Visualizing CAD models is an essential skill for any CAD user, whether you want to present your design, check for errors, or create realistic renderings. In this article, you will learn how to use different tools and techniques to view, manipulate, and enhance your CAD models.
Most CAD software have a set of basic viewing commands that allow you to zoom, pan, rotate, and orbit your model. These commands are usually accessible from the mouse, keyboard, or toolbar. You can use them to adjust the perspective, scale, and position of your model on the screen. You can also switch between different views, such as front, top, left, right, isometric, or custom.
Fastest way to visualise is to apply Colours to different features of a D esign/Cad as per the final output in native CAD application and use a Rendering software such as Keyshot to apply materials/Textures/Decals by importing this pre coloured model . Once the model is ready by adding all materials along with shading it’s ready to render. Some CAD applications also have plugins to rendering software so any changes in CAD application is reflected in real time . Some rendering software’s also comes with basic CAD functionality like hiding parts, getting section views etc.
Building your design in multiple layers will allow you the show different aspects of the design more clearly by turning off layers which obscure the particular parts you want to show.
In model space, pick points at various locations on or close to the solid to be analyzed. Rotate the solid about these points to look for flaws in the model. This may lead to further investigation of the solid model's geometry.
When you scan data I always make the scan a different color and also adjust the value / opacity to 50% of the point cloud data. Easier to see in the shaded view. In addition by placing the scan on its own layer is the next step in the process so the data can be toggled on and off. A clipping plane is also very useful when designing with the scan data sometimes there is just too much to look at and a section is very useful when designing parts.
How about adding VR or AR for better visualisation? This may give the engineer a better perspective too, speaking from actual experience.
Display modes and styles are options that affect how your model looks in terms of colors, shading, edges, lighting, and transparency. You can choose from different display modes and styles depending on your purpose and preference. For example, you can use wireframe mode to see the structure of your model, shaded mode to see the surfaces and curves, or realistic mode to see the materials and textures. You can also create your own display styles by adjusting the settings for each element.
Sometimes the wireframe view is very complicated to recognise the part. So if there is some filter we can use for a simple wireframe with transparency.
Visualizing CAD models is way to view a certain design into other perspective mostly CAD design starts with 2D drawings where we draw all the sides separately on flat planes, viewing it in a model needs to assemble all the plat planes design into a multi dimensional single elements where we can use the commands such as rotates, pan etc., in order for the model/object/design to be viewed in a multi dimensional scene to fully understand the wholeness of the model
It is a great practice to use Shaded with Edges while 3D modeling. In my opinion it always gives you the more sense and visualization of what you are designing. In case of complex geometries, I like to switch to Wire Frame mode because of ease to access all the edges of the model without rotating the model using view cube. It is always a good practice to be comfortable using all the display modes for the betterment of the designing skills. KEEP LEARNING!
Visulaizing CAD Models is already available prebuilded in many software , like materials , environment, colors, lighting , etc try to explore 1 tool (software) to your optimal level
In the 3D plain, the display mode and style influence our interaction with the model, the wireframe mode allows the user to see the framework of the model component in line streaks and nodes, and the shaded mode adds a texture to the wireframe, covering the line streaks and nodes, while the realistic mode adds more depth to the model, by creating more information of the 3D model reaction to its surroundings.
Layers and filters are features that help you organize and control the visibility of your model components. You can use layers to group related objects and assign them different properties, such as color, line type, or line weight. You can use filters to select and show or hide objects based on certain criteria, such as layer, name, type, or attribute. Layers and filters can help you simplify your model and focus on specific aspects.
- Manage layer, naming, properties, colour accordingly based on the model identity that u might need - Use proper model environment need during the modelling - manage the external reference properly by proper naming,building or proper identity to easily locate - Manage CAD by following or complying to international CAD guideline. If someone going to continue your task it could not be big issue to locate or find your file - Good Modelling technique come from how good you manage the property,layer, model quality, size of file and purge unused - Don't simply import the stepfile or other format to CAD model without cleaning and managing the size and quality the model before use.
Using layers and filters on your drawing requires a mental visualization of what you want to convey in that drawing. Whether you are planning a house or detailing the furniture in a certain area of an apartment, it is essential to establish the layers in which you are working from the beginning. Personally, I create layers on areas of the drawing, and individually on details.
Layer and Filters are tools in 3D visualization that help make the workflow seamless and easy to maneuver. Every component of a 3D plain is assigned to a layer, this layer gives it an identity in the 3D model workspace. With this, each component is easily selected, and grouped into similar components of the same properties, this is where the filter feature is used to identify similar components or distinct components in a model
I use visibility (on/ off) of different bodies/ surfaces/ sketches, features, etc. this is very helpful in de-cluttering the view and focusing on certain activity.
Layers are quite useful, especially if you are working with a complex CAD file. - Layers help you organise your CAD file. - Add colors to different layers to able to clearly distinguish them. - Follow standard layer names to avoid confusion. - Create company specific SOPs for layer, attributes to standardise the process. - Using different line weights with different colors can help in MEP systems to distinguish pipes, wires, other mep components. - You can group various objects and create a block to locate the electrical components or other objects such as printers etc.
Section and clipping planes are tools that let you cut through your model and see the internal details. You can use section planes to create cross-sectional views of your model and generate drawings or annotations. You can use clipping planes to trim away parts of your model and reveal hidden features or areas. Section and clipping planes can help you inspect your model and verify its accuracy and functionality.
It is easyer to export drawing parts using wblock. This way you control the size of file and avoid message "Access Violation".
Sectioning is a great way to analyse the components that are inside an assembly or a component both in 2d and 3d. It also helps in understanding the clash the happens between components. Clash and interference are great tools to learn while doing cad.
Sectioning is only one way to visualize ship’s hull shape to designer. Other methods can’t give required impression. Shaded surface give almost not information for designer, even hide some of shape defects.
Preparing sections before a formal review is beneficial for both the designer and the reviewing parties. Key focus areas could include attachment points, interfaces with other components in the assembly, key design critical features, etc. Assessing these areas in section view will give clear indication if there are issues with the design execution. Being able to quickly access these pre-made sections during a review help to maintain attention of your audience and improve seamless workflow and discussion.
I use section ortho or angled to perfectly make sure I am achieving the design intent, sometime I found out that there is an extra sheet metal thickness than intended.
Rendering and animation are techniques that transform your model into a realistic image or video. You can use rendering to apply materials, textures, lighting, shadows, reflections, and effects to your model and create a photorealistic or artistic representation. You can use animation to add motion, camera movement, and transitions to your model and create a dynamic or interactive presentation. Rendering and animation can help you showcase your model and communicate your design intent.
My go to for realistic videos and images for my CAD Designs is Blender 3D Cycles Render Engine. You can checkout Blenderkit for realistic looking textures and materials to make your design pop. It's always a nice idea to also add background objects or supplementary objects in your scene while rendering, for example a mouse should be placed on a table, with a display monitor in the background and some other objects in your scene to get a beautiful render. Having depth of field effects in your renders also makes them beautiful. Don't forget most objects in real life don't have sharp edges, so always find a way to fillet (round Bevel) the edges before you click Render.
Finally we, road designers have the tools to create quality renders and visualization. In the past, that was be painful. Usually we need lots of surrounding terrain and environment. Now, using some of modern civil apps (mostly Autodesk or Bentley) its possible create rich models - just for visualization purposes, or collaborate BIM models with more technical data.
I always love rendering and animation. I usually love to experiment in blender which is open source and available to all for free. Rendering and animation helps us to understand how models look in real time and how they move in real time. They help us in making great portfolios to our career.
I always try to make a nice render of my work and save it, It would be so satisfying to me and to anyone looking at the project later on.
When it comes to real professional projects, time you spend becomes a key element in the process. I think Lumion is a great choice. You can get high-quality results with a little amount of time. Beside its limitations Lumion has great features for creating realistic renderings.
CAD visualization software are applications that specialize in displaying, manipulating, and enhancing CAD models. They can offer more features and flexibility than the native CAD software, such as advanced rendering, animation, editing, collaboration, and cloud-based services. Some examples of CAD visualization software are SketchUp, Lumion, Blender, Enscape, and Autodesk Viewer. You can use CAD visualization software to complement your CAD software and improve your workflow and results.
2D drawings are things of the past, consider using MBD - Model Based Definition where the entire design can be visualised in 3D with all dimensions, tolerances and manufacturing information. An industry that has pioneered this approach is the Aerospace Industry for Aircraft Design which is perhaps one of the the most complex designs.
Viewing a 3D on a 2D screen is the thing of the past. You can now have a desktop 3D printer for less than 50$ (like Markhor3D Enabler), which enables you to print, visualize and experience!
What also should be considered is the increasingly popular workflow of interacting with 3D models using game engines and VR visualizations. Exporting to exchange file formats like fbx allows for interoperability and using game engines greatly enhance the realism and rendering.
Viewers, such as eDrawings, will allow for the viewing of 3D models. You can also export extended reality formats, such as .GLB or .GLTF. These can be used in virtual or augmented reality environments, as well as integrated into web applications, allowing people to view your models directly on your website. Certain programs, such as eDrawings, will also allow you to export to .HTML, which allows people to open in a web browser without installing any viewer applications! This direction is becoming more and more common, such as SOLIDWORKS recently adding capabilities to create a link to a design that lets people review the models from a web-based viewer.
I learned AutoCAD 23 years ago, i love this soft, i can use it in lots of activities, and i am aware that i know ... maybe ... only 10% of its capabilities. I Love to work with it!
There are large movements towards using open-sourced software and web native development and implementation of CAD programs. An example includes IFCjs to use Java Script for lightweight BIM viewers and easy ways to interact with a model. The aim is to leap over proprietary softwares for better interoperability and more open access to information.
Digital design reviews carried out in collaboration software such as edrawings makes for swiftly realised revisions to parts/assemblies .
SOME SPEED DRAWING TIPS. Generally, all Detailers, CAD operators produce a set of various views to enable a client, to visualise, get an accurate idea of what is yet to be Manufactured in someway. The Quicker this can be achieved, has soo many advantages, & is a new type of skill. E. G If CAD A, takes 8hrs & CAD B, TAKES 5HRS, to produce the same CAD Set with same specs & necessary details required, 3hrs says it. -Firstly have a Standard Presentation format in every way. Text styles, Dim styles, Elevations & realistic 3D views. -These all become unconscious actions eventually. -Minimise where possible unnecessary repeated drawing actions. -Standardise an elevation layout & draw in the same way. -a planned Std drawing routine is qwik