Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Solids and Voids
The first step to success in creating solid model objects is to be able to think
in 3D and to visualize the object you are attempting to create. It may be
helpful to first sketch out the basic shapes needed to build the solids and
voids that will make up a family. This will help you determine where to start
and what the relationships between multiple solids will be. It can also help
youunderstandhowtheobjectneedstobemodeledinorderforittobeused
properly in your projects.
How you approach building a solid model may depend on the type of family
you are creating. Face-hosted families are commonly used for MEP
components, and when creating solids or voids in a face-hosted family, you
need to consider their relationship to the host extrusion. The same is true
for element-hosted families such as wall- or ceiling-mounted equipment.
Building solid geometry in level-based families is similar when considering
how the family will be placed into a project. Because the tools are the same
in any type of family, a level-based environment will be used for most of
the examples in this chapter, except when discussing relationships to hosts.
Much of the work described in this chapter is done in the Family Editor
environment.
