Introduction to MicroStation A Project-Based Approach for Learning MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3)
By: David Martin
Dedication I would like to dedicate this book to my Rio Hondo Community College MicroStation students, both past and present.
Copyright © David Martin 2015 ISBN-13: XXX ISBN-10: XXX First Publication Date: XXX Last Revision Date: XXX All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author. MicroStation is owned by Bentley Systems, Incorporated. Please visit http://www.bentley.com/en-US for the terms of use of the software.
Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 2
INITIAL PROJECTS – 2D VERSION ................................................................... 13
PROJECT #1 – ABSOLUTE COORDINATE EXERCISE....................................................................... 13 PROJECT #2 – RELATIVE COORDINATE EXERCISE........................................................................ 31 PROJECT #3 – BRACKET ..................................................................................................... 37 PRINTING YOUR DRAWING ................................................................................................... 58 PROJECT #4 – ADJUSTER PLATE ............................................................................................ 64 PROJECT #5 – SAW HANDLE ................................................................................................ 76 PROJECT #6 – HOLE BRACKET .............................................................................................. 85 PROJECT #7 – GASKET ...................................................................................................... 92 PROJECT #8 – SPLINE SHAFT ............................................................................................... 98 PROJECT #9 – HOLE BRACKET ............................................................................................ 108 PROJECT #10 – COVER PLATE ............................................................................................ 118 PROJECT #11A – WELDING SYMBOLS ................................................................................... 127 PROJECT #11B – WELDMENT ............................................................................................. 135
INITIAL PROJECTS – 3D VERSION ................................................................. 142
PROJECT #1 – 3D.......................................................................................................... 143 PROJECT #2 – 3D.......................................................................................................... 154 PROJECT #3 – 3D.......................................................................................................... 156 USING A 3D SOLID TO CREATE ORTHOGRAPHIC VIEWS ............................................................... 163 PROJECT #4 – 3D.......................................................................................................... 170 PROJECT #5 – 3D.......................................................................................................... 172 PROJECT #6 – 3D.......................................................................................................... 177 PROJECT #7 – 3D.......................................................................................................... 182 PROJECT #8 – 3D.......................................................................................................... 186 PROJECT #9 – 3D.......................................................................................................... 191 PROJECT #10 – 3D ........................................................................................................ 196 PROJECT #11B – 3D....................................................................................................... 199
ROBOTIC GRIPPER PROJECT.......................................................................... 208
GRIPPER-1 – GRIPPER FINGER ............................................................................................ 209 GRIPPER-2 – SLIDE BLOCK................................................................................................ 221 GRIPPER-3 – PIVOT BLOCK................................................................................................ 227 GRIPPER-4 – CAM FOLLOWER ............................................................................................. 233 GRIPPER-5 – SHOULDER BOLT ............................................................................................ 235 GRIPPER-6 – AIR CYLINDER............................................................................................... 237 GRIPPER-7 – .250-28 NUT............................................................................................... 243 GRIPPER-8 – ASSORTED PARTS .......................................................................................... 247 GRIPPER-ASSM – GRIPPER ASSEMBLY ................................................................................... 251
CONCLUSION ................................................................................................. 270
Introduction
Introduction to MicroStation
MicroStation Students: Welcome to Introduction to MicroStation! This book is designed to give the student an introduction to the MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 3) software. These projects were originally developed based on the projects used for my MicroStation course at Rio Hondo Community College in Whittier, Ca. I feel that after you complete them they will give you an excellent understanding of the MicroStation Software. The book is divided into three parts: 2D Versions of the Initial Projects, 3D Versions of the Initial Projects, and a Mechanical Assembly of a Robotic Gripper End Effector. All of these projects have step-by-step procedures, screenshots, and demonstration videos on the companion website at: www.intromicrostation.com. The videos will also provide additional instruction of the tools and techniques being used for each project. It is recommended that the student view these either before or during the drawing of the projects. The student will receive introduction to the 3D portion of the software and complete the projects using this portion of the program. Once you have completed the tutorials, you may wish to print your drawings and assemble them into a portfolio. Students should have a general knowledge of orthographic projection, linetypes, vellum and border sizes, welding symbology, and dimensioning practice. It is my hope that you will find this process an enjoyable and informative one. Once you have completed the book please feel free to share your experiences, suggestions, and compliments on the website. Enjoy,
David Martin
[email protected] www.intromicrostation.com
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Introduction to MicroStation
Before Beginning to Draw Each project has set of procedures that you aid you in drawing the project. The units that are used are either in inches or millimeters. Before beginning the project, be sure to set up the file with the appropriate working units and levels. As the book projects progress, the setup for new projects will change. A good strategy is to develop a set of templates that have the various settings for each project already set up as part of the file. If a template does not exist, create one from a completed drawing. Video Tutorials There are on-line video tutorials available for student use at:
https://sites.google.com/site/intromicrostation Permission for to access these files will be given as part of book purchase. The author may be contacted by email at
[email protected]. The student will also be required to create a Google Account. This account and the associated email account will be used to access the tutorial videos. Title Blocks and Other Support Files Title Blocks and other support files will be provided on the book website. Student should copy these files to their local drive and/or flash drive. File Management One of the most important issues while learning a computer-based skill is the management of the various files created. Always create a backup copy of your working files. Students should use folders to organize their work. A recommended method to do this will be covered during the first project.
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Introduction to MicroStation
MicroStation Graphics User Interface Shown below is the interface for the MicroStation design program. The first project is shown in the drawing area.
MicroStation V8i Select Series 3 Interface
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Introduction to MicroStation
Working Units Setup Use this guide to setup drawing files with the correct working units. This must be done prior to beginning the drawing and will affect the size of elements if it is changed after the drawing has been started. Go to Settings, Design File to open the Design File Settings dialog box.
Working Units Setting
Grid Setting
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Introduction to MicroStation
Use the following setup for mechanical drawings in imperial measurement (inches) Format: MU Master Unit: Inches Sub Unit: Mils Accuracy: 0.1234
Resolution: 100000 per Distance Inch Grid Master: 0.2500 Grid Reference: 4
Use the following setup for mechanical drawings in metric measurement (millimeters) Format: MU Master Unit: Millimeters Sub Unit: Micrometers Accuracy: 0.1234
Resolution: 100000 per Distance Inch Grid Master: 6.3500 Grid Reference: 4
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Introduction to MicroStation
Mechanical Drawing Level Setup Go to the Primary Tools tool palette to setup the Levels for a drawing. Click on the Level Manager tool to open the Level manager Dialog box.
Primary Tools Tool Palette
Level Manager Dialog Box
Use the following level setup for both imperial and metric drawings:
Level Name
Color
Style
Weight
White (0)
(Hidden)
0
Object Lines
Green (2)
Center Lines
White (0)
(Center) or (Center-Short)
0
White (0)
0
0
Hidden Lines
0
Dimensions
White (0)
Hatching
Red (3)
0
0
Magenta (5)
0
6
Text
Border Lines* Points* Tags*
0
2
Yellow (4)
0
White (0)
0
*Used for A-Size and B-Size Border Files.
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0
2
0
Introduction to MicroStation
Drawing Setup for the Initial 2D Projects This chart shows the settings for the initial 10 mechanical projects. Drawing Name
Drawing Scale
Print Scale
Dimension Text Size
Linestyle Scale Factor
Grid Dot Spacing
Paper Size
Project #1
None
2.400
.2500
1.000
.2500
ANSI A
Project #2
None
2.400
.2500
1.000
.2500
ANSI A
Project #3
1:1
1.000
.1250
1.000
.2500
ANSI A
Project #4
1:1
1.000
.1250
1.000
.2500
ANSI A
Project #5
1:1
1.000
.1250
1.000
.2500
ANSI B
Project #6
1:1
1.000
.1250
1.000
.2500
ANSI B
Project #7
1:1
1.000
.1250
1.000
.2500
ANSI B
Project #8
2:1
.500
.0625
.500
.1250
ANSI B
Project #9
1:1 (Metric)
1.000
3.175
1.000
6.3500
ANSI B
Project #10
1:1 (Metric)
1.000
3.175
1.000
6.3500
ANSI B
Project #11a
None
1.000
.1250
1.000
.2500
ANSI B
Project #11b
1:2
2.000
.2500
2.000
.5000
ANSI B
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Introduction to MicroStation
Project Volumes for Initial 3D Projects 1. Use these volumes as a guide when calculating the volumes of the 3D versions of your projects. 2. The tolerance is the amount that your volume may differ from the volume shown. The +/- means that the volume can be above or below the amount shown by the given value. The tolerance amount is based off the total volume of the part (Approximately +/- .01%). 3. Use the Measure Volume tool in the Measure palette to measure the volume of your project.
Drawing Name
Volume
Units
Tolerance
Project #1
77.0905
Cubic Inches
+/- .0100
Project #2
44.8850
Cubic Inches
+/- .0060
Project #3
4.2275
Cubic Inches
+/- .0005
Project #4
1.7729
Cubic Inches
+/- .0002
Project #5
12.1630
Cubic Inches
+/- .0020
Project #6
13.2862
Cubic Inches
+/- .0020
Project #7
1.3609
Cubic Inches
+/- .0002
Project #8
9.7144
Cubic Inches
+/- .0010
Project #9
92204.0503
Cubic Millimeters
+/- 11.5000
Project #10
25199.2780
Cubic Millimeters
+/- 3.1500
Project #11b* (Parts Combined)
13.4748
Cubic Inches
+/- .0020
77.1005 77.0805 44.8910 44.8790 4.2280 4.2270 1.7731 1.7727 12.165 12.161
13.2882 13.2842 1.3611 1.3607
9.7154 9.7134
92215.5503 92192.5503
25202.4280 25196.1280 13.4768 13.4728
Note: To check the volume of Project #11b, create a copy of the parts and then union them together.
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Introduction to MicroStation
Project Volumes for Robotic Gripper Project 1. Use these volumes as a guide when calculating the volumes of the 3D versions of the Gripper projects. 2. The tolerance is the amount that your volume may differ from the volume shown. The +/- means that the volume can be above or below the amount shown by the given value. The tolerance amount is based off the total volume of the part (Approximately +/- .01%). 3. Use the Measure Volume tool in the Measure palette to measure the volume of your project.
Drawing Name
Volume
Units
Gripper-1 (Gripper Finger)
.5649
Cubic Inches
+/- .0002
.5651 .5647
Gripper-2 (Slide Block)
.7092
Cubic Inches
+/- .0002
.7094 .7090
Gripper-3 (Pivot Block)
1.2303
Cubic Inches
+/- .0002
1.2305 1.2301
Gripper-4 (Cam Follower)
.0769
Cubic Inches
+/- .0001
.0770 .0768
Gripper-5 (Cam Follower)
.0577
Cubic Inches
+/- .0001
.0578 .0576
Gripper-6 (Air Cylinder - Retracted)
1.8797
Cubic Inches
+/- .0002
1.8799 1.8795
Gripper-6a (Air Cylinder - Extended)
1.9288
Cubic Inches
+/- .0002
1.9290 1.9286
Gripper-7 (.250-28 Nut)
.0277
Cubic Inches
+/- .0001
.0278 .0276
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Tolerance
Introduction to MicroStation
Part One Initial Projects 2D Version
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Introduction to MicroStation
Initial Projects – 2D Version
Project #1 – Absolute Coordinate Exercise File Name: Initial Project #1.dgn
Description: This is the first project of the book. It is designed to introduce the student to the MicroStation interface and to give the student practice in the use of the data point key-in window. This window allows the student to key-in coordinates using absolute coordinates. Students will also be introduced to the Text tool and the use of the various commands to control the font, size, and the spacing of the various text elements in the drawing. Starting the software
1. Find and click on the MicroStation Icon to start the software.
Microstation Icon
2. The splash screen will appear. Wait for the software to open and for the File Manager dialog box to open.
File Open Dialog Box
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Introduction to MicroStation
3. Set up a folder structure for your drawing files. Start by creating a folder called “Intro MicroStation” on your flash drive or hard drive. Use the Create New Folder tool in the File Manager dialog.
New Folder Tool
4. Create a sub-folder under the Intro Microstation folder called “Initial Projects”. Double click on the folder to open it. This will be where you will store the first 10 projects of the book. Initial Projects Folder
5. Click on the New File tool to create a file located at the top of the dialog box. New File Tool
6. Verify that the Seed File to be used is seed2d.dgn. This file contains the settings that are used for the initial setup of the file. Later we will use other methods to apply these settings to new files. seed2d.dgn Seed File
7. The New Dialog box will open. Type in the file name in the File name field below.
File Name Field
8. Click the Save button at the lower right corner of the dialog box. In the default setting of the software, you must name a file before opening it.
Save Button
File Created
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Introduction to MicroStation
9. Open the file by double clicking on it or by pressing the Open button in the File Open Dialog box. This dialog box shows the files in a particular folder and a preview or thumbnail of the file when it was last saved. You can also setup User, Project, and Interface setting at the bottom right corner. You will not be using these in this book.
File Open Dialog Box
10. The MicroStation Interface opens. By default the background is black with white gridlines and dots. Images in the book will use a white background for clarity. If you wish to change this setting, click on the Workspace menu at the top and select Preferences. The Preferences dialog box will open. Select View Options category from the list on the left and check the box next to “Black Background -> White”. Click the OK button to close the box.
Preferences Dialog Box – View Options Category Change
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Introduction to MicroStation
11. Also turn on the Save Settings on Exit setting. This way, if you make changes to any of the drawing file settings they will be saved after exiting the file. This setting is in the Operation category. Note: Saving the drawing will not save the drawing settings.
Preferences Dialog Box – Operations Category Change
12. If you are an AutoCAD user or would like to use the ESC (Escape) key to end the command, use the Input category in the Preferences dialog to turn on the feature.
Preferences Dialog Box – Input Category Change Allow ESC key to stop current command
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Introduction to MicroStation
Default User Interface
13. Before beginning the drawing, you must set the working units for the file. See the working units setup page for values. Since this drawing is an Imperial (Inches) drawing, we will use the following settings for the Working Units.
14. Click on the Settings Menu, Design File.
15. The Design File Settings dialog box opens. Select the Working Units category. 16. Setup the workings units as shown. Click on the Edit button to change the Resolution. A warning box will appear. Click the OK button to continue.
Design File Settings Dialog
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Introduction to MicroStation
17. Set the Advanced Unit Setting as shown. Do not change the Working Areas field.
Alert Box (Working Units Change)
Advanced Unit Settings Dialog
Note: Working units are typically setup at the beginning of the project and are not changed. If the settings are changed then the project sizes and locations could also change. If you are working on a project with other designers, the working units will typically be specified by the Project Manager. 18. Close the Design File Settings dialog to change the Working Units. Re-open the dialog to change the Grid setting.
19. Set the Grids as shown.
Grid Dot Settings
20. If you cannot see the Grids on the screen, use the wheel on your mouse to zoom in and out. You will also be able to see the grids after beginning the drawing and fitting the view.
21. Click on the Level Manager tool at the top of the screen. In the Create two layers. Name one layer Object Lines and the other Text.
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Level Manager Tool
Introduction to MicroStation
Level Manager Dialog Box
22. Before adding your first line, set the level to Object Lines. Do this by choosing the Object Line level at the top left of the screen.
Selecting the Level
23. Open the data point key-in window. To do this, select the Accudraw Coordinate window and press the “M” key. Use this window to enter coordinates for the various points on the shapes. 24. The Data Point Keyin window will open. Use the Absolute (xy=) setting to add the coordinates for the line endpoints.
Accudraw Coordinate Window
Data Point Keyin Window
25. Start with the first shape in the upper left corner of the example using the Absolute(xy=) option. Use the Line Tool in the Drawing palette.
Line Tool
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Introduction to MicroStation
26. After adding the first line, fit the object in the view using the Fit View tool. This tool is located at the tool of the drawing view window. Continue to use this tool to fit the objects as they are added to the drawing.
Fit View Tool
Note: You can also zoom in and out by using the wheel on your mouse. To pan the view, hold the wheel down and move the mouse.
27. Use the chart in the Project #1 drawing to key-in the coordinates.
Project #1 Absolute Coordinate Chart
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Introduction to MicroStation
28. To draw the circle, use the Place Circle tool in the Drawing task. Use the Center method when placing the circle. Set the diameter to 2.00.
Place Circle Dialog Box
Place Circle Tool
29. To draw the triangle, use the Place Regular Polygon tool. Match the settings as shown. Place Regular Polygon Tool
Place Polygon Tool
30. To place the circle around the triangle, use the center line style. Place the circle on the Text level. The center point of the circle will be the same as the center of the triangle. Use 2.50 for the diameter of the circle.
Center Linestyle
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Introduction to MicroStation
Setting Up the Outside Border and Text Boxes
1. Draw the outside border. Use 24.75 for the width and 14.0 for the height. Use the Absolute Coordinate method and the Place Block tool. Position the lower left corner of the border 1.75 below and 2.00 to the left of the origin of the shape. Place Block Tool
2. Setup the frame for the text box. The total width of the box is 4.50 and each column is 1.50. The height of each row is .50. Draw the box using the Place Line tool.
3. After placing the two vertical lines and the top line, use to Move Parallel tool to copy the lines down from the top.
Access the tool by clicking and holding on the third tool in the Main palette. You may also open the Manipulate toolbox by selecting “Open ‘Manipulate’ as toolbox”.
Manipulate Toolbox
Move Parallel Tool
4. Use 1.000 for the first line and then .500 for the remaining lines. There will be a total of 18 lines not including the top horizontal line.
Move/Copy Parallel Settings
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Lines Added
Introduction to MicroStation
5. Add two vertical lines from the left or right side using the Copy Parallel command at a distance of 1.500.
Lines Added
6. Use the Trim To Element tool to trim the lines. You may also to open the Modify toolbox to access the tools quickly.
Modify Toolbox
Trim To Element Tool
7. When trimming, click the portion of the element that you will be trimming first then click the element that you are trimming to second.
Element Trimmed
8. Continue trimming until the text box appears as in the project example.
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Introduction to MicroStation
9. Next you will need to create two separate lines from the second vertical line. Use the Break Element tool to create two lines and the trim to to connect them to the horizontal line.
Break Element Tool
Line Broken
10. After reattaching the two line segments, select the lines that appear thinner in the example. Click in the Level selector pulldown at the top left of the screen and change the level for the line to Text. They will appear thinner and white (or black) in color.
Completed Lines for Table
11. Setup the text for the first column. Use .2500 for the text height and width. The line spacing is 1.0. Use Center Top for the justification.
Place Text Tool
Place Text Dialog with text settings applied.
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Introduction to MicroStation
12. Type the entire first column all at once and place the first row in the first cell of the table. When placing the text use the Snap function to lock the text at the intersection of the two lines.
Placing the Text
Column of Text
13. Use the Move tool to move the text into the correct location.
Move Tool
Moving the Text
14. Use these steps to move the text using the Accudraw window. a. Select the text column. b. Click the Move tool. c. Click the start point for the move. d. Move the text down and to the right. e. Type .75, then the Tab key, then .125 (the value should be negative). f. Click to complete the moving of the text.
15. Complete the remaining text for the columns.
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Introduction to MicroStation
16. To place the text for the POINT and ABSOLUTE COORDINATES boxes use the settings as shown.
Text Settings
17. To aid in locating the text, draw two temporary diagonal lines and snap the text to the midpoint of the lines.
Placing the Text
18. Once the first table has been completed. Copy the table three times and edit the text. It is much easier to edit existing text than create new text. Use the Accudraw window and the Move tool to move and place the table. The table is 1.750 to the left and .500 up from the lower right corner of the border.
19. Type the name of the project, your name, date, and the project above the table.. Use .375 text for the underlined text and .250 for the other text.
Drawing Label Text
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Introduction to MicroStation
20. To create the underlined text you will need to create a text style. Click on the Element Menu and the Text Styles Tool to open the Text Styles dialog box. Although not required you may also create text styles for the other text. When creating the “Title” style, use the settings as shown.
Underline Settings
Text Styles Dialog Box
21. Place the text for coordinate labels at the corners and center of the shape. Use .375 for the text height.
Coordinate Labels Placed
22. Place the origin symbols at the lower left corner of the shape. You will use the place note command to place the arrows.
Place Note Tool
23. To set the size of the arrowhead you will need to open the Dimension Styles dialog box. Click on the Element Menu, Dimension Styles to do this.
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Introduction to MicroStation
24. Match the settings as shown. You will also need to set the arrowhead to Filled. This setting is in the Geometry tab.
Text Settings in Dimension Styles Dialog
Arrowhead Settings
25. Add the text and arrows as shown. Estimate the location of the lines and arrows. Use .25 text, Font #100 for the 0,0 text.
Origin Symbol
26. Add in the text for the notes at the top left corner of the border. Use .25 for the height and width of the text and Font #100. Note Text
26. This completes the first project. Save the file. (You will print the drawing after completing Project #3.) Note: In the default setup of MicroStation, the file is saved automatically after a change has been made to the drawing. Although not required for these projects, this setting may be turned off in the Preferences dialog box under the Operation category. See the next page for a screenshot of the dialog box.
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Introduction to MicroStation
Automatically Save Changes checkbox
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Introduction to MicroStation
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