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Create Surfaces from Curves

A common way of working in 3-D is to draw curves that represent edges, profiles, cross-sections, or other surface features and then to use surfacing commands to create surfaces from those curves.

Edge curves

You can create a surface from three or four curves that form the sides of the surface.

Extrude curves

Extruding creates surfaces by tracing the path of a curve in a straight line.

Loft curves

Lofting creates a smooth surface that blends between selected shape curves. This surface looks similar to the Sweep a curve with two rails example, but is created without rail curves. Instead, the edges of the surface are created by fitting smooth curves through the shape curves.

Revolve curves

Revolving a curve creates a surface by revolving a profile curve about an axis. This is sometimes called lathing.

Revolve curves with a rail

Rail revolve creates a surface by revolving a profile curve around an axis while at the same time following a rail curve. This is basically the same as Sweep Along 2 Rails, except one of the rails is a central point.

Sweep along one rail curve

Sweeping creates a surface with cross sections that maintain the initial orientation of the shape curve(s) to the path curve.

Sweep along two rail curves

Using two rails for a sweep creates a smooth surface through two or more shape curves that follow two curve rails. The rails also affect the overall shape of the surface. Use this command when you want to control the location of the edges of the surface.