Understanding the User Coordinate System (UCS) in LusoCAD

The User Coordinate System (UCS) in LusoCAD

The User Coordinate System (UCS) in LusoCAD is an essential feature that determines the working plane for drawing operations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to effectively use and manipulate the UCS to work on different planes and angles in your 3D drawings.

Basic Understanding of the UCS

When you open LusoCAD for the first time, you'll notice the UCS indicator in the bottom left-hand corner of your workspace. By default, the UCS operates in the XY plane, and all drawing operations automatically snap to this active plane.

Standard Position Resources:

The UCS indicator shows your current work plan.
All operations automatically fit into the active plan.
The standard configuration uses the XY plane.
Methods for Changing the Coordinate System

Using the Drop-down Menu

The simplest way to change your coordinate system is via the drop-down menu on the coordinate ribbon. This provides access to:

• Standard plane options (Front, Rear).
• Side views (Left, Right).
• Top and bottom views.
• Face Option Method

To align your UCS with any face of the 3D model:

• Navigate to the coordinate strip.
• Select the "Face" option from the drop-down menu.
• Click on the desired face.
• The UCS will automatically be aligned with the selected surface.

To work with 2D geometries:

• Locate the "Object" option in the coordinates menu.
• Select the 2D geometry you want.
• The UCS automatically adjusts itself to match the selection.

To change the position of the UCS origin:

• Locate the "Origin" option on the ribbon.
• Click on the new point you want.
• The UCS will be moved, maintaining its original orientation.

Follow these steps to create a personalised UCS:

• Locate and click on the W icon in NaviCube.
• Choose "New UCS".
• Select the desired face or plane.
• Adjust the coordinates when selecting points.

To save your personalised UCS:

• Select the UCS option on the ribbon.
• Find the unnamed UCS and give it a name.
• From then on, this UCS will always be accessible in the drop-down menu.

To restore the default UCS settings:

• Choose the "World Mode" option from the drop-down menu on the ribbon.
• This will immediately reset the UCS to the default position.
• Practical Applications of UCS

Working with Angled Surfaces

The Face option is especially useful when working with:

• Inclined surfaces.
• Unusual angles.
• More complex geometries.
• Operations with Multiple Faces

Combine different methods to fulfil more challenging tasks:

• Use the source movement together with the face selection.
• It is ideal for parallel faces in different locations.
• Perfect for complex geometric patterns.

Tips for Efficient Use of the UCS

• Create and save UCS positions for projects that require reuse.
• Choose techniques based on the specific needs of the job.
• Use World Mode to quickly return to the default plan.
• Use NaviCube to navigate and orientate your view quickly.
• Best Practices when Working with UCS in LusoCAD
• Always check the UCS guidance before starting detailed work.
• Save personalised configurations for future projects.
• Use the Face option to approach unusual angles or planes.
• Combine different methods to solve more complex challenges.