Introduction To Microstation - A Project Based Approach For Learning MicroStation V8i

Introduction to
MicroStation
A Project-Based Approach for
Learning MicroStation V8i
(SELECTseries 3)
By: David Martin

Introduction to MicroStation
Dedication
I would like to dedicate this book to my

Rio Hondo College MicroStation students, both past and present.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Don Beaton for his editing and for his excellent suggestions to
improve this book.
The original sketches for the Robotic Gripper Project in Part Three were provided by
Professor Cortland C. Doan, Department of Technology, California State University, Los
Angeles.
Copyright David Martin 2015, 2016
Kindle Version
ISBN-13: 978-1511913010 (Print Version)

ISBN-10: 1511913010 (Print Version)
First Publication Date: April 26, 2015

Last Revision Date: April 17, 2016
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a

retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission
of the author.
MicroStation is owned by Bentley Systems, Incorporated.

Please visit http://www.bentley.com/en-US for the terms of use of the software.
Page 2
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 4
INITIAL PROJECTS 2D VERSION ................................................... 14
PROJECT #1 ABSOLUTE COORDINATE EXERCISE..................................................... 14
PROJECT #2 RELATIVE COORDINATE EXERCISE...................................................... 34
PROJECT #3 BRACKET ................................................................................... 40
PRINTING YOUR DRAWING ................................................................................. 62
PROJECT #4 ADJUSTER PLATE .......................................................................... 69
PROJECT #5 SAW HANDLE .............................................................................. 82
PROJECT #6 HOLE BRACKET ............................................................................ 91
PROJECT #7 GASKET .................................................................................... 98
PROJECT #8 SPLINE SHAFT ........................................................................... 105
PROJECT #9 ANGLE BRACKET ........................................................................ 118
PROJECT #10 COVER PLATE .......................................................................... 128
PROJECT #11A WELD SYMBOLS ..................................................................... 138
PROJECT #11B WELDMENT ........................................................................... 146
INITIAL PROJECTS 3D VERSION ................................................. 152
PROJECT #1 3D ........................................................................................ 153
PROJECT #2 3D ........................................................................................ 165
PROJECT #3 3D ........................................................................................ 168
USING A 3D SOLID TO CREATE ORTHOGRAPHIC VIEWS ............................................. 176
PROJECT #4 3D ........................................................................................ 185
PROJECT #5 3D ........................................................................................ 187
PROJECT #6 3D ........................................................................................ 193
PROJECT #7 3D ........................................................................................ 199
PROJECT #8 3D ........................................................................................ 204
PROJECT #9 3D ........................................................................................ 210
PROJECT #10 3D ...................................................................................... 215
PROJECT #11B 3D..................................................................................... 218
ROBOTIC GRIPPER PROJECT ......................................................... 226
GRIPPER-1 GRIPPER FINGER .......................................................................... 227
GRIPPER-2 SLIDE BLOCK.............................................................................. 241
GRIPPER-3 PIVOT BLOCK.............................................................................. 247
GRIPPER-4 CAM FOLLOWER ........................................................................... 254
GRIPPER-5 SHOULDER BOLT .......................................................................... 257
GRIPPER-6 AIR CYLINDER............................................................................. 259
GRIPPER-7 .250-28 NUT............................................................................. 265
GRIPPER-8 ASSORTED PARTS ........................................................................ 269
GRIPPER-ASSM GRIPPER ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 274
CONCLUSION ................................................................................. 296
GLOSSARY ..................................................................................... 297
Page 3
Introduction
MicroStation Students:
Welcome to Introduction to MicroStation! This book is designed to give

the student an introduction to the MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)
software. These projects were originally developed based on the
projects used for my MicroStation course at Rio Hondo College in
Whittier, California. I feel that after you complete them they will give
you an excellent understanding of the MicroStation Software.
The book is divided into three parts: 2D Versions of the Initial Projects,
3D Versions of the Initial Projects, and a Mechanical Assembly of a
Robotic Gripper End Effector. All of these projects have step-by-step
procedures, screenshots, and demonstration videos on the companion
website at: www.intromicrostation.com. The videos will also provide
additional instruction of the tools and techniques being used for each
project. It is recommended that the student view these either before or
during the drawing of the projects.
The student will receive introduction to the 3D portion of the software

and complete the projects using this portion of the program. Once you
have completed the tutorials, you may wish to print your drawings and
assemble them into a portfolio. Students should have a general
knowledge of orthographic projection, linetypes, vellum and border
sizes, welding symbology, and dimensioning practice.
It is my hope that you will find this process an enjoyable and informative
one. Once you have completed the book please feel free to share your
experiences, suggestions, and compliments on the website.
Enjoy,
David Martin
intromicrostation@gmail.com
www.intromicrostation.com
Page 4
Before Beginning to Draw
Each project has set of procedures that will aid you in drawing the
project. The units that are used are either in inches or millimeters.
Before beginning the project, be sure to set up the file with the
appropriate working units and levels. As the book projects progress, the
setup for new projects will change.
A good strategy is to develop a set of templates that have the various

settings for each project already set up as part of the file. If a template
does not exist, create one from a completed drawing.
Video Tutorials
There are on-line video tutorials available for student use at:
Permission to access these files will be given as part of book purchase.

The author may be contacted by email at
intromicrostation@gmail.com. The student will also be required to
create a Google Account. This account and the associated email
account will be used to access the tutorial videos.
Title Blocks and Other Support Files
Title Blocks and other support files will be provided on the book website.
Student should copy these files to their local drive and/or flash drive.
File Management
One of the most important issues while learning a computer-based skill

is the management of the various files created. Always create a backup
copy of your working files. Students should use folders to organize their
work. A recommended method to do this will be covered during the first
project.
Page 5
MicroStation Free Trial
Bentley Inc. provides a free trial of the software through their Student
server page. To download the software, you will need a School Code. If
your school uses Bentley software, you may check with them for the
code. Registration on the Bentley site is also required. You can access
the STUDENTserver page at the web address below:
http://apps.bentley.com/studentserver/home/index
MicroStation Graphics User Interface
Shown below is the interface for the MicroStation design program. The
first project is shown in the drawing area.
MicroStation V8i (SELECTSeries 3) Interface
Page 6
Working Units Setup
Use this guide to setup drawing files with the correct working units.
This must be done prior to beginning the drawing and will affect the
size of elements if it is changed after the drawing has been started. Go
to the Settings menu, Design File to open the Design File Settings
dialog box.
Working Units Setting
Grid Setting
Page 7
Use the following setup for mechanical drawings in imperial

measurement (inches)
Resolution:
Format: MU
100000 per Distance Inch
Master Unit: Inches Grid Master: 0.2500
Sub Unit: Mils Grid Reference: 4
Accuracy: 0.1234
Use the following setup for mechanical drawings in metric

measurement (millimeters)
Resolution:
Format: MU
100000 per Distance Inch
Master Unit: Millimeters Grid Master: 6.3500
Sub Unit: Micrometers Grid Reference: 4
Accuracy: 0.1234
Page 8
Mechanical Drawing Level Setup
Use this guide for the Level Setup for the drawings. The procedure to
setup the levels for the drawings will be covered later in the book.
Primary Tools Tool Palette
Level Manager Dialog Box
Use the following level setup for both imperial and metric drawings:
Level Name Color Style Weight

Object Lines Green (2) 0 2
Hidden Lines White (0) (Hidden) 0
Center Lines White (0) (Center) or (Center-Short) 0
Dimensions White (0) 0 0
Text White (0) 0 0
Hatching Red (3) 0 0
Border Lines* Yellow (4) 0 2
Points* Magenta (5) 0 6
Tags* White (0) 0 0
*Used for A-Size and B-Size Border Files.
Page 9
Drawing Setup for the Initial 2D Projects
Please watch the Tutorial Videos for Initial Project #1 for information of
drawing setup. The steps are also covered in the tutorial for the project.
This chart shows the settings for the initial 12 mechanical projects.
Drawing Drawing Print Dimension Linestyle Grid Dot Paper

Name Scale Scale Text Size Scale Factor Spacing Size
Project
None 2.400 .2500 1.000 .2500 ANSI A
#1
Project
None 2.400 .2500 1.000 .2500 ANSI A
#2
Project
1:1 1.000 .1250 1.000 .2500 ANSI A
#3
Project
1:1 1.000 .1250 1.000 .2500 ANSI A
#4
Project
1:1 1.000 .1250 1.000 .2500 ANSI B
#5
Project
1:1 1.000 .1250 1.000 .2500 ANSI B
#6
Project
1:1 1.000 .1250 1.000 .2500 ANSI B
#7
Project
2:1 .500 .0625 .500 .1250 ANSI B
#8
Project 1:1
1.000 3.175 1.000 6.3500 ANSI B
#9 (Metric)
Project 1:1
1.000 3.175 1.000 6.3500 ANSI B
#10 (Metric)
Project
None 1.000 .1250 1.000 .2500 ANSI B
#11a
Project
1:2 2.000 .2500 2.000 .5000 ANSI B
#11b
Page 10
Project Volumes for Initial 3D Projects
MicroStation can measure the volume of the 3D projects that you will be
drawing. This provides an easy way of determining if you drew the object the
correct size and shape.
Use these volumes as a guide when calculating the volumes of the 3D

versions of your projects.
1. The tolerance is the amount that your volume may differ from the
volume shown. The +/- means that the volume can be above or below
the amount shown by the given value.
2. Use the Measure Volume tool in the Measure palette to measure the
volume of your project.
Drawing Name Volume Units Tolerance
77.1005
Project #1 77.0905 Cubic Inches +/- .0100
77.0805
44.8910
44.8790
4.2280
4.2270
1.7731
1.7727
12.165
12.161
13.2882
13.2842
1.3611
1.3607
9.7154
9.7134
92215.5503
Project #9 92204.0503 Cubic Millimeters +/- 11.5000
92192.5503
25202.4280
Project #10 25199.2780 Cubic Millimeters +/- 3.1500
25196.1280
Project #11b* 13.6098
13.5998 Cubic Inches +/- .0020
(Parts Combined) 13.5898
Note:
To check the volume of Project #11b, create a copy of the parts and then union
them together.
Page 11
Project Volumes for Robotic Gripper Project
Use these volumes as a guide when calculating the volumes of the 3D

versions of the Gripper projects.
1. The tolerance is the amount that your volume may differ from the
volume shown. The +/- means that the volume can be above or below
the amount shown by the given value. The tolerance amount is based
off the total volume of the part
(Approximately +/- .01%).
2. Use the Measure Volume tool in the Measure palette to measure the
volume of your project.
Drawing Name Volume Units Tolerance
Gripper-1 .5651
.5649 Cubic Inches +/- .0002
(Gripper Finger) .5647
Gripper-2 .7094
.7092 Cubic Inches +/- .0002
(Slide Block) .7090
Gripper-3 1.2305
1.2303 Cubic Inches +/- .0002
(Pivot Block) 1.2301
Gripper-4 .0770
.0769 Cubic Inches +/- .0001
(Cam Follower) .0768
Gripper-5 .0579
.0578 Cubic Inches +/- .0001
(Cam Follower) .0577
Gripper-6*
(Air Cylinder - 1.8808 Cubic Inches Not Applicable
Retracted)
Gripper-6a*
(Air Cylinder - 1.9299 Cubic Inches Not Applicable
Extended)
Gripper-7 .0278
.0277 Cubic Inches +/- .0001
(.250-28 Nut) .0276
Note:
The volumes for both versions of the Air Cylinder may vary.
Page 12
Part One
Initial Projects
2D Version
Page 13
Initial Projects 2D Version

Project #1 Absolute Coordinate
Exercise
Filename: Initial Project #1.dgn
Description: This is the first project of the book. It is designed to introduce

the student to the MicroStation interface and to give the
student practice in the use of the data point key-in window.
This window allows the student to key-in coordinates using
absolute coordinates.
Students will also be introduced to the Text tool and the use of
the various commands to control the font, size, and the
spacing of the various text elements in the drawing.
Starting the software

1. Find and click on the MicroStation Icon to start the
software.
MicroStation Icon
2. The splash screen will appear. Wait for the software to open and for the
File Manager dialog box to open.
File Open Dialog Box
Page 14
3. Set up a folder structure for your

drawing files. Start by creating a folder
called Intro MicroStation on your flash
drive or hard drive. Use the Create New New Folder Tool
Folder tool in the File Manager dialog
box.
4. Create a sub-folder under
the Intro MicroStation
folder called Initial
Projects. Double click on
the folder to open it.
This will be where you will

store the first 10 projects
of the book.
Initial Projects Folder
5. Click on the New File tool to create a file

located at the top of the dialog box.
New File Tool
6. Verify that the Seed File to be used is

seed2d.dgn.
This file contains the settings that are

used for the initial setup of the file.
Later we will use other methods to
apply these settings to new files. seed2d.dgn Seed File
7. The New dialog box will

open. Type in the filename in
the File name field below.
File Name Field
Page 15
8. Click the Save button at the lower right corner of the dialog box.
In the default setting of the software, you must name a file before
opening it.
Save Button
File Created
9. Open the file by double clicking on it or by pressing the Open button in

the File Open dialog box.
This dialog box shows the files in a particular folder and a preview or
thumbnail of the file when it was last saved. You can also setup User,
Project, and Interface setting at the bottom right corner. You will not
be using these in this book.
File Open Dialog Box
10. The MicroStation Interface opens. By default the background is black

with white gridlines and dots. Images in the book will use a white
background for clarity.
If you wish to change this setting, click on the Workspace menu at the
top and select Preferences.
The Preferences dialog box will open. Select View Options category
from the list on the left and check the box next to Black Background -
> White.
Click the OK button to close the box.
Page 16
Preferences Dialog Box View Options Category Change
11. Also turn on the Save

Settings on Exit setting.
This way, if you make

changes to any of the
drawing file settings they
will be saved after exiting
the file. This setting is in
the Operation category.
Note:
Saving the drawing will
not save the drawing
settings. Preferences Dialog Box Operations
Category Change
Page 17
12. If you are an AutoCAD

user or would like to use
the ESC (Escape) key to
end the command, use
the Input category in the
Preferences dialog to turn
on the feature.
Preferences Dialog Box Input

Category Change
Allow ESC key to stop current command
Default User Interface
13. Before beginning the drawing, you must set the working units for the
file. See the working units setup page for values. Since this drawing is
an Imperial (Inches) drawing, we will use the following settings for the
Working Units.
14. Click on the Settings menu, Design File.
15. The Design File Settings dialog box opens. Select the Working Units
category.
Page 18
16. Setup the workings units as shown. Click on the Edit button to change
the Resolution.
A warning box will appear. Click the OK button to continue.
Design File Settings Dialog
17. Set the Advanced Unit Setting as shown.
Do not change the Working Areas field.
Alert Box
(Working Units Change)
Advanced Unit Settings Dialog
Note:
Working units are typically setup at the beginning of the project and are not
changed. If the settings are changed then the project sizes and locations
could also change. If you are working on a project with other designers, the
working units will typically be specified by the Project Manager.
Page 19
18. Close the Design File Settings dialog to change the Working Units. Re-
open the dialog to change the Grid setting.
19. Set the Grids as
shown.
Grid Dot Settings
20. If you cannot see the Grids on the screen, use the wheel on your mouse
to zoom in and out. You will also be able to see the grids after beginning
the drawing and fitting the view.
21. Click on the Level Manager tool at the top of the
screen. Create two new levels. Name one level
Object Lines and the other Text.
Level Manager
Tool
Level Manager Dialog Box
Page 20
22. Before adding your first line, set

the level to Object Lines. Do
this by choosing the Object Line
level at the top left of the
screen.
Selecting the Level
23. Open the data point key-in window. To do this, select the AccuDraw
Coordinate window and press the M key. Use this window to enter
coordinates for the various points on the shapes.
AccuDraw Coordinate Window
24. The Data Point Keyin window will open. Use the Absolute (xy=) setting
to add the coordinates for the line endpoints.
Data Point Keyin Window
25. Start with the first shape in the upper left

corner of the example using the
Absolute(xy=) option. Use the Line tool in
the Drawing palette.
Line Tool
26. After adding the first line,

fit the object in the view
using the Fit View tool.
This tool is located at the Fit View Tool
tool of the drawing view
window. Note:
You can also zoom in and out by using the
wheel on your mouse. To pan the view, hold
Continue to use this tool to the wheel down and move the mouse.
fit the objects as they are
added to the drawing.
Page 21
27. Use the chart in the Project

#1 drawing to key-in the
coordinates.
Project #1
Absolute Coordinate Chart
28. To draw the circle, use the Place Circle tool in the Drawing task.
Use the Center method when placing the circle. Set the diameter to
2.00.
Place Circle Dialog Box
Place Circle Tool
Page 22
29. To draw the triangle, use the Place Regular Polygon tool.
Match the settings as shown.
Place Regular Polygon Tool
Place Polygon Tool
30. To place the circle around the triangle, use the centerline style. Place
the circle on the Text level.
The center point of the circle will be the same as the center of the
triangle. Use 2.50 for the diameter of the circle.
Center Linestyle
Page 23
Setting Up the Outside Border and Text Boxes

1. Draw the outside border. Use
24.75 for the width and 14.0 for
the height. Use the Absolute
Coordinate method and the Place
Block tool.
Position the lower left corner of

the border 1.75 below and 2.00
to the left of the origin of the Place Block Tool
shape.
2. Setup the frame for the text box. The total width of the box is 4.50 and
each column is 1.50. The height of each row is .50. Draw the box using
the Place Line tool.
3. After placing the two vertical lines
and the top line, use to Move
Parallel tool to copy the lines
down from the top.
Access the tool by clicking and

holding on the third tool in the
Main palette. You may also open
the Manipulate toolbox by
selecting Open Manipulate as
toolbox.
Manipulate Toolbox
Move Parallel Tool
4. Use 1.000 for the

first line and then
.500 for the
remaining lines.
There will be a
total of 18 lines
not including the Move/Copy Parallel Lines Added
top horizontal line. Settings
Page 24
5. Add two vertical lines from the left or right

side using the Copy Parallel command at a
distance of 1.500.
Lines Added
6. Use the Trim To Element tool to trim

the lines.
You may also to open the Modify

toolbox to access the tools quickly.
Modify Toolbox
Trim To Element Tool
7. When trimming, click

the portion of the
element that you will
be trimming first then
click the element that
you are trimming to
second.
Element Trimmed
8. Continue trimming until the text box appears as in the project example.
Page 25
9. Next you will need to create two separate lines from the second vertical
line. Use the Break Element tool to create two lines and the trim to
connect them to the horizontal line.
Break Element Tool
Line Broken
10. After reattaching the two line

segments, select the lines that
appear thinner in the example.
Click in the Level selector

pulldown at the top left of the
screen and change the level for
the line to Text.
They will appear thinner and

white (or black) in color.
Completed Lines for Table
Page 26
11. Setup the text for the first column. Use .2500 for the text height and
width. The line spacing is 1.0. Use Center Top for the justification.
Place Text Tool
Place Text Dialog

with text settings applied.
12. Type the entire

first column all at
once and place the
first row in the first
cell of the table.
When placing the

text use the Snap
function to lock the
text at the
intersection of the
two lines.
Placing the Text
Column of Text
13. Use the Move tool to move the text into

the correct location.
Move Tool
Moving the Text
Page 27
14. Use these steps to move the text using the AccuDraw window.
a. Select the text column.

b. Click the Move tool.
c. Click the start point for the move.
d. Move the text down and to the right.
e. Type .75, then the Tab key, then .125 (the value should be
negative).
f. Click to complete the moving of the text.
15. Complete the remaining text for the columns.
16. To place the text for the
POINT and ABSOLUTE
COORDINATES boxes
use the settings as
shown.
Text Settings
17. To aid in locating the

text, draw two
temporary diagonal
lines and snap the text
to the midpoint of the
lines.
Placing the Text
18. Use the AccuDraw window and the Move tool to move and place the
table. The table is 1.750 to the left and .500 up from the lower right
corner of the border.
Page 28
19. Type the name of

the project, your
name, date, and
the project above
the table.
Use .375 text for

the underlined text
and .250 for the
other text.
Drawing Label Text
20. To create the underlined text you will need to create a text style. Click
on the Element menu and the Text Styles tool to open the Text Styles
dialog box.
Although not required you may also create text styles for the other
text.
When creating the Title style, use the settings as shown.
Text Styles Dialog Box
Underline Settings
Page 29
21. Place the text for coordinate

labels at the corners and
center of the shape. Use
.375 for the text height.
Coordinate Labels Placed
22. Place the origin symbols at

the lower left corner of the
shape. You will use the place
note command to place the
arrows.
Place Note Tool
23. To set the size of the arrowhead you will need to open the Dimension
Styles dialog box. Click on the Element menu, Dimension Styles to do
this.
24. Match the settings as shown.
You will also need to set the

arrowhead to Filled. This setting
is in the Geometry tab.
Arrowhead Settings
Text Settings in Dimension Styles Dialog
Page 30
25. Add the text and arrows as shown.
Estimate the location of the lines and

arrows.
Use .25 text, Font #100 for the

0,0 text.
Origin Symbol
26. Add in the text for

the notes at the top
left corner of the
border.
Use .25 for the

height and width of
the text and Font Note Text
#100.
27. This completes the first project.
Save the file. (You will print the drawing after completing Project #3.)
Note:
In the default setup of MicroStation, the file is saved automatically
after a change has been made to the drawing. Although not required
for these projects, this setting may be turned off in the Preferences
dialog box under the Operation category.
See the next page for a screenshot of the dialog box.
Page 31
Automatically Save Changes checkbox
Page 32
Page 33
Project #2 Relative Coordinate

Exercise
Description: The project will continue with the use of the Data Point Key-in
window and will use it to input relative coordinate to aid in the
creation of a shape. Instead of starting from the seed2d.dgn
file, you will use the previous file to aid in the setup of the
project.
Procedure:
1. Open Project #1 and save the drawing as Project #2.
Note: If you are immediately starting the project just after completing
Project #1, save the file before using the Save As command to save
as Project #2.
2. Keep and use the same level setup as Project #1.
3. Open the data point key-in
window. As before, click on the
AccuDraw coordinate window
and press the M key. Use this
window to enter coordinates for Distance (di=) Keyin
the various points on the
shapes.
4. Click the first point with the mouse. Use the Data Point Keyin window
for the remaining lines.
5. When keying in the points, use
the Distance(di=) option. The
first number is the length of the
line, the second is the angle.
Key-in for First Line
6. Work your way around the perimeter of the shape keying in the
distance and the angle for each line.
7. When completing the
shape, draw the line from L
to A using the endpoint
snap function.
Note:
When snapping the line
you will see the first line Adding the Last Line
turn a magenta color and
there will be a yellow X
at the endpoint.
Page 34
8. To check the angle to eight place decimal accuracy you will need to
change the accuracy setting in the Design File Settings dialog box.
Angle Accuracy Settings
9. Also, to check the distance to six place decimal accuracy you will need
to change the accuracy setting as well.
Distance Accuracy Settings
10. Verify that the line is the correct length and angle using the
Information tool located in the Primary tools toolbox.
Click on the line and then the tool.
Page 35
Information Tool
Line Selected
Element Information Dialog Box
11. When entering the title,

your name, date,
project number use the
text that was left over
from the previous
project.
To edit the text,

double-click on the
original text and modify
it in the Text Editor Modified Text for Project #2
box. Type in the text for
the title, name, date,
and project name.
Page 36
12. Modify the

text for the
Notes in the
upper left
corner.
Notes Text
13. Next you will modify the table for the

Points and Coordinates.
The new table will have a column

width of 2.00 for each column. The Stretch Tool
original had a width of 1.50. You will
use the Stretch tool to stretch the
columns to their new width.
14. Click on the tool
and draw a
fence around the
left column as
shown.
Drag the fence

.50 to the left.
This will stretch
the column so
that it is 2.00
wide.
Fence Placed
Fence Dragged
15. The column is now

widened.
Move both text

elements to the
right .250 inches.
Column Widened Text Moved
Page 37
16. Repeat the process for the

middle column and then the
right column.
Move the X and Y columns

.25 to the right. Move the
Absolute Coordinates text
.50 to the right. Columns Stretched and Text Moved
17. Edit the text in the columns.
You will also need to delete the lines

for the extra rows.
Text Edited
18. This completes the drawing. Save the file.

(You will print the drawing after completing Project #3.)
Page 38
Page 39
Project #3 Bracket
Description: The project will introduce the student the concept of

referencing, dimensioning, and linestyles.
Procedure:
Setting Up the Drawing File
1. Open Project #2 and save the drawing as Project #3. Go to the
Settings menu, Design File to verify that the Working Units are set
correctly.
Note:
If you have just completed Project #2 and are immediately starting
Project #3, save Project #2 before saving the file as Project #3.
2. Refer to the level setup page for the levels to create and their
properties. There will be additional levels added to this drawing. Refer
to the diagram below for their names and properties.
Level Setup for Project #3
3. Attach the A-Size Border and Title Block Text (A-Size) files as
reference files.
Note:
The term Referencing Files means that you will be attaching a link
from one file to another. The result of this is that the file that is linked
may be updated and the changes will appear in the file that it is linked
to. For Projects 3-12 you will be linking the Border and Title Block Text
files onto the drawing. These files are located on the textbook website.
4. Download and copy the files A-Size Border.dgn and Title Block Text
(A-Size).dgn along with the other support files from the textbook
website. The folder will be called Title Blocks.
Page 40
5. Click on the References tool

at the top of the screen.
References Tool
6. This will open the References dialog box.
References Dialog Box (Attach Reference Tool Circled)
7. Click on the Attach Reference tool and select the two files mentioned in
Step #4. Also check the Save Relative Path checkbox at the bottom.
This way if you change computers and the drive letters change, the
file(s) will still maintain the link.
Attach Reference Dialog with files selected
Page 41
8. The files will be attached

to the drawing.
As they are added the

Reference Attachment
Settings dialog box
opens.
Click the OK button to

attach the file.
This dialog box will be

covered in more detail in
later projects.
Reference Attachment Settings Dialog Box
9. Merge the text file into the drawing.
Do this by right-clicking on the file in the list of linked files.
Select the Merge Into Master choice. Note that it says at the bottom
left corner to Select View for Merge
Click in the view window to complete the process.
Page 42
Merge Into Master Command
10. To edit the text in the title

block, double-click on one of
the text elements.
Use the Edit Tags dialog box

to edit the text in the title
block.
Note:
Tags are elements that are
created to allow text to be
placed in preset locations.
Edit Tags Dialog Box
Drawing the Views

1. Set the current level to Object Lines using the Attributes toolbox. Make
sure that the Color, Linestyle, and Lineweight are set to By Level. This
is indicated by the stack of white papers showing next to each setting.
Attributes Toolbox
2. Draw the left and the bottom edges of the front view first. Use the
place line tool in the Drawing task.
The vertical line will be 1.45 in length and the horizontal line will be
3.05 long.
Page 43
First Two Lines Added

Place Line Tool
Note:
When drawing the vertical
and horizontal lines, make
sure the AccuDraw compass
is visible. If it isnt, click on
the Toggle AccuDraw tool in
the Primary Tools toolbox.
AccuDraw Compass
When drawing the line it will
lock horizontal and vertical
as the line approaches the
index marks.
Toggle AccuDraw Tool
3. Finish the outside edge of the view

by adding the .50 horizontal line
and the .49 vertical line.
Draw the angled line by snapping to

the endpoint of the two lines
Remaining Lines for Outside

Edge Added
4. Draw the two interior lines by

snapping to the upper right corner
and drawing a line 2.1 to the left.
(Since the dimension is not given,
subtract .95 from 3.05.)
Continue with the second line to the

appropriate corner. Last Two Lines Added
Page 44
About Snaps
Snaps are used to lock new elements at various

points on existing objects. You may turn on the
snap mode button bar by clicking on the Snap Mode
tool at the bottom of the screen. The Snap Mode
Button Bar allows you to switch
quickly between one snap mode and
another.
Snap Mode Button

Snap Mode Button Bar and Multi-Snap Dialog Bar Selection
By clicking once on the desired snap mode, the mode will be

active for one command. If you double click on the mode then it
will remain active until you choose another mode.
If you want to use multiple modes at once, use the Multi-snap
tool at the end of the button bar. Open the dialog box by right-
clicking and selecting Settings. You may setup three Multi-snap
modes.
By using the AccuSnap toggle, you can turn automatic snapping
on or off.
Drag the button bar to the bottom of the screen to dock it next to
the AccuDraw coordinate box.
Page 45
5. Place the circle at the top left corner of

the view.
Click the Place Circle tool and set the

diameter to .23.
Place Circle Tool
6. Use AccuDraw to locate the circle. Snap

the circle at the lower left corner of the
view. (Do not click.)
Bring focus (activate) to the AccuDraw

window by pressing the F11 key and
then pressing the O key (Shortcut for
Origin). This will move the origin to the
corner. Origin Set
7. Move the cursor up and to the right.

Type .25 for the X axis and 1.07 for the
Y axis. You may press the Tab key to
move between the two coordinate
directions.
AccuDraw Coordinates
8. Before accepting the point for the

center of the circle, you will see that the
location is temporarily locked and
dashed lines are indicating the distance
and direction.
Click the left mouse button to place the

circle. Then click the right mouse button
to end the command.
This completes the front view.
Circle Moved
Page 46
9. Project the edge of the front view to the right to draw the right side
view.
Lines Projected
10. Draw the vertical lines through the horizontal lines. Use the Move
Parallel tool to place the lines at the correct distance.
Vertical Lines Added
11. Use the Trim to Intersection and Trim to Element tools to trim the
corners and endpoints of the lines. You will change the lines to the
Hidden Level later.
Trim to Intersection for Corners Trim to Element for Remaining Lines
12. Project vertical lines from the

edges of the front view.
You may wish to lock the line

at 90 degrees in the tool
settings box.
Vertical Lines Projected
Page 47
13. Draw horizontal lines

through the vertical lines.
You may use the Miter Line
technique to do this.
Miter Line Technique Used

for Horizontal Lines
14. Trim the lines as before.
Delete any extra lines.
Lines Trimmed and Deleted
15. Add the two circles as you

did for the front view.
Use the lower right corner of

the view as the origin for the
AccuDraw tool.
Circles Added
16. Project the left and right

sides of the bottom circle
down to the front view.
Use the trim tools to trim

the endpoints.
Lines Trimmed
Page 48
17. The lines for the three views are

added. Next you will change the
appropriate lines to the hidden
level and add the centerlines.
Lines for Views Added
Converting the Hidden Lines and Adding the Centerlines

1. Before converting the hidden lines and adding the centerlines to the
view, you will need to load a custom linestyle file created for this
manual. You will use these lines styles for all the projects.
2. Download and copy the files from the website to your flash drive or
hard drive. You should create a new subfolder on your drive called
Linestyles.
The file is named Linestyles.rsc.
3. To load the linestyle file click on the
Element menu, Linestyles, Edit
Element Menu Command
4. The Line Style Editor dialog

box opens. You will use this
dialog box to load the
linestyle file.
Line Style Editor Dialog Box
Page 49
5. In the dialog box, click on

the File menu, Import,
MicroStation Resource File
(RSC) to load the file.
MicroStation Resource File
6. Select the Linestyles.rsc

file to load.
Note:
The other file will be used
for the architecture projects
later in the manual.
Linestyles.rsc File
7. The Select Linestyles to

Import dialog box will open.
Select all of the linestyles
to load into your file. Click
the Import button to
complete the load.
Select Linestyles to Import Dialog Box
8. Click on the Linestyle

pulldown at the top of the
screen.
You will see the linestyle

names that were loaded.
Linestyle Pulldown
Page 50
9. Select the lines that will be

changed to the Hidden
linestyle.
Lines Selected
10. Select the Hidden Lines

level.
Hidden Lines Level Selected
11. The lines will change to the

hidden linestyle.
Lines Changed to Hidden Style
12. Click on the Element menu,

Linestyles, then Custom.
Line Styles, Custom Command
Page 51
13. The Linestyles dialog box

opens. Set the scale factor
to 1.000 and the Shift
setting to Centered. This will
center the dashes based on
the endpoints of the line.
Line Styles Dialog Box
14. Draw the centerlines as

shown in the example.
If you do not see the dashes

appear, check the in Level
Manager to confirm that the
Center Lines level is using (Center) Linestyle
the (Center) linestyle.
15. For the shorter lines, you
will need to use the Modify
Linestyle Attributes tool in
the Change Attributes
toolbox. Modify Linestyle Attributes Tool
16. Click on the Shift tool in the

Modify Linestyle Attributes
toolbox.
Shift Tool
17. Click on the shorter centerlines. The line will turn magenta. Move the
cursor to locate the dash at the midpoint of the line.
The dash will barely be visible as it is moved. It may take a few tries to
locate the dash correctly.
You may also use the Center-Short style. The dash may appear for the
shorter lines.
Note:
You may wish to draw a diagonal line and snap to the midpoint to
locate the vertical centerlines for the holes.
Page 52
Dash Moved to Midpoint
Centerlines Projected Centerlines Shortened
18. The Center Marks will be added later when dimensioning the views.
Setting Up the Dimension Style
Before you can dimension the drawing you will need to create a dimension
style. Over the next few steps you will create a new dimension style and
apply changes to match the example.
1. Open the Dimension Styles
dialog box by clicking on the
Element menu and selecting
Dimension Styles.
Dimension Styles Dialog Box
Page 53
2. The Dimension Styles dialog box opens. Click on the Create Style tool
and name it as shown.
Make the changes as shown in the circled areas. All other settings will
remain the same. Press the Save Button to save the changes after
leaving each tab. If a change or style has not been saved it will appear
blue.
You will see the style update at the bottom of the dialog after each
change.
Dimension Style Dialog Box Geometry Tab Changes
Page 54
Dimension Style Dialog Box Units Tab Changes
Dimension Style Dialog Box Text Tab Changes
Page 55
3. There will be no changes to the Symbology Tab. The reason for making
any changes would be if you wanted to override the properties of the
level settings for the Dimension level.
4. When making changes to the Advanced Tab, open the Tool Specific
Property and set the prefix for Radius, Radius Extended, Diameter, and
Diameter Extended to None.
The reason for this is because you will need to edit some of the
dimensions to place the 2X in front of the dimension value.
Dimension Style Dialog Box Advanced Tab Changes
5. You will now need to create an additional style. This one will have the
arrows to the outside. This works better than having the program
deciding when to place the arrows inside or outside.
6. Save the style one more time
and then click on the Copy
Style tool.
Copy Style Tool
Page 56
7. Name the style Mech 1-1

(Outside Arrows).
The only change you will need

to make is to set the
Text/Terminator settings in Text/Terminator Setting
the Geometry Tab to Term. Changed for New Style
Outside.
8. Now you are ready to dimension the drawing.
9. Open the Dimension
toolbox and dock it at the
top of the screen. Click on
the Tools menu,
Dimensions, Open as
Toolbox.
Tools, Dimensions, Open as Toolbox
10. The Dimension toolbox

opens. This tool box
contains all the tools that
you will need to dimension
Dimensions Toolbox
your drawing.
11. First you will add the center
marks at the two circles.
Click and hold on the Radial

Dimensions: Dimension
Radial tool.
A flyout palette will appear.
Select the Dimension

Center tool to add the
center marks. Dimension Center Tool
12. Click on the edge of the circle. You will see a center mark appear.
Stretch the endpoints to approximately .25 from the outside edge of
Page 57
the circle.
Note: The center mark stretches because of the minus sign in front of
the value. You will also need to uncheck the Association lock (if
checked).
Place Center Mark Tool

Settings Box
Placing the Center Mark
13. Repeat for the other circle.

14. Add a centerline between to two
center marks.
Center Mark and Line Added
15. Click on the Dimension

Linear tool to dimension
the 1.05 dimension for
the circle.
Be sure to dimension
circles from their edges
and not the centers to
Dimensions Toolbox
preserve the dashes of Dimension Linear Tool Selected
the center marks.
Space the dimension two

grid dots or 1/2 from the
edge of the object.
Page 58
Dimension Placed
16. After placing the dimension there may be

times when the text needs to be moved.
Use the Manual option in the location
setting to allow this.
Note:
This can also be changed in the
Dimension Styles dialog under the
Advanced Tab, General, Placement,
Location setting. Manual Option
17. Switch to the Radial Dimension:

Dimension Radial tool. Dimension the
circle as shown.
Note:
Since the diameter symbol has been
turned off in the dimension style, use
Diameter Mode
the lowercase n to place the
diameter symbol.
Diameter Dimension Added
Page 59
18. Edit the text in the remaining radial dimensions to match the example.
Double-click on the text to do this.
Dimensions Completed
19. Edit the note in the upper

left corner. Use the Edit
Text command or double-
click the text with the
Element Selection tool
selected. Note Text Modified
Edit Text Tool
20. Save the drawing. (You will print the drawing in the next procedure.)
Page 60
Page 61
Printing Your Drawing

Description: The procedure will introduce the student to the process of
printing their drawings. Two methods will be discussed;
printing to a PDF file and to a printer. Creating a Printer
Configuration File will also be covered.
Procedure:
In this procedure you will use Project #3 as the example for printing.
1. Open the Project #3 file and fit the drawing to the view. At this point the
drawing should be finished and ready for printing.
This first procedure will cover printing the drawing to an actual printer.
2. Click on the Print tool in the
Standard toolbox. You may also
select the Print tool in the File
menu.
Print Tool
3. The Print Dialog box will open.
Note:
Your settings will most likely be different than these. Depending of
which type of printer is installed, the settings will change.
Print Dialog Box
Page 62
4. The first thing to do is to snap a

fence around the edge of the
border. Unlike with other tools you
will need to use a tentative point to
lock the cursor to a location. You do
not need to zoom in to the corner of
the border to do this.
To do this, position the mouse at

the corner of the border. Press the Top Left Tentative Point
right and left mouse buttons at the
same time. You will see a tentative
point appear.
5. Click the left mouse to accept
and then drag the mouse below
and to the right of the lower
right snap point.
The Fence will appear as a

green shaded box.
Top Left Fence Corner Placed
6. Repeat the tentative point and

click the left mouse button
accept the final position of the
fence.
Bottom Right Tentative Point
7. After the Fence is placed, you will see the

Area setting in the Print dialog box
change to Fence. The Drawing view will
also fill the entire preview window.
Note:
If you need to place the Fence again,
click on the Place Fence tool again to
clear it.
Area Setting Changed to
Fence
Page 63
8. Set the Color Setting to Monochrome.
Color Set To Monochrome
9. Set the Scale Setting to 1.000.
You will see that the image has resized be slightly smaller than the page
size.
Scale set to 1.000
10. Click the Preview button to preview the

print. You may need to enlarge the
window to see the lineweight
differences.
Preview Button
Page 64
Preview Window
11. Close the Preview window when finished.

12. To send the file to the printer, click
the Print button in the dialog box.
Print Tool
13. The drawing will print from the selected printer.

14. To print Projects #1
and #2, use the same
settings as before with
the exception of the
scale.
Click the Maximize

button to size the
drawing to the window.
Maximize Button
Page 65
To Print to a PDF File

The print settings will be the same to print to PDF file. The only change will
be to select a different Print Driver.
1. In the Print dialog box, change the
driver from Windows driver to Bentley
driver.
Changing to a Bentley Driver
2. Click the magnifying glass next to the

driver pull-down.
Magnifying Glass
3. The Select Print Driver Configuration File dialog box opens.
Select the pdf.pltcfg file.
Note:
This file comes with the software and it is not required to be
downloaded.
Page 66
Select Print Driver Configuration File Dialog Box
4. Click Open to select the file and close the dialog box.
5. Reset the scale setting to 1.000 and set the Color to Monochrome. The
paper size will be ANSI A.
6. Click the Print button in the dialog box. The Save Print As dialog box
will open.
7. Set the folder to the location that you wish to save the PDF file.
Note:
To avoid having to search for the folder each time, use the Directory
History button to display the recent folders used.
Directory History Button
8. Click Save to save the PDF file.
Page 67
Creating a Print Definition File

To avoid having to set up a drawing each time you may choose to create a
Print Definition File. This file is used to retrieve a file that has been printed
and also to save the settings that will be used to print the file. A different
file must be created for each separate drawing.
1. Click the File menu in the Print
dialog box and choose Save
Print Definition File
Save Print Definition File
2. The Save Print Definition File dialog box will open.
Save the file with the same filename as your drawing.

The file extension will be .pset.
Note:
You may wish to create a sub-folder for the Print Definition files within
your drawing folder.
3. Click Save to save the file.
4. To retrieve the file for later use, click on the File menu and select Open
Print Definition File This will open the file and update the saved
settings in the Print dialog box.
Page 68
Project #4 Adjuster Plate

Description: This project will introduce the student to the use of the arc
tool, angular dimensioning, and constructing fillets.
Procedure:
The procedure for Project #4 uses similar methods as were used for Project
#3. The main thing that the student will be concerned with is the use of the
tangent snap mode to create the angled lines at the upper right corner and
left sides of the view.
2. Delete the objects left over from Project #3. You will not need to attach
the Border and Title Block text files.
3. Edit the text in the title block and the notes in the upper left corner of
the border.
Drawing the Object
1. Draw a .49 diameter circle
and a concentric arc at .56
radius at the lower right
corner of the border.
Arc and Circle

Placed
Place Arc Settings
Place Arc Tool
2. Draw a R3.36 arc using the

Place Arc tool. The arc is
concentric to the .49
diameter circle.
Draw the arc with the

radius locked and the Start
Angle set to 0 degrees.
Use the Center, Start
method. Sweep the arc
approximately 70 degrees
in a counter-clockwise
direction. Placing the Concentric Arc
Page 69
3. Next you will use the AccuDraw tool to locate the center of the other
.49 diameter circle.
4. Click on the Place Circle tool. Set the diameter to .49.
5. Press the F11 key to activate the AccuDraw Coordinate window.
6. Snap to the center of the original .49 diameter circle.
7. Press the O to set the origin at the center of the circle.
8. Use the AccuDraw
coordinate window
to place the new
circle 4.97 to the
left and .95 above
the other circle.
Placing the Second Circle
9. Place a .77 radius arc concentric

with the circle. Set the start angle at
180 degrees and sweep the arc
approximate 100 degrees counter
clockwise.
Placing the .77 Arc
10. Place a vertical and horizontal line at the bottom edge of the view.
Snap the lines at the bottom of the left arc and the left, bottom
endpoint of the right arc.
Fillet the lower left corner at a .125 radius.
Lines Places and Corner Filleted
Page 70
About AccuDraw
Using AccuDraw effectively requires
much practice but can greatly speed
up your drafting. There are many
shortcuts that you can use.
To open the AccuDraw Shortcuts
dialog box, press the F11 to bring
focus to the AccuDraw Coordinate
window and press the ? key.
Some shortcuts are grayed out
because they may only be used in a
3D file.
You may want to print/copy this
page for reference as you become
familiar with the different shortcuts.
AccuDraw Shortcuts
11. Draw a line from the

center of one of the .49
diameter circle to the
other. You will use this
line to place the three
other angled lines.
Angled Line Added
Page 71
12. Select the line and pick

the Rotate tool.
Rotate Tool
13. Set the Method to Active

Angle and the rotation
angle to -27 degrees. The
angle will automatically
change to 333 degrees.
Check the Copies

checkbox to copy the
Rotate Tool Settings
original line.
14. Snap a point at the left
endpoint of the line.
Line Rotated and Copied
15. Repeat the process for

the other two lines.
Note:
You do not need to end
the command after each
line.
Remaining Lines Rotated and Copied
Page 72
16. Use the Copy Parallel tool to

create two additional arcs .22
from the 3.36 arc.
Note:
The name of the tool in the Tool
Settings dialog will change
depending on whether the Make
Copy check box is checked. Move/Copy Parallel Tool
Settings
Arcs Added
17. Draw the two arcs for the ends of the slot. You do not need to set the
radius or angle of the arc. Instead you will use the Intersection snap
mode to locate the center and endpoints of the arc.
Note:
To lock the snap mode, double-click on the icon in the snaps button
bar.
Then Snap at the Then Snap at the

Snap at Center First Endpoint Second Endpoint
Page 73
18. Repeat the process for the

other end of the slot and trim
the corners to complete.
Slot Created
19. Add the next arc .53 up from

the 3.36 radius arc and a .53
radius arc at the center of the
top intersection.
Arcs Added
20. Draw a tangent line from

the .53 arc down and to
the left.
The angle of the line will

be at 243 degrees and
the snap mode will be set
to tangent. The length is
not important.
Angled Line Added
21. Draw another tangent

line from the .56 arc on
the right.
This time, the angle of

the line will be at 167
degrees. Use the tangent
snap mode when placing
the line.
Line Added
Page 74
22. Fillet the corner of the

lines at a radius of .38
and trim the corners.
Fillet Added and Lines Trimmed
23. Fillet the two arcs on

the left with a 1.19
radius arc.
R1.19 Fillet Arc Added
24. Use Copy Parallel to copy the line between the two circles .31 above
and below the line.
25. Snap a line from the right endpoints
of the angled lines.
Line Added
Page 75
26. Use the Move Parallel tool to create a copy at 1.51 from the center of
the circle and then 2.60 from the line.
Lines Copied
27. To finish up the object lines, fillet the corners of the left side at .125
radius and add a tangent arc at the right. Delete the construction lines.
Slot Added and Construction Lines Deleted
Page 76
Dimensioning the View

1. The first thing to dimension will be the center marks. Click on the Radial
Dimensions tool and select the Center Mark mode.
2. Place the center marks at
the center of the two .49
circles. Set the marks to
the Dimensions level.
Center Marks Placed
3. To place the next center mark you

will need to rotate the view.
This is done because the program

does not allow center marks to be Rotate View Tool
rotated like other elements.
4. Use the 2 Points method to rotate the view.
2 Points Method
5. Click the midpoint of the left

side of then the center of the
right side of the slot.
Snap Points to Rotate the View
6. The view is rotated.
Add the center mark at the right

side of the slot.
Center Mark Added
7. Return the view to its unrotated state.
Choose the Unrotated method
Unrotated Method
Page 77
8. Add the
centerlines to
the view.
Centerlines Added
9. Add the linear

dimensions to the
view.
Begin with the

horizontal and vertical
dimension.
Dimensions Added
10. Add the dimensions for

the slot.
The Alignment will be

set to True and the
Location will be set to
Manual.
This will allow you to

move the text after Linear Dimension Settings
placing the dimension.
11. When placing the
dimensions snap to the
edges of the slot. Then
move the ends of the
dimensions to the
correct locations.
Angled Dimensions Placed
Page 78
12. Place the angled

dimension for the width of
the slot.
Snap at the midpoint of

the arc and move the
dimension slightly to
locate the dimension.
Drag the text away from
the slot.
Slot Dimension Placed
13. Place the radial

dimensions.
After placing the

dimensions, edit
the text for the
values.
Radial Dimensions Placed
14. Place the angular

dimensions.
Use the Angle Between

Lines tool.
Click on the two lines to

place the dimension.
Dimension Angular and

Angle Between Lines Tools
Page 79
15. When placing the 13 and

27 degree dimensions,
you will need to add
additional lines since the
center mark lines cannot
be used as the picked
lines.
Angular Dimensions Added
16. Add small center

marks for the 1.19
and .38 radius arcs.
Set the center

mark size to .0625
without the
negative sign.
Small Center Marks Added
17. The dimensions are completed. Save the drawing and print if desired.
Page 80
Page 81
Project #5 Saw Handle

Description: This is the first project where you will use the B-Size Border
for the project. Many of the commands that you have learned
up to this point will continue to be used and their use
reinforced.
Procedure:
2. Attach the Border and Title Block Text files. This time you will use the
B-size Border file. This file is located in the same folder as the A-Size
Border.
Use the Merge into Master command to permanently locate the title
block text file. Use the Title Block Text (B-Size).dgn file.
3. Edit the text in the title block and the note in the upper left corner of
the border.
Drawing the Object
1. Begin by locating the slot on the right side of the front view. Use the
Place Arc tool to place a R4.19 arc. Use 0 degrees for the start angle
and lock the sweep of the arc at 38 degrees.
2. Use the Move Parallel tool to copy the arc .59
inches in each direction.
Arcs Placed
3. Place two arcs to create the ends of the slot.

Use the snap tool as in the previous project.
Slot Completed
Page 82
4. Add a R5.47 arc concentric with the

other arcs.
R5.47 Arc Added
5. Draw the upper and

lower edges of the view.
The lower line will be

1.51 from the center of
the arcs and the upper
line will be 5.35 from
the lower line.
Use the AccuDraw tool

by setting the origin at Origin Set
the center of the arcs.
Then draw the line to
the right.
6. Use the Move Parallel
command to copy the line
to the top.
Lines Added
7. Trim and Fillet the corners.

Use .25 for the fillet radius.
Lines Trimmed and Filleted
Page 83
8. Draw a line from the center of the arcs at 107 degrees. (This
measurement came from subtracting 73 degrees from 180.)
9. Create three parallel lines at
.75, 1.47, and 2.24.
Lines Copied
10. Change the far right line that was copied to the Hidden Line level.
Change the third line and the 4.19 arc to the Center Line level.
11. Copy Parallel the bottom line
.59 up and 4.22 up.
Lines Copied
12. Use the Fillet and Trim tools

to trim and extend the lines.
Lines Filleted and Trimmed
Page 84
13. Next you will add the 108 and 30

degree lines.
Locate the 108 degree line by

placing a parallel line .94 from the
left edge of the object.
Locate the 30 degree line 3.08 from

the center of the arcs.
Angled Lines Added
14. Fillet and trim the angled lines to the

corners of the object. Delete the
construction lines.
Trim and extend the hidden line to

the top and bottom intersections of
the view.
Angled Lines and Hidden Lines

Filleted and Trimmed
15. Add the first .50 diameter circle.

Locate it by drawing an intersecting
line 1.22 to the right of the center of
the arcs.
.50 Diameter Circle Added
16. Copy the circle up and down the line

by using the AccuDraw tool. To
change the coordinate input to
distance and angle, activate the
coordinate window and press the
spacebar. Use these coordinates to
place the upper circle.
Polar Coordinates
Second Circle Added
Page 85
17. Add the second circle using

the same method. This time
the angle will be set to -73
degrees.
Delete the construction line.
Note:
You will also need to extend
the centerline so that the
endpoints appear as in the
example.
View Completed
18. Extend the edges of the view

to the left side of the drawing
to begin the left side view.
Lock the line angle at 180
degrees to aid in doing this.
Use the tangent snap mode

for the top and bottom edges
of the radial features.
Lines Projected
19. Change the appropriate lines

to the Hidden Lines level.
Lines Changed to the

Hidden Lines Level
Page 86
20. Draw a vertical line in the left side view and use the Move/Copy Parallel
tool to add the other lines.
21. Trims the lines for the two middle vertical lines.
22. Use the Construct Circular Fillet tool for the fillets. Set the Truncate
setting to first and pick the horizontal lines first when creating the
fillets. The slot will also have .25 radius corners.
23. Trim the hidden lines to the edges of the view. Try using the Trim
Multiple tool and the Trim option to speed up the trimming.
Step #20 Step #21 Step #22 Step #23
Multiple Trim Tool and Trim Option
Page 87
24. Both views are

completed.
Both Views Completed
Dimensioning the Views

1. Use the same techniques and tools as in the previous project to
dimension the views. There will not be a step by step procedure but
some steps will be given.
2. When locating the
center marks it will
be helpful to rotate
the view.
Rotate View Tool
3. Click the Rotate

View tool and select
the 2 Points method
2 Points Method
4. Snap to the top and

then bottom of the
centerline for the
holes.
The view will rotate

so the centerline is View Rotated
horizontal.
Page 88
5. Delete the centerline

and then add the
center marks for the
three circles.
You may need to

add short lines Centerline Deleted and Center Marks Added
between the marks
to connect them.
6. Rotate the view using the Unrotated
method to return the views to their
normal orientation.
View Rotation Returned to

Normal
7. When dimensioning the corners of the rounded and filleted corners you
will need to add additional lines to locate the position of the corners.
Fillet #1 Fillet #2
8. Complete the dimensions for the views.

9. Save the drawing and print if desired.
Page 89
Page 90
Project #6 Hole Bracket

Description: This project will introduce the student to the creating section
views. In this case the type of section will be a broken-out
section. The use of symbols used for machining operations will
also be covered.
Procedure:
the border.
Drawing the Object
1. Begin by laying out the front
view.
You will not be able to

project the hidden lines until
completed the objects lines
of the other views.
Do not include the broken-

out section view at this time.
Completed Object Lines for Front View
2. Complete the top view object

lines.
Use the AccuDraw tool to

place the two circles for the
counterbored hole.
Completed Object Lines for Top View
Page 91
3. Complete the right side object

view lines.
Completed Object Lines for

Right Side View
4. Project the lines from the edge

of the counterbored hole in the
top view down to the front
view.
Use the Move/Copy Parallel

tool to create the horizontal
line for the depth of the
counterbore. The distance is
.285.
Lines Projected
5. Trim the lines to create the

shape of the hole.
Lines Trimmed
Page 92
6. To create the section view,

begin by adding the break
line to the left of the
counterbored hole.
Using the Place Line tool,

draw short connected
segments starting at the top
edge to the bottom edge. It
helps to turn off the
AccuDraw tool. This way the
lines will not be forced to be
horizontal or vertical.
Break Line Added
7. Trims the ends of the break

line to the edge of the object
surfaces.
Break Line Trimmed
8. Create a new level called Section Lines.
The attributes will be Color: 3, Style: 0 , and Weight: 0.
Section Lines Level Added
Page 93
9. Click on the Hatch Area tool in

the Drawing task.
Hatch Area Tool
10. Click on the Flood option. This

will allow you to flood the area
with the hatch pattern.
Set the spacing to .125 inches

and the angle to 45 degrees.
The tolerance setting is needed
if there are small gaps in the
boundary of the pattern.
Leave the Associative Pattern Flood Option

checkbox unchecked. This is
used if the pattern will need to
be stretched later. It will also
add a complex shape around
the edge of the boundary.
11. Click inside the first area. The
boundary will light magenta.
Click a second time to create
the patterned area.
Repeat the process for the

second area.
Areas Patterned
Page 94
12. Add the hidden lines by extended the edges of the features from the
other views.
You may use the miter line technique to project the edges from the
right side view to the top view.
Lines Projected
13. Trim the hidden lines to the correct locations.
Hidden Line Trimmed
14. Add the linear dimensions as shown in the example.

15. Add the centerlines and the center marks.
16. Add the angular dimension in the front view.
Page 95
17. When adding the radial

dimension for the
counterbore callout use
the following lowercase
letters for the symbols
when editing the text.
n = Diameter Symbol
u = Counterbore Symbol
w = Depth Symbol
Counterbore Callout
Page 96
Page 97
Project #7 Gasket
Description: This project will introduce the student to the use of the Mirror
and Array tools. The setup for this project will be the same as
the previous project.
Procedure:
the border.
Drawing the Object
1. Begin by laying out
the top portion of
the exterior shape of
the view.
Also include the .602

diameter hole on the
upper left side of the
view. Completed Top Half of the View
2. Next you will mirror

the top half to the
bottom of the view.
Select the elements

in the top half of the
view with the
exception of the two
bottom vertical lines.
Page 98
3. Click on the Mirror

tool in the
Manipulate toolbox.
Set the Mirror About

setting to Horizontal
and check the Make
Copy checkbox.
Mirror Tool and Tool Settings
4. Click at the
midpoint of the left
or right vertical
line.
You will see a

mirror image of
the selected
objects appear on
the opposite side
of the view.
Click to accept the Elements Mirrored

mirrored elements.
5. Next you will
create a polar
array of the eight
holes surrounding
the larger, 3.19
diameter hole.
Place the larger

hole 3.97 from the
midpoint of the far
left vertical line.
3.19 Diameter Hole Placed
Page 99
6. Place one .355

hole 1.94 from the
center of the
larger hole.
.355 Hole Placed
7. Select the small hole and

click on the Array tool in
the Manipulate toolbox.
Array Tool and Tool Settings
8. The first point will be the

Reference Point, click at
the center of the smaller
circle.
As you drag the mouse

down you will see a
preview of the locations
for the copies indicated
by an array of points.
You will also see the first

copy which indicates the
direction of the copy.
Preview of the Array
Page 100
9. Snap at the center of the

larger circle to locate the
center of the array and
to accept the copies.
Elements Arrayed
10. This completes the

object lines for the
view.
Object Lines Completed
Page 101
Dimensioning the View

1. Use the dimension tools to
dimension the view.
You will use the same tools as

used in previous projects.
Use the symmetry symbol to

indicate that features are located
at the same relative location on
opposite sides of the view.
Symmetry Symbol
The lines are drawn .25 long and
.0625 apart from each other.
2. To place the centerline arc, use the settings as shown.
This will place an arc with the centerline dash in the center of the circle.
Note:
You will also need to add a vertical centerline through the smaller
circle. You also need to shift the dash of use the
Center Short linestyle.
Settings for
Centerline Arc First Arc Placed
Page 102
3. After placing the first

arc array the arc eight
times around the
larger circle.
Centerlines Arrayed
4. Complete the remaining dimensions for the view.

Page 103
Page 104
Project #8 Spline Shaft

Description: This project will be the first project to be drawn at a scale

other than full size. In this case the scale will be 2:1 or double
the size. Because of this the student will need to adjust some
settings for the project.
The object being drawn is of the end of a spline. This type of

part is used fit within a mating part. The splines are used to
keep the shaft from spinning when the parts are rotated.
Procedure:
3. Since the drawing is to be at 2:1 scale, the title block, text, and the
dimension styles will need to be modified.
Make the following changes to the file settings:

The Title Block and text file will need to be scaled to 1:2 or half size.
The Dimension Text size will need to be to half size or .0625.
The center mark size will need to be changed to -.0313 or half of .0625.
4. Edit the text in the title block and the note in the upper left corner of the
border.
Drawing the Object
1. Begin by laying out the right side view of the project. You will use the
Array tool to array the splines.
2. Draw the top spline. The sides of the feature are parallel. Refer to the
Detail view for the sizes.
Draw an arc at a radius of .735. The sweep angle is 20 degrees and the
start angle is 80 degrees.
Draw another arc at a radius of .655. This will be the base of the spline.
Make sure the arc is concentric to the first arc.
Use the Copy Parallel command to create the arc for the chamfer. Set
the distance to .0313.
Page 105
First Arc Second Arc Third Arc
3. Draw two parallel lines

.0810 from the center of
the spline. The total
width will be .162.
Trim the top corners and

the second arc from the
top.
Top Spline Completed
4. Draw a line from the center of the arcs

up and to the left at an angle of 120
degrees.
Use the Copy Parallel tool to copy the

line .0810 to the right of the 120 degree
line.
This line will be used to locate the next

spline edge.
120 Degree Line Added and

Copied
5. Trim the lower arc as shown.
Delete the two angled lines.
Arc Trimmed
Page 106
6. Click on the Array tool and

construct a polar array of the
spline and gap.
The number of items is 12 and

the delta angle is 30.
Array Created
7. Draw a .500 diameter circle on the

Hidden Lines level.
Draw another concentric circle at .4375

diameter on the Object Line level.
Both circles are concentric with the

spline arcs.
Note:
These two circles represent the
threaded hole at the end of the part.
Circles Added and
Front View Completed
8. Project the lines from the front view to the left view.
Refer to the example for the corners that will be projected. The
projection lines are shown thin for clarity.
The chamfered corner at the upper right corner of the left side view is
drawn at .0313 in size.
Splines Projected
Page 107
9. Next you will create the threaded hole.
Project the lines from the circles on the front view. The point at the left
end of the hole is at a 118 degree included angle. Draw the top line at
59 degrees from horizontal.
Mirror the lines where possible.
Threaded Hole
10. Create the broken out section next.
As in the previous project, draw lines at random for the edge of the
section.
Trim and extend the lines to the edge of the boundary.
Edge of Broken Out Section
Page 108
11. Click on the Hatch Area tool.
Use the Flood option and set the spacing of the lines at .0625.
Before flooding the area, turn off the Hidden Lines level to hatch to the
edge of the object lines.
Turn on the Hidden Lines level when finished.
Area Hatched
12. Next you will create the smaller section area at the top of the view.
Use the Copy Parallel tool to create a new line .0804 from the top edge
of the object.
Copy another line 1.500 from the right side of the view. This will locate
the bottom of the circle.
Position of Circle and End of Spline
Page 109
13. Add the broken out section lines and

trim the lines as shown.
Section Boundary Added and

Lines Trimmed
14. Add the section lines.
Section Lines Added
15. Trim the ends of the

splines as shown.
The open ends

correspond with the
tops of the splines in
the front view.
Left Ends of Splines Trimmed
16. Create the left end of the view. Chamfer the corners at .0313.
Since the part has a break, it will not be drawn at the full length. The
length that was used for the example is approximately 3.25 inches.
You will create the splines for the round break at the left side of the left
view.
Draw a vertical line at the midpoint between the left end of the part and
the beginning of the splines.
Page 110
Line Added
(Thin Line is to Locate the Line at Midpoint)
17. Copy the line .200 each way and

shorten as shown.
Dimensions are for reference only.
Lines Added
18. Click on the Spline tool in the

Drawing task.
This tool is used to create a Non-

uniform rational basis spline
(NURBS) curve.
The lines you have added will be

used for the location of the control
points for the curve. Spline Tool
19. Snap to the top of the middle line,

the midpoint of the right line,
midpoint of the middle line,
midpoint of the left line, and the
bottom of the middle line.
There are a total of five points that

you will have snapped to.
After snapping at the last point

right-click the mouse to end the
curve. Curve Added
Page 111
20. Mirror the curve vertically at the

middle of the curve.
Curve Mirrored
21. Trim the curve as shown and

delete the construction lines.
Curve Trimmed and

Lines Deleted
22. Move the curves .150 to the right

and then copy .300 back to the
left.
Rotate the left curve 180 degrees.
Curves Moved, Copied,

and Rotated
Page 112
23. Trim the top and bottom lines

between the breaks and hatch the
areas as shown.
Lines Trimmed and

Areas Hatched
24. The left view is finished.
Completed Left View
Page 113
Creating the Detail View and Dimensioning the Views

1. To create the detail view you will need to use the fence tool to copy the
area to be enlarged.
Use the Circle fence type and the Clip mode. Draw a fence around the
top spline as shown.
Fence Settings
Circular Fence Placed
2. Use the Copy tool to copy the elements. The lines will be clipped at the
edge of the fence.
Copy Element Settings

Elements Copied
3. Without deleting the fence, use the Scale

tool to increase the size of the copied
elements by a factor of 2.000.
Scale Settings
4. Position the detail view as shown in the example.
Page 114
5. Before dimensioning
the views, create the
following styles as
shown in the example.
The size of the text

will change to .0625
and the center mark
size will change to -
.0313.
Dimension Styles Created
6. Dimension the detail view as

shown in the example. A new
dimension style will need to be
created.
Name the style: Detail 1-1 3PLC

(Inside Arrows).
The settings will be the same as

the other styles except that the
Scale Settings will be changed to New Dimension Style Created
.5000. This setting is under the
Units tab.
Dimension Scale Settings
Page 115
7. Complete the dimensioning for the views as shown.
Dimensioned Views
Note:
The reason for the 1.791 and 1.310 dimensions being in parentheses is
that they are reference dimensions. This type of dimension is to show size
but is not to be toleranced when the part is manufactured and inspected.
Page 116
Page 117
Project #9 Angle Bracket

Description: This project will be the first to have the student draw an
auxiliary view. The object will also be drawn using metric units
with millimeters as the base unit. This will also require the
creation of a new set of dimension styles.
This part is to be created using the process of casting which

involves poured molten metal into a mold. Some of the
surfaces are then machined. This drawing uses a special
symbol to indicate which surfaced are to be machined.
Procedure:
2. Use the
following
units when
settings up
the drawing.
Note:
You will not
need to
change the
Resolution. Metric Working Units
The title block
and text will
automatically
change to
metric sizes.
the border.
Drawing the Object
1. Begin by laying out the object lines of the front view of the project.
2. When drawing the
line for the angled
surface, use 115
degrees. The length
of the line will be
31.9 (19.5 + 12.4).
Angled Line Drawn
Page 118
3. To draw the perpendicular line.

Begin the line at the top of the
angled line. Set the angle to
205 degrees.
After drawing the line extend it

to the top horizontal line. Object Lines Completed
4. Layout construction line for the

auxiliary view as shown.
Construction Lines for Auxiliary View
5. Draw the Circle and the Arc as

shown. Trim and remove the
construction lines.
Circle and Arc Added
6. Add a break line below the

circle. Make sure that it is
above the bottom corner of the
surface.
Break Line Added
7. Project the hidden lines

and centerline from the
auxiliary view back to
the front view.
Lock the lines at 205

degrees and use the
tangent snap mode for
the top and bottom of
the circle. Lines Projected
Page 119
8. Trim the lines on the

front view.
Lines Trimmed
9. Project the corners and

intersections from the
front view to the top
view.
Lines Projected
10. Trim the lines to the

corners and
intersections.
Lines Trimmed
11. Use the Copy Parallel tool to locate to

top, middle, bottom of the rounded
surface.
Use the Ellipse tool to draw the

elliptical shape as shown.
Ellipse Tool
Page 120
12. Drawn the horizontal lines as shown.
Snap the ellipse first at the center then at the major axis and lastly at
the minor axis.
Ellipse Snap Points
Horizontal Lines Added
13. Add the elliptical arc using the Place Half Ellipse tool.
Place Half Ellipse Tool
Ellipse Points
Page 121
14. Trim and delete

the
construction
lines. Change
the appropriate
lines to the
Hidden Lines
and Center
Lines levels.
Lines Trimmed and Changed

to the Correct Level
15. Next you will create

the hidden line
ellipse.
Project the lines as

shown and snap the
ellipse edges at the
intersections of the
hidden lines.
Lines Projected and Ellipse Created
16. Create the half

ellipse that shows
the intersection of
the rounded surface
to the top surface
of the base of the
part.
Project the
intersections as
shown.
Elliptical Arc Created from Intersections
Page 122
17. Trim and

delete the
lines to
complete the
ellipse and arc.
Arc and Ellipse Completed
18. Add the

rounds and
holes as
shown.
The center
mark will be
added later.
Rounds and Holes Created
19. Use the miter line

technique to locate
the edges for the
right view.
Create the break line

at the edges of the
projected lines.
Do not project the

two holes on the left
side of the top view.
Lines Projected and Break Line Added
Also project down
the edge of the
surface at the
bottom right of the
top view to the front
view.
Page 123
20. Trim the lines and

change the
appropriate lines
to the Hidden
Lines and Center
Lines levels.
This will complete

Lines Trimmed and Changed
the right view. to the Appropriate Levels
21. Add the 2 Millimeter Radius Fillets and Rounds.
Some of the surfaces are to be machined for the final version. In the
next step you will create the symbol that is used to indicate these
surfaces.
Edges to be Filleted and Rounded with a 2mm Radius
22. The bottom and the left two surfaces

are to be machined. You will create a
symbol to mark the surfaces. Use the
following graphic to create the
symbol. Dimensions are for reference
only.
The lines are placed on the

Dimensions level.
Finish Mark
(Machined Surface Symbol)
23. Place the symbol as shown in the example. Later you will add the
leaders to point at the surface. One of the symbols will be placed at the
end of an extension line.
Page 124

1. Create the following dimension styles.
The text will already be changed to 3.175 high and wide.
This was due to the change in the units of the drawing.
You will need to change the Accuracy setting for the styles to reflect
the number of decimal places required.
Metric Dimension Styles
2. Begin the dimensioning by

creating the center mark in
the auxiliary view.
Rotate the view using the Rotate View Tool

Rotate View tool.
Use the 2 Points method.

Snap to the center of the
circle first then to the right
edge of the arc.
Add the hidden lines. The

lines will be added by Auxiliary View Rotated,
Center Mark and Hidden Lines Added
locking the line at 270
degrees and the tangent
snap mode selected.
Page 125
3. Click on the Rotate

View again and
select the
Unrotated method
to return the view
to normal.
View Unrotated
4. Copy the center mark from one of the holes in the top view to place on
the ellipse.
5. Dimension the remaining features as shown. Use the Place Note tool to
add the leader lines to the finish marks.
Views Dimensioned
Page 126
Page 127
Project #10 Cover Plate

Description: This will introduce the student to the rectangular arrays and
ordinate (arrowless) dimensioning. You will also create a table
to document the sizes of features.
Procedure:
2. Since the previous project uses metric units there is no need to change
the working units.
the border.
Drawing the Object
1. Begin by laying out the outside shape of the front view of the project.
2. Use the AccuDraw coordinate tool to draw the outline. The width is
124.9mm and the height is 145.0mm.
3. There are many ways to locate the circles. In this case you will use an
Auxiliary Coordinate System (ACS) to move the origin to the lower left
corner of the rectangular shape.
Click on the Auxiliary Coordinate tool in the Primary Tools toolbox.
The Auxiliary Coordinates dialog box opens.
Auxiliary Coordinates Tool
Auxiliary Coordinates Dialog Box
Page 128
4. In the dialog box click on the

Define ACS (By Points) tool.
Define ACS (By Points) Tool
5. The ACS Icon will

be attached to the
cursor. Snap the
icon at the lower
left corner of the
rectangular shape.
Then snap the
cursor at the lower
right corner to set
the direction of the ACS Icon Snapped to Corner
X axis.
Note:
Your coordinates
will be different.
Coordinates Updated
6. Open the Coordinate Key-In

window.
Set the mode to ACS (ax=).

This works the same as the
absolute key-in method used ACS(ax=) Method
back in the first project.
To open the window, bring

focus to the AccuDraw
coordinate window by pressing
the F11 key and then press the
M key to open the window.
Page 129
7. Click on the Place Circle tool

and set the diameter to 16.60.
You will place the lower left
circle first.
Type in the location as 23.6, Coordinates Entered

24.8. This will place the first
circle.
Circle Placed
8. Place the remaining circles using the

same method.
Remaining Circles Placed
9. Use the same method to place

the rectangle.
Use the Place Block tool to add

the shape.
The first coordinate will be the Rectangle Placed

lower left corner and the second
coordinate will be the upper right
corner.
Page 130
10. Next you will place the first hole

for the rectangular array. Place
the hole for the lower left corner
of the array.
The location for the hole is 14.83

to the right and 76.06 up from
the lower left corner of the part.
Lower Left Circle Placed
11. Click on the Array tool. Use the

following settings for the array.
Rectangular Array Settings
12. Click on the circle. You

will see points and the
first copy appear to
preview the location of
the copies.
Click again to place

the copies.
Copies Previewed Circle Arrayed
Page 131

object lines for the
project.
Object Lines Completed
Adding the Center Marks and Dimensioning the Views

1. Continue to
use the
dimension
styles that
were created
for the last
project.
Metric Dimension Styles
2. Use the Center mark tool to place the marks for the holes.
Use the Array tool again for the center marks in the hole pattern. You will
also need to add lines to connect the marks.
Page 132
Center Mark Settings
Center Marks Placed
3. Add the letters for the holes A, B,

and C. The size of the text will be
3.175.
Text Placed for Holes
Page 133
4. Create the table for the hole chart.
Refer to the diagram for the text sizes and hole locations.
Hole Chart Dimensions
5. To create the ordinate dimensions, begin by clicking on the Dimensions

Ordinates tool.
Dimension Ordinates Tool
6. Snap to the lower corner of the view for

the ordinate origin.
Snap to the lower right corner for the

ordinate direction. Click again to place the
dimension text.
Origin of Ordinate
Dimensions
7. Snap on the features to place their dimensions.
After snapping on the far right corner, right-click the mouse to end the
command.
Page 134
Ordinate Dimensions Placed
8. Begin the command again and place the

remaining horizontal dimensions. Set
the location to manual to move the text
after placing the text.
Remaining Horizontal
Dimensions Placed
9. Repeat the process for the vertical

dimensions.
Vertical Dimensions Placed
Page 135
10. Place the one remaining vertical

dimension.
Set the text location to manual to adjust

the location of the text.
Remaining Vertical
Dimension Placed
11. Add the remaining linear and radial dimensions.
Remaining Dimensions Placed
Page 136
Page 137
Project #11a Weld Symbols

Filename: Initial Project #11a.dgn
Description: The project will introduce the student to the process of

creating cells. Cells are the MicroStation version of symbols.
For this project a Cell Library will be created containing
various weld symbols. These cells will be used for the next
project that shows parts welded together into an assembly
called a weldment.
Procedure:
2. Edit the text in the title block as shown. Some of the boxes will not be
used, draw a diagonal line through these.
Title Block Text for Weld Symbols
Drawing the Cells

1. Before you can create the cells, you will need to create the elements.
Begin with the Fillet Weld symbol.
2. The symbols dont
have exact sizes but
they should be
consistent in size.
Use the guide to

draw the elements
for the Fillet Weld
symbol.
The text will serve as Fillet Weld Symbol Dimensions

placeholders. They
may be changed
depending on the size
of the weld.
Page 138
3. Draw the field weld

flag and the all-
around symbol.
When drawing the

filled in shape, draw
the lines then use the
Create Complex
Shape tool to create a
shape.
Field Weld Flag and All-Around Symbols
Hatch the area with
the lines spaced at
.001 inches. The will
make the shape
appear with a solid
fill.
4. Draw the Notes
symbol.
This will go on the

end of the weld
symbol.
Notes Symbol
5. Draw the remaining symbols.
To make the process efficient, copy the previous symbol and modify
the elements.
6. When
locating the
symbols for
the chart,
space the
symbols .62
inches from
one
another.
Weld Symbol Spacing
Page 139
7. Draw the text and the lines for the chart. The height of the chart is
7.75 inches.
Chart Text and Border Dimensions
Creating the Cells

Now that you have completed the drawings of the weld symbols, you will
create groups of elements known as cells. This will involve creating a cell
library to contain the cells.
1. In the Element menu click
on the Cells tool.
Cells Tool
2. The Cell Library

dialog box
opens.
This dialog box

will be used
when creating
the cells.
Cell Library Dialog Box
Page 140
3. Before cells can be added a

cell library will need to be
created.
Click on the File menu, New

command within the Cell
Library dialog box.
File, New Command
4. The Create Cell Library

dialog box opens. Name the
library Weld Symbols.
Locate the file in the same

folder as your drawing. Weld Symbols File Created
5. You will now see

the name of the
cell library in the
title bar of the
dialog box.
Cell Name in Title Bar
6. The process to create cells is to select the elements for the cell and
define the origin.
You will begin by creating cells for the following:
Name Cell Name Description

Reference Line 1 Reference Reference Line
Field Weld Flag 2 Field Field Weld Flag
Leader Line (Single) 3 Leader 1 Leader Line w/Arrow
Leader Line (Hooked) 4 Leader 2 Leader Line Hooked
Tail with Note 5 Tail w-Note Tail Symbol with Note
All Around Symbol 6 All Around All Around Symbol
7. Select the line below the Fillet

Weld symbol.
This will become the

Reference Line cell.
Click the Define Cell Origin

tool in the Cells toolbox.
Define Cell Origin Tool
Page 141
8. Once the origin is placed the

Create button will light.
Click the button to create the

cell.
Cell Origin Placed and Line Selected
9. The Create Cell dialog box

opens.
Type in the Name and the

Description of the cell.
Note:
Only the name of the cell is Create Cell Dialog Box
required, the description is
optional. The reason for the
1 in front of the name is to
order the cells in the Cell
Library dialog box.
10. Click the Create button.
The cell will appear in the Cell Library dialog box. A thumbnail of the
cell will appear in the display box to the left.
Reference Cell Added to Library
11. Repeat the process for

the other five cells.
The origin for the other

cells will be in the same
location as the
Reference Line cell. Cells Created
Page 142
12. Create the remaining

cells.
Pick the weld symbol

and text for the cells.
The cell origin will be

the same as the other
cells.
Remaining Cells Created
Using the Cells

Now that the cells are created, practice using the cell.
1. Click on the Place Active Cell
tool.
Place Active Cell Tool
2. The Place Active Cell dialog box

will open.
Place Active Cell Dialog Box
3. If the Cell Library dialog box is closed,

you may re-open it by click the
Browse Cells icon (magnifying glass)
located next to the Active Cell
window.
Select the cell and click the Placement

button at the bottom of the dialog Placement Button
box.
The cell will be attached to the cursor.

Page 143
4. Place the Reference Line cell

first, then the Fillet weld symbol,
then Field, All Around, Leader
Line, and Tail w-Note.
5. To modify the text, double-click it. The text editor box opens and the
text may be modified.
6. To place the weld symbol on the
other side of the reference line,
use the mirror tool.
The text will not mirror as long as Mirrored Symbol and Text
the Mirror Text checkbox is
unchecked.
Note:
To use the weld cells efficiently,
use the cell tool to place the initial
cell and then copy the cell to the
required locations.
Mirror Text Checkbox
7. To modify the location of the

leader line, use the Drop Element
tool in the Main task. Drop Element Tool in the Main
Task Toolbox
Click on the handles to move the
end of the leader.
Note:
You may also choose to skip
making a cell of the leader line and
use the Place Note tool instead.
Leader Handles
Page 144
Page 145
Project #11b Weldment

Filename: Initial Project #11b.dgn
Description: Now that the weld symbols have been created, the student
will now apply them to a drawing. This project is a collection
of parts called a weldment. The drawing will not only show
the sizes of the parts but will also show the welding
processes that will join them together.
Procedure:
2. This project will be plotted at 1:2 scale. Set the scale of the B-Size
Border file a 2:1 scale. You will need to scale the title block text
elements as well. You may also delete the text and attach the title
block text file at 2:1 scale.
the border.
Drawing the Object
This is the object you will draw. A three-dimensional drawing is shown to
aid in visualizing the weldment. In Part Two of the book you will create
your own 3D version.
Three Dimensional View of Weldment
Page 146
1. Since this drawing will be printed at half scale, you will need to change
the following settings you will also create a new level:
a. Set the Grid Master setting to 0.5000 and the Grid Reference to 4.
b. Set the Scale factor setting for the linestyles to 2.000.
c. Create a new Level called Phantom Lines. The linestyle will be set
to Phantom.
d. Create new dimension styles from the original styles. Set the text
sizes to .2500. Name the styles: Mech 1-2 (Inside Arrows) and
Mech 1-2 (Outside Arrows).
2. Begin with the object lines
for the top view.
When adding the phantom

lines for the existing part.
Extend the lines 2.56 from
the right edge of the part.
To place the phantom line

dashes correctly, you will
need to use shift the
dashes. This procedure
was discussed in Project
#3.
Top View
3. Add the object

lines for the front
view.
The chamfer for

the top of the
.500 stud is
.0625, The depth
of the thread is
.50.
Front View
To create the
break line for the
existing part, use
the dimensions
given. The
locations of the
break lines may
be approximated.
Break Line Dimensions
Page 147
4. Add the objects lines

for the right side
view.
Right Side View
5. Draw the detail view of

Part A and place above
the right side view.
Detail View of Part A
6. Add in the hidden lines. The hidden lines for the studs are drawn at the
depth of the chamfer.
Hidden Lines Added
Page 148
7. Add the centerlines and

center marks. The size of
the center mark for the
1.25 diameter will be -
.125. Use solid lines for
the center marks for the
studs.
Center Marks for Top View
Centerlines for Front and Top Views
8. When dimensioning the views add the linear dimensions first, then the
radial dimensions, and then the text notes.
9. The last dimension elements you will place will be the weld symbols.
Hook the leader lines so that they are pointing at the weld.
If you have welding experience, it may help to think of the arrow as the
electrode of the welder.
10. The stud weld symbol indicates the size of the weld (.06 inches) and
the number of studs to be welded (3).
The fillet weld symbol indicates the size of the weld (.12). If the symbol
is below the reference line then the weld is on the same side as the
arrow. If is above the reference line then the weld is on the opposite
side.
11. In the notes the American Welding Society (AWS) standard for welding
symbols is referenced.
Page 149
Page 150
Part Two
Initial Projects
3D Version
Page 151
Initial Projects 3D Version

Congratulations on completing the first 12 projects!
Introduction
Now that you have completed these projects, you will now be instructed in
the process of completing three-dimensional (3D) versions of the same
projects. Once you are experienced with the software you would typically
complete the 3D model of the project first and then use the software to
automatically create 2D views of the software. This procedure will be covered
later in this section. You will use the information created in the 2D files when
creating some of the 3D features.
When creating a 3D solid of an object there are two basic methods; the
Extrusion Method and the Primitive Method. The Extrusion Method is used
where the part has shape with a uniform thickness. The Primitive Method is
used when the object is comprised of primitive solids. The MicroStation
program has tools to create these primitives. They are: cylinders, slabs,
wedges, spheres, cones, tori, and wedges.
Both of these methods will be covered as part of the tutorials to create the
3D versions of the projects.
Page 152
Project #1 3D
Name: Absolute Coordinate Exercise
Filename: Initial Project #1 (3D).dgn
Description: This is the first 3d project. You will use the elements created
as part of the 2D version. After completing the project you
will check the volume of the project to verify that you
created the solid accurately. Refer to the Project Volumes for
Initial 3D Projects page at the beginning of the book for
these volume measurements.
Procedure:
1. Begin a new project by clicking on the New tool in the Standard tool.
Since this is the first 3D project you will need to create a file from the
seed files that come with the program.
Click on the Browse button at the bottom right corner of the New dialog
box.
Select the seed3d.dgn file as the seed file.
seed3D.dgn Seed File
2. Type in the filename Initial Project #1 (3D).dgn as the filename.
Save these drawings in a new folder from the one you used for the 2D
versions of the projects.
Page 153
3. The file is created.
Double-click on the filename to open it.
New File Created
4. The file opens. The interface will be the same with some exceptions.
You will see additional tools under the Drawing task. The main one you
will be using is the Feature Modeling task.
Another difference is that there are four views instead of the two views
that appeared in the seed2D.dgn file. These views shown different
standard views of the object.
3D File Interface
Page 154
Note:
If you cannot see the Feature
Modeling task and the other 3D
tools, you will need to change to
the main task in the task area.
Click on the arrow next to the

Arrow Next to Drawing Task
drawing task and then click on the
main task at the top of the flyout
window.
You should now see the task

change from Drawing to Tasks
and all tools should now be
visible.
Main Task
Preparing the File and Copying the Objects from the 2D File
1. Open the 2D version of Project #1.
Select the object lines of the view.

Do this by selecting the view and
using the filter to isolate the object
lines.
Click the arrow on the lower left

corner of the dialog box to expose
the filtering portion of the Element
Selection dialog box.
Filtering out the Object Line Level
2. Copy the elements to the clipboard.

3. Open the 3D file.
You may also switch to

the previous file by
pressing the Back button
to switch to the previous Go to Previous Model Button
model.
Page 155
4. Before pasting the objects from the 2D file, change the Working Units
to match the 2D file.
Change the Master Unit and Resolution settings.
Working Units Settings for 3D File
5. Paste the objects into View 3 Front, Default.
After pasting, use the Fit View tool to fit the objects into all four views.
Objects Fit into the Views
6. Before you can create a 3D solid of

the shape, you must first convert
the lines to a complex shape.
Click on the Create Complex Shape Create Complex Shape Tool

tool to begin the process.
Page 156
7. Check the settings in the Tool

Setting dialog box.
To create the shape, click on one of

the lines of the exterior shape in the
front view. Click again to accept the
shape. Click a third time to end the
command and create the shape.
Tool Settings
The message in the prompt area at Create Complex Shape Tool
the bottom left of the screen will say
Shape Closed.
The shape will change to a thin

black (or white) line. This is because Shape Closed Message
the shape was moved to the current
level (Default).
Change the shape back to the

Object Lines level.
8. Since you used the Place Block,
Place Circle, and Place Regular
Polygon tools for the other three
shapes, you do not need to use the
Create Complex Shape tool to
convert them.
The Three Other Shapes
9. Open the View Attributes dialog box

by clicking on the tool at the upper
left corner of the view window.
View Attributes Dialog Tool
Page 157
10. Turn off the ACS icon that may

appear in the view windows.
Do this by untoggling the ACS
Triad toggle in the View
Attributes dialog box.
View Attributes Dialog Box
11. Click on the Apply to open views tool

to apply the changes to the other
three views.
Apply to Open Views Tool
12. Click and expand the Feature

Modeling task by clicking on the title
bar.
Feature Modeling Task
Page 158
13. The Feature Modeling Task

expands.
You will be using this task to

create and modify the solids.
You may open the individual

toolboxes by right-clicking on the
area of the task and selecting
Open Toolbox Name as Toolbox.
The name of the toolbox will

change depending on which area
you right-click on.
Feature Modeling Task Expanded
Setting Up the Display Style

1. Before extruding the shape you will first change the display settings for
View 2 to smooth shading.
This way you will be able to see whether or not the shape has been
created. You will also be able to see a more realistic view of the object
after it has been created.
2. Click on the View
Attributes tool in View #2.
Then click on the
magnifying glass next to
the display setting window.
Open Display Styles Dialog Box
3. The Display Styles dialog box opens. You will modify the Smooth
Display type.
Page 159
Display Styles Dialog Box
4. Change the style to Smooth.
Copy the style and rename it

Smooth 1. This way you may
go back to the original default
style.
Smooth Display Types
Page 160
5. Set the display style to match the settings.
The setting you will change will be in the Edge Settings area.
Change the Visible edges to Solid Linestyle and a Weight of 1.
Change the Hidden Edges to Linestyle 2 and a Weight of 1.
Visible Edges Settings
Hidden Edges Settings
6. Close the Display Styles

dialog box.
Set the display style to

Smooth for
View 2 only.
Smooth Display Style Set
Page 161
Creating the Solid

1. Find the Extrude Feature tool in the
Feature Modeling task.
The individual tools are separated

by their type. The Extrude Feature
tool is in the Profile Feature Solids
task.
Extrude Features Tool
2. Click on the tool and then click on

the profile in the front view.
Set the Distance to 1.25 inches.
Distance Set
3. The shape will turn magenta and the shape will extrude.
Use the AccuDraw tool to make sure that the shape extrudes up along
the green axis.
Shape Extruded
Page 162
4. The solid will appear as a

shaded extruded shape.
Next you will extrude the

shapes to create the holes.
Extruded Shape
5. Select the three internal

shapes.
Click on the Extrude Feature

tool and extrude in the same
direction and distance as the
outside shape.
Smaller Shapes Extruded
6. Now you will create holes where

the three shapes intersect with
the larger solid.
Select the Difference Feature

tool.
Difference Feature Tool
Page 163
7. Click on the solid that you wish

to remove material from. Then
select the three solids.
Since you extruded all three

solids at the same time, the
three voids are created at the
same time.
Click once more away from the

solid to accept the modified
solid.
Material Removed
8. Click on the Measure Volume tool.
Click on the solid to check the volume.
The volume should be 77.0905 Cubic Measure Volume Tool

Inches.
Volume for Project #1
9. The solid is finished. Later you will learn the method to convert the 3D
solid to a set of orthographic views.
Page 164
Project #2 3D
Name: Relative Coordinate Exercise
Description: The procedure for this project is very similar to Project #1.
The extrusion method will be used to create the solid.
Procedure:
1. Begin by using the 3D version of Project #1 as the template file.
Open Initial Project #1 (3D).dgn.
Save the file as:

Initial Project #2 (3D).dgn
Note:
If you have just completed Initial Project #1 (3D), save the file before
saving it as Initial Project #2 (3D)
Open Initial Project #1 (3D).dgn
2. Delete the Project #1 solid from the file.

4. Select the object lines for the project and copy them to the clipboard.
5. Open Project #2 (3D).dgn
Page 165
6. Fit the objects in all four views.
Objects Fitted into Views
7. Convert the shape into a

complex shape.
You will see View 2

Isometric view change to a
shaded shape.
This is a good way to

visually verify that the
lines are converted to a
complex shape. Shaded View of Project #2
8. Use the Extrude Feature

tool to extrude the shape
.75 inches.
Shape Extruded and Solid Completed
Page 166
Click on the solid to check the

volume.
The volume should be 44.885

Cubic Inches.
10. The solid is finished.
Page 167
Project #3 3D
Name: Bracket
Description: For this project you will use the extrusion method for the
individual parts of the solid. Then you will join them together
into one. After that, you will use the Features toolbox to add
the holes to the solid.
Procedure:
Open Project #2 (3D).dgn.
Save the file as: Project #3 (3D).dgn

2. Copy the elements from the front view of the 2D version of Project #3
to the 3D version.
3. Paste the
elements
into the front
view.
Elements Pasted
4. Use the elements from

the 2D version to
create the complex
shapes.
Copy the shape and

convert in to a complex
shape.
Shape Created
Page 168
5. Extrude the shape 1.79

inches.
To extrude the shape in the

isometric view, use the
AccuDraw to align the
extrusion perpendicular to the
face of the shape.
Use the T AccuDraw shortcut

to align the compass to the
top view.
Extrusion Completed
Click to accept the extrusion.

6. Copy the elements and create the
next shape.
Use the elements from the front

view.
Note:
You will need to rotate the view to
match the example. You may also
need to change the lighting. Use
the Adjust View Brightness tool to
turn on the Default Lighting
checkbox.
Next Shape Created
Default Lighting Checkbox
7. Extrude the shape .50 inches

and move it to the corner of
the first extrusion.
Shape Created and Moved
Page 169
8. Move the smaller shape .65

inches into the part. Use the
Top AccuDraw shortcut to move
the shape along the correct
axis.
Solid Moved
9. After moving the shape. You

will use the Union Feature tool
to union the solids together.
Click on the tool then click on

each of the solids.
You will notice that the solid

has changed slightly at the
intersection of the solids.
Union Feature Tool
Before Unioning After Unioning
Page 170
10. Next you will add the three holes to the solid.
Click on the Hole Feature tool in the Features toolbox.
Hole Features Settings

Hole Feature Tool
11. Click on the solid to begin the process of

adding the first hole.
The solid will change to a magenta color.
Snap a point at the lower left corner. Use

the O AccuDraw shortcut to set the origin
at the corner.
Change the AccuDraw compass to the front

view by using the F shortcut.
Add the hole .25 to the right and 1.07 up

from the lower left corner. Type the
coordinate into the AccuDraw coordinate
window. Use the Tab key to switch from the
X to the Y axis.
Hole Location Set
Page 171
12. Click to mouse to accept the hole.
Hole Placed
13. Add the two .40 holes using the

same method.
Use the lower right corner as the

origin for the two holes.
The holes will be placed 1.05 to the

left and .32 and 1.47 up from the
corner.
Solid Selected and Origin Set
14. You will need to reset the origin after

placing the first hole.
After placing the second hole, click to

accept.
First Hole Placed and

Second Hole Located

volume.
The volume should be 4.2275 Cubic

Inches.
Page 172
Delete the 2D elements that

were copied over at the
beginning of the tutorial.
The next section of this

project procedure covers
creating a 3D PDF file of the
solid.
Completed Solid
Page 173
Creating a 3D PDF File of the Project

1. To create a 3D PDF file you will follow a procedure similar to create a
2D PDF.
Click on the Print tool in the Standard toolbox. Set the Bentley print
driver to the pdf.pltcfg driver.
Set the following settings:

a. Set the view to View 2
b. Check the Print to 3D checkbox.
c. Set the Scale to .5000
Note:
If you wish for the file to be saved with a black background, set the
background color to black in the Workspace menu, View Options dialog
box.
Plot Settings
Page 174
2. Open the PDF file.
The file will appear as a shaded 3D view.
3D PDF File
3. Use the tools above the object to modify the view.
3D PDF Tools (Adobe Reader)
Note:
These tools will allow you to create section views, rotate the object, set
the background color, and view the object as a perspective view.
These tools are useful when sending your project to someone without the
MicroStation program. This way they will be able to view the object in 3D.
Page 175
Using a 3D Solid to Create

Orthographic Views
Description: Now that you have finished the first three 3D versions of the
Initial Projects, You may wish to try the procedure to convert
the 3D solid to a set of 2D orthographic views. The procedure
will use Project #3 as the example.
Procedure:
1. Open the Project #3 (3D) file.
2. Click on the Models tool in the Primary Tools toolbox.
Models Tool
3. The Models dialog box open.
The default model view is listed. The Models dialog is used to create
additional views of the object. You may create additional Model or Sheet
views of the file.
Models Dialog Box
4. Click on the Create a new model tool in

the Model dialog box.
Create a New Model Tool
Page 176
5. The Create Model dialog box

opens.
Make the following changes

to the settings box:
a. Set the Type to Sheet

b. Name the Sheet View,
Orthographic
c. Uncheck the Display Sheet
Boundary checkbox
Create Model Settings
6. Click the OK button to create

the Sheet View.
You will see the additional view

appear in the Models dialog
box.
To switch between the Sheet

view and the Model view, click
on the View Group window at New View Group
the bottom left of the screen.
View Group Window
7. Close View Windows 2, 3, and 4 by

untoggling the view window toggles at
the bottom left of the screen.
View Window Toggles
Page 177
8. Reference the A-Size border and Title Block text files as you did in the
2D file.
9. Attach the Initial Project #3 (3D).dgn file to the file. (This is the same
file that is already open.)
When attaching the file, click the + sign next to Standard Views.
Select the Front view.
Reference Attachment Settings
Page 178
10. Position the view as shown.
Click the location when finished.
A Wireframe version of the view will appear.
Outline of Front View
11. To place the top and side views, use the Copy/Fold Reference tool.
Copy/Fold Reference Tool
12. To place the view, click a point

above the view.
To change the view from top to

side view, change the Method from
About Horizontal Line to About
Vertical Line.
Copy Reference By Folding Dialog
Box
Page 179
13. The views are placed.
Top and Side Views Placed
14. Add an Isometric View in the upper right corner of the border.
You will need to insert the reference file again and choose Right
Isometric as the standard view.
Scale the view to .75 of size.
Right Isometric View
Page 180
15. The additional views are listed in the References dialog box.
You may change the Logical name of the views by clicking and pausing
on the name of the view.
Logical Name Changed
Views Listed in the References Dialog Box
16. Next you will convert the views to show the hidden lines.
You will create a display style that shows the hidden edges as hidden
lines.
17. In the model view, click on
the Change View Display
Style tool in the view tools.
Change View Display Style Tool
18. Click on the magnifying

glass next to the display
style pulldown.
Change View Display Style Dialog Box
Page 181
19. The Display Styles Dialog opens.
Select the Hidden Line display style.
Copy the style by clicking on the Copy tool.
Name the new Style: Hidden Line -1.
Match the style settings to the example.
Visible Edges Settings
Hidden Edges Setting
20. Close the dialog box.
Set the views to the new display

style.
New Display Style
21. The views will now appear with the hidden edges as dashed lines.
Page 182
Model Views with Hidden Lines
22. Return to the sheet view.
Change the Presentation Style to Hidden Line 1 for the three views.
Presentation Style Changed
Page 183
23. The views will now appear as hidden line views.
Views Shows with Hidden Lines
Note:
This method will allow you to change the model and have the 2D views
update automatically. At this point you may dimension the views as you did
in the 2D version of the file.
Page 184
Project #4 3D
Name: Adjuster Plate
Description: For this project you will use the extrusion method. Instead of
projecting each shape individually, you will extrude all
shapes together.
Procedure:
Open Project #3 (3D).dgn. Save the file as: Project #4 (3D).dgn
Return the display settings to Wireframe for Views 1, 3, and 4 also,

change View 2 to the Smooth 1 display style.
2. Copy the elements from the view of the 2D version of Project #4 to the
3D version.
3. Paste the
elements into the
front view.
Elements Pasted
4. Convert the exterior shape

and the two slots into
complex shapes.
Shapes Created
5. Select all of the shapes.
Page 185
6. Click on the Extrude Feature

tool and extrude the shapes
.125 inches.
The slots and holes will

automatically become voids.
Shapes Extruded

volume.

Inches.
Page 186
Project #5 3D
Name: Saw Handle
Description: For this project you will use the extrusion method. You will
also use the tools in the Features toolbox to add the fillets,
rounds, and holes.
Procedure:

2. Copy the elements from the view of the 2D version of Project #4 to the
3D version.
3. Paste the
elements
into the
front view.
Elements Pasted
4. Before creating the complex

shapes remove the .25 rounds
and fillets.
Also change the hidden line to

the Object Lines level.
Fillets and Rounds Removed

and Line Changed
Page 187
5. Convert the exterior shape and the slot

into complex shapes.
Shapes Created
6. Select the exterior and slot shapes.

7. Click on the Extrude Feature tool and
extrude the two shapes .75 inches.
The slot will automatically become a

void.
Shapes Extruded
8. Create a shape from the angled line for

the depth of the cut.
Draw the shape in the front view so it

will be aligned with the view and the
part.
Shape Created
9. Move the shape in the top view. The

shape will be located .35 into the
object.
Shape Moved
Page 188
10. Use the Extrude Feature tool to

extrude the shape .06 into the
part. This will leave .34 to the
back of the part.
Shape Extruded
11. Use the Difference Feature tool

to create the cut.
Cut Created
12. Use the Hole Feature tool to create the holes.
Use the circles that were from the 2D file to locate the circles.
Set the hole diameter to .50 and the Drill setting to Through.
Click on the solid and then snap to the centers of the circles for the
hole locations.
Delete the original circles to expose the holes.
Page 189
Hole Settings
Holes Created
13. Next you will

round and fillet
the corners of
the solid.
Click on the
Blend Feature
tool. Blend Feature Settings
Set the radius

to .2500.
Blend Feature Tool
14. Click on the solid.
Click on each of the lines that make up the corners along the edge of
the solid. You will need to hold the CTRL key to click multiple corners.
The solid will appear magenta. As you hover over the corners they will
appear light blue and then yellow as they are selected.
You will pick a total of 12 corners. The corners where the cut splits
through will need to be picked on either side.
Page 190
Corners Picked
15. Click to accept the

fillets and rounds.
Fillets and Rounds Added
16. Round the outside corners

and the inside edge of the
slot on both sides.
You will pick a total of

four corners.
The round will track

around the edge
automatically.
Remaining Corners Rounded
Page 191
17. The remaining fillets are

created.
Rounds Completed

volume.

Inches.
Page 192
Project #6 3D
Name: Hole Bracket
Description: For this project you will use the extrusion method. You will
also use the tools in the Features toolbox to add the fillets,
rounds, and holes.
Procedure:

2. This time you will draw the
elements from the
measurements in the 2D
drawing.
Dimensions are given as

reference, do not add them to
your drawing.
Initial Shape
3. Create a complex shape from the

lines.
Extrude the shape 2.32 inches.
Shape Extruded
4. Draw the shape for the cut.
Use the dimensions shown in the

example.
Shape for Cut
Page 193
5. Convert the lines to a complex

shape and move the shape to the
corner of the extrusion.
Shape Moved
6. Click on the Cut Feature tool.
Set up the tool to create a cut into the solid a distance of 1.53.
Cut Feature Settings
Cut Feature Tool
7. Click on the solid and then the shape.
Move the mouse so that the arrow goes into the solid.
Click to accept the cut.
Cut Direction Selected Cut Created
Page 194
8. Use the Hole Feature tool to create the three holes at the top of the
part.
Use the upper left corner of the right view for the origin.
Use the S shortcut to rotate the AccuDraw compass to the side

orientation.
9. The X coordinate from the origin will be .47 and -.47 for the Y
coordinate.
After placing the first hole, move the cursor .70 to the right for the
second hole.
Second Hole Placed

First Hole Placed
10. Place the third hole .70 from

the second hole.
Right-click the mouse to

complete the command.
Holes Placed
Page 195
11. Use the Place Hole to place the

counterbored hole.
Use the settings to setup the hole.
Counterbore Hole Settings
12. Use the lower right corner of the solid

in the top view as the origin.
Use the T shortcut to orient the

AccuDraw compass to the top view.
The coordinates will be -.62 for the X

and .76 for the Y axes.
Counterbore Hole Placed
13. Use the Blend Feature tool

to round the corner on the
upper right corner.
The radius will be .50

inches.
Round Created
14. Use the Chamfer Feature tool to create the chamfer.
Use the settings to set up the chamfer size.
Page 196
Chamfer Feature Settings
Chamfer Feature Tool
15. Click on the lower left corner to

pick the corner to be chamfered.
Chamfer Created
16. Click on the Measure Volume

tool.

volume.

Cubic Inches. Volume for Project #6
Page 197
Completed Solid
Page 198
Project #7 3D
Name: Gasket
Description: This project will use the extrusion method. Only the outside
shape will be extruded. The holes will be placed using the
Hole Feature tool. A new command, Array Feature tool will
also be covered.
Procedure:
Open Project #6 (3D).dgn.f2

Copy the outline only.
You will be using the Hole Feature tool to place the holes.
Exterior Shape Pasted

shape.
Extrude the shape .063 inches.
Shape Extruded
Page 199
4. Click on the Hole Feature tool.
Set the hole size to 3.19 diameter .

5. Pick the point shown as the
origin.
Place the circle 3.97 on the X

axis and .61 on the Y axis.
Hole Origin
6. With ending the command,

change the hole size to .355
diameter.
Place the hole 1.94 up from the

center of the large hole.
.355 Diameter Located
Page 200
7. Click to place the hole and then right-click to end the command.
Click on the Array Feature tool to place the other seven .355 holes.
Set up the settings for the Array as shown.
Array Settings
Array Feature Tool
8. Click on the center of the top hole

and drag the cursor down to the
center of the larger hole.
You will see a preview of the

location of the holes.
Hole Locations Previewed
Page 201
9. Click to accept the hole

array.
Holes are Arrayed
10. Next you will place the upper .602

diameter hole.
Set the origin to the center of the large

hole.
Place the hole 2.60 along the X axis and

1.545 on the Y axis. (The 1.545 dimension
came from 4.83/2 - .87)
.602 Hole Located
11. Click to accept the hole location.
Use the Mirror Feature tool to mirror the hole to the bottom corner of
the part.
Mirror Settings
Mirror Feature Tool
Page 202
12. Click on the top hole.
Drag the cursor down and snap at the

midpoint of the vertical line.
Click to accept the mirrored hole.
Mirrored Hole Location

Inches.
Completed Solid
Page 203
Project #8 3D
Name: Spline Shaft
Description: This project will use the primitive method. A cylinder will be
created and then a cut will be created to remove the material
for the splines. The Array Feature tool will also be used to
complete the model.
Procedure:

2. Begin by adding a cylinder to the project.
Use the Place Cylinder tool. Use the settings as shown.
Cylinder Settings
Place Cylinder Tool
3. Click a point in the front view

and drag to the right so that the
cylinder is aligned with the
views.
Cylinder Created
Page 204
4. Use Chamfer Feature to create a

.031 chamfer at both ends of the
cylinder.
Chamfer Created
5. Create a shape for the space in

between the splines. This shape will
be used for the cut.
Use the Right View when drawing the

shape.
The dimensions are for reference only.
Cut Shape
6. Convert the lines to a complex shape and

copy it so that it is concentric with the
right side of the cylinder.
Shape Copied
7. Use the Create Cut tool to create a cut

into the cylinder.
The distance is 1.500.
Cut Created
8. Use the Array Feature tool to create 12 cuts.
The delta angle will be 30 degrees.
Page 205
Array Settings
Cut Arrayed
9. Next you will create a solid from the original cut shape.
This will be used to create a rounded end to the cut.
Shape Setup Completed Shape
10. Create a complex shape and rotate it 15 degrees.
Complex Shape
Rotated
11. Use the Revolve Feature tool to create a cylindrical solid from the
shape.
Revolve Feature Settings
Revolve Feature Tool
Page 206
12. Click on the tool then click on the shape.
Snap at the upper corner of the shape.
Click again to accept the revolution.
Snap Point for Revolution

Shaded View of Revolved Shape
13. Rotate the cylinder -15 degrees so

that it is facing to the right.
Move the cylinder by snapping at the

midpoint of the bottom of the solid.
Snap to the midpoint of the gap

between the splines.
Revolved Shape Rotated and

Moved
14. In the right view move the solid

1.500 to the left.
Solid Moved 1.500 to the Left
Page 207
15. Use the Difference

Feature tool to
create the curved
end of the original
cut.
Material with be
removed where the Material Removed
two solids intersect. Intersecting Solids
16. Use the Array Feature to array

the new cut 12 times around
the edge of the part.
Use the same settings as the

other cut.
Point to Select the Cut Feature
17. Snap at the center of the end of the

part.
You will see a preview of the arrayed

feature.
Arrayed Feature Preview
18. The cut is arrayed.
Arrayed Cuts
Page 208
19. The last feature to be added will be the

threaded hole at the end of the part.
Use the settings to setup the hole.
Threaded Hole Settings

Inches.
Completed Solid
Page 209
Project #9 3D
Name: Angle Bracket
Description: This project will use the extrusion method. A shape will be
drawn and then extruded. An additional solid will be created
and unioned with the other solid. The Features task will be
used to add the holes, rounds, and fillets. This will be the
first project to have an auxiliary surface.
Procedure:

2. Since this is a metric drawing, change the working units from inches to
millimeters.
3. Begin by drawing the shape in the
top view.
You may also copy the elements

from the 2D version of the file.
Shape Dimensions

shape.
Extrude the shape 13.2

millimeters.
Shape Extruded
Page 210
5. In the right view, create the shape for the

rounded surface.
Rounded Shape
Dimensions
6. Convert the lines and arc to a

complex shape.
Move the shape to a point 24.2

millimeters from the upper right
corner of the base.
Shape Located
7. In the front view, rotate the shape

25 degrees to the left.
Shape Rotated
8. Use the Extrude Feature tool to

extrude the shape. To extrude at a
25 degree angle.
Use the Polar AccuDraw display. The

coordinate display can be change by
pressing the Spacebar while the Polar Coordinate Display
AccuDraw display is active.
Page 211
9. As the shape is
extruded, press the
Tab key to highlight
the angle display.
Type 25 to lock the

extrusion at 25
degrees.
Shape Extruded
10. Split the extrusion at the top

of the base surface.
Use the Cut Feature tool to

do this.
Draw a rectangular shape at

the top of the base
extrusion.
Rectangular Shape Added
11. After clicking on the tool, click on the

solid and then the rectangular shape.
Click away from the solid to accept the

cut.
Cut Feature Settings
12. The rectangular shape will

disappear and the solid will be
split where the shape
intersected the solid.
Delete the bottom half of the

extrusion.
Solid Split and Bottom Half Deleted
Page 212
13. Union the two solids together.

14. Use the Hole Feature tool to add
the hole through the part.
The diameter is 12.08

millimeters.
Hole Added
15. Round the two corners on the left

side at a radius of 10 millimeters.
Corners Rounded
16. Add the two holes concentric to

the rounds. The hole diameters
are 8.88 millimeters.
Holes Added
17. Round the two corners as shown.
The radius is 2 millimeters.
Corners Rounded
Page 213
18. Round the top corner of the

outside edge. Do not round
the right edge of the part.
Outside Edge Rounded
19. Fillet the inside corner where

the rounded portion of the
part intersects with the base.
Inside Corner Filleted

volume.

Cubic Millimeters.
Completed Solid
Page 214
Project #10 3D
Name: Cover Plate
Description: The procedure will show the method for creating the project
without using the 2D file information. This will give the
student practice using the AccuDraw coordinate key-in to
add the holes. This will also give added functionality to the
part by allowing the features to be modified after placement.
Procedure:

2. Continue to use the working units for a metric drawing.
3. Begin by drawing the solid for the outside of
the part in the front view.
Use the Slab Feature tool to place the solid.
Slab Dimensions
4. When placing the slab orient it so that the

length is horizontal in the front view, the
width is vertical in the top view, and the
height is vertical in the front view.
Isometric View of Slab
5. Add the holes in the isometric view.
When selecting the solid, snap to the origin

of the dimensions at the lower left corner.
Set the direction of the AccuDraw compass

to a front orientation.
The first hole diameter is 16.60, the X axis

First Hole Placed
location is 23.6, and the Y axis is 24.8.
Page 215
6. Continue with the other three holes. You

will need to reset the origin at the lower
left corner of the part.
Holes Placed
7. Use the Place Block tool to locate the

shape of the rectangle.
The lower left corner of the shape will be

at 86.4, 12.0 and the upper right corner
will be at 101.5, 36.5.
Upper Right Corner of

Shape Placed
8. Use the Cut Feature tool to cut the solid

at the shape location.
Cut Created
9. Place the lower left circle of the array.
The hole diameter is 7.6. The location of

the hole is at 14.83, 76.06.
Hole Located
Page 216
10. After placing the

hole, use the Array
Feature tool to
array the holes.
This completes the

solid.
Array Settings Array Placed

Cubic Millimeters.
Completed Solid
Page 217
Project #11b 3D
Name: Weldment
Filename: Initial Project #11b (3D).dgn
Description: This project will show the student the method to create a
three dimensional version of the weldment completed in
Project #12. The parts will be created separately and then
assembled within the file.
Procedure:
Save the file as: Project #11b (3D).dgn

2. Delete the objects that came with the Project #8 file.
Continue to use the working units for an imperial units drawing.

3. Draw the solids in the Right Isometric
View.
Begin by creating the base slab. The

slab will be added in the top view.
The dimensions are 4.13 long, 4.67

wide, and .25 high. Slab Dimensions
4. Draw a shape for the next part using

the dimensions from the 2D version.
Shape Created
5. Extrude the shape .25 inches.
Make sure the AccuDraw compass is

aligned to Top orientation.
After extruding, move the shape to the

upper corner of the base slab.
Shape Extruded and Moved
Page 218
6. Add a cylinder at a radius of .625

inches and a height of 1.25. Set the
axis to Design Z.
Cylinder Settings
7. Using the Move tool, snap to the top

center of the cylinder.
Move the cylinder to the lower left

corner of the base slab.
Cylinder Moved
8. Select the cylinder and move it once

more to the following location:
X = 1.100, Y = 1.07, and Z = 0.46
Cylinder Moved to Final

Location
9. Draw a circle at the top of the cylinder. This shape will be used to
create a cut through the base slab.
10. Click the Create Cut tool.
Select the base slab and then the

circle shape. Click to accept the cut.
You will see additional hidden lines

indicating the cut.
Cut Created
Page 219
11. Click the Hole Feature tool.
Set the hole size to .75 diameter.

Place the hole at the center of the
cylinder.
Hole Created
12. Next you will add the studs.
In the front view, draw the following

shape.
The grooves represent a simplified

version of the helical thread. The
distance from one groove to the next
is .0769 inches. This come from the
thread pitch which is 1/13 inch or 13
threads per inch.
The thread is 1.00 inches long which

equals approximately 12 grooves
due to the chamfer at the beginning
of the thread.
Profile of Stud
13. When drawing the V grooves, use

the Construct Array tool. Use the
settings for the array.
Array Settings
Page 220
14. Convert the lines to a complex shape.
Lines Converted to a Complex

Shape
15. Click on the Revolve Feature tool in

the Feature Modeling task.
16. Set the Revolve Feature tool to the

following settings.
Revolve Features Settings
17. Pick the shape at the lower left corner.
Drag the cursor to the lower right

corner.
You will see the shape revolve to form

the cylindrical shape.
Click to accept the revolve.
Shape Revolved
Page 221
18. Snap to the bottom center of

the stud and move it to the
bottom left corner of the base
slab.
Stud Moved
19. Move the stud to the final

location.
The X axis distance will be 3.67

and the Y axis distance will be
.69.
Stud Moved to Final Location
20. Copy the stud two times. The

distance between the copies
1.25 inches.
Studs Copied
21. Draw the profile for the last part of the weldment. Refer to the
dimension of the detail view of Part A.
Draw the profile in the right view.

22. Convert to a complex shape and extrude .25
inches.
Shape Extruded
Page 222
23. Move the shape to the corner of the

intersection of the base slab and the rear
vertical slab.
When moving the extrusion, set the origin to

the rear bottom corner.
Snap the origin to the lower corner of the

solid first, drag out to the right and hit the
Enter key to lock the access.
Click the O shortcut again to move the

origin to the new location. Setting Up the Origin
24. Move the extrusion a second time.
The distance is .86 inches to the right.
Solid Moved to Final

Location
25. Add the slab for the existing part. The

dimensions are the same as the base
slab.
Position the slab under the base so that

it overlaps 1.56 inches.
Slab Positioned
26. To measure the volume,

copy the parts and then use
the Union Feature tool to
union the parts together.
Weldment Copied and Unioned
Page 223
Click on the union version of the

weldment to check the volume.

Cubic Inches.
28. The solid is

finished.
Weldment Completed
Page 224
Part Three
Robotic Gripper
Project
Page 225
Robotic Gripper Project

This is the Robotic Gripper project. The project consists of parts from a
Robotic end effector. Unlike the Initial Projects, these parts will be drawn
in 3D first and then the program will be used to create the parts as 2D
orthographic views within the same file. The individual parts will be
contained in separate files and then referenced into an assembly file.
Procedures will be given for the 3D and 2D drawings.
This project will utilize a special type of dimensioning called Geometrical

Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT). These symbols will be used to
communicate the design intent and allow the parts to fit together by
describing the relationship between features. These symbols also are
used to indicate the method of inspecting the parts after machining. The
use of these symbols does not require the knowledge of inspection
procedures and further description of the symbols will be provided in the
tutorial videos available on the book website.
Please Note: The original sketches for this project were provided by Professor
Cortland C. Doan, Department of Technology, Cal State Los Angeles.
Name: Robotic Gripper Assembly
Filenames: See chart below.
Part Name Filename

Gripper Finger (3D and 2D Drawings) Gripper-1
Slide Block (3D and 2D Drawings) Gripper-2
Pivot Block (3D and 2D Drawings) Gripper-3
Cam Follower (3D Only) Gripper-4
Shoulder Bolt (3D Only) Gripper-5
Air Cylinder (3D Only) Gripper-6
Air Cylinder (3D Only Cylinder Extended) Gripper-6a
.250-28 Nut (3D Only) Gripper-7
Assorted Parts (2D Only)
Gripper-8
Cam Follower, Shoulder Bolt, Air Cylinder
Gripper Assembly (3D and 2D Drawings)
3D Non-Exploded and 3D Exploded Assemblies
Gripper-Assm
2D Isometric Assembly with Parts List and Assembly
Instructions
Page 226
Gripper-1 Gripper Finger

Name: Gripper Finger
Filename: Gripper-1.dgn
Description: This is the first part of the Gripper Assembly. Since the part
has a uniform thickness, you will create the shape in the top
view and then extrude it to the correct thickness. The hole
will be added as a separate feature after the extrusion is
created.
Procedure:
1. Begin by using the 3D version of Initial Project #8 as the template file.
Open Initial Project #8 (3D).dgn and save the file as: Gripper-1.dgn.
2. Delete the elements from
the file. Begin by drawing
the outside shape of the part
in the top view. Use the
drawing as an example for
the sizes.
Exterior Shape Dimensions
3. Extrude the shape .375

inches.
Extruded Shape
4. Add a hole at .250 diameter

using the Place Hole tool.
Hole Placed
Page 227
5. Draw the shape for the slot

and convert to a complex
shape.
Use the Cut Feature tool to

create a cut through the
solid.
Cut Created and Part Completed
6. This completes the part. The volume should be .5649 cubic inches.
Setting up the 2D Views
1. Create a new sheet view
using the Models tool.
Name the view
Orthographic.
When creating the sheet

view use the Sheet type
and uncheck the Display
Sheet Boundary checkbox.
These settings will be used

for the other Gripper sheet
views as well.
Create Model Dialog Settings
Page 228
2. Reference the B-Size

Border, Revision Block,
Application Block, and
Title Block Text files.
You will need to click the

OK button for each file.
Note:
Your file locations may be
different.
Files Selected for Referencing
3. After referencing the files, merge the Title Block text file into the
Gripper-1 file.
Files Referenced
Title Block Information

The Border contains some additional elements that were not included in the
Initial Projects files.
The Revision Block is used to document any changes that occur to the
design. The changes are listed in the revision block. The change is located
based on the zone of the drawing, the revision letter, a short description of
the change, the date the change occurred, and the initials of the person
that approved the change.
The Application Block is used to indicate the part number of the next
assembly that the part will be used in. For this project the Part number of
the assembly is 2600. The used on area is used for assemblies that are
sub-assemblies of other assemblies. This part of the application block will
not be used for this project.
Page 229
4. Fill out the title block text for the project.
Title Block Text
5. Use the References tool to

reference the front, top, and
isometric views. Rename the
Logical names to match the views.
Views Referenced
6. After the views are referenced, set the Visible Edge settings to Legacy.
The Presentation setting may automatically change to True Hidden

Line.
This is a different setting than was used for the Initial Project 3D
settings.
Presentation and Visible Edge Settings
7. Click on the first Legacy setting.
Make the following changes as shown.
Begin by clicking on the Visible Edge Settings icon next to the Legacy
pulldown.
Page 230
Visible Edge Settings Icon
8. The Hidden Line Settings dialog box will open. Make the following
changes to the General, Hidden, and Visible tabs.
Note:
The Remove Smooth Edges setting may be turned off and on
depending on the result desired. This setting is used when displaying a
rounded corner as visible edges.
General Tab Settings
9. Make the following changes to the Hidden Edge Overrides.
Later you may wish to change the Style to the Hidden linestyle.
Hidden Edge Overrides
Page 231
10. Make the following changes to the Visible Edge Overrides.
The reason for these changes is so you can have a different color for
the solid and the 2D views.
Visible Edge Overrides
11. Your views should now look like this.
Depending on the desired results, you may wish to merge the views
into the file and change the lines individually.
You will do this for the Isometric View.
Views Changed to Hidden Line
12. Merge the Isometric view into the master file using the Merge Into
Master tool.
Change the interior edges from the Object Line level to the Inside
Edges level. You will need to create this level. The color, style, and
lineweight to 0 (zero).
Page 232
Inside Edges Level Settings
13. When changing the element attributes,

you may need to use the Change
Element Attributes tool.
Make the following changes to the

dialog box.
Change Attributes Settings
14. The isometric view should look

like this when finished with
the changes.
Isometric View
Page 233

1. The process to dimension
the views is similar to the
method used for the Initial
Projects.
You will need to create new

dimension styles from the
original styles.
New Dimension Styles
2. The first two styles will have the Frame

turned on.
This setting is located in the Text tab.
Text Frame Setting
3. The Mech Term Inside and Outside

styles will be the same as the Mech 1-1
style used for the Initial Projects.
The only change will be the Accuracy

setting in the Primary Units area located in
the Units tab.
Primary Units Setting
4. The Mech Tolerance Inside and Outside

styles will also be the same as the Mech 1-
1 style.
The only change will be to enable the

Tolerances in the Geometry tab. Use the
example to setup the settings.
Tolerance Settings
The reason that the Upper and Lower
settings are different from one another is
so that the values can be changed after the
dimension is placed.
Page 234
5. Place the linear dimensions first.
The dimensions that have the

framed text are referred to as
Basic Dimensions.
These dimensions are not to be

toleranced. Instead the locations
and sizes are controlled by the
symbols in the Feature Control
Frames.
Framed Dimensions
6. To add the toleranced dimensions

use the toleranced dimension
styles created earlier.
After placing the dimension,

double-click on the top +
dimension and change it to +.002.
Change the bottom value to -.001. Tolerance Dimension
You will also need to add the
diameter symbol in front of the
.250 value.
7. To add the feature
control frame, use
the Geometric
Tolerance tool in Feature Control Frame
the Dimensions
toolbox.
Geometric Tolerance Tool
Page 235
8. The Geometric Tolerance dialog box opens along with the Text Editor
box.
The font that is used for the feature control frame is Font #101. Each
symbol uses a lowercase letter.
Click in each of the boxes for the symbols. You will also need to add the
beginning, separators, and end of the frame.
In the Place Note dialog box, select the Place Callout tool. The symbol
used in the frame is called the Position symbol. The M in the circle is
the Most Material Condition symbol. The letters A, B, and C indicate the
datum surfaces that the feature is measured from.
Text Editor Box
Geometric Tolerance Dialog Place Note Dialog
9. The feature control frame is attached

to the cursor. Float the frame below
the tolerance dimension. Place the
other frames the same way.
Framed Placed
10. To place the Datum symbol. Use the

Geometric Tolerance tool and Font #101.
Datum B
Page 236
11. Add two lines and the triangle. Use the

example for sizes. The triangle will be
hatched with 45 degree angle lines
spaced at .005 inches.
Datum Feature Triangle

Size
12. Position the Datum Triangles as

shown in the drawing.
Datum Triangle Placed
13. When placing the feature control

frames that are attached to
leaders, create the frame separate
from the leader and arrowhead.
Frame with Leader Line
Page 237
14. Complete the remaining dimensions for the front and top views.
Front and Top Views Dimensioned
15. Add the note below the

Isometric View.
The words ISOMETRIC VIEW

is .1875 high and SCALE 1:1
is.125 high.
Labeled Isometric View
16. The drawing is completed. Save the drawing and print if desired.
Page 238
About 3D Isometric Views

Even though the isometric view was inserted at full scale, the view is not at
the correct size. The view is still in 3D although the views are 2D. If you
were to measure the length of the part when it is a 3D view added at full
scale, the actual length is 3.312 but the projected length is 2.7042. To
compensate for this, scale the isometric view to 1.2247 of size.
The graphic below shows a one inch cube that was converted from 3D to
2D. When the line dimensioned at 1.000 was measured after the cube was
converted it changed to .8165. After scaling the view to 1.2247 the
measurement was 1.000.
One Inch Cube Before and After Scaling
Measured Distance
3D Wireframe and
Scaled 2D Isometric View
Page 239
Page 240
Gripper-2 Slide Block

Name: Slide Block
Description: This is the second part of the Gripper Assembly. You will use
the extrusion method for the outside shape of the part and
then add the holes using the Hole Feature tool.
Procedure:
1. Begin by using the previous gripper drawing as the template file.
Open Gripper-1.dgn and save the file as: Gripper-2.dgn.

2. Delete the elements from
the file. Begin by drawing
the outside shape of the
part in the front view.
Use the drawing as an
example for the sizes.
Extruded Shape
4. Add the threaded hole on the front of

the part. Use these settings for the hole
size.
Threaded Hole Size
Page 241
5. Add the two counterbored holes on the

top sides of the part. Use these settings
for the hole size.
Counterbored Hole Size
6. Create the rounded cut on the front face of the solid.
Draw a 1.500 diameter circle. Use the Edge method.
Snap on the upper right corner first and then the upper left corner.
Orient the AccuDraw compass to the top orientation.
Circle Added
Page 242
7. Use the Cut

Feature tool to
create a cut
through the
part.
Cut Created
8. This completes
the solid.
The volume
should be .7092
cubic inches.
Completed Solid
Setting up the 2D Views and Dimensioning the Drawing

1. Since you used the previous gripper drawing as the template file, you
will not need to create a sheet view.
2. Detach the views that were created in the Gripper-1 drawing. Do not
delete the dimensions.
Do not detach the B-Size Border, Application Block, and Revision Block
files. Since the drawing is at 2:1 scale, you will reduce the scale of the
reference files to .5000 of size.
Scale the title block text to half size. Use the Scale tool to scale the
elements.
Page 243
3. Reference in the views as in the previous project.
The front and top views will be scaled to 1:1.
The isometric view will be scaled to 1.2247: 2.0000. The scale in the
References dialog box will automatically change to 1.000000:1.633053.
Referenced Views
4. Convert the views to hidden line style. Use the same settings as the
Gripper-1 drawing.
5. Merge the views into the master file. Update the linestyle to ( Hidden ).
You will also need to change the Scale factor of the linestyle to .5000.
6. Modify the dimension styles as
shown.
Change the text size for all of

the dimension styles from .1250
to .0625.
Modified Dimension Styles
Title Block Text
Page 244
8. When creating the broken-out section in the front view, use 45 degree
angle lines at .0625 spacing.
To add the symbols for the counterbore note use the following
lowercase letters for the symbols:
n = Diameter Symbol (n)

w = Depth Symbol (x)
v = Countersink Symbol (w)
u = Counterbore Symbol (v)
Page 245
Page 246
Gripper-3 Pivot Block

Name: Pivot Block
Description: This is the third part of the Gripper Assembly. The procedure
will be similar to the previous two projects.
Procedure:
1. Begin by using the Gripper-1 drawing as the template file.

2. Delete the elements from the
file. Begin by drawing the
outside shape of the part in the
front view. Use the drawing as
an example for the sizes.
Extruded Shape
4. Add the threaded hole on the front of

the part. Use these settings for the hole
size.
Threaded Hole Size
Page 247
5. Add the two counterbored holes on the top sides of the part. Use these
settings for the hole size.
Since there are two sets of holes, you will need to drill tow different
holes on each side of the part. You can also draw one set and use the
Mirror Feature tool to create the other set
Top Hole Size Bottom Hole Size

solid.
The volume should

be 1.2303 cubic
inches.
Completed Solid
Setting up the 2D Views and Dimensioning the Drawing

1. As before, since you used the Gripper-1 drawing as the template file,
you will not need to create a sheet view.
2. Detach the views that were created in the Gripper-1 drawing. Do not
delete the dimensions.
Do not detach the B-Size Border, Application Block, and Revision Block
files.
Page 248
3. Reference in the
views as in the
previous project.
The front and top

views will be scaled
to 1:1.
The isometric view

will be scaled to
1.2247: 1.0000.
Referenced Views
4. Convert the views to hidden line style. Use the same settings as the
Gripper-1 drawing.
5. Merge the views into the master file. Update the linestyle to ( Hidden ).
6. Use the dimension styles
from the Gripper-1 file.
You will not need to make

any changes to the styles
Dimension Styles
Title Block Text
Page 249
8. To complete the Isometric view, you will need to merge the view into
master.
To create the threads for the center hole:
Delete the outer circle and the associated hidden lines.
Before After
9. Change the inner arc to the dimension

level.
The arc may be in three segments.
Arc Attributes Changed
10. Snap a line at 150 degrees from the

endpoint of one of the arcs.
Line Snapped
11. Array the lower left arc along the line using
the Construct Array tool.
Use the following settings for the array.
Array Settings
Page 250
12. Pick the lower right arc as

the element to array, then
pick the 150 degree line as
the path to array. The
copies will be previewed,
click the mouse to accept
the array.
Arrayed Previewed Arc Arrayed
13. Trim and extend the arcs as

shown.
Change the inner edges to the

Dimension level.
Change the hidden lines to the

(Hidden) level.
This completes the Isometric view.
Completed Isometric View
14. When creating the broken-out section in the front view, use 45 degree
angle lines at .125 spacing.
Page 251
Page 252
Page 253
Gripper-4 Cam Follower

Name: Cam Follower
Description: This is the forth part of the Gripper Assembly. This procedure
will only cover the 3D portion of the part. The 2D views will
be created as part of the Gripper-8 file. The dimensions of
this part came from the catalog page from the Torrington
catalog. This company is currently owned by the JTEKT
Corporation.
Procedure:

2. Delete the elements from the file. Begin by drawing the outside shape of
the part in the front view. Use the drawing as an example for the sizes.
The V Grooves on the right are used to simulate the exterior threads on
the part.
3. Convert the lines to a complex shape.
Click on the Revolve Feature tool.
Set the tool to the settings as shown.
Page 254
Revolve Feature Settings
4. To create the revolution, snap on

the upper left corner of the profile.
Snap the second point on the

corner at the centerline of the part.
5. After creating the revolution, add a

chamfered corner at the both ends
of the larger cylinder.
The size of the fillet will be a .0313

radius.
Fillets Added
6. The last feature will be the

hexagon shaped hole at the end of
the part.
The size of the hexagon will be

.125 inches across flats. The depth
of the cut is .1720 inches.
Cut Created
Page 255
7. This completes the solid.
The volume should be .0769

cubic inches.
Completed Solid
Page 256
Gripper-5 Shoulder Bolt

Name: Shoulder Bolt
Description: This is the fifth part of the Gripper Assembly. This procedure
be created as part of the Gripper-8 file. Shoulder bolts come
in standard sizes and are made by a wide variety of
manufacturers. The shoulder bolts for this project are
supplied by the Smith Fastener Company. The data sheet is
on the book website.
Procedure:

2. Delete the elements from the file. Begin by drawing the outside shape
of the part in the front view. Use the drawing as an example for the
sizes.
As with the Cam Follower, the V Grooves on the left are used to
simulate the exterior threads on the part.
3. Convert the lines to a complex shape. Use the Revolve Feature tool to
create the solid.
4. Use the same settings for the
revolution as with the previous
part.
To create the revolution, snap

on the upper left corner of the
profile.
Snap to the second point on the

corner at the centerline of the
part. Snap Point for Revolution
Page 257
5. After creating the revolution, add a

chamfered corner at the end of the larger
cylinder.
The size of the chamfer will be .0313 x 45

degrees.
Chamfer Added
6. The last feature will be the hexagon

shaped hole at the end of the part.
The size of the hexagon will be .125

inches across flats. The depth of the cut
is .0935 inches.
Cut Created

solid.
The volume should

be .0578 cubic
inches.
Completed Solid
Page 258
Gripper-6 Air Cylinder

Name: Air Cylinder
Filename: Gripper-6.dgn and Gripper-6a.dgn
Description: This is the sixth part of the Gripper Assembly. This procedure
be created as part of the Gripper-8 file. You will create two
versions of the air cylinder, one with the piston extended and
the other with it retracted. By doing this you will be able
create two models of the assembly, one with the fingers
open and one with them closed.
The manufacturer of the air cylinder is Bimba Manufacturing.

You will use a 2D CAD drawing downloaded originally from
their website to use for the profile to be revolved. The file is
also available on the book website along with the data sheet.
Procedure:

2. Delete the elements from the file.
Begin by importing the 2D CAD file. The import command is in the File
menu. Select the file from the website. The filename of the file to
import is: 041-D_AUTOCAD_VERSION_14.dwg.
You will need to fit the view to see the downloaded file.
The file will come with six standard views of the air cylinder.
FFile to Import
File, Import, CAD Files
Command
Page 259
Downloaded 2D AutoCAD File of Profile

(Example is shown in monochrome and thin lines.)
3. Use the Drop Element tool to drop the

collection of views to their individual
views. Drop the front view again to its
individual elements. Delete the
remaining views. Drop Element Tool in Main
Task
4. Create a profile for revolution. Use the example to delete the

appropriate lines. You will also need to create the V-grooves to
simulate the threads.
Final Profile for Revolution
Dimensions for Threaded Portion
Page 260
5. Convert the lines to a complex shape. Use the Revolve Feature tool to
create the solid.
6. Use the same
settings for the
revolution as with
the previous part.
To create the
revolution, snap on
the upper left corner
of the profile.
Snap to the second

point on the corner
at the centerline of
the part.
7. Add the two holes to the solid. Use the

settings for the holes. Both holes will
be at the same size.
Hole Settings for Pipe Thread
8. The first hole will be placed in the front view. The distance will be 0.97
from the edge of the larger threaded portion.
The second hole with be placed in the isometric view. You will need to
rotate the view to expose the right end of the cylinder. The hole will be
placed at the center of the end.
First Hole Location Second Hole Location
Page 261
9. The last features will be the two

flats at the right end of the
cylinder. The horizontal distance is
.188 and the vertical distance is
.0937.
The shape will be placed at the top

corner of the cylindrical end.
Copy the shape to the lower right

corner.
Shapes Located
10. Use the Cut Feature tool to create

the two cuts.
Check the Both Directions

checkbox so that the cut will be
made out from the shape.
Cut Feature Settings Cuts Created
11. This completes the solid for

the first version of the Air
Cylinder.

cubic inches.
Note:
Your volume may be slightly
different.
Completed Solid
Page 262
Creating the Extended Version of the Air Cylinder

1. Save the file.
2. Save the file again as Gripper-6a.
3. Draw a rectangular shape. Align the
shape to the front orientation using
the AccuDraw compass.
The size of the shape is not important

as long as it is larger than the smaller
diameter.
This will be used to split the solid.

Locate the edge of the shape where
the smaller and larger threaded
cylinders meet.
Shape Positioned
4. Use the Cut Feature tool to split the

solid. Set the Cut Method to Split Solid
and check the Both Directions
checkbox.
Cut Direction Preview
5. The smaller diameter is now

separate from the rest of the
solid.
Move the solid 1.000 inch to

the left.
Smaller Diameter Moved
Page 263
6. Create a cylindrical solid at the

following dimensions and axis.
Cylinder Settings
7. Place the cylinder between the

two other solids.
Cylinder Placed
8. Union the three solids together using the Union Feature tool.
9. This completes the solid
for the second version of
the Air Cylinder.
The volume should be

1.9299 cubic inches.
Note:
Your volume may be
slightly different.
Completed Solid
Page 264
Gripper-7 .250-28 Nut

Name: .250-28 Nut
Description: This is the seventh part of the Gripper Assembly. This

procedure will only cover the 3D portion of the part. This part
will only be shown as a portion of the 3D and 2D assembly
files, it will not be included in the Gripper-8 file. As with the
shoulder bolt, nuts come in standard sizes and are made by a
wide variety of manufacturers. The size for the nut used in the
project comes from sources found on most supplier websites.
Procedure:

Create a hexagon used the settings. The radius of the hexagon is .2190.
The method is Circumscribed. This will create the hex with the distance
across the flats.
Hex Settings Hex Size
3. Extrude the shape to .2180 inches.
Shape Extruded
Page 265
4. Create a profile for the hole. Use the

same method as you did for the end of
the air cylinder.
Use the dimensions for the size of the

profile.
Profile for the Hole
5. Revolve the profile.
Profile Revolved
6. Place the solid so that it intersects with

the hexagonal solid. The solids will be
concentric with one another.
Draw a line from one corner of the

hexagon to the opposite corner. This
will help place the revolved solid at the
midpoint of the face.
Solid Placed
7. Delete the line.
Use the Difference Feature tool to

create the hole.
Threaded Hole Created
Page 266
8. The last feature will be the two

chamfered edges.
Since there is no tool to do this,

you will create an intersecting
solid and remove the material
with the Difference Feature tool.
Draw a profile with a 30 degree

angle as the cutting face.
Profile Shape
9. Place the shape at the top left

corner of the hexagon solid.
Snap at the midpoint of the

shape and then place at the
midpoint of the corner.
Shape Placed
10. Revolve the shape 360 degrees.
Set the revolve axis to

Horizontal.
Use the center of the hexagon as

the center of the revolve.
Shape Revolved
11. Mirror the revolved shape to the

other side of the hexagon solid.
Revolved Solid Mirrored
Page 267
12. Use the Difference Feature tool to

create the chamfered edges.
This completes the solid.
The volume should be .0277 cubic

inches.
Note:
Your volume may be slightly
different.
Completed Solid
Page 268
Gripper-8 Assorted Parts

Name: Assorted Parts
Description: Now that you have completed the 3D solids of the remaining
parts, you will now create 2D views with dimensions of three
of the parts. These parts are purchased so the dimensions
shown will not be toleranced and are for reference only.
Procedure:

2. Delete the elements from the file. Unlike the first three gripper
drawings, you will reference the views from different files.
For this file you will reference views from Gripper files 4-6.
3. Open the Orthographic Views sheet view. The B-Size Border, Revision
Block, and Application Block files are already referenced.
Modify the title block text as shown.
Title Block Text
4. Reference in the Gripper-4

(Cam Follower) drawing first.
Place the front view first and
then fold the left view.
Locate the views in the upper

left region of the border. Cam Follower Views Placed

(Shoulder Bolt) drawing next.
then fold the right view.
Locate the views in the upper Shoulder Bolt Views Placed

right region of the border.
Page 269

(Air Cylinder) drawing last.
then fold the left view.
Air Cylinder Views Placed
Locate the views in the lower
middle region of the border.
7. Merge the views from all three parts into the master file.
Views Placed and Merged into the File

1. Begin by dimensioning the views for the Cam Follower.
Use the example for the placement of the dimensions.
Cam Follower Dimensions
2. You will also need to place a View Label.
This shows the name of the part, manufacturer and mfg. number,
drawing part number, and the number required for each assembly.
Create a text style for the name of the part. Use .1875 for the text
height and turn on the underline with the offset set to .33.
Note:
Refer to Step #20 of Project #1 for the process to set up a text style.
Page 270
View Label
3. Add the dimensions and view label for the Shoulder Bolt.
4. Add the dimensions and view label for the Air Cylinder.
5. For the Air Cylinder you will need to modify the tolerance dimension
style.
Open the Dimension Styles dialog box.
Click on the Mech 1-1 Tolerance Inside style. In the Geometry tab,
change the Tolerance type to Limit.
Page 271
Tolerance Type Changed to Limit
Page 272
Page 273
Gripper-Assm Gripper Assembly

Name: Gripper Assembly
Filename: Gripper-Assm.dgn
Description: This is the last project of the book. In this file you will
assemble the individual parts of the Gripper Assembly. The
Reference tool will be used to assembly the file. After the
parts are referenced, you will create three different model
views showing different configurations of the assembly.
Procedure:
Open Gripper-8.dgn and save the file as: Gripper-Assm.dgn.

3. Open the Default Model view. Reference the Gripper-3 (Pivot Block) file
first. This will be the base part. The other parts will be located in
relation to this part. The first version that will create will be the
exploded version.
4. Rotate View 2 to a Right Isometric orientation and fit the object in all
four views.
5. As each part is referenced into the assembly file, you will activate each
part and change the color of each part. This will make it easier to view
each individual part.
Use this guide for the colors of the parts:

Filename Part Name Color
Gripper-1 Gripper Finger 3 (Red)
Gripper-2 Slide Block 4 (Yellow)
Gripper-3 Pivot Block 7 (Cyan)
Gripper-4 Cam Follower 2 (Green)
Gripper-5 Shoulder Bolt 13 (Purple)
Gripper-6 Air Cylinder 10 (Crimson)
Gripper-7 .250-28 Nut 14 (Gray)
6. In the Reference dialog box, right-click on the file and select the
Activate option.
This will activate the file to allow changes.
Change the color of the part to 7 (Cyan). This will also change the color
of the solid in the original file.
Page 274
Activate Command
7. Right-click on the file and select the Deactivate option. This will return
control to the assembly file.
8. Reference in the Gripper-6 (Air Cylinder) file next.
Fit the parts into the view.
Activate the file and change the color to 10.
If the parts are far away from one another, move the Air Cylinder close
to the Pivot Block. Use the Move Reference File tool to move the file.
Move Reference File Tool
9. The Air Cylinder is not oriented properly.
Use the Rotate Reference tool to rotate the file 90 degrees to the left.
Rotate the AccuDraw compass to a top orientation so that the part

rotates along the Z axis.
Page 275
Rotate Reference File Tool

Rotate Reference Settings
Parts Rotated with the Air Cylinder Selected
10. Draw a horizontal line from the

center hole on the Pivot Block.
Extend the line to the rear of the
part.
Align the AccuDraw compass to

the top orientation when drawing
the line.
Move the Air Cylinder to align the

center to the end of the line.
Pivot Block and Air Cylinder
Aligned
Page 276
11. Attach Gripper-5 (Shoulder Bolt) next.
Draw a vertical line from the top center

of the counterbored hole.
Align the AccuDraw compass to the

front orientation. Set the Z axis of the
rotation to 90 degrees.
Shoulder Bolt Aligned
12. Use the Copy Reference tool to copy the

Shoulder Bolt above the other hole.
Copy Reference Tool
Shoulder Bolt Copied
13. Draw two additional lines from the front

of the Pivot Block.
Page 277
14. Add the Gripper-7 (.250-28 Nut) file

and align with the center of the Pivot
block hole. You shouldnt need to
rotate the part.
Nut Aligned
15. Add the Gripper-2 (Slide Block) file

and place at the end of the line at the
bottom of the assembly.
Slide Block Aligned
16. Draw two sets of lines

from the vertical holes
of the Slide Block. Use
the PDF example of
the exploded
assembly to estimate
the lengths of the
lines.
Attach the Gripper-4

(Cam Follower) file.
Rotate the part and
move into position.
Copy the reference file

to the end of the
other line.
Cam Followers Attached and Aligned
Page 278
17. Attach the Gripper-1 (Gripper Finger) file. Align the files as shown.
Create a copy of the file and use the Mirror Reference tool to mirror the
part.
Mirror Reference Tool
Gripper Finger Added and Aligned
18. In the References dialog box, enter the Logical names for the
referenced files as shown.
Logical Names Added
Page 279
19. This completes the Exploded

Assembly.
Open the Models dialog box and

rename the view Exploded
View.
Model View Renamed
Completed Exploded Assembly
Creating the Non Exploded Version of the Assembly

In these steps you will create an additional version of the assembly. This
version will show the assembly in a non-exploded state with the cylinder
retracted and the fingers open.
1. Click on the Models tool.
Select the Exploded View and copy

it.
Name the new Model view

Assembled Cylinder Retracted.
Copied Model View
Page 280
2. This will create a duplicate of the Exploded Assembly.
Delete the lines that were used to line up the parts for the exploded
version of the assembly.
You will modify the assembly by moving the reference files to their
assembled locations.
3. Begin by moving the Air Cylinder
into the Pivot Block. You will also
Use the center snap mode to move

the cylinder so that it remains
concentric with the large hole in the
Pivot Block.
As before the Pivot Block will be the

base part. All other parts will be
moved in relation to this part.
Air Cylinder Moved
4. Move the .250-28 Nut

to the end of the
threaded portion of the
Air Cylinder. Turn off
the Pivot Block Pivot Block Display Checkmark
temporarily to help
locating the nut.
To turn off the Pivot

Block, uncheck the
Display checkmark in
the References dialog
box.
Nut Located
Page 281
5. Move the Slide Block to the

other end of the Nut.
Slide Block Located
6. Turn the Pivot Block

back on.
Position the Gripper

Fingers.
Use the .250 holes

to align them with
the Pivot Block
holes.
Gripper Fingers Located
Page 282
7. Move the Shoulder

Bolts into position.
Align the bolts with

the holes with the
two holes in the
Pivot Block.
Shoulder Bolts Located
8. Move the Cam

Followers into
position.
Align the Cam

Followers with the
holes in the Slide
Block.
The Cam Followers

will overlap with the
Gripper Fingers.
Note:
The Cam Followers
are used to move
the Gripper Fingers
to open and close. Cam Followers Positioned
Page 283
9. Rotate to view to the Top

orientation.
View Rotated
10. Measure the angle of rotation using the

Place Line tool.
Snap a line from the center of the

Shoulder Bolt to the center of the Cam
Follower.
Line Snapped
11. Use the Information tool to

measure the angle of the
line in the top view.
Select the line and then

click the Information tool
in the Primary Tools
toolbox.
Angle of Line
Page 284
12. Subtract the angle from 270 degrees to

find the angle to rotate the Gripper finger.
The rotation angle will be 7.0695. Your

angle may be slightly different depending
on the location of the two parts.
Rotate the left Gripper Finger in a negative

direction. Use the center of the Shoulder
Bolt as the point to rotate the reference file
about.
Gripper Finger Rotated

Rotate Reference Settings
13. Repeat the process for the right Gripper Finger. Rotate the part in a
positive direction.
14. Both Gripper Fingers are now
rotated.
Delete the line added to check the

rotation.
This finishes this version of the

Gripper Assembly.
Both Gripper Fingers Rotated
Page 285
View Completed
Creating the Extended Version of the Assembly

In these steps you will create a third version of the assembly. This version
will show the assembly with the air cylinder extended and the fingers
closed. You will also add in a solid that will represent a gripped cylinder.
1. Click on the Models tool.
Select the Assembled Cylinder

Retracted View and copy it.
Name the new Model view

Assembled Cylinder Extended.
Copied Model View
Page 286
2. Open the
References
dialog box.
Select the Slide

Block, both
Cam Followers,
and the .250-28
Nut.
Reference Files Selected
3. Move the three parts

1.00 away from the other
parts.
The parts may be moved

in the right isometric
view. When moving,
make sure the AccuDraw
is set to top orientation.
Parts Moved
4. Rotate the view to the top view.
Top View
5. Measure the angle between the Shoulder Bolt and the Cam Follower.
Page 287
6. This time the angle

will be less than in the
previous version.
Subtract the angle

from 270 degrees.
The angle should be

2.8051 degrees. Angle of Line
7. When rotating the right Gripper Finger

you will need to subtract the 2.8051
angle from the original angle of 7.0695.
This will leave a rotation of 4.2644.
Rotate the left Gripper Finger at a

positive rotation of 4.2644.
Rotate the right Gripper Finger at a

negative rotation of -4.2644.
Gripper Fingers Rotated to

New Rotation
8. Replace the Air Cylinder file (Gripper-

6.dgn) to the one with the piston
extended (Gripper-6a).
This can be done by changing the

settings of the reference file to the new
file.
Gripper-6a Attached
Page 288
9. Create a new cylindrical solid. The diameter

will be 1.500 and the height will be 1.000.
This will represent the part that the Robotic

Gripper is designed to grip.
Cylinder Created
10. Move the cylinder

between the Gripper
Fingers
Cylinder Moved Between Fingers
11. This finishes the third version of the Gripper Assembly.
View Completed
Page 289
Creating the 2D Exploded View

This part of the tutorial will cover the procedure to create the sheet view of
the exploded view of the Gripper Assembly.
1. Open the Models dialog box.
Rename the Orthographic sheet
view to Exploded Assembly.
Sheet View Renamed
2. Reference in the Exploded

Assembly. Use the Right-
Isometric orientation.
You will see that there are no

parts in the attachment.
This is because the parts in this

file were referenced from the
original files.
To show the parts, you will need

to change the Nesting option. Parts Missing
3. With the Reference File selected

in the References dialog box,
change the Nested Attachments
setting to Live Nesting.
Live Nesting Selected
4. The parts are now visible.
5. Scale the Reference file to 1.2247:1.0000.
Page 290
6. Change the Visible Edges settings to

Legacy
Visible Edges Set to Legacy
7. In the Hidden Line

Settings dialog make the
following settings:
In the General tab set the

method to Exact and the
Accuracy to High
General Settings
Uncheck the Force
Hidden Edges On
checkbox.
Override the visible lines

to color 2, Style 0, and
weight 2. Hidden Edge Settings
Visible Edge Settings
8. The views are now in

Hidden Line view.
Merge the views into the

master file.
Views in Hidden Line View
Page 291
9. You may need to move some of the views.
To save time you can copy the isometric views from the 2D views of
the individual files.
The Air Cylinder, Cam Follower, Nut, and Shoulder Bolts will need to be
modified within this file. You will also need to modify the left side
Gripper Finger.
You will also need to change the connecting lines to the phantom
linestyle. You may wish to create a separate level to do this.
Views Updated and Connecting Lines Changed to Phantom Style
10. To create the Part Number Balloons use the Place Note tool for the
leader line, the Place Ellipse tool for the balloons, and the Place Text
tool for the text.
To place the leader with the arrows at the correct size, create a new
dimension style with the text size set to .2500.
The size of the text in the balloons will be .2500.
Note:
After creating one of the balloons and leaders copy to the other
locations on the drawing. Edit the text and adjust the location of the
leader line.
Page 292
Gripper Finger
Part Number Balloon
Ellipse Settings
11. Add the Parts List by referencing in the Parts List.dgn file from the Title
Blocks folder.
The file will automatically attach above the title block. The first line of
text is included.
Merge the file into master so that you can edit the text.
Parts List Attached
Page 293
12. Edit the text as

shown.
The justification of
the text is set to left
bottom and center
bottom so that the
lines will be added
upward.
Parts List Filled Out
13. Add the notes above the Parts

List. You will need to use different
text styles for the underlined and
non-underlined text.
Use .1250 for the text height.
Notes Placed
14. This completes the 2D Exploded View and the Gripper Finger project.
Save the drawing and print if desired.
Page 294
Page 295
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing the book! You now should have a basic
understanding of the 2D and 3D capabilities of the MicroStation V8i
software program. This software is used in the fields of Manufacturing,
Architecture, Civil, Geospatial, and Plant Management. With these skills
you possess a valuable commodity.
Many companies, municipalities, and government agencies use the

MicroStation software. The MicroStation software is used for the design
and maintenance of public utilities, the design of government buildings
and sites for the General Services Administration.
If you enjoyed this book please feel free to share your comments on the
book website and/or the Amazon.com site.
Once Again, Congratulations!
Sincerely,
Dave Martin
Author
intromicrostation@gmail.com
April, 2015
Page 296
Glossary
2D Two Dimensional
3D Three Dimensional
Absolute Coordinates on the drawing that are based on a fixed
Coordinates point or origin.
ACS Auxiliary Coordinate System. Used to create an
additional or alternate plane with X, Y, and Z (for 3D
drawings) coordinates
AccuDraw A tool that is used to control the location and axis of
elements being added to the drawing.
All-around Indicates a condition that affects a feature that goes
the entire distance of an intersection with another
feature. Used in weld symbols.
Array A group of elements that are copied in a rectangular
or circular (polar) direction. The copies are located by
the row and column spacing in a rectangular array or
by their angular and distance from the center of the
copies in a polar array.
Attribute Properties of an element such as: color, line style, or
line weight.
Auxiliary View A view of an inclined or oblique surface that is
projected 90 degrees. This is used to shown the true
size of a surface that is not one of the six standard
views. See Orthographic Projection.
Bentley Inc. The manufacturer of the MicroStation software.
Break All Sharp A note placed on the drawing to indicate that sharp
Edges corners are to be de-burred or smoothed after
machining.
Break Line A type of line placed on the drawing used to indicate
that the part is larger than its size on the drawing.
Cell The MicroStation term used to describe a symbol.
These are elements that are created and used for
different projects. The equivalent AutoCAD term
would be Block.
Chamfer An angled corner of an object. Indicated by the angle
and distance of the angled surface.
Complex Shape A group of linear elements that are joined together to
create a single shape.
Page 297
Coordinate A point in space. X and Y for 2D coordinates and X, Y,

and Z for 3D coordinates.
Counterbore A hole that has another hole placed inside. This type of
hole may be used for an cap screw or other fastener.
Cut Using a 2D shape to create a void within a 3D solid.
Delta (dl=) A type of coordinate key-in that is used with a floating
or movable origin.
Design Intent How a part is to be used. This will control the way a
part is to be dimensioned and toleranced.
Detail View A view that is used to shown extra detail of a part. May
be drawn at a larger scale than the main drawing.
Difference A Feature Modeling tool that is used to create a void
Feature from two intersecting solids.
Element An individual part of the drawing such as lines, circles,
arcs, or text.
Extrusion The process of converting a 2D shape to a 3D solid by
thickening the shape.
Feature A 3D element of a solid. Examples would be a hole,
fillet, round, or surface.
Fence A temporary box or other shape that is placed around
objects to aid in modification.
Field Weld A weld that takes place in the field, not in a fabrication
or manufacturing facility. Indicated with a flag on the
weld symbol.
File Extensions The following filename extensions are used for the
different type of MicroStation files:
.dgn MicroStation Drawing Files

.cel Cell Library Files
.dwg AutoCAD Drawing File Format
(These files can be imported into a MicroStation
drawing file.)
.pset Print Definition Files
(Stores print settings for drawing files.)
.rsc MicroStation Resource Files
.pltcfg Plotter Configuration Files
(Bentley Printer Drivers)
Fillet An inside corner of an object that has been rounded

with a radius. Also a type of weld that is used to join
parts that a perpendicular or angled to one another.
Page 298
Finish Mark A symbol placed on the drawing to indicate the surface

roughness of a feature or if a surface is to be
machined after a casting operation. Project #9 uses
these marks.
GA Abbreviation for Gauge. Used to indicate the thickness
of sheet metal.
GDT Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerancing. A type of
dimensioning symbol used to show the relationship
between two mating parts or a condition of a feature.
Hatch A pattern added to the drawing to indicate an area of a
part in section.
Hole Chart A table on the drawing used to indicated the size,
quantity, and letter designation of a hole.
Isometric A type of projection that shows the height, width, and
Projection depth of an object. Horizontal edges are typically
rotated to a 30 degree angle. Edges are drawn at true
size or at a standard scale.
Level A category of similar elements in a drawing. Levels
may be categorized by their attributes such as color,
line style, or line weight. The equivalent AutoCAD
term would be Layer.
Limit A type of tolerance dimension that shows to upper and
lower limit of size and location.
Line Style A line that contains fixed dash and gap lengths. Used
to indicate different types of lines on a drawing.
Examples include: Hidden, Phantom, and Center lines.
Mirror To create a reversed image of an element or a group
of elements.
Ordinate A type of dimensioning that does not use extension or
Dimensioning dimension lines. Also known as Arrowless
Dimensioning.
Origin The base point of a project or the 0,0 coordinate. The
origin may be changed through the use of the Auxiliary
Coordinate System (ACS) tool.
Orthographic Views of a single object that are projected 90 degrees
Projection from one another. Consists or six standard views: Top,
Front, Right, Bottom, Rear, and Left.
Parametric A solid that has the ability to have its features
modified after placement into the design.
Patterning See Hatch.
PDF Portable Document Format. A type of file that is used
to show 2D and 3D drawings without the use of the
MicroStation program.
Page 299
Plus/Minus A type of tolerance that indicates the maximum and

minimum size or location of a dimension.
Primitive A basic type of solid such as a slab, sphere, torus,
wedge, cylinder, or cone.
Reference To link a file from another location to another file. The
(File) border files are referenced onto a new drawing. The
equivalent AutoCAD term would be xref.
Relative Coordinates on the drawing that are based on a
Coordinates movable point or origin.
Relative Path Used when referencing files. The path is the original
location of the file indicated by drive, folder, and
filename. The Save Relative Path checkbox is checked
to aid in keeping reference files links to other files.
Resolution Associated with the Working Units of the file. This
controls the accuracy of the model and is changed
based on its overall size.
Revolve A 3D tool used to project a shape in a cylindrical
direction.
Round An outside corner of an object that has been rounded
with a radius.
Rib A 3D feature that is used to strengthen to intersecting
solids. Project #3 contains a rib.
Seed File A MicroStation template file used for starting a new
drawing.
Scale The relationship between the size of the drawing on
paper/screen and its actual size.
Section A simulated cut made in the object to show additional
interior detail.
Slab A flat 3D solid with height, width, and depth.
Slot An opening in a flat part with parallel sides. May have
rounded corners.
Solid A three dimensional object with height, width, and
depth.
Spline An arc that does not have a fixed center. Also known
as a Bezier Curve. Also is a term for slots that are cut
on a cylindrical part for a mating part.
Stud A threaded metal part. May be welded to another
component of a weldment.
Tag A type of element that is used as a placeholder to add
text to a drawing. In this book tags are used to aid in
filling out the title block on a drawing.
Page 300
Terminator The symbol placed at the end of a leader line such as

an arrowhead or dot.
Tolerance The amount that a feature is allowed to deviate from
perfect or design size.
Union To join two or more solids into one solid.
U.N.O. Unless Noted Otherwise.
Weldment A group of parts that are welded together,
Working Units A setting to control the units that are to be used for
the project as well as its resolution. The setting are
accessed in the Settings, Design File tool.
Page 301
Index
Color Settings for Gripper Parts........... 274
3 Complex Shape Tool .......................... 156
Conclusion........................................ 296
3D File Interface ............................... 154 Construct Array Along Path................. 250
3D PDF File ................................ 174, 175 Construct Array Tool .......................... 220
3D PDF Tool (Adobe Reader) ............... 175 Construct Circular Fillet Tool ................. 87
3D View of Weldment......................... 146 Copy Dimension Styles ........................ 56
Copy Reference File ........................... 277
A Copy/Fold Reference Tool ................... 179
Copying Model Views ......................... 280
About Isometric Views ....................... 239 Counterbore Hole Settings.................. 196
AccuDraw Compass ............................. 44 Counterbore Symbol .......................... 245
AccuDraw Coordinate Window ............... 21 Counterbored Hole Settings (Slide Block)
AccuDraw Coordinates Window ............. 46 ................................................... 242
AccuDraw Shortcuts............................. 71 Counterbored Holes ............................. 91
ACS Icon .......................................... 129 Countersink Symbol .......................... 245
ACS(ax=) Method .............................. 129 Create Cell Dialog Box ....................... 142
Activate Reference File ....................... 274 Create Cut Tool ................................. 219
Activating the AccuDraw Coordinate Create Model (Sheet View) ................. 228
Window .......................................... 70 Create Model Settings ........................ 177
Advanced Tab ..................................... 56 Create New Model Tool ...................... 176
Advanced Units Settings Dialog Box ....... 19 Creating a New Cell Library ................ 141
All-Around Symbol ............................. 139 Creating a Print Definition File............... 68
Angle Accuracy Settings ....................... 35 Creating Splines ................................ 110
Apply to Open Views Tool ................... 158 Custom Line Styles .............................. 51
Array Feature Tool .............. 201, 205, 217 Custom Linestyle Files ......................... 49
Array Reference Point ........................ 100 Cut Feature Tool ........................ 194, 243
Array Tool ........................................ 100 Cut Feature Tool (Split Solid) .............. 212
Attach Reference Tool .......................... 41
Attributes Toolbox ............................... 43
Automatically Saving Changes .............. 32 D
Auxiliary Coordinates Dialog Box ......... 128
Data Point Key-In Window .................... 21
Auxiliary Coordinates Tool .................. 128
Datum Feature Triangle ..................... 237
Auxiliary Views .................................. 119
Datum Symbol .................................. 236
AWS Standard .................................. 149
Default Lighting Setting ..................... 169
Define ACS (By Points) Tool................ 129
B Define Cell Origin Tool ....................... 141
Depth Symbol ................................... 245
Bentley Driver Setting .......................... 66 Design File Settings Dialog Box ............. 19
Blend Feature Tool............................. 190 Detail Dimension Style ....................... 115
Break Element Tool.............................. 26 Diameter Symbol .............................. 245
Broken-Out Section ..................... 93, 108 Difference Feature Tool ........ 163, 189, 266
Dimension Center Tool ......................... 57
C Dimension Linear Tool ......................... 58
Dimension Ordinates Tool................... 134
Cell Library Dialog Box ....................... 140 Dimension Radial Tool.......................... 59
Cell Names and Descriptions ............... 141 Dimension Style for 2 to 1 Scale Drawings
Cells Tool ......................................... 140 ................................................... 244
Center Linestyle .................................. 23 Dimension Styles Dialog Box ................ 53
Center Mark Placement ........................ 58 Dimension Styles for Framed Dimensions
Center Mark Tool ............................... 132 ................................................... 234
Chamfer Feature Tool ................. 196, 205 Dimension Terminator Setting .............. 57
Chamfer Setting for Shoulder Bolt ....... 258 Dimensions Toolbox............................. 57
Change Attributes Dialog Box.............. 233 Display Settings for Reference Files ..... 281
Change View Display Style Dialog Box.. 181 Display Styles Dialog Box ................... 159
Changing the Logical Name of Reference Distance Accuracy Settings ................... 35
Files ............................................. 181 Distance Key-In .................................. 34
Chart for Project #1............................. 22 Double Scale Dimension Styles ........... 115
Circle Fence Type .............................. 114 Drawing Setup for Initial Projects .......... 10
Page 302
Drop Element Tool ...................... 144, 260 Line Tool ............................................ 21

Linestyle Pull-Down ............................. 50
E Linestyles.rsc File ................................ 50
Loading Custom Linestyles ................... 49
Edit Tags Dialog Box ............................ 43 Logical Names of Gripper Parts ........... 279
Edit Text Tool ..................................... 60
Element Menu ..................................... 49 M
Element Select Filter .......................... 155
Ellipse Tool ....................................... 120 Manipulate Toolbox ............................. 24
Email Contact ...................................... 5 Manual Text Option for Dimensions ....... 59
ESC Key to Stop Command ................... 18 Measure Volume Tool......................... 164
Extrude Feature Distance Setting ........ 162 Merge Into Master Command ................ 42
Extrude Features Tool ........................ 162 Metric Dimension Styles .............. 125, 132
Extrusion Method .............................. 152 MicroStation Resource File.................... 50
Mirror Feature Tool ............................ 202
F Mirror Text Checkbox ......................... 144
Mirror Tool ......................................... 99
F11 Key ........................................... 129 Mirroring Reference Files .................... 279
Feature Control Frame ....................... 235 Miter Line Technique............................ 95
Feature Modeling Task ....................... 158 Models Dialog Box ............................. 176
Field Weld Flag.................................. 139 Models Tool ...................................... 176
File Extension for Print Definition Files.... 68 Modify Line Style Attributes Dialog Box .. 52
File Management .................................. 5 Move Parallel Tool ............................... 24
File Open Dialog Box ............................ 14 Move Reference File........................... 275
Filled Arrowhead ................................. 30 Move Tool .......................................... 27
Fillet Weld Symbol ............................. 138 Multi-Snap Dialog ................................ 45
Finish mark Symbol ........................... 124
Fit View Tool ............................... 21, 156 N
Framed Text with Leader Line ............. 237
Nesting Setting for Referencing ........... 290
G New File Tool ...................................... 15
New Folder Tool .................................. 15
Geometric Tolerance Dialog ................ 236 New View Group ............................... 177
Geometry Tab ..................................... 54 Notes Weld Symbol ........................... 139
Graphics User Interface (GUI) ................ 6 NURBS Curve.................................... 111
Grid Dot Spacing ................................. 20
O
H One Inch Cube .................................. 239
Hatch Area Tool .................................. 94 On-Line Video Tutorials .......................... 5
Hatch Tool Flood Option .................... 94 Ordinate Dimensions ......................... 134
Hidden Edge Overrides ....................... 231 Origin Symbol for Project #1 ................ 31
Hidden Edge Settings ......................... 161 Outside Border for Project #1 ............... 24
Hole Chart ........................................ 134
Hole Feature Tool ............... 171, 189, 220 P
I Part Balloon Settings ......................... 292
Parts List, Placement ......................... 293
Importing CAD Files ........................... 259 Parts List, Text Size ........................... 294
Information Tool ......................... 36, 284 PDF Printer Configuration File ............. 174
Inside Edges Level Settings ................ 232 Phantom Linestyle ............................. 147
Introduction......................................... 4 Pipe Thread Settings.......................... 261
Place Active Cell Dialog Box ................ 143
L Place Active Cell Tool ......................... 143
Place Arc Tool .............................. 69, 102
Legacy Settings................................. 231 Place Circle Tool ............................ 22, 46
Level Manager Tool .............................. 20 Place Cylinder Tool ............................ 204
Level Setup ......................................... 9 Place Fence ...................................... 114
Limit Tolerance ................................. 271 Place Half Ellipse Tool ........................ 121
Line Style Editor Dialog Box .................. 49 Place Line Tool .................................... 43
Line Styles Dialog Box.......................... 52 Place Note Dialog .............................. 236
Page 303
Place Note Tool ................................... 30 Slab Feature Tool .............................. 215

Place Regular Polygon Tool ................... 23 Smooth Display Style......................... 161
Place Text Tool.................................... 27 Smooth Display Type ......................... 160
Placement Button .............................. 143 Snaps Command ................................. 45
Plot Settings for 3D PDF File ............... 174 Snaps Modes ...................................... 45
Polar Coordinate Display .................... 211 Spline Tool ....................................... 111
Polar Coordinates (AccuDraw) ............... 85 Split Solid ................................. 212, 263
Preferences Dialog Box......................... 16 Starting the Software .......................... 14
Presentation Settings for 3D Views ...... 230 Stretch Tool........................................ 37
Previewing the Print ............................. 64 Stud Weld Symbol ............................. 149
Previous Model Button........................ 155 Symmetry Symbol............................. 102
Primitive Method ............................... 152
Primitive Solids ................................. 152
Print Dialog Box .................................. 62
T
Print Driver Configuration Dialog Box ..... 66 Table of Contents .................................. 3
Print Maximize Button .......................... 65 Text Frame Setting ............................ 234
Print Tool ..................................... 62, 65 Text Styles Dialog Box ......................... 29
Printing to a PDF File ........................... 66 Text Symbols...................................... 96
Printing Your Drawing .......................... 62 Text Tab ............................................ 55
Threaded Hole Settings ...................... 209
R Threaded Hole Size............................ 241
Threaded Holes ................................. 108
Rectangular Array Tool ....................... 131 Title Block Information ....................... 229
Reference Attachment Setting Dialog Box Title Block Text (B-Size)..................... 230
..................................................... 42 Toggle AccuDraw Tool.......................... 44
Reference Attachment Settings ........... 178 Toleranced Dimension........................ 235
Reference Scale Settings (Slide Block) . 244 Toleranced Dimensions ...................... 234
Referenced 3D Views ......................... 230 Trim To Element Tool........................... 25
References Dialog Box ......................... 41 Trimming Lines ................................... 25
References Tool................................... 41
Referencing the A-Size Files .................. 40
Remove Smooth Edges ...................... 231
U
Renaming Model Views....................... 280 Underline Settings ............................... 29
Revolve Feature Tool .......... 206, 221, 254 Union Feature Tool ..................... 170, 264
Robotic Gripper Filenames .................. 226 Units Tab ........................................... 55
Rotate Reference File ......................... 275 Unrotating a View................................ 89
Rotate Reference Tool ........................ 285
Rotate Tool ......................................... 72
Rotate View 2 Points ............................ 88
V
Rotate View Tool ......................... 88, 125 View Attributes Dialog Box ................. 158
View Attributes Dialog Tool ................. 157
S View Group Window........................... 177
View Label for Isometric Views ............ 238
Save Print Definition File ...................... 68 View Option Category .......................... 16
Save Settings on Exit ........................... 17 View Window Toggles ........................ 177
Saving the File .................................... 15 Visible Edge Overrides ....................... 232
Scale Setting for Printing ...................... 64 Visible Edge Settings .................. 161, 182
Scale Settings ................................... 114 Volumes for Gripper Projects ................ 12
Scaling Reference Files....................... 180 Volumes for Initial Projects ................... 11
Section Line Level................................ 93
Seed File ............................................ 15
seed3D.dgn File ................................ 153
W
Select Print Driver Configuration Dialog Weld Chart Dimensions ...................... 140
Box ................................................ 66 Weldment ........................................ 138
Setting Up the Levels ........................... 21 Working Units for 3D Files .................. 156
Shape Closed Message ....................... 157 Working Units, Imperial ......................... 8
Shift Tool ........................................... 52 Working Units, Metric ............................ 8
Simulated Threads for 3D Profiles ........ 254 Working Units, Metric ........................ 118
Simulated Threads for Isometric Views. 250 Working Units, Setup ............................. 7
Page 304

Introduction To Microstation - A Project Based Approach For Learning MicroStation V8i

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Introduction to

By: David Martin

I would like to dedicate this book to my

Copyright David Martin 2015, 2016

ISBN-13: 978-1511913010 (Print Version)

First Publication Date: April 26, 2015

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a

MicroStation is owned by Bentley Systems, Incorporated.

Welcome to Introduction to MicroStation! This book is designed to give

The student will receive introduction to the 3D portion of the software

Before Beginning to Draw

A good strategy is to develop a set of templates that have the various

Permission to access these files will be given as part of book purchase.

Title Blocks and Other Support Files

One of the most important issues while learning a computer-based skill

MicroStation Free Trial

MicroStation Graphics User Interface

MicroStation V8i (SELECTSeries 3) Interface

Working Units Setup

Working Units Setting

Use the following setup for mechanical drawings in imperial

Use the following setup for mechanical drawings in metric

Mechanical Drawing Level Setup

Primary Tools Tool Palette

Level Manager Dialog Box

Level Name Color Style Weight

Drawing Setup for the Initial 2D Projects

Drawing Drawing Print Dimension Linestyle Grid Dot Paper

Project Volumes for Initial 3D Projects

Use these volumes as a guide when calculating the volumes of the 3D

Drawing Name Volume Units Tolerance

Project Volumes for Robotic Gripper Project

Use these volumes as a guide when calculating the volumes of the 3D

Drawing Name Volume Units Tolerance

Initial Projects 2D Version

Description: This is the first project of the book. It is designed to introduce

Starting the software

File Open Dialog Box

3. Set up a folder structure for your

This will be where you will

5. Click on the New File tool to create a file

New File Tool

6. Verify that the Seed File to be used is

This file contains the settings that are

7. The New dialog box will

File Name Field

9. Open the file by double clicking on it or by pressing the Open button in

File Open Dialog Box

10. The MicroStation Interface opens. By default the background is black

Click the OK button to close the box.

Preferences Dialog Box View Options Category Change

11. Also turn on the Save

This way, if you make

12. If you are an AutoCAD

Preferences Dialog Box Input

Default User Interface

A warning box will appear. Click the OK button to continue.

Design File Settings Dialog

17. Set the Advanced Unit Setting as shown.

Do not change the Working Areas field.

Advanced Unit Settings Dialog

Grid Dot Settings

Level Manager Dialog Box