While working in AutoCAD 3D, you need to use EXTRUDE command frequently to create your 3D model.It is a highly useful command in 3D.So let's begin with it!
Extrude command helps to extrude a 2D entity to a particular height, specified direction or path to convert it into a 3D model.For example, if you extrude a circle it may be either converted into a Surface cylinder (a cylinder having no caps) or a true 3D solid cylinder.
You can initiate this tool from the modeling panel within the home tab OR else use EXT as the hot key (a shortcut key) within the command bar.
There are two modes :
This way you wanna extrude your 2D entity as a solid model, first make sure your 2D entity is a closed region.
But the most important of all to note is that the object to be extruded must be normal to the path you specified.Otherwise, it will do nothing for you.This option is widely used in refineries,plumbing manufacturings,civil engg. models,etc.
Extrude command helps to extrude a 2D entity to a particular height, specified direction or path to convert it into a 3D model.For example, if you extrude a circle it may be either converted into a Surface cylinder (a cylinder having no caps) or a true 3D solid cylinder.
You can initiate this tool from the modeling panel within the home tab OR else use EXT as the hot key (a shortcut key) within the command bar.Modes in Extrude command :
There are two modes :- Solid
- Surface
If the 2D entity is a closed region(like polyline,rectangle,hexagon.etc.) then it can be either extruded as a solid or as a surface.But an open 2D entity can only be extruded as a surface only, no matter if you have selected solid as the mode within your command.For example,picture below shows a 2D open entity extruded.
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| An open 2D entity |
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| Extruded object obtained |
Options in Extrude command :
By default, extrude command extrudes a 2D entity along Z-axis direction.This is the reason why Z-axis direction is also called as the extrusion direction.
But you are not bounded to do that only!
You can extrude a 2D entity alon a direction, path or you can make it taper using options available within the extrude command.So let's see them :
1. Direction
Using this option,you can extrude a 2D entity alon a specified direction.For example,picture below shows an extruded circle and a hexagon along the direction of line.
But this option extrudes the entity with height equal to that of the object which you specified as your direction- Try it!
2. Path :
This option lets you extrude a 2D entity along a specified path.For example, picture below shows a circle extruded along the path(polyline).
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| Circle to be extruded along the path |
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| Circle extruded along the given path |
3. Taper Angle :
This option lets you extrude a 2D entity with taper along its height.This can only be done by specifying a taper angle.For example, picture below shows a pentagon & a circle extruded with a taper angle of 60.
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| A pentagon and a circle Extruded with the use of taper option |
