Course Content
BURST Command
The BURST command in AutoCAD is used to "explode" blocks or attributes into their individual components while preserving the original properties, such as color, layer, and line type.
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DIMJOGGED Command
The DIMJOGGED command in AutoCAD is used to create a jogged (or "jog") dimension line for circular objects, like arcs and circles, to represent the radius when the center point is off the drawing or otherwise inconvenient to display.
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NCOPY Command
The NCOPY command in AutoCAD (short for Nested Copy) allows you to copy objects from an external reference (Xref) or block reference directly into the current drawing.
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OVERKILL Command
The OVERKILL command in AutoCAD is used to clean up and optimize drawings by removing redundant or duplicate geometry.
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Mastering the Wipeout Command
Among AutoCAD's vast array of tools is one often overlooked yet powerful command: Wipeout. This nifty feature can clean up your drawings by hiding parts of your work you don't want to showcase.
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Less Known but Powerful Features
By exploring these lesser-known features, you can unlock the full potential of AutoCAD and become a more efficient and productive user.
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DIMSTYLE Editor
How to effectively use the DIMSTYLE editor to customize dimension styles
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PURGE
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WBLOCK
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Hidden Keyboard Shortcuts
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AutoCAD Secrets – Master the Hidden Gems

Understanding and Using the MASSPROP Command in AutoCAD

The MASSPROP command in AutoCAD is a powerful tool for calculating the mass properties of 2D and 3D objects. These properties, such as area, perimeter, centroid, and moment of inertia, are essential for various engineering and design applications.

How to Use the MASSPROP Command:

  1. Select Objects: Use the selection tools to select the objects whose mass properties you want to calculate.
  2. Start the Command: Type MASSPROP on the command line and press Enter.
  3. View Results: AutoCAD will display a dialog box showing the calculated mass properties, including:
    • Area: The total area of the selected objects.
    • Perimeter: The total perimeter of the selected objects.
    • Centroid: The coordinates of the centroid of the selected objects.
    • Moments of Inertia: Moments of inertia about the X, Y, and Z axes.
    • Product of Inertia: The product of inertia about the XY plane.
    • Radius of Gyration: The radius of gyration about the X, Y, and Z axes.

Example: Calculating the Area of a Polygon

  1. Draw a Polygon: Use the PLINE command to draw a closed polygon.
  2. Start the MASSPROP Command: Type MASSPROP and press Enter.
  3. Select the Polygon: Select the polygon.
  4. View Results: The calculated area will be displayed in the Mass Properties dialog box.

Example: Analyzing a 3D Solid

  1. Create a 3D Solid: Use commands like BOX, CYLINDER, or REVOLVE to create a 3D solid.
  2. Start the MASSPROP Command: Type MASSPROP and press Enter.
  3. Select the Solid: Select the 3D solid.
  4. View Results: The calculated mass properties, including volume, surface area, and moments of inertia, will be displayed.

Tips for Effective Use of MASSPROP:

  • Object Selection: Ensure that you select the correct objects before running the MASSPROP command.
  • Units: Make sure that the units of measurement for your drawing are correct to obtain accurate results.
  • Coordinate System: The calculated mass properties will be relative to the current coordinate system.
  • Complex Objects: For complex objects, consider breaking them down into simpler components to calculate mass properties individually.
  • 3D Objects: To calculate mass properties for 3D objects, make sure they are solid objects and not just surfaces.

By effectively using the MASSPROP command, you can gain valuable insights into the geometric properties of your designs, which can be helpful for structural analysis, optimization, and other engineering applications.