Using the outline of an offset 3D surface for extrusion

Tool(s): Extrude

To use the outline of an offset 3D surface for extrusion

• You have already created the 3D solid.
• Set the view to 3 Viewports.

1. Click Extrude (How).
   

   Activate Extrude in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Create Bonus Tools 3D Modeling

   • Palette: Tools Create area in the following module(s):

   3D Modeling

2. Using the context toolbar, you can specify how the extruded solid behaves:
   • Always add solid is not active (default setting): if the extruded solid intersects or penetrates an existing solid, the extruded solid will be subtracted. If this is not so, the extruded solid will be added.
   • Always add solid is active: the extruded solid is always added.
   • New element is active: the extruded solid is always created as a new element.

     Example

     Note: The preview shows how an extruded solid behaves: red solids are subtracted; green ones added.
     New elements are displayed in the current line color; they do not change any existing elements.

3. Click Extrude Offset Surface on the Extrude Context toolbar.
4. Click the reference surface whose outline you want to use.

   The outline is detected.

5. Specify the offset in one of the following ways:
   • Click a point.
   • Enter the value in the dialog line.
     Positive values are applied toward the outside; negative values toward the inside.
6. Pull the outline into the required direction by moving the crosshairs and click when you are satisfied with the result. Use the viewport with the view that works best for you.

   Or:

   Enter the value for the Length in the dialog line and press ENTER to confirm.
   The value applies to the selected surface.

   Note: The Length must not be less than 1 mm.

   Note: The extrusion path is always parallel to the reference surface.

   The outline is extruded and merged with the existing solid.