MET DEPARTMENT CAD1-M FUNDAMENTALS OF AUTOCAD

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Course: Mechanical Technology/ Dies and Molds Technology

Subject: CAD1-M: Computer-Aided Design 1 Duration:

Introduction:

Aim(s):
•
Tools and materials:
−

Table of Contents
Page
Unit Topics Duration
No.
Environment and Useful Settings
I
Creating a New Drawing File

Topic II

Topic III

Topic IV

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Unit 1: Topic 1 Environment and Useful Settings Duration: 1.5 hours

Objectives:
• Drafting materials and tools/drawing instruments are identified per job requirements.
• Materials and tools/drawing instruments are classified according to their uses to a specific drafting
project.

DISCUSSION

Best Settings in AutoCAD

As a beginner AutoCAD Drafter, you will need to know how to use these to start properly working with
AutoCAD.

There are few important settings that are turned off by default, you need to be aware of them, and turn them
ON to take on AutoCAD to its full abilities.

Here, we are working on the 2015 version of AutoCAD. The 2020-2023 version is not that different from the one
we used in this tutorial.

Important AutoCAD Settings to Turn ON

Dynamic Input

We have seen here how to disable and enable Dynamic

input. You need to be able to have it displayed in your
Status bar because you will need to turn it ON and OFF
quite frequently.

Dynamic input ON

Dynamic input displays options, commands, and user

input in a tooltip near the cursor when you are drawing.

Dynamic input OFF

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Object Snap (OSNAP)

OSNAP is a tool that ensures precision while drawing. You

use this to help you snap points on existing objects.

There are the options that are important to us right now

are: Midpoint, Quadrant, and Tangent. You need to
activate them on the list. (Right-click on the OSNAP icon
to have the list displayed like on the image above)

Midpoint

Midpoint will help you achieve figures similar to the

following.

To draw the segment BA, we needed to know exactly

where the middle of DE was. When Midpoint is
activated, we just have to hover the cursor close to the
center of the segment DE after activating the LINE
command for AutoCAD to help us snap the start-point at
the center of DE.

Notice the Green triangle indicating the middle of the

line.
Quadrant

Quadrant will be essential while working on the following

example. You need to be able to hook A, B, C and D on
the right points.

Tangent

Tangent will be useful if you have the following to draw.

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Grid

Just for the sake of knowing, Grid displays a series of

graph paper style lines that can serve as a distance of
reference.

Unit
You should know that at the beginning of every project,
you need to set the unit in which you will be drawing. To
access it, simply

▪ Type “UN” for UNITS

▪ Hit ENTER

You can use the LENGTH section to set the format for units
of measure. For example, if you choose Engineering and
Architectural formats, AutoCAD will assume that each
unit represents one inch.

You can as well set the Angle format.

The insertion scale helps control the unit of measurement

for blocks that are inserted into your drawing. It is
recommended to select Unitless to be able to insert
blocks without scaling them to match the specified units.

Unit 1: Topic 2 Creating New Drawing File Duration:

Objectives:
• Familiarize the process of creating a new drawing file.
• Organize files by creating folders and sub-folders.
• Perform the proper steps each time the student creates a new drawing file.

Procedures:

Step 1: Starting AutoCAD software

− There are three options for starting and
opening the software:

a. Press “Windows” button and select the

“AutoCAD” software installed in the
computer.
b. Double click the AutoCAD “shortcut icon”
on the desktop.
c. Double click the pinned AutoCAD “icon” at the
taskbar.

Step 2: Selecting Drawing Template:

− Upon opening the software, you may select your first
drawing template by following either of the following:

a. Under the “Start” tab of the Files tab, select “New”

button.
b. Select “[Link]” using the dropdown menu arrow
besides the “New” button.

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− This process will automatically redirect you to the new file tab.

Step 3: Saving Drawing File

− Upon opening the new drawing file, it is best to always save the file to a specific folder on
your document or desktop folders to ensure that your work will be saved and will not get lost.
You may follow either of these options:
a. Click the Menu Browser and select “Save”.
b. Press “Ctrl + S” on the keyboard.
c. Select the “Save Icon” on the Quick Access Toolbar.

− All these options will direct you to the “Save Drawing As” dialog box where you can select
your desired path, create, and name your new file folder, and indicate the file name of your
new drawing file.

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Activity:

Direction:
− Organize your files by creating a folder in the Documents or on your desktop with using this format:
“CAD1-M_SURNAMEFIRST&MIDDLENAME INITIALS” eg. “CAD1-M_REYESDC”.
− Create these subfolders inside your folder:
1. Draw Command
2. Modify Command
3. Layer Command

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Mouse Control, AutoCAD Setup, Options, Units,

Unit 1: Topic 3 Duration:
Workspace

Objectives:
• Familiarize the process of creating a “New” drawing file.
• Organize files by creating folders and sub-folders.
• Perform the proper steps each time the student creates a new drawing file.

Procedures:

A. Mouse Controls in AutoCAD

− The computer mouse has an important role in AutoCAD. There are three essential parts of a mouse,
namely, the left button, right button, and a scroll wheel.
− The image of a mouse displaying its three basic parts is shown in the given image:

Major Functions of Mouse Control

The major functions that are performed by the mouse are explained below:

Scroll Button
− The scroll button itself performs two unique operations
namely zoom and pan.

1) Zoom

The scroll wheel can be scrolled both in the forward as well as reverse direction.
Based on the direction of rotation, the work screen will be zoomed in or out.
When the scroll wheel is rotated in the forward direction, zoom in is performed
and when it is rotated in the reverse direction, zoom out is performed. Apart
from this, there are various options in a zoom that can be found in the
navigation wheel.

The above image shows the various zoom options available within the
navigation wheel.

2) Pan

The pan command performs the function of moving the work screen along
the required direction. The symbol for the pan is shown below,

When the scroll wheel is pressed, automatically the pan control is enabled.
The pan control is usually used in most assembly drawings because of the
large components that are used in it. Apart from this technique,
the pan control can also be accessed in the navigation wheel.

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3) Left Button

The left button is one of the major keys that

enable the user to draw the component with
utter ease. It helps in making the whole
process of drawing simple and user-friendly. It
performs all functions from selecting the
object to completing the drawing in a design.

The above image shows the left button

capability to select objects.

4) Right Button

The right button of the mouse in AutoCAD is

used for customization; to increase drawing
productivity. The right button is also used as a
shortcut menu.

The various options within the right button are

depicted in the form an image above.

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Unit 2: Topic 1 Draw & Modify Commands Duration:

Introduction

AutoCAD allows you to have access to many commands. A general rule is that you will use 20% of the commands
80% of the time. I will start by introducing you to the most common drawing commands. Combine these with the
basic modify commands, you will be able to make elaborate drawings quite quickly. The important thing to
remember is that AutoCAD will expect you to give it information in a very particular order.

Note: The command line tells you what information AutoCAD requires to continue.

Command Keystroke Icon Ribbon Location Result

Draw a straight-line segment

Line L Home > Draw
from one point to the next

Home > Circle > Center, Draws a circle based on a center

Circle C
Radius point and radius.

Home > Arc > Center, Draws an arc based on a center

Arc A
Start, End point and 2 endpoints
Creates rectangular polyline with
Rectangle REC Home > Draw specified parameters and type of
corners
Home > Draw >
Creates an equilateral closed
Polygon POL Rectangle drop down
polyline
arrow
Construction Home > Draw > drop Creates an infinite construction
XL
Line down arrow line
Creates multiple point object.
POINT/ Home > Draw > drop
Point Use PTYPE to set the size and
PO down arrow
style

Command Keystroke Icon Location Result

Move Move / M Home > Modify > Move Moves an object or objects

Copies object(s) once or

Copy Copy / CP Home > Modify > Copy
multiple times

Stretches an object after you

Stretch Stretch / S Home > Modify > Stretch
have selected a portion of it

Creates a mirror image of an

Mirror Mirror / MI Home > Modify > Mirror
object or selection set

Creates rounds and fillets on

Fillet F Home > Modify > Fillet
the edges of the object

Trims objects along a specified

Trim TR Home > Modify > Trim
boundary

Offset an object at an specified

Offset O Home > Modify > Offset
distance or through a point

Erase E Home > Modify > Erase Erases an object.

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Rotates an object around a

Rotate Ro Home > Modify > Rotate base point at an absolute
angle

Initial Workspace Setup:

1. Set appropriate units using UN command.
2. Set drawing limits using LIMITS command. LIMITS > 750, 750
3. Create drawing layers using LA command:
Layer Name: Color: Linetype Lineweight
OBJECT BLUE Continuous 0.50
DIMLINE RED Continuous 0.13
CENLINE GREEN Center 0.13
HIDDEN WHITE Hidden 0.25
POINT RED Continuous Default
TEXT WHITE Continuous Default

3.1 Creating and editing drawing LAYERS – “LA” command

a. Creating, deleting, and making a layer current:
▪ Use Alt+N keys or press this button to create a new layer.
▪ Use Alt+D keys or press this button to delete the previously created layer.
▪ Use Alt+C keys or press this button after selecting the layer to enable it as current.

b. Editing layer name, color, linetype, and lineweight:

▪ Beside the layer name, click the box under the color tab. A
color selection dialog box will appear, you may then select
from the standard color pallets based on the assignment.

▪ To change the linetype of the selected layer, click on the

linetype beside the color box. A dialog box will appear that
will enable you to choose from the loaded linetypes. If the
linetype you need is not loaded yet, click the “Load” button,
and choose the appropriate linetype of your choice, then
click “Okay”. You may now select the loaded linetype then
click “OK”.

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▪ The lineweight can also be modified by clicking the

linetype beside the lineweight column. A dialog box
will appear that will enable you to select the
standard lineweight of your selected linetype.

Command Procedure: POLYGON

Command: POL (POLYGON)

Enter number of sides: 6
Specify center of polygon or (Edge): click anywhere
Enter an option [Inscribed in Circle Circumscribed about Circle]: I
Specify radius of circle: 30

Depending on the dimensional requirement of the object, you may choose to use the inscribed or circumscribed
option following the principle of its application as shown on the figure above.

Challenge:
- Redraw the two objects using the polygon and circle command with the same linetype, lineweight, and
dimension.

Practical Application:

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STEP A. CURRENT LAYER: OBJECT

Command: C (CIRCLE)
Specify center point for circle or [3P 2P Ttr (tan tan radius): click anywhere
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: 17.5 > ENTER

STEP B.
ORTHO MODE enabled: Press F8
Command: POL (POLYGON)
Enter number of sides: 6
Specify center of polygon or (Edge): center of Circle A.
Enter an option [Inscribed in Circle Circumscribed about Circle]: C
Specify radius of circle: 13

STEP C, D & E.: Follow the procedures in Step A, refer to the dwg. for the value of the radius and/or the diameter.

STEP F. CURRENT LAYER: CENLINE

Command: C (CIRCLE)
Specify center point for circle or [3P 2P Ttr (tan tan radius): center of Circle A.

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Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: 9 > ENTER

STEP G. CREATING CENTER MARK

Command: DIMCEN (DIMCENTER)
Enter new value for DIMCEN: 0.09 > ENTER
Command: DCE (DIMCENTER)
Select arc or circle: Click the highlighted circle

Creating the right-side view:

CURRENT LAYER: POINT

COMMAND LINE: PO (Point)
Specify a point: select point A
Press ENTER / SPACEBAR to activate the previous PO command, then select point B. Repeat the process for points
C-E as shown above.

CURRENT LAYER: DEFPOINTS

ORTHO MODE enabled: Press F8
COMMAND: L (LINE), Direct Distance Mode
Specify first point: select point A, point to the right then type 75 > ENTER.

COMMAND: CO (COPY)
Select objects: Select the first line then ENTER
Specify basepoint or [Displacement mOde]: pick point A
Specify second point or [Array] <use first point as displacement>: pick point B - E

COMMAND: L (LINE)
Specify first point: point A – B, ENTER
COMMAND: O (OFFSET)
Specify offset distance or [Through Erase Layer]: 7 > ENTER
Select objects to offset or [Exit Undo]: Select line segment A-B
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Specify point on side to offset or [Exit Multiple Undo]: click on the left side > ENTER to terminate command
Press ENTER/SPACEBAR to activate the previous OFFSET command, type 22, select line segment A-B then click on
the left side and press ENTER to terminate offset command.
Press ENTER/SPACEBAR to activate OFFSET command. Offset L1 to the right with 0.5 and 1.5 offset distance as
shown above.

COMMAND: Z (ZOOM)
Specify corner of window, enter a scale factor (nX or nP), or: select point A up to point B

COMMAND: L
Specify first point: select intersection with point as shown on the picture below
Specify next point: @5<75

COMMAND: TR (TRIM)
Select objects to trim or shift-select to extend or
TRIM [cuTting edges Crossing mOde Project eRase]: T > ENTER
Select cutting edges: select all the lines with box > ENTER
Select object to trim: select all lines with X mark
*The final trimmed objects should be the same with the figure on the right side.

Before TRIM command After TRIM command

CURRENT LAYER: OBJECT

Operation: Draw a line connecting end pt. A to B and E to F.
Under the DRAW command tool bar, click the “Arc” dropdown menu button and select 3-Point

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Specify start point of arc or [Center]: click on B end pt. snap

Specify second point of arc or [Center End]: click on C mid pt. snap
Specify end point of arc: click on D intersection snap

COMMAND: E (ERASE)
Select objects: select line object lines with “X” mark as shown on the picture below > ENTER

COMMAND: TR (TRIM)
Select objects to trim or shift-select to extend or
TRIM [cuTting edges Crossing mOde Project eRase]: T > ENTER
Select cutting edges: select all the lines with box > ENTER
Select object to trim: select all lines with X mark
*The final trimmed objects should be the same with the figure on the right side.

ORTHO MODE enabled: Press F8

COMMAND: MI (MIRROR)
Select objects: Select all line entities indicated by hidden lines using window selection. ENTER
Specify first point of mirror line: Select any of the two points in the centerline.
Specify second point of mirror line: Select the opposite point of the centerline.
Erase source objects? [Yes No]: N

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OPERATION: Join the two points together using LINE command. See left picture below for reference.
OPERATION: 3pt. ARC. See middle picture for reference.
COMMAND: MA (MATCH PROPERTIES)
Select source object: select any line entity in layer: OBJECT
Select destination object(s): Select all line not in blue color > ENTER to terminate the command. (See 3rd picture
for reference)
OPERATION: ERASE
Select objects: select all unnecessary object line as shown on the last picture below > ENTER

Unit 2: Topic 2 Object Snaps & Selection Sets Duration:

Object snaps provide a way to specify precise locations on objects whenever you are prompted for a point within a command.
For example, you can use object snaps to create a line from the center of a circle to the midpoint of another line. You can
specify an object snap whenever you are prompted for a point.

To choose what object snap you want to activate and For example:
show during your drawing process:

Type “OS” and press ENTER (spacebar)

A dialog box will appear containing all the Object Endpoint

Snap available.

Click “Select All” then click “OK”

To turn ON and OFF the Object Snap feature, press

F3. Geometric
Center

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Midpoint

Nearest

Tangent

Perpendicular

Quadrant

Challenge:

- Draw the following objects on your drawing space as shown in the picture on the right below. Dimensions are not critical at this
point. Then try replicating the second picture using move, copy, and mirror command as shown on the second picture. Use the
different object snaps to locate and position each object accurately.

Methods of Selecting Objects

Selecting object/s is an important step in successfully executing the different commands in AutoCAD. You create a “selection set” when
you select a group of objects when executing your command. Here are the two common methods of selecting object or group of
objects.
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Note: Remember to press ENTER when you finished selecting objects.

Direction Called Display Effect

CROSSING Selects any object that either crosses the

RIGHT TO LEFT
SELECTION boundary or is inside it

WINDOW Selects on objects that are completely within

LEFT TO RIGHT
SELECTION the box

Here are the other ways of creating selection set. You may also use these in combination.

by typing R when asked to select objects, AutoCAD will select change to allow you to Remove objects from the
REMOVE
selection set. You can also remove individual objects by pressing the Shift Key when selecting (known as a
'shift-select').
by typing L when asked to select objects, AutoCAD will select the last object that you created. This is handy if
LAST
you create something and want to move or modify it right away.
PREVIOUS by typing P when asked to select objects, AutoCAD will select the previous selection set. This is used if you
select a few objects, modify them, and then want to modify them again.
FENCE by typing F when asked to select objects, AutoCAD allows you to draw a series of lines (called a fence) to select
objects. This is convenient if you want to select a group of lines to be trimmed to a single cutting edge.
CROSSING typing CP when you are selecting objects give the ability to create a crossing polygon for object selection. This is
POLYGON similar to a crossing box (drawn like a Fence), but you can pick points on the screen to create a polygon. By
default, this is a crossing polygon, therefore any objects that cross the polygon will be added to the selection set.
typing WP (window polygon) when you are selecting objects give the ability to create a crossing window for
CROSSING object selection. This is similar to a crossing box, but you can pick points on the screen to create a polygon. This
WINDOW is a crossing window, therefore any objects that are completely within the polygon will be added to the selection
set. Newer versions of AutoCAD allow you to use your cursor to create a crossing window without typing in the
'CW'.
When are ready to select objects, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and then press the Space Bar when
your mouse is on top of overlapping objects. Repeatedly press the Space Bar until the one object you want to
CYCLING
modify is highlighted. Then pick with the mouse. This is a good approach if you have many objects in a small
area.

Unit 2: Topic 3 Dimensioning Drawing Duration:

Dimensioning is the process of defining the size and locations of each feature of the component using lines, arrow, and other symbols
to help interpret the views accurately. This process will help determine the relationship of each feature from each other. A method of
communication between the designer and the machinist. Dimensioning must be logically executed since whatever dimensional and
geometrical references indicated on the drawing will be the basis for quality control and assurance procedure.

Basic Dimension Terminology

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Linear Dimensioning Methods

Baseline/Datum Continuous
Two (2) line references must be determined that will be used as Dimensions are relative to the adjacent size and/or location
datum reference for all dimensions

Ordinate
Combination
Same principle with baseline/datum dimension but occupies
Combined baseline and continuous dimension
lesser drawing space

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Cylindrical Dimensioning Angular Dimensioning - 1

Chamfers Angular Dimensioning - 2

Dimensioning Keyway Dimensioning Keyseat

Circles = Diameter Arc = Radius Corner Fillets = Location + Radius

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Fundamental Rules of Dimensioning

1. Size (S) dimensions are used to define length,

width, height, diameter of circles and radius of arcs.

2. Position dimensions locate (L) the center of circles

and other key features.

3. The size and position of each feature is defined

only once.

4.
5. Dimension the feature in a view where its characteristic shape is shown.
6. English parts are dimensioned in inches with decimals, not fractions.
7. Metric parts are dimensioned in mm w/ decimals.
8. Units are omitted from the dimension numbers since they are normally understood to be in millimeters or inches.

9. Always leave at least 3/8 in. (10 mm) between the object and the first row of dimensions. Successive rows of dimensions
should be equal and at least 0.25 in. (6 mm) apart.
10. Place dimensions outside of the views except for large circles. Keep dimensions at least 3/8 inches or 10 mm from the view.
11. Place longer dimensions outside of shorter ones.
12. Place the dimension text between the dimension lines.
13. Use arrow heads at the end of the dimension lines.
14. Inch drawings do not include a preceding zero for dimensions less than one. For example, use .50 to indicate 1/2 inch. Metric
dimensions require a preceding zero; e.g., use 0.50 to indicate 1/2 millimeter.

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