Task Guide: Modeling a Machined Gearbox Housing and Plotting Paper Space Sheets

Alpha status (14 October 2026): XiCAD is planned and its public installer is not verified. This page describes the checked CADCraft foundation; XiKey integration is still in progress. Alpha is free today.

Scenario

Prepare a 2D mounting profile and shop drawing for a machined gearbox housing. The checked foundation has geometric/dimensional constraints and paper-space layouts, but no 3D solid modeling or STEP/STL output. This guide covers the supported 2D portion.

Step-by-Step Workflow

1. Apply Parametric Constraints to the 2D Mounting Profile

1. Draw the flange perimeter with RECTANG and shaft centres with CIRCLE.
2. Open the parameters manager and apply the available geometric and dimensional constraints. Set the centre distance to 85 mm and the bore diameter to 42 mm as example dimensions.
3. Change a parameter, inspect the recalculated geometry and resolve reported constraint conflicts.

2. Add Supported 2D Manufacturing Details

1. Draw separate 2D front and section details using lines, circles, offsets and trimming.
2. Add dimensions and written depth/diameter notes. Keep the mounting outline, holes and annotations on separate layers.
3. Save an editable DXF copy and inspect it after reopening. Use a separate verified 3D tool if a solid model or CAM exchange file is required.

3. Lay Out Scaled Paper Space Viewports and Plot to PDF

1. Open a paper-space layout and create viewports for the prepared 2D views. Set and lock their scales.
2. Choose a monochrome plot style using the application's own plot-style format. Binary AutoCAD CTB/STB files cannot be imported in the checked foundation.
3. Plot to PDF, then verify dimensions, scale, lineweights and text before sharing the sheet.

Sources

• Upstream overview (2026-10-14)
• File support and limits (2026-10-14)