Thursday

Using ALIGN command in 3D

8 Comments Dec-20-2007 | Posted by Erhan Toker | Printable Version | Level |

AutoCAD 12 and higher versions

In this article, I will explain a very useful command, ALIGN, which is not known by a lot of people but is very useful in 3D applications.

Note : Fig. 1 is created by using ‘Conceptual Rendering’ properties in AutoCAD 2007. AutoCAD 2007 is equipped with a lot of new features that enable you to work in this environment in your 3D applications.

In the scenario shown in Fig. 1, we will combine the small particle on the ground with the other vertical object. ALIGN command can also work as 2 dimensional. If you use as 2 dimensional, you will need 4 points; and 6 points for 3 dimensional.

Fig.1

Working principle of the command is matching relevant points the part that will be re-positioned correspondingly with the relevant points of the object over which the first object will be positioned. Here are the point that should be taken into account during this matching process:

• Points shall be selected once on the part that will be re-positioned and once on the object that is stationary at a total number of 6.
• 3 of the points that is selected on each of the object that will be re-positioned and the stationary object should be planar. Otherwise, result can not be determined. After combination, it is not necessary for other points except the first one to be overlapping. Point selection is explained in detail below:
• During selection of first points (1-2), determination of insertion point of the object that will be re-positioned is also done. This is very similar to ‘Insertion base point:’ prompt that we see while inserting a block (INSERT Command).
• Second points (3-4) determine the re-positioning angle. Correspondence of point 3 (4), can be any point in the alignment of 2-4. However, it is better if it is the exact opposite point for the easiness.
• Third point couple is important for determination of positioning in 3rd dimension. Point no. 6 can be selected at any position on the plane that is formed by points 2, 4, 6. However, as I mentioned in the previous item, it is better if it is selected on the exact opposite position, if possible.

Now, let’s take a look at how the command works:

Command : ALIGN
Select objects : (Select only the object that will be re-positioned, stationary object will not be selected)
Specify first source point: (1)
Specify first destination point: (2)
Specify second source point: (3)
Specify second destination point: (4)
Specify third source point or : (5) (You can exit by ENTER in case of 2 dimensional operations)
Specify third destination point or [eXit] : (6)

As you can see, by selecting 6 points in correspondence we are completing the ALIGN command. And the result becomes as shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2

In this category that I made for intermediate and advanced AutoCAD users, I also would like to continue writing more about topics that you may ask.

Have a nice day.

Technorati Tags: AutoCAD, 3D, align, modify, insert

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