Extrude Curve

Introduction

The Extrude Curve function creates a solid or surface shell by extruding open or closed wireframe curves to a specified distance.

NOTE: This function does not merge with other solids in the Workspace. To extrude and merge with other solids, use Extrude Boss.

Dynamic Drawing

Extrude Curve supports Dynamic Drawing which allows you to modify the extrusion using sketch handles or data entry. The benefit of Dynamic Drawing is that you can use sketch handles when accuracy isn't needed and then use data entry when exact dimensions are needed.

To learn more about Dynamic Drawing, view Dynamic Drawing for Solids.

Snap Increment

Extrude Curve supports the use of the snap increment when using the sketch handles to set the distance values. The snap increment allows you to get precise results when using mouse selection and helps to reduce data entry modifications.

To learn more, view Snap Increment.

Navigation

To open the Extrude Curve function, do one of the following:

In the Surfaces menu, click Extrude Curve.

On the Surfaces toolbar, click the icon.

Right-click anywhere in the graphics area, point to CAD, Surfaces, and click Extrude Curve.

The Extrude Curve parameters display in the Data Entry tab of the Data-CAM Tree Manager.

The Data Entry Parameters

Picked Entities

The Picked Entities list, shows all entities chosen for the creation of a Extrude Curve.

(Move Up) - moves the selected entity up one level.
(Move Down) - moves the selected entity down one level.
(Delete) - removes the selected entity from the Selected Geometries list.
(Delete All)- removes all entities from the Selected Geometries list.

Positive Directions

Distance - sets the distance of the extrusion from the selected geometry in the positive direction. You can use dynamic sketch handles or data entry to set this value. The snap increment applies to the distance value when using sketch handles.
Draft Angle - creates an angle along the edge of the extruded shape in the positive direction. This also applies to any internal shapes when you select more than one curve to extrude. This can be a positive or negative value.

Other Direction

Distance - sets the distance of the extrusion from the selected geometry in the negative direction. You can use dynamic sketch handles or data entry to set this value. The snap increment applies to the distance value when using sketch handles.
Draft Angle - creates an angle along the edge of the extruded shape in the negative direction. This also applies to any internal shapes when you select more than one curve to extrude. This can be a positive or negative value.

With Caps - creates surfaces on the top and bottom of the extruded curve, thus making a solid.

WIth Caps - omits the top and bottom surface of the extruded curve and creates a hollow shell.

Along Normal - the extrusion occurs parallel to the normal direction of the plane created by the selected curve.
Along Z-Axis - the extrusion direction is the Z-axis regardless of how the selected curve is oriented.

OK - performs the function to create the geometry shown in the CAD preview.
Cancel - closes the Data Entry Manager.

Quick Steps - Extrude Curve

1 Open the function and define all Data Entry parameters.

2 Select wireframe geometry in the graphics area, which can be open or closed wireframe chains.

NOTE: You can modify the snap increment value or turn it off if you are using sketch handles. If needed, use the sketch handles or data entry to update the Distance values and the CAD preview. To learn more about Dynamic Drawing, view Dynamic Drawing for Solids.

The Preview appears.

3 In the Data Entry tab, click OK to create the entity.

The Extrude Curve is created in the graphics area, and an Extrude Curve feature is added to the CAD Tree.

4 Click Cancel to close the function.