TABLE OF CONTENTS Solids are the most realistic type of AutoCAD models because they have mass under their surfaces. Consequently, you can cut holes in them and add to them using techniques similar to those used in constructing real solid objects. This chapter starts by giving you an overall picture of solid-modeling processes, and then concentrates on some fundamental tools for creating 3D solid objects.
This chapter
demonstrates the general techniques of solid modeling by leading you through the construction of a simple solid model;
introduces you to the ACIS Geometric Modeler that AutoCAD solid models are based on;
lists the uses and properties of regions, which are a 2D version of 3D solids, describes what their uses are, and how they are created;
explains how to create 3D solid objects by extruding and revolving 2D cross sections.
Solid modeling is not at all like surface modeling. The object types are different, the commands for making the objects are different, and even the approach and strategy for making models are different. Recall from Section 2 of this book that most surface models are constructed by drawing wireframe objects to represent edges and boundaries on the model, and then adding surfaces between those wireframe objects.
Solid models, on the other hand, start out as basic 3D geometric shapes, which can be...
