Solid Primitives

Draw | Solid Primitives

These solid objects are free-standing objects, created without any dependence on 2D Profiles.

Typical 3D objects are Blocks, Wedge, Sphere, Hemisphere, Torus, Cylinder, Cone, Prism, Pyramid, Ellipsoid and Slab.

The data properties of Solid Primitives can be modified using the Inspector. In the illustration below, a 3D Block is drawn to the measurements shown in the Inspector.

Solid Primitive selected. Inspector shows data.

In the example below, the edit fields within the Inspector have been changed. The solid primitive Block correspondingly updates.

Solid Primitive updated using the Inspector

Sphere

Draw | Solid Primitives | Sphere Primitive

Draws a spherical shape by defining a radius or diameter.

Double-click the solid to modify and update the object data in the Edit fields or the Inspector | Data window.

Sphere Primitive

Block

Draw | Solid Primitives | Block Primitive

Draws a solid block by defining the length, width and height appropriate to the axis.

Double-click the solid to modify and update the object data in the Edit fields or the Inspector | Data window.

Block Primitive – shown in Transparency mode

Cylinder

Draw | Solid Primitives | Cylinder Primitive

Draws a cylindrical shape by defining the base, height and diameter.

Double-click the solid to modify and update the object data in the Edit fields or the Inspector | Data window.

Cylinder Primitive

Cone

Draw | Solid Primitives | Cone Primitive

Draws a conical shape by defining the center base and the axis height.

Double-click the solid to modify and update the object data in the Edit fields or the Inspector | Data window.

Cone Primitive

Torus

Draw | Solid Primitives | Torus Primitive

Draws a donut-shaped solid which is generated by rotating a circle around a central axis.

A Torus is defined by two radius values, one for the distance from the center of the torus to the center of the tube (base radius) and the radius of the tube itself. The tube radius is input into the edit fields as Minor D value.

In the example below left, the torus has a major diameter of 20 and a minor (tube) diameter of 5.

The torus in the illustration below right has a major diameter of 20 and a minor (tube) diameter of 1.

Double-click the solid to modify and update the object data in the Edit fields or the Inspector | Data window.

Torus Primitive

Prism

Draw | Solid Primitives | Prism Primitive

Draws a solid, regular-sided solid shape by defining the center of the base, the radius, the height and the number of sides.

In the example below, an 8-sided Prism is shown.

Double-click the solid to modify and update the object data in the Edit fields or the Inspector | Data window.

Prism Primitive

Pyramid

Draw | Solid Primitives | Pyramid Primitive

Draws a solid pyramid shape by defining the base diameter, the height and the number of sides.

In the example below, a 6-sided pyramid is shown.

Double-click the solid to modify and update the object data in the Edit fields or the Inspector | Data window.

Pyramid Primitive

Ellipsoid

Draw | Solid Primitives | Pyramid Primitive

Draws a non-uniform spherical shape by defining a major and minor axis distance and a diameter.

In the example below an Ellipsoid has been drawn to the following dimensions :

Diameter 1 = 80

Diameter 2 = 120

Diameter 3 – 100

Double-click the solid to modify and update the object data in the Edit fields or the Inspector | Data window.

Ellipsoid Primitive

Slab

Draw | Solid Primitives | Slab Primitive

Draws a multi-sided solid by defining the base vertices, the height and the draft (taper) angle.

In the example below, the base vertices are shown as points 1-4.

The height is set to 50.

The extrusion draft angle (taper) is set to 20°

Double-click the solid to modify and update the object data in the Edit fields or the Inspector | Data window.

Slab Primitive

Solid from Curves

Draw | Solid from Curves

These objects are usually created from one or more profiles.

Typical Solid from Curve tools are Extrusion, Pipe, Lathe etc

Profiles which are swept along a path (Rail Sweep) produce a solid.

Profiles which are revolved about an axis (Lathe) result in a solid object.

Several of these tools are used extensively in this Guide. Some examples are shown below.

Lathe Solid

Draw | Solid from Curves | Lathe Solid

A closed sketch region can be used to create a suitable profile which can be revolved about an axis to produce a solid.

The axis of revolution can be offset from the profile to create a hollow center.

In the example below, a profile will be ‘lathed’ about the axis shown.

Lathe axis offset from profile

The lathe axis was offset from the profile thereby creating a hollow through the center of the solid, shown below.

Result of lathed profile

[This tool is discussed and demonstrated in more detail here](3D Session 06_01.htm#Lathe).

Extrude Solid

Modify | Draw | Solid from Curves | Extrude Solid

A closed profile can be extruded by providing a positive or negative distance from the profile to be extruded.

Extruding the closed curve upwards

[This tool is discussed and demonstrated in more detail here](3D Session 05_03.htm#Extrude).

Midplane Extrusion

This extrusion tool sweeps a 2D profile in a plane perpendicular to the WorkPlane to create a 3D object.

A bi-directional extrusion can be created which creates an equidistant above and below WorkPlane extrusion.

Closed profiles only can be extruded.

In the example below, the slot is selected for midplane extrusion.

Slot selected for midplane extrusion

In the illustration below, the midplane extrusion can be seen from the side and isometric view.

Midplane (equidistant) extrusion

[This tool is discussed and demonstrated in more detail here](3D Session 06_02.htm#Extrude).

Rail Sweep

Draw | Solid from Curves | One Rail Sweep Solid

This tool sweeps an open curve along a predetermined path defined by another curve.

The extruded profile can be tapered or twisted.

In the example below, a helix spline has been produced. A circle profile, shown by the arrow will be swept along the helix spline.

Circle will be swept along helix

In the illustrations below, the circle has been swept along the helix to produce a solid shape.

Circle profile swept along helix spline to create solid shape

[This tool is discussed and demonstrated in more detail here](3D Session 07_01.htm#Rail).

Cut Out Solid

Draw | Solid from Curves | Cut Out Solid

This tool imprints a profile through a solid to create a cutout, automatically subtracting material.

The cutout takes the shape of the imprinted profile.

In the example below left, the 2D rectangle has been drawn on the top surface of the solid.

The Cut Out Solid tool is then used to imprint this through the top surface to a depth of 3, shown below.

Profile used to create a cutout of a solid

[This tool is discussed and demonstrated in more detail here](3D Session 08_05.htm#Cut).

Pipe

Draw | Solid from Curves | Pipe

This tool creates a solid or hollow pipe using a straight or curved line.

An inside diameter of 0 creates a solid pipe.

In the example below, the interior line was rolled using the Pipe tool to create a pipe with a specific diameter.

Pipe created from single line

[This tool is discussed and demonstrated in more detail here](3D Session 07_01.htm#Pipe).