Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 22.21
The chamfered
edges
Using the Solid Editing Tools
You've added some refinements to the Bracket model by using standard AutoCAD editing tools.
There is a set of tools that is specifically geared toward editing solids. You already used the
Union and Subtract tools found in the Solids - Edit tool group. In the following sections, you'll
explore some of the other tools in that tool group.
You don't have to perform the exercises, but reviewing them will show you what's available.
When you're more comfortable working in 3D, you may want to come back and experiment with
the file called solidedit.dwg shown in the figures in the following sections.
PARALLEL PROJECTION NEEDED FOR SOME FEATURES
Many of the features discussed in these sections work only in a parallel projection view. You can
switch to a parallel projection view by choosing the 2D Wireframe visual style, or, if you have the
ViewCube turned on, right-click the ViewCube and select Parallel. You can also choose Parallel from
the 3D Views menu on the Viewport Controls.
M
O V I N G
A
S
U R F A C E
You can move any flat surface of a 3D solid by choosing Modify
Solid Editing
Move Faces.
When you choose this option, you're prompted to select faces. Because you can select only the
edge of two joining faces, you must select an edge and then use the Remove option to remove
one of the two selected faces from the selection set (Figure 22.22). Once you've made your selec-
tion, press ↵. You can then specify a distance for the move.
After you've selected the surface you want to move, Move Faces acts just like the Move com-
mand: You select a base point and a displacement. Notice how the curved side of the model
extends its curve to meet the new location of the surface. This shows you that AutoCAD
attempts to maintain the geometry of the model when you make changes to the faces.
