Converting from 2D to 3D

[cssltd]

Thanks for the help I will go try that. I have done some basic shape so Ill now look at doing more complex shapes. Will let you know how I get on!

[ReMark]

Good to hear. Your results may vary depending on whether or not you join lines together (as a polyline). Watch out for gaps at line intersections too. To avoid them always use Osnaps. Post an image the next time around so we can see the results. Good luck.

[Bill Tillman]

From someone who has gone through the 3D learning curve in only the past few months, there is a lot more to it than the posts to your question reveal.

First, you will not be able to simply point and click at your 2D sketches and turn them into 3D. In some examples this will be easier than others, but mostly you gotta be drawing in 3D to get 3D. Second, you will need to learn the basics of the UCS. This is critical when you're drawings in 3D. It took me sometime to get this down but once you master the UCS and the ablitily to move and orient it wherever you want, 3D becomes much easier. Also, get an understanding of the 3DFORBIT command. In many instances when I draw something in 3D and I place a line where I want it only to discover that it's not on the plane I intended it to be. The only way to see this is to orbit around the object and check the accuracy of your intersections. And you will have to do lots of reading and practice. The trouble with trying to learn 3D drawing is that most people who do it will explain it like you just think about your project and viola, the 3D model suddenly appears on your screen.

Other important commands to get acquainted with will be SLICE, SOLIDEDIT. And back to the UCS again. Many times you will not be able to TRIM, EXTEND, SLICE, MIRROR, etc... until you have the UCS in the right orientation. Oh yes, when you're drawing in 3D the intersection of lines get's a little more complicated. I spent hours the other night trying to figure out why I couldn't fillet some lines. It was only when I set the precision to 1/256" that I was able to see that the lines were off being coplanar but 3/256". This kept the fillet command from working properly and it drove me nuts because in 1/16" accuracy (which should be tight enough for anyone) this offset was not seeable. Which is why you will also need to learn about the FUZZ setting in PEDIT.

Good luck.

[cssltd]

thanks for all the help I have now drawn the pump and most of the components! they are not perfect but its a start!
thanks again

[ReMark]

We anxiously await your posted image. I'm staying glued to my screen until you do. Hurry up. I have to go to the bathroom soon.

[cssltd]

Thanks for the help, Ive drawn the components now i am just having trouble putting them together. ie, i have the valves, couplings etc but now i want to put them together but the component i try to join just goes behind the other drawing. do you have any advice as to how to go about this?

i have attached what i have drawn so far

[JD Mather]

Thanks for the help, Ive drawn the components now i am just having trouble putting them together.

viewres = 2000
facetres = 10
re

union (I would not have used 3D faces in the handle)

move
or align to assemble using osnaps

Type each of the above then Enter and then F1

If your work is normally mechanical of this type I would investigate AutoCAD Inventor.