In AutoCAD, arcs are an essential element used to create curved lines and shapes. Arcs are defined by their center point, radius, and start and end angles.
They provide flexibility in design by allowing you to create shapes that are not possible with straight lines alone. Understanding the different types of arcs available in AutoCAD is crucial for creating accurate and complex designs.
Bulged Arc
A bulged arc, also known as a 3-point arc, is defined by three points: the start point, the end point, and a third point that determines the bulge distance. The bulge distance determines the curvature of the arc and can be positive or negative. Positive values create an arc that curves in a counter-clockwise direction, while negative values create a clockwise curve.
You can create a bulged arc in AutoCAD using the ARC command followed by selecting three points or using the ARC option from the ribbon interface. After selecting the first two points, you can either specify the bulge distance or enter “0” to create a straight line between the two points.
Circular Arc
A circular arc is defined by its center point, radius, start angle, and end angle. It forms a portion of a circle with its curvature determined by these parameters. The start angle specifies where the arc begins relative to its center point, while the end angle determines where it ends.
To create a circular arc in AutoCAD, you can use either of two methods:
- Selecting three points on an existing circle using the ARC command.
- Using specific options such as TTR (Tangent Tangent Radius), TAN (Tangent) or CEN (Center).
Elliptical Arc
An elliptical arc is a curved path that forms a portion of an ellipse. It is defined by its center point, major and minor axes, start angle, and end angle. The major axis determines the width of the ellipse, while the minor axis determines its height.
In AutoCAD, you can create an elliptical arc using the ELLIPSE command followed by selecting the appropriate options for defining the center point, major and minor axes, and start and end angles.
Polyline Arc
A polyline arc is a series of connected line segments and arcs that form a continuous shape. It allows you to create complex shapes by combining straight lines and curved arcs. To create a polyline arc in AutoCAD, you can use the POLYLINE command followed by selecting Arc as the segment type.
Conclusion
Understanding the various types of arcs available in AutoCAD is essential for creating precise and intricate designs. Whether you need to create a simple circular arc or a complex elliptical arc, AutoCAD provides you with the tools necessary to achieve your desired results. By utilizing these different types of arcs, you can enhance your design capabilities and bring your ideas to life.