AutoCAD 3D Modeling: Wireframe Models, Part 2
July 29, 2003
Wireframe models can be used in creating surfaces and solids.
Here we will build the Wireframe model of a tent. In a later
tutorial you will cover the tent with surfaces. If you are not
familiar with Wireframe models read the following tutorial:
► AutoCAD 3D Modeling:
Wireframe Models, Part 1
Figure 1 - Click on image to
- This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD 2004 though might be
applicable for other releases.
- In this tutorial user entries are in boldface.
symbol is equivalent to pressing Enter.
If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an earlier
2. Draw a 90×60
rectangle. Locate the lower left corner of the rectangle on
origin [Figure 2].
3. Connect the
midpoint of vertical sides with a line segment [Figure 3].
4. Move the new
line 60 units along Z axis.
Select objects: 1 found
Specify base point or displacement:
Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as
5. Rotate the UCS
+90 degrees about X axis.
For more information on UCS read the following tutorial:
► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: User
6. Invoke PLAN to
view the new XY plane.
For more information on 3D display tools read the
► AutoCAD 3D Modeling: 3D Views
7. Copy the line 5
units in negative Y direction [Figure 4].
8. Build an arc on
the horizontal lines. Use 3 points method [Figure 5].
9. Erase both
10. Rotate UCS +90
degrees about Y axis.
11. Set the view as
shown on figure 6.
12. Draw a line
segment from origin to the left endpoint of the arc [Figure 7].
13. Invoke PLAN to
view the XY plane of the current UCS.
14. Offset the
diagonal line 3 units to the right [Figure 8].
15. Build an arc on
the diagonal lines with 3 Points method [Figure 9].
16. Erase the
17. Create a mirror
copy of the arc based on a vertical line that passes through the
midpoint of the horizontal line [Figure 10].
Zoom-Previous button to activate the previous view [Figure 11].
19. Copy the arcs
to the other corners of the base rectangle [Figure 12].
20. Enable WCS.
21. Switch to POLES
22. Draw a circle
as follows [Figure 13]:
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: 28
23. Copy the circle
60 units along the Z axis.
24. Draw a 60 unit
vertical line from one of the quadrants of the circle [Figure
Specify first point: qua
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Specify next point or [Undo]:8
25. Copy the line
on the rest of quadrants [Figure 15]. You may zoom into the
drawing to avoid any mistakes.
Figure 15 - Click on image to
26. Copy circles
and vertical lines to the other side of the tent [Figure 16].
Figure 16 - Click on image to
Alireza Parsai is the founder of cadpanel.com. He is a
mechanical engineer with more than 12 years experience with
AutoCAD. Alireza is an Autodesk Authorized Author, the AutoCAD
consultant for Al Khawarizmi Institute, a contributing editor
for Augiworld magazine, a writer for CAD Digest, an instructor
for AUGI Training Program, and an elected speaker for Autodesk
University 2002. He has written 7 books in Farsi, 3 booklets in
English, and more than 30 articles for different magazines and
newsletters. You can reach him at
firstname.lastname@example.org or visit his website