Extrude Objects (Concept)

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Extrude Objects

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Concept

Procedure

Quick Reference

The EXTRUDE command creates a solid or surface that extends the shape of an object. Closed objects such as circles are converted to 3D solids. Open objects such as lines are converted to 3D surfaces.

If you extrude a polyline with width, the width is ignored and the polyline is extruded from the center of the polyline path. If you extrude an object with thickness, the thickness is ignored.

Before you can create an extruded solid from separate objects such as multiple lines or arcs, you must convert them to a single object. You can combine objects to form a polyline by using the Join option of the PEDIT command. You can also convert the objects to form a region by using the REGION command.

For information about objects that can be extruded or used as extrusion paths, see EXTRUDE.

Options for Extrusion

When you extrude objects, you can specify any of the following options:

Specify a path for the extrusion. With the Path option, create a solid or surface by specifying an object to be the path for the profile, or shape, of the extrusion. The extruded solid starts from the plane of the profile and ends on a plane perpendicular to the path at the endpoint of the path. For best results, use object snaps to make sure that the path is on or within the boundary of the object being extruded.
Extruding is different from sweeping. When you extrude a profile along a path, the profile follows the shape of the path, even if the path does not intersect the profile. With the SWEEP command, the profile moves to the location of the swept path. Sweeping usually provides greater control and better results.
Taper angle. Tapering the extrusion is useful for defining parts that require a specific taper angle, such as a mold used to create metal products in a foundry.
Avoid using large tapered angles. If the angle is too large, the profile can taper to a point before it reaches the specified height.
Length and direction. With the Direction option, you can specify two points to set the length and direction of the extrusion.