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Presentation Graphics in IntelliCAD 98

Tony Zilles

IntelliCAD 98 allows you to create two types of 3D models:

• Wire-frame models, which consist of lines and curves that defines the edges of 3D objects. These models have no surfaces and can only every be displayed as as lines.
• Surface models consist of edges and the surfaces between the edges. The surfaces can be created by giving 2D entities 3D qualities, or by using 3D entities, FACE and MESH.

IntelliCAD does not yet support 3D solid modeling. Solid model data included in a DWG file by another application is preserved intact when the file is opened and saved by IntelliCAD.

The type of 3D model you create in IntelliCAD depends on the purposes you have in mind for your model and the kind of uses you can apply to it, and output you can get from it. Usually the more sophisticated outcome requires a greater investment in time and skill. Other articles in Design Drawing will show you how to get the most from IntelliCAD in the shortest time. This article shows you the levels of presentation sophistication you can obtain from a 3D model in IntelliCAD.

This 3D model of a mobile crane is one of the sample drawings included with IntelliCAD 98. The drawing is comprised of 3D surfaces and meshes. This is the regular view you would get of the model while working in IntelliCAD.

Hidden line removal

Removing the hidden lines is a quick way to view a 3D drawing in a way that gives it some degree of solidity. In this view lines that would be obscured from view by the model are removed from the display. The model looks more like an object in this view.

The command sequence to create this view is one of the following:

• View > Rendering > Hide
• On the Rendering toolbar click
• Type hide and press Enter.

Hidden line removal is support through a Zoom operation. You cannot print a hidden line view and the Hideplot option in the MVIEW command (enabling printing hidden line views through a Paperspace viewport) is not currently supported. The way to print a hidden line representation created by IntelliCAD is make a screen capture and paste the resulting image into IntelliCAD or another application as a raster image.

Shaded

By creating a shaded image you remove hidden lines and shade visible surfaces with their assigned entity color. This produces a more realistic-looking view.

The command sequences are, one of the following:

• View > Rendering > Shade
• On the Rendering toolbar click
• Type shade and press Enter

IntelliCAD 98 allows a number of controls over the appearance of a shaded model.

Rendered

Rendered images give  more realistic appearance to the model. Hidden lines are removed and surfaces are shaded in accordance with assigned materials. The fast rendered image is a simple render without a lot of control.

Do a fastrender by:

• View > Rendering > Render
• On the Rendering toolbar click
• Type render and press Enter

Fullrendered

The Fullrender option is complete with variable lighting, shadows, surface materials properties and reflections.  A fullrender creates a base for your model automatically. Background images can be used to further enhance the result.

A fast or fullrender can be exported to a file (BMP, PS or TIF) directly from IntelliCAD 98. This eliminates the need to capture the image from the screen in order to include it in other documents. To export a render, View > Rendering > Render Settings > Export

Do a fullrender by:

• View > Rendering > Full Render
• On the Rendering toolbar click
• Type fullrender and press Enter.

Creating a a 3D model requires time and skill. Future articles will help you get started in 3D. There are numerous benefits from working in 3D, one of which is the very fast and effective generation of presentation drawings, which are very a effective communication tool for  your ideas. IntelliCAD provides fast, effective tools to help you present your ideas. Use the tools most appropriate to your situation.

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