Loft Settings dialog box

Determines how the surfaces are created when using the Loft command to create a three-dimensional solid or surface between two or more cross sections.

DIALOG BOX OPTIONS

Surface control at cross sections Choose one of the following:

• Rules Select to create a loft entity that is straight between cross sections and with sharp edges at all cross sections.
• Smooth Fit Select to create a loft entity that is smooth between cross sections and edges at the first and last cross sections determined by the following:
  • Start Continuity — Select the curvature setting for the first cross section. G0 is a sharp edge. G1 is a tangent edge. G2 is a curved edge.
  • End Continuity — Select the curvature setting for the last cross section. G0 is a sharp edge. G1 is a tangent edge. G2 is a curved edge.
  • Start Bulge Magnitude — Enter the bulge, or curve size, for the first cross section.
  • End Bulge Magnitude — Enter the bulge, or curve size, for the last cross section.
• Normal To Select to create a loft entity with the normal specified at particular cross sections. Choose whether the surface normal is to the start cross section, end cross section, start and end cross sections, or all cross sections.
• Draft Angles Select to create a loft entity with draft angles specified for the start and end cross sections. Specify the following:
  • Start Angle — Enter the draft angle for the first cross section.
  • End Angle — Enter the draft angle for the last cross section.
  • Start Magnitude — Enter the distance from the first cross section where the surface begins to turn towards the next cross section.
  • End Magnitude — Enter the distance from the last cross section where the surface begins to turn towards the next cross section.

Close Surface or Solid Select to create a closed loft entity. This option works best for tubes or toruses.

Periodic (Smooth Ends) Smooths where the loft entity is closed, which is noticeable if the entity is modified. This option is available only if Close Surface or Solid is marked and for the options Ruled or Smooth Fit.

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Loft