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

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

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.

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.

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 select 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.

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.

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.

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