Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
(OP)
I am trying to create simple illustrative figures, like the ones you see in textbooks. My figures are a bit different I have a cylinder in space that is cut by three perpendicular planes (standard planes) and an oblique plane. The a vector perpendicular to the oblique plane surface makes two angles let say theta 0 and alpha 0 (with the standard plane). The cylinder is made up of different layers.
I would like to show coordinate system like x, y and on the planes also cylindrical.
The figures are like those found in dynamics books. My question is what is the best software to use. I am fimiliar with solidworks have already built cylinder parts and assembled them.
The problem is in the annotation part. I am trying to use theta symbol with subscript of 0 and alpha symbol with subscript of 0. I want to place arrows representing the x, y and z planes. Also I am trying to place angles on different planes. In brief, my biggest problem is to annotate. Also I would like to show intersecting lines between assembly and planes. I was able to show lines between planes intersecting planes.
I was able to change plane transparency but how if I want to change it's color...
I have checked adobe illustrator however not only I am not fimiliar with it but also I found it does not provide me with the same solid modeling capabilities.
I would like to show coordinate system like x, y and on the planes also cylindrical.
The figures are like those found in dynamics books. My question is what is the best software to use. I am fimiliar with solidworks have already built cylinder parts and assembled them.
The problem is in the annotation part. I am trying to use theta symbol with subscript of 0 and alpha symbol with subscript of 0. I want to place arrows representing the x, y and z planes. Also I am trying to place angles on different planes. In brief, my biggest problem is to annotate. Also I would like to show intersecting lines between assembly and planes. I was able to show lines between planes intersecting planes.
I was able to change plane transparency but how if I want to change it's color...
I have checked adobe illustrator however not only I am not fimiliar with it but also I found it does not provide me with the same solid modeling capabilities.






RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
Sketches and dimensions can be created on those planes.
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
Dan
www.eltronresearch.com
Dan's Blog
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
I used the standard planes and was able to change their transparency. However, I could not change each plane color. I was able to display them intersecting each other but could not make them intersect bodies. I thought about creating parts to represent planes but did not like it because there will be thickness. The idea of using surfaces is great.
@Eltron
I thought about that but the problem of using a different program to annotate is:
How can you place the arrows representing the coordinates correctly? I need them to be on specific planes
Also how can you place the arrows of the oblique (intersecting planes)? You need a program that understands solid works assembly files
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
For me annotation is the issue how can you use subscript? For example for the angle theta_0, Also how can you draw the axis?
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
I would do as rbpmc suggested.
For the Theta_0 you can draw them and
imprint them onto the surfaces. If they do not show up on
the drawing you might have to turn on Tang. lines.
Frank
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Pretty good with SolidWorks
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
@rbpmc I did not fully understand your suggestion. I do not have solidworks right now. I have it on a different computer but let me tell you what I am thinking of doing:
-Use surfaces to create planes (thickness will not be an issue)
-I am not sure how to place the arrow lines but I'll try the imprint idea
-For the annotation I am not sure how it would look if I imprinted it on surface
-I am not sure how the Mathfonts will work
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
Eric
RE: Simple Scientific and Technical Illustrative, Explaining figures
Perhaps some combination of planes and section views? Theres a button to turn on plane-intersection lines. It is sometimes helpful to make a drawing and manipulate the view and annotate as there are slightly more text handling tools in Solidworks drawing environment.
However, for any coherent, reduced swearing and screaming at the computer, any textual annotation should be done in a desktop publishing tool. Forget about drawing random arrowhead leaders as desired in Solidworks.