Lecture Notes: AutoCAD Command - Polygons

Introduction

• Instructor: Randy Dobson
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Topic: Use of Polygons in AutoCAD
• Purpose: Understanding how to create and manipulate polygons in AutoCAD.

AutoCAD Polygon Command

• Command Location: Shares spot with the rectangle command.
• Similar Commands: Trim & extend, fillet & chamfer.

Creating Polygons

• Sides:
  • Enter the number of sides (e.g., 3 for equilateral triangle, 4 for square).
  • Examples: Pentagon, hexagon, decagon, octagon.
• Properties:
  • All sides are equal.

Geometry and Use

• Visual: More sides make the shape look more like a circle (e.g., 100 sides).
• Note: A polygon with many sides should not be used as a circle.

Creating Polygons in AutoCAD

• Center-based: Use a circle to determine center.
• Types:
  • Inscribed: Inside a circle.
  • Circumscribed: Around a circle.
• Process:
  • Choose sides (e.g., 5-sided polygon).
  • Select center of the circle.
  • Decide on inscribed or circumscribed.
  • Enter radius value.

Practical Example

• Inscribed Polygon Example:
  • Choose inscribed option.
  • Enter radius (e.g., 5).
• Circumscribed Polygon Example:
  • Choose circumscribed option.
  • Enter radius (e.g., 5).

Application Tips

• Assignment Use:
  • Choose method based on given dimensions or requirements.
  • Use undo function if the wrong method is applied.
  • Example assignment: Creating an equilateral triangle.

Advantages of Using Polygons

• Efficiency: Easier than drawing individual lines or specific angles.
• Consistency: Ensures all sides and angles are uniform.

Conclusion

• Key Takeaway: Polygons are a useful tool for creating precise shapes quickly in AutoCAD.
• Recommendation: Use polygons for assignments requiring geometric shapes like triangles, squares, etc.