Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
E
X T R U D I N G
A
S
U R F A C E
You've used the Extrude tool to create two of the solids in the Bracket model. The Extrude tool
requires a closed polyline as a basis for the extrusion. As an alternative, the Solids - Edit tool
group offers the Extrude Faces tool, which extrudes a surface of an existing solid.
When you click the Extrude Faces tool from the Solids - Edit tool group or type
SOLIDEDIT
↵
F
↵
E
↵, you see the Select faces or [Undo/Remove]: prompt. Select an edge
or a set of edges or use the Remove or Add option to select the faces you want to extrude.
Press ↵ when you've finished your selection, and then specify a height and taper angle.
Figure 22.29 shows the sample model with the front surface extruded and tapered at a 45°
angle. You can extrude multiple surfaces simultaneously if you need to by selecting them.
FIGURE 22.29
The model with a
surface extruded
and tapered
Aside from those features, the Extrude Faces tool works just like the Extrude command.
T
U R N I N G
A
S
O L I D
I N T O
A
S
H E L L
In many situations, you'll want your 3D model to be a hollow mass rather than a solid mass.
The Shell option on the menu bar lets you convert a solid into a shell.
When you choose Modify
Solid Editing
Shell, or type
SOLIDEDIT
↵
B
↵
S
↵, you're
prompted to select a 3D solid. You're then prompted to remove faces. At this point, you can
select an edge of the solid to indicate the surface you want removed. The surface you select
is completely removed from the model, exposing the interior of the shell. For example, if you
select the front edge of the sample model shown in Figure 22.30, the top and front surfaces are
removed from the model, revealing the interior of the solid, as shown in Figure 22.31. After
selecting the surfaces to remove, you can enter a shell offset distance.
FIGURE 22.30
Selecting the edge
to be removed
Select this edge.
