Creating 3D Solids by Lofting Between 2D Entities¶
The Loft command lets you create a new solid object or surface by specifying a series of cross sections.
The cross section shapes – together with a path or multiple guides, if specified – define the profile of the resulting solid object or surface.
If the entities defining the cross sections are closed, the command creates a solid object; otherwise if the cross sections is open, it creates a surface.
To create a solid or surface by lofting existing entities:
Click Solids > Draw > Loft (or type Loft).
Specify an option:
Point. Specifies the first or the last point.
Type. Specifies whether the lofted entity is a solid or a surface.
Specify shapes individually in lofting order and press Enter. You must specify at least two cross sections.
Specify an option:
Cross-sections only: Use cross sections defined by arcs, lines, polylines, or polygons. If you specify closed polylines or circles as cross sections, you can create a solid object in the space between the cross sections.
Guides: Specify multiple entities defining guides that intersect each cross section to determine the shape of the solid or surface. You can use the following entities: Line, Spline, Arc, Ellipse, and Elliptical arc.
Path: Specify an entity defining a single path curve to determine the shape of the solid or surface. You can use the following entities: Spline, 3D Helix, Line, Polyline with one segment, Arc, Circle, Ellipse and elliptical arc, Lines.
Settings: Displays the Loft Options dialog box. Specify the following:
Select one of the surfacing options:
Ruled: The solid object or surface is ruled between the cross sections. The resulting object has sharp edges at all cross sections.
Smooth fit: A smooth solid or surface is drawn between the cross sections. The resulting object has sharp edges at the starting and ending cross sections.
Normal to: Specifies whether the surface normal is normal to the start cross section, to the end cross section, to both start and end cross section, or to all cross sections.
Draft angles: Specifies the draft angle and magnitude of the first and last cross sections for the lofted solid object or surface.
Close geometry: Closes or opens a torus-formed solid object or surface.
Show preview: Displays a preview in the graphics area.
A solid object or surface is created by lofting through of two or more cross section curves.
Access
Command: Loft
Menu: Solids > Draw > Loft
Ribbon: 2D Drafting > Modeling > (Flyout) Loft
Related Topics
Creating 3D Solids by Extruding 2D Entities
Creating 3D Solids by Revolving 2D Entities Around an Axis
Creating 3D Solids by Sweeping 2D Entities Along a Path
Thickening Surfaces to Create 3D Solids
Parent Topic