MicroStation Modeler User’s Guide 12-1 12 Constructing a Simple Model In this tutorial you will construct a simple model. A rendered image of the finished model is shown below. Solid modeling involves the use of different construction techniques than those used with standard MicroStation. During this tutorial, for example, you will find that with MicroStation Modeler, and MicroStation’s AccuDraw, you can use a pictorial view such as the standard Isometric view for most constructions. This gives you a clearer view of your model as you work. Other orthogonal views still can be used for reference, or when needed for particular constructions.
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12 Constructing a Simple Model
In this tutorial you will construct a simple model. A rendered image of the finished model is shown below.
Solid modeling involves the use of different construction techniques than those used with standard MicroStation. During this tutorial, for example, you will find that with MicroStation Modeler, and MicroStation’s AccuDraw, you can use a pictorial view such as the standard Isometric view for most constructions. This gives you a clearer view of your model as you work. Other orthogonal views still can be used for reference, or when needed for particular constructions.
MicroStation Modeler User’s Guide 12-1
Preview and preparation
Preview and preparationUsing MicroStation Modeler, often you can start with a simple parametric solid(s) to which you add features. Each step along the way is simple, while the finished model can be quite complex.
For this model, you will start with a simple parametric slab. You will then create a complex shape that will be used as a profile to construct the basis for the rest of the casting.
For the tutorial it is assumed that the default AccuDraw settings are used. That is, Floating Origin, Context Sensitivity, and Smart Key-ins are on, while Auto Point Placement is turned off.
➤ Prepare for the first exercise:
1. Using “mseedin2.dgn” as a seed file, create a new 3D design file named “pivot.dgn”. The seed file is installed in MicroStation’s “wsmod/modeler/seed” directory.
2. If necessary, from the Tools menu’s Main sub-menu, choose Main to open the Main tool box.
3. If necessary, from the Tools menu’s Modeler sub-menu, choose Modeler to open the Modeler tool box.
4. If necessary, set up views 1-4 as Top, Isometric, Front, and Right, respectively, and tile the view windows.
5. Set the Active Color to 2 (green), the Active Level to 2, the Active Line Style to 0 (solid), and the Active Line Weight to 4.
6. Set the default Snap Mode to Keypoint.
7. From the File menu, choose Save Settings (or press <Ctrl-F>).
12-2 MicroStation Modeler User’s Guide
Placing 3D primitives
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Exercise: Placing 3D primitivesMicroStation Modeler’s 3D primitives are similar to those in standard MicroStation, except that they are parametric solids and can be modified using the Modify Feature tool.
To start the sample model illustrated on page 12-1, you will first construct the base plate, a slab, upon which the rest of the model will be constructed.
➤ Place the base plate:
1. In the Parametric Solids tool box, select the Place Slab tool.
In the Tool Settings window (which is now labeled “Place Slab”):
Set Type to Parametric Solid.
Set Axis to Drawing Z.
Turn on Length, Width, and Height and, in their fields, key in 6, 3, and 0.5, respectively.
2. In the Isometric view, enter a data point in the lower left part of the view to start.
3. Enter three further points to define the length, width, and height directions of the slab, their values having been set in the Tool Settings window.
4. If necessary, fit the entire slab in each view.
Placing the base slab.
4 (Width)
4 (Height)
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Isometric
MicroStation Modeler User’s Guide 12-3
Creating a profile
Exercise: Creating a profileYou can construct MicroStation Modeler solids by projecting section profiles such as blocks, circles, simple or complex shapes. A section profile is needed to define part of this sample model.
To make creation of the section profile simple, you will first place a construction center line and a circle. Using AccuDraw these can be placed in the exact location, inset 0.75 from the edge of the slab.
➤ Draw a construction center line:
1. Set the Active Color to 4 (yellow), the Active Line Style to 4 (a center line), and the Active Line Weight to 0.
2. In the Primary tool bar, click the “Start AccuDraw” icon.
The AccuDraw window opens.
3. In the Linear Elements tool box, select the Place Line tool.
4. In the Tool Settings window:
Turn on Length and, in its field, key in 2.5.
5. In the status bar, click the Snap Mode indicator. Then choose Midpoint from the pop-up Snap Mode menu to set the Snap Mode override to Midpoint.
6. In the Isometric view, snap a tentative point to the midpoint of the top front edge of the slab.
7. Press <O> (the letter “O” on the keyboard) to start up AccuDraw and set its origin at the tentative point.
8. Press <T> to rotate AccuDraw’s drawing plane to the Top orientation.
If AccuDraw is using polar coordinates (represented by an on-screen circular compass and the Distance and Angle fields in the AccuDraw window), press the <spacebar>. This will toggle AccuDraw back to rectangular coordinates (represented by an on-screen square compass and X, Y, and Z fields in the AccuDraw window).
9. Move the pointer in the positive y direction, keeping it indexed (aligned) to the drawing plane y-axis.
While the pointer is aligned with the drawing plane axis, you are prompted with a highlighted line extending from the center of the compass to the pointer position. At the same time, the focus shifts to the AccuDraw window’s Y field.
12-4 MicroStation Modeler User’s Guide
Creating a profile
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10. In the Y field, type 0.75 (it is not necessary to click on the field, nor to press <Return> after keying in the value).
11. With the pointer still indexed (aligned) to the drawing plane y-axis, enter a data point to start the line.
12. Press <F> to rotate the drawing plane to the Front orientation.
13. Move the pointer again so that it is indexed to the new positive y direction.
14. Enter a data point to place the line.
The length of the line is taken from the tool setting.
➤ Draw a temporary construction circle:
1. In the Ellipses tool box, select the Place Circle tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window:
From the Method option menu, choose Center.
Turn on Diameter and, in its field, key in 1.0.
3. Snap a tentative point to the upper end of the center line placed in the previous section.
Isometric
Locating the beginning point forthe line, using the drawing plane
Top orientation.
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Completing the line using thedrawing plane Front orientation. 14
Isometric
MicroStation Modeler User’s Guide 12-5
Creating a profile
4. If necessary, press <F> to rotate the drawing plane to the Front orientation.
AccuDraw still should be in Front orientation from the previous exercise.
5. Enter a data point to place the circle.
6. Fit the entire model in each view.
Having placed the temporary construction elements, you can now add other elements that will be used to form the profile.
➤ Draw the right side of the profile:
1. Set the Active Color to 2 (Green), the Active Line Weight to 4, and the Active Line Style to 0 (Solid).
2. In the Linear Elements tool box, select the Place Line tool.
3. In the Tool Settings window:
Turn on Angle and, in its field, key in 285.
4. From the Snap Mode option menu, choose Tangent to set the single point snap mode to Tangent.
5. In the Front view, snap a tentative point to the top right quadrant of the circle.
6. Accept the circle.
7. Move the pointer down to about midway in the base slab.
8. Enter a data point to place the line.
Placing the temporaryconstruction circle.
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Isometric
Front
Placing the right side ofthe profile.
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Creating a profile
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➤ Mirror copy the line to create the left side:
1. In the Manipulate tool box, select the Mirror tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window:
From the Mirror About option menu, choose Vertical.
Turn on Make Copy.
3. In the Front view, identify, with a data point, the line placed in the previous operation.
The line highlights.
4. Snap a tentative point to the construction center line, and accept with a data point.
The line is mirror copied.
5. Use the Delete Element tool to delete the construction circle.
➤ Place an arc joining the two sides:
1. In the Arcs tool box, select the Place Arc tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window:
From the Method option menu, choose Edge.
Turn on Radius and, in its field, key in 0.5.
3. From the Snap Mode option menu, choose Tangent to set the single point snap mode to Tangent.
4. Snap a tentative point to the angled line on the right.
5. Accept the line.
6. Snap a tentative point to the top of the angled line on the left.
After the first point, the Tangent snap mode reverts to the default Keypoint.
Front
Mirror copying to create the otherside of the profile. 3
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MicroStation Modeler User’s Guide 12-7
Adding and manipulating features
7. Accept.
➤ Create a complex shape to complete the profile:
1. In the Groups tool box, select the Create Complex Shape tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window:
From the Method option menu, choose Automatic.
In the Max Gap field, key in 0.
3. In the Front view, identify the angled line on the left.
The line highlights
4. Enter second and third data points to (automatically) include the arc and the angled line on the right.
5. Enter a further data point to close the complex shape.
Exercise: Adding and manipulating featuresHaving created the base plate, and the profile, you will now complete the model by adding features to the base plate slab. You will also see that features can be manipulated like other elements in a design.
For convenience, you can again use the Isometric view.
Front
Placing the arc.
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Front
Creating the profile shape.
Front
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Adding and manipulating features
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➤ Create the first protrusion from the profile:
1. In the Create Feature tool box, select the Construct Protrusion tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window:
From the Direction option menu, choose Forward.
From the Through option menu, choose Blind.
In the Distance field, key in 0.375.
3. In the Isometric view, identify the slab.
The slab highlights.
4. Identify the profile shape.
The profile highlights, and dynamic prompts show the direction and shape of the protrusion. If the direction of the protrusion is incorrect, you can change the Direction option in the settings window prior to accepting the construction.
5. Accept the protrusion.
The protrusion is created and becomes a feature of the base slab. MicroStation Modeler automatically trims the protrusion where the profile overlaps into the base slab.
While the protrusion just created now is part of the overall solid, MicroStation Modeler allows you still to manipulate it as an entity. For the next part of the exercise you will use the Mirror Feature tool to create the other side of this part of the casting.
Front
Identifying the slab and theprofile to create a protrusion.
Isometric
Front Isometric
3
4
5Accepting the construction to
create the protrusion.MicroStation Modeler adds
the protrusion as a feature tothe slab.
MicroStation Modeler User’s Guide 12-9
Adding and manipulating features
➤ Mirror copy the first protrusion:
1. In the Manipulate Feature tool box, select the Mirror Feature tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window:
From the Axis option menu, choose Drawing.
From the Mirror Along option menu, choose Y Direction.
Turn on Make Copy.
3. In the Isometric view, identify the protrusion.
4. From the Snap Mode option menu, choose Midpoint to set the single point snap mode to Midpoint.
5. Snap a tentative point to the midpoint of the left edge of the base slab.
6. Accept the construction.
The protrusion is mirror copied.
This completes the construction of the basic model. All that remains now is to add the holes, and finish off by rounding the sharp edges.
➤ Place the pivot hole:
1. In the Create Feature tool box, select the Create Hole tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window:
From the Hole Type option menu, choose Simple.
From the Drill option menu, choose Through.
From the Direction option menu, choose Face Normal
In the Hole Diameter field, key in 0.5.
3. Identify the solid.
Isometric
Mirror copying the originalprotrusion.
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Adding and manipulating features
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The solid highlights. As you move the pointer across the solid, the hole is dynamically displayed.
4. Snap a tentative point to the top of the construction center line.
5. Accept the hole.
The hole is placed through both protrusions.
6. Delete the construction center line.
Where you do not have a reference point to locate a feature, you can use AccuDraw to quickly locate the feature. In the next part of this exercise you will place the first of the base plate holes. Using AccuDraw, you will locate the hole relative to the front left corner of the base plate.
➤ Place the first base plate hole:
1. In the Create Feature tool box, select the Create Hole tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window:
From the Hole Type option menu, choose Simple.
From the Drill option menu, choose Through.
From the Direction option menu, choose Face Normal
In the Hole Diameter field, key in 0.25.
3. Identify the solid.
The solid highlights.
4. Snap a tentative point to the upper front left corner of the base plate.
5. Press <O> to set the drawing plane origin.
6. If necessary, press <T> to rotate the drawing plane to the Top orientation.
Isometric
Placing the pivot hole.
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MicroStation Modeler User’s Guide 12-11
Adding and manipulating features
7. Move the pointer to the right and index it to the x-axis of the AccuDraw compass.
The focus moves to the AccuDraw window’s X field.
8. Type 0.75.
Offset along the n is now locked.
9. Move the pointer back to the left.
Moving the pointer now allows movement in the AccuDraw y-axis direction only. Input focus moves to the Y field.
10. Type 0.75.
The hole is displayed at the specified location.
11. Accept the hole.
The hole is constructed.
To construct the remaining 3 base plate holes, you will create an array of the first hole, using the Construct Feature Array tool.
➤ Create an array of base plate holes:
1. In the Manipulate Feature tool box, select the Construct Feature Array tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window:
From the Array Type option menu, choose Rectangular.
From the Array About option menu, choose Drawing.
Turn on Angle and in its field, key in 0.
In the Rows and Columns fields, key in 2.In the Row Spacing field, key in 1.5.In the Column Spacing field, key in 4.5.
3. Identify the hole in the base plate.
The hole highlights, and crosses indicate the centers of all holes in the proposed array.
4. Accept the array.
Isometric
Placing the first hole usingAccuDraw to precisely locate
the center.
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Isometric
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Adding and manipulating features
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The three remaining holes are placed in the base plate.
All that remains now is to round off the sharp edges of the casting. To do this you use the Round Edge or Vertex tool.
When using the Round Edge tool, it is good practice to consider the order that edges are rounded. With the Smooth Sequence option, you can round a number of edges with a single selection, so long as the straights are joined by arcs.
For example, in the following exercises, notice that the vertical edges are rounded first allowing you to select a single edge when rounding the horizontal edges.
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Isometric
Creating an array of holes inthe base plate.
Isometric
MicroStation Modeler User’s Guide 12-13
Adding and manipulating features
➤ Round the outer edges of the protrusions:
1. In Create Feature tool box, select the Round Edge or Vertex tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window:
From the Round option menu, choose Edge.
Turn on Smooth Sequence.
Turn on Radius lock, and in either Radius field, key in 0.06.
3. Identify, with data points, the outer edges of both protrusions.
If you identify an incorrect edge, simply enter a second data point on it to de-select that edge.
4. Reset to view the rounding.
5. Accept the rounding.
The selected edges are rounded.
➤ Round the lower outer edges of the protrusions (where they meet with the base):
1. In the Create Feature tool box, select the Round Edge or Vertex tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window:
In the Radius field, key in 0.125.
3. Identify, with data points, the outer lower edges of both protrusions.
If you identify an incorrect edge, simply enter a second data point on it to de-select that edge.
4. Reset to view the rounding.
5. Accept the rounding.
Rounding the outer edges ofthe two protrusions.
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Isometric Isometric
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The selected edges are rounded.
➤ Round the four corners of the base plate:
1. In the Create Feature tool box, select the Round Edge or Vertex tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window:
In the Radius field, key in 0.5.
3. Identify, with data points, the four corner edges of the base plate.
If you identify an incorrect edge, simply enter a second data point on it to de-select that edge.
4. Reset to view the rounding.
5. Accept the rounding.
The base plate corners are rounded.
To complete the model, all that remains is to round the top edge of the base plate.
Isometric
Rounding the outerintersection edges of the
protrusions with the base.
Isometric
Rounding the base platecorners.
Isometric
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Isometric
MicroStation Modeler User’s Guide 12-15
Adding and manipulating features
➤ Round the top edge of the base plate:
1. In the Create Feature tool box, select the Round Edge or Vertex tool.
2. In the Tool Settings window:
In the Radius field, key in 0.125.
3. Identify, with a data point, the top edge of the base plate.
Because the vertical edges were rounded first, only one selection is required to round the entire top edge.
4. Reset to view the rounding.
5. Accept the rounding.
The top edge of the base plate is rounded.
Rounding the top edge of thebase plate.
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Isometric Isometric
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