Create a Solid or Surface by Lofting (Concept)

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Create a Solid or Surface by Lofting

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Concept

Procedure

Quick Reference

Create a 3D solid or surface by lofting a profile through a set of two or more cross-section profiles.

The cross-section profiles define the shape of the resulting solid or surface object. You must specify at least two cross-section profiles.

Cross-section profiles can be open (for example, an arc) or closed (for example, a circle). The LOFT command flows through the space between the cross sections. If you loft through a set of a closed cross-section curves, the result is a solid object. If you loft through a set of open cross-section curves, the result is a surface object.

The cross sections that you use when lofting must be all open or all closed. You cannot use a selection set that includes both open and closed curves.

The DELOBJ system variable controls whether the cross sections, paths, and guides are automatically deleted when the solid or surface is created.

Methods for Lofting

Lofting creates a solid or surface object that flows through other objects that define its shape.

Cross-section profiles. Select a series of cross-section profiles to define the shape of the new 3D object.
lofted objects with different cross-section settings
As you create a lofted object using only cross-section profiles, you can adjust its shape in the Loft Settings dialog box. You can also modify the settings later in the Properties dialog box. For more information, see Modify Properties of 3D Objects
Paths. Specify a path for the loft operation to obtain more control over the shape of the lofted object. For best results, start the path curve on the plane of the first cross section and end it on the plane of the last cross section.
Guide curves. Specify guide curves to match points on corresponding cross sections. This method prevents undesired results, such as wrinkles in the resulting 3D object.
Each guide curve must meet the following criteria:
- Intersects each cross section
- Starts on the first cross section
- Ends on the last cross section
You can select any number of guide curves for the lofted surface or solid.