VariableBlendSrf

The VariableBlendSrf command creates a blend surface between edges of intersecting surfaces with varying radius values, trims the original surfaces faces, and joins the resulting surfaces.

Note: Surfaces must intersect.

Steps

Select two intersecting surfaces for variable radius blend on the surfaces near the edge that will be blended.

Handles will appear on surface edges.

Press Enter to use the default radii.

Or, type a new radius distance any time the Radius option displays on the command line.

Specify a command line option.

Or, select a handle to edit.

Tips for using handle grips

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The default handles have one grip that can be dragged to change the radius.

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Any added or copied handles have two grips.

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Use the grip on the edge to move the handle along the edge.

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Use the grip in the center to change the radius at the handle location.

Radius/Distance options

The Radius and Distance options appear on the command line when you drag a handle grip.

FromCurve

Select a curve. The radius of the curve at the picked location will be used.

FromTwoPoints

Pick two points to show the radius distance.

Handle options

AddHandle

Adds a handle along the edges.

CopyHandle

Adds a new handle using the distance from the selected handle.

RemoveHandle

Visible only when at least one handle has been added.

SetAll

Sets the distance or radius for all handles.

LinkHandles

Editing a single handle updates all handles.

Note

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Only added handles can be removed.

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The default handles at the ends of each open edge segment cannot be moved or deleted. This is the minimum information the command needs in order to work.

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The handle at the end of a single closed edge can be moved but not deleted.

RailType options

Three rail types control the intersection.

DistFromEdge

The distance from the edge curves determines the intersection.

RollingBall

The radius of a rolling ball determines the intersection.

DistBetweenRails

The distance between the edge rails determines the intersection.

TrimAndJoin

Trims and joins the resulting surface to the input surfaces.

Preview=Yes/No

Displays a dynamic preview.

You can change the options and the preview will update.

Tips

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Always blend from the largest radius to the smallest radius across a model.

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Remove any edges you can prior to blending with MergeAllFaces or by way of surfacing in a simpler manner. Fewer intersected edges = Fewer problems as the blend rolls along any edges and tries to trim and join with the adjacent surfaces.

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Make sure there is enough room for the blend surface to trim and join with adjacent surfaces. The angle relationships between surfaces, sharpness of the bend in the rail around corners, and rail type all play a part in any particular case.