AutoCAD® 3D Modeling

World-class AutoCAD expert Steve Heather, co-author with Cheryl Shrock of the Beginning AutoCAD Exercise Workbook, Advanced AutoCAD Exercise Workbook, and the AutoCAD Pocket Reference, has written this ground-breaking text, covering step-by-step 3D applications for all AutoCAD users.

The AutoCAD^® 3D Modeling Exercise Workbook is designed for classroom instruction and self-study alike, and is suitable for both inch and metric users. There are 8 lessons and 4 modeling projects, all of which are heavily illustrated, for visual learners.

Each lesson starts with step-by-step instructions on how to create 3D solid models, followed by exercises designed for practicing the commands readers learned within that lesson. The modeling projects are designed so that users can create complex 3D models by combining many of the commands learned within the previous lessons.

Written by Steve Heather, bestselling author and official Beta Tester of AutoCAD software, this is an invaluable resource for the thousands of designers, architects, and manufacturers who are using AutoCAD to create their own 3D models and transfer them to a 3D printer for manufacturing and use in the real world. If you want to learn more about cutting-edge 3D design, printing, and more using AutoCAD, the AutoCAD 3D Modeling Exercise Workbook is for you.

Note: Downloadable sample files are provided to accompany some of the lessons and modeling projects, so readers can follow along and customize their creations to suit their own needs. To download a zip file containing these files, please click here.

If you like this book, also check out the

Advanced AutoCAD 2022 Exercise Workbook,

and the new Beginning AutoCAD 2025 Exercise Workbook.

Steve Heather is a former Lecturer of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Aided Design in England. Previous to teaching, and for over 30 years, Heather worked as a Precision Engineer in the aerospace and defense industries.

For more than a decade, he has been a Beta Tester for Autodesk, testing the latest AutoCAD software. In addition to co-authoring the Beginning and Advanced AutoCAD^® Exercise Workbooks and the AutoCAD^® Pocket Reference, he also is author of the Engineers Precision Data Pocket Reference. He is a key engineering consultant and contributor to the Machinery’s Handbook. 

Steve lives near Canterbury, England. He welcomes inquiries about his books; you can reach him by emailing info@industrialpress.com.

Meet Author Steve Heather!

To read an interview with this world-class AutoCAD expert,

and learn more  about his new AutoCAD^® 3D Modeling Exercise Workbook,

click here for our 3D Modeling newsletter.

Contents

• Introduction
• Lesson 1: Selecting a Basic 3D Tool; Creating a Solid Box, Creating a Solid Cylinder; Creating a Solid Cone; Creating a Solid Sphere; Creating a Solid Pyramid; Creating a Solid Wedge; Creating a Solid Torus; Exercises
• Lesson 2: Opening the Properties Palette; Modify Solids Using the Properties Palette; Modify Solids Using the Grips; Exercises
• Lesson 3: Setting the Solid History System Variable; Chamfer the Edge of a 3D Solid Model; Modify an Existing Chamfer; Remove an Existing Chamfer; Fillet the Edge of a 3D Solid Model; Modify an Existing Fillet; Remove an Existing Fillet; Exercises
• Lesson 4: User Coordinate System (UCS); Moving the UCS; Rotating the UCS; Using the Dynamic UCS; Exercises
• Lesson 5: Orbit Tool; Move Tool; Union Tool; Subtract Tool; Intersect Tool; Exercises
• Lesson 6: 3D Rotate Tool; 3D Mirror Tool; 3D Align Tool; Exercises
• Lesson 7: Extrude Tool; Revolve Tool; Loft Tool; Sweep Tool; Exercises
• Lesson 8: Shell Tool; Helix Tool; Exercises
• Project 1: Stackable Junk Tray
• Project 2: Ornate Balcony
• Project 3: Working Platform
• Project 4: Belt Roller Assembly
• Appendix A: 3D Printing
• Appendix B: Add a Printer/Plotter.