How to create 3D Dimensions in just 3 steps using Mech-Q

3D Dimensioning can be a tricky process in CAD.

UCS, or the User Coordinate System, is an important concept in AutoCAD to grasp. It’s something you just need to learn when you position objects in 3D space.

One of the main reasons why it is difficult to dimension in 3D AutoCAD is because you need to define the UCS, orient and rotate the dimension for each working plane.

In 2D the UCS is normally always aligned with the X and Y axes. The X axis left to right and the right axis pointing up. So as you dimension it’s really quite easy as everything is on a flattened plane.

But in 3D, the UCS has to be positioned and rotated in a desired direction within model space. So when it comes to dimensioning in 3D, the UCS has to be manipulated in a way, so that dimensions are true to their angle and display properly when viewed in 3D.

Rotating objects in 3D is another challenge for AutoCAD users. In 2D, objects are typically rotated around a single axis, but in 3D, objects can be rotated around either the X, Y and Z axis.

Thankfully there’s a real easy solution to this painstaking task in our new Mech-Q release. We offer a new tool called 3D Dimension which transparently automates this entire process. It works in both AutoCAD and AViCAD (our AutoCAD alternative)  and is accessible within a Toolbar we call Piping Extra.

Watch our video below to see how to dimension in 3D using either Mech-Q or AViCAD – our drafting alternative to AutoCAD® or LT®.

3 Steps to creating a 3D Dimension

Piping Spools or any 3D object can be dimensioned at any angle using the following basic steps:

Step 1

Goto a 3D isometric view. Turn on Center and Node snaps, also turn on Polar Tracking as shown in video above.

The first 2 points need to be aligned and on the same axis. We’ll refer to this as co-linear.

If snapping points to be dimensioned are co-linear – pick just 2 points. Enter the points then press enter (or right click your mouse).

Step 2

If the points are not co-linear then a total of 4 points are entered. The first 2 define the axis (in step 1 above), then the remaining 2 define the actual points to be dimensioned.

Again, simply enter the points then press enter (or right click your mouse) to exit.

Step 3

Edit the 3D dimension if needed. You’ll have the option to Mirror or Flip the dimensions text, relocate the dimension and more.

Want to see more tools like this? Take AViCAD, our AutoCAD alternative, for a test drive today.

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