Autodesk User Group International

As designers move from 2D to 3D, sharing the full intent of their models, securely, is essential. But there�s more to consider than crunching a 3D model down to a small file size that someone else can receive and print.

When you think about it, sharing a 3D model on paper�that is, in only two dimensions�kind of defeats the purpose of 3D modeling. Autodesk� DWF� software allows designers to share 3D models with the extended team as those designs were intended to be shared�in 3D! Your colleagues understand the full intent of the design and DWF tools make it easy for you to collaborate digitally. Other team members can view different components or subassemblies, isolate or rotate objects, even create cross-sections of a building model to view each floor elevation (see Figure 1). Sure, they can take measurements, make comments and more�directly to the DWF file�to streamline the review process and provide a record on which the designer can base revisions.

Figure 1: Autodesk DWF tools help you share design intent.

But DWF files also contain the data from that model. That means your manufacturing suppliers can access information about component and mass properties such as part number, dimensions, materials and manufacturer, center of gravity, density, mass, and volume. Meanwhile, building contractors can read the specified dimensions, materials, and fire ratings within the design.

Many AUGI HotNews readers put their trust in Autodesk DWF file creation and viewing tools to help smooth their workflow. Not only is the compact file format easy to send, but the accuracy and fidelity of shared designs go a long way toward team collaboration and productivity. What you may not know is that there are tips and tricks especially for using Autodesk DWF tools to share 3D files. Here are a few, from the Autodesk team.

Publishing 3D DWF Files
Every Autodesk design application comes with the ability to publish DWF files. This capability also is available free of charge when you use third-party applications with the Autodesk DWF Writer.

Publish 3D DWF Files from AutoCAD-Based Products
You can create and publish DWF files of 3D models with the 3D DWF PUBLISH command. It�s available if you have installed the 3D DWF Publishing feature with AutoCAD� 2006�based products.

On the command line, enter 3ddwfpublish.
In the 3D DWF Publish dialog box, under DWF File Name, change the name and location of the DWF file to be saved, or use the [...] button to navigate to a new location for the 3D DWF file.
Under Objects to Publish, click one of the following:
- All Model Space Objects. All model space objects are published to the 3D DWF file.
- Selected Model Space Objects. Create a selection set of model space objects, which are published to the 3D DWF file.
If the drawing contains xrefs, the Group By Xref Hierarchy option is selected by default. Clear the check box if you do not want to display the objects grouped by xref hierarchy in the published DWF file.
Under Group Individual Objects By, select one of the following options to group individual objects in the DWF file for viewing. Click OK.
- Layer. Group individual objects by layer.
- Object Type. Group individual objects by object type (for example, by block).

Publish from SolidWorks� 2005 or Pro/ENGINEER� Wildfire 2.0
It�s simple to use Autodesk DWF Writer with third-party applications such as these two. You can learn about publishing from other applications by visiting www.autodesk.com/dwf-publishing.

Install Autodesk DWF Writer 3 to publish 3D models and design data from SolidWorks 2005 or Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 2.0 software.
From the file menu, select Publish DWF to automatically turn your 2D drawing or 3D model into DWF.

Reviewing 3D Models
Both Autodesk DWF Composer�s advanced design review tool and the free, downloadable Autodesk DWF Viewer let everyone on the team review 3D models, navigate sheet sets, access design information, and print whatever they need�without requiring CAD software. Here are some tips for working with 3D models in DWF Composer or DWF Viewer.

Pull Apart a 3D Model
To rotate and pull apart individual pieces of a model:

From the Tools menu, choose Move and click Rotate.
In the Model palette or view area, click the parts that you want to move or rotate (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: Choose the Move tool to manipulate your 3D model.

You can do much more, as well:

To remove a part from the selection, press and hold the Ctrl key and click the part again (Ctrl+click). In the Model palette, use Shift+click to select consecutive parts by clicking the first and last parts in the series.
To move a part along an axis, click that axis near the origin. Drag in either direction along the axis.
- Alternatively, press the Up Arrow key to move away from the origin or the Down Arrow to move toward the origin.
To move within a plane, roll the cursor over a plane defined by two axes until a plane icon with arrows appears, and click. Drag the part in any direction.
To move parallel to the screen, click the origin and drag the part in any direction. Or use the keyboard arrows to move left, right, up, or down.
To rotate a part along an axis, click near the end of the axis and drag the part around the axis. You can press the Down Arrow key to rotate 1 degree clockwise or the Up Arrow key to rotate 1 degree counterclockwise. To rotate the part in 45 degree increments, press and hold the Shift key while using the keyboard arrows.
Bonus Autodesk DWF Viewer tip: When rotating 3D objects, keep the triad at least slightly oblique to the screen to move or rotate. You cannot move or rotate the axis that points directly toward you.

Cut 3D Cross Sections
You can cut through a model with a section plane and manipulate the view in various ways by moving and rotating the section plane and flipping the view (see Figure 3). Here�s how.

Open a model and from the Tools menu, choose Cross Section> XY Section, YZ Section, or XZ Section.
A transparent purple sheet (the section plane) and a tripod drop into the center of the model, cutting through the model to reveal a cross section. Move or rotate the section plane to reveal a different cross section each time.
The three legs, or axes, of the tripod meet at a central point called the origin. To change the cross section revealed, move or rotate the section plane by moving the cursor over the tripod. Hot spots appear, each enabling the user to move the section plane in a different way.

Figure 3: Use the Cross Section tool to cut through a model and move the viewing plane.

You�ll find many more tips and techniques to make powerful DWF tools work even more to your advantage online at http://www.autodesk.com/dwf. Contact your local Autodesk Authorized Reseller for a copy of the DWF 2006 Tips & Tricks flipbook.

(Discuss this Article! in AUGI's Discussion Forums.)

Submitted by Jonathan Knowles, director of Worldwide Market Development for Autodesk Collaboration Services.