You specify the start and end of the twist and the angle through which you want to twist. It modifies a 3D solid, surface or region by twisting it along a specified axis. The direct modeling Twist tool (DMTWIST) is one of my favorite discoveries so far on my BricsCAD Journey. If you select adjacent edges, it automatically blends the chamfers where they intersect. The direct modeling Chamfer tool (DMCHAMFER command) creates an equidistant chamfer between adjacent faces that share a sharp edge. If you select adjacent edges, it automatically blends the fillets where they intersect. The direct modeling Fillet tool (DMFILLET command) creates a smooth fillet between adjacent faces that share a sharp edge. However, instead of adding or removing volume to the solid, DMTHICKEN creates a new, separate solid.ĭMTHICKEN even allows you to add thickness to wireframe entities including lines, polylines, circles, ellipses, arcs, helices, and splines. In the following example it behaves similar to DMEXTRUDE when selecting the face of a solid. The direct modeling Thicken tool (DMTHICKEN command) creates 3D solids by adding thickness to surfaces, faces of 3D solids, and regions. It can add or remove volume if you pull it away or push it into a solid. The direct modeling Revolve tool (DMREVOLVE) creates 3D solids by revolving closed 2D entities, faces of solids, or regions about an axis. The direct modeling Extrude tool (DMEXTRUDE command) creates 3D solids or 3D surfaces by extruding closed 2D entities, faces of 3D solids, regions or closed boundaries.
In the example above, you might know the slope angle but not the distance you need to raise the right edge. Selecting the most appropriate direct modeling tool often depends on what you know. You can achieve similar results if you select the right edge of the face and move it vertically using the direct modeling Move tool. In the image below, the selected face rotates around its left edge at a specified angle. The direct modeling Rotate tool (DMROTATE command) rotates a face or solid around an axis. If you select the entire entity DMMOVE behaves like the traditional MOVE command. However, the face, instead of the edge, is selected. The same basepoint and second point is specified to define the movement vector in the following example. In the following example, the selected edge moves straight up the Z-axis to the top of the model. You can produce significantly different results, even specifying the same movement vector, depending what is selected. The direct modeling Move tool (DMMOVE command) lets you move solids, faces or edges of a solid, or insertion by specifying a base point and second point (vector). PushPull understands the relevance of adjacent faces and behaves accordingly. You can even multiple faces on different planes to combine many operations into one. It can replace the two-step process of traditional 3D editing tools that requires you to first extrude a volume and then subtract it. If you push into the model, it subtracts. If you drag the faces out from the model, it adds volume. The PushPull tool (DMPUSHPULL command) adds or removes volume from a solid by moving the highlighted face. And, you can combine direct modeling with regular solid modeling operations, including the ones we explored in previous posts. You can apply direct modeling operations to all ACIS solids, whether you create them in BricsCAD or import them from other modeling applications. And, the result of the operation displays dynamically as you move the mouse. If you prefer to enter commands on the Command line, start by typing DM for a list of direct modeling commands.Īll the direct modeling operations are interactive. You’ll find most of these tools in the Quad as well as in the Direct Modeling menu and toolbar. But, there are some differences, including Direct Modeling.īricsCAD offers intuitive direct modeling functionality for editing ACIS solid and surface geometry. You can use most of the same commands and workflows that you’re familiar with from your AutoCAD experience. If you’re joining me as a former AutoCAD user, you probably think BricsCAD is a lot like AutoCAD. Our journey continues as I transition from AutoCAD® to BricsCAD.