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:

1. Click Solids > Draw > Loft (or type Loft).
2. Specify an option:
   • Point. Specifies the first or the last point.
   • Type. Specifies whether the lofted entity is a solid or a surface.
3. Specify shapes individually in lofting order and press Enter. You must specify at least two cross sections.
4. 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