Create
a 3D solid or surface by lofting a profile through a set of two
or more cross-section profiles.
The
cross-section profiles define the shape of the resulting solid object.
Cross-section profiles
can be open or closed curves. Open curves create surfaces and closed
curves create solids or surfaces. See Overview of Creating Solids and Surfaces.
Options for Lofting
Mode. Sets whether
the loft creates a surface or a solid.
Cross-section profiles. Select
a series of cross-section profiles to define the shape of the new
3D object.
lofted objects with
different cross-section settings
As you create a lofted object, you can adjust
its shape by specifying how the profile passes through the cross
sections (for example, a sharp or smooth curve). You can also modify
the settings later in the Properties dialog box. For more information,
see Modify Properties of 3D Solid, Surface, and Mesh.
Paths. Specify
a path for the loft operation to obtain more control over the shape
of the lofted object. For best results, start the path curve on
the plane of the first cross section and end it on the plane of
the last cross section.
Guide curves. Specify
guide curves to match points on corresponding cross sections. This
method prevents undesired results, such as wrinkles in the resulting
3D object.
Each guide curve must meet the following criteria:
Click Surface
tabCreate
panelNURBS
Creation.At the Command prompt,
enter convtonurbs.
Click Surface
tabCreate
panelLoft.At the Command prompt,
enter loft.
In the drawing area,
select cross-section profiles and press Enter. (Select them in the
order in which you want the new 3D object to pass through the cross
sections.)
After
the loft operation, the original objects are deleted or retained,
depending on the setting of the DELOBJ system variable.
To create a solid by lofting
through a set of cross-section profiles
Click Solid
tabCreate
panelLoft.At the Command prompt,
enter loft.
In the drawing area,
select cross-section profiles and press Enter. (Select them in the
order in which you want the new 3D object to pass through the cross
sections.)
Do one of the following:
Use cross-section profiles
only. Press Enter again or enter c (Cross sections only).
In the Loft Settings
dialog box, modify the options to control the shape of the new object.
Click the Preview Changes box to preview the changes as you make
them.
Click OK when finished.
Follow guide curves. Enter g (Guide
curves). Select the guide curves and press Enter.
Follow a path. Enter p (Path).
Select a path and press Enter.
After
the loft operation, the original objects are deleted or retained,
depending on the setting of the DELOBJ system variable.
