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T%3D-BW-ELL.LSP
Version: 2010-10-10
AutoCAD 2002 through 2011

Description


3D-BW-ELL is an AutoLisp program with a command named 3DELL, by CadToolChest, which functions within AutoCAD 2002, and later (possibly earlier).  It constructs 3D Butt Weld Elbows, with or without wall thickness.  The object is placed on the current layer with the current color and line type.  The drafter has the choice of selecting an arc, two lines, or two straight segment polylines. 

When an arc is selected, the elbow will follow the arc to form a pipe BEND, or a standard elbow if the arc radius is that of a standard elbow. 

When lines or polylines are selected, the drafter specifies "Long" or "Short" radius and the program determines the radius and angle of the elbow based upon the diameter and the angle between the lines.

When two parallel lines are selected, the program constructs a 180 degree Return in the plane of the two lines.  One end will be at the end of the first selected line and the other end the proper distance in the direction of the second selected line (as expected, when the two lines are not precisely the proper distance from each other, the second end will NOT be at the second line).



Command Prompts:

The following are the prompts issued by the 3DELL command when two Lines or two straight segments of Polylines are selected:

Select 1st center line or arc of elbow or bend/<Quit>:

Select other center line of elbow or bend/Quit:

Enter exact pipe diameter (e.g. 6.625)/<6.6250>:

Enter wall thickness/Solid/<0.5000>:

Radius size, Short/Long/<Short>:


The following are the prompts issued by the 3DELL command when an Arc is selected:

Select 1st center line or arc of elbow or bend/<Quit>:

Enter exact pipe diameter (e.g. 6.625)/<6.6250>:

Enter wall thickness/Solid/<0.5000>:



In the first prompt, type Q to exit or select a line or straight segment polyline near the end where the elbow is to begin, or select an arc.  If a line or polyline is selected, select another line or straight segment polyline at the "other center line" prompt.

At the diameter prompt, enter the precise outside diameter of the elbow (not the nominal pipe size).  For the wall thickness, enter the exact value or "S" or 0.0 to construct an elbow without thickness. 

If lines or polylines were selected, specify either Short or Long radius.

That's it, the elbow or bend is created on the current layer, with the curruent color and line type.  The prompts are re-issued so another elbow can be constructed.

This program is distributed, by CadToolChest, as Freeware without guarantee or warranty of any type.  You may freely use, modify and/or distribute this program for personal or commercial use, but you may not sell or charge for it or any portion of it.  If bundled with a product that is sold, you must make this program available for free.  As customary, acknowledge the original author's contribution if you build upon or distribute this work.

The author of CadToolChest retains all copyrights other than described above.