AutoCAD 3D Modeling: DXB Files
April 28, 2004 You can use the DXB virtual printer to create
2D drawings out of 3D models. The method is very easy to
implement. However you need to install the DXB driver first. The
following tutorial shows you how to install the DXB printer
driver and create the 2D drawing from an existing 3D model.
Note: This tutorial is designed for AutoCAD
2004 though might be applicable to other releases.
1. Download and
then open
r16_dxb.dwg. The file contains a 3D solid shown in three
viewports [Figure 1]. The viewport to the left shows an
Isometric view in shaded mode. The viewports to the right show
orthographic views in hidden mode.
Note: If you are using AutoCAD 2002 or an
earlier release download
r15_dxb.dwg.
Figure 1 - Click on image to enlarge
2. Let's
install the DXB plotter driver. From the file menu select
Plotter Manager. The Plotters window appears [Figure 2].
Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge
3. Double-click
the "Add-A-Plotter Wizard" shortcut icon. On the first page of
the wizard click Next [Figure 3].
Figure 3 - Click on image to enlarge
4. Make sure
that "My Computer" option is selected [Figure 4]. Click Next.
Figure 4 - Click on image to enlarge
5. From the
list of Manufacturers select AutoCAD DXB File [Figure 5]. Click
Next.
Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge
6. Click "Next"
on other pages without making any changes. On the last page
click Finish. A PC3 file called "DXB Files.pc3" will be added to
the Plotters window [Figure 6]. Close the window.
Figure 6 - Click on image to enlarge
7. Back to the
drawing click in the lower-right viewport to make it the current
drawing [Figure 7].
Figure 7 - Click on image to enlarge
8. Invoke the
PLOT command (choose File > Plot). The Plot dialog box appears
[Figure 8].
Figure 8 - Click on image to enlarge
9. Select the
Plot Device tab. From the list of plotters select "DXB File.pc3"
[Figure 9].
Figure 9 - Click on image to enlarge
10. Click the
button next to the "File name and path" list. Select a proper
name and location for the output file (for example ...\My
Documents\sample.dxb). Click the Plot Settings tab. Select "ANSI
D (22.00×34.00 inches" for the paper size, Portrait for the
drawing orientation, Wireframe for the Shadeplot, and 1:1 for
the scale [Figure 10]. Click OK to create the DXB file.
Figure 10 - Click on image to enlarge
11. Start a new
drawing based on acad.dwt template. In command line type DXBIN
and press Enter. The Select DXB dialog box appears [Figure 11].
Figure 11 - Click on image to enlarge
12. Locate and
select Sample.dxb. Click Open. The 2D drawing appears on screen
[Figure 12].
Figure 12
13. You could
create a new layer, assign the HIDDEN linetype to it, and then
move the necessary lines to this layer as shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13
14. Save the new drawing. Close all of the drawings.
About the Author
Alireza Parsai is the founder of cadpanel.com. He is a
mechanical engineer with more than 12 years experience with
AutoCAD. Alireza is an Autodesk Authorized Author, the AutoCAD
consultant for Al Khawarizmi Institute, a contributing editor
for Augiworld magazine, a writer for CAD Digest, and an
instructor for AUGI Training Program. He has written 8 books in
Farsi, 3 booklets in English, and more than 100 articles for
different magazines and newsletters. You can reach Alireza at
alireza.parsai@cadpanel.com or visit his website
www.cadpanel.com.
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