Chapter 19

Call the Parametrics!

IN THIS CHAPTER

Bullet Introducing parametric drawing

Bullet Understanding constraints

Bullet Applying geometric and dimensional constraints

Bullet Editing parametric drawings

A few releases back, AutoCAD added a set of parametric drawing tools, and, offhand, I can’t think of a more significant new feature in recent years. In fact, if you work primarily in 2D, and especially if you’re in the manufacturing business, parametrics in AutoCAD (and, to a very limited degree, in AutoCAD LT) might just be the most significant new feature ever since the beginning of orthographic engineering drawings, generally attributed to the Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius in the 1st century BC. Contrary to popular opinion, I am not so old that I knew him personally.

Parametric tools allow you to create relationships between geometry in a drawing. These relationships help to constrain and restrict changes to a design. If you know what I’m talking about, you’re probably pretty interested in finding out more about what you can do with parametrics in AutoCAD. If, on the other hand, you think parametrics ...

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