3D SOLIDS FROM 3D POLYLINES

[ewock76]

Hi, I am creating some 3d pipes but my measurements are all taken to the top of the external part of the pipe, I see you have included the Invert  in your script can you also include the external top as an option???

Best regards 

Ewock76

[Lars]

Hi!

Yes, external top (outermost top point) will be included in next update!

Lars

[ewock76]

Hi Lars,

That will be excellent, much appreciated.

Best regards

Ewock76

[ewock76]

Hi Lars,

I have just been converting my 3d polylines in to 3d solids, but CADTOOLS failed with some 3d polylines any ideas???

Attached is the .dwg of a polyline that failed....

I'm trying a external pipe size of 0.10m and an internal size of 0.09m.

Best regards

Ewock76

[Lars]

Hi

I't seems to ba a AutoCAD error, try to Google it. The center and invert options works so probably there are som issue when the solid contact/overlapping/sharing 3D space. Use a slightly higher value for external and internal until you get a solid. Use orbit and you'll se that some vertex will look funny.

Bottom line, I'm sorry I can't help you. If you find a solution please let us know.

[Robing]

Hi,

I found a "workaround" for this problem.
It seems like the 3D-pipe tool uses the "Sweep" command; so i used sweep with a basepoint to make the outer ánd inner part of the pipe. After that i subtracted the inner solid from the outer solid and the pipe is created.

If you need a more specific tutorial, let me know i'll write it.

[payre]

I was the one who originally asked for the invert option to be added and I've been using this feature so much I'm donating again Lars, thank you.

I've found that with some problem polylines the last resort is to manually extrude the pipe, however there are some tricks to cleaning up the polyline,

1. Use the CADTOOLS function to convert to 3D polyline and then
2. Use the CADTOOLS function to remove duplicate vertices
3. Use the CADTOOLS function to reverse direction (this worked for above sample)
4. Use the CADTOOLS function to simplify the polyline ie. some programs that generate 3D services lines add quirky kinks that can affect the Create 3D solids tool but generally straightening out the  polyline by removing kinks less than 1 to 10mm solves this and does not materially affect the design.

The table edit function is also handy for inspecting for small kinks