New methods for entering 3D lines and 3D surfaces

You have always been able to choose from various methods for entering 3D lines such as rectangles, circles or polygons and the corresponding surfaces.

Using these input methods, you draw the elements in the plane that is automatically predefined by the view in the viewport, which is usually the plan view, an elevation view or an isometric view.

Allplan 2018 comes with the new Based on center on edge or curve method for entering 3D rectangles, 3D circles, 3D polygons, rectangular 3D surfaces, circular 3D surfaces and 3D polygon surfaces. Using this input method, you can define the drawing plane based on an existing curve or edge of an object.

All you need to do is click an edge or a curve and then a point on this edge or curve. Based on this point, Allplan calculates the drawing plane so that it is perpendicular to the edge or curve.

(A) Edge or curve
(B) Preview of polygon
(C) Center on edge or curve
(D) Pentagon based on corner radius
(E) Example of an extruded object using a polygon profile and a curve

This new input method produces the correct position and orientation of a profile without you having to adjust and rotate the profile in 3D first. As a result, this makes modeling of objects with, for example, Extrude Along Path easier, faster and more intuitive.