Let’s start a new chapter. We’re done with AutoCAD template in task 5. Start from this task, we will cover about reusable contents: using AutoCAD blocks.
Reusable contents in the past
Do you remember the good old days, when we use dry transfer to draw common objects in our drawing? That was before we use computer as design aid. When we draw manually.
Image copyright: Gene Gable | creativepro.com
We can draw complex objects by transferring them to our drawings. It was fast, compared to manually draw the objects.
Reusable contents today
Today, we live in digital world. This is how the dry transfer looks now. Your blocks library.
Yes, blocks.
Like the dry transfer, you can pick which object you want to use then put it in your drawing. You can purchase blocks, but mostly you can create your own library and use it repeatedly. And blocks are much more intelligent.
The benefits of using blocks are:
- You can easily use them repeatedly.
- They maintain your drawing standards. If you use blocks for annotation symbols, they will be the same in all drawings.
- You can add information to blocks. These information can be extracted for many purposes: You can create schedule automatically. You can create points coordinate report easily. If you’re in manufacturing industry, you can create hole tables. There are many things you can do by adding information to blocks.
Discussion
Image copyright: Yuri Arcurs – Fotolia.com
Before we step forward, now let’s discuss how you’re using blocks in your company.
- What kind of blocks do you have in your company? Common objects/standard parts, annotation symbols, title blocks, or anything else?
- Do you share your blocks with your colleagues? How do you do that?
- Do you think you already use them optimally? Do you think you need to update and optimize it further?
- What do you think the greatest benefit you get from using blocks?
About Edwin Prakoso
