the standard parts are put. All standard parts layers have the suffix
AM_*N.
template A file with predefined settings to use for new drawings; however, any drawing can
be used as a template.
working layer The layer where you are currently working.
46 | Chapter 4 Working with Templates

Working with Templates
In AutoCAD Mechanical, you can use templates (*.dwt files) to create
drawings.
You can use the predefined templates, which contain settings for various
drawings, such as am_iso.dwt or am_ansi.dwt, and are supplied with
AutoCAD Mechanical or you can create your own templates. Any drawing
can serve as a template. When you use a drawing as a template, the settings
in that drawing are used in the new drawing.
Although you can save any drawing as a template, you should prepare tem-
plates to include settings and drawing elements that are consistent with your
office or project standards such as the following
unit type and precision
drawing limits
snap, grid, and ortho settings
layer organization
title blocks, borders, and logos
dimension and text styles
linetypes and lineweights
If you start a drawing from scratch, AutoCAD Mechanical reads the system
defaults, which have a predefined standard, from the registry.
If you create a new drawing, based on an existing template, and make
changes to the drawing, those changes do not affect the template.
To begin working with templates immediately, you can use the predefined
template files stored in the acadm\template folder.
However, for this tutorial you will create your own template.
The new AutoCAD Today dialog is also covered in this tutorial. For more
information about the AutoCAD Today dialog, please see the AutoCAD man-
ual.
Setting up the Starting Layer

Each time you start AutoCAD Mechanical, layer 0 is active. Since layer 0 does
not belong to the Mechanical layers, it is not displayed in the Layer Control
dialog box of AutoCAD Mechanical, if you select Mechanical Layer in the
Show field.
Therefore, you need to specify the mechanical layer AM_0 as the default
starting layer.
Working with Templates | 47

To specify a starting layer
1 Start the Layer Control command.
Menu Assist Layer / Layergroup Layer/Layer Group Control
Command AMLAYER
2 In the Layer Control dialog box, choose the Layer Control tab, select the
layer AM_0 and choose Current.
3 Choose OK.
Now, the layer AM_0 is active as you can see in the toolbar:
Setting the Mechanical Options

In the Mechanical Options dialog box, you can specify general settings for
AutoCAD Mechanical.

To set the mechanical options
1 Start the Mechanical Options command.
Command AMOPTIONS
2 In the Mechanical Options dialog box, choose the Standards tab, and specify:
Standard: ISO
Measurement: Metric
Scale: 1:1
3 Choose OK.
NOTE All settings in this dialog, which are stored in the drawing (template)
are marked with this icon:
All standard related settings are listed in the right section.
Specifying the Drawing Limits

Now, specify the drawing limits according to size A0 (840 x 1188 mm). This
limits your drawing space to the specified size.

To specify the drawing limits
1 Start the Drawing Limits command.
Menu Assist Format Drawing Limits
Command LIMITS
2 Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify lower left corner or [ON/OFF] <0.00,0.00>: Press ENTER
Specify upper right corner <420.00,297.00>: Enter 840,1188
Now, the limits are expanded to A0 format.
Saving a Template
Save the previously changed drawing as a template.
To save a template
1 Start the Save As command.
Menu File Save As
Command SAVEAS
2 In the Save Drawing As dialog box, specify:

Files of type: AutoCAD Mechanical 6 Drawing Template File (*.dwt)
File name: my_own_template
Choose Save.

3 In the Template Description dialog box, specify:
Description: Tutorial Template
Measurement: Metric
Choose OK.
4 Close the drawing.
Menu File Close
Command CLOSE
Using a Template
Now, start a new drawing and use the previously created template.
To open a template
1 Start the New command.
Menu File New
Command NEW
2 In the AutoCAD Today dialog box, in the section My Drawings, select the
Create Drawings tab.
From the Select how to begin list, select Template and choose Browse.

3 In the Open dialog box, select my_own_template.dwt, and choose Open.
Now, you start the new drawing, using the settings of the previously saved
template.
Setting a Default Template

Now, you specify your template as the default template.
To set a default template

1 Start the Mechanical Options command.
Command AMOPTIONS

2 In the Mechanical Options dialog box, choose the Standards tab, and choose
Browse.
3 In the Open dialog box, select my_own_template.dwt, and choose Open.

4 In the Mechanical Options dialog box, choose OK.
The template my_own_template will be used as default template from now on.
NOTE The default template is used, if a drawing does not contain any
AutoCAD Mechanical configuration. If a drawing already contains AutoCAD
Mechanical configuration data or a new drawing has been created using an
AutoCAD Mechanical template, the default template does not effect these set-
tings.
Now, you are at the end of this tutorial chapter.

54
Working with Layers and
Layer Groups
In This Chapter
5
In this tutorial, you learn more about the various com- Changing a layer by selecting
objects
mands used for working with layers and layer groups in
Creating layer groups
AutoCAD Mechanical 6. Using a layer group to copy
objects
55
Key Terms
Term Definition

complete component. The drawing and its overview is enhanced with a reduction
in regeneration time.
part layers The layer where the standard parts are put. All standard parts layers have the
suffix AM_*N.
working layer The layer where you are working.
56 | Chapter 5 Working with Layers and Layer Groups

Working with Layers and Layer Groups
Layers and their colors can be customized and renamed according to your
needs using the Mechanical Options dialog box > Layer / Object Settings. See
the Online help for further information on this topic.
Layer 0 is a default layer and not a mechanical layer, because this layer has
special properties (by block). If you want to have these special properties
available, just rename for example layer AM_0 to 0 in the Mechanical
Options.
Because AutoCAD 2000 always starts with Layer 0, we recommend using
template files, where layer AM_0 is always the starting layer.
If you move elements on layer 0 to other layer groups, you are asked if you
always want to move the elements on layer group layergroupname-AM_0.
Getting Started
Open the initial drawing.
To open a drawing
1 Open the file tut_ex02 in the acadm\tutorial folder.
Menu File Open
Command OPEN
2 Zoom in to the area of interest.

Menu View Zoom Window
Command ZOOM
Working with Layers and Layer Groups | 57

Specify first corner: Specify first point (1)
Specify opposite corner: Specify second point (2)
Save your file under a different name or to a different directory to preserve

the original tutorial file.
Changing a Layer By Selecting Objects

First, you move the layer (and layer group) containing two objects to another
layer (and layer group) by selecting an object in the aforementioned layer
(and layer group).

To change a layer by selecting an object
1 Start the Move to another Layer command.
Menu Modify Properties Move to another Layer
Command AMLAYMOVE

Select objects: Specify the centerlines of the differential gear (1, 2)
Select objects: Press ENTER
Specify new layer using object, layer field or keyboard (RETURN for dialog):
Specify the engine centerline (3)
The centerlines of the differential gear are moved to the layer and layer group
of the engine centerline.
Save your file.
Creating Layer Groups

Layer groups provide an easy and intelligent way to structure assembly
drawings. Using layer groups enables you to highlight single parts and lock
and freeze whole parts. This gives you a better overview of your assembly
drawing.
First, you move a block to a layer group.

To move a block to a layer group
1 Start the Move to Another Group command.
Menu Modify Properties Move to another Layer Group
Command AMLGMOVE

Select objects: Specify the gear (1)
3 In the Layer Control dialog box, choose the Create button, and create a new
layer group called Gear. Choose OK.

4 In the AutoCAD dialog box, choose Yes.
The complete block is moved to the layer group Gear.

5 In the Named Block dialog box, choose Yes.
Now, you create two new layer groups and move the parts (blocks) to those
groups.
To create a new layer group

1 Start the Layer Group Control command.
Command AMLAYER
2 In the Layer Control dialog box, choose the Layer Group Control tab, and
choose Create. Enter Coverplate for the layer group name.
3 Choose Create again, and create a layer group called Bushing. Choose OK.

Menu Modify Properties Move to another Layer Group.
Command AMLGMOVE

Select objects: Specify the coverplate (1)
6 In the Layer Control dialog box, select the layer group Coverplate, and
choose OK.


Now, move the bushing to the new Bushing layer group.
To move elements to another layer group

Menu Modify Properties Move to another Layer Group
Command AMLGMOVE

Select objects: Specify the bushing (1)
3 In the Layer Control dialog box, select the layer group Bushing, and choose OK.

The coverplate and the bushing have now been moved to their respective
layer groups.
Save your file.
Using a Layer Group to Copy Objects

Now, copy the objects of the layer group Shaft to a new drawing border.
To copy objects of a layer group

1 Zoom to the extents of the drawing.
Menu View Zoom Extents
Command ZOOM
2 Start the Visibility Enhancement command.

Menu Assist Layer / Layergroup Visibility Enhancement
Command AMLAYVISENH
3 In the Visibility Enhancement dialog box, specify:

Mode: Color all Inactive Layer Groups
4 Choose OK.
NOTE For a correct representation, it could be necessary to start the Regen

command.
5 Start the Layer Group Control command.

Command AMLAYER

6 In the Layer Control dialog box, choose the Layer Group Control tab, and
select the layer group Shaft. Choose the Current button, and then choose
OK.
NOTE You can activate the layer group Shaft with a double-click, too.
Now copy the layer group Shaft to the second drawing border.
7 Start the Copy command, responding to the prompt.
Menu Modify Copy
Command COPY
Select objects: Select the Layer Group

8 Select the layer group.
Command AMLAYER
In the Layer Control dialog box, choose the Layer Group Control tab, and
select the layer group Shaft. Choose the Selection Set button.
9 In the AutoCAD dialog box, choose OK.

10 Choose OK.

Specify base point or displacement, or [Multiple]: Specify a point on the shaft
Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as displacement>:
Specify another point in the drawing border on the right
Now, the second drawing border looks like this:
This is the end of the tutorial chapter.

Save your file.

68
Designing Levers
In This Chapter
6
In this tutorial, you start with a lever inserted from the Using the library to insert a part
Preliminary settings: snap
parts library, and then you refine the design. You use
configuration
many of the design options available in AutoCAD Creating construction lines
Creating additional construction
Mechanical 6. You also create a drawing detail and add
lines
some dimensions. Creating a contour and applying
a fillet
Creating a contour and
trimming projecting edges
Cross-hatching the lever
Dimensioning the lever
Creating a detail and additional
dimensions
69
Key Terms
Term Definition
construction lines Lines, which are infinite in both directions or rays, which are infinite starting at a
point that can be inserted into the drawing area. You use construction lines to
transfer important points (for example, center points of holes) into other views or
drawing areas.
construction geometry A line or an arc created with construction lines. Using construction geometry in
2D drawings helps define the shape of a contour.
detail A portion of a design drawing that cannot be clearly displayed or dimensioned in

the overall representation (surface texture symbols) but can be enlarged to show
the details.
distance snap To give the dimensions in a drawing a uniform appearance, Power Dimensioning
and Automatic Dimensioning enable automatic insertion of the dimension line at
a defined distance from the object being dimensioned. While dragging the
dimension line dynamically, you will find that it remains fixed and is highlighted
in red as soon as the required distance to the object being dimensioned is
reached.
library A feature that makes it possible to store parts such as blocks and drawings in a
library. For every inserted part, an icon can be created. The icon is put in the
display section on the right side of the dialog box along with an assigned name.
Power Command A collective term for the Power Copy, Power Recall, Power Edit, Power
Dimensioning, Power Erase, and Power View commands.
Power Dimensioning Power Dimensioning is a very useful tool for generating linear, radial and diameter
dimensions, which minimizes the number of the individual actions required while
generating a dimension. Power Dimensioning selects the type of linear dimension
(horizontal, vertical, or aligned), based on the selected point, and the dimensions
of the drawing can have a uniform style using the distance snap.
70 | Chapter 6 Designing Levers

Extending the Design
First, you start a new drawing template with ISO standard. Then you load the
initial drawing using the Library.
To open a template
1 Open a new drawing.
Menu File New
Command NEW
The AutoCAD Today dialog box opens.

2 In the Today dialog box, in the section My Drawings, choose the tab Create
Drawings and select the template am_iso.dwt.
This opens a new drawing template. Now you insert the drawing from the
library.
Using the Library to Insert Parts

Insert the required part from the library.
Extending the Design | 71

To insert a drawing from the library
1 Start the Library.
Menu Insert Library
Command AMLIBRARY
2 Double-click the tut_ex03 file in the Library, or select Insert from the context
menu.
3 Respond to the prompt as follows:

Specify insertion point: Specify any point in the drawing
4 Start the Zoom Window command, responding to the prompt.

Command ZOOM
Specify first corner: Specify first corner (1)

Specify opposite corner: Specify opposite corner (2)

Preliminary Settings: Snap Configuration

In addition to the AutoCAD snap, Mechanical snap options, like arc radial,
arc tangent, and so forth are available. You also have four different snap set-
tings, which can be configured separately for a quick switch to a different
snap setting. For example, you can use different snap settings for detailing or
general design.
NOTE The snap defaults can be set in the Mechanical Options dialog at the
Preferences tab.
Before starting the design, you should define the object snaps, which you will
use in later operations.

To configure the Power Snap settings
1 Start the Power Snap settings.
Menu Assist Drafting Settings Power Snap Settings 1-4
Command AMPOWERSNAP
2 In the Power Snap Settings dialog box, specify:

Setting 1: Endpoint, Intersection
Setting 2: Endpoint, Center, Quadrant, Intersection, Parallel
Setting 3: Perpendicular
3 After configuring the settings, activate Setting 1, and choose OK.

Save your file.
NOTE Within a command, the various object snap functions are also accessible.
Hold down the SHIFT key, and right-click.
Creating Construction Lines (C-Lines)

Construction lines are very useful when you start your design process. With
their help, you draw some kind of a design grid with your defined values for
distance and angles. After generating the design grid, you simply trace your
contour with the contour layer.
Now insert the construction lines, which will help with the drawing of con-
tour lines.

To create construction lines
1 Start the Draw Construction Lines command.
Menu Design Construction Lines Draw Construction Lines
Command AMCONSTCRS
If you have started the command using the menu, the Construction Lines
dialog box opens. If you started the command directly using the toolbar or
the command line, you can skip step 2.
2 In the Construction Lines dialog box, choose the Cross icon.
Specify insertion point: Specify the intersection of line b and line c (1)
Specify insertion point: Press ENTER
4 Next, draw two lines parallel to the vertical and horizontal lines of the con-
struction line cross.
Command AMCONSTPAR
If you started the command using the menu, the Construction Lines dialog
box is displayed.

6 In the Construction Lines dialog box, choose the Parallel with Full Distance
icon.

Select line, ray or xline: Select line c (1)
Specify insertion point or Distance (xx|xx|xx..) <10|20|30>: Enter 3|9
Specify point on side to offset: Specify a point to the left of line c (2)
8 Insert the second set of parallel lines, and respond to the prompts as follows:
Select line, ray or xline: Select line b
Specify insertion point or Distance (xx|xx|xx..) <3|9>: Enter 4.5|9.5
Specify point on side to offset: Specify a point below line b (2)
9 Press ENTER.
Save your file.

Creating additional C-Lines
AutoCAD Mechanical offers a choice of C-line options.
To create additional construction lines

1 Activate snap setting 2.
Menu Assist Drafting Settings Power Snap Configuration 2
Command AMPSNAP2

Command AMCONSTHB
If you started the command using the menu, the Construction Lines dialog
box is displayed.
3 In the Construction Lines dialog box, choose the Two Points or Angle icon.

Specify first point: Select the first point (1)
Specify second point or Angle (xx|xx|xx..) <30|45|60>: Move the cursor over line a
and then back to the rectangle. When the Parallel symbol appears, click (2).
5 Press ENTER to finish the command.

Now, you draw tangential circles between the diagonal C-line and the right
vertical line and lower horizontal line of the rectangle.
Command AMCONSTKR
7 In the Construction Lines dialog box, choose the Circle Tangent to 2 Lines
icon.

8 Draw the two circles by responding to the prompts as follows:
Select first tangent: Select tangent point (1)
Select second tangent: Select tangent point (2)
Specify diameter: Enter 2
Select first tangent: Select tangent point (3)
Select second tangent: Select tangent point (4)
Specify diameter <2>: Enter 2
9 Press ENTER to end the command.
All construction lines have been inserted, and the contour can be generated.
Save your file.
Creating a Contour and Applying a Fillet

Now, you connect the two tangential circles with the right part of the rect-
angle, to build a filleted triangle.
To create and edit a contour

1 Start the Polyline command.
Menu Design Polyline
Command PLINE

2 Create the contour by responding to the prompts as follows:
Specify start point: Specify the intersection point (1)
Specify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]:
Specify next point (2)
Specify next point or [Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]: Enter A
Specify endpoint of arc or [Angle/CEnter/CLose/Direction/Halfwidth/Line/
Radius/Second pt/Undo/Width]: Specify next point (3)
Radius/Second pt/Undo/Width]: Enter L
Specify next point or [Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]:
Specify next point (4)
Specify next point or [Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]: Enter A
Radius/Second pt/Undo/Width]: Specify next point (5)
Radius/Second pt/Undo/Width]: Enter CL
Now, erase the C-Lines. You can erase all C-lines by calling one command.

3 Erase all C-Lines.
Menu Modify Erase Erase all Construction Lines
Command AMERASEALLCL
NOTE You can switch construction lines on and off temporarily by choosing
Assist > Layer / Layergroup > Construction Line On/Off.
4 Apply a fillet to the corner of the triangle.

Menu Modify Fillet
Command AMFILLET2D

(Dimension mode:OFF)(Trim mode) Current fillet radius = 2.5
Select first object or [Polyline/Setup/Dimension] <Setup>: Press ENTER
6 In the Fillet Radius dialog box, specify:

Input: 1
Trim Mode: On
Choose OK.

(Dimension mode:OFF)(Trim mode) Current fillet radius = 1
Select first object or [Polyline/Setup/Dimension] <Setup>: Enter P
Select polyline: Select a point on the polyline near the corner
8 Press ESC to cancel the command.

The triangular contour is complete.
Save your file.
Creating a Contour and Trimming Projecting

Edges
Now, you create another part of the contour and trim projecting edges.
To create and edit a contour

1 Activate Power Snap Setting 3 command.
Command AMPSNAP3
Next, insert the next contour.

2 Start the Line command.
Menu Design Line
Command LINE

Specify first point: Hold down the SHIFT key, right-click, and choose Intersection
_int of: Select line a (1)
and: Select intersection on line b (2)
Specify next point or [Undo]: Hold down the SHIFT key, right-click, and choose
Perpendicular. Then trace over line e, and click the perpendicular point (3)
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Drag the cursor to the right, crossing over line c, and select intersection point (4)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Press ENTER
Now, trim the projecting edges at the upper edge of the lever.
4 Start the Trim command.
Menu Modify Trim
Command TRIM

Current settings: Projection = UCS, Edge = None
Select cutting edges:
Select Objects: Select cutting edge (1)
Select Objects: Select cutting edge (2)
Select Objects: Press ENTER
Select object to trim or shift-select to extend or [Project/Edge/Undo]:
Select object to trim (3)
Select object to trim (4)
Press ENTER

6 Zoom to the extents of the lever.
Command ZOOM
The contour is complete and looks like this:
Save your file.
Cross-Hatching the Lever

Cross-hatching is easy with AutoCAD Mechanical. Just choose one of the pre-
defined cross-hatching styles, and click a point within the contour to be
hatched.

To hatch a contour
1 Start the Hatch command, using an angle of 45 degrees and 2.5 mm / 0.1
inch spacing.
Menu Design Hatch Hatch 45 deg. 2.5mm/0.1 inch
Command AMHATCH_45_2

Select additional boundary or point in area to be hatched or [Select
objects]: Click a point inside the contour (outside the cutouts)
The lever is hatched. It looks like this:
Save your file.
Dimensioning the Lever

Now, dimension the lever, using the Power Dimensioning command.

To dimension a contour
1 Start the Power Snap Setting 1 command.
Command AMPSNAP1
2 Start the Power Dimensioning command.

Menu Annotate Power Dimensioning
Command AMPOWERDIM

(SINGLE) Specify first extension line origin or [Angular/Options/Baseline/Chain/
Update] <Select>: Select the first corner point of the lever opening (1)
Specify second extension line origin: Select the second corner point (2)
Specify dimension line location or [Options/Pickobj]:
Drag the dimension line to the left until it is highlighted in red, and left-click (3)
4 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, click the Add Tolerance icon and
specify:
Deviation: Upper: 0.1
Deviation: Lower: 0
Precision: Primary: 1
Choose OK.

5 Press ENTER twice to finish the command.
The lever looks like this:
Save your file.
Creating a Detail and Additional Dimensions

Now, define a detail of the upper part of the lever.

To create a detail
1 Start the Detail command.
Menu Design Detail
Command AMDETAIL

Center of circle or [Rectangle/Object]:
Click a point in the center of the area to be detailed (1)
Specify radius or [Diameter]: Drag the radius to the appropriate size and click (2)
3 In the Detail dialog box, specify:

Detail View: Detail in Current Space

4 Choose OK, and respond to the prompts as follows:
Place the detail view: Select a location to the right of the lever
NOTE Some entities such as dimensions and symbols are automatically fil-
tered out in the detail function.
Now, add a dimension to the detail.

5 Start the Power Dimensioning command.
Command AMPOWERDIM

(SINGLE) Specify first extension line origin or[Angular/Options/Baseline/Chain/
Update] <Select>: Press ENTER
Select arc, line, circle or dimension: Select the radius (1)
7 Select an appropriate position for the dimension.

8 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, click the tolerances button to deac-
tivate the tolerances and choose OK.

Now, your lever looks like this:
The Power Dimensioning command recognizes the different scale area. If you
dimensioned the radius in the original drawing, the dimension value would
be the same. The text height is also the same, as related to the standard.
This is the end of this tutorial chapter.
Save your file.

92
Working with Model Space
and Layouts
In This Chapter
7
In this tutorial, you learn to create scale areas and Creating a scale area
Creating a detail
viewports as well as detail views in model space and in
Generating a new viewport
the layout in AutoCAD Mechanical 6.
Inserting a user through hole
Creating a subassembly in a new
layout
93
Key Terms
Term Definition
detail Enlargement of a portion of the design drawing that cannot be clearly displayed
or dimensioned. The overall representation (surface texture symbols, etc.) can be
enlarged.
drawing A layout of drawing views in model space or layout.

complete component. The drawing and its overview are enhanced by reduction
in regeneration time.
layout The tabbed environment in which you create and design floating viewports to be
plotted. Multiple layouts can be created for each drawing.
Power Dimensioning A command useful for generating linear, radial, and diameter dimensions, which
minimizes the number of the individual actions while generating a dimension.
Power Dimensioning automatically selects the type of the linear dimension
(horizontal, vertical, aligned), based on the selected point.
scale area Defines the scale for an area of the drawing.
scale monitor A function to view and control the scale for any scale area.
viewport A scaled view of the model defined in a layout.
view scale The scale of a base drawing relative to the model scale. Also, the scale of
dependent views relative to the base view.
working layer The layer where you are currently working.
94 | Chapter 7 Working with Model Space and Layouts

Working with Model Space and Layouts
Using model space and layouts, you can create different views with different
scales from the same model. The main advantage of working with layouts is
that views are associative; that is, if you make changes in one viewport, those
changes are made in all other viewports as well, since each viewport is just
another view of the same model.
Getting Started
In this tutorial, you work with viewports. You generate an associative detail
and create a subassembly drawing.
To open a file
Menu File Open
Command OPEN
The drawing contains parts of a four-stroke engine.

Creating a Scale Area

To generate correct views with correct zoom factors in a layout, you must
define a scale area in model space.
First, create the scale area.
To create a scale area

1 Start the Viewport/Scale Area command.
Menu View Viewports Viewport/Scale Area
Command AMSCAREA

Define the border ...
Specify first point or [Circle/Object]: Specify the first corner point (1)
Specify second point: Specify the second corner point (2)
Working with Model Space and Layouts | 95

3 In the Scale Area dialog box, specify:
Scale: 1:1
4 Choose OK.
In the next step, you use Viewport Auto Create to create a viewport automat-
ically.

To create a viewport automatically
Here, the viewport will be created, because of the defined scale area.
1 Start the Viewport Auto Create command.
Menu View Viewports Viewport Auto Create
Command AMVPORTAUTO

Enter layout name (<Return> for Layout1): Press ENTER
Select target position (<Return> for current position): Place the viewport on the
left, inside the drawing border
Save your file.

Creating a Detail
There are two types of details, associative and non-associative. In this exer-
cise, you create an associative detail, because you use a viewport.
Create an associative detail of the valve.
To create a detail
1 Start the Detail command.
Menu Design Detail
Command AMDETAIL
The viewport is activated automatically.

Define the enlargement area for the detail ...
Center of circle or [Rectangle/Object]: Select the center of the detail (3)
Specify radius or [Diameter]: Drag the radius to the desired size (4)
3 In the Detail dialog box, specify the settings shown below.
4 Choose OK.
Select target position (<Return> for current position):
Place the detail to the right of the current viewport

Save your file.
Generating a New Viewport

Now, you create a viewport inside a layout.
To create a viewport in the layout

Command AMVPORT

Specify first point or [Circle/Border/Object]:
Select the point, marked with 5 in the drawing (not in the model)
Specify second point: Select the point, marked with 6 in the drawing (not in the
model)

3 In the View dialog box, specify:
Scale: 5:1
4 Choose Midpoint <.

The drawing is changed to model space so that you can define the midpoint.
5 Select the endpoint of the centerline, as shown below.
6 In the View dialog box, choose OK.

Now, your drawing looks like this:
Save your file.
Inserting a User Through Hole

To demonstrate the main advantage of working with layouts, you will insert
a user through hole in the housing. Notice that this change is immediately
displayed in every view.
Now, insert a user through hole in the previously created viewport.
To insert a through hole

1 Activate the previously created viewport.
Command MSPACE
The viewport has a thick (highlighted) frame.

2 Start the Through Hole command.
Menu Content Holes Through Holes
Command AMTHOLE2D

3 In the Select a Through Hole dialog box, choose User Through Holes - Front
View.

Specify insertion point: Hold down the SHIFT key and right-click.
Choose Midpoint from the shortcut menu.
Specify insertion point: _mid of Select the midpoint of the housing (1)
Specify hole length: Select the endpoint of the hole (2)

5 In the User Through Holes - Nominal Diameter dialog box, specify:
Nominal Diameter: 8
6 Choose Finish.
The user through hole is inserted into your drawing. Now, the drawing looks
like this:
Because of the associativity, the through hole created in the viewport appears
in the original view as well.
In the next step, you dimension the through hole diameter in the viewport.
Since the dimension is to appear only in the detail view, you generate the
dimension directly in the layout without having a viewport active.

To apply a dimension in the layout
1 Change to the layout.
Command PSPACE
2 Start the Power Dimensioning command
Command AMPOWERDIM
(SINGLE) Specify first extension line origin for
[Angular/Options/Baseline/Chain/Update] <Select>:
Select the first edge of the hole (1)
Specify second extension line origin: Select the second edge of the hole (2)
Specify dimension line location [Options/Pickobj]:
Drag the dimension line to the right until it is highlighted in red and left-click (3)

4 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, choose OK.
5 Continue to respond to the prompts as follows:

(SINGLE) Specify first extension line origin or [Angular/Options/Baseline/
Chain/Update] <Select>: Press ENTER
Select arc, line, circle or dimension: Press ENTER
Now, the viewport looks like this:
NOTE You can also dimension the hole in model space and turn off the layer
of one specific viewport. But the dimension text will only be correct in the 1:1
viewport and not in the detail view. Therefore, you can dimension directly on the
layout.
Save your file.

Creating a Subassembly in a New Layout
If you use layer groups in your assembly drawing, you can easily create detail
and subassembly drawings in layouts. You can switch off selected layer
groups in the viewports, so that only the detail or subassembly is visible.
Now, create an associative view of a subassembly in layout 2.
To create an associative view of a subassembly

1 Change to layout 2, by selecting the Layout 2 tab on the bottom of your
drawing area.
Command AMVPORT

Specify first point or [Circle/Border/Object]: Select drawing point 7
Specify second point: Select drawing point 8
4 In the View dialog box, specify:

Scale: 5:1
5 Choose Midpoint<.
The drawing is changed to model space.
6 Specify the point, as shown in the following drawing:

7 In the View dialog box, choose OK.
The viewport is created. It looks like this:
Other objects are still visible around the subassembly. You use the Layer
Control command to hide them.

To hide objects
1 Start the Layer Group Control.
Command AMLAYER
2 In the Layer Control dialog box, choose the Layer Group Control tab.
NOTE Steps 3 to 5 wouldnt be necessary in our case, because we have only

one viewport in the layout, but are described to show the proceeding if you have
more than one viewport in the layout.
3 Move the cursor to the icon in the column Viewport Control of the layer
group SUBASSEMBLY1, and right-click.
4 In the context menu, choose Select Viewports.

Select viewports: Select the viewport frame
Select viewports: Press ENTER
The Layer Control dialog box is displayed.

6 In the Layer Control dialog box, move the cursor to the icon in the Viewport
control column and the Base Layer Group row, and click.
Choose OK.
AutoCAD Mechanical 2001 freezes the Base Layer Group, and the subassem-
bly remains visible. Your drawing looks like this:

Now, you can finish your detail drawing with text, remarks, annotations, and
so on.
NOTE When you plot the drawing, the red viewport frame is turned off auto-
matically. If you have a plotter or printer driver installed, use the plot command,
and preview the drawing.

Save your file.

Dimensioning
In This Chapter
8
In this tutorial, you learn how to add dimensions to Automatic dimensioning
Editing dimensions with Power
your drawing with automatic dimensioning in
Commands
AutoCAD Mechanical 6. Then you change the Breaking dimension lines
Inserting a drawing border
dimensions with Power Commands. You also learn how
Inserting a fits list
to insert a drawing border.
111
Key Terms
Term Definition
baseline dimension A dimension that is aligned to extension lines and read from the bottom or right
side of the drawing.
centerline Line in the center of a symmetrical object.
drawing border A standardized frame that is used for technical drawings.
fit Range of tightness or looseness in mating parts (for example shafts or holes).
Tolerances in these dimensions are expressed in standard form.
fit name Name of the selected fit (for example H7).
multi edit An option where you determine a selection set of dimensions and edit them
together.
Power Dimensioning Power Dimensioning is a very useful tool for generating linear, radial, angular and
diameter dimensions, which minimizes the number of the individual actions
required while generating a dimension. Power Dimensioning selects the type of
linear dimension (horizontal, vertical, or aligned), based on the selected point,
and the dimensions of the drawing can have a uniform style using the distance
snap.
Power Erase Command for deleting. Use Power Erase when you delete part reference numbers
or dimensions that were created with Power Dimensioning and Automatic
Dimensioning.
title block A title block contains a series of attributes, some already have values. The pre-
assigned values can be modified, and the vacant attributes can be completed
with new values.
tolerance The total amount by which a given dimension (nominal size) may vary (for
example, 20 0.1).
112 | Chapter 8 Dimensioning

Dimensioning
AutoCAD Mechanical offers various dimensioning tools. Here you will learn
to use automatic dimensioning to add dimensions to a bushing. You also
learn how to change these dimensions.
To open a file
Menu File Open
Command OPEN
The file contains a drawing of a bushing.

Automatic Dimensioning
First you dimension the bushing using automatic dimensioning.
To dimension a contour automatically

1 Start Automatic Dimensioning.
Menu Annotate Automatic Dimensioning
Command AMAUTODIM
Dimensioning | 113
2 In the Automatic Dimensioning dialog box, choose the Parallel tab and
specify:
Type: Baseline
Choose OK.
Select objects [Block]: Select the complete bushing by creating a window around it
Select objects [Block]: Press ENTER
First extension line origin: Select the lower leftmost corner of the bushing (1)
Drag the dimensioning downwards until it snaps in (highlighted red), and click
Starting point for next extension line: Press ENTER to end the command
In the next step, you generate the diameter dimensions using shaft
dimensioning.

To dimension a shaft
1 Start Automatic Dimensioning.
Menu Annotate Automatic Dimensioning
Command AMAUTODIM
2 In the Automatic Dimensioning dialog box, choose the Shaft / Symmetric

tab, and specify:
Type: Shaft (Front View)
Choose OK.
Select objects [Block]: Select the complete bushing by creating a window around it
Select objects [Block]: Press ENTER
Select Centerline or new starting point: Select the centerline of the bushing (1)
Drag the dimensioning to the right until it snaps in (highlighted red), and click
Starting point for next extension line: Press ENTER to end the command
Dimensioning | 115
Save your file.
Editing Dimensions with Power Commands

Some dimensions in the drawing are not necessary. In the next step, you
delete the dimensions that you don't need.
To delete dimensions
1 Start Power Erase.
Menu Modify Power Commands Power Erase
Command AMPOWERERASE

Select objects:
Select baseline dimensions 2 and 61, and diameter dimensions 12, 14, and 36,
and then press ENTER
The dimensions are deleted, and the other dimensions are rearranged. Your
drawing should now look like this:

Now, add a single dimension with a fit using Power Dimensioning.
To add a dimension with a fit

1 Start Power Dimensioning.
Command AMPOWERDIM

(Single) Specify first extension line origin or [Angular/Options/Baseline/Chain/
Update] <Select>: Select the first point (1)
Specify second extension line origin: Select second point (2)
Drag the dimensioning to the left until it is highlighted red, and click
3 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, choose the Add Fit button and
specify:
Fit: Symbol: H7
Dimensioning | 117
4 Click the Special Characters button, and select the diameter symbol (upper
left).
Choose OK.
Now continue to apply an angular dimensioning.
To apply an angular dimension

(Single) Specify first extension line origin or [Angular/Options/Baseline/Chain/
Update] <Select>: Enter A
(Single) Select arc, circle, line or [Linear/Options/Baseline/Chain/Update]
<specify vertex>: Select the line (1)
Select second line: Select the second line (2)
Specify dimension arc line location:
Drag the dimension to a suitable position, and click

Next, you add a fit to the shaft dimensions using Multi Edit.

To add a fit using Multi Edit
1 Start Multi Edit.
Menu Annotate Edit Dimensions Multi Edit
Command AMDIMMEDIT

Select dimensions: Select the dimensions 18 and 30
Select dimensions: Press ENTER
3 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, choose the Add Fit button, and
specify:
Fit: Symbol: h7
4 Choose OK.
The fit description h7 is added to the dimensions.
Save your file.
Dimensioning | 119
Breaking Dimension Lines
The automatic dimensioning process has created intersecting dimension
lines. The drawing appearance can be improved by breaking these lines.
To break dimension lines

1 Start the Break Dimension command.
Menu Annotate Edit Dimensions Break Dimension
AMDIMBREAK
Select dimension or extension line to break <Multiple>: Press ENTER
Select dimensions:
Select baseline dimension 10 and 13, and diameter dimensions 18, 30, and 40,
and then press ENTER
Select Objects [Restore] <Automatic>: Press ENTER
The selected dimensions are broken automatically and your drawing looks
like this:
Save your file.

Inserting a Drawing Border
Now, you insert a drawing border.
To insert a drawing border

1 Start the Drawing Title/Borders command.
Menu Annotate Drawing Title/Revisions Drawing
Title/Borders
Command AMTITLE
2 In the Drawing Borders with Title Block dialog box, specify:

Paper Format: A4 (297x210mm)
Title Block: ISO Title Block A
Scale: 1:1
Choose OK.
Specify insertion point: Enter -150,0
Dimensioning | 121
4 In the Edit Attributes dialog box, specify:
Drawing Title: Bushing
Choose OK.
Select Objects: Select the complete bushing including dimensions
Select Objects: Press ENTER
New location for objects: Click Zoom Extents
New location for objects: Place the bushing in the middle of the drawing border
Now, your drawing should look like this:

Save your file.
Inserting a Fits List

Now, you insert a fits list. Fits lists describe all fits existing in a drawing.
To insert a fits list

1 Start the Fits List command.
Menu Annotate Fits List
Command AMFITSLIST

Fits lists [Update all/Order/New] <New>: Press ENTER
Specify insertion point: Specify the upper right corner of the title block
Dimensioning | 123
The fits list is inserted above the title block and looks like this.
Finally, edit a dimension with a fit. The fits list will be updated.
To edit a dimension
1 Double-click the diameter dimension (not the dimension line) 18 h7.
2 In the Power Dimensioning dialog box, specify:
Fit symbol: g6
Choose OK.
3 In the AutoCAD Question dialog box, choose Yes.
Now, the fits list is updated, too.

Save your file.
You are at the end of this tutorial chapter.

Working with 2D Hide and
2D Steel Shapes
In This Chapter
9
In this tutorial, you learn about the new features in Defining a 2D hide situation
Inserting a 2D steel shape
AutoCAD Mechanical 6 for defining the 2D hide
Modifying steel shapes using
situations, and how to work with 2D steel shapes. power commands
Editing a 2D hide situation
Copying and moving a 2D hide
situation
125
Key Terms
Term Definition
background A contour that is covered by another contour or by objects that are lying behind
another contour, in the 3D sense. A background may be a foreground for an
additional contour.
foreground Objects which are lying in front of another contour in the 3D sense. A foreground
may also be a background for an additional contour.
hidden line Line that is not visible in a specified view. For example, in a front view, lines
behind the front plane would not be visible.
steel shapes Steel shapes are standardized steel geometries and profiles, which are used for
steel- and plant construction.
126 | Chapter 9 Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes

Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes
To open a drawing
Menu File Open
Command OPEN
2 Zoom in to the chain drive on the right.

Command ZOOM
Working with 2D Hide and 2D Steel Shapes | 127

Defining a 2D Hide Situation
Now you define a 2D hide situation. You can define foreground and back-
ground contours as well as the settings for the representation of the hidden
objects.
To define a 2D hide situation

1 Start the Hide Invisible Edges command.
Menu Modify 2D Hide Hide Invisible Edges
Command AM2DHIDE

Select objects for foreground: Select the chain
Select objects for foreground: Press ENTER
3 In the Create Hide Situation dialog, specify:

Representation of Hidden Objects: Dashed
4 In the Create Hide Situation dialog, choose Preview <.
NOTE As you can see, the parts of the sprockets, which should be visible, are
dashed, too. This shows that the complete area inside the outer chain contour is
defined as foreground.
Now, define the 2D hide situation in a way that the chain has an inner con-
tour.

Accept preview and exit command [Yes/No] <Yes>: Enter N
6 In the Create Hide Situation dialog, activate the Foreground tab and choose
Select Inner Contours <.

Select point inside a hole or select a loop to remove: Select a point inside the
chain (1)
The inner contour of the chain is displayed green.

Select point inside a hole or select a loop to remove: Press ENTER
9 In the Create Hide Situation dialog, choose Preview <.

Now, the chain drive is displayed correctly.

Accept preview and exit command [Yes/No] <Yes>: Press ENTER
Your 2D hide situation is defined correctly and you can proceed with your
drawing.
Save the file.
Inserting a 2D Steel Shape

Steel Shapes can easily be inserted through a selection dialog, where you can
define the standard, profile, size and length of the steel shape.
Now, insert a steel shape with a square hollow section on the left edge of the
I-shaped girder.
To insert a 2D steel shape

1 Start the Zoom All command.
Menu View Zoom All
Command ZOOM
2 Start the Steel Shape command.

Menu Content Steel Shapes
Command AMSTLSHAP2D

3 In the Select a Steel Shape dialog select Square / Rectangular hollow section.
4 Select ISO 657/14-1982 (Rectangular) and Top View.

Specify insertion point: Select point P1
Specify rotation angle <0>: Press ENTER

6 In the ISO 657/14 - 1982 (Rectangular) - Size Selection dialog, specify:
Select a Size: 90x90x4.0
7 Choose Finish.
Drag Size: Select point P2
The steel shape is inserted. Your drawing looks like this:
Save the file.

Now, modify the steel shapes using the Power Commands.

Modifying Steel Shapes using Power Commands
With the Power Commands, you can create different views of the steel shapes
as well as you are able to copy, multiply or edit the steel shapes.
Now, insert the steel shapes in the top view of the assembly using Power View
and Power Copy.
To modify a steel shape using Power Commands

1 Start the Power View command.
Menu Modify Power Commands Power View
Command AMPOWERVIEW
2 Select the previously inserted steel shape.

3 In the Select new view dialog select the Front View.
Specify rotation angle <0>: 180
The steel shape is inserted in the top view of the assembly. Your drawing
looks like this:
NOTE A 2D hide situation will be generated automatically when inserting the

steel shape.
Now, copy the previously inserted view to the other edge of the girder.
5 Start the Power Copy command.
Menu Modify Power Commands Power Copy
Command AMPOWERCOPY

Select object: Select the previously inserted steel shape at point P3
Specify rotation angle <0>: 180
The steel shape is copied. Your drawing looks like this:
Save your file.
Editing a 2D Hide Situation

The insertion of the steel shapes in the top view of the assembly has created
a 2D hide situation automatically. As you can see, this 2D hide situation is
not correct.
Now, edit the 2D hide situation.
To edit a 2D hide situation

1 Start the Edit Hidden Edges command.
Menu Modify 2D Hide Edit Hidden Edges
Command AM2DHIDEDIT

Edit the behind situation [modifY/Move/Restore/Genius12] <Update>: Y
Select objects: Select the square hollow section on the left

3 In the Modify Hide Situation dialog, choose Select View.

Select objects for foreground: Select the I-shaped girder
Select objects for foreground: Deselect the square hollow section on the left
NOTE You can deselect a selected part by holding the SHIFT key while clicking
the part.

5 In the Modify Hide Situation dialog, activate the Background tab, and choose
Select View.

Select objects for background: Select the square hollow section on the left
Select objects for background: Press ENTER
7 In the Modify Hide Situation dialog, choose Preview.

Now, the 2D hide situation is correct. Your drawing looks like this:

Now, edit the 2D hide situation of the right edge of the girder. The Edit Hidden
Edges command is still active.
Edit the behind situation [modifY/Move/Restore/Genius12] <Update>: Y
Select objects: Select the square hollow section on the right

10 In the Modify Hide Situation dialog, choose Select View.
Select objects for foreground: Select the I-shaped girder
Select objects for foreground: Deselect the square hollow section on the right
12 In the Modify Hide Situation dialog, activate the Background tab, and choose
Select View.
Select objects for background: Select the square hollow section on the right
Select objects for background: Press ENTER
14 In the Modify Hide Situation dialog, choose Preview.

The 2D hide situation on the right is now correct, too.
16 Press ESC to leave the command.

Your drawing looks like this:
Save your file.
Copying and Moving a 2D Hide Situation

If you copy or move assemblies which contain 2D hide situations, the 2D
hide information will not be lost.
Now, copy the girder assembly.
To copy a 2D hide situation

1 Select the I-shaped girder and the two square hollow sections.
2 Right-click and choose Copy with Base Point from the context menu.
Specify base point: Select point P3
4 Right-click and choose Paste from the context menu.

The girder assembly is copied to the new location. Your drawing looks like
this:
Save your file.

Now, move the chain drive from the beginning of the chapter to the top view
of the assembly.
To move a 2D hide situation

1 Start the Move command.
Menu Modify Move
Command MOVE

Select objects: Select the complete chain drive using a window
Specify base point or displacement: Select point P6
Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as displacement>:
Select point P7

The complete chain drive is moved to the top view of the assembly. Your
drawing looks like this:
Finally, you have to define the 2D hide situation for the girder assembly and
the chain drive.
To define a 2D hide situation

1 Start the Hide Invisible Edges command.
Menu Modify 2D Hide Hide Invisible Edges
Command AM2DHIDE

Select objects for foreground: Select the complete chain drive

3 In the Create Hide Situation dialog, choose OK.
Now, the girder assembly is hidden by the chain drive. Your drawing looks
like this:
This is the end of this exercise.

Save your file.

Working with Standard
Parts
In This Chapter
10
In this tutorial, you learn to work with standard parts in Inserting a screw connection
Copying a screw connection
AutoCAD Mechanical 6. You insert a screw
with Power Copy
connection, a hole, and a pin. You also edit the standard Creating a screw template
Editing a screw connection with
parts with power commands.
Power Edit
Working with Power View
Deleting with Power Erase
Inserting a hole
Inserting a pin
Turning off centerlines in the
configuration
Hiding construction lines
Simplifying the representation of
standard parts
141
Key Terms
Term Definition
background A contour that is covered by another contour or by objects that are lying behind
another contour, in the 3D sense. A background may be a foreground for an
additional contour.
C-line (construction line) A line that is infinite in both directions or infinite starting at a point which can be
inserted into the drawing area. You use C-lines to transfer important points (for
example, center points of holes) into other views or drawing areas.
countersink A chamfered hole that allows bolt and screw heads to be flush or below the part
surface.
dynamic dragging The act of determining the size of a standard part with the cursor while inserting
it into a side view. The standard part is displayed dynamically on the screen and
can be dragged to the next possible size or length. The values (sizes) are taken
from the Standard parts database.
Power Command Summary term for Power Copy, Power Recall, Power Edit, Power Dimensioning,
Power Erase and Power View.
Power Copy A command that copies a drawing object to another position in the drawing.
Power Copy produces an identical copy of the original object.
Power Edit An edit command for all objects in your drawing.
Power Erase Command for intelligent deleting. Use Power Erase when you delete part
reference numbers or when you delete dimensions that have been created with
Power Dimensioning and Automatic Dimensioning.
Power Recall A command that lets you click an existing drawing object and places you in the
correct command for creating that object.
Power View A tool where you can quickly and easily create a standard part top view or bottom
view of a side view and vice versa.
representation Standard parts representation in a drawing in normal, simplified, or symbolic

mode.
142 | Chapter 10 Working with Standard Parts

Working with Standard Parts
AutoCAD Mechanical 2001 provides a large selection of standard parts to
work with, including regular and fine threads, many types of holes, fasteners
and other standard parts. With the AutoCAD Mechanical, you can insert
complete screw connections (screws with holes and nuts) in one step. Some
intelligence has been built into this process. For example, if you select a screw
with a metric thread, you get only metric threads when you add any addi-
tional parts such as tapped holes or nuts.
NOTE The ISO standard parts have to be installed for this tutorial exercise.
To open a drawing
Menu File Open
Command OPEN
The drawing contains a motor with a gearbox. Some construction lines are
inserted to help you working through the tutorial exercise. The gearbox is
not completed yet. We want to add standard components and show, how
easy it is to edit standard parts with an automatic update of the background
objects.
Command ZOOM
Working with Standard Parts | 143

Specify first corner:
Specify the first corner point (1)
Specify opposite corner: Specify the second corner point (2)

Inserting Screw Connections

Now, you insert a screw connection in the differential gear housing.
To insert a screw connection

1 Start the Screw Connection command.
Menu Content Screw Connection
Command AMSCREWCON2D

2 In the Screw Connection dialog box, choose the Screws button.
3 In the Select a Screw dialog box, select Socket Head Types.

4 Then select ISO 4762 and Front View.
5 In the Screw Connection dialog box, choose the upper Holes button. Then
select Through Cylindrical, and ISO 273 normal.
6 In the Screw Connection dialog box, choose the lower Holes button. Then
select Tapped Holes, Blind, and ISO 262.

7 In the Screw Connection dialog box, specify the size M4, and choose Next >.
8 In the Screw Assembly Grip Representation - Front View dialog box, select
Normal, and choose the Finish button.

Specify insertion point of first hole: Specify first point (1)
Specify endpoint of first hole [Gap between holes]: Specify second point (2)
Drag Size: Drag the screw connection dynamically to size M4 x 16, and click
Drag Size: Enter 12
Now, you have inserted the screw connection, specified a screw length of
16 mm, and specified a blind hole depth of 12 mm.
NOTE During dragging, the size of the screw is shown as tooltip and in the
status bar, where the coordinates are usually displayed.

The background is automatically hidden, and your drawing should look like
this:
Save your file.
Copying Screw Connections with Power Copy

With Power Copy, you can copy complete objects, including the information
attached to those objects. In the case of a screw connection, you copy the
whole screw connection to another location. The background is automati-
cally updated.
Now, copy the previously inserted screw connection with the Power Copy
command.
To copy a screw connection

1 Start the Power Copy command.
Command AMPOWERCOPY

Select object: Select the previously inserted screw
Specify insertion point: Specify a point
Specify direction: Press ENTER
The screw is copied to the specified location. Your drawing should look like
this:
Save your file.

Creating Screw Templates
Now, you create a screw template. The screw template will be stored for
repeated use. This makes the insertion of identical or similar screw connec-
tions much faster.
Before you create and insert the screw template, you have to zoom to the
cover plate.
To zoom to a window
Command ZOOM
2 Zoom in to the coverplate.

Command ZOOM

Specify first corner: Specify first corner point (1)
Specify opposite corner: Specify second corner point (2)
Now, start the screw connection and create a screw template.

To create a screw template
1 Start the Screw Connection command.
Menu Content Screw Connection
Command AMSCREWCON2D
2 In the Screw Connection dialog box, choose the Screws button.

3 In the Select a Screw dialog box, select Countersink Head Type.

4 Then select ISO 10642 and Front View.
5 In the Screw Connection dialog box, choose the upper Holes button. Then
select Countersinks, and ISO 7721.
6 In the Screw Connection dialog box, choose the lower Holes button. Then
select Tapped Holes, Blind, and ISO 262.

7 Choose < Back to store the screw template.
8 In the Screw Assembly Templates dialog box, choose the Save icon.
Your screw connection is stored as a template and added to the list.
NOTE The screw template contains the combination of the used standard
parts. It contains no sizes, like diameters or lengths.

9 Choose Next >.
10 In the Screw Connection dialog box, choose the Pre-calculation icon.

11 In the Screw Diameter Estimation dialog box, specify:
Material Class: 10.9
Applied Force: 1500 N
Nature of Load: Static and Centric applied Axial Force (upper-left icon)
Method for Tightening Screw: Mechanical Screw Driver
The Result field displays a nominal size of M4. Choose OK.

In the Screw Connection dialog box, the pre-calculation routine has marked
M4.
Choose Finish.

Specify insertion point of first hole: Specify first point (1)
Specify endpoint of first hole [Gap between holes]: Specify second point (2)
Drag Size: Drag screw connection dynamically to size M4 x 12, and click
Drag Size: Enter 8

You have inserted the screw connection with a screw length of 12 mm and a
blind hole depth of 8 mm.
Your drawing should look like this:
Save your file.

Editing Screw Connections with Power Edit
Instead of having to use different editing commands for different objects,
you can use just one command, Power Edit, for editing all objects in a draw-
ing with built-in intelligence. Using Power Edit on a screw connection, the
whole assembly can be edited and will be updated in your drawing with an
automatic background update.
Now, edit the second screw at the coverplate to get the same countersink
screw.
To edit a screw connection

1 Start the Power Edit command.
Menu Modify Power Commands Power Edit
Command AMPOWEREDIT

Select object: Select the lower screw of the coverplate
NOTE You can also start Power Edit by double-clicking the desired part.
3 In the Screw Connection New Part Front View dialog box, choose < Back.

4 In the Screw Connection New Part Front View dialog box, double-click the
previously created screw template in the list, or select it and choose the Load
the template icon.
Now, the Screw Connection dialog box contains the screw connection as it
has been stored in the template.

5 Choose M4, then Finish, and respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify insertion point of first hole: Press ENTER
Specify endpoint of first hole [Gap between holes]: Press ENTER
Drag Size: Drag the screw connection dynamically to the size M4 x 12, and click
Drag Size: Enter 8
The edited screw connection is inserted. Your drawing should look like this:
Save your file.
Working with Power View

With Power View, you can quickly generate a top or bottom view of a side
view of a standard part and vice versa.
Before you complete the top view of the coverplate, you have to zoom into it.
To zoom to a window
Command ZOOM

Command ZOOM

Now, use Power View to insert the screws into the top view of the coverplate.
To insert a standard part using Power View

1 Start the Power View command.
Menu Modify Power Commands Power View
Command AMPOWERVIEW

Select object: Select the screw at cover plate (1)

Specify insertion point: Specify the centerline cross at top view (2)
The top view of the screw connection is inserted into the top view of the cov-
erplate. Your drawing should look like this:
3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to insert the top view of the screw at the other three cen-
terline crosses of the top view of the coverplate.

The coverplate should look like this now:
Save your file.
Deleting with Power Erase

Power Erase is an intelligent erase command. It detects the object
information of a part. If you delete a screw connection with Power Erase, the
representation of the background is automatically corrected.
Before you delete the standard part, you have to zoom into it.
To zoom to a window
Command ZOOM

Command ZOOM

Now, delete a screw using the Power Erase command.
To delete a standard part

1 Start the Power Erase command.
Menu Modify Power Commands Power Erase
Command AMPOWERERASE

Select object: Select the screw (1)
Select object: Press ENTER

The screw connection is deleted and the lines and hatch are restored. Your
drawing should look like this:
Save your file.

Inserting Holes
Now, you replace the previously deleted screw connection with a pin. You
insert a blind hole for the pin first.
To insert a hole
1 Start the Blind Hole command.
Menu Content Holes Blind Holes
Command AMBHOLE2D
2 In the Select a Blind Hole dialog box, select acc. to ISO 273 and Front View.

Specify insertion point: Specify insertion point (1)
Specify rotation angle <0>: Specify a point to define insertion angle (2)

4 In the acc. to ISO 273 - Nominal Diameter dialog box, select a size of 5, and
choose the Finish button.

Drag Size: Enter 20
The blind hole is inserted. Your drawing should look like this:
Save your file.

Inserting Pins
Now, insert a pin into the blind hole.
To insert a pin
1 Start the Cylindrical Pins command.
Menu Content Fasteners Cylindrical Pins
Command AMCYLPIN2D
2 In the Select a Cylindrical Pin dialog box, select ISO 2338 and Front View.

Specify insertion point: Specify insertion point (1)
Specify rotation angle <0>: Specify a point to define insertion angle (2)

4 In the ISO 2338 - Nominal Diameter dialog box, select a size of 5, and choose
the Finish button.
5 Continue to respond to the prompt as follows:

Drag Size: Drag the pin to size 5 h8 x 18 - B, and left-click
6 In the Select Part Size dialog box, select 5h8 x 18 - B, and choose OK.

The pin is inserted. Your drawing should look like this:
NOTE You have inserted the blind hole first and then the pin. This results in
overlapping centerlines. In order to have a correct plot, you should turn one cen-
terline off.
To turn off a centerline

1 Select the previously inserted cylindrical pin.
2 Right-click and deactivate Centerlines on/off in the shortcut menu.
Now, the centerline of the pin is turned off and only the centerline of the
blind hole is displayed.
Save your file.
Turning Off Centerlines in Configurations

If your drawing already contains holes with centerlines, and you would like
to add standard parts, it is recommended to turn off the centerlines for
standard parts in the configuration. This will avoid removing overlapped
centerlines.
To turn off centerlines in the configuration

1 Open the Mechanical Options dialog.
Command AMOPTIONS

2 Select the Standard Parts Tab.
3 Uncheck 2D Draw Centerlines.
4 Choose Apply and OK.
Hiding Construction Lines

For a better overview, you can hide the construction lines by turning them
off temporarily.
First zoom to the extents of the drawing.
To zoom to the extents

Command ZOOM
Now, turn off all construction lines.

To turn off C-lines
1 Start the Construction Line On/Off command.
Menu Assist Layer / Layergroup Construction Line On/Off
Command AMCLINEO
All construction lines are turned off temporarily.

Save your file.
Simplifying Representations of Standard Parts

In some cases, for example in complex assemblies, it is helpful to have a sim-
plified representation of the standard parts for a better overview. With
AutoCAD Mechanical, you can switch between different representation types
without losing object or part information.
Now, you change the representation of the differential gear screws.
To change the representation of a standard part

1 Start the Change Representation command.
Menu Content Change Representation
Command AMSTDPREP

Select objects: Select the differential gear with a window (1, 2)

3 In the Switch Representation of Standard Parts dialog box, select Symbolic,
and choose OK.

The representation of the selected standard parts is symbolic. Your drawing
should look like this:
The AutoCAD Mechanical standard parts library is not only a simple block
library, but also an intelligent library, that helps you design with standard
parts in a very effective way.
Save your file.

Working with BOMs and
Parts Lists
In This Chapter
11
In AutoCAD Mechanical 6, you can create parts lists Inserting part references
Editing a part reference
and bills of material (BOMs) automatically, and modify
Placing and modifying balloons
part references and balloons. In this chapter, you insert
Creating a parts list
and edit a parts list, and work with the bill of material Merging and splitting items in a
parts list
(BOM) database. Collecting balloons
Sorting and renumbering items
on a parts list
Using filters
177
Key Terms
Term Definition
balloon Circular annotation tag that identifies a bill of material item in a drawing. The
number in the balloon corresponds with the number of the part in the bill of
material.
bill of material A dynamic database containing a list of all the parts in an assembly. Used to
generate parts lists that contain associated attributes such as part number,
manufacturer, and quantity.
BOM attribute An entity that contains attributes by default (the attribute is invisible) that can add
information to and describe details of a part in the drawing. The values of these
attributes are transformed into the parts list attributes when converting BOM
attributes and creating a parts list.
part reference Part information for a bill of material, which is attached to the part in the
drawing.
parts list A dynamic list of parts and associated attributes generated from a bill of material
database. The parts list automatically reflects additions and subtractions of parts
from an assembly.
178 | Chapter11 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists

Working with Parts Lists
To open a drawing
Menu File Open
Command OPEN
The drawing contains a shaft with a housing.

Command ZOOM

Specify first corner: Specify the first corner point figure (1)

Inserting a Part Reference

The part references the part information required for the bill of material. The
information of the part reference is available in the parts database for creat-
ing a parts list.
Here, you use the part reference command to enter part information for your
part.
Working with Parts Lists | 179

To insert a Part Reference
1 Start the Part Reference command.
Menu Annotate Parts List Tools Part Reference
Command AMPARTREF

Select point or [Block/Copy/Reference]: Specify a point on the part (1)
3 In the Part Ref Attributes dialog box, specify:

Description: Housing Partition
Standard: Size 130x125x55
Material: EN-GJL-200
Choose OK. The Part Reference is inserted into the drawing.
NOTE Standard Parts get such a Part Reference containing all standard infor-
mation automatically.

In the next step, you create a part reference by reference.
To insert a Part Reference by reference

1 Start the Part reference command again.
Menu Annotate Parts List Tools Part Reference
Command AMPARTREF
2 Right-click to display the context menu and select Reference, or enter R at the
Command prompt.
3 Select the previously inserted part reference in the drawing to create a

reference.
This means that the same part shows a quantity of 2 in the BOM database.
NOTE You can use the option Copy to create a new part with similar text infor-
mation.

Select point or: Specify the insertion point at the circular edge (2)
5 In the Part Ref Attribute dialog box, choose OK.
NOTE This part reference looks different, because it has been attached to an
object (the circular edge) of the part.
Save your file.

Editing Part References
Now, you have to edit an existing part reference.
To edit a Part Reference

1 Start the Part Reference Edit command.
Menu Annotate Parts List Tools Part Reference Edit
Command AMPARTREFEDIT

Select pick object: Specify the part reference of the left screw (3)
The Part Ref Attributes dialog box is displayed.

3 For Reference Quantity, enter 3, and choose OK.
NOTE For the related nut and the screw connection on the right side the ref-
erence quantity is already changed in the drawing.

4 Zoom to the extents to display the entire drawing.
Menu View Zoom EXTENTS
Command ZOOM
Save your file.
Placing Balloons
Now, you create balloons from the part references in the drawing.
To place a balloon
1 Start the Balloon command.
Command AMBALLOON

Select part/assembly or :[auTo/autoAll/Collect/Manual/One/Renumber/rEorganize]:
Enter A
NOTE If you use one of the commands AMBALLOON or AMPARTLIST the BOM
database will be created automatically. This means all part references will be
added to the database and item numbers will be created inside the database.
To create and edit a database manually, you can use the AMBOM command.
3 Use a window to select all objects and press ENTER.
NOTE Press ENTER to change the type of arrangement (horizontal, vertical,

angle or stand-alone).

4 Place the balloons horizontally, above the assembly.
Because the balloons are numbered automatically, depending on where you

have located the part references, the appearance of your drawing can be dif-
ferent.
In the next step, you will renumber the balloons.
To renumber balloons
1 Start the Balloon command again.
Command AMBALLOON

Select part/assembly or [auTo/autoAll/Collect/Manual/One/Renumber/ rEorganize]:
Enter R

Enter starting item number: <1>: Press ENTER
Enter increment: <1>: Press ENTER
Select balloon: Select the balloons in numerical order from 1 to 7
Select balloon: Press ENTER

Your drawing needs to look like the following in order for you to continue:
NOTE Since balloon 7 has a reference, you do not have to select balloon 8. It
will get the number 7 automatically.
Now, rearrange the balloons for a better representation.
To rearrange balloons.
1 Drag a window from right to left to select the 6 balloons on the right. This
turns on the grips.
2 Right-click to activate the context menu. Choose Reorganize.

3 Move the cursor through the center of balloon 1 to get the horizontal track-
ing line.
NOTE Make sure that the OTRACK function is active.
4 Move the cursor to the right, and snap along the tracking line, until you
reach a distance of 120, and click.

The result needs to look like the following:
NOTE The snap distance can be controlled within the Balloon Properties dialog.
In the next step, you create a part reference and a balloon in one step with
the manual option.
To create a part reference and a balloon using the manual option

1 Start the Balloon command again.
Command AMBALLOON

Select part/assembly
or [auTo/autoAll/Collect/Manual/One/Renumber/rEorganize]: Enter M
Select point or [Block/Copy/Reference]: Select a point on the shaft
NOTE Instead of selecting a point to create a part reference, you can use Copy
or Reference from the Manual option, to get the information from an existing
balloon or part reference.

3 In the Part Ref Attributes dialog box, specify:
Description: Shaft
Standard: Size Dia. 50x150
Material: C45
4 Choose OK.
5 Press ENTER to start the leader line of the balloon in the center of the part ref-
erence.
6 Move the cursor through the center of balloon 1 to get the tracking line and
the snap distance, and click the insertion point.
NOTE Instead of entering the insertion point, you can select another point to
create an extended leader line.
7 Press ENTER.
Save your file.

Creating a Parts List
Now, you generate a parts list from the part reference information.
To create a parts list

1 Start the Parts List command.
Menu Annotate Parts List Tools Parts List
Command AMPARTLIST

Select border: Move the cursor over the border until tooltip ISO_A2 is displayed,
and then click the highlighted border
The Parts List dialog box opens.
Choose OK.
The parts list appears dynamically on the cursor.
3 Move the cursor to the top of the title block. Click to insert the parts list.

The parts list should look like the following:
NOTE If you are working with more than one drawing border, you can create
border-specific parts lists. In this case, a BOM database is created for each border
automatically when the AMBALLOON or AMPARTLIST commands are used.
You can use the AMBOM command to create or edit a BOM manually.
An example of a BOM database that contains more than one border is shown
below. Selecting BORDER1 or BORDER2 displays the contents for each BOM
database.
In the next step, you edit balloon / parts list information using several meth-
ods.
To edit parts list information

1 Start the Edit Part List/Balloon command.
Command AMEDIT

Select object: Select balloon 2

3 In the Balloon dialog box, enter 8.8 in the Material column.
4 Choose OK.
Notice the changes in your parts list.
NOTE Choose Apply to see the results in the drawing immediately without
leaving the dialog box. All changes made in the dialog box are associative and
change the data in the drawing immediately.

5 Double-click the parts list.
The Parts List dialog box is displayed.
You can edit your data in this dialog box. Some examples are shown next.

6 Select the Hexagon Nut entry and choose the Set values icon.
7 In the Set Value dialog box, specify:

Column: Material
Value: 8
8 Choose OK.

The result should look like the following.
9 Now, change the material of the second bolt and nut accordingly.
NOTE Using the shortcut menu inside a field provides additional functions
such as cut, copy, and paste.
Save your file.

Merging and Splitting Items in a Parts List
The Parts List function allows you to merge items which appear repeatedly.
To merge parts list items

1 In the Parts List dialog box, hold down CTRL while you click the box in front
of item 1 and the box in front of item 6. With items 1 and 6 selected, choose
the Merge items icon.
Item 1 now has a quantity of 2, and Item 6 is missing.
Selecting several rows allows you to merge or split items. The selected rows
need to have the same entries.

2 Choose Apply to display the changes in the drawing.
Balloon 1 is displayed twice.
NOTE Select the gray field to the left of row 1, and the Split item icon is acti-
vated.
NOTE In this case, if you choose Split item, the previously merged items will
be split again.
Selecting the gray field in the upper left corner left to Item allows you to select
all rows at once, as shown in the following.

NOTE In this case, the Merge item and Split item icons are active.
Selecting one of the icons allows you to merge or split all items at once. All data
will be compared, and, if they are the same, they are merged together. Other-
wise, if they are merged items, they are split at once.
Now that you have merged the bearing, you can delete one of the balloons
and add an additional leader.
To delete a balloon
1 Use Power Erase, and select the left balloon with the item number 1.
2 Press ENTER to delete the balloon.
NOTE Deleting a balloon in the drawing, doesn't delete any data. Data is only
lost if you delete a part reference. You can add more than one balloon to a part
reference, for example, to create a balloon with the same item number, for the
same part in another view.

To add an additional leader
1 Select the remaining balloon 1.
2 Right-click to display the shortcut menu. Select Add Leader and respond to
the prompts as follows:
Select object to attach: Select the left bearing
Enter an option [Next/Accept] <Accept>: Press ENTER
Next point (or F for first point): Select a point inside the balloon 1
The leader is added and your drawing should look like the following:
Save your file.
Collecting Balloons
Collecting balloons enables you to place balloons of related parts to one
leader line. For example, you can place the balloons of a screw and a nut to
one common leader line.
To collect balloons
1 Use Zoom Window to zoom in the top view of the drawing.
Command ZOOM

2 Start the AMBALLOON command.
Command AMBALLOON

Select part/assembly
or [auTo/autoAll/Collect/Manual/One/Renumber/rEorganize]: Enter C

Select pick object or balloon: Select the part reference of the left nut

Select pick object or balloon: Press ENTER
Select balloon: Select balloon 2
Pick orientation: Select a vertical orientation
6 Repeat the collect balloon command for the screw and nut on the right side.
The result should look like this:
Save your file.
Sorting and Renumbering Items on a Parts List

You can sort a parts list for manufacturing and sort standard parts with
updated item numbers.

To sort a parts list
Command ZOOM
2 Double-click the parts list to display the Parts List dialog box.
3 Choose the Sort icon.
The Sort dialog box opens.
NOTE You can sort within a selection set, otherwise you are sorting all items.
4 In the Sort dialog box, specify as shown in the following.

Choose OK.
The result should look like this:
In the next step, you renumber the items.
To renumber parts list items

1 Click the Item cell to select the whole Item column.
2 Choose the Set values icon.

3 In the Set Value dialog box, specify:
Column: Item
Start value: 10
Step: 10
4 Choose OK to return to the Parts List dialog box.

5 Choose Apply to see the results.
The result should look like the following.
6 Choose OK to return to the drawing.

Save your file.
Using Filters
You can create and use one or more filters for every parts list you have
inserted in the drawing.
To use filters in a parts list

1 Double-click the parts list to display the Parts List dialog box.
2 Move the cursor over the white Filters field, and right-click.

3 Select Add Filter to display the List of Filters dialog box.
4 Select Custom and choose OK.

The details for this filter are displayed.
5 Set the following values to define the filter.
6 Activate the filter with the Custom check box.

7 Choose Apply in the Parts List dialog box.

The Standards that contain ISO are displayed.
The filtered parts list is displayed in the drawing. The defined filters are saved
with the parts list and can be used again later.
If you only want to print the filtered list, choose the Print icon.
8 Deactivate the custom filter and close the dialog box with OK.
The filter will not be used in this drawing.

The result looks like the following:

Save your file.

Creating Shafts With
Standard Parts
In This Chapter
12
In AutoCAD Mechanical 6, you learn how to use the Configuring the snap options
Starting and configuring the shaft
shaft generator to create and edit shafts. You learn to
generator
insert bearings and perform bearing calculations. Creating shaft sections
Inserting a profile
Inserting a chamfer and a fillet
Inserting a shaft break
Creating a side view
Inserting a thread
Editing and inserting a shaft
section
Replacing a shaft section
Inserting a bearing
205
Key Terms
Term Definition
bearing calculation Calculates limiting value, dynamic and static load rating, dynamic and static
equivalent load, and fatigue life in revolutions and hours.
chamfer A beveled surface between two faces or surfaces.
dynamic calculation Calculation required for a revolving bearing. The result is the Adjusted Rating Life.
This is the life associated with 90% reliability with contemporary, commonly used
material, and under conventional operating conditions. With the number of
revolutions you get the life in working hours.
it into a side view. The standard part is displayed dynamically on the screen and
can be dragged to the next possible size and length. The values (sizes) are taken
from the Standard parts database.
fillet A curved transition from one part face or surface to another. The transition cuts
off the outside edge or fills in the inside edge.
gear Any several arrangements, especially of toothed wheels in a machine, which allow
power to be passed from one part to another to control the power, speed, or
direction of movement.
radius reflection line Thin line that represents the radius in the side or top view.
shaft break Interruption of a shaft. A shaft can be interrupted at a point, and the shaft break
symbols are inserted in a suitable size.
shaft generator Tool to draw rotationally symmetrical parts. A shaft is usually created from left to
right using different sections. These sections are positioned automatically one
after the other. Additionally, any shaft section can be inserted, deleted, or edited.
206 | Chapter 12 Creating Shafts With Standard Parts

Creating Shafts with Standard Parts
In this section you generate a shaft with standard parts with the shaft generator.
You also perform a bearing calculation.
First, you have to start with an ISO drawing template.
To open a template
Menu File New
Command NEW
The AutoCAD Today dialog box is displayed.

2 In the Today dialog box, in the section My Drawings, change to the tab
Create Drawings and select the template am_iso.dwt.
This opens a new drawing template.
NOTE The ISO standard part standard has to be installed for this tutorial
exercise.
Configuring the Snap Options

First, you configure the snap options.
Creating Shafts with Standard Parts | 207

To configure the snap options
1 Start the Power Snap Settings.
Menu Assist Drafting Settings Power Snap Settings 1-4
Command AMPOWERSNAP
2 In the Power Snap Settings dialog box, activate the tab Setting 4 and specify:
Snap Modes: Endpoint, Midpoint, Intersection
Choose OK
Save your file.
Starting and Configuring Shaft Generators

In the next steps, you start and configure the shaft generator.
To start and configure the shaft generator

1 Start the Shaft Generator command.
Menu Content Shaft Generator
Command AMSHAFT2D

Specify starting point or select center line [New shaft]: Enter 150,150
Specify centerline endpoint: Enter 240,150
NOTE The start and endpoints of the centerline are only important in deter-
mining the direction. The length of the centerline is automatically adapted to the
length of the shaft.

3 In the Shaft Generator dialog box, press the appropriate button, and enter
the values as indicated in the following:
4 Choose the Config button to start the Shaft Generator Configuration, and
specify:
For Segment inserted: Insert
Stationary Shaft End: Left
Adjust Centerline: Yes
Front View: Radius Reflection Line, Check contour
Side and Sectional Views: Sectional with Background, Always update
View of Interrupt: Hatch
If shaft is in background, hide standard part too: Yes
Choose OK.
You return to the Shaft Generator dialog box.

Creating Cylindrical Shaft Sections and Gears
The shaft generator is configured. Now you want to generate the first shaft
segments.
To create shaft segments

1 Choose the lower cylinder button to define a cylinder section, and respond
to the prompts as follows:
Specify length <50>: Enter 12
2 Choose the gear button, and enter the values for module, number of teeth,
and length as shown in the following figure:
NOTE Here, the DIN standard requires that you indicate the module. The
ANSI standard requires the reciprocal 1/module. You can switch between these
two representations using the DIN and ANSI toggle.
3 Choose the lower cylinder button to define a further cylinder section and
respond to the prompts as follows:

4 Choose the gear button, and enter the values for module, number of teeth
and length as shown in the following figure:
5 Choose the lower cylinder button to define another cylinder section, and
6 Choose the lower cylinder button to define another cylinder section, and
Now, you have created the first five sections of the shaft as represented in the
following figure:

Inserting Spline Profile
Now, you add a spline profile to the shaft.
To create a profiled segment

1 Choose the Profile button.
2 Choose ISO 14 in the database browser.
3 In the Splined Shaft ISO 14 dialog box, select the standard size 6 x 13 x 16
and define a length of 26. Choose OK.
Now, you have created another section of the shaft as represented in the fol-
lowing figure:

Inserting Chamfer and Fillet
In this step, you apply a chamfer and a fillet to the shaft.
To apply a chamfer and a fillet

1 Choose the Chamfer button to apply a chamfer to a shaft section, and
Select object: Select the leftmost cylinder section (1)
Specify length (max. 12) <2.5>: Enter 2
Specify angle (0-79) or [Distance] <45>: Enter 45
2 Choose the Fillet button to apply a fillet to a shaft section, and respond to
the prompts as follows:
Select object: Select the cylinder section between the two gears near the second
gear (1)
Enter radius (max. 5.00) <2.50>: Enter 2
NOTE The fillet will be applied to the edge of the selected section, which is
closer to the selected point on the section.

After applying the chamfer and the fillet, the shaft looks like the following
figure:
Inserting Shaft Breaks

Here, you insert a shaft break in the drawing.
To insert a shaft break

1 Choose the Break button to insert a shaft break, and respond to the prompts
as follows:
Specify point: Select the midpoint of the cylindrical section (1)
Specify length (min. 4.00) <6>: Enter 10
NOTE You can insert the break to the left, if you enter a negative value.

The shaft break is inserted.
Creating Side Views of Shafts

Next, you insert a side view of the shaft.
To insert a side view

1 Choose the Side view button.
2 In the Side view from dialog box, select Right. Choose OK.
Specify insertion point: Press ENTER
The right side view is inserted at the proposed position as shown in the
following figure:

Inserting Threads on Shafts
Now, you add a thread to the shaft.
To insert a thread on a shaft

1 Choose the Thread button to insert a thread, and select ISO 261 in the
browser.
2 In the Thread ISO 261 dialog box, select M10 and enter a length of 20.
Choose OK.
The thread is added to the shaft, which looks like this now:
Editing Shafts and Inserting Sections

In this section, you edit an existing shaft section and insert a new section.
To edit and insert a shaft section

1 Choose the Edit button, and respond to the prompts as follows:
Select object: Select the first cylindrical section (1)
Specify length <12>: Press ENTER

The diameter is changed to 18 while the length remains 12.
2 Choose the Insert button, and respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify point: Select a point after the second gear (1)
3 Choose the Slope button, and respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify length or [Dialog] <20>: Enter 4
Specify diameter at starting point <24>: Enter 28
Specify diameter at endpoint or [Slope/Angle] <20>: Enter 22

Replacing Shaft Sections
The previously inserted slope needs to be deleted again.
To replace a shaft section

1 Choose the Undo button.
The previous slope insertion is undone.
Now, replace an existing shaft section. To do this, you change the settings in
the configuration.
2 Choose the Config button to start the shaft generator configuration, and
specify:
For Segment inserted: Overdraw
3 Choose OK.
4 Choose the Slope button, and respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify length or [Dialog] <4>: Enter D

5 In the Shaft Generator - Cone dialog box, make the following settings and
choose OK.
The slope replaces the cylindrical shaft section.
Inserting Bearings
Here, you insert a bearing and perform a bearing calculation.
To insert a bearing
1 Choose the Standard Parts button, and select a radial roller bearing ISO 355
in the browser. Respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify insertion point on shaft contour: Specify the insertion point (1)
Direction to [Left]: Select a point to the right (2)

2 In the ISO 355 dialog box, choose Next >.
3 In the ISO 355 dialog box, specify the loads and activate Work Hours as
shown in the following, and choose Next >.

4 In the ISO 355 dialog box, select the bearing 2BD - 20 x 37 x 12, and choose
Finish.
The bearing is inserted, and you can select the available sizes by dragging.
5 Choose 2BD - 20 x 37 x 12 and press ENTER.
The bearing is inserted.
6 Choose Close.

Save your file.

222
Calculating Shafts
In This Chapter
13
In this AutoCAD Mechanical 6 tutorial, you perform a Creating the shaft contour
Specifying the material
calculation on an existing shaft and apply various loads to
Placing the supports
a supported shaft. Then you insert the results into a
Specifying the loads
drawing. Calculating and inserting the

results
Calculating the strength
223
Key Terms
Term Definition
deflection line Deflection line calculations are based on the predefined force direction (F) or the
radial direction (s).
deflection moment Deflection moment calculations are based on the predefined force direction (F) or
the radial direction (s).
fatigue factor A summary term for all safety factors, which are necessary to determine the safety
against endurance or fatigue fractures.
fixed support A support that is fixed to a part and cannot be moved.
gear Any several arrangements, especially of toothed wheels in a machine which allows
power to be passed from one part to another so as to control the power speed or
the direction of movement.
load The forces and moments that act on a part.
movable support A support that is not fixed.
notch A change of cross section, for example undercuts, grooves, holes or shoulders.
Notches lead to a higher stress in the part. The flux of the stress is interrupted or
redirected.
point force A force that is concentrated on a point.
strength A summary term for all forces and moments, thus loads and stress, which act on a
part.
stress Force or pressure on a part. Stress is the force per area.
yield factor A summary term for all safety factors, which are necessary to determine the safety
against overload fracture under maximum load.
224 | Chapter 13 Calculating Shafts

Calculating Shafts
With AutoCAD Mechanical, you can perform a shaft calculation using a con-
tour created with the Shaft Generator or any other symmetric shaft contour.
The function provides a static calculation, which is important for the design
of the shaft and the bearing load.
In this tutorial, you calculate a gear box shaft. The general way to calculate
an existing shaft is to define the contour and insert forces and supports. The
routine calculates all necessary values and draws the respective graphs for
moment and deflection.
First, you load the initial drawing.
To open a file
Menu File Open
Command OPEN
The drawing contains a shaft in front and side view.

2 Zoom in to the shaft.

Command ZOOM

Specify first corner: Specify the first corner point (1)

Calculating Shafts | 225

Creating Shaft Contours
Before you can perform any calculations on a shaft, you have to create the
shaft contour.
To create a shaft contour

1 Start the Shaft Calculator.
Menu Content Calculations Shaft Calculation
Command AMSHAFTCALC

Select contour or [Create contour/Strength] <Create>: Enter C
Select objects: Select the complete shaft
3 In the AutoCAD Question dialog box, choose Yes.

Specify contour position: Press ENTER
NOTE The calculation routine recognizes hollow shafts and uses the contour
for the calculation.

After you have created the shaft contour, the Shaft Calculation dialog box is
displayed so that you can select the boundary conditions, the material, and
the representation of the calculation results.
Specifying Material
You specify the material by selecting it from a table containing the most com-
monly used materials. You are also able to enter the characteristics for other
materials using the option Edit.
To specify a material
1 From the Material section, choose Edit.
The Material Properties dialog box is displayed.
2 In the Material Properties dialog box, choose Table, and select the ANSI
standard.

3 In the Material dialog box, select the material Steel SAE 1045 from the table.
Choose OK.
NOTE If the ANSI standard is not installed on your system, you can select a
different standard, but the results may differ from the results in this tutorial (if
you select DIN for example, you can select a similar material like, E335, to
achieve similar results).
NOTE Some material properties are not complete. In this case, you have to
complete them to obtain calculation results.
4 In the Material Properties dialog box, complete the ANSI material properties
if necessary:
5 Choose OK.

Placing Shaft Supports
Now, you have to specify the shaft supports.
To place a support
1 In the Shaft Calculation dialog box, select the Movable Support icon, and
respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the midpoint of the leftmost shaft section
2 Now, select the Fixed Support icon, and respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the midpoint of the third cylindrical shaft section
Now, you have specified the shaft supports and your result should look like
this:
Specifying Loads on Shafts

Now, you have to specify the effective loads. AutoCAD Mechanical uses
geometry from the drawing for load calculations.
NOTE The loads depend on the setting Calculated Part. There are three pos-
sibilities: Rotating Shaft, Rotating Axle and Not rotating Axle. A shaft is able to
transfer torque and rotating axles result in different stress values than static axles.
To specify a load
1 From the Calculated Part drop-down list, choose Rotating Shaft.
2 Choose the Gear icon and respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the midpoint of the second gear

3 In the Gear dialog box, activate the tab Inputs, and specify:
Gear Load: Driven
Torque: 15
NOTE The Components tab displays the force components. Changes in one
tab are automatically reflected in the other tab.
4 Choose OK.
5 Choose the Point Load icon and respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the midpoint of the profile section
Specify rotation angle: Press ENTER

6 In the Point Load dialog box, activate the Resultant tab, and specify:
Point Load: 2500
7 Choose OK.
8 Choose the Torque icon and respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the midpoint of the profile section
9 In the Torque dialog box, specify:

Torque: 15
Choose OK.
Now, you have specified the loads and your result should look like this:

You have specified all boundary conditions necessary for a shaft calculation.
Calculating and Inserting Results

Now, you perform a calculation of the moments and deformations, and
insert the results in your drawing.
To perform a shaft calculation

1 Choose the Moments and Deformations button.

2 In the Select Graph dialog box, specify:
Bend: Bending Moment in Y - Axis, Deflection in Y - Axis
Torsion: Torsion Moment in X - Direction
Stresses: Result Bending Stress
Table Title: Shaft Calculation Exercise
3 Choose OK, and respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify insertion point: Select an appropriate point to the right of the shaft
The result block as well as the deflection and torsion moment graphs are
inserted.
4 Choose Close to exit the Shaft Calculation dialog box.

Now, your drawing should look like this:
The result block provides the most important information about your
calculated shaft such as the maximum stress deflection and moment values.

Save your file.
Calculating Strengths of Shafts

Now, check the strength at a critical place of the shaft, for example a notch.
To calculate the strength at a notch

1 Restart the Shaft Calculation
Menu Content Calculations Shaft Calculation
Command AMSHAFTCALC

Select contour or [Create contour/Strength] <Create>: Select the shaft contour
The Shaft Calculation dialog box opens again and you are able to continue
with calculations on the previously specified shaft.

3 In the Shaft Calculation dialog box, choose the Strength button, and respond
to the prompt as follows:
Specify calculation position on shaft or [Graph]:
Specify the notch at the end of the conical section (1) (make sure you dont select
the endpoint of the cylindrical shaft section)
NOTE This notch has been selected because the calculation established that
the highest bending stress is close to this place.
The Strength Calculation dialog box opens.

The Strength Calculation dialog box enables you to specify the properties of
the notch more detailed and displays all important strength values and factors.
4 Choose OK and respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify next point <Symbol>: Specify a point below the shaft
Specify next point <Symbol>: Press ENTER
The result block is inserted in the drawing.
As you can see, the safety factors are higher than 1.2. The shaft doesnt need
to be redesigned at this notch.
5 Choose Close to leave the Shaft Calculation dialog box.
Save your file.

238
Calculating Moments of
Inertia and Deflection Lines
In This Chapter
14
In this AutoCAD Mechanical 6 tutorial, you can Calculating the moment of
inertia
calculate the moment of inertia for a profile section and
Calculating the deflection line
calculate the deflection line on a beam based on the
profile calculation.
239
Key Terms
Term Definition
deflection line Deflection lines are calculated based on the predefined force direction (F) or to
deflection moment Deflection moment is calculated based on the predefined force direction (F) or to
distributed force A force that is spread over a certain area.
fixed support A support that is fixed to the part and cannot be moved.
load Forces and moments, which act on a part.
moment of inertia An important property of areas and solid bodies. Standard formulas are derived
by multiplying elementary particles of area and mass by the squares of their
distances from reference axes. Moments of inertia, therefore, depend on the
location of reference axes.
movable support Support that is not fixed.
point force A force that is concentrated on a point.
240 | Chapter 14 Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines

Calculating Moments of Inertia and
Deflection Lines
The measurement unit for the moment of inertia is mm4 or inches4. These
are geometrical values, which appear at deflection, torsion, and buckling cal-
culation. AutoCAD Mechanical uses the result of the moment of inertia
calculation for the deflection line calculation.
Moment of inertia calculations are performed on cross sections of beams or
on other objects that can be represented as closed contours. Calculations can
be performed on a cross section of any shape, as long as the geometry of the
cross section forms a closed contour.
AutoCAD Mechanical determines the center of gravity for a cross section,
draws the main axes, and calculates the moment of inertia for each of those
axes. You can also select a load direction for a cross section; AutoCAD
Mechanical calculates the moment of inertia and angle of deflection for that
load.
NOTE The ISO standard part standard has to be installed for this tutorial exercise.
First, you load the initial drawing.
To open a file
Menu File Open
Command OPEN
The drawing contains this profile:

Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines | 241

Calculating Moments of Inertia
Before you can perform any calculations on a profile, you need to know its
moment of inertia.
To calculate the moment of inertia

1 Start the calculation for the moment of inertia.
Menu Content Calculations Moment of Inertia
Command AMINERTIA

Specify interior point: Click a point inside the profile
Specify interior point: Press ENTER
Is the area filled correctly? (Yes/No)? <Yes>: Press ENTER
The coordinates of the centroid and the moment of inertia along the princi-
ple axes are displayed on the command line, as follows:
Coordinates of centroid (in user coordinates):
X coordinate: 228.071933 Y coordinate: 150.027674
Moments of inertia along principal axes:
I1: 2.359e+004 I2: 1.4095e+004
Axis angle for major moment (I1): 5.3
Now, define the direction of the loads: they must be in one plane.
Specify direction of load forces (must all lie in one plane): Enter 270
The data for this load direction is displayed on the command line, as follows:
Effective moment of inertia for this load direction: 2.341e+004
Angle of deflection: 266.5
Maximum distances neutral line - border:
Extension side: 16.690 Compression side: 14.444
Now, you have to enter a description for the calculated profile and locate the
block with the calculation data in the drawing.

Enter description: Enter Frame Profile
Specify insertion point: Place the calculation block next to the profile
NOTE The main axes, 1 and 2, are the axes with the most and least deflection.
The F arrow displays the direction of the force, the s arrow displays the resultant
deflection. The moment of inertia block shows the moments related to the main
axis, the maximum distances from the edges, and the calculated area. For more
detailed information, see the online help.
A side view of the profile has been created for the deflection line.

Command ZOOM
Save your file.

Calculating Deflection Lines
The calculation of the deflection line requires the calculation result from the
moment of inertia calculation.
Now, you calculate the deflection line under a specific load situation.
To calculate the deflection line

1 Start the deflection line calculation.
Menu Content Calculations Deflection Line
Command AMDEFLINE
Select moment of inertia block: Select the calculation block (1)
Specify starting point or [Existing beam]: Select the left end of the beam (2)
Specify endpoint: Select the right end of the beam (3)
3 In the Beam Calculation dialog box, choose Table.

4 In the Material dialog box, select ANSI standard and the material Al. Bronze
Cast.
NOTE If you have not installed ANSI standard, selecting a different standard
according to your preference is also possible, but the results will differ from the
results in this tutorial exercise (if you select DIN for example, you can select a
similar material like AlMgSi0.5F22 to achieve similar results).
Next, you define the supports and the loads.

5 Choose the Fixed Support icon, and respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the left edge of the beam (1)
NOTE The support can only be placed along the beam.
6 Choose the Movable Support icon, and respond to the prompt as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the right edge of the beam (2)

7 Choose the Uniform Load icon, and respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify insertion point: Select the left edge of the beam (3)
Specify endpoint: Select the midpoint of the beam using midpoint snap (4)
Line Load [N/mm]<50>: Enter 10
8 Choose the Moment icon, and respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify insertion point: Select a point in the center of the uniform load (5)
Bending moment (Nm)<10>: Enter 3
9 In the Beam Calculation dialog box, choose Moments and Deflection.

10 In the Select Graph dialog box, select the options as shown in the figure
below, and choose OK.

Enter scale for bending moment line (drawing unit:Nm)<1:1.3913>:
Press ENTER
Enter scale for deflection (drawing unit:mm)<37.208:1>: Press ENTER
Specify insertion point: Select a point in the drawing

The result looks like this:
The calculation result block displays all important data on your calculation:

Save your file.

248
Calculating Chains
In This Chapter
15
In this AutoCAD Mechanical 6 tutorial, you calculate a Performing a length calculation
Optimizing the chain length
chain length, and insert sprockets and chain links into
Inserting Sprockets
a drawing.
Inserting a Chain
249
Key Terms
Term Definition
partition Distance in mm or inches between centers of adjacent joint members. Other

dimensions are proportional to the pitch. Also known as pitch.
pitch diameter The diameter of the pitch circle that passes through the centers of the link pins as
the chain is wrapped on the sprocket.
roller chain A roller chain is made up of two kinds of links: roller links and pin links alternately
and evenly spaced throughout the length of the chain.
sprocket A toothed wheel that transfers the power from the chain to the shaft or the other
way round.
250 | Chapter 15 Calculating Chains

Chain Calculation
Before you begin this tutorial exercise, be sure the ISO standard parts are
installed on your system.
First, load the initial drawing.
To open a drawing
Menu File Open
Command OPEN
2 Zoom in to the chain housing.

Command ZOOM

The drawing contains a chain housing, sprocket positions, and points.

Chain Calculation | 251

Performing Length Calculations
First, you calculate the required length of the chain.
To perform a length calculation

1 Start the Length Calculation command.
Menu Content Chains / Belts Length Calculation
Command AMCHAINLENGTHCAL
2 In the Belt and Chain Length Calculation dialog box, choose Library.
3 In the Library, select ISO 606 metric.

4 In the Select Part Size dialog box, specify:
Standard: ISO 606 - 05B - 1
Choose OK.
5 In the Belt and Chain Length Calculation dialog box, choose OK, and
Specify 1st point for tangent or [Undo] <exit>: Select circle a (1)
Specify 2nd point for tangent: Select circle c (2)
Specify 1st point for tangent or [Undo] <exit>: Select circle c (3)
Specify 2nd point for tangent: Select circle b (4)
Specify 1st point for tangent or [Undo] <exit>: Select circle b (5)
Specify 2nd point for tangent: Select circle a (6)
Specify 1st point for tangent or [Undo] <exit>: Press ENTER
Select circle to store tangents: Select circle a

The tangent definition is finished, and the length of the chain is calculated.
Because the length is divided into whole numbers of links, one sprocket has
to be moved to achieve such a length.
6 Continue responding to the prompts as follows:
Select pulleys or sprockets to be moved. Select objects: Select circle b
Specify base point of displacement: Select the center of circle b
Specify second point of displacement: Select the center of the cross (8)
Select pulleys or sprockets to be moved.
AutoCAD has calculated the new length, which is still not a multiple of the
chain division:
Number of links in chain: 121 Distance to next link: 6.88567 mm
Length:974.8857
NOTE You can view the results by resizing the command line or opening the
AutoCAD Text Window using F2.
Therefore, the chain arrangement has to be optimized.

Save your file.
Optimizing the Chain Length

Now, optimize the chain length.
To optimize the chain length

1 Start the Length Calculation command.
Menu Content Chains / Belts Length Calculation
Command AMCHAINLENGTHCAL

2 In the Belt and Chain Length Calculation dialog box, check Auto Optimiza-
tion, Move, and specify:
Required number of links: 122
Choose OK.
Select pulleys or sprockets to be moved.
Select objects: Select the relocated circle b
Specify direction angle to move: Enter 90
Sprocket b is moved until a chain length of 122 links is achieved.

4 In the Belt and Chain Length Calculation dialog box, choose Cancel, to
cancel the optimization.

Save your file.
Inserting Sprockets
Now, insert the sprockets.
To insert a sprocket
1 Start the Draw Sprocket/Pulley command.
Menu Content Chains / Belts Draw Sprocket/Pulley
Command AMSPROCKET
2 In the Pulleys and Sprockets dialog box, specify:

Number of teeth: 21
Number of Teeth to Draw: 21
Choose OK.

Specify center of wheel: Select the center of circle a
The sprocket is inserted into the drawing. Now, insert the next two sprockets.
4 Start the Draw Sprocket/Pulley command again.
Command AMSPROCKET

Number of teeth: 13
Choose OK.
Specify center of wheel: Select the center of circle b
7 Start the Draw Sprocket/Pulley command again.

Command AMSPROCKET

Number of teeth: 51
Insertion Angle for Sprocket/Pulley: 180
Choose OK.
Specify center of wheel: Select the center of circle c
The last sprocket is inserted as a simplified representation with only three

teeth, as specified in the dialog box.
Save your file.

Inserting Chains
Finally, insert a chain.
To insert a chain
1 Start the Draw Chain/Belt Links command.
Menu Content Chains / Belts Draw Chain/Belt Links
Command AMCHAINDRAW
2 In the Draw Chain/Belt dialog box, specify:

Number of Links to Draw: 122
Choose OK.
Select polyline and starting point: Select the polyline near point 9
Please wait... calculating number of chain links
Number of links in chain: 122 Distance to next link: 0 mm
Please wait... calculating number of chain links
Is position of link correct [Yes/No] <Yes>: Press ENTER
The chain is inserted.


Save your file.
260
Calculating Springs
In This Chapter
16
In this tutorial, you calculate a spring for existing Starting the spring calculation
Specifying the spring restrictions
boundary conditions and insert the spring into a drawing.
Calculating and selecting the
You copy and edit the spring using the Power Copy and spring
Inserting the spring
Power Edit commands in AutoCAD Mechanical 6.
Copying the spring with Power
Copy
Editing the spring with Power
Edit
261
Key Terms
Term Definition
Belleville spring washer A washer-type spring that can sustain relatively large loads with small deflections.
The loads and deflections can be increased by stacking the springs.
compression spring A spring type that can be compressed and can absorb pressure forces.
the part into a side view. The standard part is displayed dynamically on the screen
and can be dragged to the next possible size and length. The values (sizes) are
taken from the Standard parts database.
extension spring A spring type that can absorb tension forces.
Power Copy A command that copies a drawing object to another position in the drawing.
Power Copy produces an identical copy of the copied object.
Power Edit A single edit command for all objects in a drawing.
torsion spring A spring type that can absorb torque forces.
262 | Chapter 16 Calculating Springs

Calculating Springs
With the AutoCAD Mechanical Power Pack spring function, you can insert
compression, extension, and torsion springs, as well as Belleville spring washers.
The calculation is carried out in accordance with DIN 2098 or ANSI. The
standard sizes of the springs can be selected from various standard catalogs.
In this tutorial, you create a compression spring in two different compression

situations. You calculate and insert the spring in an existing drawing.
First, you open the initial drawing.
To open a drawing
Menu File Open
Command OPEN
2 Zoom in to the area of the spring housings.

Command ZOOM
Calculating Springs | 263

Specify first corner: Specify first corner (1)

Specify opposite corner: Specify opposite corner (2)
The drawing shows two views (A and B) of the lever and spring housing, to
reflect two different states of compression.
Starting Spring Calculations

First, you specify the spring and the location.
To specify a spring
1 Start the Compression Spring command.
Menu Content Springs Compression
Command AMCOMP2D

2 In the Select Compression Spring dialog, choose Standards SPEC
Catalog A and Front View.

Specify starting point: Specify the starting point (1)
Specify direction: Specify endpoint (2)

Specifying Spring Restrictions
Now, you specify the spring restrictions. The Compression Springs dialog
allows you to restrict the spring selection in various ways.
To specify the spring restrictions

1 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables [mm] dialog, specify:
Specification: 2 Loads, 2 Lengths
Absolute Set: Lengths
2 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables [mm] dialog, choose the Da
button.

A row for specifying the outer diameter Da is added to the restrictions table.
3 Click into the value field for the diameter Da and choose the now appearing
pick icon.

Specify point for spring diameter:
Select a point on the inner spring housing contour (1)
Now, define the initial spring length.

5 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables [mm] dialog, click into the
value field for the length L1 and choose the now appearing pick icon.

Specify point for spring length L1: Select a point on the spring pressure plate (1)
Use view B of the lever and spring housing to define the compressed spring
length.

7 In the Compression Springs dialog, click into the value field for the length
L2 and choose the now appearing pick icon.

Specify point for spring length L2:
Select a point on the spring pressure plate in view B (1)
Now, you have defined the geometric boundary conditions, and you can pro-
ceed with the calculation.

Calculating and Selecting Springs
Now, make the calculation settings and calculate the possible springs.
To calculate and select a spring

1 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables [mm] dialog, choose the
Additional Calculation Settings button.
2 In the Compression Springs - Additional Calculation [ANSI] dialog, select the
left buckling case, and choose OK.

3 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables [mm] dialog, choose Next >.
The possible springs are calculated and the results are displayed in the Com-
pression Springs - Select from Tables [mm] dialog.
4 Choose Select All to select all possible springs for the dynamic dragging
process.
Choose Finish.

Inserting Springs
Now, you can drag the cursor dynamically to switch between the selected
possible springs. The outline of the spring is displayed in the drawing and the
spring description is displayed in the tooltip.
To insert a spring
1 Select SPEC - 1.6 x 14.1 x 36 and click the left mouse button.
Topical Length (14.28 - 36) [Force/Deflection] <32.01>:
Select a point on the spring pressure plate (1)

Select rod (only closed contours) <Enter=continue>:
The spring is inserted as shown below.
Save your file.

Copying Springs with Power Copy
Now, copy the previously inserted spring from view A to view B, using the
Power Copy command.
To copy a spring
1 Start the Power Copy command
Command AMPOWERCOPY

Select objects: Select the spring in view A
Specify starting point: Select point (1) in view B
Specify direction: Select point (2) in view B
3 Continue responding to the prompts as follows:

Insert part reference: Press ENTER
The spring is copied into view B. However, you need to adjust the length of
the spring in view B.

Editing Springs with Power Edit
NOTE You can also start Power Edit by double-clicking the object you want to
edit - in this case the spring.
To edit a spring
1 Start the Power Edit command.
Command AMPOWEREDIT

Select object: Select the spring in view B
The Compression Spring - Select from Tables [mm] dialog is displayed.

3 In the Compression Springs - Select from Tables [mm] dialog, choose Finish.

Topical Length (14.28 - 36) [Force/Deflection] <32.01>:
Select the lower contact point of the compressed spring (1)

AutoCAD Mechanical reinserts the spring in its new compressed length into
the housing.
NOTE If there is a rod in the center of the compression spring, you have to select
the rod so that the representation of the background will be displayed correctly.
The Spring command provides a very useful tool for generating complex
springs in your design. This is the end of this tutorial chapter.
Save your file.

276
Calculating Screw
Connections
In This Chapter
17
In this tutorial, you can calculate a screw connection Starting the screw calculation
Selecting and specifying a screw
using the stand-alone screw calculation function in
Selecting and specifying a nut
AutoCAD Mechanical 6.
Selecting and specifying a washer
Specifying the plate geometry
and properties
Specifying the contact area
Specifying the loads and
moments
Specifying the settlement
Specifying the tightening
Creating and inserting the result
block
277
Key Terms
Term Definition
axial force A force parallel to the screw axis
contact area The touching surfaces of the plates which are effective for the calculation
safety factor The safety factor is the ratio of effective load and safe load
shear force A force perpendicular to the screw axis
stress A force or pressure on a part. Stress is the force per area
278 | Chapter 17 Calculating Screw Connections

Methods for Calculating Screws
The Screw Calculation provides two different ways to calculate a screw
connection:
Stand-alone calculation: All data and properties are specified by the user.
Calculation of an existing screw connection: The user selects an existing
screw connection to be calculated. All geometrical and standard-related
data is taken from the screw connection and cannot be edited.
In this exercise, we use the stand-alone Screw Calculation. The stand-alone

calculation enables you to calculate a screw connection without any prereq-
uisites. You can specify the screw connection in detail (material, geometric,
load, settlement and tightening properties). In this exercise, you are provided
with the drawing of a screw calculation. Some values will be selected from
tables, some will be entered manually, and some will be taken directly from
the drawing.
To open a drawing
Menu File Open
Command OPEN
The drawing contains the representation of a screw connection.

Methods for Calculating Screws | 279

Terms of reference:
Two hollow shafts made of Cq 45 with forged coupling flanges are to be con-
nected by 13 hex-head bolts ISO 4017 M12 x 45 - 10.9, which are arranged
at a pitch diameter of 130 mm. The through holes are according to ISO 273
close. The bolts are safeguarded against loosening by gluing the threads ( =
0.14). The tightening takes place manually using a torque wrench (k = 1.8).
The flanged connection is to be designed for a alternating torque of T = 2405
Nm and non-skid (seal safety of plates 1).
Using Stand Alone Screw Calculations

First, you have to start the Screw Calculation.
To start the Screw Calculation

1 Start the Screw Calculation command.
Menu Content Calculations Screw Calculation
Command AMSCREWCALC
Select screw connection <Stand alone calculation>: Press ENTER
The Screw Calculation dialog box opens. Now, you have to specify the screw
connection.
Selecting and Specifying Screws

In this section of the screw calculation, you can select the screw standard and
size as well as the material properties. You are also able to enter the geomet-
rical properties of a user-defined screw, for example in detail.
Now, select and specify the screw.

To specify a screw
1 On the Screw: Geometry tab, choose Table of Screws.
2 In the Select a Screw dialog box, choose Hex Head Types and ISO 4017 (Regular
Thread).
3 In the Select a Row dialog box, choose the standard M12x45. Choose OK.
Now, the geometrical values of the standard screw ISO 4017 M12x45 are
entered and you have to specify the property class.
Using Stand Alone Screw Calculations | 281

4 Choose the Screw: Material tab.
5 In the property class section, specify:
Standard: DIN
Property class: 10.9
With this, the screw is specified completely and you have to specify the nut.
6 Choose Next or the Definition of NUT icon in the top row to proceed.

Selecting and Specifying Nuts
In this section of the screw calculation, you can select the nut standard and
size.
To specify a nut
1 On the Nut tab, choose Table of Nuts.
2 In the Select a Nut dialog box, choose Hex Nuts and ISO 4032 (Regular
Thread).
You dont have to specify a size, because the size is determined by the screw
size.
Now, you have to specify the washers.
3 Choose Next or the Definition of WASHERS icon in the top row to proceed.

Selecting and Specifying Washers
In this section of the screw calculation, you can select the washer standard
and size as well as the positions of the washers.
To specify a washer
1 Choose the Washer under: Head 1 tab.
2 Clear the check box Washer.
3 Choose the Washer under: Nut 1 tab.

4 Choose Table of Washers.
5 In the Select a Washer dialog box, choose ISO 7091.
Now, you have to specify the plates.
6 Choose Next or the Definition of PLATES icon in the top row to proceed.

Specifying Plate Geometry and Properties
In this section of the screw calculation, you can select the plate materials and
their geometric properties.
To specify the plates

1 On the plates tab, specify:
Hole diameter dh: 13
Number of Plates: 2
Height of plate 1 h1: 13
Height of plate 2 h2: 13
2 For the definition of both plate materials, choose Table.
3 In the dialog box, choose DIN material.

4 Choose the material Cq 45. Choose OK.
Now, you have to specify the contact area.

5 Choose the Gaps and Chamfers tab and choose the pick button of the
value gr.

Specify first point: Select the point (1)
Second point: Select the point (2) as shown in the following figure
7 Choose Next or the Definition of CONTACT AREA icon in the top row to
proceed.

Specifying Contact Areas
In this section of the screw calculation, you can specify the geometric prop-
erties of the contact area.
To specify the contact area

1 On the contact area tab, choose the Type of Contact Area icon.
2 In the Select the Type of Contact Area dialog box, choose the third of the
predefined icons.
3 Select the check box User Changes.

4 In the entry field, specify:
ang: 27.5

5 For the outer radius ro, choose the pick button next to the entry field and
Second point: Select the point (2)
6 For the inner radius ri, choose the pick button next to the entry field and
Second point: Select the point (3)
Now, you have to specify the loads and moments.

7 Choose Next or the Definition of LOADS icon in the top row to proceed.

Specifying Loads and Moments
In this section of the screw calculation, you can specify the loads and
moments as well as their points of application.
To specify loads and moments

1 On the Axial Loads tab, clear the check box Dynamic and specify:
Force FB: 0

2 Choose the Shear Loads tab and specify:
Torsion Moment T[Nm]: 185
Radius R: 65
Coefficient of Friction mt: 0.14
NOTE The torsion moment of 185 Nm results from the total torsion moment
of 2405 Nm as given in the terms of reference divided by the 13 bolts.
Now, you have to specify the settlement.

3 Choose Next or the Definition of SETTLEMENT icon in the top row to pro-
ceed.

Specifying Settlement Properties
In this section of the screw calculation, you can specify settlement properties.
To specify the settlement

1 Activate Calculate from Roughness and >= 1.6 micro m.
Now, you have to specify the tightening.

2 Choose Next or the Definition of TIGHTEN icon in the top row to proceed.

Specifying Tightening Properties
In this section of the screw calculation, you can specify the tightening
method and properties.
To specify the tightening

1 Specify as follows:
Tightening Factor kA: 1.8
Coefficient of Friction in Thread miG: 0.14
Now, you have to insert the result block.

2 Choose Next or the RESULTS icon in the top row to proceed.

Creating and Inserting Result Blocks
In this section of the screw calculation, you can take a look at the results.
You have a complete overview of the results of the screw calculation.
Now, insert the result block.

To insert a result block
1 Choose Finish and respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify start point: Specify a point right of the screw connection
Specify next point <Symbol>: Press ENTER
Now, the result block is inserted at the specified location.

Save your file.
294
Calculating Stress Using
FEA
In This Chapter
18
In this tutorial, you calculate the stresses in a lever using Calculating the stress in a lever
Defining loads and supports
the finite element analysis (FEA) in AutoCAD
Calculating the results
Mechanical 6. You use the results to improve the design
Evaluating and refining the mesh
of the lever. Improving the design

Recalculating the stress
295
Key Terms
Term Definition
distributed force A force that is spread over an area.
FEA Finite Element Analysis. A calculation routine, or method. Calculates stress and
deformation in a plane for plates with a specified thickness, or in a cross section
with individual forces, stretching loads, and fixed and/or movable supports. The
FEA routine uses its own layer group for input and output.
fixed support A support that is fixed to a part and is fixed in axial direction.
load Forces and moments that act on a part.
movable support A support that is not fixed in axial direction.
Power Edit A single edit command for the objects in your drawing.
stress Force or pressure on a part. Stress is force per area.
296 | Chapter 18 Calculating Stress Using FEA

2D FEA
Design sophistication in the area of mechanical engineering and construc-
tion is increasing. Therefore, the calculations relating to these designs have
to be performed using more advanced tools in order to assure reliability.
To determine the stability and durability of a given structure under various
loading situations, you need to observe the stress and deformation in the
components while they are being loaded. A structure is considered to be
durable if the maximum stress is less than what the material permits.
Various computational methods have been developed for calculating
deformation and stress conditions. One of these methods is called the Finite
Element Analysis.
The knowledge gained from this stress rating may lead to changing the struc-
ture in certain areas, which in turn necessitates changes to the design.
The FEA routine uses its own layer group for input and output.
Note that FEA is not designed for solving all special FEA tasks. Its purpose is
to provide you with a quick idea of the stress and deformation distributions.
To open a drawing
Menu File Open
Command OPEN
The drawing contains a lever, which is the basis for your calculations.
2 Zoom in to the lever.

Command ZOOM
2D FEA | 297
The complete lever should be displayed on your screen.

Calculating the Stress in a Lever

Before you calculate the stress in a part, you have to specify the border
conditions.
To specify the border conditions

1 Activate the FEA calculation
Menu Content Calculations FEA
Command AMFEA2D

Specify interior point: Specify a point inside the contour

The FEA 2D Calculation dialog box opens so that you can define border con-
ditions and perform calculations.
Select the thickness and the material of the lever.

3 In the Default section, enter a thickness of 10.
4 Choose Table, and select the material from your preferred standard table:
Select Al. Alloys Diecast if you prefer to use ANSI materials.
5 Choose Config to open the FEA Configuration dialog box, and specify:
Scale Factor for Symbols: 0.1
6 Choose OK to return to the FEA 2D - calculation dialog box.
2D FEA | 299
Defining Loads and Supports
To perform calculations, you need to define the loads and supports.
To specify loads and supports

1 Choose the fixed line support button, and respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify insertion point <Enter=Dialogbox>: Specify point (1)
Specify endpoint: Specify point (2)
Specify side from endpoint: Specify a point above the contour
2 Choose the movable line support button, and respond to the prompts as fol-
lows:
Specify insertion point <Enter=Dialogbox>:
Hold down the SHIFT key, right-click, and choose Quadrant _
qua of: Specify point (3)
Specify endpoint: Press ENTER to define the starting point as the endpoint

3 Choose the line force button, and respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify side from endpoint: Specify a point to the right of the specified points
Enter a new value <1000 N/mm>: Enter 500
4 Choose the line force button again, and respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify side from endpoint: Specify a point to the right of the specified points
Enter a new value <1000 N/mm>: Enter 500
2D FEA | 301
Calculating Results
Before you calculate the results, you need to generate a mesh.
NOTE If you calculate results without creating a mesh in advance, the mesh
will be created automatically.
To calculate the results

1 Choose the mesh button and press ENTER to return to the dialog.
2 Choose the isolines (isoareas) button.
3 In the FEA 2D Isolines (Isoareas) dialog box, select the Graphic Representa-
tion button on the right, and choose OK.

Specify base point <Return = in boundary>:
Press ENTER to place the isoareas in the boundary
Insertion point: Select a point to place the table to the left of the part
<Return>: Press ENTER to return to the dialog box

After calculation, the support forces are displayed near the support symbol.
Evaluating and Refining Mesh

The stress table allocation relative to the lever shows heavy concentration of
local stress near drawing points 8 and 9. Refine the mesh near these points
to obtain more exact calculation results for the points of interest.
2D FEA | 303
To refine the mesh
1 Choose the left refining button, and respond to the prompts as follows:
Specify center point <Return=Continue>: Specify the points near points 8 and 9
Specify center point <Return=Continue>: Press ENTER to continue meshing
After this step, you get a refined mesh at the specified points.
Recalculate the stress representation.
3 In the FEA 2D Isolines (Isoareas) dialog box, choose the Graphic Representation
button on the right, and choose OK.
Respond to the prompts as follows:

Specify base point <Return = in boundary>: Press ENTER
Insertion point: To the left of the part, select a location for the table

Refining Designs
The results show a critical area around point 8 that can be improved by
applying a larger radius. Before changing the geometry, the results and solu-
tions have to be deleted.
To edit the geometry

1 Choose the Delete Solution button.
2 In the AutoCAD Question dialog box, choose Yes to delete the solutions and
results.
3 In the AutoCAD Question dialog box, choose No to keep the loads and sup-
ports.
4 Start Power Edit to change the radius, and respond to the prompt as follows:
Command AMPOWEREDIT
Select objects: Select the radius at point 8
2D FEA | 305
5 In the Fillet Radius dialog box, specify:
Input: 10
Choose OK.
Select objects: Press ENTER to cancel the command
The radius of the fillet is changed to 10.

Command ZOOM
Save your file.
Recalculating Stress
Before recalculating the stress division of the lever, calculate and display the
deformation.
To calculate the stress

1 Restart the FEA routine.
Menu Content Calculations FEA
Command AMFEA2D

Specify interior point: Specify a point inside the contour
Select the thickness and the material of the lever again, as you did it before.
3 In the Default section, enter a thickness of 10.
4 Choose Table, and select the material from your preferred standard table:
Select Al. Alloys Diecast if you prefer to use ANSI materials.

5 Choose the deformation button in the Results field.
6 In the FEA 2D - Displacements dialog box, choose OK.

Insertion point: To the right of the part, select a location for the table
Recalculate the stress division of the lever.
2D FEA | 307
9 In the FEA 2D Isolines (Isoareas) dialog box, choose the Graphic Representa-
tion button on the right, and choose OK.

Specify insertion point: To the left of the part, select a location for the table
11 Choose Close to leave the FEA 2D - Calculation.

The final result looks like this:
NOTE You can return to the FEA 2D - Calculation using Power Edit.

Save your file.
2D FEA | 309
310
Designing and Calculating
Cams
In This Chapter
19
AutoCAD Mechanical 6 provides tools for cam design Starting the cam design and
calculation
and calculations. The cam contour is calculated and
Defining the motion sections
based on existing boundary conditions while data for Calculating the Strength
Exporting cam data and viewing
NC production is also created.
the results
311
Key Terms
Term Definition
acceleration Graph of acceleration of the straight driven element of the rotation angle
acceleration of a rocker and the cam plate angle of rotation.
cam Types of gears for obtaining unusual and irregular motions that would be difficult
to produce otherwise.
curve path Geometric shape of the cam.
motion diagram The representation of the cam as a graph of the lift and the angle of rotation of
the cam plate (straight driven element). If the driven element is a rocker, the lift
corresponds to an angle of rotation of the rocker.
motion section Part of the motion diagram. Some sections are defined by design. For example,
the maximum lift of 15 mm is reached at an angle of 90.
NC Numerical Control. Used in the manufacturing industry to represent the control

on machine tool motion through numeric data for 2 to 5 axis machining.
resolution Controls the precision of curves. A low value increases computing time. Use a
higher value for initial design.
step width Graph of the speed of the straight driven element, or the rotation angle of a
rocker and the cam plate angle of rotation.
312 | Chapter 19 Designing and Calculating Cams

Designing and Calculating Cams
With cam design and calculation, you can implement all motions required
in the scope of process control with a minimum number of gear elements.
The basis for systematic design procedures is offered using standardized laws
of movement in the development of new cam gears.
With AutoCAD Mechanical, you are able to create cams (linear, circular, and
cylindrical cams) based on sections drawn in a motion diagram. You can also
calculate velocity and acceleration of an existing section of the motion
diagram. The cam curve path can be determined with the calculated cam
sections. An existing curve path can be scanned and transferred in the
motion diagram. A driven element can be coupled to the cam. NC data can
be created using the curve path.
With cam design and calculation, you generate a circular cam and a swinging
follower with a single roller. You also calculate the spring of the follower. The
cam and the follower will be inserted in the drawing together with the
motion diagrams. At the end you generate the NC data for the cam
production.
First, you have to start with an ISO drawing template.
To open a template
Menu File New
Command NEW
The AutoCAD Today dialog box is displayed.

2 In the Today dialog box, in the section My Drawings, change to the tab
Create Drawings and select the template am_iso.dwt.
This opens a new drawing template.

Save your file under a descriptive name (for example cam_tutorial.dwg).
Designing and Calculating Cams | 313

Starting Cam Designs and Calculations
The first task is to start the cam routine.
To start cam design and calculation

1 Start the cam design and calculation.
Menu Content Cams
Command AMCAM
First, specify the cam.

2 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, on the Cam tab, specify:
Type: Circular
Revolutions [1/min]: 100
Diameter of Body [mm]: 50
3 Choose the Follower button.
NOTE You can also step through the dialog using the Next> button.
4 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, on the Follower tab, choose
the Movement button.

5 In the Type of Follower dialog box, choose the Swinging button.
6 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, on the Follower tab, specify
the following settings, and choose the Profile button.
Now, specify the profile.

Here, you can select between a power-contact profile (inner or outer) or a
form-contact profile (both outer). We specify a inner profile which requires a
spring to keep contact.

7 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, on the Profile tab, specify the
following settings, and choose the Location button.
The dialog box will be hidden to specify a location for the cam and the fol-
lower in the drawing.
Specify center of cam: 100,100
Specify center of follower swing [Undo]: @100,0
Specify start of movement [Undo]: @90<157.36
Specify origin of movement diagram [Undo/Window] <Window>:
Specify a point next to the cam
Specify length of movement diagram [Undo]: @360,0
The cam and the follower are inserted into the drawing with the motion
diagram. Your drawing looks like this:

The Cam Design and Calculation dialog box is opened again.
Defining Motion Sections

Now, we define 5 motion sections to describe the cam.
To specify motions
1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, choose the Motions button.
2 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, on the Motion tab, choose
the New button.

In the Select Method to Add New Section dialog box, you are asked whether
you want to insert or append a new motion section.
3 Choose Append.
Now, define the first motion section.

4 In the Motion - New mode dialog, specify the following settings, and choose
OK.
Position [deg] <from - to> 0 -: 90
Elevation [deg] 0 -: 0
The motion is inserted into the drawing and you are reverted back to the
Cam Design and Calculation dialog.
Now, define the next motions to describe the cam.

the New button.
6 In the Select Method to Add New Section dialog box, choose Append.
the Context of Follower movement button.

8 Choose Dwell - Constant Velocity (second button from left).
OK.
Curve: 5th polynomial
Velocity [rad/s] 0 -: 2
The next motion section has to be Constant Velocity since the motion sec-
tion before is Dwell - Constant Velocity.
the New button.

13 Choose Constant Velocity (first button from left).

The routine has recalculated the elevation and inserted the correct value
10.73.
Choose OK.
the New button.
17 Choose Constant Velocity - Reverse (fourth button from left).

OK.
Acceleration [rad/s^2] 0 -: -60
Now, define the last motion section to complete the 360 degrees.
the New button.
22 The routine calculates the correct values for the end position automatically.
OK.
Curve: Harmonic Combination

The definition of the motion section is completed. All motion sections are
displayed in the list.
The definition of the geometry is finished with this.

Calculating Strength for Springs
Now, we perform a strength calculation for the spring.
To calculate the strength

1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, check Strength, and choose
the Strength button.
2 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, on the Loads tab, specify the
following settings:
External Force [N] Fe =: 20
Reduced Mass of the Follower [kg] mf =: 0.1
Reduced Inert Mass [kg] mi =: 0.07

3 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, on the Spring tab, specify the
following settings:
Preload [N] F0 =: 10
Mass of Spring [kg] ms =: 0.08
Spring Location [mm] ls =: 45
Spring Rate [N/mm] R: User Change: 30
NOTE You have to check User Change to enter the Spring Rate.
In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, on the Material tab, you can
specify the material for cam and roller. We want to use the default material.

4 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, on the Arm tab, specify the
following settings:
Dimensions of Arm [mm] d =: 8
5 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, choose Results. You can
choose other types of cross sections for the arms.
6 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, choose Calculation.

All calculation results are displayed clearly on the respective tabs:
Geometry: Displays the geometric properties and enables to optimize the
cam position.

Pressure: Displays the Hertz pressure safety. You can display the pressure at
any point of the cam by choosing Simulation and dragging the mouse
pointer over the cam.
Frequency: Displays the resonance frequency and the safety against
resonance effects.
Shaft: Displays the loads on the shaft as well as the necessary drive power
for the cam. You can display the shaft loads at any point of the cam by choos-
ing Simulation and dragging the mouse pointer over the cam.
Arm: Displays the stress on the arm. You can display the arm stress at any
point of the cam by choosing Simulation and dragging the mouse pointer
over the cam.
Bearing: Displays the middle normal force on the bearing.
Spring: Displays the results of the spring calculation. You can display the
results at any point of the cam by choosing Simulation and dragging the
mouse pointer over the cam.
3D Cam: Enables you to generate a 3D body of the cam.

Exporting Cam Data and Viewing the Results
In this exercise, we export TXT cam data for a NC machine.
To export cam data

1 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, choose the Export button.
2 In the Cam Design and Calculation dialog box, on the File tab, specify the
following, and choose Generate File.
Export Curves: Inner
Precision [mm]: 0.01
Data Type: File: TXT
Data Type: Coordinates: Polar
Save the file under a descriptive name.

3 In the Save As dialog specify a file name and location, and choose Save.
Now, your cam is completely designed and calculated.
4 Choose Finish to view your results.
5 Respond to prompts as follows:
Specify insertion point of result table: Specify a location for the result table

This is the end of the tutorial chapter.

Save your file.

330
Toolbar Icons
In This Appendix
A
Use this appendix as a guide to become acquainted with
AutoCAD Mechanical 6 toolbar icons.
331
Main Toolbar
AutoCAD MchanicalToday
AutoCAD DesignCenter
Power Dimensioning
Layer Functions
Publish to Web
Compass Rose
Power Copy
Power Erase
Power Snap
dbConnect
Basic Layer
Power Edit
Redraw All
eTransmit
Inquiry
Open
Undo
New
Help
Save
UCS
Main Toolbar - New
New
Print Preview
Plot
Spelling
Main Toolbar - Basic Layer
Contour
Contour
Contour
Hidden
Hidden Narrow
Auxiliary Line
Dimension/Annotation
Text
Centerline Wide
Centerline Narrow
Hatch
Section Line
Phantom
332 | Appendix A Toolbar Icons

Main Toolbar - Layer Functions
Layer/Layer Group Control
Visibility Enhancement
Move to Another Layer
Move to Another Group
Make Objects Layer Current
C-Lines On/Off
Partref On/Off
Invisible Lines On/Off
Title Block On/Off
Main Toolbar - Undo
Undo
Redo
Main Toolbar - Inquiry
List
Locate Point
Distance
Area
Calculator
Main Toolbar - AutoCAD Mechanical Today

Autodesk Point A
Streamline
Meet Now
Main Toolbar - dbConnect

dbConnect
Library
Insert Hyperlink
Main Toolbar | 333

Main Toolbar - Power Edit
Power Edit
Object Properties
Match Properties
Edit Polyline
Edit Spline
Edit Reference
Main Toolbar - Power Erase
Power Erase
Erase
OOPs
Main Toolbar - Power Copy

Power Copy
Power Recall
Power View
Power Manipulator
Main Toolbar - Power Dimensioning
Power Dimensioning
Automatic Dimensioning
Dimension Angle
Hole Charts
Fits List
Multi Edit
Arrange Dimensions
Linear/Symmetric Stretch
Align Dimension
Join Dimensions
Insert Dimension
Break Dimension
Units 0 Decimal Place

Main Toolbar - Power Dimensioning - Units

Units 2 Decimal Places
Main Toolbar - Power Snap
User Configuration
User Configuration 1
Main Toolbar - Compass Rose

Relative Point
Rel. Ang. 0 deg
Rel. Ang. 45 deg
Rel. Ang. 90 deg
Rel. Ang. 135 deg
Rel. Ang. 180 deg
Rel. Ang. 225 deg
Rel. Ang. 270 deg
Rel. Ang. 315 deg
Main Toolbar | 335

Main Toolbar - UCS
UCS
Named UCS
Preset UCS
UCS Previous
World UCS
Object UCS
Face UCS
View UCS
Origin UCS
Z Axis Vector UCS
3 Point UCS
X Axis Rotate UCS
Y Axis Rotate UCS
Z Axis Rotate UCS
Apply UCS
Zoom Toolbar
Zoom Realtime
Pan Realtime
Zoom Window
Zoom Extents
Zoom Previous
Zoom Toolbar - RTZOOM
Zoom Realtime
3D Orbit

Zoom Toolbar - ZOOM2
Zoom Window
Zoom Dynamic
Zoom Scale
Zoom Center
Zoom In
Zoom Out
Zoom All
Design Toolbar
Launches Draw Toolbar

Launches Edit Toolbar
Detail
2D Hide
Xref
Design Toolbar - Draw

Launches Draw Toolbar
Polyline
Line
Arc
Spline
Rectangle
Polygon
Circle
Centerline
Hatch
Construction Line
Construction Edit
Design Toolbar | 337

Design Toolbar - Draw - Line
Line
Symmetrical Lines
Break Out Line
Section Line
Zig-Zag Line
Design Toolbar - Draw - Arc

Arc 3 Points
Arc Start Center End
Arc Start Center Angle
Arc Start End Angle
Arc Start End Radius
Arc Center Start End
Arc Center Start Angle
Design Toolbar - Draw - Rectangle

Rectangle
Rectangle-Full Base-Full Height
Rectangle-Base Middle-Second Corner
Rectangle-Base Middle-Full Base-Full Height
Rectangle-Base Middle-Half Base-Full Height
Rectangle-Height Middle-Second Corner
Rectangle-Height Middle-Full Base-Full Height
Rectangle-Height Middle-Full Base-Half Height
Rectangle-Center-Second Corner
Rectangle-Center-Full Base-Full Height
Design Toolbar - Draw - Circle
Circle Center Radius

Circle Center Diameter
Circle 2 Point
Circle 3 Point
Circle Tan Tan Radius
Ellipse
Donut

Design Toolbar - Draw - Centerline
Centerlines
Centerline Cross
Centerline Cross with Hole
Design Toolbar - Draw - Hatch
Hatch 45 deg., 2.5 mm/0.1 inch

Hatch 45 deg., 5 mm/0.22 inch
Hatch 135 deg., 2.7mm/0.11 inch
Hatch 135 deg., 4.7 mm/0.19 inch
User-Defined Hatch
Double Hatch 45/135 deg., 2.3 mm/0.09 inch
Design Toolbar - Draw - Construction

Horizontal
Vertical
Cross
2 Points or Angle
Relative Angle from Line
Parallel with Full Distance
Parallel with Half Distance
Perpendicular to 2 Points
Circle
Perpendicular to Line
Bi-sect
More C-Lines
Design Toolbar - Draw - Construction Edit

Erase C-Lines
Erase All C-Lines
Automatic C-Line Creation
Trace Contour
Switch Ray / Xline
Design Toolbar | 339

Design Toolbar - Modify
Launches Edit Toolbar
Rotate
Move
Align
Copy
2D Operations
Offset
Extend
Trim
Lengthen
Join Entities
Break
Stretch
Fillet
Chamfer
Design Toolbar - Modify - 2D Operations
Mirror
Array
Design Toolbar - Modify - Break
Break
Break at 1Point
Select and Break
Design Toolbar - Modify - Stretch
Stretch
Scale X, Y
Scale
Design Toolbar - 2D Hide
Hide Invisible Edges

Edit Hidden Edges

Design Toolbar - Xref
Auto Detailing
External Reference
External Reference Setting
External Reference Bind
Assistance Toolbar
Block Create
Xref/Insert Block
Title Block
Text
Paper/Model Space
Assistance Toolbar - Block Create
Create Block
WBlock
Assistance Toolbar - Xref/Block Insert

Insert Block
External Reference Attach
Explode
Assistance Toolbar - Title Block

Drawing Title/Borders
Plot Date in Title
Add One Revision Line
Assistance Toolbar | 341

Assistance Toolbar - Text
M Text
DTEXT
Language Converter
Text from Language Converter
Text M=7.0
Text M=5.0
Text M=3.5
Assistance Toolbar - Paper/Model Space

Mspace <-> Pspace
Viewport/Scale Area
Scale Monitor
Zoom All Viewports
Viewport Auto Create
Annotation Toolbar
Symbols
Leader Note
BOM Database
Annotation Toolbar - Symbols

Surface Texture
Feature Control Frame
Datum Identifier
Datum Target
Feature Identifier
Welding Symbol
Simple Weld
Edge Symbols

Annotation Toolbar - Leader
Leader Note
Append Leader
Annotation Toolbar - BOM

BOM Database
Balloon
Part Reference
Parts List
Part Reference Edit
Part List/Balloons
Annotation Toolbar | 343

Content Toolbar
Screws
Holes
Shaft Generator
Standardtools
Standard Parts
Calculations
Content - Screws
Screw Connection
Screw Template
Screw
Nut
Washer
Content - Holes
Through Holes
Tapped Through Holes
External Threads
Blind Holes
Tapped Blind Holes
Counterbores
Countersinks
Thread Ends
Through Slots
Blind Slots

Content - Shaft Generator
Shaft Generator
Parallel/Woodruff Keys
Retaining Rings/Circlips
Seals
Adjusting Rings
Centerholes
Undercuts
Shaft Breaks
Roller Bearings
Plain Bearings
Shaft Lock Nuts
Shim Rings
Content - Standardtools
Change Representation
Leader Note
Content - Standard Parts
Parts Library
Steel Shapes
Cylindrical Pins
Taper Pins
Grooved Drive Studs
Split/Cotter Pins
Plain Rivets
Countersunk Rivets
Clevis Pins
Plugs
Lubricators
Sealing Rings
Drill Bushings
Drill Bushings with Hole
Springs
Content Toolbar | 345

Content - Springs
Compression Springs
Extension Springs
Torsion Springs
Belleville Springs
Content - Calculation
FEA
Screw Calculation
Shaft Calculator
Moment of Inertia
Predefined Profile Section
Deflection Line
Bearing Calculator
Cam Configuration
Draw Sprocket / Pulley
Springs
Content - Calculation - Chain/Belt Calculation
Draw Sprocket/Pulley
Length Calculation
Draw Chain/Belt Links
Content - Calculation - Springs

Compression Springs
Extension Springs
Torsion Springs
Belleville Springs

Power Snap Toolbar
Temporary Tracking Point

Snap From
Point Filter
Entity Filter On/Off
Ignore Z Coordinate On/Off
Endpoint
Midpoint
Intersection
Apparent Intersection
Rectangle Center
Virtual Intersection
Mid of 2 Points
Symmetry
Center
Quadrant
Perpendicular
Tangent
Node
Insertion
Snap to Parallel
Nearest
None
Power Snap Toolbar - Point Filter

X Filter
Y Filter
XY Filter
Z Filter
XZ Filter
YZ Filter
l8 Layer AM_8AMLAY
Power Snap Toolbar | 347

348
Layer Specifications
In This Appendix
B
This appendix contains a list of the layer specifications Layer Specifications
for AutoCAD Mechanical 6.
349
Layer Specification Listing
The AutoCAD Mechanical layer system is comprised of the following layers:
Description Name Color Linetype Lineweight Base
Contour AM_0 7 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI: no

ANSI: Continuous 0.3mm=0.012


Hidden AM_3 6 ISO: AM_ISO02W050 ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: no

ANSI: Hidden 0.15mm=0.006
Auxiliary Line AM_4 3 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: no

Dimension/ AM_5 3 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: no

Annotation ANSI: Continuous 0.15mm=0.006
Text AM_6 2 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.35mm/ANSI: no

Centerline AM_7 4 ISO: AM_ISO08W050 ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: no

ANSI: Center 0.15mm=0.006
Hatch AM_8 1 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: no

Behind AM_9 253 ISO: Continuous 0 no

ANSI: Continuous
Section Line AM_10 7 ISO: AM_ISO08W050 ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI: no

ANSI: Center 0.3mm=0.012
Phantom AM_11 3 ISO: AM_ISO09W050 ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: no

ANSI: Phantom2 0.15mm=0.006
Part Reference AM_12 7 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI: no

Objects ANSI: Continuous 0.3mm=0.012
Std. Parts: Contour AM_0N 7 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI: no


350 | Appendix B Layer Specifications

Description Name Color Linetype Lineweight Base

Std. Parts: Hidden AM_3N 6 ISO: AM_ISO02W050 ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: no

ANSI: Hidden 0.15mm=0.006
Std. Parts: Auxiliary AM_4N 3 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: no

Line ANSI: Continuous 0.15mm=0.006
Std. Parts: AM_5N 3 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: no

Dimension ANSI: Continuous 0.15mm=0.006
/Annotation
Std. Parts: Text AM_6N 2 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.35mm/ANSI: no

Std. Parts: AM_7N 4 ISO: AM_ISO08W050 ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: no

Centerline ANSI: Center 0.15mm=0.006
Std. Parts: Hatch AM_8N 1 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: no

Std. Parts: Behind AM_9N 253 ISO: Continuous 0 no

ANSI: Continuous
Std. Parts: Section AM_10N 7 ISO: AM_ISO08W050 ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI: no

Line ANSI: Center 0.3mm=0.012
Std. Parts: AM_11N 3 ISO: AM_ISO09W050 ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: no

Phantom ANSI: Phantom2 0.15mm=0.006
Std. Parts: Part AM_12N 7 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI: no

Reference Objects ANSI: Continuous 0.3mm=0.012
Construction Line AM_CL 1 ISO: Amconstr ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: yes

ANSI: Amconstr 0.15mm=0.006
Part Reference AM_PAREF 4 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: yes

Border/Title Block AM_BOR 7 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.5mm/ANSI: yes

Viewport AM_VIEWS 1 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: yes

Behind (extra) AM_INV 253 ISO: Continuous 0 yes

ANSI: Continuous
Trailing Line AM_TR 3 ISO: Continuous ISO: 0.25mm/ANSI: yes

Layer Specification Listing | 351

352
Title Block Attributes
In This Appendix
C
This appendix will help you to learn about the Title Block Attributes
AutoCAD Mechanical 6 title block attributes.
353
Title Block Attributes
AutoCAD Mechanical 6 offers several different title blocks you can choose
from. To customize these title blocks, it is important to understand their
attributes. This appendix will give you an overview which text and attributes
are available in a title block, and their location within the title block structure.
Attributes for Title Block

When a title block drawing is inserted, it is displayed with attributes, curly
brackets, and text messages, that refer to the message files from which the
attribute is called.
Attribute Definitions
The following definitions are assigned to the attributes used in the title block:
Attribute Definitions for Title Block and Drawing Border
Attribute Definition
GEN-TITLE-NR Drawing Number
GEN-TITLE-DWG File Name
GEN-TITLE-MAT1 Material
GEN-TITLE-MAT2 Material (second line)
GEN-TITLE-DES1 Drawing Name
GEN-TITLE-DES2 Subtitle
GEN-TITLE-NAME Name of the Draftsperson
354 | Appendix C Title Block Attributes

Attribute Definitions for Title Block and Drawing Border
GEN-TITLE-QTY Quantity
GEN-TITLE-SCA Scale Factor
GEN-TITLE-POSI Position Number
GEN-TITLE-CHKM Checked By
GEN-TITLE-CHKD Check Date
GEN-TITLE-DAT Completion Date
GEN-TITLE-SHEET Page
GEN-TITLE-PLOT Plot Date
Curly Brackets
The curly brackets behind the attribute display the ratio of the defined width
for the text to the text height.
Example: If you want to enter a text with the height of 5 units, and the width
of the available space is 100 units, the value {20} has to be entered. In this
case the text is fit exactly. If a text with a greater height is inserted afterwards
(for example 8), the value in the curly brackets also has to be adjusted (to
{12.5}); otherwise, the text is displayed outside the available space.
Message Files
Message files are text files that contain the attributes which are displayed in the
Change Title Block Entry dialog when you are inserting a drawing border. These
attributes change, depending on the selected drawing border and standard.
The message files can be found in the acadm/translator directory. You can
modify or extend the message files to meet your specifications.
Title Block Attributes | 355

356
Accelerator Keys
In This Appendix
D
Use this appendix as a guide to help you get acquainted Using Accelerator Keys
with AutoCAD Mechanical 6 accelerator keys.
357
Accelerator Keys
Many frequently used commands are accessible using automated shortcuts
known as accelerator keys. Accelerator keys are available for AutoCAD as well
as for AutoCAD Mechanical.
WARNING! Accelerator keys are automatically loaded when you install

AutoCAD Mechanical 6. Accelerator keys specific to AutoCAD Mechanical 6 are
appended at the end of the acad.pgp file. If you have created custom accelerator
keys with the same letter combinations as those in the following table, they will
be superseded because the last entry in the file is activated by the keystrokes. To
restore your custom accelerator keys, move the definition to the end of the
acad.pgp file.
To use an accelerator key to start a command

1 On the command line, enter the key(s) that correspond to the command you
want to use.
2 Press ENTER, the spacebar, or the right mouse button to execute the com-
mand.
Accelerator keys available in AutoCAD Mechanical 6
Key Function Command
bal Place Balloon AMBALLOON
cb Centerline Cross with Hole AMCENCRHOLE
cha Chamfer AMCHAM2D
cl Centerline AMCENTLINE
clin Draw C-Lines AMCONSTLINES
cloo C-Lines ON/OFF AMCLINEO
cr Copy+Rotate+Move AMCOPYRM
cs Centerline Cross AMCENCROSS
dan Angle Dimensioning AMPOWERDIM_ANG
dau Automatic Dimensioning AMAUTODIM
dmed Multi Edit AMDIMMEDIT
358 | Appendix C Accelerator Keys

f Fillet AMFILLET2D
h User Defined Hatch AMUSERHATCH
hioo Invisible Lines ON/OFF AMLAYINVO
l0 Layer AM_0 AMLAYER
lib Library AMLIBRARY
lg Layer/Layer Group Control AMLAYER
lgmo Move to another Layer Group AMLGMOVE
lgv Layer Group Visibility AMLAYVISENH
lmo Move to another Layer AMLAYMOVE
o Offset AMOFFSET
oo 3DOrbit 3DORBIT
par Create Part Reference AMPARTREF
pc Power Copy AMPOWERCOPY
pd Power Dimensioning AMPOWERDIM
ped Power Edit AMPOWEREDIT
Accelerator Keys | 359

per Power Erase AMPOWERERASE
prc Power Recall AMPOWERRECALL
proo Part Reference Layer ON/OFF AMLAYPARTREFO
pss Power Snap Settings 1-4 AMPOWERSNAP
rec Rectangle AMRECTANG
s1 Power Snap Settings 1 AMPSNAP1
sm Scale Monitor AMSCMONITOR
stoo Standard Parts Layer ON/OFF AMLAYPARTO
tioo Title Block Layer ON/OFF AMLAYTIBLO
txl Language Converter AMLANGCONV
u0 Units 0 AMUNIT_0
u1 Units 1 AMUNIT_1
u2 Units 2 AMUNIT_2
u3 Units 3 AMUNIT_3
u4 Units 4 AMUNIT_4
v1 Upper Left AMVIEWUL
v2 Upper Right AMVIEWUR
v3 Lower Left AMVIEWLL
v4 Lower Right AMVIEWLR
v5 Center AMVIEWCEN
val View All AMVIEWALL
vpoo Viewport Layer ON/OFF AMLAYVPO
360 | Appendix C Accelerator Keys

Index
A BOM database 38, 183, 189

acceleration 312 border conditions 299
adjusting ring 22 break dimensions 120
angular dimensioning 118 break lines 19
angular dimensions 30 breaks 25
annotating 20 Browser command access 8
associative view 106 Bulletin Board 10
Authorized Autodesk Reseller 15
Authorized Autodesk Training Center 15 C
auto detailing 20 calculation on bearing 22
AutoCAD Today dialog box 51, 71, 207, 313 calculation tools 21
AutoCAD Users Guide 7 cam 312
Autodesk Official Training Courseware 15 cam design and calculation 311
Autodesk Point A 10 Cam Design and Calculation dialog box 314, 315,
Autodesk System Center 15 316, 317, 319, 320, 321, 322, 324, 325,
Autodesk Technical Assistance Web site 15 326, 328
automatic dimensioning 20, 113 cam generator 21
Automatic Dimensioning dialog box 114 center text horizontally 34
centerhole 23
B centerline 172
background 126, 142 centerline crosses 19
balloons 19, 178, 183 centerlines 19, 112
base layer 46, 56, 94 centroid 242
baseline dimensions 112 chain 24, 259
Beam Calculation dialog box 244, 246 chain calculation 249
beam calculations 21 chain length 249
bearing 219 chain links 249
bearing calculation 206, 219 chamfer 206, 213
bearing calculations 21 Change 18
Belleville spring washers 22, 262 change representation 18
belt 24 circlip 27
belt and chain generator 20 clevis pin 24
Belt and Chain Length Calculation dialog box command access methods 8
252, 255 command summary 22
bending moment 32 compression springs 24, 262
bills of material 19, 178 configuration 40
blind hole 22, 168 construction lines 26, 70, 74, 142, 173
blind slot 23 Construction Lines dialog box 75
bolt 31 contact area 287
361
Context Menu command access 8 F
contour 28 fatigue factor 224
contour lines 74 FEA 21, 296
copy 64 FEA 2D Calculation dialog box 299
cotter pin 25 FEA 2D Isolines (Isoareas) dialog box 302
counterbore 25 FEA Configuration dialog box 299
countersink 25, 142 feature control frame symbols 26
countersunk rivet 25 feature identifier symbols 26
create viewport 35 features, standard 18
crosshairs 30 fillet 81, 206, 213
cross-hatching 84 Fillet Radius dialog box 81
curve path 312 fillets 26
custom filter 203 filters 201
cutting plane 32 finite element analysis 297
cylinder 210 fit 112
cylindrical pin 25 fits 26
fits list 123
D fixed support 224, 229, 240, 296, 300
default layer 57 foreground 126
default scale factor 35 frequently used commands 358
default template 52
deflection line 32, 224, 240, 243 G
deflection moment 224, 240 gear 206, 210, 224
design productivity 19 Gear dialog box 230
Desktop Menu command access 8 geometric dimensioning 20
detail 70, 87, 94, 98 glossary of terms 7
Detail dialog box 88 Grid lines 38
detailed views 19 grooved drive stud 26
deviation 86
dialog boxes H
Mechanical Options 6
Migration Assistance installation 9 hatch 27, 85
dimension styles 6 hidden lines 126
dimensioning 20, 85 hide feature, 2D 20
dimensions 111 Hide Invisible Edges 128
dimensions, adding 6 hole charts 19
distance snap 70 holes, standard 18
distributed force 240, 296 hollow cylinders 27
Documentation Update utility 14
double-click editing 19 I
Draw Chain/Belt dialog box 259 inner shaft contours 32
drawing border 19, 34, 112, 121 isoareas 301
Drawing Borders with Title Block dialog box 121 isolines 301
drawing limits 47, 49
drill bushing 26 K
durability 297 keyseat 32
dynamic calculation 206
dynamic dragging 142, 206, 262 L
language conversion 19
E language converter 28
edge symbols 26 Layer Control dialog box 48, 60, 61, 65, 108
Edit Attributes dialog box 122 layer group 28, 46, 56, 59, 94
edit hidden edges 134 layer management system 19
engineering calculation 21 layer organization 47
engineering features 18 Layer Specifications 349
extension springs 26, 262 layer system 28, 350
external thread 26 layers and layer groups 5
layout 95
362 | Index
layouts 6, 94 P
leader 29, 33 parallel or woodruff key 32
leader line 187, 197 part information 179
leader note 20 part layer 46, 56
length calculation 252 Part Ref Attributes dialog box 180, 182, 187
library 70 part reference 29, 178, 179
Library dialog 28 partition 250
line 82 Parts Database dialog 33
line force 300 parts layers 28
linetypes 6 Parts List 38
lineweights 6 parts list 29, 40, 178, 188, 201
List of Filters dialog box 202 Parts List dialog box 191, 202
load 224, 240, 289, 296 pin 170
loads 26 pitch diameter 250
lock washer 32 plain bearing 29
lubricator 28 plain rivet 29
plug 29, 32
M point force 224, 240
manage drawings 20 Point Load dialog box 231
manuals, printed and online 11 polyline 79
Material dialog box 228, 245 Power Commands 70
material properties 280 power commands 19
Material Properties dialog box 227, 228 Power Copy 142, 149, 262, 273
mechanical layer 47, 57 power copy 133
Mechanical Options dialog box 6, 48 power dimension 20
mechanical toolbar 33 Power Dimensioning 70, 94, 112
merge 194 Power Dimensioning dialog box 86, 90, 105, 117
mesh 301, 304 Power Edit 142, 160, 262, 274, 296, 305
migrating files 9 Power Erase 112, 142, 165, 196
Migration Assistance installation dialog 9 Power Recall 142
model space 31, 95, 100 Power Snap Settings dialog box 74, 208
module 210 Power View 142, 162
moment 289 power view 18, 133
moment of inertia 27, 240 precalculation 156
movable support 224, 229, 240, 296, 300 precision 86
movement diagram 312 predefined templates 47
movement section 312 printed documentation 7, 11
mtext 34 produce support resources 15
multi edit 112, 118 product support 14
production drawing creation tools 19
N profile 212
NC 312 property class 282
New and Revised Commands 37 pulleys 33
new drawing 51 Pulleys and Sprockets dialog box 256
Nominal Diameter dialog box 103
notch 224 Q
nut 29 quick reference card 7
O R
object oriented construction 4 radius reflection line 206
object snap modes 30 rectangle 30
object snaps 73 reference point 31
online documentation 7, 11 relative point 30
online help 22 representation 142, 174
o-ring 32 representation of a standard part 33
outer shaft contours 32
Index | 363
rescaling objects 6 simple welds 32
resolution 312 slope 217
result block 293 snap distance 187
retaining ring 27 snap settings 30, 73
revision lists 31 snap toolbar 33
roller bearing 31 sort 199
roller chain 250 Sort dialog box 199
special characters 118
S split 194
safety factor of shaft 32 springs 22, 24, 26, 34
Save Drawing As dialog box 50 spring calculation 263
scale area 31, 94, 95 spring generator 20
Scale Area dialog box 96 spring layout 266
scale areas 6 sprocket 250, 256
scale factors 6 sprockets 33
scale monitor 94 sprockets/pulleys 24
scaling 31 stability 297
screw 31 stand-alone screw calculation 279
Screw Assembly Grip Representation - Front View standard features 18
dialog box 147 standard parts 18, 30, 143
Screw Assembly Templates dialog 32 standard parts, 2D 18
Screw Assembly Templates dialog box 155 starting layer 47
screw calculation 21, 279 steel shape 130
Screw Calculation dialog box 280 steel shapes 18, 33, 41, 126
screw connection 18, 32, 279 step width 312
Screw Connection dialog 32 strength 224, 235
Screw Connection dialog box 145, 152, 156 Strength Calculation dialog box 236
Screw Connection New Part Front View dialog stress 224, 296
box 161 stress calculation 26
Screw Diameter Estimation dialog box 157 stress division 306
Screw Pre-Calculation 21 stress representation 304
screw template 151 stress table 303
script 32 structural steel shapes 18
sealing ring 32 support assistance 14
section lines 19 supporting force 32
Select a Blind Hole dialog box 168 surface texture symbols 20, 33
Select a Cylindrical Pin dialog box 170 Switch Representation of Standard Parts dialog
Select a Nut dialog box 283 box 175
Select a Row dialog box 281 symmetric shaft parts 32
Select a Screw dialog box 145, 281 symmetrical lines 19, 33
Select Graph dialog box 233, 246
Select Part Size dialog box 171, 253 T
Set Value dialog box 192, 200 tangent definition 254
settlement 291 taper pin 33
shaft 29, 35 tapped blind hole 33
shaft break 206, 214 tapped through hole 33
shaft calculation 225, 232 technical support 14
Shaft Calculation dialog box 227, 235 Template Description dialog box 51
shaft calculations 21 text fonts 6
shaft end 32 text styles 6, 33
shaft generator 20, 206, 225 thread 216
Shaft Generator dialog box 209 thread end 34
shaft lock nut 32 through hole 34
shapes, steel 18 through slot 34
shim ring 32 tightening 292
shortcuts 358 title block 29, 34, 112
side view 215 title blocks 19
364 | Index
Today window 10 V
tolerance 112 View dialog box 100, 106, 107
tolerances 20, 29, 86 view scale 94
Toolbutton command access 8 viewports 28, 94, 95, 98
torque 32 viewports, creating 6
Torque dialog box 231 virtual intersection 31
torque rotation angle 32 Visibility Enhancement dialog box 64
torsion moment 32
torsion springs 34, 262 W
trace contours 34
washer 36, 284
tracking line 187
Web site, Autodesk support 15
translate text 27
weld 20
trim 83
weld symbols 20, 36
Type of Follower dialog box 315
working layer 46, 56, 94
typographical conventions 16
U X
xrefs 36
undercut 35
user-defined blind hole 34
user-defined blind slot 35 Y
user-defined counterbore 35 yield factor 224
user-defined countersink 35
user-defined hatch 35 Z
user-defined through hole 35 z coordinate 31
zigzag line 32, 36
zoom 35
Index | 365

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AutoCAD Mechanical

Part I Getting Started with AutoCAD Mechanical 6 . . . 1

Chapter 1 Where to Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 2 Features and Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Chapter 3 New and Revised Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Part II AutoCAD Mechanical 6 Tutorials . . . . . . . 43

Chapter 4 Working with Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Chapter 5 Working with Layers and Layer Groups . . . . . . . . 55

Chapter 6 Designing Levers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Chapter 7 Working with Model Space and Layouts . . . . . . . . 93

Chapter 8 Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Chapter 10 Working with Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Chapter 11 Working with BOMs and Parts Lists . . . . . . . . . 177

Chapter 13 Calculating Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Chapter 14 Calculating Moments of Inertia and Deflection Lines . . . . 239

Chapter 15 Calculating Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

Chapter 17 Calculating Screw Connections . . . . . . . . . . 277

Chapter 18 Calculating Stress Using FEA . . . . . . . . . . . 295

Chapter 19 Designing and Calculating Cams. . . . . . . . . . 311

Appendix B Layer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 349

Appendix C Title Block Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . 353

Appendix D Accelerator Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357

It includes an overview of the product capabilities and functionality, and information

about the migration of files from previous releases.

and Internet resources are also included.

An overview of the printed and online documentation Product documentation

you need product information, you will know where to

The AutoCAD Mechanical software provides 2D mechanical engineering and

Modeling with AutoCAD Mechanical 6

Object Oriented Construction

4 | Chapter 1 Where to Start

Layer and Layer Groups

Modeling with AutoCAD Mechanical 6 | 5

Text Styles and Text Fonts

6 | Chapter 1 Where to Start

New AutoCAD User

New AutoCAD Mechanical 6 User

Starting AutoCAD Mechanical | 7

Accessing AutoCAD Mechanical Commands

The step-by-step procedures in the tutorials indicate the command name in

NOTE To find the location of a particular toolbutton, refer to Appendix A.

8 | Chapter 1 Where to Start

To install the Migration Assistance from your product CD

10 | Chapter 1 Where to Start

AutoCAD Mechanical Printed Manual

Whats New In the Tutorials

New tool buttons providing access to more commands

Chapter 4 Working with Templates: Improved Mechanical Options

Printed and Online Manuals | 11

AutoCAD Printed Manual

Online Installation Guide

12 | Chapter 1 Where to Start

AutoCAD 2002 Documentation

Printed and Online Manuals | 13

Content organized by the major functional areas of AutoCAD Mechanical,

Product Support Assistance in Help

Updating the Support Assistance Knowledge

14 | Chapter 1 Where to Start

Learning and Training Resources

Autodesk Official Training Courseware (AOTC) is the Autodesk-endorsed

Learning and Training Resources | 15

Text element Example

Commands ADCENTER, DBCONNECT, SAVE