BUILD4

Users Manual
Release 4.0.0
a u t o s h i p
S ys t em s C or p or at i on
Suite 312 Tel (604) 254-4171
611 Alexander Street Fax (604) 254-5171
Vancouver B C Internet http://www.autoship.com
V6A 1E1 Canada
Copyright 1993-1997 Autoship Systems Corporation

Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation
AutoCAD is a trademark of Autodesk, Inc.
Information contained in this document is subject to change without further notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic of mechanical, for
any purpose, without the express permission of Autoship Systems Corporation.
1997 Autoship Systems Corporation. All right reserved.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. AutoCAD is a trademark of Autodesk Inc. All other
product names are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective owners.
Autoship Systems Corporation cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. In addition, terms
suspected of being trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks have been appropriately
capitalized. Use of a term in this book should not be regarded as a validity of any trademark, registered
trademark, or service mark.
Autoship Systems Corporation

Suite 312
611 Alexander Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6A 1E1
Canada
Tel: (604) 254-4171

Fax: (604) 254-5171
Internet: http//www.autoship.com
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Getting Started ....................................... 1
Introducing Auto build ........................................................2

Auto build Versions ............................................................3
Package Contents .............................................................4
Autoship Program Suite .....................................................5
About This Manual ............................................................7
System Requirements ........................................................9
Installing Auto build ......................................................... 10
Before Installation .................................................................................................. 10
How to Install Autobuild......................................................................................... 11
Installing the Hardware Lock.................................................................................. 12
Chapter 2 About Auto build .................................... 15

Starting and Exiting......................................................... 16
Starting Autobuild .................................................................................................. 16
Exiting Autobuild ................................................................................................... 16
Using the Mouse and Keyboard......................................... 17
Mouse..................................................................................................................... 17
Keyboard ................................................................................................................ 17
Coordinate System.......................................................... 18
File Types ...................................................................... 19
Operating Overview ........................................................ 20
Starting Your Project .............................................................................................. 20
Viewing in the Main Window................................................................................. 21
Creating Parts......................................................................................................... 21
Using the Part Editor .............................................................................................. 22
Adding Extrusions.................................................................................................. 24
Compiling Reports.................................................................................................. 25
Exporting Autobuild to CAD .................................................................................. 25
Table of Contents i
Table of Contents
Chapter 3 Operating the Main Window ................... 27
Auto build Main Window .................................................. 28

Graphic Display Area ............................................................................................. 29
Display Controls..................................................................................................... 29
Main Window Display Controls ......................................... 30
Part Type Buttons ................................................................................................... 31
Tilt Scroll Bar ........................................................................................................ 32
Rotate Scroll Bar .................................................................................................... 33
Main Window Toolbar ..................................................... 34
Zoom Button .......................................................................................................... 35
No Zoom Button ..................................................................................................... 36
Wireframe Button................................................................................................... 37
Render Parts Button................................................................................................ 38
Previous Part Button............................................................................................... 39
Next Part Button..................................................................................................... 40
New Part Button ..................................................................................................... 41
Delete Part Button .................................................................................................. 42
Edit Part Button...................................................................................................... 43
Edit Extrusion Button............................................................................................. 44
Notes Button........................................................................................................... 45
Chapter 4 Using the Main Menu............................. 47
Menu Bar ...................................................................... 48

File Menu ...................................................................... 49
File - New Project................................................................................................... 50
File - Open Project.................................................................................................. 55
File - Save Project As ............................................................................................. 56
File - Project Notes ................................................................................................. 57
File - Export DXF All 3D ...................................................................................... 58
File - Export DXF Flat........................................................................................... 60
File - Export DXF One Part 3D ............................................................................. 63
File - Export DXF 2D Cross Section...................................................................... 66
File - Export Autoship DRA .................................................................................. 68
File - Exit ............................................................................................................... 70
ii Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Shell Menu..................................................................... 71
Shell - Add ............................................................................................................. 72
Shell - Delete.......................................................................................................... 73
Part Menu...................................................................... 74
Part - New .............................................................................................................. 75
Part - Edit............................................................................................................... 81
Part - Delete............................................................................................................ 83
Part - Extrusion ...................................................................................................... 85
Part - Group and Zone Settings............................................................................... 89
View Menu .................................................................... 91
View - All............................................................................................................... 92
View - Body............................................................................................................ 93
View - Plan/Profile ................................................................................................. 94
View - Axonometric ............................................................................................... 95
View - Perspective .................................................................................................. 96
View - Render Parts................................................................................................ 97
View - Next Part ..................................................................................................... 98
View - Previous Part ............................................................................................... 99
View - Shell.......................................................................................................... 100
Report Menu ................................................................ 101
Report - Weights................................................................................................... 102
Report - Parts by Group ........................................................................................ 103
Report - Parts by Zone .......................................................................................... 104
Report - Parts by Type .......................................................................................... 105
Report - Clear Report............................................................................................ 106
Settings Menu .............................................................. 107
Settings - Project Details....................................................................................... 108
Settings - Units ..................................................................................................... 110
Settings - Drawing Colors..................................................................................... 111
Settings - Page Setup ............................................................................................ 113
Help Menu ................................................................... 115
Help - Contents..................................................................................................... 116
Help - About Autobuild......................................................................................... 117
Table of Contents iii

Table of Contents
Chapter 5 Editing Parts in Primary Mode ............... 119
Part Editor Window .......................................................120

Starting the Part Editor - Primary Mode ............................................................... 121
Working in the Part Editor Window ..................................................................... 121
Starting the Part Editor - Secondary Mode............................................................ 121
Exiting the Part Editor Window............................................................................ 122
Part Editor Display Controls ............................................123
Zoom Button ........................................................................................................ 124
Redraw Button...................................................................................................... 125
No Zoom Button ................................................................................................... 126
Undo Button ......................................................................................................... 127
Secondary Mode Button........................................................................................ 128
Primary Mode Button ........................................................................................... 129
Snap, Grid and Osnap Buttons.............................................................................. 130
Point Position Boxes............................................................................................. 131
Relative Movement Boxes..................................................................................... 132
Interference Button ............................................................................................... 133
Near Side Button .................................................................................................. 134
Far Side Button .................................................................................................... 135
Shell Button ......................................................................................................... 136
Cursor Position Boxes........................................................................................... 137
Part Editor Menu System ................................................138
File Menu .....................................................................139
File - Open ........................................................................................................... 140
File - Save ............................................................................................................ 141
File - Create Opposite Part.................................................................................... 142
File - Import DXF................................................................................................. 143
File - Exit Part Editor ........................................................................................... 145
Edit Menu ....................................................................146
Edit - Copy to Shape Library ................................................................................ 147
Edit - Paste from Shape Library ............................................................................ 149
Edit - Copy ........................................................................................................... 151
Edit - Paste ........................................................................................................... 152
Edit - Attach Parts ................................................................................................ 153
Edit - Detach All .................................................................................................. 155
iv Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Settings Menu .............................................................. 156

Settings - Part Attributes....................................................................................... 157
Settings - Drawing Colors..................................................................................... 158
Settings - Units ..................................................................................................... 159
Part Editor - Primary Mode Toolbar .................................. 160
Box Draw Button.................................................................................................. 162
Radiused-Corner Box Draw Button....................................................................... 163
Oval Draw Button................................................................................................. 164
Line Draw Button ................................................................................................. 165
Erase Point Button................................................................................................ 167
Close Loop Button ................................................................................................ 168
Circle Draw Button............................................................................................... 169
Union Button ........................................................................................................ 170
Intersect Button .................................................................................................... 171
Subtract Button..................................................................................................... 172
Erase Button ......................................................................................................... 173
Rotate Button........................................................................................................ 174
Move Button......................................................................................................... 176
Copy Button.......................................................................................................... 177
Array Button......................................................................................................... 178
Mirror Button ....................................................................................................... 179
Offset Button ........................................................................................................ 180
Trim Button.......................................................................................................... 181
Chapter 6 Editing Parts in Secondary Mode ........... 183
Part Editor in Secondary Mode ........................................ 184

Switching to Secondary Mode from Primary Mode ............................................... 185
Working in Secondary Mode................................................................................. 185
Exiting Secondary Mode to Primary Mode............................................................ 186
Part Editor - Secondary Mode Toolbar .............................. 187
Radius Fillet Button .............................................................................................. 188
Insert Point Button................................................................................................ 189
Delete Point Button............................................................................................... 190
Close Loop Button ................................................................................................ 191
Designate Solid Button ......................................................................................... 192
Table of Contents v
Table of Contents
Designate Hole Button.......................................................................................... 193

Designate Reference Button.................................................................................. 194
Apply Extrusion Button ........................................................................................ 195
Flip Extrusion Button ........................................................................................... 197
Chapter 7 Editing Extrusions................................ 199
Editing Extrusions in the Part Editor .................................200

Additional Operations .......................................................................................... 201
Unavailable Operations......................................................................................... 201
Modified Display Controls.................................................................................... 201
Loading an Extrusion into the Part Editor............................................................. 202
Operating the Part Editor...................................................................................... 202
Extrusion Menu .............................................................203
Extrusion - Insertion Point.................................................................................... 204
Extrusion - Cutout ................................................................................................ 205
Extrusion - Scale .................................................................................................. 206
Index ................................................................ 207
Auto build Tutorial
vi Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Getting Started
This chapter introduces Autobuild and describes how to install this software
program. This chapter contains the following sections:
Introducing Autobuild
Autobuild Versions
Package Contents
Autoship Program Suite
About This Manual
System Requirements
Installing Autobuild
Chapter 1 - Getting Started 1

Welcome to Autobuild, the software program that gives you the capability to
easily model all internal structures for the hull forms you create in Autoship.
At a minimum, Autobuild is a powerful tool for visualizing your hull form and the
layout and relationship of all structural components.
As you will discover, Autobuild will take care of the tedious work, freeing up your
time to allow you to concentrate on the creative work. Use Autobuild to fit
members to the hull, and to each other, and to automatically generate
longitudinal stringers and associated cutouts. Autobuild keeps track of the
components you create and generates an ongoing report of weights and centers.
All internal structures you create can be exported to your CAD systems for
production drawings, or for NC cutting.
The bottom line is that Autobuild will make you more productive, and thus save
you time and money.
The fastest way to get started with Autobuild is to work through the tutorial. To
take full advantage of Autobuilds power, we strongly recommend that you take
one of our formal training courses. Contact us, or any of our international
dealers, for full particulars on our training courses.
2 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

Autobuild Versions
Autobuild Versions
Autobuild is available in two versions: Autobuild (formerly Autobuild 1) and
Autobuild Pro (formerly Autobuild 2).
Autobuild is designed for smaller vessels that are less than 30 meters long.
Autobuild has the capacity for up to 150 parts.
Autobuild Pro is for larger vessels, longer than 30 meters. Autobuild Pro has no
limitation on the number of parts.

Package Contents
Package Contents
The content of your Autobuild package are set out below. Contact Autoship
Systems Corporation by telephone, fax or e-mail if any items are missing from
your package.
Users Manual
Autobuild program disk
hardware lock
Network Lock Driver disk (only if you bought Autobuild with a network lock)
authorization disk


Autobuild is part of our integrated suite of Windows programs.
Original Designs Existing Designs

Sketch Autoship (DOS)
Design Brief Autoyacht (DOS)
Autoboat (DOS)
Autoplex (DOS)
Digitized Lines Plan
Table of Offsets
Autoship Design Suite
Autopower Autohydro
Resistance and Hydrostatics and
Propulsion Stability
Autoship
Hull and Superstructure
Design
Autobuild Autoplate
Production of internal Hull plating and
components Shell expansion
CAD Systems

Autoship
Use Autoship to model the hull and superstructure and export this information to
Autobuild, Autopower, Autohydro and Autoplate.
Autopower
Use Autopower to perform resistance and power prediction calculations.
Autohydro
Use Autohydro to perform complete hydrostatic calculations and analysis.
Autoplate
Use Autoplate to produce fabrication information and shell expansion drawings.

About This Manual
About This Manual

We assume that you are familiar with the Windows environment. If you have not
worked with Windows before, please consult your Windows documentation. Here
is a guide to the information you will find in this users manual:
Chapter 1: Getting Started

Introduces you to Autobuild and helps you install it.
Chapter 2: About Autobuild

Tells you how to run Autobuild and familiarizes you with the display, keyboard,
coordinate system, file types and Autobuilds main functions.
Chapter 3: Operating the Main Window

Provides detailed information on each control in the Main window.
Chapter 4: Using the Main Menu

Provides information on each item in the Main menu.
Chapter 5: Editing Parts in Primary Mode

Provides detailed information about using the Part Editor in Primary mode.
Chapter 6: Editing Parts in Secondary Mode

Provides detailed information about using the Part Editor in Secondary mode.

About This Manual
Chapter 7: Editing Extrusions

Provides detailed information about editing extrusions in the Part Editor.
Index
Directs you to the topics throughout the manual.
Autobuild Tutorial
Introduces you to many Autobuild concepts and functions, with step by step
instructions for creating the interior structure of a sample vessel.

System Requirements
System Requirements
The following table shows the minimum and recommended system requirements
for running Autobuild.
Minimum Recommended
CPU 486 processor Pentium processor
Memory 16 Mb (Windows 95) 32 Mb (Windows 95)
24 Mb (Windows NT) 48 Mb (Windows NT)
Free Hard Disk Space 10 Mb
Graphics 800x600 resolution, 256 1024x768 resolution
colours * 32k colours
Mouse Any Windows pointing device
* Operation is possible at 256 colours, but for rendering to function correctly 32k
colours or more are needed.

This section describes the installation procedure for Autobuild.
Before Installation
Check the Autobuild program disk for a README.WRI file. If there is a
README.WRI file, use Windows Write to read it. This file contains the latest
comments on the installation procedure and program use.

How to Install Autobuild
First, a hardware lock must be installed in your system. (See

Installing the Hardware Lock below for details.)
Then, with Windows running,

If installing from floppy disks, run SETUP.EXE found on the
Authorization disk.
If you are installing from files on your hard drive, run
SETUP.EXE on your hard drive.
Follow the instructions given by the install program.
When you get the message that installation is complete, respond by

clicking <OK>.
You will see the Autobuild icon added to the AUTOSHIP folder.

Installing the Hardware Lock
Installing the Hardware Lock
General - Description
A hardware lock is a small electronic device that is installed onto the parallel port
of your computer. (Note: If you have a network hardware lock, only one lock is
used for all computers on the network. See below for details.) You need the
hardware lock in order for Autobuild to run in normal operating mode. Otherwise,
Autobuild will only run in demo mode. Keep the lock in a safe place when not in
use. As outlined in the licensing agreement, you are exclusively responsible for
the hardware lock. You may be required to purchase an additional software
license if the hardware lock is lost or stolen.
General Precautions
Before installation, shut down all programs

You cannot daisy chain the locks
Certain local printers may interfere with the operation of the lock. If this is the
case, try a different printer driver, or install another parallel port
Installing a Hardware Lock - Local Installation, Windows

Operating System
1. Plug the hardware lock into the parallel port.

2. If you have a printer connected to your parallel port, plug the printer into the
other end of the lock.
3. Install Autobuild as discussed above.

Installing an NT Hardware Lock
Installing a Hardware Lock - Local Installation, NT Operating

System
1. If your operating system is Windows NT, the Autobuild installation program

will detect this, and ask you: Would you like to copy the NT lock driver files
to your computer? You must respond Yes. (The NT Lock driver is required
so that your operating system can communicate with the port.)
2. At this point, you will be asked where you want to install the NT lock driver.
Follow the instructions to complete installation of the NT lock driver.
3. Re-start the Autobuild installation, by running SETUP.EXE on the
Authorization disk. When the installation program asks you if you would like
the NT lock driver files copied to your computer, respond No.
4. Follow the instructions to complete the installation of Autobuild onto your
computer.

Installing a Network Lock
Installing a Hardware Lock - Network Installation
1. If you have bought a network hardware lock, you will have received a
separate floppy named Network Lock Driver.
2. Plug the network lock into the parallel port on one of the computers in your
network.
3. Install the network lock driver onto same computer, by running SETUP.EXE
from the Network Lock Driver disk. (If this computer has an Windows NT
operating system, be sure to install the NT lock driver, as described above.)
4. Install Autobuild onto each computer on your network, as per installation
instructions above.

Chapter 2
About Autobuild
This chapter provides an overview of Autobuild and contains the following
sections:
Starting and Exiting
Using the Mouse and Keyboard
Coordinate System
File Types
Operating Overview
Chapter 2 - About Auto build 15


These are the procedures for starting and exiting Autobuild.
Starting Autobuild
To start Autobuild, double-click the Autobuild icon.
Alternatively, you can open the File Manager and select

c:\autoship\build\builder.exe.
Exiting Autobuild
To exit Autobuild, from the Autobuild Main menu bar, choose File - Exit.
16 Chapter 2 About Auto build


Mouse
In Autobuild, the mouse works the same way it does in any Windows
program. Use the left mouse button for all selecting. Use the right button
for panning the view, by clicking the position that you want to be in the
center of the graphic display area.
Keyboard
Key Use it to
Character keys Type in names and specify values.
Arrow keys Move through menus and to move
selected points.
ENTER Accept the entry you have just made.
ALT + E Display Edit menu.
ALT + F Display File menu.
ALT + H Display Help menu.
ALT + L Display Shell menu.
ALT + P Display Part menu.
ALT + R Display Report menu.
ALT + S Display Settings menu.
ALT + V Display View menu.
F1 Displays online Help.
F5 Select the next point.
F6 Select the previous point.
F7 Select the next part.
F8 Select the previous part.
CTRL + TAB Toggle through the active Windows
programs.

Coordinate System
Coordinate System
Autobuild uses a coordinate system aligned with the principal axes of the
ship.
Item How it is used

Origin The point at which all three coordinates are zero; (0,0,0) in
coordinate notation. It can be located at the AP, FP,
midships, or at any arbitrary point.
L-axis The longitudinal or x axis runs along the ship's centerplane.
Negative is forward, positive aft. You may also use F and A
instead of + or -.
T-axis The transverse or y axis runs across the ship. The transverse
origin is the centerline of the ship. It is negative to port and
positive to starboard. You may also use P and S instead of +
or -.
V-axis The vertical or z axis is perpendicular to the ship's baseplane.
Positive is above the baseplane and negative is below. The
program accepts any location for the baseplane.

File Types
File Types
Autobuild has the following file types:
File type Function When created

.PRJ Autoship project file. Created by Autoship.
.FC1 Defines the surfaces Created by Autoship when
of the shell. Also the hull is exported to
called the face file. Autobuild.
.OLC Defines the Created by Autoship when
wireframe outlines of the hull is exported to
the shell. Autobuild.
.SPW Defines the extrusion Created by Autoship when
paths and plating the hull is exported to
seams on the shell. Autobuild.
BUILDER.INF Stores project When the new project is
settings information. opened in Autobuild.
.PRT Defines one part. When a new part is created.
.XTR Defines one When an extrusion is
extrusion. created. Some extrusions
are supplied in the Extrusion
library.
.SHP Defines a shape in When a new shape is saved
the Shape library. to the Shape library.
BNOTES.TXT Project Notes file. When the new project is
opened in Autobuild.
PARTS.LST Parts list. When the new project is
opened in Autobuild.
EXTRUSN.LST Extrusion list. When the first extrusion is
created.
GRPZONE.LST Group list and zone When the new project is
list. opened in Autobuild.
MATERIAL.LST Materials list. Supplied with Autoship. You
can edit this file.

Operating Overview
Operating Overview
This section provides a brief overview of the general procedures to follow
to complete your Autobuild project, and where to look in this manual for
relevant information.
If you are new to Autobuild, we strongly recommend that you work
through the Autobuild tutorial. It provides detailed step-by-step
instructions for designing a vessels interior fittings, and introduces many
Autobuild concepts and procedures. See the Autobuild Tutorial.
An Autobuild project starts with the vessels shell, normally defining the
hull, and any superstructure and extrusion paths, exported from Autoship.
When you have completed your work with the project in Autobuild, you
can export your Autobuild project as .DXF files to CAD programs to add
final details. You can also use the Autobuild reports to provide material
and weight information.
Starting Your Project

To start your project, export the vessels shell from Autoship to Autobuild.
In Autobuild choose the menu option File - New Project and specify the
project name, directory, part reference plane, measurement units, weld
relief radius, and the groups and zones. For more information see File -
New Project in Chapter 4, Using the Main Menu.
To add the shell to the project, from the Main menu bar, choose Shell -
Add and select the face file. For more information, see Shell - Add in
Chapter 4, Using the Main Menu.

Operating Overview
Viewing in the Main Window

Now that your project is displayed in the Main window, you can use some
of the Main window display controls. Use the Tilt and Rotate scroll bars,
and notice the Part Type buttons. For information, see Main Window
Display Controls in Chapter 3, Operating the Main Window.
You can also change the view from perspective to axonometric, plan and
profile, body, or all. For more information see View Menu in Chapter 4,
Using the Main Menu.
In the toolbar, use the Zoom, No Zoom, Wireframe, Render Parts,
Previous Part, Next Part, and Notes buttons. For more information see
Main Window Toolbar in Chapter 3, Operating the Main Window.
Notice that you can change the colors in the graphic display area by
choosing Settings - Drawing Colors. You can also change the settings
you already made for your project by choosing Settings - Project Details,
Settings - Units, and Part - Group and Zone Settings. For more
information see Settings Menu and Part Menu in Chapter 4, Using the
Main Menu.
Creating Parts
Parts are the interior fittings to the hull. In Autobuild there are several
types of parts: transverse frames, transverse floors, transverse bulkheads,
flats, longitudinals, decks and general planes. The parts are designed to be
constructed with sheet materials and extrusions.

Operating Overview
Create parts in Autobuild, in the same sequence as you expect them to be

added to the vessel in the shipyard. This enables you to make cutouts for
part intersections, as you create each part. So in most cases, you start with
the vessels keel bar. To create a part, choose the New Part button or
choose Part - New. For information, see Part - New in Chapter 4,
The part shapes, as they are created, are quite basic, so you may need to
modify them. You may also want to find interferences with other parts and
add extrusions. You do all this in the Part Editor. You will probably want
to edit each part after it is created, before you create the next part.
To delete a part, you use the Delete Part button or choose Part - Delete.
For information, see Part - Delete in Chapter 4, Using the Main Menu.
Using the Part Editor

To make all changes to a part, use the Part Editor. To select a part to
display in the Part Editor, in the Main window, choose the Edit Part
button, or choose Part - Edit. For information, see Part - Edit in
The Part Editor operates on one part at a time. When you display a part in
the Part Editor, you can make as many changes to it as you like.
The Part Editor operates in two modes: Primary mode and Secondary
mode. When a part is first displayed, the Part Editor is operating in Primary
mode. To change to Secondary mode, you click the Secondary Mode
button.

Operating Overview
When you have finished working in Secondary mode, you exit and return
to Primary mode by clicking the Primary Mode button.
To exit the Part Editor, it must be in Primary mode. You can choose File -
Save Part to save the changes to the current part before selecting another
part to edit, or choose File - Exit Part Editor to return to the Main
window.
Part Editor Display Controls and Menu Bar

In both Primary mode and Secondary mode, the display controls and menu
bar are the same. They are described once in Chapter 5, Editing Parts in
Primary Mode.
In either Primary mode or Secondary mode, you can use the Zoom and No
Zoom buttons and the Redraw button, the Cursor Position boxes, Point
Position boxes, Relative Movement boxes, Snap, Grid and Osnap
buttons, and the Undo button. For more information see Part Editor
Display Controls in Chapter 5, Editing Parts in Primary Mode.
In either Primary or Secondary mode, use the Settings menu to change
project settings, the Edit menu to copy and paste shapes from the Shape
library or clipboard, and to attach and detach parts. In the File menu, the
File -Create Opposite Part is useful for creating a part that will be
symmetrical, about the vessels center line, to the part currently being
edited. For more information see File Menu, Edit Menu and Settings
Menu in Chapter 5, Editing Parts in Primary Mode.

Operating Overview
Primary Mode Toolbar

The tools in the Primary mode toolbar enable you to draw new shapes,
create shapes by performing operations with two existing shapes, move
shapes, copy shapes into arrays, mirrors and offsets, erase shapes, and trim
line segments. For information, see Part Editor - Primary Mode Toolbar
in Chapter 5, Editing Parts in Primary Mode.
Secondary Mode Toolbar

The tools in the Secondary mode tool bar enable you to insert points,
delete points, designate shapes as solids, holes or reference lines, and apply
extrusions to extrusion paths. For information. see Part Editor -
Secondary Mode Toolbar in Chapter 6, Editing Parts in Secondary
Mode.
Adding Extrusions
Autobuild provides a library of extrusions that you can add to and modify
to suit your needs. To access the library, use the Edit Extrusion button or
choose Part - Extrusion. For information, see Part - Extrusion in
Chapter 4, Using the Main Menu. You can also use the options in the
Part Editor Extrusion menu to create extrusions. For more information see
Part - Extrusion in Chapter 4, Using the Main Menu, and Extrusion
Menu in Chapter 7, "Editing Extrusions".
Before you apply an extrusion, you need to mark the extrusion path on the
shape. Extrusion paths on the hull are designed in Autoship, while those on
the interior parts are established in Autobuild. To apply an extrusion,
display the part in the Part Editor - Secondary mode, and use the Apply
Extrusion button. You may also need the Flip Extrusion button. For
more information, see Apply Extrusion Button and Flip Extrusion
Button in Chapter 6, Editing Parts in Secondary Mode.

Operating Overview
Compiling Reports
As you add parts to your project, Autobuild compiles a number of reports
on the projects parts, providing information about weights, groups, zones,
and types. For more information see Report Menu in Chapter 4, Using
the Main Menu.
Exporting Autobuild to CAD

You can export all or part of your Autobuild project to CAD DXF files,
and you have a variety of options for selecting files. You can also export to
Autoship DRA files. For more information see File - Export in Chapter
4, Using the Main Menu.

Operating Overview

Chapter 3
Operating the Main Window
This chapter describes how to operate Autobuilds Main window with the
display controls and toolbar. The following points are covered in this
chapter:
Autobuild Main Window
Main Window Display Controls
Main Window Toolbar
The menus in the Main window are described in Chapter 4, Using the
Main Menu.
Chapter 3 - Operating the Main Window 27


Autobuilds Main window consists of a graphic display area, display
controls, a toolbar and a menu bar. The graphic display area, display
controls and toolbar are described in this chapter. For information about
the menu bar, see Chapter 4, Using the Main Menu.
The following illustration shows the Main window.
Main Window menu bar Main Window toolbar Graphic display area
Part Type buttons Rotate scroll bar Tilt scroll bar
Tilt box
Rotate box
28 Chapter 3 Operating the Main Window

Graphic Display Area

The graphic display area in the Main window shows the graphical image of
the model and has the following features:
Four view options - you can choose all views together, or one of
the following: body, plan/profile or perspective.
Scroll bars at the right-hand side and bottom of the screen that
enable you tilt or rotate the drawing.
Choice of a rendered display with all parts shaded, or a wireframe
display highlighting one part at a time.
Part type selection buttons at the bottom of the screen.
Selection of a part for edit or deletion.
Access to the Part Editor window.
Zoom control buttons.
Display Controls
The display controls for the Main window are described in the following
section.


The display controls are located at the bottom of the Autobuild Main
window. Each display control is described in the following section. From
left to right, they consist of:
Part Type
buttons
Tilt
scroll bar
Rotate
scroll bar

Part Type
Buttons
Use Them To Select the type(s) of parts to be displayed in the
graphic display area.
How They Work The seven part type buttons at the bottom of the
graphic display area each represent one type of
part. To select a type of part for display, click the
corresponding button. You can have several type
buttons switched on at the same time.
To switch off a type of part from the display, click the corresponding
button so that it is switched off.
To switch on all the part type buttons, click the All button, To switch off
all the part type buttons, click the None button.
The following table shows the part type(s) that are selected when you
select a button.
This button Does this

Frames Displays all transverse frames.
Floors Displays all transverse floors.
Bhds Displays all bulkheads.
Flats Displays all flats.
Longs Displays all longitudinal planes.
Decks Displays all decks.
Gen Displays all general planes.
None Switches off all parts.
All Displays all parts.

Tilt Scroll Bar

Use It To Tilt the axonometric or perspective view in the
graphic display area. The tilt is a pitch/trim angle
about the Y axis.
How It Works To change the tilt, drag the vertical scroll bar
located at the right side of the graphic display area.
The current tilt angle, in degrees, is displayed in the
Tilt box, located at the bottom right of the Main
window.

Rotate Scroll Bar

Use It To Rotate the axonometric or perspective view in the
graphic display area. The rotation is a yaw angle
about the Z axis.
How It Works To change the rotation, drag the horizontal scroll

bar located at the bottom of the graphic display area.
The current rotate angle, in degrees, is displayed in
the Rotate box, located at the bottom right of the
Main window.

Main Window Toolbar
Main Window Toolbar

The toolbar is displayed across the top of the Main window and has the
following buttons, listed in sequence from left to right. These tools are
described in the following section.
Zoom button
No Zoom button
Wireframe button
Render Parts button
Previous Part button

Next Part button
New Part button
Delete Part button
Edit Part button
Edit Extrusion button
Notes button

Main Window Toolbar
Zoom Button
Use It To Zoom in on a specific area of the current view.
How It Works To magnify a particular region of the graphic display

area, click the Zoom button. Then to indicate the
region to be magnified, move the mouse pointer to
the upper left corner of the region, press and hold
down the left mouse button, drag the pointer to the
lower right corner of the region, and release the
mouse button.
In a zoomed view, to further magnify a particular area of the drawing,
zoom in again.
Zoom includes a Pan feature so that you can pan, or shift, from one part of
a drawing to another. In a zoomed view, position the cursor at the point
you want moved to the center of the graphic display area, and press the
right mouse button. The view will shift but it will not be re-scaled.

Main Window Toolbar
No Zoom Button
Use It To Restore a zoomed view to its original setting.
How It Works When the current view is zoomed, to return to the

original drawing scale, click the No Zoom button.

Main Window Toolbar
Wireframe Button
Use It To Display the project with only one part highlighted at
a time.
How It Works To display the project outline, with only one part
shown, click the Wireframe button. The name of
the displayed part is shown below the graphic
display area.
To highlight the next part in the display, click the Next Part button. To
highlight the previous part in the display, click the Previous Part button.
To limit the display to specific part types, use the Part Type buttons.
To return to the full display, click the Render Parts button.
You can use Wireframe mode to select a part for editing or deletion.

Main Window Toolbar
Render Parts Button

Use It To Display all parts with hidden surface removal.
How It Works When you are in Wireframe mode, to display all

parts of the project, click the Render Parts button.
To return to the wireframe display, click the Wireframe button.
For more information, see View - Render Parts in Chapter 4, Using
the Main Menu.

Main Window Toolbar
Previous Part Button

Use It To Display the previous part, in Wireframe mode.
How It Works To display the previous part in Wireframe mode,

click the Previous Part button. The sequence for
displaying the parts starts with the part farthest
away, and finishes with the closest part.
You can use the Previous Part button in Render Parts mode or Wireframe
mode.
To return to Render Parts mode, click the Render Parts button.
For more information, see View - Previous Part in Chapter 4, Using
the Main Menu.

Main Window Toolbar
Next Part Button

Use It To Display the next part, in Wireframe mode.
How It Works To display the next part in Wireframe mode, click

the Next Part button. The sequence for displaying
the parts starts with the part farthest away, and
finishes with the closest part.
You can use the Next Part button in Render Parts mode or Wireframe
mode.
To return to Render Parts mode, click the Render Parts button.
For more information, see View - Next Part in Chapter 4, Using the
Main Menu.

Main Window Toolbar
New Part Button

Use It To Create a new part.
How It Works To create a new part, click the New Part button.
The New Part dialog box appears.
For more information, see Part - New in Chapter 4, Using the Main
Menu.

Main Window Toolbar
Delete Part Button

Use It To Delete a part from the project.
How It Works When you click the Delete Part button, the Delete
Part dialog box appears.
For more information, see Part - Delete in Chapter 4, Using the Main
Menu.

Main Window Toolbar
Edit Part Button

Use It To Make changes to parts in the Part Editor.
How It Works When you click the Edit Part button, the Edit Part
dialog box appears.
For more information, see Part - Edit in Chapter 4, Using the Main
Menu.

Main Window Toolbar
Edit Extrusion Button

Use It To Add, delete or modify the extrusions in the
Extrusion library.
How It Works Click the Edit Extrusion button. The Extrusion

dialog box appears.
For more information, see Part - Extrusion in Chapter 4, Using the
Main Menu.

Main Window Toolbar
Notes Button
Use It To Make notes to yourself about the project you are
working on.
How It Works Click the Notes button. The Notes Editor window
appears.
For more information, see File - Project Notes in Chapter 4, Using the
Main Menu.

Main Window Toolbar

Chapter 4
Using the Main Menu
This chapter tells you how to operate the options you choose from the
Main window menu bar. It provides information about the following
menus:
File
Shell
Part
View
Report
Settings
Help
Note that the Part Editor menu bar is different from the Main window
menu bar. For a description of the Part Editor menu bar, see Chapter 5,
Editing Parts in Primary Mode.
Chapter 4 - Using the Main Menu 47

Menu Bar
Menu Bar
The menu bar at the top of the Autobuild Main window consists of the
File, Shell, Part, View, Report, Settings, and Help menus. These menus are
described in detail later in this chapter. All menus can be selected by either
clicking them with the mouse or by pressing the ALT key and the underlined
letter of the menu item. For example, to select the Files menu, you can
press ALT + F.
Menu Used For

File Menu Managing project files.
Shell Menu Adding and deleting hull, superstructure and other
envelopes from Autoship.
Part menu Managing parts
View menu Controlling the view in the Main window
Report Menu Generating and printing parts reports.
Settings Menu Changing project settings.
Help Menu Accessing on-line Help
48 Chapter 4 Using the Main Menu

File Menu
File Menu
With the File menu, you can start new projects, open
existing projects, and save your work, or export to Autoship
or CAD.
When you open the File menu, the four projects you worked on most
recently are listed near the bottom of the menu. You can open any one of
them by clicking on the name.

File Menu
File - New Project
Use It To Create a new project file and setup

parameters for the new project.
How It Works When you choose File - New Project,

the New Project dialog box appears.

File Menu
In the dialog box, indicate the options you require, as follows, and click
OK.
Item Entry
Project Name Type a name for the new project.
Directory Select a directory for the new project. Each project must
be in a separate directory.
To create a new directory, type the directory name.
Part Reference Select the position, in the part, from which measurements
Plane are taken.
The center line is halfway through the thickness of the
part.
The molded line is on the part surface closest to the
origin.
Next the Units dialog box appears.
OK.
Item Entry
Length Select the unit of length for the project.
Weight Select the unit of weight for the project.

File Menu
Next the Project Settings dialog box appears.
OK.
Item Entry
LOA Type the overall length of the project.
LBP Type the length between perpendiculars.
Beam Type the beam of the project.
Depth Type the depth of the project.
Calculate Size Do not click this button when creating a new project.
Clicking this button calculates the extents of the shell
envelope, as specified in the face file.
Weld Relief Type the distance that must be allowed at the edge of a
Radius plate to make a weld.
Length Units Units for length, as defined in the Units dialog box.
Weight Units Units for weight, as defined in the Units dialog box.
Part Alignment Part Reference Plane, as defined in the New Project
dialog box.

File Menu
Next the Group And Zone Setup dialog box appears.
Groups and zones are optional. They provide two independent categories
you can set up for organizing the parts you create in your project. For
example, you can set up the groups as structural and non structural
categories, and you can set up zones as regions that include items located
in the fore and aft portions of the vessel. The preceding illustration shows
another possible organization.
If you do not assign a part to a group, Autobuild assigns the part to the
None group. Similarly, parts not assigned to a zone are assigned to the
None zone automatically.

File Menu
OK.
Item Entry
Group To add a group to the list, click the Add button, in the New
Group dialog box that appears, type the group name (1-4 letters
long), and click OK.
To delete a group from the list, select it, and click the Delete
button.
Zone To add a zone to the list, click the Add button, in the New Zone
dialog box that appears, type the zone name (1-4 letters long),
and click OK.
To delete a zone, select it, and click the Delete button.

File Menu
File - Open Project
Use It To Open an existing project.
How It Works When you choose File - Open

Project, the Select Project Directory
dialog box appears.
In the dialog box, select the directory that contains the project. Check the
bottom of the dialog box, to verify that the selected directory contains the
project you want. Then click OK.
With Autobuild, the project directory stores all the files for the project,
including the project BUILDER.INF file. Only one project can be stored in
each directory.

File Menu
File - Save Project As
Use It To Save a copy of the current project,

with a new name, in a new directory.
How It Works When you choose File - Save Project

As, the Save Project As dialog box appears.
OK.
Item Entry
Drive list Select the drive for the directory.
Directory Type the name of the directory where you want the copy
Name to be stored.
Use Save Project As when you want to use an existing project as the basis
for a new project, or when you want to keep a version of your project
before extensive changes.

File Menu
File - Project Notes
Use It To Make notes to yourself about the

project you are working on.
How It Works When you choose File - Project

Notes the Notes Editor window appears.
In the Notes window, type notes about the current Autobuild project. To
speed up the editing of your notes, from the Notes Editor menu bar, you
can choose the Edit - Cut, Edit - Copy, Edit - Paste, Edit - Find and
Edit - Replace options.
To save your notes, in the Notes Editor menu bar, choose File - Save. The
notes are stored in an ASCII text file called BNOTES.TXT, in the current
project directory.
To delete your current notes file, and start your notes again, choose File -
New. Be aware that this automatically deletes the previous note file. Only
one note file can be stored for each project.

File Menu
File - Export DXF

All 3D
Use It To Export the entire

project to a CAD .DXF
file, in 3 dimensional form.
How It Works When you choose File - Export DXF - All 3D, the
Save DXF File As dialog box appears.
To specify the name and directory of the CAD .DXF file, in the dialog box,
indicate the options you require, as follows, and click OK.
Item Entry
Directory list Select the directory for the new .DXF file.
File Name Type the name of the new file, including the .DXF
extension.

File Menu
The Output Type dialog box appears.
Select the output type, as follows, and click OK.
Option Description
Wire Frame Defines edges only. Typically easy to edit. Choose this
option for manufacturing purposes.
Faces Defines solid objects that can be rendered. Typically
difficult to edit. Choose this option for illustrations.

File Menu
File - Export DXF

Flat
Use It To Export selected parts of

the project to a CAD
.DXF file, in 2 dimensional form.
How It Works When you choose File - Export DXF - Flat, the
Select Characteristics dialog box appears.

File Menu
To select the parts to export, in the dialog box, indicate the options you
require, as follows, and click OK.
Item Entry
Group To select all groups, select the All button.
To select one or more groups, in the Group list,
click on the group names, and then select the
Selected button.
Zone To select all zones, select the All button.
To select one or more zones, in the Zone list,
click on the zone names, and then select the
Selected button.
Thickness-Material list Select one thickness-material combination.
Next the Save DXF File As dialog box appears.

File Menu
Item Entry
extension.

File Menu
File - Export DXF

One Part 3D
Use It To Export one part of the

project to a CAD .DXF
file, in three dimensional form.
How It Works When you choose File - Export DXF - One Part
3D, the Select Part dialog box appears.

File Menu
To select the part for export, in the dialog box, indicate the options you
Item Entry
To select one or more groups, in the Group list, click on the
group names, and then select the Selected button.
To select one or more zones, in the Zone list, click on the zone
names, and then select the Selected button.
Type Select the type of part.
Part list Select one part for export.

File Menu
Item Entry
extension.
The Output Type dialog box appears.
Select the output type, as follows, and click OK.
Option Description
Wire Frame Defines edges only. Typically easy to edit. Choose this
option for manufacturing purposes.
Faces Defines solid objects that can be rendered. Typically
difficult to edit. Choose this option for illustrations.

File Menu
File - Export DXF

2D Cross Section
Use It To Export a sectional view

of the shell, showing
any parts that intersect the plane of the cut, to a
CAD .DXF file.
How It Works When you choose File - Export DXF - 2D Cross

Section, the Select Cross Section dialog box
appears.
To define the view you require, in the dialog box, indicate the options you
Item Entry
Orientation Select the plane of the sectional view.
Defining Point Type the position of the sectional view.

File Menu
Item Entry
extension.

File Menu
File - Export
Autoship DRA
Use It To Save the project as a

.DRA file. A .DRA file
is a wiremesh representation of the geometry file.
How It Works When you choose File - Export Autoship DRA,

the Save DRA File As dialog box appears.
To specify the name and directory of the Autoship DRA file, in the dialog
box, indicate the options you require, as follows, and click OK.
Item Entry
Directory list Select the directory for the new .DRA file.
File Name Type the name of the new file, including the .DRA
extension.

File Menu
You can use the .DRA file with the Auto 3D module, included in the
Autoship program, to draw the project on a plotter or printer, or export
the project to a CAD program.

File Menu
File - Exit
Use It To Exit Autobuild.
How It Works When you choose File - Exit, you exit

from Autobuild.
When you work with Autobuild, changes are saved each time you create or
edit a part. When you use File - Exit, there is no requirement to save files.

Shell Menu
Shell Menu
With the Shell menu, you can add envelopes, or outlines of 3D surfaces,
such as the hull superstructure.
You can also delete a shell from the project.

Shell Menu
Shell - Add
Use It To Add a shell envelope to the project. The shell

envelope is the exterior surface of the vessel, to
which Autobuild parts can be fitted.
The shell is created in Autoship then exported to Autobuild. Typically it
contains the hull and deck, but it can be any combination of hull, deck,
superstructure, and appendages. The shell can also include extrusion paths.
In Autobuild, the shell envelope information is defined in a face file with a
.FC1 extension, and two other files, one with a .OLC extension that defines
the wireframe outline, and the other with a .SPW extension that defines the
extrusion paths and plating seams.
How It Works The face file must be in the project directory. When
you choose Shell - Add, the Add Face dialog box
appears.
In the dialog box, select the face file and click OK.

Shell Menu
Shell - Delete
Use It To Delete a shell envelope from the project - not from

the directory.
How It Works When you choose Shell - Delete, the Delete Face
dialog box appears.
To delete a face file from a project, in the dialog box, select the file, and
click OK.
Note that Shell - Delete does not delete the face file, or any part files, from
the project directory. Instead, Shell - Delete deletes all references to the
face file, within the project.

Part Menu
Part Menu
With the Part menu, you can create new parts, edit existing parts, and
delete parts that are no longer required. You can change the extrusion
library by adding, editing and deleting extrusions. As well, you can change
your list of groups and zones.

Part Menu
Part - New
Use It To Create a new part.
How It Works When you choose Part - New, the New Part dialog
box appears.
You can use the dialog box to create:

One planar part, orientated in any of the three orthogonal directions.
One general planar part, orientated in any direction.
Multiple planar parts, to be positioned parallel and equidistant from
each other.

Part Menu
To Create One Planar Part

To create one part, orientated in any of the three orthogonal directions, in
the New Part dialog box, indicate the options you require, as follows, and
click OK.
Item Entry
Name Type an identifying name for the part.
Group To specify a group for the part to belong to, select from the
list. Otherwise, the part is assigned to the None group.
Zone To specify a zone for the part to belong to, select from the
list. Otherwise, the part is assigned to the None zone.
Material Select a material from the list.
Sp.Gr. The specific gravity of the selected material is displayed.
Thickness Type the thickness of the part.
Defining Type the position of the part, along the axis. This may be
Point longitudinal, vertical, or transverse, depending on the type
of part you selected. It is the distance from the origin either
to the face closest to the origin (Molded Line convention), or
to the center of the plane thickness (Center Line
convention).
Limits Type the dimensions of the part, if they are different from
the displayed maximum values that fit the shell exactly. To
redisplay the maximum dimensions, click the Max button.
Do not type values that are larger than the maximum
values. The Limits dimensions vary, depending on the
orientation of the part type you select.
Shell To cut the part to fit the shell, select shell intersection.
Intersections
Extrusion To mark the cutouts for extrusions that intersect the part,
Intersections select extrusion intersection.

Part Menu
If you selected extrusion intersections, a prompt asks Subtract Cutouts?

To make cutouts for the extrusions, click Yes. Otherwise just to mark the
outline of the cutouts, click No.
Note: If you need to add a new material to the list, edit the MATERIAL.LST
file with a text editor.
To Create One General Planar Part

To create one general plane, orientated in any direction, in the New Part
dialog box, indicate the options you require, as follows, and click the
General button.
Item Entry
Name Type an identifying name for the general plane.
Group To specify a group for the general plane to belong to,
select from the list. Otherwise, the part is assigned to the
None group.
Zone To specify a zone for the general plane to belong to,
select from the list. Otherwise, the part is assigned to the
None zone.
Type Select General Plane.
Thickness Type the thickness of the part.
Defining Point Ignore this. Autobuild does not use it.
Limits Ignore this. Autobuild does not use it.
Shell To cut the part to fit the shell, select shell intersection.
Intersections
Extrusion To mark the cutouts for extrusions that intersect the part,

Part Menu
Next the General Plane dialog box appears.
Use this dialog box to define three or four points that mark the extents of
the general plane. Make sure the points define a plane with an area as large
as the part you want to create.
To create a general plane, in the General Plane dialog box, indicate the
options you require, as follows, and click OK
Item Entry
1 Type the longitudinal, transverse, and vertical
coordinates of the first point that defines the plane
coordinates of the second point that defines the plane.
coordinates of the third point that defines the plane.
4 You may type the longitudinal, transverse, and vertical
coordinates of a fourth point that defines the plane.
Defined Plane View the coefficients for the equation of the plane you
have defined so far.
Equation of the plane is Ax + By + Cz + D = 0

Part Menu

To make cutouts for the extrusions, click Yes. Otherwise to mark the
cutouts, click No.
To Create Multiple Planar Parts

To create multiple planar parts, positioned parallel and equidistant from
each other, in the New Part dialog box, indicate the options you require, as
follows, and click the Multiple button.
Item Entry
Name Leave blank.
Group To specify a group for the parts to belong to, select from
the list. Otherwise, the parts are assigned to the None
group.
Zone To specify a zone for the parts to belong to, select from
the list. Otherwise, the parts are assigned to the None
zone.
Thickness Type the thickness of the parts.
Defining Point Leave blank.
Limits Leave blank.
Shell To cut the parts to fit the shell, select shell intersection.
Intersections
Extrusion To mark the cutouts for extrusions that intersect the parts,

Part Menu
Next the Multiple Parts dialog box appears.
To create multiple parts, in the Multiple Parts dialog box, indicate the
options you require, as follows, and click OK
Item Entry
Root Name Type a general name for all the parts. Each individual
part name will consist of the root name with an identifying
number.
Limits Type the dimensions of the part, if they are different from
the displayed values that fit the shell exactly. Do not type
values that are larger than the displayed values. The
Limits values vary, depending on the type of part you
select.
First Type the position of the first part along the axis. The
position is the distance from the origin either to the face
closest to the origin (Molded Line convention), or to the
center of the plane thickness (Center Line convention).
Last Type the position of the last part along the axis.
Step Type the distance between each pair of adjacent parts.

To make cutouts for the extrusions, click Yes. Otherwise to mark the
cutouts, click No.

Part Menu
Part - Edit
Use It To Make changes to parts in the Part

Editor.
How It Works When you choose Part - Edit, the Edit Part dialog
box appears.
To edit a part, in the dialog box, indicate the options you require, as
follows, and click OK.
Item Entry
To select one group, click the group name from the list, and
then select the Selected button.
To select one zone, click the zone name from the list, and then
select the Selected button.
Part list The list displays all parts of the type selected, that are in the
selected groups and zones. Select the part you want to edit.

Part Menu
The part you selected is displayed in the Parts Editor window. For
information about using the Parts Editor, see Chapter 5, Editing Parts in
Primary Mode.

Part Menu
Part - Delete
Use It To Delete a part from the project.
How It Works When you choose Part - Delete, the Delete Part
dialog box appears.

Part Menu
To delete a part, in the dialog box, indicate the options you require, as
follows, and click the Delete button.
Item Entry
then select the Selected option button.
To select one zone, click the zone name from the list, and then
select the Selected button.
selected groups and zones. Select the part you want to delete.
You may delete several parts before exiting. To exit from the Delete Part
dialog box, click Close.

Part Menu
Part - Extrusion
Use It To Change the extrusions in the

Extrusion library.
How It Works When you choose Part - Extrusion, the Extrusion

dialog box appears.
In the Extrusion dialog box you can choose from four options:
New - To create a new extrusion.
Edit - To edit an existing extrusion.
Copy/Edit - To copy an existing extrusion, and edit the copy.
Delete - To delete an extrusion from the library.

Part Menu
To Create a New Extrusion

In the Extrusion dialog box, indicate the options you require, as follows,
and click OK.
Item Entry
Function Select New.
Type Select the type of extrusion. This is a category that your
extrusion will belong to.
Name Type the name to be given to the extrusion you are creating.
Units The displayed value is set in the Units dialog box.
Width Type the width of the extrusion.
Height Type the height of the extrusion.
The limits of the extrusion are displayed in the Part Editor window. For
information about using the Part Editor to edit extrusions, see Chapter 7,
Editing Extrusions.

Part Menu
To Edit an Existing Extrusion

In the Extrusion dialog box, indicate the Function, as follows.
Item Entry
Function Select Edit.
The Extrusion dialog box is reorganized to display the following options.
and click OK.
Item Entry
Function Select Edit.
Type Select the type of extrusion.
Select Item To Edit Select the extrusion to be edited.
The extrusion is displayed in the Part Editor window, ready for editing. For
Editing Extrusions.

Part Menu
To Copy and Edit an Existing Extrusion

and click OK.
Item Entry
Function Select Copy/Edit.
Select Item To Copy Select the extrusion to be copied.
Name Type a name for the copy.
The copy is displayed in the Part Editor window, ready for editing. For
Editing Extrusions.
To Delete an Extrusion from the Library

In the dialog box, indicate the options you require, as follows, and click the
Delete button.
Item Entry
Function Select Delete.
Select Item To Delete Select the extrusion to be deleted.

Part Menu
Part - Group and Zone Settings
Use It To Create groups or zones for your

project, or to make changes to the existing group
and zone lists.
How It Works When you choose Part - Group and Zone

Settings, the Group And Zone Setup dialog box
appears.
Groups and zones are optional. They provide two independent categories
you can set up for organizing the parts you create in your project. For
example, you can set up the groups as structural and non structural
categories, and you can set up zones as regions that include items located
in the fore and aft portions of the vessel. The preceding illustration shows
another possible organization.
Autobuild uses the None group for all parts not assigned to a group.
Similarly the None zone is for all parts not assigned to a zone.

Part Menu
OK.
Item Entry
Group To add a group to the list, click the Add button. In the New
Group dialog box that appears, type the group name, and click
OK.
To delete a group from the list, select it, and click the Delete
button.
Zone To add a zone to the list, click the Add button. In the New Zone
dialog box that appears, type the zone name, and click OK.
To delete a zone, select it, and click the Delete button.

View Menu
View Menu
With the View menu, you can select the Main window view
from one of the following options:
All
Body
Plan/Profile
Axonometric
Perspective
You can toggle between Render Parts mode and Wireframe mode in the
Main window. In Wireframe mode you can display the next part or the
previous part.
You also have the option of including the shell in the drawing.

View Menu
View - All
Use It To Change the Main window to the plan,

profile, body and perspective views.
How It Works When you choose View - All, the display in the
Main window changes to the plan, profile, body and
perspective views. You can see all four views
simultaneously.
The following illustration shows the Main window in All views.

View Menu
View - Body
Use It To Change the Main window to the fore

and aft body views.
How It Works When you choose View - Body, the display in the
Main window changes to the fore and aft body
views.
The following illustration shows the Main window in Body view.

View Menu
View - Plan/Profile
Use It To Change the Main window to the plan

and profile views.
How It Works When you choose View - Plan/Profile the display in

the Main window changes to the plan and profile
views.
The following illustration shows the Main window in Plan/Profile view.

View Menu
View - Axonometric
Use It To Change the Main window to the

axonometric view.
How It Works When you choose View - Axonometric, the display

in the Main window changes to the axonometric
view.
In Axonometric view, you can use the scroll bars to change the tilt and
rotation. The following illustration shows the Main window in
Axonometric view.

View Menu
View - Perspective
Use It To Change the Main window to the

perspective view.
How It Works When you choose View - Perspective, the display in

the Main window changes to the perspective view.
In Perspective view, you can use the scroll bars to change the tilt and
rotation. The following illustration shows the Main window in Perspective
view.

View Menu
View - Render Parts
Use It To Change the Main window display to

Render Parts mode.
How It Works When you are in Wireframe mode and choose

View - Render Parts, the Main window display
changes to Render Parts mode. This shows all parts
with hidden surface removal.
To select the types of parts to be included in the display, use the Part Type
buttons, located below the Main window graphic display area.
To change to Wireframe mode, choose View - Render Parts again, or
choose View - Next Part or View - Previous Part. Alternatively click the
Wireframe button, the Next Part button or the Previous Part button.

View Menu
View - Next Part
Use It To Display the next part in the Main

window, in Wireframe mode.
How It Works When you choose View - Next Part, the next part is
displayed in the Main window, in Wireframe mode.
The sequence for displaying the parts starts with the
part farthest away, and finishes with the closest part.
You can choose View - Next Part when you are in Render Parts mode or
Wireframe mode.
To change to Render Parts mode, choose View - Render Parts or click
the Render Parts button.

View Menu
View - Previous Part
Use It To Display the previous part in the Main

window, in Wireframe mode.
How It Works When you choose View - Previous Part, the

previous part is displayed in Main window, in
Wireframe mode. The sequence for displaying the
parts starts with the part farthest away, and finishes
with the closest part.
You can choose View - Previous Part when you in Render Parts mode or
Wireframe mode.
To change to Render Parts mode, choose View - Render Parts or click
the Render Parts button.

View Menu
View - Shell
Use It To Include the shell outline in the Main

window drawing.
How It Works When you choose View - Shell, the shell outline is
included in the project drawing in the Main window.
To omit the shell from the drawing, deselect it by choosing View - Shell
again.

Report Menu
Report Menu
With the Report menu, you can generate and view reports on the projects
parts, providing information about weights, groups, zones, and types.
Alternatively you can clear the existing reports.
Each time you request a report, it is added to the end of the existing report.
To delete the existing reports, choose Report - Clear Report.
The reports, stored in temporary workspace while Autobuild is running,
can be pasted into your current Microsoft Word document by means of a
DDE link, saved to the Windows clipboard, or printed.
When you display the existing reports, you have the following options:
Icon Option What It Does

Microsoft Copies the displayed report(s) to the document
Word that is currently open in Microsoft Word, using a
DDE link.
Copy To Copies the displayed report(s) to the clipboard, for
Clipboard pasting into any Windows application.
Print Sends the displayed report(s) to your printer.
Close Closes the Report window. To reopen it, you must

button generate another report.

Report Menu
Report - Weights
Use It To Display a parts list, sorted by plate

material and thickness. For each part, the report
shows the name, weight, longitudinal center of
gravity (LCG), transverse center of gravity (TCG),
vertical center of gravity (VCG), and area.
How It Works When you choose Report - Weights, the Parts List
is generated, and added to the end of any existing
reports.
When you display the report(s), you can choose the options described in
the Report Menu section.
To delete the existing reports, choose View - Clear Report.

Report Menu
Report - Parts by Group
Use It To Display a Parts List by Group. For each

part, the report shows name, type, material,
thickness, and zone. For each group, the report
shows subtotals for longitudinal center of gravity
(LCG), transverse center of gravity (TCG), vertical
center of gravity (VCG), and area.
How It Works When you choose Report - Parts by Group, the

Parts List is generated, and added to the end of any
existing reports.

Report Menu
Report - Parts by Zone
Use It To Display a Parts List by Zone. For each

thickness, and zone. For each zone, the report
subtotals for longitudinal center of gravity (LCG),
transverse center of gravity (TCG), vertical center of
gravity (VCG), and area.
How It Works When you choose Report - Parts by Zone, the

existing reports.

Report Menu
Report - Parts by Type
Use It To Display a Parts List by Type. For each

thickness, and zone. For each type, the report shows
subtotals for longitudinal center of gravity (LCG),
transverse center of gravity (TCG), vertical center of
gravity (VCG), and area.
How It Works When you choose Report - Parts by Type, the

existing reports.

Report Menu
Report - Clear Report
Use It To Delete the existing report from the

Report window.
How It Works When you choose Report - Clear Report, the

existing reports are deleted.
Reports saved to disk are not affected.

Settings Menu
Settings Menu
With the Settings menu, you can change the project settings for the overall
dimensions, units of measurement, display colors for the graphic display
area, as well as page setup, fonts, and printer settings for the reports.

Settings Menu
Settings - Project Details
Use It To Change the overall dimensions for a

project that has no shell.
How It Works When you choose Settings - Project Details, the

Project Settings dialog box appears.
To change the dimensions, in the dialog box, indicate the options you

Settings Menu
Item Entry
LOA Type the overall length of the project.
LBP Type the length between perpendiculars.
Beam Type the beam of the project.
Depth Type the depth of the project.
Calculate Size Click this button to calculate the extents of the shell
envelope, as specified in the face file.
Weld Relief Radius Type the radius of the cutouts that are to be made
where part edges cross plate seams.
Length Units Units for length, as defined in the Units dialog box.
Weight Units Units for weight, as defined in the Units dialog box.
Part Alignment Part Reference Plane, as defined in the New Project
dialog box.
Note that if your project includes a shell, the project dimensions are defined
by the shell dimensions, and you cannot change them with the Project
Settings dialog box.

Settings Menu
Settings - Units
Use It To Change the units of measurement for the project.
How It Works When you choose Settings - Units, the Units dialog
box appears.
To change the units, in the dialog box, indicate the options you require, as
Item Entry
Length Select a unit of length.
Weight Select a unit of weight.
If you change units after starting the project, all previously defined
measurements are converted to the new units.

Settings Menu
Settings - Drawing Colors
Use It To Change the colors in the graphic

display area. If you are experiencing difficulty in
viewing an element in the graphic display area, such
as an extrusion path, you can use Settings -
Drawing Colors to display the extrusion path in a
brighter color.
How It Works When you choose Settings - Drawing Colors, the

Drawing Colors dialog box appears.
In the dialog box, to change the display color for an element, select the
element, and then click the color you want for displaying the element.
Repeat for all elements that need their display color changed.

Settings Menu
To display all elements in their default colors, click the Default button.
When you have finished making changes, click Save and Exit.
Item Entry
Element Select an element.
Colors Select the color you want Autobuild to use to display the
selected element.
Default Click to return all elements to their default color settings.

Settings Menu
Settings - Page Setup
Use It To Change the page margins and fonts in

the printed reports and select the printer.
How It Works When you choose Settings - Page Setup, the Page
Setup dialog box appears.
To change the page setup for the reports, in the dialog box, indicate the
options you require, as follows, and click OK.
Item Entry
Units Select a unit for measuring the margins.
Margins Type the size of each margin To view the change in
the Page Layout box, press ENTER, or click the
mouse button.
Page Layout box Displays text formatted with the current margin
settings.
Paper Size Displays the paper size defined in the Print Setup
dialog box.
Font Displays the font defined in the Font dialog box.

Settings Menu
The following table shows the action for each button in the dialog box.
Button Action
Font Displays the Font dialog box so you can select a font
for the reports.
Printer Setup Displays the Windows Print Setup dialog box so you
can set the printer, paper size and source, page
orientation, and other printer options.
Cancel Closes the dialog box, without saving the changes.
OK Saves the new settings and closes the dialog box.

Help Menu
Help Menu
With the Help menu, you can access Autobuilds online Help and get more
information about Autobuild. The online Help works like any Windows
Help file.
To view a tutorial about using Windows online Help, in the Windows
Program Manager, choose the menu option Help - How To Use Help
Windows Tutorial.

Help Menu
Help - Contents
Use It To Display online Help for Autobuild.
How It Works When you choose Help - Contents, the online Help
for Autobuild is displayed. Alternatively, you can
display online Help from anywhere in Autobuild by
pressing F1.

Help Menu
Help - About Autobuild
Use It To Display information about your version of

Autobuild.
How It Works When you choose Help - About Autobuild, the

information window is displayed.
To close the information window, press the ESC key.

Help Menu

Chapter 5
Editing Parts in Primary Mode
This chapter tells you how to operate Autobuilds Part Editor in Primary
mode. It covers the following topics:
Part Editor Window
Part Editor Display Controls
Part Editor Menu System
Part Editor - Primary Mode Toolbar
Chapter 5 - Editing Parts in Primary Mode 119

Part Editor Window
Part Editor Window

You use the Part Editor window to make changes to a part. The Part
Editor operates in two modes, Primary mode and Secondary mode. The
following illustration shows the Part Editor window operating in Primary
mode.
Part Editor menu bar Part Editor - Primary mode toolbar
Part Editor display controls
120 Chapter 5 Editing Parts in Primary Mode

Part Editor Window
Starting the Part Editor - Primary Mode

To start the Part Editor, from Autobuilds Main Window, follow this
procedure:
1. Click the Edit Part button, or from the menu bar choose Part - Edit.
The Edit Part dialog box appears.
2. In the Edit Part dialog box, select a part to edit and click OK. The part
is displayed in the Part Editor - Primary mode.
For information about using the Edit Part button and the Edit Part dialog
box, see Part - Edit in Chapter 4, Using the Main Menu.
Working in the Part Editor Window

The Part Editor provides a set of display controls, a toolbar, and menus for
editing the shape of the selected part. The procedures for using them, in
Primary mode, are described in this chapter.
Starting the Part Editor - Secondary Mode

If you need to edit the points in a part, designate lines as solids, holes or
references, or apply an extrusion, you can switch from the Part Editor -
Primary Mode to the Part Editor - Secondary Mode by clicking the
Secondary Mode button. For information about operating the Part Editor
in Secondary mode, see Chapter 6, Editing Parts in Secondary Mode.

Part Editor Window
Exiting the Part Editor Window

At any time when you are editing a part, to save your changes, choose
File - Save.
When you have finished editing a part, you have the option of selecting
another part for editing by selecting File - Open, or returning to
Autobuild's Main Window by choose File - Exit Part Editor. Both
options let you save or discard the changes you have made to the part you
have finished with.


The display controls are located at the left hand side of the Part Editor
window. Each display control is described in the following section. From
the top of the window, moving down, they consist of:
Zoom button
Redraw button
No Zoom button
Undo button
Secondary Mode button
Primary Mode button
Snap, Grid and Osnap buttons
Point Position boxes
Relative Movement boxes
Interference button
Far Side button
Near Side button
Shell button
Cursor Position boxes

Zoom Button
Use It To Zoom in on specific areas of the current view.
How It Works To magnify a particular region of the graphic display

area, click the Zoom button. Then to indicate the
region to be magnified, move the mouse pointer to
the upper left corner of the region, press and hold
down the left mouse button, drag to the lower right
corner of the region, and release the mouse button.
In a zoomed view, to further magnify a particular area of the drawing, you
can zoom in again.
Zoom includes a Pan feature so that you can pan or shift from one part of a
drawing to another. In a zoomed view, position the cursor at the point you
want moved to the center of the graphic display area, and press the right
mouse button. The view will shift but it will not be re-scaled.

Redraw Button
Use It To Redraw the display in the graphic display area

whenever it needs refreshing.
How It Works To redraw the display, click the Redraw button.

No Zoom Button
Use It To Reset the zoomed view to display the complete part.
How It Works When the current view is zoomed, to return to the

original drawing scale, click the No Zoom button.

Undo Button
Use It To Undo the last change you made to the drawing.
How It Works If you made a mistake in the drawing, click the

Undo button to undo the mistake.

Secondary Mode Button
Use It To Switch the Part Editor to Secondary mode, from

Primary mode.
How It Works To switch the Part Editor to Secondary mode, click

the Secondary Mode button. A different toolbar is
displayed.

Primary Mode Button
Use It To Switch the Part Editor to Primary mode, from

Secondary mode or Line Draw mode.
How It Works To switch the Part Editor to Primary mode, click the
Primary Mode button. A different toolbar is
displayed.

Snap, Grid and Osnap Buttons
Use Them To Switch the snap, grid, and object snap, on and off.
With Snap, the cursor, and points placed by the cursor, can only be
positioned at regular intervals from the origin. The snap interval setting
specifies the regular interval.
With Grid, a reference grid is displayed. The snap interval setting specifies
the gauge of the grid.
With Osnap, the cursor, and points placed by the cursor, are pulled to the
position of any nearby existing point that is within the Snap value.
How They Work To toggle the Snap mode on or off, click the Snap
button. Snap is active when the Snap button label
is on.
To set the Snap value for the snap, grid or osnap function, type a value in
the Snap box. Alternatively, to increase by a power of ten, click the up
arrow to the right of the Snap value, to decrease by a power of ten, click
the down arrow.
To toggle the Grid mode on or off, click the Grid button. The grid is
displayed when the Grid button label is on. The interval of the grid is
controlled by the Snap value.
To toggle the Osnap mode on or off, click the Osnap button. Osnap is
active when the Osnap button label is on.

Point Position Boxes
Use Them To Read and change the coordinates of the current

point, in Secondary mode. You can also lock each
coordinate at a constant value.
How They Work To read the current position, look at the L, T, and
V values.
In Secondary mode, to change the position of a point, select the point.
Type the new coordinate values in the Point Position boxes and click OK.
Box Label Meaning

L Longitudinal absolute coordinate, fore or aft of the
origin.
T Transverse absolute coordinate, port or starboard of the
origin.
V Vertical absolute coordinate, above or below the origin.

Relative Movement Boxes
Use Them To Read the vertical and horizontal distance between

the cursor and the last point specified, in
Secondary mode.
How They Work After specifying a point in the graphic display area,
read the values as you move the cursor around the
graphic display area. Use them to help you set the
location of the next point.
Item Meaning
Horizontal distance between the last point specified in the

graphic display area, and the cursor.
Vertical distance between the last point specified in the
graphic display area, and the cursor.

Interference Button
Use It To Show which other parts intersect with the part you
are editing, and optionally create outlines of the
interferences.
How It Works When you click the Interference button, Autobuild

finds the intersections of the current part with other
parts, and displays the names of the intersecting
parts, one by one, at the bottom of the graphic
display area.
When you click the Interference button, the Keep interferences as
shapes? prompt is displayed.
To add any intersecting shapes to the current part, click Yes.
To leave the current part unchanged, answer by clicking No.

Near Side Button
Use It To Show the parts that are positioned between the

origin and the current part.
How It Works To display the parts that are between the origin and
the part you are editing, click the Near Side button.

Far Side Button

Use It To Show the parts that are positioned beside
the current part, at the side that is farthest
from the origin.
How It Works To display the parts that are positioned beside the
current part, on the side farthest from the origin,
click the Far Side button.

Shell Button
Use It To Show how the part intersects the shell and optionally
show the cutouts for extrusions.
How It Works To mark the outline of the shell on the part, click the
Shell button.
When you click the Shell button, the Subtract Cutouts? prompt is
displayed.
To incorporate the cutouts into the shell outline, click Yes.
To add shapes for any cutouts that lie on the shell outline, click No.

Cursor Position Boxes
Use Them To View the current position of the cursor.
How They Work The display shows the longitudinal, transverse and
vertical coordinates of the current cursor position.
The display changes dynamically as you move the
cursor.

The menu bar at the top of the Part Editor window consists of the File,
Edit, and Settings menus. You can select all menus and menu options by
clicking them with the mouse. Alternatively you can select a menu by
pressing the ALT key and the underlined letter of the menu name, and menu
options by pressing the underlined letter of the menu option. For example,
to select the Files menu, press ALT + F. Each menu option is described in
the following section.
Editor menu Used to

File Menu Save changes to a part and exit from the Part Editor.
Select another part to edit.
Create an opposite part.
Import a DXF file (for extrusions only).
Edit Menu Copy shapes to the Shape library or clipboard.
Paste shapes from the Shape library or clipboard.
Attach other parts to, or detach parts from the
current part.
Settings Menu Change part and project settings.

File Menu
File Menu
With the File menu, you can save changes to the part you are editing, select
a new part to edit, or exit from the Part Editor. You can also create an
opposite part.

File Menu
File - Open
Use It To Select the next part to be edited in

the Part Editor.
How It Works To select the next part to be edited, choose File -

Open. The message Do you wish to save all
changes? is displayed. To save all changes to the
part or extrusion you are currently editing in the Part
Editor, click Yes. Otherwise, click No.
If you are editing parts, the Edit Part dialog box is displayed. For
information about using the Edit Part dialog box, see Part - Edit in
If you are editing extrusions, the Extrusion dialog box is displayed. For
information about using the Extrusion dialog box, see Part - Extrusion in
To switch between editing parts and editing extrusions, you must first exit
the Part Editor by choosing File -Exit Part Editor. Then to restart the
Part Editor, from the Main menu, choose either Part - Edit or Part -
Extrusion, whichever is appropriate.

File Menu
File - Save
Use It To Save changes to the part you are

editing.
How It Works To save all changes to the part you are currently
editing, choose File - Save. Use it if you are making
several changes to the part, or if you are about to
leave your computer for a while.

File Menu
File - Create Opposite Part
Use It To Create a part that is the opposite of

the current part. Opposite parts are symmetrical
about the center line of the shell.
How It Works To create a part that is the opposite of the current

part, choose File - Create Opposite Part. In the
dialog box, type the name for the new part, and click
OK. The new part is displayed in the graphic display
area.

File Menu
File - Import DXF
Use It To Import a DXF file into the Part

Editor when you are editing an extrusion.
How It Works When you choose File - Import DXF, the Import
File dialog box appears.
OK.
Item Entry
Directories Select the directory, containing the DXF file.
File Name Type the file name, or select the file name from the list.
The Units dialog box appears.

File Menu
In the dialog box, indicate the units that are used in the DXF file that you
are importing, and click OK.

File Menu
File - Exit Part Editor
Use It To Exit from the Part Editor.
How It Works To exit the Part Editor, choose File - Exit Part
Editor. The message Do you wish to save all
changes? is displayed. To save all changes to the
part or extrusion you are currently editing in the Part
Editor, click Yes. Otherwise, click No.
The Main window is displayed.

Edit Menu
Edit Menu
With the Edit menu, you can copy shapes to, and paste shapes from, the
Shape library or the Shape clipboard. You can also attach parts, and detach
parts from the part that is currently displayed.

Edit Menu
Edit - Copy to Shape Library
Use It To Save a shape or group of shapes

from the graphic display area to a file in your Shape
library. You build your own Shape Library, in a
convenient directory. The Shape library is not
included with the Autobuild software.
How It Works To copy a shape, or a group of shapes, choose

Edit - Copy to Shape Library. Click each of the
shapes to be copied, and to indicate you have
finished clicking shapes click any empty part of the
graphic display area. Then click the insertion point
for the shapes. The Save Shape As dialog box
appears.

Edit Menu
OK.
Item Entry
Directories Select the directory to contain the file.
File Name Type the file name of the file that will contain the
shape(s).
Autobuild saves a copy of the group of shapes in the file you selected.

Edit Menu
Edit - Paste from Shape Library
Use It To Paste a shape or group of shapes

from a file in your Shape library, to the part you are
currently editing in the graphic display area. You
build your own Shape Library, in a convenient
directory. The Shape library is not included with the
Autobuild software.
How It Works Choose Edit - Paste from Shape Library, and in

the graphic display area, click the insertion point for
the shapes. The Paste Shape dialog box appears.
OK.

Edit Menu
Item Entry
Directories Select the directory that contains the file.
File Name Select the file name of the file containing the shape(s) to
be pasted.
The group of shapes is pasted to the part displayed in the graphic display
area, at the insertion point.

Edit Menu
Edit - Copy
Use It To Copy a shape or group of shapes

from the graphic display area to the Shape clipboard.
How It Works To copy a shape, or group of shapes, choose

Edit - Copy. Click each of the shapes to be copied,
and to indicate you have finished clicking shapes
click any empty part of the graphic display area.
Then click the paste insertion point.
When you are ready to paste the group of shapes to the part you are
currently editing, or to a part you will edit later, use Edit - Paste.

Edit Menu
Edit - Paste
Use It To Paste the shape or group of shapes

from the Shape clipboard, to the part you are
currently editing in the graphic display area.
How It Works Choose Edit - Paste, and in the graphic display area
click the insertion point for the shapes. The group of
shapes is pasted to the part displayed in the graphic
display area, at the insertion point.
You can paste the current group of shapes as often as you like.
To copy a new group of shapes to the Shape clipboard, use Edit - Copy.

Edit Menu
Edit - Attach Parts
Use It To Attach other parts to the current

part, and detach other parts from the current part,
for temporary viewing.
How It Works When you choose Edit - Attach Parts, the Attach
Part dialog box appears.
OK.

Edit Menu
Item Entry
To select one zone, click the zone name from the list, and
selected groups and zones.
To attach a part, select the part, and click the Add button.
To detach a part, select the part, and click the Delete
button.
Attached parts are added to the part, when the part is displayed in the
graphic display area. They remain attached until you exit from the Part
Editor.

Edit Menu
Edit - Detach All
Use It To Detach all parts that are currently

attached to the current part.
How It Works When you choose Edit - Detach All, all parts
attached to the current part, are detached.

Settings Menu
Settings Menu
With the Settings menu, you can change a parts attributes. You can also
change the drawing colors in the graphic display area and the units of
measurement.

Settings Menu
Settings - Part Attributes
Use It To Change the attributes of the current part.
How It Works When you choose Settings - Part Attributes, the

Part Attributes dialog box appears.
OK.
Item Entry
Material To change the material, select from the list.
Sp.Gr. The specific gravity of the selected material is
displayed.
Thickness To change the thickness, type the new value.
Name To change the part name, type the new name.
Group To change the group, select from the list.
Zone To change the zone, select from the list.

Settings Menu
Settings - Drawing Colors
Use It To Change the colors in the graphic display area. If you

are experiencing difficulty in viewing an element in
the graphic display area, such as an extrusion path,
you can use Settings - Drawing Colors to display
the extrusion path in a brighter color.
How It Works When you choose Settings - Drawing Colors, the

Drawing Colors dialog box appears.
For more information, see Settings - Drawing Colors in Chapter 4,

Settings Menu
Settings - Units
Use It To Change the units of measurement for the project.
How It Works When you choose Settings - Units, the Units dialog
box appears.
For more information, see Settings - Units in Chapter 4, Using the
Main Menu.

Part Editor - Primary Mode

Toolbar
The Part Editor - Primary Mode toolbar is displayed across the top of the
window. You can use these tools to create shapes on the current part. Each
tool is described in the following section. The toolbar has the following
buttons:
Box Draw button
Radiused-Corner Box Draw button
Oval Draw button
Line Draw button
Erase Point button
Close Loop button
Circle Draw button
Union button
Intersect button
Subtract button
Erase button
Continued

Rotate button
Move button
Copy button
Array button
Mirror button
Offset button
Trim button

Box Draw Button

Use It To Draw a rectangle.
How It Works To draw a rectangle, click the Box Draw

button. Using the mouse, move the cross hairs to the
position for one corner of the rectangle. Hold down
the left mouse button and move the cross hairs to
the opposite corner of the rectangle. Then release
the mouse button.

Radiused-Corner Box Draw Button
Use It To Draw a rectangle with rounded corners.
How It Works To draw a radiused-corner box, click the Radiused-

Corner Box Draw button. Using the mouse, move
the cross hairs to the position for one corner of the
rectangle. Hold down the left mouse button and
move the cross hairs to the opposite corner of the
rectangle. Then release the mouse button. The Fillet
Radius dialog box appears.
Type the radius for the filleted corner, and click OK.

Oval Draw Button
Use It To Draw an oval.
How It Works To draw an oval, click the Oval Draw button. Using
the mouse, move the cross hairs to the position for
one corner of the oval. Hold down the left mouse
button and move the cross hairs to the opposite
corner of the oval. Then release the mouse button.
An oval is a rectangle between two semi circles. The radius of the
semicircles is half the width of the rectangle.

Line Draw Button
Use It To Draw any line or shape.
How It Works Line Draw draws a straight line between the point
you specify, and the previous point you specified, if
any.
When you click the Line Draw button, the toolbar is replaced by the
following buttons:
Icon Button Function

Erase Point Erases the last point you added with the Line
Draw operation. For more information, refer to
the Erase Point Button section.
Close Loop Exits Line Draw, closing the shape you
created. For more information, refer to the
Close Loop Button section.
With Line Draw, you can do the following:

To draw a straight line, click the Line Draw button. In the graphic
display area, click the starting point and the ending point of the line.
Then click the Primary Mode button. In response to the Keep
changes? prompt, click Yes.
To draw an open shape, click the Line Draw button. In the graphic
display area, draw a series of straight lines by clicking a sequence of
points that define the shape. Then click the Primary Mode button. In
response to the Keep changes? prompt, click Yes.

To draw a closed loop, click the Line Draw button. In the graphic
display area, draw a series of straight lines by clicking a sequence of
points that define the loop. Then click the Close Loop button.
To erase all the points you have added with Line Draw, click the
Primary Mode button. In response to the Keep changes? prompt,
click No.

Erase Point Button
Use It To Delete the last point in a sequence of points.
How It Works After choosing the Line Draw button and adding a
sequence of points, to delete the last point you
added, click the Erase Point button.
The Erase Point button is only available when you are in Line Draw mode.

Close Loop Button
Use It To Create a closed loop, by adding a last point at the

same location as the first point, in a sequence of
points.
How It Works After clicking the Line Draw button and adding a
sequence of points, to close the loop, click the Close
Loop button.

Circle Draw Button
Use It To Draw a circle.
How It Works To draw a circle, click the Circle Draw button.

Using the mouse, move the cross hairs to the
position for the center of the circle. Hold down the
left mouse button and move the cross hairs to a
position on the circumference of the circle. Then
release the mouse button.

Union Button
Use It To Create a shape that is the union of two overlapping

closed shapes. Optionally, you can retain the two
original shapes.
How It Works To create the union shape, click the Union button.
Click on the outline of the first shape, and then click
on the outline of the second. The prompt Keep
Original Shapes? appears.
Click Yes or No.
Button Meaning
Yes Creates the new shape, and retains the two starting
shapes.
No Creates the new shape, and deletes the two starting
shapes.
Cancel Cancels the operation.
Note: This tool performs a Boolean OR operation on the two shapes,

meaning the not common and common areas between the shapes are
calculated.

Intersect Button
Use It To Create a shape that is the intersection of two closed

shapes. Optionally, you can retain the two original
shapes.
How It Works To create the intersection shape, click the Intersect

button. Click the outline of the first shape, and click
the outline of the second. The prompt Keep
Original Shapes? appears.
Click Yes or No.
Button Meaning
shapes.
shapes.
Note: This tool performs a Boolean AND operation on the two shapes.
meaning only the common area between the shapes is calculated.

Subtract Button
Use It To Create a shape that is the subtraction of one closed

shape from a second closed shape. Optionally you
can retain the two original shapes.
How It Works To create the subtracted shape, click the Subtract

button. Click the outline of the subtracted from
shape, and click the outline of the shape to be
subtracted. The prompt Keep Original Shapes?
appears.
Click Yes or No.
Button Meaning
shapes.
shapes.
Note: This tool performs a Boolean NOT operation on the two shapes,
meaning the common area is removed from the first shape.

Erase Button
Use It To Erase a shape.
How It Works To erase a shape, click the Erase button and click
the shape. You can click on other shapes to erase
them.
To turn off the Erase function, click on the Erase button, or another
button, or a blank space in the Editor window.

Rotate Button
Use It To Rotate the current shape.
How It Works To rotate a shape, click the Rotate button, click the
shape, and click the point of rotation. The Rotate
Shape dialog box appears.
To specify the angle of rotation, in the dialog box, you can do one of the
following:
To specify the angle in degrees, in the Rotation Angle box, type the
number of degrees, and click OK.
To specify the angle of rotation with a second point, click the Second
Point button, and after the dialog box closes, click the position of the
second point in the graphic display area.
With the second point procedure, the angle of rotation is defined by the
displayed horizontal reference line, and the line that joins the second
point to the point of rotation.

Item Entry
Angle To specify the rotation angle, type the number of
degrees. A positive angle is counter clockwise.
Second Point To specify the angle of rotation by a second point,
click the Second Point button, and then after the
Rotate Shape dialog box closes, click the location
of the second point in the graphic display area.

Move Button
Use It To Move a shape to a new position.
How It Works To move a shape, click the Move button. Click the
outline of the shape to be moved, and position the
cross hairs at a location for a base-point. Hold down
the left mouse button. Drag the shape to its new
location, and release the mouse button.

Copy Button
Use It To Copy a shape.
How It Works To copy a shape, click the Copy button. Click the
outline of the shape to be copied, and position the
cross hairs at a location for a base-point. Hold down
the left mouse button. Drag the copied shape to its
new location, and release the mouse button.

Array Button
Use It To Copy a shape in a rectangular array. Optionally you

can create a mirror image of the array.
How It Works To create the array, click the Array button, and
click the outline of the shape. The Array Shapes
dialog box appears.
To produce the array, in the dialog box, indicate the options you require, as
Item Entry
Rows Number Type the number of rows (at least 1) in the array.
Rows Spacing Type the distance between the rows in the array.
Columns Number Type the number of columns (at least 1) in the
array.
Columns Spacing Type the distance between the columns in the
array.
Mirror Check to produce a mirror image of the array,
symmetrical about the center line of the shell.

Mirror Button
Use It To Create a mirror image of a shape, symmetrical about

the center line of the shell.
How It Works To create a mirror image, click the Mirror button,

and click on the outline of the shape to be mirrored.

Offset Button
Use It To Create either an enlarged version of a shape, located

outside the shape, or a reduced version of a shape,
located inside the shape.
How It Works To create an enlarged or reduced version of a shape,

click the Offset button, and click the outline of the
shape. The Offset dialog box appears.
To create the new shape, in the dialog box, indicate the options you
Item Meaning
Side To create a reduced version, select Inner.
To create an enlarged version, select Outer.
Offset Distance Type the distance between the outline of the
selected shape, and the outline of the shape you are
creating.
Avoid creating an offset of a part that has extrusion cutouts. Instead, to get
extrusion cutouts, mark the extrusion intersections as you create the part.
Then create and work with the offset. Finally, make the extrusion cutouts
using the Subtraction tool.

Trim Button
Use It To To delete the portions of line segments that extend

on one side of a different line segment.
How It Works To delete line segments that extend on one side of a

cutting line segment, click the Trim button. Click on
the cutting line segment, and then click on each line
segment portion you want to delete. You can delete
any line segment that touches the cutting line.


Chapter 6
Editing Parts in Secondary
Mode
This chapter tells you how to operate the Part Editor window in Secondary
mode. The following points are covered in this chapter:
Part Editor in Secondary Mode
Part Editor - Secondary Mode Toolbar
Chapter 6 - Editing Parts in Secondary Mode 183


With the Part Editor in Secondary mode, you can work with the points that
define the shapes in a part. You can also designate part shapes as solids,
holes or references, and you can apply extrusions to extrusion paths within
the part.
The following illustration shows the Part Editor in Secondary mode.
Part Editor menu bar

Part Editor - Secondary mode toolbar
Part Editor display controls
184 Chapter 6 Editing Parts in Secondary Mode

Switching to Secondary Mode from

Primary Mode
To get to Secondary mode, you must already have the part displayed in the
Part Editor, in Primary mode.
1. Display the part in the Part Editor - Primary mode.
2. In Primary mode, click the Secondary Mode button. You shift to
Secondary mode.
Working in Secondary Mode

The Part Editor, in Secondary mode has display controls and menus that
are exactly the same as the ones you use in Primary mode. For information,
see Chapter 5, Editing Parts in Primary Mode.
In Secondary mode, the toolbar changes. The Secondary mode tools are
described in this chapter.
Selecting Points in a Shape

In Secondary mode, to select a point in a shape, click the outline of the
shape, and then click the point.
With a point selected:
To select the next point, press the F5 key.
To select the previous point, press the F6 key.

Moving Points
In Secondary mode you can move a selected point by:
Dragging the point with the mouse.
Pressing one of the arrow keys to move the point the snap interval
distance.
Typing the points new coordinates in the Point Position boxes, and
then clicking in the graphic display area.
Exiting Secondary Mode to Primary Mode

When you have finished working in Secondary mode, you return to
Primary mode by clicking the Primary Mode button.
For information about working in Primary mode, see Chapter 5, "Editing
Parts in Primary Mode".

Part Editor - Secondary Mode

Toolbar
With the Secondary mode toolbar, you can edit the points that make up the
shapes you created in Primary mode. You can also designate shapes as
solids, holes or references, and you can apply extrusions to extrusion paths.
Each tool is described in the following section. The toolbar is displayed
across the top of the Part Editor window, in Secondary mode, and it has
the following buttons:
Radius Fillet button
Insert Point button
Delete Point button
Close Loop button
Designate Solid button
Designate Hole button
Designate Reference button
Apply Extrusion button
Flip Extrusion button

Radius Fillet Button

Use It To Insert a fillet, with a specified radius, between two
edges of a shape.
How It Works Click on the outline of the shape to be filleted. Click

on the point at the corner to be filleted, and click the
Radius Fillet button. The Fillet Radius dialog box
appears.
Type the radius for the filleted corner, and click OK.

Insert Point Button

Use It To Insert a point in a shape outline.
How It Works To insert a point in a shape outline, click on the

outline of the shape, click on the point at the
position for the new point, and then click the Insert
Point button.
The new point is added to the shape, at the same location as the point you
selected. You can drag the new point to the desired location.

Delete Point Button

Use It To Delete a selected point.
How It Works To delete a point from a shape, click on the outline

of the shape. Click the point to be deleted, and then
click the Delete Point button.

Close Loop Button

Use It To Create a closed loop, by adding a last point at the
same location as the first point.
How It Works To close a shape, select the shape by clicking on its

outline, and then click the Close Loop button.
Part outlines and interior cutouts must be closed loops for manufacturing
purposes.

Designate Solid Button

Use It To Designate a shape as the boundary of a solid area,
such as a plate.
How It Works To designate a shape as being solid, select the shape

by clicking on its outline. Then click the Designate
Solid button. The shape is displayed as a solid line.
For information about the drawing colors, display the Drawing Colors
dialog box, by choosing the Settings - Drawing Colors menu option.

Designate Hole Button

Use It To Designate a shape as an interior hole.
How It Works To designate a shape as being a hole, select the

shape by clicking on its outline. Then click the
Designate Hole button. The shape is displayed as a
hole line.

Designate Reference Button

Use It To Specify that a shape has no physical effect on the
properties of the part. For example, the shape may
be construction lines, reference lines, or plate
markings.
How It Works To designate a shape as being ineffective, select the

shape by clicking on its outline. Then click the
Designate Reference button. The shape is displayed
as a reference line.

Apply Extrusion Button

Use It To Map an extrusion and its associated cutout along a
path.
How It Works To apply an extrusion to a line, select the line, and

click the Apply Extrusion button. The Extrusion
dialog box appears.
To specify the extrusion, in the dialog box, indicate the options you

Item Entry
Type Select the type of extrusion to map. All extrusions of
this type are displayed in the Extrusion list.
Extrusion Select an extrusion from the list. The outline of the
list selected extrusion is displayed in the box at the right
side of the Extrusion dialog box.
Side Select the side of the part where the extrusion is to be
attached. Near is the side nearest to the origin. Far is the
side farthest from the origin.
Material Displays the material for the selected extrusion.
Sp.Gr. Displays the specific gravity for the selected extrusion.
Width Displays the nominal width of the selected extrusion.
Height Displays the nominal height of the selected extrusion.

Flip Extrusion Button

Use It To Reverse the ends of an extrusion.
How It Works Select an extrusion, and click the Flip Extrusion

button. The extrusion is flipped over, end for end,
on its path. This changes the orientation of an
extrusion that is not symmetrical.


Chapter 7
Editing Extrusions
This chapter provides information about using the Part Editor to edit
extrusions. It covers the following topics:
Editing Extrusions in the Part Editor
Extrusion Menu
Chapter 7 - Editing Extrusions 199

Editing Extrusions in the Part

Editor
When you edit extrusions in the Part Editor, the editor operates in much
the same way as when editing parts. It has most of the menu options,
display controls and tools that are available when you edit parts. The
following illustration shows the Part Editor, in Primary mode, with an
extrusion loaded.
Extrusion menu
Point Position boxes Cursor Coordinate

showing X and Y boxes
coordinates showing X and Y
200 Chapter 7 Editing Extrusions

Additional Operations
When an extrusion is loaded, the Part Editor has an additional menu, the
Extrusion menu, which provides the specific tools you need to edit
extrusions. The Extrusion menu options are described later in this chapter.
The following illustration shows the Part Editor menu bar, with the
additional menu.
Note that the menu option File - Import DXF, is available for editing
extrusions, but not parts. It enables you to import a CAD .DXF file as you
edit an extrusion. For more information see File - Import in Chapter 5,
Editing Parts in Primary Mode.
Unavailable Operations
When an extrusion is loaded, the Part Editor does not provide the
Interference button, Far Side button, Near Side button, Shell button,
Apply Extrusion button and Flip Extrusion button since they are not
appropriate for editing extrusions.
Modified Display Controls

When an extrusion is loaded, the Point Position boxes and Cursor
Position boxes show X and Y coordinates, instead of L, T, V coordinates.

Loading an Extrusion into the Part Editor

You start the Part Editor from the Main window.
1. In the Main window, to display the Extrusion dialog box, do one of the
following:
Click the Edit Extrusion button
From the menu bar, choose Part - Extrusion
2. In the Extrusion dialog box, under Function, select one of the following
options: New, Edit or Copy/Edit. Finish entering options in the dialog
box, then click OK.
The Part Editor starts up in Primary mode, displaying the selected
extrusion.
Operating the Part Editor

With an extrusion loaded. you operate the Part Editor in both Primary
mode and Secondary mode, in exactly the same way as you do when
editing a part.
For information about operating the Part Editor, see Chapter 5, Editing
Parts in Primary Mode and Chapter 6. Editing Parts in Secondary
Mode.
Note that when you have finished editing extrusions, you must exit from
the Part Editor before you can switch to editing parts.

Extrusion Menu
Extrusion Menu
The Extrusion menu, which is available in the Part Editor when you are
editing an extrusion, provides tools for editing and creating an extrusion. It
enables you to add an insertion point, designate a shape as the extrusion
cutout and rescale the extrusion.

Extrusion Menu
Extrusion - Insertion Point
Use It To Add the insertion point to the extrusion.
How It Works To add the insertion point, choose Extrusion -

Insertion Point. Then click the point on the
extrusion where the insertion point is to be located.

Extrusion Menu
Extrusion - Cutout
Use It To Designate a shape as the extrusion cutout.
How It Works To designate a shape in an extrusion as being the

extrusion cutout, choose Extrusion - Cutout. Then
click the shape.

Extrusion Menu
Extrusion - Scale
Use It To Rescale the actual size of the extrusion you are

editing.
How It Works To rescale the size of an extrusion, choose

Extrusion - Scale. The Scale Extrusion dialog box
appears.
In the dialog box indicate the options you require, as follows, and click
OK.
Item Meaning
Scale Factor Type a number to indicate the factor by which the actual
size of the extrusion is to be scaled. Do not type a
number larger than 2.0.
Note that the extrusion may not appear to have been resized, because
Autobuild automatically adjusts the display so that the extrusion still fills
the graphic drawing area. To verify the resizing, move the cursor to the
extrusion outline and watch the Cursor Position boxes.

Tutorial
Release 4.0.0
Table of Contents
Topic 1 Getting Started........................................... 1
Finished Model .................................................................2

Opening the Project in Auto build .........................................3
Starting Autobuild .................................................................................................... 3
Resetting the Tutorial Files .................................................4
Opening the Tutorial Project..................................................................................... 5
Adding the Vessels Shell ......................................................................................... 9
Exiting and Restarting Autobuild............................................................................ 10
Looking at the Shell in the Main Window............................ 11
Using the View Menu Options ................................................................................ 11
Rotating and Tilting the View................................................................................. 12
Zooming In and Out ............................................................................................... 12
Topic 2 Bulkheads ................................................ 15
Creating Bulkheads ......................................................... 15

Creating the Bulkhead at 16.4a............................................................................... 15
Creating Bulkheads at 1.2a, 6a and 14.2a ............................................................... 17
Putting a Hatchway Opening in the Aft Bulkhead ................ 19
Displaying the Bulkhead in the Part Editor ............................................................. 19
Using the Part Editor .............................................................................................. 21
Creating the Hatchway Opening ............................................................................. 22
Adding Extrusions to the Aft Bulkhead ............................... 24
Marking the Hatchway Opening Extrusion Path ..................................................... 24
Adding the Flat Bar to the Extrusion Path............................................................... 26
Ensuring the Hatchway Opening is a Hole .............................................................. 27
Moving the Flat Bar to the Hatchway Opening........................................................ 27
Marking the Vertical Extrusion Paths ..................................................................... 28
Adding the Vertical Stiffeners................................................................................. 31
Orienting the Vertical Stiffeners ............................................................................. 33
Table of Contents i
Table of Contents
Creating Longitudinal Bulkheads for the Aft Fuel Tanks........ 34

Creating the Starboard Longitudinal Bulkhead ....................................................... 34
Creating the Port Longitudinal Bulkhead................................................................ 35
Topic 3 Views and Reports ................................... 37
Viewing Parts in the Main Window ................................... 37

Selecting Parts for Display...................................................................................... 37
Viewing Reports............................................................. 39
Generating Reports................................................................................................. 39
Topic 4 Girders .................................................... 41
Creating the Engine Girders ............................................. 41

Creating the Starboard Inboard Engine Girder Plane .............................................. 42
Finding Interference with the 16.4a Bulkhead........................................................ 43
Extending the Interference Loop............................................................................. 45
Subtracting the Interference Loop from the Girder.................................................. 47
Modifying the Top of the Girder ............................................................................. 48
Applying Face Bars to the Girder............................................................................ 49
Creating the Port Inboard Engine Girder ................................................................ 52
Creating the Outboard Engine Girders.................................................................... 52
Topic 5 Floors...................................................... 55
Creating the Floors ......................................................... 55

Creating the Set of Multiple Floors ......................................................................... 55
Trimming the Aftmost Floor ............................................. 57
Displaying the Floor in the Part Editor ................................................................... 57
Defining the Top Outline........................................................................................ 58
Defining the Left End Outline ................................................................................ 61
Defining the Right End Outline .............................................................................. 62
Combining the Left and Right End Outlines ........................................................... 63
Adding the Top Outline to the Sides Definition Shape............................................ 64
Making the Final Trim ........................................................................................... 66
Designating the Shape as a Solid ............................................................................ 67
Marking the Interference Loops .............................................................................. 67
ii Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Extending the Interference Loops............................................................................ 68

Subtracting the Interference Loops.......................................................................... 69
Topic 6 Frames .................................................... 71
Creating Frames ............................................................. 71

Creating the Set of Multiple Frames................................................................ ........ 71
Trimming the Aftmost Frame ............................................ 73
Displaying the Frame in the Part Editor.................................................................. 73
Defining the Inboard Sides of Both Pieces............................................................... 74
Defining the Top and Bottom Edges ....................................................................... 76
Getting the Final Frame Shapes .............................................................................. 79
Attaching the Floor to the Frame ............................................................................ 81
Topic 7 Forward Fuel Tank .................................... 83
Creating the Forward Fuel Tanks....................................... 83

Creating the Center Line Bulkhead......................................................................... 84
Creating the Set of Multiple Floors ......................................................................... 85
Dividing the Aftmost Floor ..................................................................................... 86
Inserting the Lightening Holes in the Floor............................................................. 88
Subtracting the Cutouts from the Floor ................................................................... 90
Creating the Forward Fuel Tank Top ...................................................................... 91
Topic 8 Keel Bar .................................................. 93
Creating the Keel Bar....................................................... 93

Creating the New Part............................................................................................. 93
Displaying the New Part in the Part Editor ............................................................. 94
Erasing the Wheelhouse Outline ............................................................................. 95
Creating the Offset Outlines.................................................................................... 96
Extending Up the Inner Offset Outline.................................................................... 97
Subtracting the Inner Offset Outline ....................................................................... 98
Erasing the Extraneous Upper Outline .................................................................... 99
Trimming the Aft End of the Keel Bar.................................................................. 100
Trimming the Forward End of the Keel Bar.......................................................... 102
Erasing the Original Outline................................................................................. 105
Designating the Keel Bar as a Solid ...................................................................... 105
Subtracting the Keel Bar Intersections .................................................................. 106
Table of Contents iii

Table of Contents
iv Table of Contents
Topic 1
Getting Started
The Autobuild Tutorial walks you through the building of a vessels
interior parts, step by step, using many of Autobuilds capabilities. It is
designed with the expectation that you will start with Topic 1 and work
progressively through the tutorial, one topic at a time, to Topic 8. The
early topics explain basic steps in detail, and this knowledge is assumed in
the later topics.
In this tutorial you will work with Autobuild, to create the interior
structure for a tugboat shell which was created in Autoship. The tutorial
assumes that you are new to Autoship and Autobuild, and demonstrates a
wide selection of Autobuilds tools. By the time you have completed the
tutorial, you should have every confidence that you can use Autobuild to
design the interior structure for your own vessel.
You will start the tutorial using Autobuild files, already created for you,
from an Autoship file called TUTORIAL.PRJ. The files TUTORIAL.FC1,
TUTORIAL.OLC and TUTORIAL.SPW are located in the
\AUTOSHIP\BUILD\TUTORIAL directory.
Normally, you design the vessels parts in the same sequence as they will
be built into the vessels shell. This means starting with the keel bar,
bulkheads and frames, and then progressing to the smaller members. As
this tutorial is designed to take you progressively through using
Autobuilds tools, we have deferred designing the keel bar till later, as it
involves understanding more complex Autobuild concepts.
If you want an overview of the tutorial before you start, check through the
list of topics in the Table of Contents.
Topic 1 - Getting Started 1

Finished Model
Finished Model
The following illustration shows a drawing of the model you will construct
as you work through this tutorial.
2 Topic 1 Getting Started

Opening the Project in Autobuild
Opening the Project in

Autobuild
In this stage we emphasize how to:
Start and Exit Autobuild
Open a project
Add a shell envelope to the project
Starting Autobuild
1. Click the Autobuild icon. You can find it in the Windows Program
Manager, in the Autoship group.
The Autobuild title window is displayed for a few seconds, then the
Autobuild Main window opens. It looks like this.

Resetting the Tutorial Files

If you are the first person to use the Autobuild Tutorial, ignore this
section. Proceed directly to the next section, Opening the Tutorial
Project.
This section is included in case the tutorial files need resetting after a
previous person has worked on the tutorial. Before you can work through
the Autobuild Tutorial again, you need to reorganize the tutorial files. This
is the procedure.
1. Copy all files in the \AUTOSHIP\BUILD\TUTORIAL directory to a backup
directory. This preserves the previous persons work.
2. In the \AUTOSHIP\BUILD\TUTORIAL directory, retain the three files
TUTORIAL.FC1, TUTORIAL.SPW, AND TUTORIAL.OLC. Delete all the other
files in the directory.
3. In WINDOWS\BUILDER.INI, delete the BUILDER.INI file.
4. Restart Autobuild.

Opening the Tutorial Project

To open the tutorial project, you will specify the directory for the project,
and the units of measurement (kilogram and meter).
You will also create two sets of categories called groups (6mm, 8mm,
10mm, 12mm) and zones (fwd, mid, aft). Later, as you create parts for the
tugboat, you can assign each part to a group and zone to provide
organization for production and reporting.
1. From the menu bar, choose File - New Project. In the New Project
dialog box, select the following options:
Option Action
Project Name Type tutorial.
Directory Select the \autoship\build\tutorial directory.
Part Reference Plane Select Molded Line.
Using the Molded Line convention means that all dimensions are from
the origin to the parts face closest to the origin. In this tutorial, the
origin is at the forward end of the vessel.
Check that the dialog box looks like this.

Then click OK.

2. In the Units dialog box, select the following options.
Option Action
Length Select Meters.
Weight Select Kilograms.
Then click OK.

3. In the Project Settings dialog box:
Option Action
LOA Leave blank.
LBP Leave blank.
Beam Leave blank.
Depth Leave blank.
Weld Relief Radius Type 0.5. This is the distance allowed at
the end of a seam for a weld.

The LOA, LBP, BEAM and Depth dimensions will be set later, when
you add the Face file.
Then click OK.

4. Groups and Zones are optional categories you can set up to organize
the parts of the vessel you are working on. In this tutorial, a group is
used to represent a part thickness, while a zone represent a region in
the vessel.

In the Group And Zone Setup dialog box, create the groups and zones
as described in the following table.
Option Action
Group To add 6mm to the Group list, under Group, click the
Add button. In the New Group dialog box, type 6mm
and click OK.
Now use the same procedure add 8mm, 10mm, and
12mm to the Group list.
Zone To add Fwd to the Zone list, under Zone, click the
Add button. In the New Zone dialog box, type Fwd
and click OK.
Now use the same procedure to add Mid and Aft to
the Zone list.
Check that your dialog box looks like this.
Then click OK.

You return to the Main window.

Adding the Vessels Shell

To add the shell, you will specify the face file, TUTORIAL.FC1. This file, and
two others, TUTORIAL.OLC and TUTORIAL.SPW, were created from
Autoship.
1. From the menu bar, choose Shell - Add. In the Add Face dialog box,
from the list, select the face file tutorial.fc1.
Then click OK.
The Main window displays the tugboat shell. It looks like this.

Exiting and Restarting Autobuild

You can exit Autobuild any time during the tutorial. Practice the procedure
now so that you will be prepared to exit, when you are ready. Autobuild
always saves files as you complete each procedure, so there is no need to
perform a save as you exit from the Main window.
1. To exit from Autobuild, choose File - Exit. Note that there is no need
to save before you exit.
2. To restart Autobuild, in Windows Program Manager, in the Autoship
group, double-click the Autobuild icon. The Autobuild title window is
displayed for a few seconds, then the Autobuild Main window opens.
3. To reload the tutorial project, choose File - Tutorial. Note that
Autobuild keeps a list, at the bottom of the File menu, of the four most
recent projects you have been working on.
Alternatively, to reload the tutorial project, you can choose
File - Open Project, and in the Select Project Directory dialog box,
select the \AUTOSHIP\BUILD\TUTORIAL directory.
The tutorial is displayed in the Main window.

Looking at the Shell in the Main Window
Looking at the Shell in the Main

Window
Use the View menu
Use the Main Window display controls
Use the Zoom and No Zoom buttons
The Main window displays the shell you imported from Autoship, but later
the parts you add to the tugboat will also be included. Try out these
controls now, and use them again and again, whenever you want to look at
something you have changed, or to get an overall picture of the vessel you
are creating.
Using the View Menu Options

1. The menu bar is at the top of the Main window. From the View menu,
make sure you have the Perspective option checked. This provides a
perspective view.
2. From the View menu, change the view to axonometric, by selecting
View - Axonometric. For a plan and profile view simultaneously,
select View - Plan/Profile. To see all four views together, select
View - All.

Rotating and Tilting the View

1. Make sure that in the View menu, you have either View - Perspective
or View - Axonometric selected.
2. To rotate the view, use your mouse to drag the horizontal scroll bar
that is located at the bottom of the graphic display area, to the left side
and to the right side. The Rotate box displays the rotation angle.
Position the scroll bar so that the rotation angle is 45. Repeat this to
view the vessel rotated at -180, -90, 0, 80, and 160 angles.
3. To tilt the tugboat, use your mouse to drag the vertical scroll bar that
is located at the right hand side of the graphic display area window, up
or down. The Tilt box displays the tilt angle. Position the scroll bar so
that the tilt angle is 45. Repeat this procedure to view the vessel tilted
at -80, then -30, then 0, and then 70.
Zooming In and Out

The Zoom and No Zoom buttons are located at the left side of the toolbar,
above the graphic display area.
1. Make sure that in the View menu, you have either Perspective or
Axonometric selected.
2. Decide which rectangular region on the graphic display area you would
like to see magnified to fit the entire graphic display area. For example,
you could decide on a rectangular area that includes the wheelhouse.

3. Click the Zoom button, and then indicate the rectangular

region you want zoomed, by dragging the mouse diagonally,
from the top left corner of the rectangular region to the bottom
right corner. Hold down the left mouse button, as you drag the mouse.
Release the button when the rectangle is the desired size and shape.
This is shown in the following illustration.
4. To zoom in further, repeat the previous step.

5. To pan the zoomed image, point your mouse to the part of the drawing
you want to move to the center of the graphic display area. Click the
right mouse button. The zoomed image shifts position.
6. To return to the unzoomed drawing, click the No Zoom
button.

As the remaining controls are useful only after you have created some
parts, they are described later in the tutorial.

Topic 2
Bulkheads
Creating Bulkheads
Create a bulkhead part
You will create four bulkheads for the tugboat, positioned at 1.2a, 6.0a,
14.2a, and 16.6a. As we specified in the Units dialog box, all measurements
are in meters. The measurement 1.2a means 1.2 meters aft of the
coordinate origin.
We will provide a detailed procedure for creating the 16.4a bulkhead and
leave you to create the other three using the same procedures.
Creating the Bulkhead at 16.4a

1. In the Main window, from the menu bar choose Part - New. The New
Part dialog box is displayed.
Topic 2 - Bulkheads 15
Creating Bulkheads
2. In the New Part dialog box, select the options as shown in the
following table.
Option Action
Name Type Bhd 16.4. (This identifies the part.)
Group Select 6MM. (This is the thickness of the part.)
Zone Select AFT.
Type Select Bulkhead.
Material Select Steel from the list.
Sp.Gr. The displayed value shows the specific gravity
of steel.
Thickness Type 6.
Defining Type 16.394. (This allows for the thickness of
Point the bulkhead. 16.400 - .006)
Limits Do not change the displayed values.
Shell Select this option. (This option cuts the
Intersections longitudinal to fit the shell.)
Extrusion Do not select this option.
Intersections
16 Topic 2 Bulkheads
Creating Bulkheads
Then click OK.

3. In the Main window, watch the new part being created and added to
the drawing.
Creating Bulkheads at 1.2a, 6a and 14.2a

Create the three remaining bulkheads, one at a time, by repeating the
previous procedure using the values shown in the following table. In the
table, each column provides the values you need to create one bulkhead.
You may need to trim extraneous sections from some of the bulkheads.
You will learn how to do this later in the tutorial.
1.2a 6a 14.0a
Name Bhd 1.2 Bhd 6.0 Bhd 14.0
Group 6MM 8MM 8MM
Zone FWD FWD AFT
Type Bulkhead Bulkhead Bulkhead
Material Steel Steel Steel
Thickness 6 8 8
Defining Point 1.194 5.992 13.992
Shell Intersections x x x
Extrusion
Intersections
Note that when you create the bulkhead at 6.0a, the message
Side 1 contours < > Side 2 contours is displayed. When you display the
part in the Part Editor you see two outlines, one for the forward surface of
the bulkhead, the other for the aft surface. You will need to work with the
Part Editor tools on the two outlines, to produce the one outline that best
represents the bulkhead. You will learn how to use the Part Editor later in
this topic, so it is recommended that you delay the editing of this bulkhead
until you have finished working through Topic 2, Bulkheads.
Topic 2 - Bulklheads 17
Creating Bulkheads
The following illustration shows the newly created 6.0a bulkhead and the
outlines that you will need to erase with the Erase button in the Part
Editor.
Be aware that when Autobuild creates a part, it first generates a surface

outline for each surface - for the 6.0a bulkhead there is a forward surface
and an aft surface. Then Autobuild generates one intersection outline from
all (generally two) surface outlines, and discards the surface outlines.
However, if the surface outlines are very different, Autobuild does not
generate the intersection outline, and instead displays the message
Side 1 contours < > Side 2 contours.
Putting a Hatchway Opening in the Aft Bulkhead
Putting a Hatchway Opening in

the Aft Bulkhead
Display a part in the Part Editor
Use the Part Editor
Use the Radiused-Corner Box Draw tool
Save changes to a part
You will create a hatchway opening measuring 800 mm by 1400 mm, in the
center of the 16.4 m bulkhead you just created.
Displaying the Bulkhead in the Part Editor

Once you have created a part, you can make changes to it in the Part
Editor. You need to display the aft bulkhead in the Part Editor to add the
hatchway opening.
1. In the Main window, click the Edit Part button. The Edit Part
dialog box is displayed.
2. In the Edit Part dialog box, select the following options.
Option Action
Group Select All.
Zone Select All.
Type Select Bulkhead.
Bulkhead list Select Bhd 16.4.
3. Click OK. The Bulkhead is displayed in the Part Editor. This is shown
in the following illustration.
Using the Part Editor

Before you create the door, notice some of the features of the Part Editor
window. In the Part Editor, you work with one part at a time. The name of
the part is displayed in the title bar.
The toolbar, displayed above the graphic display area, contains a selection
of editing tools. Many of these tools will be demonstrated in this tutorial.
At the left hand side of the graphic display area, there are several display
controls. In particular, moving from the top, notice the following:
Zoom button.
No Zoom button.
Redraw button. Use this anytime you want to redraw the

drawing in the graphic display area. It is useful if extraneous
lines are left on the drawing and need to be removed.
Snap, Grid and Osnap buttons. Use these buttons to
help you accurately position the cursor. Click the
Grid button to toggle it to on. The grid that is drawn has
the interval displayed in the Snap box. Click the Grid button again to
toggle it to off. Type a new value in the Snap box and click the
Grid button to on. Note the new interval. When the Osnap button is
on, the cursor snaps to any nearby shape (object) - you can try this
later.
Undo button. It cancels the most previous operation. Use it
whenever you make a mistake with any of the editing tools.
Click the Undo button now, to remove the grid.
Cursor Position boxes, located at the bottom right of the graphic

display area. These display the longitudinal, transverse, and vertical
coordinates of the current cursor position. Use your mouse to move the
cursor, and notice how the cursor coordinates change.
The Part Editor is currently in Primary mode. Later in the tutorial you will
use the Secondary Mode button to change the Part Editor from Primary
mode to Secondary mode. In Secondary mode, you can work with the
points that define the shape of the part.
Creating the Hatchway Opening

You will create a hatchway opening, with filleted corners, in the center of
the bulkhead. It is based on a box with the following coordinates.
Box corner T V
Top left 0.4p 6.3
Top right 0.4p 6.3
Bottom right 0.4s 4.9
Bottom left 0.4s 4.9
Note that 0.4p means 0.4 port, and 0.4s means 0.4 starboard.
1. In the Snap box, at the left side of the graphic display area, type 0.1.
Check that the Snap button is clicked on.
2. Click the Radiused-Corner Box Draw button. The message
Drag/release box corners is displayed in the message bar,
below the graphic display area.
3. With the mouse, position the cursor at the point corresponding to the
top left corner of the box, with coordinates T=0.4p and V=6.3. Use the
Cursor Position boxes to help you find the position.
4. At T=0.4p and V=6.3, press and hold down the left mouse button as
you drag the cursor diagonally across the box to the point
corresponding to the bottom right corner of the box, with coordinates
T=0.4s and V=4.9. Now release the mouse button. While you are
holding down the mouse button, a box is displayed at the cursor,
showing the position of the box you are currently defining. When you
release the mouse button, the Fillet Radius dialog box is displayed.
5. In the Fillet Radius dialog box, in the Radius box, type 0.2 and click
OK.
The outline of the hatchway is drawn on the bulkhead. It looks like this.
6. To save the changes to the bulkhead, without exiting from the Part
Editor, from the menu bar choose File - Save.
Adding Extrusions to the Aft Bulkhead
Adding Extrusions to the Aft

Bulkhead
In the Part Editor - Primary mode, use the Array tool, Move tool,
Line Draw tool, Mirror tool, and Trim tool
In the Part Editor - Secondary mode, use the Apply Extrusion tool,
Flip Extrusion tool and the Designate Hole tool
In this stage you will add two types of extrusions to the aft bulkhead:
Flat bar round the hatchway opening
Vertical stiffeners at 0.6 m intervals
In each case, you first mark the extrusion path, then you apply the
extrusion to the extrusion path. They are described in the following
procedures.
Marking the Hatchway Opening Extrusion

Path
The hatchway opening outline is designated as a hole, therefore it cannot
also be designated as an extrusion. To create the extrusion path, you need
to make a copy of the hatchway opening outline. The extrusion path will be
temporarily displaced to the right until after the extrusion is applied to help
you work with the shapes.
1. In the Part Editor, click the Array button. The message Select
shape to array is displayed, below the graphic display area.
2. Click the hatchway opening outline. The Array Shapes dialog box is
displayed.
3. In the Array Shapes dialog box, select the options shown in the
following illustration. This will create a copy 0.1m to the right.
4. Click OK. The new shape is created and your drawing looks like this.
Adding the Flat Bar to the Extrusion Path

This procedure applies the flat bar extrusion to the hatchway opening
extrusion path. Note that for convenience, the extrusion path is still
displaced to the right.
1. Click the Secondary Mode button at the left side of the graphic display
area. The Part Editor changes from Primary mode to Secondary mode,
and a new toolbar is displayed.
2. Click the extrusion path outline.
3. Click the Apply Extrusion button. The Extrusion dialog box
appears.
4. In the Extrusion dialog box, select the options shown in the
following illustration. Note that when you select Flat Bar, the list of
extrusions is displayed.
5. Click OK. The extrusion is applied to the extrusion path.
Ensuring the Hatchway Opening is a Hole

Before you leave Secondary mode, you need to make sure that the
hatchway opening is designated as a hole.
1. Click the hatchway opening outline.
2. Click the Designate Hole button. The color of the hatchway
opening outline indicates that it is designated as a hole.
3. To check the meaning of the drawing colors, from the menu
bar, choose Settings - Drawing Colors, and view the Drawing Colors
dialog box. To close the dialog box, click the Save and Exit button.
4. Click the Primary Mode button to return to Primary mode. Click Yes
in response to the Keep changes? prompt.
Moving the Flat Bar to the Hatchway

Opening
Now the extrusion is applied, it needs to be moved to its correct position,
at the hatchway opening.
1. Type 0.1 in the Snap box at the left side of the graphic display area.
Make sure that the Snap button is clicked on.
2. Click the Move button. The message Select shape to move is
displayed.
3. Click the extrusion outline. The message Select and drag base
point is displayed.
4. Anywhere in the graphic display area, click and hold down the mouse
button. With the mouse button still held down, drag the cursor
approximately 0.1 to the left, so that the displayed rectangular shape
covers the hatchway opening, then release the mouse button. The
extrusion is moved to a new position, covering the hatchway opening.
(If you made a mistake, click the Undo button, and try again.)
5. To save the changes to the bulkhead, from the menu bar, choose
File - Save.
Marking the Vertical Extrusion Paths

Before you add the vertical stiffeners, you need to mark their extrusion
paths on the aft bulkhead. You will work with the starboard side of the
bulkhead first, and then create the extrusions on the port side, as mirror
images. The following procedure describes how to do this.
1. Type 0.6 in the Snap box at the left side of the graphic display area.
Make sure that the Snap button is clicked on. This is to coincide with
the 600 mm spacing of the stiffeners.
2. Click the Line Draw button. Position the cursor below the
bottom of the bulkhead at the center line. To help you find this
position, watch the Cursor Position boxes at the left side of
the graphic display area, and check that T=0.000 exactly. and V=3.600.
Click the left mouse button to insert the first point here.
3. Watching the Cursor Position boxes, move the cursor to the right
approximately 0.6, and click the left mouse button to insert point 2.
The snap function ensures that the distance is exactly 0.6.
4. Continue to insert the next six points, with the coordinates shown in
the following table.
Point T V
1 0.000 3.600
2 0.600s 3.600
3 1.200s 3.600
4 1.200s 7.200
5 1.800s 7.200
6 1.800s 3.600
7 2.400s 3.600
8 2.400s 7.200
Your drawing looks like this.
5. After inserting point 8, click the Primary Mode button to terminate

the Line Draw mode. Click Yes in response to the Keep changes?
prompt.
6. Click the Trim button. The message Select trim-to line is
displayed.
7. Click the bulkhead outline. The message Select section to
delete is displayed.
8. Click each line section of the line you just created that protrudes
outside the bulkhead line. The sections are deleted. (If you make a
mistake, click the Undo button, and try again.) You now have three
vertical extrusion paths and your drawing looks like this. (If you miss
the line, you will need to click the Redraw button at the left side of the
graphic display area to restart the trim function.)
Adding the Vertical Stiffeners

You will now apply an 100 mm x 75 mm angle extrusion to each of the
three extrusion paths.
1. Click the Secondary Mode button to change the Part Editor from
Primary mode to Secondary mode. A new toolbar is displayed.
2. Click one of the vertical extrusion paths, then click the Apply
Extrusion button.
3. In the Extrusion dialog box, select the options shown in the
following illustration.
4. Click OK. The extrusion is added to the extrusion path.

5. Repeat steps 2 - 4 for each of the two remaining extrusion paths.
6. Click the Primary Mode button to change the Part Editor from
Secondary mode to Primary mode, keeping the changes. Note that this
retains the extrusion paths in the drawing, but does not save them to
the file.
7. Click the Mirror button. The message Select shape to
mirror is displayed. Now click one of the extrusions, its mirror
image is created at the left side of the bulkhead. Repeat this
with the other two extrusions. Your drawing looks like this.
Orienting the Vertical Stiffeners

You need to check that all the vertical stiffeners are orientated in an
inboard direction.
1. Click the Secondary Mode button above the right side of the graphic
display area. The Part Editor changes from Primary mode to Secondary
mode, and a new toolbar is displayed.
2. Click one of the extrusion paths and check that the triangular
nibs on the extrusion path are pointing inboard. If the nibs are
pointing outboard, click the Flip Extrusion button to reverse
the ends of the extrusion. Repeat for all the extrusion paths.
3. Click the Primary Mode button to change the Part Editor from
Secondary mode to Primary mode, keeping the changes. Note that this
retains the changes to the drawing, but does not save them to the file.
4. Choose File - Exit Part Editor, to exit. In response to the Do you
wish to save all changes? prompt, click Yes.
Creating Longitudinal Bulkheads for the Aft Fuel Tanks
Creating Longitudinal Bulkheads

for the Aft Fuel Tanks
Create a longitudinal bulkhead
Create an opposite part
For the aft fuel tanks, you will create a pair of longitudinal bulkheads that
run between the 14.0a and 16.6a transverse bulkheads. These longitudinal
bulkheads will each be positioned 0.6 m from the center line. Because the
two longitudinal bulkheads are symmetric about the center line, they are
opposite parts. So you will create the starboard longitudinal bulkhead, and
then get Autobuild to generate the port longitudinal bulkhead automatically
using the Create Opposite Part function.
Creating the Starboard Longitudinal

Bulkhead
This is how you create the starboard longitudinal bulkhead.
2. In the New Part dialog box, indicate the options shown in the following
illustration. Note that the bulkhead is located 0.6 m from the center
line. Also note the locations of its aft and forward ends.
3. Click OK. In the Main window, watch the new part being created and
added to the drawing.
Creating the Port Longitudinal Bulkhead

The port longitudinal bulkhead is symmetrical to the starboard longitudinal
bulkhead just created, so you will use the Create Opposite Part function to
create it.
2. In the Edit Part dialog box, to display the starboard
longitudinal bulkhead, indicate the following options.
Option Action
Group Select All.
Zone Select All.
Type Select Longitudinal Plane.
Longitudinal Plane list Select Aft Fuel Bhd Stb.
3. Click OK. The starboard longitudinal bulkhead is displayed in the Part

Editor.
4. From the menu bar, choose File - Create Opposite Part. In the dialog
box, change the part name from Aft Fuel Bhd Stb to Aft Fuel Bhd
Port and click OK.
The new port longitudinal bulkhead, called Aft Fuel Bhd Port, is
displayed in the Part Editor.
The new part is added to the display in the Main window.
Topic 3
Views and Reports
Viewing Parts in the Main
Window
Use more display control options
Use the Render Parts button, Wireframe button, Next Part button
and Previous Part button
Now that you have created two different types of parts, you can try some
of the features in the Main window that help you view parts.
Selecting Parts for Display

1. To ensure that the Main window is in Render Parts mode, click
the Render Parts button in the Main window toolbar.
2. With the Part Type buttons, located below the graphic display
area:
Click the None button. All the Parts Type buttons are turned off
and no parts are displayed in the graphic drawing area.
Click the Bhds button on. The bulkheads are added to the drawing.
Topic 3 - Views and Reports 37

Viewing Parts in the Main Window
Click the Longs button on. The longitudinals are added to the
drawing.
Click the Decks button on. The drawing is unchanged, as there are
no deck parts in the project.
Click the Longs button off. The longitudinal bulkheads are removed
from the drawing.
Click the All button. Every part button is switched on. The
longitudinal bulkheads are added to the drawing again.
Any time you are in Render Parts mode. use the Part Type buttons to
view the parts you want to examine.
3. To change the Main window to Wireframe mode, click the
Wireframe button, in the toolbar.
In Wireframe mode, notice the display is in wire frame form,
with the one selected part displayed in red. The name of the selected
part is displayed in the message bar below the graphic display area.
4. In Wireframe mode, on your keyboard, press F7 or the Next
Part button to select the next part. Repeat this several times.
5. If you need to select the previous part, press F8 or the
Previous Part button.
6. In Wireframe mode, click the Edit Part button. The last part
viewed is already selected in the Edit Part dialog box, ready for
editing. Click Cancel to return to the Main window.
Remember you can use the Rotation and Tilt sliders to improve your
view of the parts you are interested in. Also use the Zoom button and
No Zoom button to get a closer look at selected areas.
38 Topic 3 Views and Reports

Viewing Reports
Viewing Reports
Generate and display reports
Print reports and transfer reports to Windows applications
Now that you have created some parts for the tug boat, you can generate
some reports that provide part information. You can view these reports
online or you can print them. You also have the options of transferring
them directly to Microsoft Word with a DDE link, and copying them to the
Windows Clipboard for insertion in other Windows applications.
Generating Reports
1. In the Main window, from the menu bar, choose Report - Weights.
The Part List, sorted by plate material and thickness is displayed.
Examine the report, using the vertical scroll bar to view the end of the
report. When you have finished, click the Close button.
2. From the menu bar, choose Report - Parts by Group. The new
report, the Part List by Group is displayed, added to the end of the
Parts List. Compare the two reports.
3. Click the Printer icon, located at the bottom of the reports, to print
both the displayed reports.
4. If you want to transfer both reports to an open Microsoft Word
document, click the Word icon, located at the bottom of the reports.
To copy the reports to your Microsoft Windows Clipboard, click the
Clipboard icon, located at the bottom of the reports, then paste them
into another of your Windows applications. Click the Close button.
Topic 3 - Views and Reports 39

Viewing Reports
5. Choose Reports - Clear Report to delete both the Part List and the
Part List by Group. Now choose File - Parts by Type. The new Part
List by Type report is displayed. Click the Close button.
40 Topic 3 Views and Reports

Topic 4
Girders
Creating the Engine Girders
Create a general plane
Use the Interference tool
In the Part Editor in Secondary mode, use the Insert Point button,
Delete Point button and Apply Extrusion button
Use the Subtract button
Use the Cursor Position boxes
Create an opposite part
On each side of the vessel there is a pair of engine girders, consisting of an
inboard engine girder and an outboard engine girder. You will construct
the starboard inboard engine girder first. Then you will create the port
inboard engine girder by using the Create Opposite Part feature.
There are several steps needed to create the starboard inboard engine
girder. First you must create the part as a general plane, then you must trim
the aft end to fit against the bulkhead at 16.4a, and the top edge to make it
the required height.
Topic 4 - Girders 41
Creating the Starboard Inboard Engine

Girder Plane
Because this part is not parallel to any of the coordinate axes, you will
create it as a general plane.
1. In the Main window, from the menu bar click the New Part
button. The New Part dialog box is displayed.
2. In the New Part dialog box, indicate the options shown in the
3. Click the General button. The General Plane dialog box is displayed.
42 Topic 4 Girders
4. In the General Plane dialog box, type the coordinates of four points
that define the plane, as shown in the illustration. In this example, point
1 and point 2 are the lowest and highest forward points in the girder,
and point 3 and point 4 are the highest and lowest aft points in the
girder. Note that these longitudinal extents are used because our
girders are referenced from the shaft center line which is known at
these extents. The coefficients for the equation of the plane you have
defined are displayed. The equation is Ax + By + Cz + D = 0.
5. Click OK. The new part is added to the drawing in the Main window.
Finding Interference with the

16.4a Bulkhead
You will now find where the general plane intersects with the bulkhead at
16.4a.
2. In the Edit Part dialog box, indicate the following options.
Option Action
Group Select All.
Zone Select All.
Type Select General Plane.
General Plane list Select Inb Eng Girder Stb.
3. Click OK. The starboard inboard engine girder is displayed in the Part
Editor.
4. Press the Interference button. In response to the Keep
interferences as shapes? prompt, click Yes. The interference
loop for the bulkhead at 14 a is added to the drawing. It looks
like this.
44 Topic 4 Girders
Extending the Interference Loop

Before you can successfully subtract the interference loop from the general
plane, you must ensure that the interference loop extends above and below
the general plane to generate a useable intersection. You will use the Part
Editor in Secondary mode to extend the interference loop.
1. With the part displayed in the Part Editor, click the Secondary Mode
button. The Part Editor changes from Primary mode to Secondary
mode. Notice the new set of tools in the toolbar.
2. Click the bulkhead interference loop. The points in the loop are
highlighted.
3. Click the Zoom button, and then position the cursor above and
to the left of the bulkhead interference loop, as shown in the
following illustration. Now while you press and hold down the
left mouse button, drag the cursor diagonally to a position below and to
the right of the previous position. A box shows the area you are
selecting. Now release the mouse button. The selected area is
magnified to fill the graphic display area.
5. Now the top of the interference loop is magnified, select one of the two
points at the top of the bulkhead interference loop. On your keyboard,
press the UP ARROW key once to move the selected point vertically
upwards, above the girder outline,. Select the other point at the top of
the bulkhead loop, and press the UP ARROW key once to move it
upwards. Your zoomed drawing looks like this.
5. To pan the view from the top to the bottom of the bulkhead
interference loop, position the cursor in the bulkhead interference loop
near the bottom of the graphic display area, and click the right mouse
button. Repeat this until the zoomed image shows the bottom of the
bulkhead interference loop. If you have difficulty with this panning
procedure, there is an alternative procedure. You can click the No
Zoom button to return to the normal view, and then zoom directly at
the bottom of the bulkhead interference loop.
46 Topic 4 Girders
6. Now the bottom of the interference loop is magnified, select one of the
three points (two are coincident) at the bottom of the bulkhead
interference loop. On your keyboard, press the DOWN ARROW key once
to move the selected point vertically downwards, below the girder
outline. Select the other two points at the bottom of the bulkhead
interference loop, in turn, and move them downwards with the DOWN
ARROW key.
7. Click the No Zoom button and click the Primary Mode button
to return to Primary mode. Your drawing looks like this.
Subtracting the Interference Loop from the

Girder
1. Click the Subtract button. The message Select subtract-from
shape is displayed.
2. Click the girder outline. The message Select shape to be
subtracted is displayed.
3. Click the bulkhead interference loop.
4. In response to the Keep Original Shapes? prompt, click No. The

girder loop is broken into two separate loops, the main girder loop at
the right hand side, and the extraneous loop at the left hand side.
5. Click the Erase button. The message Select shape to erase is
displayed.
6. Click the extraneous loop on the left hand side. There will be
one more loop at the extreme left of the screen which is the interference
loop from the 16.4a bulkhead. Erase this loop also. To terminate the
erase function, click any blank space in the graphic display area, or
click the Erase button again. (If you make a mistake, click the Undo
button.)
7. Click the No Zoom button. The picture is reset.
Modifying the Top of the Girder

You will now modify the shape of the top of the girder.
1. With the starboard inboard engine girder displayed in the Part Editor,
click the Secondary Mode button. The Part Editor changes to
Secondary mode.
2. Click the point at the top aft (left) of the girder outline, and
then click the Insert Point button. A new point is inserted in
the same position as the selected point.
48 Topic 4 Girders
3. In the Cursor Coordinate boxes, at the left hand side of the graphic
drawing area, in the L box, type 10.9a, and in the V box type 3.5. Click
the mouse anywhere in the graphic drawing area. The new point moves
to the specified position (L=10.9a, V=3.5). Your drawing looks like
this.
4. Click the Primary Mode button to return to Primary mode.

5. To save the changes to the part, without exiting from the Part Editor,
choose File - Save.
Applying Face Bars to the Girder

You now need to apply face bars to the girder. To do this, you first create
the extrusion path, then you apply the extrusion.
1. Click the Osnap button at the left side of the graphic display area, so
that it is on. Make sure the Snap button is off.
2. Click the Line Draw button. The toolbar changes to display
two new tools. You are now ready to draw a line at the top of
the girder outline.
3. Click the point at the top left of the girder outline, then click the new
point near the middle, and then click the top right point of the girder
outline. Finally, to create an extra tail on the extrusion path, for easier
editing, click a fourth point somewhere above the girder.
4. Click the Primary Mode button to terminate the Line Draw mode.
5. Click the Secondary Mode button to change from Primary

mode to Secondary mode. Now click the extrusion path tail,
then the Apply Extrusion button. The Extrusion dialog box is
displayed.
50 Topic 4 Girders
6. In the Extrusion dialog box, indicate the options shown in the following
illustration.
7. Click OK. The extrusion is applied to the extrusion path.

8. With the extrusion path selected, on your keyboard press F5
until you have selected the fourth point, at the tip of the tail.
Click the Delete Point button. The tail is deleted.
9. Click the Primary Mode button to return to Primary mode, keeping
changes, and from the menu bar, choose File - Save.
The starboard inboard engine girder is now complete.
Creating the Port Inboard Engine Girder

As the port inboard girder is symmetrical to the starboard inboard girder,
you will create the port inboard girder using the Create Opposite Part
function.
1. With the starboard inboard engine girder displayed in the Part Editor,
choose File - Create Opposite Part. In the dialog box, change the part
name from Inb Eng Girder Stb to Inb Eng Girder Port and click
OK. The new part is displayed.
The two new parts are added to the display in the Main window.
Creating the Outboard Engine Girders

Create the two outboard engine girders, in the same way as you created the
inboard engine girders. These girders are 800 mm outboard of the inboard
girders, but have the same extents as the inboard girders.
The following illustration shows the settings in the New Part dialog box.
52 Topic 4 Girders
The following illustration shows the settings in the General Plane dialog
box.
54 Topic 4 Girders
Topic 5
Floors
Creating the Floors
Create a transverse floor
Create multiple parts
Use the Line Draw button, Close Loop button, Move button,
Intersect button, Subtract button and Designate Solid button
Use the Snap button and Osnap buttons
Creating the Set of Multiple Floors

You will create a set of nine, transverse floors, spaced at 800 mm intervals
between the 6.0a bulkhead and the 14.0a bulkhead. Because the floors are
parallel and equally spaced, you can create all nine floors in one operation,
using the Multiple Parts function.
1. In the Main window, from the menu bar choose Part - New, or
click the New Part button. The New Part dialog box is
displayed.
illustration.
Topic 5 - Floors 55
Creating the Floors
3. Click the Multiple button. The Multiple Floors dialog box is displayed.
4. In the Multiple Floors dialog box, type the options as shown in the
following illustration. You are specifying the position of the first and
last floor, allowing for the plate thickness of each floor. You are also
specifying the distance between the floors.
5. Click OK. In response to the Subtract cutouts? prompt, click No.

The new parts are added to the drawing in the Main window.
56 Topic 5 Floors
Trimming the Aftmost Floor

You will now use the Part Editor to trim the aftmost floor. Then you can
trim the other eight floors, using the same procedure.
To shape the floor, you need to trim the top so that the floor is 0.40 m
wide. You also need to trim 10 cm from each end, to allow room for
welding. and you need to make cuts to allow for intersections with the
engine girders. There are several steps to this stage.
Displaying the Floor in the Part Editor

1. In the Main window, from the menu bar choose Part - Edit,
or click the Edit Part button. The Edit Part dialog box is
displayed.
Option Action
Group Select All.
Zone Select All.
Type Select Transverse Floor.
Transverse Floor list Select floor at 13.194.
3. Click OK. The floor is displayed in the Part Editor.
Topic 5 - Floors 57
Defining the Top Outline

The top side of the original floor outline needs to be modified so that the
new top outline is 0.4 m above the bottom outline. To define the new top
outline, you will
Create a triangular shape with two sides tracing the bottom outline of
the original floor outline.
Move the triangular shape upwards, so that the new top outline is in its
correct position, 0.4 m above the bottom of the floor.
Here is the procedure.
1. If the Osnap button label is off, click the Osnap button to turn Osnap
on.
2. Click the Line Draw button.
3. Click the following three points in the floor outline, in this
sequence:
chine @ left
center @ bottom
chine @ right
4. Click the Close Loop button. A triangular shape is created.
58 Topic 5 Floors
5. Click the Osnap button to turn Osnap off.

Your drawing should look like this. (If you make a mistake, click the
Undo button, and try again.)
6. In the Snap box, type 0.4. Make sure the Snap button label is clicked
on.
7. Click the Move button. The message Select shape to move is
displayed.
8. Click the top side of the triangular shape you just created. The
message Select and drag base point is displayed.
Topic 5 - Floors 59
approximately 0.4 vertically upwards, then release the mouse button.
The triangular shape is moved to a new position, exactly 0.4 meters
above its previous position. (If you make a mistake, click the Undo
button, and try again.)
60 Topic 5 Floors
Defining the Left End Outline

You need to trim 0.1 m from the left side, to allow room for welding
around the ends of the floor.
To define the new left end outline, you will create an outer offset outline,
0.3 m outside the outline of the original floor shape. Then you will move
the offset outline 0.4 m towards the right hand side of the graphic display
area, and then use this shape to trim off the outboard end of the floor.
1. Click the Offset button. The message Select shape is
displayed.
2. Click the original floor outline. The Offset dialog box is
displayed.
3. In the Offset dialog box, for Side, select Outside, for Offset Distance,
type 0.3, and click OK. The new offset shape is drawn in the graphical
display area.
4. Make sure that the Snap button is on, and the Osnap button is off, and
the Snap box is set to 0.400.
5. Click the Move button. The message Select shape to move
is displayed.
6. Click the outer offset shape you just created. The message
Select and drag base point is displayed.
approximately 0.4 towards the right hand side, then release the mouse
button. The triangular shape is moved to a new position, exactly 0.4
meters to the right of its previous position. (If you make a mistake,
click the Undo button, and try again.)
Topic 5 - Floors 61
The new left outline of the floor is defined by the left side of the
repositioned outer outline. The drawing looks like this.
Defining the Right End Outline

The right end of the original floor outline also needs to be trimmed by
0.1 m.
To define the new right end outline, you will create a mirror image of the
shape that defines the left end outline.
1. Click the Mirror button. The message Show shape to mirror
is displayed.
62 Topic 5 Floors
2. Click the shape that defines the left end outline. (Refer to the preceding
illustration.) The mirror shape is created.
Combining the Left and Right End Outlines

You will now combine the two shapes that define the left end outline and
the right end outline, to trim off the ends of the floor.
1. Click the Intersect button. The message Select shape is
displayed.
2. Click the left end outline shape. (Refer to the preceding
illustration.) The message Select second loop is displayed.
3. Click the right end outline shape. (Refer to the preceding illustration.)
Topic 5 - Floors 63
4. In response to the Keep Original Shapes? prompt, click No. The two
shapes are replaced with an sides definition shape.
Check that your drawing looks like this. (If you make a mistake, click
the Undo button, and try again.)
Adding the Top Outline to the Sides

Definition Shape
You will combine the top outline into the sides definition shape.
1. Click the Subtract button. The message Select subtracted-
from shape is displayed.
2. Click the sides definition shape. Refer to the preceding
illustration. The message Select shape to be subtracted is displayed.
3. Click the triangular shape that defines the top outline.
64 Topic 5 Floors

shapes are now split into an upper and lower loop. You need to keep
the lower loop. The following steps describe how to erase the upper
loop.
5. Click the Erase tool. The message Select shape to erase is
displayed.
6. Click the upper loop. The loop is erased. (If you make a
mistake, click the Undo button, and try again.)
7. To terminate the erase function, click any blank space in the graphical
display area.
Check that your drawing looks like this.
Topic 5 - Floors 65
Making the Final Trim

You now have two shapes in the graphical display area, the original floor
outline, and the sides and top definition shape. You need the intersection of
these two shapes.
1. Click the Intersect button. The message Select shape is
displayed.
2. Click the original floor outline. The message Select second
loop is displayed.
3. Click the Sides definition shape.
4. In response to the Keep Original Shapes? prompt, click No. The two
shapes are replaced with the trimmed floor outline.
66 Topic 5 Floors
Designating the Shape as a Solid

The shape needs to be designated as a solid.
1. Press the Secondary Mode button to change the Part Editor to
Secondary mode.
2. Click the shape outline.
3. Click the Designate Solid button.
4. To check the drawing colors, from the menu bar choose
Settings - Drawing Colors. To close the Drawing Colors
dialog box, click the Save and Exit button.
5. Click the Primary Mode button to change the Part Editor back to
Primary mode.
Marking the Interference Loops

You will now add the shapes that mark the intersection with the engine
girders.
1. Click the Interference button.
Topic 5 - Floors 67
2. In response to the Keep interferences as shapes? prompt, click Yes.

The interference shapes are added to the drawing.
Extending the Interference Loops

Before you can subtract the girder interference shapes successfully, you
need to make sure that each girder interference shape extends outside the
bottom of the floor outline. You also need to delete the flat bar shapes.
1. Click the Secondary Mode button. You change the Part Editor from
Primary mode to Secondary mode.
2. Click one of the girder interference shapes. The shape is selected and
the first point on the loop is also highlighted with the cursor.
3. If the point is at the bottom of the shape, on your keyboard press the
DOWN ARROW key once or twice to move the point downward, below
the bottom floor outline. If the point is at the top of the shape, use the
UP ARROW key.
68 Topic 5 Floors
4. On your keyboard, press F5 to select the next point in the selected

interference loop.
5. Repeat steps 3 - 4 until all points in the loop have been moved outside
the floor outline. (There are five points).
6. Repeat steps 2 - 5 for each remaining girder interference loop.
7. Click the Primary Mode button, to return to Primary mode.
8. Click the Erase tool, then click each flat bar shape outline, then
click a blank space in the graphic display area.
Subtracting the Interference Loops

Now you will subtract each interference loop from the floor outline, so that
the floor outline is separated into five separate sections.
Topic 5 - Floors 69
2. Click the floor outline shape. The message Select shape to be

3. Click the interference loop closest at the left side.
floor outline is broken into two separate loops at the interference. The
left loop is a new floor section, and the right loop is the remaining floor
outline.
5. Repeat steps 1 - 4 for each remaining interference shape. Each time,
subtract the leftmost interference loop from the remaining floor section.
Check that your drawing looks like this, with the floor separated into
five separate section loops.

You can now trim the other eight floors, using the same procedure.
70 Topic 5 Floors
Topic 6
Frames
Creating Frames
Create a transverse frame
Use the Array tool
Creating the Set of Multiple Frames

In midship, between the bulkheads at 6.0a and 14.2a, you will create a set
of eight transverse frames to match up with the floors you just created.
These frames will be at 6.8a, 7.6a, 8.4a, 9.2a, 10.0a, 11.8a, 12.6a, and
13.4a. Because the frames are equally spaced, you can create all eight
frames, in one step, using the multiple new parts function.
Topic 6 - Frames 71
Creating Frames
illustration. Note that Extrusion Intersections is checked to utilize the
side-longitudinals that were specified in Autoship.
3. Click the Multiple button. The Multiple Frames dialog box is

displayed.
4. In the Multiple Frames dialog box, type the options as shown in the
last frame, making the forward face of the frame flush to the aft face of
the corresponding floor. You are also specifying the distance between
the frames.
72 Topic 6 Frames
Trimming the Aftmost Frame
5. Click OK. In response to the Subtract cutouts? prompt, click No.


Use the Offset button, Array button, Mirror button, Intersect button,
Move button, Copy button and Subtract button
Attach parts
You will now use the Part Editor to trim the aftmost frame into two
separate pieces, one piece fitting against the shell on the port side, and the
other piece fitting against the shell on the starboard side. Each piece will be
500 mm wide, to allow for a 200 mm flange. Each piece will also have
0.1m trimmed from the top and the bottom edges.
When you have trimmed the aftmost frame, you can use the same
procedure to trim the other eight frames you created.
Displaying the Frame in the Part Editor

Option Action
Group Select All.
Zone Select All.
Type Select Transverse Frame.
Transverse Frame list Select frame at 13.2.
Topic 6 - Frames 73
3. Click OK. The frame is displayed in the Part Editor.
Defining the Inboard Sides of Both Pieces

To create an inboard sides definition outline, you need to do the following.
Create an outer offset outline, 0.4 m from the frame outline.
Use the Array function to create a copy of the outer offset outline,
0.8 m to the starboard side. This port side outline defines the inboard
edge of the port piece.
Create a mirror image of the port side outline. This starboard side
outline defines the inboard edge of the starboard piece.
Get the intersection of the port side outline and the starboard side
outline.
1. Click the Offset button. Click the frame outline. In the Offset
dialog box, select Outer, for the offset distance, type 0.4, and
click OK. The outer offset outline is created.
74 Topic 6 Frames
2. Click the Array button. Click the outer offset outline. In the
Array Shapes dialog box, specify the options shown in the
Click OK. A copy of the outer offset outline is drawn 0.8 m to the
right. This is the port side outline.
3. Click the Mirror button. Click the new outline. The starboard
side outline is created. Your drawing looks like this.
Topic 6 - Frames 75
4. Click the Intersect button. Click the port side outline and the
starboard side outline. In response to the Keep Original
Shapes? prompt, click No. The inboard sides definition outline
is created.
Defining the Top and Bottom Edges

To create a top and bottom outline, you need to do the following.
Move the outer offset outline, 0.5 m downwards. The top side of the
outer offset outline defines the top edge of the frames.
Copy the outer offset outline, and move the copy 1 m upwards. The
bottom side of the copy outline defines the bottom edge of the frames.
Get the intersection of the outer offset outline and the copy outline.
76 Topic 6 Frames

1. In the Snap box, type 0.5. Make sure the Snap button label is clicked
on.
2. Click the Move button. The message Select shape to move
is displayed.
3. Click the outer offset outline. The message Select and drag
base point is displayed.
4. Click and hold down the mouse button, anywhere in the graphic display
area. Drag the cursor approximately 0.5 m vertically downwards, then
release the mouse button. The outer offset outline is moved to a new
position, exactly 0.5 meters below its previous position. (If you make a
mistake, click the Undo button, and try again.)
5. Type 0.8 in the Snap box.
6. Click the Copy button. The message Select shape to copy is
displayed.
7. Click the outer offset shape you just moved. The message
Select and drag base point is displayed.
8. Click and hold down the mouse button, anywhere in the graphic display
area. Drag the cursor approximately 1 m upwards, then release the
mouse button. The copy is moved to a new position, exactly 1 m above
the previous position. (If you make a mistake, click the Undo button,
and try again.)
Topic 6 - Frames 77
The drawing looks like this.
78 Topic 6 Frames
9. Click the Intersect button. Click the top outline and the bottom
outline. In response to the Keep Original Shapes? prompt,
click No. The inboard sides definition outline is created.
Getting the Final Frame Shapes

To create the final pair of frame shapes, you need to do the following.
Get the intersection of the original frame outline and the top and
bottom outlines.
From this intersection, subtract the inboard sides definition outline.
Erase the extraneous cutouts.
Subtract the embedded cutouts from the frame shapes.
Topic 6 - Frames 79

You will combine the top outline into the sides definition shape.
1. Click the Intersect button. Now referring to the preceding
illustration, click the original frame outline and the top and
bottom outline. In response to the Keep Original Shapes?
prompt, click No. The intersection outline is created.
2. Click the Subtract button. Now click the intersection outline,
then the inboard sides definition outline. In response to the
Keep Original Shapes? prompt, click No. The two separate
frame shapes are created. Your drawing looks like this.
1. Click the Erase button. Click each of the extraneous cutouts.

Click a blank space in the graphic display area. The extraneous
cutouts are erased.
80 Topic 6 Frames
2. Click the Subtract button. Now click one of the frames, then
one of its embedded cutouts. In response to the Keep Original
Shapes? prompt, click No. The cutout is made in the shape.
Repeat this step for all the embedded cutouts, on both frames.
Attaching the Floor to the Frame

You now temporarily attach the aftmost floor to the aftmost frame, for
viewing.
1. From the menu bar, choose Edit - Attach Parts. The Select Part
dialog box appears.
2. In the Select Part dialog box, indicate the following options.
Option Action
Group Select All.
Zone Select All.
Type Select Transverse Floor.
Transverse Floor list Select ER Floor at 13.194A.
3. Click the Attach button and click the Close button. The floor is added
to the frame in the Part Editor display.
4. To save the pair of frames, choose File - Exit Part Editor. In response
to the Do you wish to save all changes? prompt, click Yes.
The pair of frames is complete. You can now trim the other eight
frames, using the same procedure.
Topic 6 - Frames 81
82 Topic 6 Frames
Topic 7
Forward Fuel Tank
Creating the Forward Fuel
Tanks
Create longitudinal planes, transverse floors and multiple parts
Use the Interference button, Radius Fillet button, Designate Hole
button, Mirror button and Subtract button
The forward fuel tanks are located between the 1.2a bulkhead and the 6.0a
bulkhead, and run from the center line outboard. The tank top is at 4.5 m.
To complete the fuel tanks you need to create the following parts:
Center line longitudinal bulkhead
Set of transverse floors, 1.2 m apart
Fuel tank top
The procedures are described in the following section.
Topic 7 - Forward Fuel Tank 83

Creating the Forward Fuel Tanks
Creating the Center Line Bulkhead

You will create a center line longitudinal bulkhead, 4.5 m high, between the
1.2a bulkhead and the 6.0a bulkhead.
illustration. Note that under Limits, you must type values in the Top,
Bottom, Aft and Forward boxes.
84 Topic 7 Forward Fuel Tank

Creating the Set of Multiple Floors

Create a transverse floor
You will create a set of three, transverse floors, 4.5 m high, spaced at
1.2 m intervals between the 1.2a bulkhead and the 6.0a bulkhead. Because
the floors are parallel and equally spaced, you can create all three floors in
one operation, using the Multiple Parts function.
illustration.
3. Click the Multiple button. The Multiple Floors dialog box is displayed.

4. In the Multiple Floors dialog box, type the options as shown in the
last floor, allowing for the thickness of each floor. You are also
specifying the distance between the floors. Note that you are also
setting the top to 4.5.
5. Click OK. Click No in response to the Subtract cutouts? prompt.

Dividing the Aftmost Floor

You will now use the Part Editor to trim the aftmost floor.
When you have trimmed the aftmost floor, you can use the same procedure
to trim the other two floors you created.
1. In the Main window, from the menu bar choose Part - Edit. The Edit

Option Action
Group Select 6mm and Selected
Zone Select Fwd and Selected
Type Select Transverse Floor
Transverse Floor list Select Fwd fuel tank flr at 4.794A
3. Click OK. The frame is displayed in the Part Editor.

4. Click the Interference button. Click Yes in response to the
Keep Interferences As Shapes? prompt. The interference
loop for the center line bulkhead is created.

5. Now, to divide the floor into two halves, you need to extend the
interference loop, so that its ends are outside the floor outline. Then
subtract the interference loop from the floor outline.
The procedure is similar to that described in Extending the
Interference Loops and Subtracting the Interference Loops in
Topic 5, Floors.
Inserting the Lightening Holes in the Floor

1. Click the Offset button. Click the left floor outline. In the
Offset dialog box, select Inner, for the offset, type 0.4, and
click OK. The inner offset outline is created.

1. Click the Secondary Mode button to change to Secondary mode.

Click the offset outline.
2. Select one of the corner points in the offset outline and click
the Radius Fillet button. In the Fillet Radius dialog box,
type 0.2, then click OK. The selected corner becomes filleted.
3. Repeat step 3 for the three remaining corners in the offset outline.
4. With the offset outline still selected, click the Designate Hole
button. The line changes color as it is designated as a hole.
5. Click the Primary Mode button to return to Primary mode.

1. Click the Mirror button, and then click the offset outline. A
mirror image of the hole is created in the right section of the
floor. Your drawing looks like this.
Subtracting the Cutouts from the Floor

Subtract a cutout
1. Click the Subtract button, then the left floor outline, then one
of the left extrusion cutouts. Click No in response to the Keep
original shapes? prompt. Repeat with the other left floor
cutout.

2. Repeat step 1 with the right floor outline and its cutouts. Check that
your drawing looks like this.
Creating the Forward Fuel Tank Top

For the fuel tank top, you will create a flat, 4.5 m high, between the
1.2a bulkhead and the 6.0a bulkhead.

illustration. Note that under Limits, you must type values in the Aft and
Forward boxes.
Note that this fuel tank top is horizontal. If you want it to be sloped,
then you can create it as a general plane.

Topic 8
Keel Bar
Creating the Keel Bar

Create a longitudinal plane
Use the Part Editor, in particular the Line Draw button, Close Loop
button, Erase button, Subtract button and Offset button
Creating the New Part

illustration.
Topic 8 - Keel Bar 93

Displaying the New Part in the Part Editor

1. In the Main Window, click the Edit Part button. The Edit Part
Option Action
Group Select All
Zone Select All
Type Select Longitudinal Plane
Longitudinal Plane list Keel bar
3. Click OK. The keel bar is displayed in the Part Editor. It looks like
this.
94 Topic 8 Keel Bar

Erasing the Wheelhouse Outline

displayed.
2. Click the outline of the wheelhouse. The outline is erased.
(If you make a mistake, click the Undo button, and try again.)
display area. Your drawing looks like this.

Creating the Offset Outlines

You will create two offset outlines - the first, the inner offset outline will be
300 mm inside the current outline, the second, the outer offset outline, will
be 20 mm outside the current outline.
1. To create the inner offset outline, click the Offset button, and
click the original outline in the graphic display area. In the
Offset dialog box, enter the following.
Option Action
Side Select Inside.
Offset Distance Type 0.3.
Click OK.
2. To create the outer offset outline, click the Offset button, and click the
original outline (be careful not to click the inner offset outline) in the
graphic display area. In the Offset dialog box, enter the following.
Option Action
Side Select Outside.
Offset Distance Type 0.02.
Click OK.
96 Topic 8 Keel Bar

You can now see three distinct outlines, the inner offset outline, the
original outline, and the outer offset outline. To see them clearly, use
the Zoom button to zoom in on a section of the outline.
Extending Up the Inner Offset Outline

1. Click the Secondary Mode button to change the Part Editor from
Primary mode to Secondary mode.
2. Select the inner offset outline. The points in the inner offset outline are
displayed, with the first point of the outline highlighted.
3. Check that the Snap box, at the left of the graphic display area, is set
to 0.1.
4. Click on the point at the top of the stem. Press the UP ARROW key, on
your keyboard 6 times, to move the point upwards 0.6 m, to a new
position above the outer offset outline.
5. Click the point that is at the top of the transom. You may need to press
F5 or F6 to locate it.

6. Press F5 or F6 to get to the point at the bottom of the transom. To

move this point 0.6 m aft, press the LEFT ARROW key, on your keyboard
6 times.
7. Click the Close Loop button.
8. To keep the changes, click the Primary Mode button, and
click Yes in response to the Keep Changes? prompt. You return to
Primary mode. Your drawing looks like this.
Subtracting the Inner Offset Outline

In this section you will subtract the inner offset outline from the outer
offset outline.
1. Use the Zoom button, to zoom in anywhere along the outline, so that
you can see the three outlines distinctly.
98 Topic 8 Keel Bar

3. Click the outer offset outline. The message Select shape to be

4. Click the inner offset outline.
5. In response to the Keep Original Shapes? prompt, click No.
6. To zoom out, click the No Zoom button.
The drawing looks like this.
Erasing the Extraneous Upper Outline

The subtract operation has broken the inner offset outline into two
sections - an upper outline and a lower outline. You will erase the upper
outline, as it is not required.
displayed.

2. Click the inner offset outline, at the top left. The outline is erased. (If
you make a mistake, click the Undo button, and try again.)
display area. Your drawing looks like this.
Trimming the Aft End of the Keel Bar

1. Use the Zoom button to zoom in at the bottom of the transom.
2. Click the Osnap button to turn it on.
3. Click the Line Draw button. The Part Editor changes to Line
Draw mode.
100 Topic 8 Keel Bar

4. To start making a new shape, click the first point (Pt 1) shown in the
following illustration. Use the Cursor Position boxes to help you
locate the point.
1. Click the Osnap button off. Click the Snap button and check that it is
set to 0.1.
2. Complete the line shown in the preceding illustration by adding points
2 - 5.
Point 5 is joined to Point 1.
4. Click the Subtract button, the keel bar outline, and the new
shape. In response to the Keeping Original Shapes? prompt,
click No.

5. Click the No Zoom button.

Trimming the Forward End of the Keel Bar

Now you will trim off the keel bar at the top of the stem, to the molded
line.
1. Click the Snap button off and click the Osnap button on.
2. Zoom in as close as possible at the top of the stem.
3. Click the Line Draw button.

4. To start making a new shape, click the first point (Pt 1) shown in the
5. Complete the line shown in the preceding illustration by adding points

2 - 6.
The shape is closed.

7. To subtract the new shape, click the Subtract button, the keel
bar outline, and the new shape. In response to the Keep
Original Shapes? prompt, click No.
8. Click the No Zoom button.

Erasing the Original Outline

To finish off the keel bar, you need to erase the original outline.
1. To erase the original outline, click the Erase button, click the
original outline at the top, and click a blank space in the graphic
display area.
Your finished drawing looks like this.
Designating the Keel Bar as a Solid

The keel bar must be designated as a solid.
1. Click the Secondary Mode button to change the Part Editor to
Secondary mode.
2. Click the keel bar outline.
3. Click the Designate Solid button.

4. Click the Primary Mode button to change the Part Editor to Primary
mode.
wish to save all changes? prompt, click Yes. You can now see the
vessel, complete with keel bar. in the Main window.
Subtracting the Keel Bar Intersections

The keel bar intersects with several of the other parts, such as the
bulkheads and floors. To allow for this, a cutout must be made in each of
these parts.
To make a keel bar cutout in a part, do this.
1. Display the bulkhead or floor in the Part Editor.
2. Click the Interference button. The keel bar interference shape
is marked on the part.
3. Subtract the keel bar interference shape from the part shape
using the Subtract button. (You may need to extend the
interference shape beyond the edge of the part, first.)
By completing this tutorial, you now have the basic skills you need to
create the internal structure of a vessel with Autobuild. The design of the
internal structure for most vessels will be based on the strategy employed in
this tutorial. As you continue to use Autobuild, you will develop new ways
of using the tools to produce the results that meet your particular
requirements.
As you start your project, refer to the Autobuild Users Manual, and
Autobuild Online Help. You can access the online Help from anywhere in
Autobuild by pressing the F1 key.

Index
Autobuild Pro, 3
Autobuild Tutorial, 20
2 Autohydro, 6
2D Cross Section, 66 Autoload, 6
Autopower, 6
Autoship, 6, 20
A Autoship DRA, 68
A, 18 Axonometric, 95
A, B, C, D, 78 axonometric view, 21, 95
About Autobuild, 117
Add, 72
Add Face dialog box, 72
B
adding baseplane, 18
extrusion, 195 Beam, 52, 108
general plane, 77 Bhds, 31
multiple planar parts, 79 BNOTES.TXT, 19
part, 41, 75 Body, 93
shapes, 170 body view, 21, 93
shell, 20, 72 Boolean
aft body view, 93 AND operation, 171
All, 31, 60, 63, 81, 83, 92, 153 NOT operation, 172
All 3D, 58 OR operation, 170
all parts, 38, 97 box
all views, 92 radiused-corner box, 163
angle regular, 162
rotate, 33 Box Draw button, 162
tilt, 32 BUILDER.EXE, 16
Apply Extrusion button, 24, 195, 201 BUILDER.INF, 19, 55
Array button, 178 Buttock Plane, 66
Array dialog box, 178
Attach Part dialog box, 153
Attach Parts, 153
C
Autobuild, 2 Calculate Size, 52, 108
exiting, 16, 70 canceling
installing, 10 zoom, 36, 126
starting, 16
versions, 3
Index 207
Index
Center Line, 50 cutout, 136, 205

centerline, 18 editing extrusion, 205
centerplane, 18 cutting line, 181
changing
extrusion, 44, 85
part, 43, 81
D
Circle Draw button, 169 DDE link to Microsoft Word, 101
Clear Report, 106 Decks, 31
clipboard, 101 Default, 111
Close Loop button, 165, 168, 191 Defining Point, 66, 75
Colors, 111 Delete, 73, 83
colors in drawing, 111, 158 Delete Face dialog box, 73
Columns, 178 Delete Part button, 22, 42
common area, 171 Delete Part dialog box, 83
compiling reports, 101 Delete Point button, 190
construction line deleting
designating, 194 extrusion, 88
Contents, 116 line segments, 181
coordinate system, 18 part, 42, 83
coordinates point, 167
cursor, 137 shape, 173
point, 131 shell, 73
Copy, 57, 151 Depth, 52, 108
Copy button, 177 Designate Hole button, 193
Copy to Shape Library, 147 Designate Reference button, 194
Copy/Edit, 202 Designate Solid button, 192
copying Detach All, 155
extrusion, 88 detaching parts, 153, 155
project, 56 dimensions, 110, 159
shape, 178 Directory, 50
corner displacement, 132
making, 188 display area, 29
radiused-corner box, 163 display controls
correcting mistake, 127 Main window, 30, 31, 32, 33
Create Opposite Part, 142 Part Editor - Primary mode, 123, 124,
creating 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131,
general plane, 77 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137
multiple planar parts, 79 DRA file, 25, 68
part, 41, 75 dragging
Cursor Coordinate boxes, 201 point, 186
Cursor Position boxes, 137 shape, 176
Cut, 57
208 Index
Index
drawing extrusion, 85
array, 178 part, 81
box, 162 Editor window, 57
circle, 169 Element, 111
closed loop, 165 ellipse, 164
line, 165 ending
mirror image, 179 Part Editor - Primary mode, 122
offset, 180 enlarging, 35, 124
open shape, 165 extrusion, 206
oval, 164 enlarging shape, 180
radiused-corner box, 163 entering
drawing area, 29 Part Editor - Primary mode, 121
Drawing Colors, 111, 158 Part Editor - Secondary mode, 121
Drawing Colors dialog box, 111, 158 entering Autobuild, 16
duplicating shape, 177 envelope, 100
DXF file, 20, 25 adding, 72
exporting project in 2D form, 60 deleting, 73
exporting project in 3D form, 58 Erase button, 173
exporting project section, 66 Erase Point button, 165, 167
exporting project, one part in 3D form, erasing
63 line segments, 181
importing to Part Editor, 143 part, 42, 83
shape, 173
error, 127
E Exit, 57, 70
Edit, 81, 202 Exit Part Editor, 145
Edit - Attach Parts, 153 exiting
Edit - Copy, 57, 151 Autobuild, 16, 70
Edit - Copy to Shape Library, 147 Part Editor, 145
Edit - Cut, 57 Part Editor - Primary mode, 122
Edit - Detach All, 155 Secondary mode, 186
Edit - Find, 57 Export Autoship DRA, 68
Edit - Part, 121 Export DXF - 2D Cross Section, 66
Edit - Paste, 57, 152 Export DXF - All 3D, 58
Edit - Paste from Shape Library, 149 Export DXF - Flat, 60
Edit - Replace, 57 Export DXF - One Part 3D, 63
Edit Extrusion button, 24, 44, 202 exporting, 20, 25
Edit menu, 146 project in 2D form, 60
Notes Editor, 57 project in 3D form, 58
Edit Part button, 22, 43, 121 project section, 66
Edit Part dialog box, 81, 140 project, one part in 3D form, 63
editing
Index 209
Index
extrusion, 85 File - Import DXF, 143

adding, 24 File - New, 57
adding insertion point, 204 File - New Project, 20, 50
applying, 195 File - Open, 140
copying, 88 File - Open Project, 55
creating, 86 File - Project Notes, 45, 57
deleting, 88 File - Save, 57, 141
designating cutout, 205 File - Save Part, 23
editing, 24, 44, 85, 87, 200 File - Save Project As, 56
flipping, 197 File menu, 49, 139
path, 20, 72 Notes Editor, 57
reversing, 197 File Open, 122
saving edits, 141 file types, 19
scaling, 206 fillet corner, 188
Extrusion - Cutout, 205 Fillet Radius dialog box, 163, 188
Extrusion - Insertion Point, 204 Find, 57
Extrusion - Scale, 206 finishing
Extrusion dialog box, 85, 87, 140, 195 loop, 168, 191
Extrusion Intersections, 75 First, 80
Extrusion menu, 203 Flat, 60
EXTRUSN.LST, 19 Flats, 31
Flip Extrusion button, 24, 197, 201
Floors, 31
F Font, 113
F, 18 fore body view, 93
F1, 17, 116 Frames, 31
F5, 17, 185 freestyle drawing, 165
F6, 17, 185 Function, 85
F7, 17
F8, 17 G
Faces, 59, 65
Far Side button, 135, 201 Gen, 31
FC1 file, 19, 72 General, 77
File - Create Opposite Part, 23, 142 General Plane dialog box, 78
File - Exit, 57, 70 general plane, creating, 77
File - Exit Part Editor, 23, 122, 145 generating reports, 101
File - Export Autoship DRA, 68 graphic display area, 29
File - Export DXF, 201 Grid button, 130
File - Export DXF - 2D Cross Section, 66 Group, 53, 60, 63, 75, 81, 83, 89, 153, 157
File - Export DXF - All 3D, 58 Group and Zone Settings, 89
File - Export DXF - Flat, 60 Group and Zone Setup dialog box, 53, 89
File - Export DXF - One Part 3D, 63 GRPZONE.LST, 19
210 Index
Index
H K
hardware lock, 4, 12 Keep interferences?, 133
Has Builder Inf, 55 key
Height, 85 F5, 185
extrusion, 195 F6, 185
Help
how to use, 115
Help - About Autobuild, 117
L
Help - Contents, 116 L, 18, 131, 137
Help menu, 115 Last, 80
hole lateral inversion, 179
designating, 193 LBP, 52, 108
horizontal displacement, 132 Length, 51, 110, 143
hull Length Units, 52, 108
adding, 72 limitations, 3
deleting, 73 Limits, 75, 80
viewing, 100 Line Draw button, 165, 167, 168
line segment
I trimming, 181
LOA, 52, 108
Import DXF, 143 lock, 4, 12
Import File dialog box, 143 Longs, 31
importing loop
DXF file to Part Editor, 143 closing, 168, 191
insertion point, 204
in extrusion, 204
in shape, 147, 149, 151, 152
M
Insertion Point button, 189 magnifying, 35, 124
Inside, 180 Main window, 28
installing Autobuild, 10 display controls, 30
Interference button, 133, 201 menu bar, 48
Intersect button, 171 toolbar, 34
intersecting parts, 133 Main window menus, 47
Interval, 80 File menu, 49
inversion, lateral, 179 Help menu, 115
Part menu, 74
J Report menu, 101
Settings menu, 107
joining Shell menu, 71
loop, 168, 191 View menu, 91
shapes, 170 making part, 41
Index 211
Index
Margins, 113 New Extrusion, 85

Material, 75, 85, 157 New Part button, 22, 41
designating, 192 New Part dialog box, 75
extrusion, 195 New Project, 50
MATERIAL.LST, 19, 77 New Project dialog box, 50
Max, 75 Next Part, 98
measurements, 110, 159 selecting for Part Editor, 140
menu Next Part button, 37, 40
Edit menu, 146 next point, 185
File menu, 49, 139 No Zoom button, 36, 126
Help menu, 115 None, 31, 53, 89
Part menu, 74 Notes button, 45
Report menu, 101 notes for project, 57
Settings menu, 107, 156 number of parts, 3
Shell menu, 71 Number of rows or columns, 178
View menu, 91
menus
Extrusion menu, 203
O
Main window, 47 Offset button, 180
Notes Editor, 57 Offset dialog box, 180
Part Editor, 138 Offset Distance, 180
Microsoft Word, 101 OLC file, 19, 72
minusing shapes, 172 One Part 3D, 63
Mirror, 178 Oops!, 127
Mirror button, 179 Open, 140
mistake, 127 Open Project, 55
modifying open shape, 165
extrusion, 44, 85 opposite part
part, 43, 81 creating, 142
Molded Line, 50 origin, 18
mouse, 17 Osnap button, 130
Move button, 176 outline of shell, 136
movement, 132 Output Type, 59, 65
moving point, 186 Output Type dialog box, 59, 65
Multiple Parts dialog box, 80 Outside, 180
multiple planar parts, creating, 79 Oval Draw button, 164
overview, 20
N
Name, 75, 85, 157
P
Near Side button, 134, 201 P, 18
New, 57, 75, 202 Page Setup, 113
212 Index
Index
Page Setup dialog box, 113 Edit menu, 146

Paper Size, 113 Extrusion menu, 203
part File menu, 139
adding, 75 Settings menu, 156
attaching, 153 Part Editor window, 120
creating, 41 Part menu, 74
creating opposite, 142 Part Reference Plane, 50, 52, 108
defined, 21 Part Type buttons, 21, 31, 37, 97
deleting, 42, 83 Parts by Group, 103
detach, 153, 155 Parts by Type, 105
editing, 43, 81 Parts by Zone, 104
new, 75 PARTS.LST, 19
number limitation, 3 Paste, 57, 152
saving edits, 140, 141 Paste from Shape Library, 149
selecting, 31 Paste Shape dialog box, 149
selecting for Part Editor, 140 Perspective, 96
single, 37 perspective view, 21, 96
Part - Delete, 22, 42, 83 pitch - trim angle, 32
Part - Edit, 22, 43, 81 plan view, 21, 94
Part - Extrusion, 24, 44, 85, 202 Plan/Profile, 94
Part - Group and Zone Settings, 89 plate
Part - New, 22, 41, 75 designating, 192
Part Alignment, 50, 52, 108 plate markings
Part Attributes, 157 designating, 194
Part Attributes dialog box, 157 Point, 78
Part Editor, 22 deleting, 190
editing an extrusion, 200 erasing, 167, 190
exiting, 122, 145 inserting, 189
Secondary mode, 183 moving, 186
Secondary mode toolbar, 187 next, 185
selecting extrusion, 85 previous, 185
selecting part, 81 selecting, 185
starting, 43, 44, 121 Point Position boxes, 131, 186, 201
Part Editor - Primary mode position
editing extrusions, 202 cursor, 137
switching to, 129 point, 131
Part Editor - Secondary mode Previous Part, 99
editing extrusions, 202 Previous Part button, 37, 39
starting, 128 previous point, 185
switching from, 129 Primary mode, 22
switching to, 128 editing extrusions, 200
Part Editor menus, 138 Primary Mode button, 23, 129, 165, 186
Index 213
Index
Primary mode toolbar, 24 reports, 25

Printer Setup, 113 requirements, 9
printing reports, 101 reversing
PRJ file, 19 extrusion, 197
profile view, 21, 94 Root Name, 80
project Rotate button, 174
new, 50 Rotate scroll bar, 21, 33, 95, 96
opening, 55 Rotate Shape dialog box, 174
saving a copy, 56 Rotation Angle, 174
starting, 140 Rows, 178
Project Details, 108
Project Name, 50
Project Notes, 57
S
Project Settings dialog box, 52, 108 S, 18
PRT file, 19 Save, 57, 141
extrusion, 141
R part, 141
Save DRA File As dialog box, 68
Radius Save DXF File As dialog box, 58, 61, 64,
fillet corner, 188 67
radiused-corner box, 163 Save Project As, 56
Radius Fillet button, 188 Save Project As dialog box, 56
Radiused-Corner Box Draw button, 163 Save Shape As dialog box, 147
rectangle Scale, 206
drawing, 162 Scale Extrusion dialog box, 206
Redraw button, 125 Scale Factor, 206
reducing scaling
extrusion, 206 extrusion, 206
reducing shape, 180 Second Point, 174
reference line Secondary mode, 23
designating, 194 exiting, 186
reflection, 179 Part Editor, 183
Relative Movement boxes, 132 starting, 185
Render Parts, 97 Secondary Mode button, 22, 128
Render Parts button, 37, 38, 39, 40, 98, 99 Secondary mode toolbar, 24
Replace, 57 Select Characteristics dialog box, 60
Report - Clear Report, 106 Select Cross Section dialog box, 66
Report - Parts by Group, 103 Select Item To Edit, 87
Report - Parts by Type, 105 Select Part dialog box, 63
Report - Parts by Zone, 104 Select Project Directory dialog box, 55
Report - Weights, 102 Selected, 60, 63, 81, 83, 153
Report menu, 101
214 Index
Index
selecting Side extrusion, 195

part, 37 single part, 37
point, 185 Snap button, 130
semicircle, 164 snipping, 181
Settings - Drawing Colors, 21, 111, 158 solid
Settings - Group and Zone Settings, 21 designating, 192
Settings - Page Setup, 113 Sp.Gr., 75, 85, 157
Settings - Part Attributes, 157 extrusion, 195
Settings - Project Details, 21, 108 Spacing of rows or columns, 178
Settings - Units, 21, 110, 159 spin angle, 33
Settings menu, 107, 156 spinning shape, 174
shaded surfaces, 38 SPW file, 19, 72
shape square
closing, 191 drawing, 162
copying, 147, 151, 177 starting
creating array, 178 Part Editor - Primary mode, 121
creating offset, 180 Part Editor - Secondary mode, 121
enlarging, 180 project, 50
erasing, 173 Secondary mode, 185
mirroring, 179 starting Autobuild, 16
moving, 176 Step, 80
pasting, 149, 152 straight line, 165
reducing, 180 Subtract button, 172, 180
rotating, 174 Subtract Cutouts?, 77, 136
saving, 147, 151 switching from
Shape library Secondary mode, 186
copying to, 147 symmetrical part
pasting from, 149 creating, 142
shapes system requirements, 9
intersection, 171
subtraction, 172
union, 170
T
shared area, 171 T, 18, 131, 137
shell, 100 Thickness, 75, 157
adding, 20 Tilt scroll bar, 21, 32, 95, 96
Shell - Add, 20, 72
Shell - Delete, 73
Shell button, 136, 201
Shell Intersections, 75
Shell menu, 71
shell outline, 136
SHP file, 19
Index 215
Index
toolbar View - Render Parts, 38, 97

Main window, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, View - Shell, 100
40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 View menu, 91
Part Editor - Primary mode, 160, 162,
163, 164, 165, 167, 168, 169, 170,
171, 172, 173, 174, 176, 177, 178,
W
179, 180, 181 Water Plane, 66
Part Editor - Secondary mode, 187, 188, Weight, 51, 110, 143
189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, Weights, 102
197 Weld Relief Radius, 52, 108
Trim button, 181 Width, 85
turning shape, 174 extrusion, 195
tutorial, 20 Width Units, 52, 108
twist angle, 33 window, 28
twisting shape, 174 Windows Help Tutorial, 115
Type, 63, 75, 81, 83, 85, 153 Wire Frame, 59, 65
extrusion, 195 Wireframe button, 37, 38, 97
Wireframe mode, 39, 40
U
Undo button, 127
X
Union button, 170 X, 201
Units, 85, 110, 113, 159 X-Section, 66
Units dialog box, 51, 143, 159 XTR file, 19
V Y
V, 18, 131, 137 Y, 201
versions, 3 yaw angle, 33
vertical displacement, 132
View - All, 92
View - Axonometric, 95
Z
View - Body, 93 Zone, 53, 60, 63, 75, 81, 83, 89, 153, 157
View - Next Part, 40, 98 zone settings, 89
View - Perspective, 96 Zoom button, 35, 124
View - Plan/Profile, 94 zoom, canceling, 36, 126
View - Previous Part, 39, 99
216 Index

BUILD4

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

BUILD4

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Users Manual

Suite 312 Tel (604) 254-4171

611 Alexander Street Fax (604) 254-5171

Vancouver B C Internet http://www.autoship.com

V6A 1E1 Canada

Copyright 1993-1997 Autoship Systems Corporation

1997 Autoship Systems Corporation. All right reserved.

Autoship Systems Corporation

Tel: (604) 254-4171

Introducing Auto build ........................................................2

Chapter 2 About Auto build .................................... 15

Chapter 3 Operating the Main Window ................... 27

Auto build Main Window .................................................. 28

Chapter 4 Using the Main Menu............................. 47

Menu Bar ...................................................................... 48

Table of Contents iii

Chapter 5 Editing Parts in Primary Mode ............... 119

Part Editor Window .......................................................120

Settings Menu .............................................................. 156

Chapter 6 Editing Parts in Secondary Mode ........... 183

Part Editor in Secondary Mode ........................................ 184

Designate Hole Button.......................................................................................... 193

Chapter 7 Editing Extrusions................................ 199

Editing Extrusions in the Part Editor .................................200

Index ................................................................ 207

Auto build Tutorial

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 1

2 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 3

4 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

Autoship Program Suite

Original Designs Existing Designs

Autoship Design Suite

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 5

6 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

About This Manual

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Chapter 2: About Autobuild

Chapter 3: Operating the Main Window

Chapter 4: Using the Main Menu

Chapter 5: Editing Parts in Primary Mode

Chapter 6: Editing Parts in Secondary Mode

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 7

Chapter 7: Editing Extrusions

8 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 9

10 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

How to Install Autobuild

 First, a hardware lock must be installed in your system. (See

 Then, with Windows running,

 Follow the instructions given by the install program.

 When you get the message that installation is complete, respond by

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 11

Installing the Hardware Lock

Before installation, shut down all programs

Installing a Hardware Lock - Local Installation, Windows

1. Plug the hardware lock into the parallel port.

12 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

Installing a Hardware Lock - Local Installation, NT Operating

1. If your operating system is Windows NT, the Autobuild installation program

Chapter 1 - Getting Started 13

Installing a Hardware Lock - Network Installation

14 Chapter 1 - Getting Started

Chapter 2 - About Auto build 15

First, a hardware lock must be installed in your system. (See

Then, with Windows running,

Follow the instructions given by the install program.

When you get the message that installation is complete, respond by