19

Call the Parametrics!

In This Chapter

arrow Introducing parametric drawing

arrow Understanding constraints

arrow Applying geometric and dimensional constraints

arrow Editing parametric drawings

A few releases back, AutoCAD included a set of parametric drawing tools, and, offhand, we can’t think of a more significant new feature in recent years. In fact, if you work primarily in 2D, and especially if you’re in the manufacturing business, parametrics in AutoCAD (and, to a very limited degree, in AutoCAD LT) might just be the most significant new feature ever since the beginning of orthographic engineering drawings in Roman times.

Parametric tools allow you to create relationships between geometry in a drawing. These relationships help to constrain and restrict changes to a design. If you know what we’re talking about, you’re probably pretty interested in finding out more about what you can do with parametrics in AutoCAD. If, on the other hand, you think parametrics are the folks who show up when you dial 911, the following paragraphs should straighten you out.

Imagine this scenario: Your boss has been ...

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