3D Modeling Piped Systems in AutoCAD

Learn how to download and install AutoCAD for the course, including a free 30-day trial, student access for three years, and setup guidance for Windows or Mac.

Demonstrates command entry methods in AutoCAD, showing line creation via line tool or L enter, measuring distances, and using coordinates from origin 0,0 in model space to boost drafting efficiency.

Customize the AutoCAD workspace for 3-D piped systems design by turning on the menu bar, adding standard, layers, modify, draw, and style toolbars, and arranging view and visual style options.

Customize the AutoCAD workspace for 3D piping by adding and arranging 3D move, 3D rotate, extrude, sweep, and other tools, then save the current setup as 3D piping.

Learn to draw lines, circles, and rectangles in AutoCAD, set precise dimensions (radius or diameter), and navigate 2D space with pan and zoom using zoom window and zoom extents.

Master AutoCAD selection tools by using rectangle and lasso selections, including add and subtract with shift, to quickly isolate and manipulate multiple objects.

Master 2D modifiers in AutoCAD by using move, copy, scale, trim, extend, mirror, and rotate, with precise base points and displacement, and select last things with shortcuts p and l.

Navigate AutoCAD's model space in 3D using Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z), set origin, and draw 3D lines from 0,0,0 to 10,10,10 while exploring top and left views.

learn to use basic views: top, front, left, right, and isometric in AutoCAD to model 3d piping systems, measure features, and switch views quickly for accurate fabrication.

Use isometric views to gain a perspective of a building by selecting corners on the cube; note they aren’t standard for dimensions, and focus on top, front, and right views.

Explore drawing in multiple views by combining two-dimensional shapes in three-dimensional space, using circles, lines, copies, moves, and snap points to model a simple assembly and view from different perspectives.

Master AutoCAD snap points, including end points, midpoints, centers, and quadrants, and use intersection and extension snapping for precise, efficient piping system modeling.

Move objects in 3D space with the 3D move tool and snap points for precise alignment. Use the line command and axis or plane constraints to position components.

Explore quick 3D object creation in AutoCAD by building spheres, cones, cubes, and toruses, then compare 2D drawings to 3D solids and refine with visual styles.

Turn 2-D shapes into 3-D solids using region, extrude, sweep, and revolve to create cylinders and other radial forms along defined paths.

Master 3d modifiers in AutoCAD by using array to form circular rings, and union and subtract to merge or cut cylinders, then extrude for dynamic 3d shapes.

Explore press pull and slice to transform 2D shapes into 3D solids in AutoCAD. Pull faces to extend solids, slice with planes, and compare extrude versus press pull for models.

Model three-dimensional pipe systems in AutoCAD by drawing outer and inner diameters, extruding, and subtracting to form PVC pipes using schedule 80.

Model a 1-inch elbow in AutoCAD by forming a 1.75 in outer diameter sphere, extruding circles, and subtracting sockets for cemented piping.

Model a vanstone flange in AutoCAD by forming the 1-inch outer diameter, bolt circle of 3 1/8 inches with four holes, then create a raised face and through socket.

Create a 3D tee in AutoCAD by extruding a circle and duplicating the top leg. Use slice, union, and subtract to form the three hollow sockets.

Learn to model a 1 inch cross in AutoCAD by building two perpendicular tubes, unioning them, and subtracting sockets to receive pipes in piping systems.

Model a reducer bushing in AutoCAD to change pipe diameter from one and a half inches to one inch, using revolve and subtraction to form the socket.

Model hex nuts, bolts, and washers in AutoCAD, using standard half, five-eighths, and three-quarter inch sizes; extrude, subtract, and assemble fasteners with proper outer diameters and thickness, without threads.

Model a hand-operated valve in AutoCAD by converting 2D front and right views into a 3D valve body, handle, and sockets using revolve, extrude, slice, mirror, union, and subtract.

Model a six-foot vessel in AutoCAD by extruding the shell, adding end caps, flanges, feet, and diagonal bolt patterns, and using mirror, array, and union to assemble.

Explore 3D component development by modeling a four inch strainer using revolve, extrude, and mirror techniques in AutoCAD, including a cap, base plate, couplings, drain adapter, and top handles.

Explore how to construct a frame using quarter-inch angle in AutoCAD, extruding and mirroring to form a frame, then notch, trim, and drill bolt holes for a piping frame.

Lay out major piping components in a 3D AutoCAD frame by placing one-inch elbows, valves, tees, and flanges, and align sockets and orientation in iso and front views.

build a complete pipe system in AutoCAD by connecting flanges, elbows, tees, and valves using copy, rotate, and union, then visualize in isometric views.

learn to model a full pipe system in autocad by creating channel and eyebeam structural members, then build a skid foundation to mount vessels with piping and fasteners.

Model a steel skid in AutoCAD by outlining a channel-based frame, positioning I-beams and vessels, using mirror, slice, and union operations, and prepping for pipe layout in the next lecture.

Assemble a 3D piped system in AutoCAD by placing four and two inch fittings, flanges, tees, elbows, and a valve harness, then align components to form headers and bypass lines.

Develop piping layouts in AutoCAD by mirroring headers, positioning elbows and tees, and aligning centerlines across front, top, and isometric views while ensuring two-inch spacing for pipe supports.

Lay out four inch and two inch pipes in AutoCAD using slicing, copying, and isometric tools to create headers and a bypass line with valve and drain considerations.

Develop the piping system in a 3d AutoCAD model by adding lateral and horizontal runs, elbows, sockets, flanges, and drains using copy, move, slice, and union.

Refine the 3d model of piped systems in AutoCAD by adding pipe supports and fasteners, aligning centerline dimensions, and trimming, slicing, and copying pipes for clean drawings.

Refine the piping model in AutoCAD by adjusting header elevations, slicing and aligning pipe geometry, and adding supports and flange hardware through copy, union, and isometric checks.

Mount tanks and vessels, install fasteners and washers, and add pipe supports in AutoCAD to complete a piped system; learn to use layers for organization in the next step.

Learn to use AutoCAD layer control and layer properties to organize piping systems by creating color-coded layers and isolating assemblies for efficient modeling.

Learn to convert a 3D AutoCAD model into precise 2D drawings using paper space viewports and the solprof command, creating top, front, right, and isometric views with hidden-line considerations.

Create assembly views of a piping system in AutoCAD by organizing layers, aligning front, top, and right views, labeling components, and controlling hidden and visible lines for fabrication-ready drawings.