Extruding Edges Using Directions

You can extrude edges along local directions, using a fixed direction, or using a direction and an angle.

This task shows you how to:

Extrude Edges Along Local Directions

You can extrude edges along local directions.

From the Tools Palette, click Extrusion and do one of the following:
  • Press Ctrl and select the edges.
    Along an edge



    With a corner



    All edges



  • Press Shift and draw traps.
  • Click Extrusion Along Mesh Line to extrude along mesh lines, that is not orthogonal to the extruded edge.

    If there are more than two mesh lines, the direction is computed using the combination of the mesh lines.

Extrude Edges Using a Fixed Direction

You can extrude edges using a fixed direction.

  1. From the Tools Palette, click Extrusion Fixed Direction .
  2. Click one of the following:
    OptionDescription
    Select Direction Selects a direction from the elements of the mesh.
    Pick Selects an existing element to define a direction.
    Select X Direction Selects the X axis of the Robot as the extrusion direction.
    Select Y Direction Selects the Y axis of the Robot as the extrusion direction.
    Select Z Direction Selects the Z axis of the Robot as the extrusion direction.
    Invert Extrusion When a direction is defined, inverts the side of the extrusion.
    Attraction Adds weight on the junction with the extruded elements.
    Sharp to Smooth If a weight is defined, defines the continuity type on the junction with the extruded elements.
  3. Click Select X Direction and select an element of the mesh.


Extrude Edges Using a Direction and an Angle

You can extrude edges using a direction and an angle.

  1. Select a surface.
  2. From the Tools Palette, click Extrusion Direction and Angle .
    A slider appears and lets you modify the angle value associated to the fixed global direction. This direction is orthogonal to the mean plane of the selected elements.

    Tip: You can also modify the angle value through a dialog box by clicking Edition .
  3. Modify the extrusion length by selecting the handle and moving the pointer on its axis.


    Tip: You can press Ctrl while moving the cursor to perform a step-by-step automatic computation.