Scaling a bar scale in AutoCAD is a simple process that allows you to accurately represent measurements on your drawings. A bar scale, also known as a graphical scale, is a visual representation of the size or distance between objects on a drawing. It helps viewers understand the scale of the drawing and make accurate measurements.
Step 1: Creating a Bar Scale
To create a bar scale, you first need to decide on the units and the desired length of your scale. Let’s say we want to create a bar scale with units in millimeters (mm) and with a length of 100 units.
Step 2: Drawing the Bar Scale
Draw a horizontal line using the LINE command in AutoCAD. The length of this line should correspond to the desired length of your bar scale. In our case, it should be 100 units long.
- Step 3: Labeling the Bar Scale
Once you have drawn the horizontal line for your bar scale, you need to label it with the appropriate measurement labels. To do this, use the TEXT command in AutoCAD and place text labels at regular intervals along the line.
Step 4: Scaling the Bar Scale
Scaling the bar scale ensures that it matches the desired units and length on your drawing. To do this:
- Selecting all Elements
- Scaling Command
- Selecting Base Point
- Scaling Factor
- Specify Reference Length
Using either your cursor or by typing “ALL” in the command line, select all elements that make up your bar scale – including both lines and text labels.
Next, type “SCALE” in the command line or access it from the Modify panel. Press Enter.
Specify a base point by clicking on a point on your drawing. This is the point around which your bar scale will be scaled.
Now, specify a scaling factor.
If you want to scale the bar scale up, enter a value greater than 1. If you want to scale it down, enter a value less than 1. For example, if you want to double the size of the bar scale, enter 2.
Finally, specify a reference length by clicking on two points that correspond to a known distance in your drawing. This will help AutoCAD determine the correct scaling factor.
Step 5: Verifying the Scale
After scaling your bar scale, it’s important to verify that it accurately represents measurements on your drawing. To do this:
- Measurements: Measure distances between objects using AutoCAD’s MEASURE command and compare them against the scaled bar scale.
- Accuracy: Double-check that all labels and divisions on the bar scale are correctly positioned and match the desired units.
In conclusion, scaling a bar scale in AutoCAD is an essential step in accurately representing measurements on your drawings. By following these steps and incorporating proper scaling techniques, you can ensure that your bar scales are visually engaging and provide viewers with an accurate understanding of size and distance.