3D solid objects often
start as one of several basic shapes, or primitives, that you can
then modify and recombine. A 3D solid can also be the result of extruding
a 2D shape to follow a specified path in 3D space.
About Solid Primitives
You can create several basic 3D shapes,
known as solid primitives: boxes, cones, cylinders,
spheres, wedges, pyramids, and tori (donuts).
By combining primitive
shapes, you can create more complex solids. For example, you can
join two solids, subtract one from the other, or create a shape
based on the intersection of their volumes.
About Solids Based on Other
Objects
You can also create 3D
solids from 2D geometry or other 3D objects.
The following methods
are available:
- Sweep. Extends
a 2D object along a path.
- Extrusion. Extends
the shape of a 2D object in a perpendicular direction into 3D space.
- Revolve. Sweeps
a 2D object around an axis.
- Loft. Extends
the contours of a shape between one or more open or closed objects.
- Slice. Divides
a solid object into two separate 3D objects.
- Sculpting Surfaces. Converts
and trims a group of surfaces that enclose a watertight area into
a solid.
- Conversion. Converts
mesh objects and planar objects with thickness into solids and surfaces.
CommandsBOXCONECONVTOSOLID
Converts 3D meshes and
polylines and circles with thickness to 3D solids.
CONVTOSURFACE
Converts objects to
3D surfaces.
CYLINDER
Creates
a 3D solid cylinder.
EXTRUDE
Creates
a 3D solid or surface by extending the dimensions of an object.
INTERSECT
Creates
a 3D solid, surface, or 2D region from overlapping solids, surfaces,
or regions.
INSERT
Inserts a block or drawing
into the current drawing.
LOFT
Creates a 3D solid or
surface in the space between several cross sections.
PYRAMID
Creates a 3D solid pyramid.
REVOLVE
Creates
a 3D solid or surface by sweeping an object around an axis.
SLICE
Creates new 3D solids
and surfaces by slicing, or dividing, existing objects.
SUBTRACT
Combines
selected 3D solids or 2D regions by subtraction.
SURFSCULPT
Trims and combines surfaces
that bound a watertight area to create a solid.
SWEEP
Creates a 3D solid or
surface by sweeping a 2D or 3D object or subobject along a path.
TORUS
Creates a donut-shaped
3D solid.
UNION
Combines
selected 3D solids, surfaces, or 2D regions by addition.
VISUALSTYLES
Creates and modifies
visual styles and applies a visual style to a viewport.
WEDGE
Creates
a 3D solid wedge.
System VariablesSURFACEMODELINGMODE
Controls whether surfaces
are created as procedural surfaces or NURBS surfaces.
FACETRES
Adjusts
the smoothness of shaded and rendered objects and objects with hidden
lines removed.
ISOLINES
Specifies the number
of contour lines per surface on objects.
