Cornersteel
FreeCAD Basic Training
Basic Skills for Furniture & Architecture Work
Learn FreeCAD, the on-premise, open source CAD software for all your design needs.
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Topics Covered��1. Importing Images�2. Sketching�3. Very Basic Part Design�4. Making the Technical Drawing
Basic Skills for 3D Design & Technical Drawing
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0. Setup & Navigation
Installation and Opening the App
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0. Setup & Navigation
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0. Setup & Navigation
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(The opened installer will look something like this)
0. Setup & Navigation
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0. Setup & Navigation
You are ready to begin and will see a screen like the one pictured below:
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Tip: If you’ve made this Combo View box Disappear, Go to View – Panels –Combo View
Tip: If you’ve can’t find what you are working on here use the Fit all or Fit Selection tools in the upper left. (These: )
Tip: Save often and backup importat files
0. Setup & Navigation
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This is where you select the different Workbenches
New File
Open File
Save File
Fit all content into the screen
Fit selected content into the screen
Press one of these in case you can’t see what you are working on.
Shows a list of the elements in your open files
Shows tasks
Shows properties and values of selected objects and elements here. You can often change some object measurements and placement values here
Changes Draw style of objects
Show bounding box of selected objects
Switch to “owner document” of linked object
Change to the selected view
Measure distances of parts of objects
Create a new part and make it active
Create a Group
Make a link to an object in the same or another document
Make a link for a sub-element of an object in the same or another document
Shows view orientation
Objects will appear here in this screen
0. Setup & Navigation
To navigate on the screen where objects are displayed,
use the mouse controls detailed below:
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The instructional picture below is taken from the FreeCAD wiki navigation page: https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Mouse_navigation
1. Importing Images
How to import image files into FreeCAD
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1. Importing Images
Images can be imported into FreeCAD to serve as reference for the creation of parts and structures.
Imported images will usually be rough drafts used for the creation of more accurate technical drawings.
The steps to import an image file into FreeCad are:
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1. Importing Images
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After clicking on “Start”, select the Image option
1. Importing Images
The following set of tools will appear:
Using the window that then appears,
search for the image file you wish to place
and then select Open.
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Select the Image among your files and click on Open.
1. Importing Images
A window like the one below will appear. Select the Image plane you want the image to be oriented to and then press OK.
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Top View
Front View
Right View
Reverses the orientation
You may wish to add an offset of -0.1 mm or more so the image is slightly behind the working plane
Press when selections are done
1. Importing Images
The image plane might look something like the first image below when it appears.
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Sometimes, there is a need to put more than one image plane to be able to trace technical drawings from a different angle. For this, repeat the previous step using a different view. See below.
1. Importing Images
There’s an option that makes the back of the image plane black. Go to Edit and click Preferences. Select Display and uncheck Backlight color, then press Apply, then OK.
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Sample image with Backlight off (Rear View)
Sample image with Backlight on (Rear View)
1. Importing Images
Making sure you are looking at the drawing from the proper angle and that you have selected the proper Image plane, Select two points on the image with a distance between them that you know the measurement of. After that, type in that distance in the window where it says Distance [mm] then press OK.
The image will then be resized to the appropriate size.
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The following window will then pop up
2. Sketching
Technical Sketching in FreeCAD
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2. Sketching
Freecad is an ideal application for the creation of drawings upon which 3D designs will be based on. The steps are:
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2. Sketching
Switch to the Part Design Workbench
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2. Sketching
The tools available in the Part Design Workbench will look something like this:
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What’s important though is that you make a sketch object by clicking here
This will bring you into the Sketcher Workbench
2. Sketching
When you click on that tool, your combo view window will go to Tasks and show
this:
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Select the most appropriate plane for your sketch then press OK. The following tools (See below) will appear and you will be able to use them to sketch in the viewport.
This set above lets you make lines and points and shapes.
This set to the left is for altering or adding to existing lines.
This set above applies constraints, which ensure that the technical drawing is complete and without issues.
This set above helps in finding and correcting constraint issues.
2. Sketching
Use of the basics tools are summarized below:
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This makes a Line
This makes a Point
This makes an Arc
This makes a Circle
This makes an Elipse
This makes a curvy Spline
This makes a Polyline which is made of multiple lines
This makes a Rectangle
This makes the selected Polygon
This makes a “Slot”
This thing
These other tools for altering or adding to existing lines are summarized below
Make a Fillet (curve) between 2 lines.
Trim a line (edge) so that it doesn’t go beyond another line
Extend a line (edge) without changing its angle
Split a line (edge) into 2 lines
Create a line (edge) linked to External Geometry
Toggles Construction Mode
Copy another existing sketch
2. Sketching
After or while Drawing the parts of the sketch, you will have to constrain any unconstrained portions of the sketch to ensure that every point and line and curve is taken into account and so the computer knows exactly where everything is in relation to everything else.
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You can see constraints here. Unchecking a box hides the related Constraint marker.
These red symbols are Constraint markers
2. Sketching
The tools for making constraints are summarized below:
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This sticks 2 points together
This sticks a point to a line
This ensures a line remains vertical
This ensures a line remains horizontal
This ensures 2 lines remain parallel
This ensures 2 lines remain perpendicular
This ensures 2 lines or arcs have the same length
This ensures a line and an arc remain tangent (touching at 1 point without crossing each other)
This ensures 2 points remain symmetrical in relation to a line or point
This keeps a line from moving
Sets the vertical and horizontal distance of a point from another point
Sets the vertical distance of a point from another point
Sets the horizontal distance of a point from another point
Sets the length of a line or the distance from a line to a point
Sets arc or circle measurements
Sets an angle of a line or between lines
Constrain a refraction
Toggle between Driving and Reference mode (Movable or not)
Activate or deactivate a constraint
2. Sketching
When all the necessary constraints are made
The following sign will appear n Tasks:
You can press Close when this occurs to complete the sketch
You will return to the Part Design Workbench.
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This will make the unconstrained points of your sketch visible to you. They will be selected.
This deletes all constraints
This selects redundant constraints
This selects conflicting constraints
These tools help with constraint issues
3. Very Basic Part Design
The very basics of making 3D objects with FreeCAD
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3. Very Basic Part Design
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3. Very Basic Part Design
The Part Design Workbench lets you translate your sketches into 3D objects. Below is a summary of the useful tools for doing so.
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This makes a new “Body” (Part Design object)
This makes a new sketch
This lets you edit a selected sketch
This lets you make a sketch on a side of a solid
Turns a flat shape in a solid by giving it depth
Turns a flat shape in a solid by revolving it in an arc
Fills the space between 2 flat shapes
Creates a “pipe” by extending a flat shape along a line, with the option of connecting it to another shape at the other end.
Sweeps a flat shape along a helix
Creates a solid shape
Uses a sketch on a solid to make an indentation
Uses a sketch on a solid to make a hole through it
Makes a groove in a curved surface
Removes solid volume between 2 flat shapes
Removes solid volume with a “Pipe”
Removes solid volume with a Helix
Removes solid volume with a solid shape
Mirrors a solid shape
Makes a line of solid shapes
Repeats solids around a point
Creates a repeating pattern of features
Rounds an edge
Flatten an edge
Tilts a solid’s side
Turns a solid shape into shell
Adds or subtracts solid shapes
3. Very Basic Part Design
Except for really complicated designs, you probably won’t be using these much.
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Clone makes a linked copy of an object which will follow any future edits to the original object (except placement).
These are for making reference points and lines that will not be part of the final shape of a body.
Reference Point
Reference Line
Reference Plane
New Coordinate system for reference
References geometry outside a body
References geometry from one or more parent objects
Linear Measurements
Angle Measurements
Recalculate Measurements
Clear Measurements from screen
Toggle Visible Measurements
Toggle Visibility of linear (red) and angle (Blue) measurements
Show/ Hide X Y Z measurements
3. Very Basic Part Design
To build a complex design, you will typically make a sketch, turn it into a solid, and continue to add complexity to the solid until you get the desired part.
I some designs, multiple parts and bodies will be required.
Don’t forget to finish tasks .
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The instructional picturea above are taken from the FreeCAD wiki navigation page: https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Mouse_navigation
4. Making the Technical Drawing
The very basics of making 3D objects with FreeCAD
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4. Making the Technical Drawing
Once you have a design, making a Technical Drawing using it is simple.
The steps are:
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4. Making the Technical Drawing
To make a technical drawing from an existing design,
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A window will appear with a list of Templates to choose from.
4. Making the Technical Drawing
Click on it then press Open
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Choose one of these
The screen that comes up might look something like this
4. Making the Technical Drawing
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You can use this to easily reorient the view
4. Making the Technical Drawing
You can project every side of the object into the technical drawing by selecting the body, changing the view and pressing Insert View again.
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You can scale and move the images by selecting them and changing the values here.
You label each image here, or pull on the lines to drag the images around
You can add measurements with the Techdraw tools (See next page)
Don’t forget to fill these with the appropriate information
4. Making the Technical Drawing
Once the Technical drawing is done, right click it so that this window pops up
and select the format you wish to export in
as you would most any file.
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5. Adding Dimensions to Sketches
The very basics of making 3D objects with FreeCAD
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by Alyssa Lacuna
5. Adding Dimensions to Sketches
Users can use the Sketcher workbench to add dimensions to their drawings. The Sketcher workbench provides several dimension tools for you to choose from.
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Link:�https://youtu.be/UW9pVMx_GsQ
5. Adding Dimensions to Sketches
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Enter the Spreadsheet Workbench by clicking the Workbench dropdown
Clicking this will automatically open the Sketcher workbench
5. Adding Dimensions to Sketches
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In here you can find different dimension tools suited for your needs
5. Adding Dimensions to Sketches
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To add a horizontal dimension, use this tool
To add a vertical dimension, use this tool
To add a distance between a point and line, use this tool
To add a circular dimension, use this tool
Two points or a single line can only be selected to measure horizontal and vertical dimensions.
To add an angular dimension, use this tool
Use the distance dimension when measuring between a point and a line.
5. Adding Dimensions to Sketches
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Click on the dimensions tool you prefer and click on the line you want to add a dimension, it will turn yellow once hovered.
A window will automatically pop up. Enter the dimensions you want and press “Ok” when done
6. Linking & Adjusting Dimensions using Spreadsheet
The very basics of making 3D objects with FreeCAD
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by Alyssa Lacuna
6. Linking & Adjusting Dimensions Using Spreadsheet
Once you have your object body and sketch ready, we can use a spreadsheet to make it easier to adjust its dimensions.
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Link:�https://youtu.be/UW9pVMx_GsQ
6. Linking & Adjusting Dimensions Using Spreadsheet
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Enter the Spreadsheet Workbench by clicking the Workbench dropdown
Click on “Create spreadsheet” and it will automatically open the Spreadsheet window
6. Linking & Adjusting Dimensions Using Spreadsheet
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Enter the labels and the dimensions next to each other
At the far right side of the window, give it an alias and press enter afterward
Make sure that the spreadsheet cell is selected. Blue highlight indicates that it is selected
The spreadsheet cell will now turn yellow, meaning it has an alias already
6. Linking & Adjusting Dimensions Using Spreadsheet
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Click this to add an expression
A window will automatically pop up after double-clicking the dimensions
6. Linking & Adjusting Dimensions Using Spreadsheet
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After successfully linking it to the spreadsheet, the dimensions will now have an orange color
Click on “Ok” to accept the changes
6. Linking & Adjusting Dimensions Using Spreadsheet
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You can also link other features’ measurements by doing the same steps.
Click on the feature you want to edit
Type in “spreadsheet.” followed by the alias name and click “Ok” afterward
Click on the blue icon to add an expression
6. Linking & Adjusting Dimensions Using Spreadsheet
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Enter the desired dimensions and the body will automatically update
6. Linking & Adjusting Dimensions Using Spreadsheet
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Right click on the Spreadsheet in the Combo View to rename it
Enter a new name for the spreadsheet and press enter afterwards
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
The very basics of making 3D objects with FreeCAD
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by Alyssa Lacuna
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
We can assemble all the parts created using the A2plus workbench
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Link:�https://youtu.be/9hX44feEFDo
https://youtu.be/9aW67VthFBY
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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Click on Addon Manager and a new window will pop up
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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Select the A2plus plugin and press “Install” at the upper right corner
The A2plus addon is an assembly workbench used for assembling multiple parts in FreeCAD.
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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Click on A2plus, which is the first option in the dropdown menu
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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Click “Save As” and give your file a name. Press “Save” once done
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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Locate this icon to add parts from an external file
After locating the necessary files in your computer, click on “Open”
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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To select multiple selections, hold the “Ctrl” button while selecting
After selecting the two points, click on the “Point Identity Constraint”
Click on “Accept” if you are satisfied with the result
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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Select the part you want to duplicate and press Ctrl + C, then Ctrl + V. The duplicated part will automatically show up in the Combo View
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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On the Combo View, right click on the part you want to move and click on “Transform”
Move it in any direction just enough to be able to click on its own points and faces
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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Connects two points together
Connects a point and a line
Connects a point and a plane
Connects two cylindrical incidents
Connects two cylindrical edges
Connects a cylindrical plane and a cylindrical edge
Point Constraints
Cylindrical Constraints
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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Makes the selected lines with each other
Makes the selected line parallel to a plane
Makes the selected line normal to the plane
Makes two planes parallel with each other
Makes two planes coincident with each other
Allows you to set an angle between two planes
Axis Constraints
Plane Constraints
Allows you to set an angle between a line and a plane
Allows you to set an offset between lines or planes
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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Import other parts into the assembly and use constraints to assemble the model
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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You can easily open and edit subassemblies or parts in the assembly by clicking this icon
Clicking this will automatically open the file in a new tab
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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While still in the A2plus workbench, click on “Parts Info”
Provide the necessary details in the gray spaces provided. Save the document afterwards by pressing “Ctrl + S”
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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After clicking “Parts List”, two windows will pop up. Click “Yes” on both and it will automatically generate a list with your parts info
To update or refresh your parts list, click on the “Parts List” icon again and click “Yes” on both window prompt
6. Assembling Parts in A2plus
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The “Parts List” spreadsheet will automatically input the details you provided in the “Parts Info” for each individual part
7. Customizing the Cabinet Assembly
The very basics of making 3D objects with FreeCAD
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by Alyssa Lacuna
7. Customizing the Cabinet Assembly
The user can customize the cabinet assembly by changing its dimensions
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Link:�Cabinet Assembly V1 https://youtu.be/9hX44feEFDo
Cabinet Assembly V2 https://youtu.be/9aW67VthFBY
7. Customizing the Cabinet Assembly
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From the Start Workbench, click on the drop down menu and switch to A2plus Workbench
7. Customizing the Cabinet Assembly
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In the combo view, select the part you want to edit. It will turn to a green highlighted color once selected
After selecting a part, click on this pencil icon to open and edit the part
Clicking this will automatically open the file in a new tab
7. Customizing the Cabinet Assembly
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You can locate its spreadsheet file in the Combo View
Enter the new dimensions you want for this specific part. Do not forget to save the spreadsheet afterwards by pressing Ctrl+S
7. Customizing the Cabinet Assembly
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You can return to the Assembly File by clicking on its tab below
While still in the A2plus Workbench, click the update icon to see the new changes
7. Customizing the Cabinet Assembly
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To hide/unhide a part, select a part on the combo view and press spacebar
Customize the cabinet to your liking and you can hide other parts you do not need
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
The very basics of making 3D objects with FreeCAD
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by Alyssa Lacuna
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
Troubleshooting and work-around for other features and commands in FreeCAD
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8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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Select first the diagonal points of the sketch you want to center (1 & 2), and select the point where you want to center the sketch (3)
In FreeCAD, you are only able to snap on points and lines. If you want to center an object or look for the midpoint of a sketch, we need to use constraints
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8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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Same goes for placing objects in the middle of another object. Select the diagonal points of the outer object (1 & 2), and select the point of the object you want to place inside (3)
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8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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Shortcut: Press “V” then “3”. To go back to the default view press “V” then “1”
Click the draw style dropdown menu and change the draw style to wireframe mode. This will allow you to select lines and points hidden from the view.
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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Go “Tools” and click on “Addon manager”
Search for the Curves Workbench and click on Install
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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Create two separate sketches for the profile of the curve
Switch to the Curve Workbench and select the two sketches. Click on the Mixed Curve tool to combine the two sketches
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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You should now have a combined curve using the two sketches you made. A Mixed Curve will also be added to the combo view
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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Sometimes the mixed curves are not suitable for each other, which can lead to twisting and distorting. To fix this, change the Binormal Z to 1.00
Go to Data properties of the sweep and click on the Binormal dropdown menu. Change the Z input to 1.00
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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When creating parts for assembly in A2plus, you need to think about the placement of origin since you may need to adjust its dimensions later on. It is best to place the origin on the corner instead of placing it on the center
Having the origin in the middle might cause problems when adjusting dimensions in A2plus
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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Go “Tools” and click on “Addon manager”
Search for the ExplodedAssembly addon and click on Install
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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Select the faces of the objects where you want to follow its trajectory. In this case, we want to move this object upwards, so click on the face that faces that direction
Switch to the ExplodedAssembly workbench
After selecting, click on Create Simple Group to explode the object
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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The exploded group will automatically appear in the combo view. Click on it to adjust the distance of the exploded part
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Repeat process for other parts
Select the parts and its face where you want to follow its trajectory
Click on Create Simple Group to explode the object
Select the Simple Group on the combo view to adjust its distance
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8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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Shortcut: Press Ctrl+D while the object is activated
Click on an object and go to View > Appearance
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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Choose a material and customize its color
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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You can also select multiple objects and edit its materials
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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Switch to the Draft Workbench
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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Create different sketches using Draft Tools
In this case, we will be creating a rectangle with a specific dimension
Click on the Rectangle tool and input the dimensions you want
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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Add dimensions to your objects by using the Dimension tool
Hover and click over the points or lines you want to measure. Dimensions will automatically be added after
8. Troubleshooting/Work-around
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To edit the appearance of the dimensions, click on it on the combo view and adjust its values in the Data properties
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Other snap tools can also be activated by pressing on Snap Lock and making sure it is activated
9. Installing the Assembly 4 add-on
The very basics of making 3D objects with FreeCAD
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by Alyssa Lacuna
9. Installing the Assembly 4 add-on
Installing the Assembly4 add-on by Leoheck
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9. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Go to this Github link https://github.com/leoheck/FreeCAD_Assembly4
Make sure you are at the bom branch.Click on Code and Download ZIP
9. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Unzip the file and locate it. Drag the inner folder to
C:\Users\*USER*\AppData\Roaming\FreeCAD\Mod
Open FreeCAD again and it should be installed already if successful
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
The very basics of making 3D objects with FreeCAD
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by Alyssa Lacuna
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
Users can create parts using the Assembly4 workbench
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10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Switch to Part Design workbench and create a new body & a sketch
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Create a rectangle and give it dimensions. Close the sketch and Pad the rectangle
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Create another body again and this time use the face/plane of the first body as the reference sketch
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Add an external geometry to the edges of the body
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Create a rectangle outside of the edges and give it dimensions
For this tutorial, we used 1mm thickness but you can enter any dimensions you prefer
Select on the two points to add dimensions
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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While the sketch is still activated, click on Pad and enter the parameters you want.
Note: Different operation options have different results. For this one, we chose New Shape so that it doesn’t merge with the first body
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Rename the files to navigate the combo view easier. Right click on a body or press F2
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Create another body again and zoom in to select the face of the Edging. You can select the top or the bottom face since we will be doing this for both sides
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Same process for adding an external geometry. Click on the outer edges of the Edging
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Pad the sketch and give it a dimension. For this tutorial we will be adding a 1.25mm to the Laminate
Repeat the process for the opposite side
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Rename the files to navigate the combo view easier. Right click on a body or press F2
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Switch to the Assembly 4 workbench and create a new model
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Add new parts and insert the body into those parts
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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You should now have parts for each of the body. Drag and drop the body into the part
Note: Make sure that your document is saved before proceeding to the next steps.
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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While a part is selected, click on this icon to add Parts Information
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Add Parts Information for the other parts
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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When pressing Config you are able to activate/deactivate the default parts information. You can also add/remove your own details to the part by clicking on Add New/Delete.
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Link all the parts to the model by pressing this icon with a green arrow
Note: You need to repeat the process for each part.
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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Select Parent Assembly in the Attach To option, and choose the LCS_Origin
Note: You need to repeat the process for each part.
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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After adding all the parts, you can now create a BOM spreadsheet.
Note: The parts you did not link to the model will not reflect in the BOM
10. Creating Parts in Assembly 4 Workbench
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To add an LCS, make sure that the part you want is selected. Add only points where you think you will need it to snap other parts
11. Merging the 3 Base Cabinet Variations
The very basics of making 3D objects with FreeCAD
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by Alyssa Lacuna
11. Merging the 3 Base Cabinet Variations
Using the Assembly4 workbench, we can merge the three cabinet variations
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11. Merging the 3 Base Cabinet Variations
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11. Merging the 3 Base Cabinet Variations
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11. Merging the 3 Base Cabinet Variations
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11. Merging the 3 Base Cabinet Variations
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Scroll down to the Property panel and go to Attachment Offset > Position. Change the X position to 2052
11. Merging the 3 Base Cabinet Variations
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11. Merging the 3 Base Cabinet Variations
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Repeat the process for placing the linked part. We can also use the X Translation here at the bottom part. Change the values to 3426.83mm
11. Merging the 3 Base Cabinet Variations
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You have now successfully assembled three cabinets together
12. Exploded View in Assembly4
The very basics of making 3D objects with FreeCAD
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by Alyssa Lacuna
12. Exploded View in Assembly4
Exploded view can be done using the Configurations Panel in Assembly4
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12. Exploded View in Assembly4
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12. Exploded View in Assembly4
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The Default configuration is your assembled piece in Assembly4
12. Exploded View in Assembly4
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Offset the parts using the Assembly properties until you reach the desired exploded view
12. Exploded View in Assembly4
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Once you are satisfied with the results, create a new configuration again and name it Exploded
12. Exploded View in Assembly4
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You now have two configurations, the assembled model and the exploded view. Select on a configuration and click Apply
You can create new configurations, delete, and overwrite them
13. How to Insert Annotations in TechDraw
The very basics of making 3D objects with FreeCAD
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by Alyssa Lacuna
13. How to Insert Annotations in TechDraw
In TechDraw workbench, the user is able to add annotation texts and lines
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13. How to Insert Annotations in TechDraw
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13. How to Insert Annotations in TechDraw
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Before clicking on the Leaderline, make sure that you have a view selected
13. How to Insert Annotations in TechDraw
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13. How to Insert Annotations in TechDraw
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13. How to Insert Annotations in TechDraw
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Type the text you want on the text box provided
13. How to Insert Annotations in TechDraw
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The text will automatically be inserted in the view
1. Basics of Sheet Metals
The very basics of making 3D objects with FreeCAD
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by:Abraham De Los Reyes
1. Basics of Sheet Metals
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1. Basics of Sheet Metals
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1. Basics of Sheet Metals
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1. Basics of Sheet Metals
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1. Basics of Sheet Metals
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1. Basics of Sheet Metals
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Pad Tool
The thickness can be changed by modifying the LENGTH
Click on the Base Wall Icon
The length can be adjusted by clicking on base bend in the combo view
1. Basics of Sheet Metals
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1. Basics of Sheet Metals
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Alway Click on the opposite edge of the side that you want to part to bend. If you want the bend to angle upwards, select the bottom corner
Bend Icon
1. Basics of Sheet Metals
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The Parameters can be adjusted by selecting bend in the combo view. The parameters will be shown below
1. Basics of Sheet Metals
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Unfold Icon
Select the main part that you created and then select the unfold icon in order to show the part in its 2D form pre-bend. If you want to see only the unfolded part, just press the spacebar on the main part in order to hide the 3D part
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Constrain Symmetry
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The length can be adjusted by clicking on base bend in the combo view
Click on the Base Wall Icon
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Alway Click on the opposite edge of the side that you want to part to bend. If you want the bend to angle upwards, select the bottom corner
Bend Icon
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The information can be adjusted in part information in A2PLUS. Remember to name it according to the duct segment as well as the size of the panel that you have created.
Part information Icon
3. Assembling HVAC Ducts using A2Plus
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Import Parts
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Parallel Constraint
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Point Constraint them with the help of the bends,
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The information can be adjusted in part information in A2PLUS. This information will then be displayed in the Parts List. This will help create the Bill of Materials.
Part List Icon
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4. How to create a sample BOM using A2Plus and Excel
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Part List Icon
Spreadsheet Workbench
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Export Spreadsheet
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Text to columns
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5. How to Create a Cutlist using Cutlist Evolution from the BOM
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For example, this is 1500x170 LxW. =Left() is used to extract the Length while =Mid() is used to extract the width
To extract the length, input =Left(cell, number of characters from the left). In this case, I used =Left(O2,4)
To extract the width, input =Mid(cell, the starting position of characters from the left, the number of character from this position). In this case, I used =Mid(O2,6,3)
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THANKS &
CONGRATULATIONS!
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The FreeCAD PROJECT
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