<table><tr><td>[[image:Cube-icon.png | link=Getting_Started_with_EM.Cube]] [[image:cad-ico.png | link=Operational Modes of CubeCAD ToolsBuilding_Geometrical_Constructions_in_CubeCAD]] [[image:fdtd-ico.png | link=EM.Tempo]] [[image:prop-ico.png | link=EM.Terrano]] [[image:static-ico.png | link=EM.Ferma]] [[image:planar-ico.png | link=EM.Picasso]] [[image:metal-ico.png | link=EM.Libera]] [[image:po-ico.png | link=EM.Illumina]]</td><tr></table>[[Image:Back_icon.png|30px]] '''[[EM.Cube | Back to EM.Cube Main Page]]'''<br />
Each of [[CubeCAD]] tools performs a certain operation or transformation on one or more selected CAD objects. [[EM.Cube]] provides a number of different ways to use these tools. First, you have to activate a CAD tool. Each tool has a button with a particular icon on '''Tools Toolbar''', which you can click to activate. If you hover your mouse on one of these buttons before clicking, a small tooltip shows up displaying the name of that tool. You can also enable a tool from '''Tools Menu''' at the top of the screen. Many tools have a keyboard shortcut, which you simply type on your keyboard to enable that tool. You can also access some tools from the contextual menu of individual objects either by right-clicking on the surface of an object in the project workspace or by right-clicking on the object's name in the navigation tree. When you access a CAD tool from Tools Toolbar or Tools Menu, one or more '''Help Tips''' appear on the upper right corner of the screen, which guide you along the different steps of usage of the enabled tool. The first step in using each CAD tool is to select one or more objects. When you activate a tool from Tools Toolbar or Tools Menu, a help tip prompts you to select an object by clicking on it. If the enabled tool allows the selection of more than one object (e.g. Group ==Align Tool), you can select the objects one by one and then press the '''Enter Key''' to finish the object selection. At this point, another help tip instructs you to take the next action. For most tools, alternatively, you can first select the object(s) and then activate the tool in one of the ways mentioned earlier. This is often more convenient and spares a few mouse clicks.==
==Working with Generic Objects==ICON: None
[[EM.Cube]] offers a large selection of parameterized native objects. Many of [[CubeCAD]] tools, such as translate, rotate or mirror, transform native objects to other objects of the same kind or result in the creation of other types of native objects like polylines and polystrips. Some other CAD tools result in the creation of a generic solid object, a generic surface object or a generic curve object. [[EM.Cube]]MENU: 's generic objects have a limited number of parameters. They have three ''Tools → Basic → Align'LCS Coordinates''' and three '''Rotation Angles''', which determine their location and orientation in the project workspace. You can change these parameters by accessing the property dialog of a generic object. They also have '''Dimension''' parameters, which represent the size of the their bounding box along the three principal directions, but they are not editable. Most CAD import operations bring in external CAD files to your project workspace as generic objects.
==Working with Transform Objects==KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: None
Many of [[CubeCAD]] operations and transformations result in the creation of either native objects like polylines and polystrips FUNCTION: Aligns one or in generic curve, surface or [[Solid Objects|solid more objects]]. Each by the specified face(s) of their bounding box along the following tools, however, creates a special "Transform Object":specified coordinate plane(s).
# Group Tool# Array Tool# Subtract Tool# Union Tool# Intersect Tool# Extrude Tool# Loft Tool# Revolve Tool# Polymesh Tool# Random Group Tool# Roughen Tool Each transform object has a special property dialog. The Group tool and the three Boolean operation tools, Subtract, Union and Intersect, have similar property dialogs and allow you to access their constituent objects. The property dialog of composite or Boolean objects has a '''Member List''' containing the names of all constituent objects. You can highlight and select any member from this list and click the '''Edit''' button of the dialog to open up its property dialog, where you can edit its properties. TO ALIGN AN OBJECT SELECTION:
The property dialog of Extrusion, Loft, Revolution, Polymesh and Rough objects has an # Select the object(s) to be aligned.# Select '''Edit PrimitiveBasic → Align''' button, which lets you access the property from '''Tools''' menu.# The Align dialog of opens up. Check all the original object used direction boxes for the generation alignment. # For each of the selected transform objectalignment directions, select the positive or negative face. After you finish editing # For each of the primitive objectselected alignment directions, enter a value for the coordinate plane where you will return want to move the property dialog specified faces of the transform object. Array and Random Group selected objects are arrangements of clones of an original key object. In these cases, the '''Edit Primitive''' button opens up the property dialog of the key element.
==Translate Tool==
ICONSPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: [[File:move_tool_tnIf two principal directions are checked for alignment, the object(s) are effectively aligned by an edge. If three principal directions are checked for alignment, the object(s) are effectively aligned by a vertex or node. Note that while alignment of box or rectangle strip objects is intuitive, alignment of other objects is based on the faces of their bounding boxes and may not be as intuitive.png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Basic → Translate'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTPYTHON COMMAND(S): '''T'''
FUNCTION: Moves one or more objects to a different location by a specified translation vectoralign(object,dir,coord_value)
TO TRANSLATE AN OBJECT SELECTION:==Angle Tool==
# Activate the '''Translate Tool'''ICON: [[File:angle_tool_tn.# Click on the object(s) you want to translate one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# Next, you have to establish the translation vector. Left-click on a point in the project workspace to specify the start of the vector. # Drag the mouse to draw a ghost of the translation vector in the desired direction. Left-click a second point to specify the end of the vector. # The object selection is translated by the specified vector. # A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can fine-tune or modify the translation vector before finalizing the translate operation.# Using the Translate Dialog, you can also simply type in the final destination coordinates for the object selection. png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Measure → Distance'''
PYTHON COMMAND(S)KEYBOARD SHORTCUT:'''Shift+A'''
translate_by(FUNCTION: Measures the angle between any two edges belonging to the same object,dx,dy,dz)or to different objects in degrees
translate_to(TO MEASURE THE ANGLE BETWEEN TWO EDGES:Â # Activate the '''Angle Tool'''.# Click on the first edge to establish the first leg.# Click on the second edge of the same objector another object to establish the second leg. # A dialog pops up at the lower right corner of the screen showing the angle between the two legs in degrees as well as the X,x0,y0Y,z0)Z components of the unit vectors along the two selected edges. Â Â PYTHON COMMAND: None
<table>
<tr>
<td> [[Image:translate1_tn_newAngle1_new.png|thumb|540px500px|Translating an object seletion at Measuring the same timeangle between two object edges.]] </td>
</tr>
</table>
<b>Moving Objects Around Using Snap Points</b>==Array Tool==
The simplest and quickest way to move an object is to hover your mouse over a snap point of the object to highlight it. Then type the keyboard shortcut '''T'''. The cursor latches to the selected snap point and the Translate Dialog pops up at the lower right corner of the screen. Without clicking the mouse, begin to drag the object in the project workspace. A ghost of the object starts to move around. Click the left mouse button at the desired location to drop the object. You can fine-tune the final destination using the Translate DialogICON: [[File:array_tool_tn. png]]
<b>Constrained Translation</b>MENU: '''Tools → Basic → Array'''
When you use a snap point to translate an object, you can use the keyboardKEYBOARD SHORTCUT: 's ''A'Alt''' and '''Shift''' keys to constrain the object move in certain directions. The type of constraint depends on which snap point you pick to translate the object. The following rules apply:
* With FUNCTION: Replicates an object and forms an array of its clones based on a face snap point selectedspecified linear, you can constrain translate to the direction normal to that face only by holding rectangular or cubic grid TO ARRAY AN OBJECT: # Activate the '''Alt KeyArray Tool''' down during dragging. You can also constrain translate # Click on the object you want to array.# By default, the plane ghost of a 2×2 array of that face only by holding the '''Shift Key''' down during draggingselected object appears in the project workspace.* With an edge snap point selected, # A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can constrain translate to change the line number of elements and the element spacing along that edge only by holding the '''Shift Key''' down during draggingthree principal axes. You can also constrain translate to # Once you finalize the line normal attributes of your new array, click the OK button of the Array Dialog to that edge only by holding create the '''Alt Key''' down during draggingarray object.* With # The original object is replaced with a vertex snap point selectednew array object with a new default name.  If your array is based on an editable object, you can constrain translate to modify the lines along the two edges passing through that vertex only source object by holding clicking on the '''shift Key''' or '''Alt Key''' down during draggingâEdit Objectâ button located in the Array Dialog.When clicked, the objectâs Properties Dialog will appear. Once you have completed updating the source object, click on the close button and the array will update.  PYTHON COMMAND:  array(label,object,xCount,yCount,zCount,xSpacing,ySpacing,zSpacing) array_custom(label,object,xCount,yCount,zCount,xSpacing,ySpacing,zSpacing,x0,y0,z0,rot_x,rot_y,rot_z)
<table>
<tr>
<td> [[Image:consttranslate1_tn_newarray_tool_1.png|thumb|320pxleft|Translating a box from a face snap point while holding the Alt Key down640px|Creating an array of rectangle strip objects.]] </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> [[Image:consttranslate2_tn_newarray_tool_2.png|thumb|320pxleft|Translating a box from an edge snap point while holding the shift Key down640px|A 2×2 array of rectangle strip objects.]] </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> [[Image:consttranslate3_tn_newarray_tool_3.png|thumb|320pxleft|Translating 640px|Changing the Z-cooedinate of the entire array object.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:array_tool_4.png|thumb|left|640px|Creating a box from linear array of rectangle strip objects.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:array_tool_5.png|thumb|left|640px|Creating a vertex snap point while holding the shift Key downrotated array of rectangle strip objects.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:array_tool_6.png|thumb|left|640px|Rotating a rotated array of rotated rectangle strip objects.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:Array_tool_7_new.png|thumb|left|640px|Creating a 4x2 array of rotated rectangle strip objects.]] </td>
</tr>
</table>
==Rotate ToolBoolean CAD Operations==
Boolean operations are used to combine different objects and create new ones. [[Image:rotate1_tn_new.png|thumb|540px|Rotating an object selection at the same timeEM.Cube]] offers three Boolean operations:
ICON: [[File:rotate_tool_tn.png]] * Subtraction* Union* Intersection
MENU: '''Tools → Basic → Rotate'''Boolean operations work only with surface and solid objects. In other words, they cannot be applied to curve objects. As a general rule of thumb, you should perform a Boolean operation on two or more objects of the same type, and resulting object will be of the same type. Mixing solid and surface objects in Boolean operations may result in an undesirable outcome. The Boolean Union of two objects that do not overlap each other physically is similar to grouping them into a composite object. Subtracting two objects that do not overlap each other physically results in the deletion of the object to be subtracted.
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: The result of a Boolean CAD operation on two or more objects is a new object of Boolean Type. The property dialog of a Boolean object is similar to that of a composite object and contains a member list. You can highlight and select any member from the list and open its own property dialog for editing. You can also use '''RConsolidate Tool'''to convert a Boolean object into a generic surface or solid object. In that case, you won't have access to the properties of the individual member object any longer.
FUNCTION: Rotates one or more objects about a specified axis of rotation by a specified angle==Bridge Tool==
TO ROTATE AN OBJECT SELECTIONICON:[[File:bridge_tool_tn.png]]
# Activate the MENU: '''Rotate ToolTools → Transform → Bridge'''.# Click on the object(s) you want to translate one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# Next, you have to establish the rotation axis. Left-click on a point in the project workspace to specify the pivot of the axis. By default, the rotation axis is oriented along the Z-axis. # Use the keyboard's '''Up Arrow''' or '''Down Arrow''' keys to change the direction of the rotation axis or cycle through all the three X, Y, Z directions. # Drag the mouse to establish the rotation angle. If you hold down the '''Shift Key''' while dragging the mouse, the rotation angle will increment in step of 15 degrees.# When you reach the desired rotation angle, left-click to drop the object selection. # A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can fine-tune or modify the rotation angle, the pivot coordinates or the direction of the normal vector along the rotation axis before finalizing the rotate operation.
You can align the rotation axis using the snap points of other objects in the project workspace. By default, if you click at a blank point, you establish a rotation axis normal to the current work plane. Instead, you can click at the edge snap point of another object to set the rotation axis along that edge. Or you can click on the face snap point of another object to set the rotation axis along the normal to that face. Once the rotation axis has been established, a local rotation coordinate system is created, and you can cycle through the three possible axes using the keyboardKEYBOARD SHORTCUT: 's ''Shift+B'Up Arrow''' or '''Down Arrow''' keys.
FUNCTION: Creates a transition (bridge) among two or more coplanar curve objects
PYTHON COMMANDTO BRIDGE CURVE OBJECTS: rotate(object,rot_angle_degree,rot_axis_x,rot_axis_y,rot_axis_z)
# Activate the '''Bridge Tool'''.
# Click on the curve object(s) you want to bridge one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.
# A new surface object is created in the project workspace. Note that the original curve objects are not deleted as a result of this operation.
<b>Rotating Objects Locally Using Snap Points</b>
The simplest and quickest way to rotate an On occasion, the resulting surface object locally is to hover your mouse over a snap point of an object to highlight it. Then type created from the keyboard shortcut '''R''' to enable the Rotate Tool. A trident depicting a local coordinate system appears bridge operation may be twisted at the selected snap pointcenter. You can now rotate the selected object correct this problem by the desired angle. Bear in mind that each snap point has a default axis of rotation. You can cycle through the three rotational axes using pressing the '''Up ArrowKey''' or '''Down Arrow''' keys. You can also constrain to reverse the angle node order of rotation to 15° increments by holding down the '''Shift Key'''. Left click to complete the rotationoriginal curve objects.
[[File:rotate2_tn_new.png|Rotation Process]]
Rotating an object about an edge of another object.SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS:
==Scale Tool==
[[ImagePYTHON COMMAND:scale1_tn_new.png|thumb|540px|Scaling a box object in all three directions.]]None
ICON: [[File:scale_tool_tn.png]]
MENUExample 1: '''Tools → Basic → Scale'''Bridging Two Horizontal Surfaces
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT[[File: '''S'''Cad_manual-69_surfaces.png|600px|bridge a]]
FUNCTIONExample 2: Scales the size (and generally coordinates) of one or more objects by specified scaling vectorsBridging Multiple Lines
TO SCALE AN OBJECT SELECTION:In this example we have created a series of beveled planes by bridging between four line segments. Using this method allows you to construct planes whose edges are perfectly aligned to each other. The resulting planes can then be joined together via the Union Tool to form a solid surface.
# Activate the '''Scale Tool'''.# Click on the object(s) you want to scale one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# Next, you have to establish the baseline scale vector. Left[[File:cad_manual-click on a point in the project workspace to specify the start of the baseline scale vector69_tn. Then, drag the mouse to draw the vector and left-click to finish the baseline scale vector. # Now you have to specify the final scale vector. The final scale vector has the same start point as the baseline scale vector but png|600px|bridge a different end point which determines the scale factor. As you drag the mouse, you will see the second vector drawn on top of or next to the baseline vector. Left-click one more time when you get the desired transformation. # The scale operation performs a mapping transformation on the object selection from the baseline scale vector onto the final scale vector. As you drag the mouse to establish the end point of the final scale vector, the object selection changes both size and location as a result of the scale transformation.# A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can fine-tune or modify the scale factors along the three principal axes as well the coordinates of the scale origin.]]
[[File:cad_manual-70_tn.png|600px|bridge]]
By default, objects are scaled uniformly, i.e. the scaling factors along the three principal axes are equal. From the Scale Dialog, you can change the three scaling factors arbitrarily to achieve any desired shape. Non-uniform scaling of certain objects like cylinder, cone, sphere, torus, etc., does not take effect because it would destroy the object's symmetry. On the other hand, you can enforce non-uniform scaling of objects like box, ellipsoid, ellipse strip or super-quadratic curve. ==Consolidate Tool==
ICON: [[File:consolidate_tool_tn.png]]
PYTHON COMMANDMENU: scale(object,scale_factor)'''Tools → Transform → Consolidate'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Shift+C'''
<b>Scaling Objects Locally Using Snap Points</b>FUNCTION: Converts open polymesh objects to generic surface objects and converts closed polymesh objects to generic solid objects
Snap points provide an easier way of scaling objects without changing their location. Hover your mouse over a snap point of an object to highlight it and type the keyboard shortcut '''S'''. This establishes the scale origin at the selected snap point. Then, select the end point of the baseline scale vector, which can be another snap point of the same object. It is convenient to select a vertex of an object as the scale origin and select an adjacent vertex as the end point of the baseline scale vector. Next, you need to determine the final scale vector. If you drag the mouse out of the object, you will expand it. If you drag the mouse inside the object and towards the scale origin, you will shrink it.TO CONSOLIDATE AN OBJECT SELECTION:
[[File:scale2_tn_new# Activate the '''Consolidate Tool'''.png|aligning # Click on the polymesh object(s) you want to consolidate one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done. # Generic surface of solid versions of the selected polymesh objects]]appear in the project workspace.
Non-uniform scaling of a cylinder ruins its symmetry.
<b>Constrained Scaling</b>SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You can also use the Consolidate Tool to convert Boolean objects to generic surface or solid objects. In that case, you will lose access to the properties of the individual constituents of the original Boolean object.
While dragging the mouse to scale an PYTHON COMMAND: consolidate(object select, if you hold the '''Shift Key''' down, you can constrain the scaling to the direction along the baseline scale vector only. Alternatively, if you hold the '''Alt Key''' down, you can constrain the scaling to the direction normal to the baseline scale vector only. If the baseline vector is parallel to one of the principal axes, the "Shift Contstraint" varies only one scaling factor, while the "Alt Constraint" varies two scaling factor simultaneously.)
[[File:scale3_tn_new.png|aligning objects]] [[File:scale4_tn_new.png|aligning objects]]==Convert To Box==
Constrained scaling of a box along an "edge" scale vector and normal to it.ICON: None
== Link Tool ==MENU: '''Tools → Transform → Convert → Box'''
ICONKEYBOARD SHORTCUT: [[File:link_tool_tn.png]] None
MENUFUNCTION: '''Tools → Basic → Link'''Replaces any selected object with its bounding box
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTTO CONVERT AN OBJECT SELECTION TO BOX: '''K'''
FUNCTION: Links # Select the local coordinate system object(LCSs) of an object to the LCS of another objectbe converted.# Select '''Transform → Convert → Box''' from '''Tools''' menu.
TO LINKAN AN OBJECT:
# Activate the '''Link Tool'''.# Click on the object you want to link. A ghost of the selected object appears in the project workspace, which will float around as you drag the mouse. # Next, hover your mouse over the second object to be linked to PYTHON COMMAND: convert_box(the parent object) and highlight one of its snap points. # Left-click to link the selected object. Depending on the type of the selected snap point of the second object, the orientation of the linked objects may change. # The property dialog of the linked object opens up on the lower right corner of the screen. In the Link section of the property dialog, you will see the name of the second object as the '''Parent''' of the linked object.
The linkage relationship is one-way. The child object has a pointer to its parent and always follows it, but the opposite it not true. For example, if you move a child object, its link with its parent is broken, and it becomes an independent object. ==Convert To Line==
ICON: None
PYTHON COMMANDsMENU:'''Tools → Transform → Convert → Line'''
set_lcs_link(object,lcs_obj,x_off,y_off,z_off)KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: None
set_rot_link(FUNCTION: Replaces any selected object,lcs_obj,x_off_deg,y_off_deg,z_off_deg)with a line object connecting the minimum and maximum vertices of its bounding box
TO CONVERT AN OBJECT SELECTION TO LINE:
<b>General Linking Rules</b># Select the object(s) to be converted.# Select '''Transform → Convert → Line''' from '''Tools''' menu.
# When an object is linked, both the location and orientation of its LCS are tied to a control point of its parent object.
# The way an objects links to another object depends on the type of the parent object as well as the type of the linking control point. Objects link differently to solids, surfaces or curves.
# When an object is linked to another object's face, its local Z-axis is aligned along the normal to the plane of the parent object's face.
# When an object is linked to another object's edge, its local Y-axis is aligned along the parent object's edge, while its local X-axis is aligned along the normal to that edge. In addition, the LCS of the linked object is placed at an X-offset equal to half its X-dimension from the parent's edge. In other words, the link object is connected to the parent object from outside at the linking edge.
# When an object is linked to the nodes of a polyline or NURBS curve, the local Y-axis of the linked object is aligned with the tangent to the parent curve at the linking node.
PYTHON COMMAND: convert_line(object)
<b>Link Properties</b>==Convert To Point==
The property dialog of all objects has a '''Link''' section that contains the '''Parent Name''' and three dropdown lists labeled '''Fc''', '''Ed''', and '''Nd''', standing for Face, Edge and Node, respectively. Normally, these dropdown lists are grayed out and show zero values. When an object is linked, it has to be linked to either a face, or an edge or a node (vertex) of another (patent) object. Theses primitives are ordered and indexed for each object. For example, each box has six faces. The bottom face is indexed 1, the top face is indexed 2, and so on. Each rectangular face of a box also has four edges, which are indexed from 1 to 4. The zero edge index denotes "ICON: None" or "No Edge" and corresponds to the center of that face. Each edge of a box has two nodes or vertices that are indexed as 1 or 2. In a similar fashion, the zero node index denotes "None" or "No Vertex" and corresponds to the center of that edge. In this way, the faces are indexed first, then the edges and finally the nodes or vertices. The indexing of faces, edges and nodes varies among the different object types.
From a linked objectMENU: 's property dialog, you can change the link address and thus change the relative position of the linked object with respect to its parent object. Simply open one of the three Face, Edge or Node dropdown lists and change the index. The location of the link will change and the linked object is positioned on a new face, edge or vertex. [[EM.Cube]] allows offsets for linked objects. This means that the LCS of the child object can have X-, Y- and Z-offsets with respect to the parent's control point. [[EM.Cube]] also allows local rotation of linked objects. This means that the LCS of the child object can have X-, Y- and Z-rotation angles with respect to a local rotation coordinate system at the parent's control point. When an object is linked to another object, its LCS center coordinates and rotation angle values are replaced by a new set of Tools → Transform → Convert → Point'''LCS Offset''' and '''Local Rotation Angle''' values that are measured in a different coordinate system. We call this new coordinate system the local UVW coordinate system at the location of the parent object's control point. What you see as offsets are indeed the local U, V and W coordinates of the linked object's LCS center with respect to the parent object. Similarly, the rotation angles are measured locally at the LCS of the linked object with respect to the U, V and W axes of the parent object at the control point.
You can "Un-link" a linked object by removing its link. The simplest way to do this is to select the zero option from the '''Face''' dropdown list of the object's property dialog. Alternatively, you can also select a linked object in the project workspace and right click on its surface or right click on its name on the navigation tree and select '''Unlock LCS''' from the contextual menu to remove its link. KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: None
FUNCTION: Replaces any selected object with a point object located at the center of its bounding box
[[FileTO CONVERT AN OBJECT SELECTION TO POINT:link3_tn_new.png|500px]]
A box linked to # Select the top face of another boxobject(s) to be converted.# Select '''Transform → Convert → Point''' from '''Tools''' menu.
[[File:link5_tn_new.png|500px]]
A box linked to the top face of another box with a nonzero offset in the W direction.PYTHON COMMAND: convert_point(object)
[[File:link7_tn_new.png|500px]]==Convert To Rectangle Strip==
A box linked to the top face of another box with all nonzero offsets in the U, V, W directions and rotated 45° about the local W axis.ICON: None
==Mirror Tool==MENU: '''Tools → Transform → Convert → Rectangle Strip'''
ICONKEYBOARD SHORTCUT: [[File:scale_tool_tn.png]] None
MENUFUNCTION: '''Tools → Basic → Mirror'''Replaces any selected planar object with its bounding rectangle
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTTO CONVERT AN OBJECT SELECTION TO RECTANGLE STRIP: '''M'''
FUNCTION: Creates a mirror image of an # Select the object selection with respect (s) to a specified mirror planebe converted.# Select '''Transform → Convert → Rectangle Strip''' from '''Tools''' menu.
TO MIRROR AN OBJECT SELECTION:
# Activate the '''Mirror Tool'''.# Click on the PYTHON COMMAND: convert_rect(object(s) you want to mirror one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# Next, you have to establish the mirror plane. Left-click on a point in the project workspace to specify the anchor of the mirror plane. Then, drag the mouse to draw a ghost of the mirror plane.# As you drag the mouse, the mirror plane will start to rotate around a vertical axis at the anchor point and perpendicular to the current work plane. You will also see a ghost of the image object rotating along with the mirror plane. If you hold the '''Shift Key''' down while dragging the mouse, the mirror plane rotates at increments of 15 degrees. Left-click once you get the desired mirror plane. # A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can fine-tune or modify the coordinate of the anchor point and the rotation angles of the mirror plane.
You can also establish the mirror plane using the snap points of other objects in the project workspace. For example, once you select the object to be mirrored, hover your mouse on the face snap point of any object including the selected object itself, and the plane of the highlighted face will be selected as the mirror plane. ==Distance Tool==
ICON: [[File:Measure tool tn.png]]
PYTHON COMMANDMENU: mirror(object,x0,y0,z0,uX,uY,uZ)'''Tools → Measure → Distance'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Shift+D'''
<b>Mirroring Objects Locally Using Snap Points</b>FUNCTION: Measures the distance between any two point in project units
You can easily create an image of any object with respect to one of its flat faces. Hover your mouse over a face snap point of an object and type the keyboard shortcut '''M'''. The image object is formed immediately and will share the selected face with the original object. <b>Example 1TO MEASURE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO POINTS: Defining Object Edge Mirror Planes</b>
A# Activate the '''Distance Tool'''. Edge snap # Click on the first point is defined as either somewhere in the mirror plane and anchor project workspace or a snap pointof an existing object.B# Click on the second point. Reflected object is created along # A dialog pops up at the defined construction planelower right corner of the screen showing the distance between the two points as well as the three X, Y, Z components of the vector extending from the start point to the end point.
[[File:cad_manual-41a_tn_new.png|Mirror Process 1]]
<b>Example 2SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: Defining Object Face Mirror Planes</b>You can measure the distances among several points successively.
A. Face center is defined as the mirror plane anchored point.B. Reflected object is created using the object face as a construction plane.PYTHON COMMAND: None
<table><tr><td>[[FileImage:cad_manual-41b_tn_newDistance1_new.png|thumb|500px|Measuring the distance between two snap points.]]</td></tr></table>
<b>Example 3: Defining Arbitrary Mirror Planes</b>==Explode Tool==
ICON: [[File:cad_manual-42_tn_newexplode_tool_tn.png|Mirror Process 2]]
In this example, an anchor point has been selected at an arbitrary location on the grid. Once an anchor point has been defined, you can freely rotate the construction plane about the anchor point. This allows you to create a mirrored object at an arbitrary radial location.MENU: '''Tools → Basic → Explode'''
==Group Tool==KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Q'''
ICONFUNCTION: [[File:group_tool_tn.png]] Breaks up one or more selected objects selection into their constituent primitives
MENUTO EXPLODE AN OBJECT SELECTION: '''Tools → Basic → Group'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: # Activate the '''Shift+GExplode Tool'''.# Click on the objects you want to explode one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# The original object selection is replaced with a larger set of objects of lower dimensionality.
FUNCTION: Groups For example, a selection solid object explodes into a number of two or more surface objects that formed its faces. A surface object explodes into a single composite objectnumber of curve objects that formed its edges.
TO GROUP AN OBJECT SELECTIONSPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS:Composite (group) and Boolean objects explode into their original constituent objects. An array object explodes into the set of its individual elements. A polystrip or NURBS strip object explodes into its boundary polyline or NURBS curve, respectively.
# Activate the '''Group Tool'''.
# The object selection is replaced with a single composite object with a new default name.
PYTHON COMMAND: explode(object)
When you group two or more objects, a new object of composite type is created<table><tr><td> [[Image:cad_manual-73_tn_new. You can open the property dialog of the composite png|thumb|720px|A pyramid object and access and edit exploded into its individual member objectsconstituent faces. The '''Extract''' button of the composite dialog removes the One face has been selected object from the member list without deleting it from the project workspace, while the '''Delete''' button completely removes the selected object from the composite object as well as from the project workspaceand subsequently removed.]] </td></tr></table>
==Extrude Tool==
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONSICON: In [[EMFile:extrude_tool_tn.Cubepng]], you can group only objects that belong to the same color group or material group. If you group an object with a composite object, it is added to the member list of the composite object. In other words, the composite object is expanded.
PYTHON COMMANDMENU: group(label,object_1,object_2,...,object_n)'''Tools → Transform → Extrude'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''H'''
FUNCTION: Extrudes a surface object into a solid object or a curve object into a surface object
[[FileTO EXTRUDE AN OBJECT:cad_manual-44_tn_new.png|composite process]]
==Array # Activate the '''Extrude Tool=='''.# Click on the surface or curve object you want to extrude to select it.# Drag the mouse to lift the object and give the new dimension to it. When you reach the desired height, left-click to finalize the extrusion object. # A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can fine-tune the height, change the draft angle or uncap the extrusion object.# Make sure to click the OK button of the extrusion object's property dialog to finalize the construction.
ICON: [[File:array_tool_tn.png]]
MENUSPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: '''Tools → Basic → Array'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''A'''
FUNCTIONPYTHON COMMAND: Replicates an extrude(label,object and forms an array of its clones based on a specified linear, rectangular or cubic gridextrude_height,cap_ends)
TO ARRAY AN OBJECT:
# Activate the There are several extrusion options available within '''Array Tool[[EM.Cube|EM.CUBE]]'''.# Click on You can extrude the face of an object you want to array.# By default, or the ghost edge of a 2×2 array of the selected an object appears in the project workspace. # A dialog pops up on When extruding an objectâs face you can also define a draft angle. When extruding the lower right corner edge of the screen where an object you can change define the number angle of elements and the element spacing along the three principal axesresulting extruded plane. # Once you finalize By default the attributes extrusion angle is normal (perpendicular) to the plane of your new array, click extrusion. You can use the OK button snap points of the Array Dialog nearby objects to create the array object. # The original object is replaced with a new array object with a new default name. âcopyâ their length, height, or width to newly extruded planes or solids
If your array is based on To extrude the edge Or face Of an editable object, you can modify the source object by clicking on the âEdit Objectâ button located in the Array Dialog. When clicked, the objectâs Properties Dialog will appear. Once you have completed updating the source object, click on the close button and the array will update.:
# There are two methods you can use to invoke the Extrude command:
PYTHON COMMAND* '''Method 1: array(label''' Position your mouse over an unselected objectâs face or edge and press the E-key on your keyboard* '''Method 2:''' Deselect all objects in your scene,click on the Extrude Tool [[File:extrude_tool_tn.png]], select the object,xCount,yCount,zCount,xSpacing,ySpacing,zSpacingyou wish to perform an extrusion operation on and press RETURN on your keyboard. Then position you mouse cursor at the center-most point of the face or edge you wish to extrude (A).
Next, left-click on the snap point that appears and drag the extruded plane to the desired height (B).
[[File:cad_manual-46_tn_newWhen you have positioned the height as desired, click the left mouse button to complete the extrusion (C).png|Array Process 1]]
==Boolean CAD Operations==<table><tr><td> [[Image:cad_manual-52_tn_new.png|thumb|left|720px|Extruding an object.]] </td></tr></table>
Boolean operations are used to combine different objects and create new ones. [[EM.Cube]] offers three Boolean operationsExample 1:Changing The Angle Of An Edge Extrusion
* Subtraction# First, follow the steps previously outlined to extrude the edge of an object (A-C below).* Union* Intersection# Notice the Extrusion Properties Box that appears at the bottom of the Navigation Tree. You can customize the rotation angle of the plane created by the edge extrusion operation from within this box. You can also press the ARROW keys on your keyboard to quickly rotate the extruded planeâs vector 90º (D).
Boolean operations work only with surface and <table><tr><td> [[Solid Objects|solid objects]]Image:cad_manual-53_tn_new. In other words, they cannot be applied to [[Curve Objectspng|curve objects]]. As a general rule of thumb, you should perform a Boolean operation on two or more objects |left|720px|The process of the same type, and resulting object will be of the same typeextruding an edge. Mixing solid and [[Surface Objects|surface objects]] in Boolean operations may result in an undesirable outcome. The Boolean Union of two objects that do not overlap each other physically is similar to grouping them into a composite object. Subtracting two objects that do not overlap each other physically results in the deletion of the object to be subtracted. </td></tr></table>
Example 2: Changing The result of a Boolean CAD operation on two or more objects is a new object of Boolean Type. The property dialog of a Boolean object is similar to that of a composite object and contains a member list. You can highlight and select any member from the list and open its own property dialog for editing. You can also use '''Consolidate Tool''' to convert a Boolean object into a generic surface or solid object. In that case, you won't have access to the properties of the individual member object any longer.Draft Angle Of An Extrusion
==Subtract Tool==# First, follow the steps previously outlined to extrude the face of an object (A-C below).# Once an extrusion has been created, you can change the draft angle from within the extrusion dialog box. The draft angle allows you to taper inward or flare outward the extrusion walls.
ICON: <table><tr><td> [[FileImage:subtract_tool_tncad_manual-54_tn_new.png|thumb|left|720px|The process of extruding a face.]] </td></tr></table>
MENU: '''Tools → Basic → Subtract'''As with all property boxes, you can click on the blue preview button to preview your settings. Clicking on the green check mark will commit the current settings, while clicking on the red âxâ will dismiss the dialog (D).
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''D'''==Fill Tool==
FUNCTIONICON: Subtracts one or more objects from another object in the Boolean sense[[File:fill_tool_tn.png]]
TO SUBTRACT FROM AN OBJECTMENU:'''Tools → Transform → Fill'''
# Activate the KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Subtract ToolShift+F'''.# Click on the object you want to subtract from and press the '''Enter Key'''.# Click on the object(s) you want to subtract from the previously selected object one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# All the original selected objects are replaced with a new Boolean object with a new default name.
FUNCTION: Creates a planar surface object from a closed curve object or from a set of curve objects that together form a closed region
PYTHON COMMAND: subtractTO FILL CURVE OBJECT(label,object_1,object_2S):
# Activate the '''Fill Tool'''.
# Click on the curve object(s) you want to fill one by one to select them and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.
# A new planar surface object is created in the project workspace which replaces the previously selectedcurve objects.
[[File:Cad_manual-49_tn_new.png|subtract]]
Two overlapping boxes (left) and When you fill the subtraction result (right) after subtracting area among several curves or lines that together form a closed region, the gray box from the blue oneoperation will trim any excess curve lengths.
==Union Tool==
ICONSPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: [[File:union_tool_tnWhen you fill two or more closed curves, of which one completely encloses all the others, the area among the closed curves will be filled. Filling a closed polyline or a NURBS curve results in the creation of a polystrip or a NURBS strip object, respectively.png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Basic → Union'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTPYTHON COMMAND: '''U'''fill_curve(object)
FUNCTION: Forms a union of an object selection in the Boolean sense
TO UNION AN OBJECT SELECTION<table><tr><td> [[Image:fill1_tn_new.png|thumb|left|500px|The process of extruding an edge.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:fill1_tnB_new.png|thumb|left|500px|The process of extruding an edge.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:fill2_tn_new.png|thumb|left|500px|The process of extruding an edge.]] </td></tr></table>
# Activate Three closed curves with two enclosed inside the '''Union Tool'''.# Click on the objects you want to union one by one other and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# The original planar object selection is replaced with a new Boolean object with a new default nameresulting from filling the curves.
==Fillet Tool==
PYTHON COMMANDICON: union(label,object_1,object_2)[[File:fillet_tool_tn.png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Basic → Fillet'''
[[FileKEYBOARD SHORTCUT:cad_manual-50_tn_new.png|Union]]'''Shift+L'''
Two overlapping boxes (left) and the union result (right).FUNCTION: Adds rounded bevels to hard-angled corners of one or more surface or curve objects
==Intersect Tool==TO FILLET AN OBJECT:
ICON# Activate the '''Fillet Tool'''.# Click on the object(s) you want to fillet one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done. # A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can change the type of fillet or fine-tune the fillet radius. # The default option is a circular arc fillet with a radius of 10 project units. You may choose another fillet type: [[File:intersect_tool_tnLinear (Chamfer), G1, G2 or G3 Blend.# Make sure to click the OK button of the Fillet Dialog to finalize the operation.png]]
MENUSPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: '''Tools → Basic → Intersect'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTPYTHON COMMAND: '''I'''fillet(object,radius)
FUNCTION<table><tr><td>[[File: Forms an intersection of an object selection in the Boolean senseFillet_tn.png|thumb|left|720px|The fillet tool.]]</td></tr></table>
TO INTERSECT AN OBJECT SELECTION:==Geometric Analysis Tool==
# Activate the '''Intersect Tool'''.# Click on the objects you want to intersect one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# The original object selection is replaced with a new Boolean object with a new default nameICON: [[File:Extends_tool_tn. png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Measure → Geometric Analysis'''
PYTHON COMMANDKEYBOARD SHORTCUT: intersect(label,object_1,object_2)'''Shift+E'''
FUNCTION: Measures the length, surface area or volume of a geometric object
[[FileTO PERFORM GEOMETRIC ANALYSIS AND MEASURE THE EXTENTS OF AN OBJECT:cad_manual-51_tn_new.png|intersect]]
Two overlapping boxes (left) and # Activate the intersected result ('''Geometric Analysis Tool'''.# Hover the mouse over any object in the project workspace.# A dialog pops up at the lower right)corner of the screen. If the highlighted object is a curve, the dialog shows its arc length. If the highlighted object is a surface, the dialog shows its area. If the highlighted object is a solid, the dialog shows both its volume and total surface area.
==Explode Tool==
ICONSPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: [[File:explode_tool_tnYou can compute the extents of several objects successively.png]]
MENUPYTHON COMMAND: '''Tools → Basic → Explode'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Q'''get_length(object)
FUNCTION: Breaks up one or more selected objects selection into their constituent primitivesget_area(object)
TO EXPLODE AN OBJECT SELECTION:get_volume(object)
# Activate the '''Explode Tool'''.<table># Click on <tr><td> [[Image:Extents1_new.png|thumb|550px|Measuring the objects you want to explode one by one surface area and press the '''Enter Key''' when donevolume of a solid object.]] </td># The original object selection is replaced with a larger set of objects </tr><tr><td> [[Image:Extents2_new.png|thumb|550px|Measuring the length of lower dimensionalitya curve object. ]] </td></tr></table>
For example, a solid object explodes into a number of [[Surface Objects|surface objects]] that formed its faces. A surface object explodes into a number of [[Curve Objects|curve objects]] that formed its edges. ==Group Tool==
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONSICON: Composite (group) and Boolean objects explode into their original constituent objects. An array object explodes into the set of its individual elements. A polystrip or NURBS strip object explodes into its boundary polyline or NURBS curve, respectively[[File:group_tool_tn. png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Basic → Group'''
PYTHON COMMANDKEYBOARD SHORTCUT: explode(object)'''Shift+G'''
FUNCTION: Groups a selection of two or more objects into a single composite object
[[FileTO GROUP AN OBJECT SELECTION:cad_manual-73_tn_new.png|Explode]]
A pyramid object exploded into its constituent faces# Activate the '''Group Tool'''. One face has been selected and subsequently removed# The object selection is replaced with a single composite object with a new default name.
==Slice Tool==
ICON: [[File:slice_tool_tnWhen you group two or more objects, a new object of composite type is created. You can open the property dialog of the composite object and access and edit its individual member objects. The '''Extract''' button of the composite dialog removes the selected object from the member list without deleting it from the project workspace, while the '''Delete''' button completely removes the selected object from the composite object as well as from the project workspace.png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Transform → Slice'''
Â
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Shift+S'''
FUNCTIONSPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: Splits one or more selected objects into two parts along a specified slice plane  TO SLICE AN OBJECT SELECTION: # Activate the '''Slice Tool'''In [[EM.# Click on the object(s) Cube]], you want can group only objects that belong to slice one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when donesame color group or material group. # Next, If you have to establish the slice plane. Left-click on group an object with a point in the project workspace to specify the first anchor of the slice plane. By defaultcomposite object, the slice plane it is perpendicular added to the current work plane. # As you drag the mouse around, a ghost member list of the slice plane will appear rotating about the anchor pointcomposite object. Left-click a second point in the project workspace to fix the slice plane. # The original selected objects are not replaced with sliced objects.   As a result of the slice operationIn other words, solids are sliced into smaller generic [[Solid Objects|solid objects]], surfaces are sliced into smaller generic [[Surface Objects|surface objects]] and curves are sliced into smaller generic [[Curve Objects|curve objects]].   SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You can define the slice plane alternatively using three snap points of the composite object to be sliced. Once the Slice Tool is enabled, click on three snap points of the selected object one by one to form the three-point slice planeexpanded.
PYTHON COMMAND: slicegroup(objectlabel,x0object_1,y0object_2,z0...,uX,uY,uZobject_n)
<table>
<tr>
<td> [[Image:cad_manual-44_tn_new.png|thumb|540px|Grouping several objects as a single composite object.]] </td>
</tr>
</table>
<b>Trimming Objects</b> ==Intersect Tool==
You have the option to keep only one of the two split parts resulting from a slice operation if you wish so. While dragging the slice plane, if you hold the keyboard's '''Ctrl Key''' down at the time of the left mouse click, the part on the positive side of the slice plane is preserved and the other part is discarded. If you hold the keyboard's '''Alt Key''' down at the time of the left mouse click, the part on the negative side of the slice plane is preserved and the other part is discardedICON: [[File:intersect_tool_tn.png]]
[[FileMENU:slice4_tn_new.png|Explode]] [[File:slice5_tn_new.png|Explode]] [[File:Slice5_tnB_new.png|Explode]] [[File:slice6_tn_new.png|Explode]]'''Tools → Basic → Intersect'''
Selecting the first, second and third points of the slice plane on the edges of a box object.KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''I'''
[[FileFUNCTION:slice7_tn_new.png|Explode]] [[File:Slice7_tnB_New.png|Explode]] [[File:slice8_tn_new.png|Explode]]Forms an intersection of an object selection in the Boolean sense
Selecting the two points of the slice line on the edges of a circle strip object.TO INTERSECT AN OBJECT SELECTION:
[[File:slice9_tn_new# Activate the '''Intersect Tool'''.png|Explode]] [[File:Slice9_tnB_new# Click on the objects you want to intersect one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# The original object selection is replaced with a new Boolean object with a new default name.png|Explode]]
Selecting the split point on a curve object.
==Extrude Tool==PYTHON COMMAND: intersect(label,object_1,object_2)
ICON: <table><tr><td> [[FileImage:extrude_tool_tncad_manual-51_tn_new.png|thumb|540px|(Left) Two overlapping boxes and (Right) the result of their Boolean intersection.]] </td></tr></table>
MENU: '''Tools → Transform → Extrude'''== Link Tool ==
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTICON: '''H'''[[File:link_tool_tn.png]]
FUNCTIONMENU: Extrudes a surface object into a solid object or a curve object into a surface object'''Tools → Basic → Link'''
TO EXTRUDE AN OBJECTKEYBOARD SHORTCUT:'''K'''
# Activate FUNCTION: Links the '''Extrude Tool'''.# Click on the surface or curve object you want to extrude to select it.# Drag the mouse to lift the object and give the new dimension to it. When you reach the desired height, left-click to finalize the extrusion object. # A dialog pops up on the lower right corner local coordinate system (LCS) of the screen where you can fine-tune the height, change the draft angle or uncap the extrusion an object.# Make sure to click the OK button LCS of the extrusion another object's property dialog to finalize the construction.
TO LINK AN OBJECT:
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: # Activate the '''Link Tool'''.# Click on the object you want to link. A ghost of the selected object appears in the project workspace, which will float around as you drag the mouse. # Next, hover your mouse over the second object to be linked to (the parent object) and highlight one of its snap points. # Left-click to link the selected object. Depending on the type of the selected snap point of the second object, the orientation of the linked objects may change. # The property dialog of the linked object opens up on the lower right corner of the screen. In the Link section of the property dialog, you will see the name of the second object as the '''Parent''' of the linked object.
The linkage relationship is one-way. The child object has a pointer to its parent and always follows it, but the opposite it not true. For example, if you move a child object, its link with its parent is broken, and it becomes an independent object.
PYTHON COMMAND: extrude(label,object,extrude_height,cap_ends)
PYTHON COMMANDs:
There are several extrusion options available within '''[[EM.Cube|EM.CUBE]]'''. You can extrude the face of an object or the edge of an object. When extruding an objectâs face you can also define a draft angle. When extruding the edge of an object you can define the angle of the resulting extruded plane. By default the extrusion angle is normal set_lcs_link(perpendicular) to the plane of extrusion. You can use the snap points of nearby objects to âcopyâ their lengthobject, heightlcs_obj, or width to newly extruded planes or solidsx_off,y_off,z_off)
To extrude the edge Or face Of an set_rot_link(object:,lcs_obj,x_off_deg,y_off_deg,z_off_deg)
# There are two methods you can use to invoke the Extrude command:
* '''Method 1:''' Position your mouse over an unselected objectâs face or edge and press the E-key on your keyboard* '''Method 2:''' Deselect all objects in your scene, click on the Extrude Tool [[File:extrude_tool_tn.png]], select the object you wish to perform an extrusion operation on and press RETURN on your keyboard. Then position you mouse cursor at the center-most point of the face or edge you wish to extrude (A).<b>General Linking Rules</b>
Next# When an object is linked, left-click both the location and orientation of its LCS are tied to a control point of its parent object.# The way an objects links to another object depends on the snap type of the parent object as well as the type of the linking control point that appears and drag . Objects link differently to solids, surfaces or curves.# When an object is linked to another object's face, its local Z-axis is aligned along the normal to the extruded plane of the parent object's face.# When an object is linked to another object's edge, its local Y-axis is aligned along the parent object's edge, while its local X-axis is aligned along the normal to that edge. In addition, the LCS of the linked object is placed at an X-offset equal to half its X-dimension from the parent's edge. In other words, the link object is connected to the parent object from outside at the linking edge.# When an object is linked to the nodes of a polyline or NURBS curve, the local Y-axis of the linked object is aligned with the tangent to the parent curve at the desired height (B)linking node.
When you have positioned the height as desired, click the left mouse button to complete the extrusion (C).
[[File:cad_manual-52_tn_new.png|Extrude Process]]<b>Link Properties</b>
Example The property dialog of all objects has a '''Link''' section that contains the '''Parent Name''' and three dropdown lists labeled '''Fc''', '''Ed''', and '''Nd''', standing for Face, Edge and Node, respectively. Normally, these dropdown lists are grayed out and show zero values. When an object is linked, it has to be linked to either a face, or an edge or a node (vertex) of another (patent) object. Theses primitives are ordered and indexed for each object. For example, each box has six faces. The bottom face is indexed 1: Changing , the top face is indexed 2, and so on. Each rectangular face of a box also has four edges, which are indexed from 1 to 4. The Angle Of An zero edge index denotes "None" or "No Edge Extrusion " and corresponds to the center of that face. Each edge of a box has two nodes or vertices that are indexed as 1 or 2. In a similar fashion, the zero node index denotes "None" or "No Vertex" and corresponds to the center of that edge. In this way, the faces are indexed first, then the edges and finally the nodes or vertices. The indexing of faces, edges and nodes varies among the different object types.
# FirstFrom a linked object's property dialog, follow you can change the steps previously outlined link address and thus change the relative position of the linked object with respect to extrude its parent object. Simply open one of the three Face, Edge or Node dropdown lists and change the index. The location of the link will change and the linked object is positioned on a new face, edge or vertex. [[EM.Cube]] allows offsets for linked objects. This means that the LCS of an the child object (Acan have X-C below).# Notice , Y- and Z-offsets with respect to the Extrusion Properties Box parent's control point. [[EM.Cube]] also allows local rotation of linked objects. This means that appears at the bottom LCS of the Navigation Tree. You child object can customize have X-, Y- and Z-rotation angles with respect to a local rotation coordinate system at the parent's control point. When an object is linked to another object, its LCS center coordinates and rotation angle values are replaced by a new set of '''LCS Offset''' and '''Local Rotation Angle''' values that are measured in a different coordinate system. We call this new coordinate system the plane created by local UVW coordinate system at the edge extrusion operation from within this boxlocation of the parent object's control point. You can also press What you see as offsets are indeed the ARROW keys on your keyboard local U, V and W coordinates of the linked object's LCS center with respect to quickly rotate the extruded planeâs vector 90º (D)parent object. Similarly, the rotation angles are measured locally at the LCS of the linked object with respect to the U, V and W axes of the parent object at the control point.
[[File:cad_manualYou can "Un-53_tn_newlink" a linked object by removing its link. The simplest way to do this is to select the zero option from the '''Face''' dropdown list of the object's property dialog. Alternatively, you can also select a linked object in the project workspace and right click on its surface or right click on its name on the navigation tree and select '''Unlock LCS''' from the contextual menu to remove its link.png|Extrude Example 1]]
Example 2: Changing The Draft Angle Of An Extrusion<table><tr># First, follow the steps previously outlined <td> [[Image:link3_tn_new.png|thumb|540px|A box linked to extrude the top face of an object (A-C below).# Once an extrusion has been created, you can change the draft angle from within the extrusion dialog another box. The draft angle allows you to taper inward or flare outward the extrusion walls.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[FileImage:cad_manual-54_tn_newlink5_tn_new.png|thumb|540px|A box linked to the top face of another box with a nonzero offset along the local W direction.]]</td></tr>As <tr><td> [[Image:link7_tn_new.png|thumb|540px|A box linked to the top face of another box with all property boxes, you can click on the blue preview button to preview your settings. Clicking on nonzero offsets along the green check mark will commit the current settingslocal U, while clicking on V, W directions and rotated 45° about the red âxâ will dismiss the dialog (D)local W axis.]] </td></tr></table>
==Loft Tool==
<table><tr><td> [[FileImage:cad_manual-62_tn_new.png|Loft Process 1thumb|left|720px|The process of lofting a face.]]</td></tr></table>
Lofted objects are linked to the objects they were generated from. This means that transformations performed on the parent object will also affect its associated loft objects. The Loft To Point properties dialog provides a number of additional [[parameters]] that can be modified.
This example illustrates lofting from the edge of the lower box to a corner point on the center rectangle.
[[File:cad_manual-63_tn.jpgpng|600px|Loft Example 1]]
Example 2: Using Lofts To Create A Four-Sided Pyramid
[[File:cad_manual-64_tn.jpgpng|600px|Loft Example 2]]
==Revolve Merge Tool==
ICON: [[File:revolve_tool_tnmerge_tool_tn.png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Transform Basic → RevolveMerge'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''VShift+M'''
FUNCTION: Revolves a surface Combines nodal curves (polylines or curve object about a specified axis of revolution and turns it NURBS curves) into a solid new curve or surface combines polymesh objects aligned along cell edges into a new polymesh object
TO REVOLVE MERGE AN OBJECTSELECTION:
# Activate the '''Revolve Merge Tool'''.# Click on the surface or curve object objects of the same type you want to revolve to select it.# A trident representing a local coordinate system appears in the project workspace merge one by one and floats around as you move the mouse. # By default, the axis of revolution is oriented perpendicular to the current work plane and is drawn larger than the other two axes. Using press the keyboard's ''Enter Key'Up Arrow''' or '''Down Arrow''' keys, you can cycle through all the three principal directionswhen done. # Once you get the desired axis of revolution at the right location, left-click to create the The original object selection is replaced with a larger object of revolution.# A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can fine-tune the coordinates of the pivot point or the direction of the axis of revolution. # Make sure to click the OK button of the revolution object's property dialog to finalize the constructionsame type.
You can use If there is a gap between the edges of other objects to serve as the axis of revolution. Once you select the object to be revolvedmerged, hover your mouse on the middle snap point it is eliminated as a result of any straight edge of any object including merging as the original object to be revolved, last and first nodes of the axis two separate curves become part of revolution is aligned along the selected edgea single node list.
SPECIAL CASE(S)CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: In order to merge one or more polymesh objects, they have to have one or more cells strictly and exactly lined up along common edges.
PYTHON COMMAND: revolvemerge_curve(labelobject_1,object,x0,y0,z0,uX,uY,uZ,rot_angleobject_2)
[[File:cad_manual-56_tnmerge1_tn.jpgpng|revolve processFilling Outlines]]
In this example, a rectangular plane has been revolved by using a pre-drawn line as the axial referenceTwo NURBS curve to be merged into one.
Example 1[[File: Revolving Polygon Planesmerge2_tn.png|Filling Outlines]]
This example illustrates revolving The resulting merged NURBS curve with the face of a cylinder about the axis of a pyramid"s edgecombine nodes.
[[File:cad_manual-57_tn.jpg|revolve sample 1]]==Mirror Tool==
Example 2ICON: Complex Planar Revolutions[[File:scale_tool_tn.png]]
This example illustrates an extremely complex face revolved about the axis of a line.MENU: '''Tools → Basic → Mirror'''
[[FileKEYBOARD SHORTCUT:cad_manual-58_tn.jpg|revolve sample 2]]'''M'''
Example 3FUNCTION: Unusual RevolutionsCreates a mirror image of an object selection with respect to a specified mirror plane
This example illustrates the face of a cylinder revolved about the axis of a pyramid"s edge.TO MIRROR AN OBJECT SELECTION:
[[File:cad_manual# Activate the '''Mirror Tool'''.# Click on the object(s) you want to mirror one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# Next, you have to establish the mirror plane. Left-click on a point in the project workspace to specify the anchor of the mirror plane. Then, drag the mouse to draw a ghost of the mirror plane.# As you drag the mouse, the mirror plane will start to rotate around a vertical axis at the anchor point and perpendicular to the current work plane. You will also see a ghost of the image object rotating along with the mirror plane. If you hold the '''Shift Key''' down while dragging the mouse, the mirror plane rotates at increments of 15 degrees. Left-click once you get the desired mirror plane. # A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can fine-59_tntune or modify the coordinate of the anchor point and the rotation angles of the mirror plane.jpg|revolve sample 3]]
Example 4: Partial RevolutionsYou can also establish the mirror plane using the snap points of other objects in the project workspace. For example, once you select the object to be mirrored, hover your mouse on the face snap point of any object including the selected object itself, and the plane of the highlighted face will be selected as the mirror plane.
This example illustrates the results of specifying a partial Rotation Angle.
[[FilePYTHON COMMAND:cad_manual-60_tn.jpg|revolve sample 4]]mirror(object,x0,y0,z0,uX,uY,uZ)
==Skin Tool==
ICON: [[File:skin_tool_tn.png]] <b>Mirroring Objects Locally Using Snap Points</b>
MENU: You can easily create an image of any object with respect to one of its flat faces. Hover your mouse over a face snap point of an object and type the keyboard shortcut '''Tools → Transform → SkinM'''. The image object is formed immediately and will share the selected face with the original object. <b>Example 1: Defining Object Edge Mirror Planes</b>
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Shift+K'''A. Edge snap point is defined as the mirror plane and anchor point.B. Reflected object is created along the defined construction plane.
FUNCTION: Creates a transition (skin) among two or more planar <table><tr><td> [[Surface ObjectsImage:cad_manual-41a_tn_new.png|thumb|540px|surface objectsImage of an object in an edge mirror plane.]]</td></tr></table>
TO SKIN PLANAR [[Surface Objects|SURFACE OBJECTS]]<b>Example 2:Defining Object Face Mirror Planes</b>
# Activate A. Face center is defined as the '''Skin Tool'''mirror plane anchored point.# Click on the planar surface object(s) you want to skin one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when doneB. # A new solid Reflected object is created in using the project workspace. Note that the original [[Surface Objects|surface objects]] are not deleted object face as a result of this operationconstruction plane.
<table>
<tr>
<td> [[Image:cad_manual-41b_tn_new.png|thumb|540px|Image of an object in a face mirror plane.]] </td>
</tr>
</table>
On occasion, the resulting solid object created from the skin operation may be twisted at the center. You can use the '''Left Arrow Key''' or '''Right Arrow Key''' to untwist (or twist) the transition by cycle the [[Surface Objects|surface objects]]â node order clockwise or counter-clockwise. You can also use the Up Arrow Key''' or '''Down Arrow Key''' to reverse the selected objectâs node order.<b>Example 3: Defining Arbitrary Mirror Planes</b>
In this example, an anchor point has been selected at an arbitrary location on the grid. Once an anchor point has been defined, you can freely rotate the construction plane about the anchor point. This allows you to create a mirrored object at an arbitrary radial location.
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS<table><tr><td> [[Image: cad_manual-42_tn_new.png|thumb|720px|Image of an object in an arbitrary mirror plane.]] </td></tr></table>
==Pipe-Sweep Tool==
PYTHON COMMANDICON: None[[File:pipe_tool_tn.png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Transform → Pipe-Sweep'''
[[FileKEYBOARD SHORTCUT:cad_manual-65_tn.jpg|skinning process]]'''Shift+I'''
NOTE how X and Y LCS coordinates FUNCTION: Creates a tubular object of the above two planes are at right angles to each other. If the LCS orientation of each profile are not properly aligned, twisting of the skinned surface will occur. You can enable on-screen LCS (local coordinates) feedback for each object via the View menu.a specified radius from one or more curve objects
Example 1TO PIPE-SWEEP CURVE OBJECT(S): Skinning Multiple Profiles
# Make sure all profiles are de-selected then select Activate the Skin '''Pipe-Sweep Tool from the CAD toolbar (A and B)'''.# Left click Click on the first profile (C).# Left click the next profile (D).# Continue to left click on each successive profile curve object you want to skin betweenpipe-sweep.# After clicking A dialog pops up on the final profile, press ENTER to complete lower right corner of the screen where you can modify the pipe radius and cap the skinning operation (E)resulting surface object to turn it into a solid object.
[[File:cad_manual-66_tn.jpg|skin profiles 1]]
[[FileSPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS:cad_manualYou cannot pipe-67_tnsweep a polyline object because of its sharp corners.jpg|skin profiles 2]]However, you can first turn the polyline into a smoother curve object using the Fillet Tool and then pipe-sweep it.
==Bridge Tool==
ICONPYTHON COMMAND: [[File:bridge_tool_tn.png]] pipe_sweep(object,radius)
MENU<table><tr><td> [[Image: '''Tools → Transform → Bridge'''pipe-tool_tn_new.png|thumb|600px|Using pipe-sweep tool to turn a spiral curve into a solid object.]] </td></tr></table>
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Shift+B'''==Polygonize Tool==
FUNCTIONICON: Creates a transition (bridge) among two or more coplanar [[Curve Objects|curve objectsFile:polygonize_tool_tn.png]]
TO BRIDGE [[Curve Objects|CURVE OBJECTS]]MENU:'''Tools → Transform → Polygonize'''
# Activate the KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Bridge ToolShift+P'''.# Click on the curve object(s) you want to bridge one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done. # A new surface object is created in the project workspace. Note that the original [[Curve Objects|curve objects]] are not deleted as a result of this operation.
FUNCTION: Discretizes the boundary of a curve object or a curved planar surface object into linear segments.
On occasion, the resulting surface object created from the bridge operation may be twisted at the center. You can correct this problem by pressing the '''Up Arrow Key''' to reverse the node order of the original [[Curve Objects|curve objects]].TO POLYGONIZE OBJECT(S):
# Activate the '''Polygonize Tool'''.
# Click on the object(s) you want to polygonize one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.
# The discretized versions of the selected objects appears in the project workspace.
# A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can modify the side length of the resulting polygonal objects.
# Make sure to click the OK button of the dialog to finalize the operation.
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS:
The Polygonize Tool converts a surface object into a polystrip and converts a curve object into a polyline.
PYTHON COMMAND: None
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You cannot polygonize solid objects.
Example 1: Bridging Multiple Lines
In this example we have created a series of beveled planes by bridging between four line segments. Using this method allows you to construct planes whose edges are perfectly aligned to each other. The resulting planes can then be joined together via the Union Tool to form a solid surface.PYTHON COMMAND: polygonize(object,side_length)
<table><tr><td> [[FileImage:cad_manual-69_tnpolygonize1_tn_new.jpgpng|bridge thumb|500px|A circle strip to be polygonized.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:polygonize3_tn_new.png|thumb|500px|The polygonized version of the circle strip with aside length of 30 units.]]</td></tr></table>
[[File:cad_manual-70_tn.jpg|bridge]]==Polymesh Tool==
==Strip-Sweep Tool==ICON: [[File:polymesh_tool_tn.png]]
ICONMENU: [[File:strip_tool_tn.png]] '''Tools → Transform → Polymesh'''
MENUKEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Tools → Transform → Strip-SweepP'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTFUNCTION: '''Shift+T'''Discretizes one or more surface or solid objects into a set of triangular cells
FUNCTIONTO POLYMESH AN OBJECT SELECTION: Creates a flat surface object of a specified width from a curve object
TO STRIP-SWEEP CURVE OBJECT# Activate the '''Polymesh Tool'''.# Click on the object(Ss):you want to polymesh one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done. # Discretized versions of the selected objects appear in the project workspace. # A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen which, allows you to change the edge length of the triangular cells. # Make sure to click the OK button of Polymesh Dialog to finalize the operation.
# Activate the '''Strip-Sweep Tool'''.
# Click on the curve object you want to strip-sweep.
# A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can modify the strip width.
Naturally, a solid object is turned into a closed polymesh (or a solid polymesh), while a surface object is converted to an open polymesh (or a surface polymesh). Each polymesh object is made up of a number of nodes, edges and faces.
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You cannot strip-sweep a polyline object because of its sharp corners. However, you can first turn the polyline into a smoother curve object using the Fillet Tool and then strip-sweep it.
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You cannot use the Polymesh Tool with curve objects.
PYTHON COMMAND: strip_sweeppolymesh(label,object,widthedge_length)
<table><tr><td> [[FileImage:strip-tool_tn_newpolymesh1_new.png|PIPE TOOLthumb|left|600px|Converting a pyramid to a polymesh object.]]</td></tr></table>
==Pipe-Sweep Tool==<b>Modifying a Polymesh Object</b>
ICON: [[File:pipe_tool_tnAfter you convert an object to a polymesh, you can edit its properties through the polymesh's property dialog. You can change the mesh type from '''Regular''' to '''Structured''' and vice versa from the dropdown list labeled '''Mesh Type'''. You can also change the '''Edge Length''' to increase or decrease the mesh resolution. All the nodes, faces and edges of a polymesh can be accessed for further editing.png]]
MENU: Each polymesh object is made up of a number of nodes, edges and faces. You can access the individual nodes, edges or faces. The '''Tools → Transform → Pipe-SweepMode'''section of the property dialog has three radio buttons labeled '''Node''', '''Face''' and '''Edge'''. When the Node Mode is selected, a small red ball at the location of the selected node. You can cycle through all the nodes from the '''Active Node''' box or using the keyboard's '''Up Arrow''' or '''Down Arrow''' keys. The world coordinates of the active node are displayed in the property dialog. You can change these values and fine tune the position of any node. You can also delete the selected node by clicking the '''Delete''' button next to the node index.
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: When the Face Mode is selected, the perimeter of the active face is highlighted as a red triangle. You can cycle through all the faces from the '''Shift+IActive Face'''box or using its spin buttons. The world coordinates of the centroid of the active face are displayed in the property dialog, but they are greyed out and cannot be edited. However, you can insert a new node at the location of the centroid of the active face and split it into three new smaller faces. To do so, click the '''Insert''' button of the dialog. At this time, a temporary local coordinate system is established at the centroid of the selected face with the local X-axis parallel to the first edge of the selected face and the local Z-axis normal to the plane of the selected face. The three active node coordinate boxes in this case represent the offset coordinates of the new node. You have an opportunity to type in new offset values to modify the location of the new node.
FUNCTION: Creates When the Edge Mode is selected, the active edge is highlighted as a tubular object of a specified radius red line segment. You can cycle through all the edges from one the '''Active Edge''' box or more [[Curve Objects|curve objects]] using its spin buttons. The world coordinates of the midpoint of the active edge are displayed in the property dialog, but they are greyed out and cannot be edited. However, you can insert a new node at the location of the midpoint of the active edge and split it into two new smaller edges. To do so, click the '''Insert''' button of the dialog. As a result of this operation, the two triangular faces sharing the selected edge are split into four new smaller faces. At this time, a temporary local coordinate system is established at the midpoint of the selected edge with the local X-axis parallel to the selected edge and the local Z-axis normal is aligned along the average of the normal vectors of the two triangular faces sharing that edge. The three active node coordinate boxes in this case represent the offset coordinates of the new node. You have an opportunity to type in new offset values to modify the location of the new node.
TO PIPE-SWEEP CURVE OBJECT(S):Â # Activate the '''Pipe-Sweep Tool'''.# Click {{Note|Inserting new nodes on the curve object faces allows you want to pipe-sweepincrease the mesh resolution locally at certain selected cells. # A dialog pops up Inserting new nodes on the lower right corner of the screen where edges allows you can modify the pipe radius and cap the resulting surface object to turn it into expand a solid polymesh object. Â Â SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You cannot pipe-sweep a polyline object because of outward from its sharp cornersboundaries. However, you can first turn the polyline into a smoother curve object using the Fillet Tool and then pipe-sweep it. Â Â PYTHON COMMAND: pipe_sweep(object,radius)}}
<table><tr><td> [[FileImage:pipe-tool_tn_newpolymesh2_tn.png|PIPE TOOLthumb|left|360px|Selecting a node of a polymesh object.]]</td><td> [[Image:polymesh3_tn.png|thumb|left|360px|Editing the coordinates of a node of a polymesh object.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:polymesh4_tn.png|thumb|left|360px|Selecting a face of a polymesh object.]] </td><td> [[Image:polymesh5_tn.png|thumb|left|360px|Inserting a new node at a face's centroid.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:polymesh6_tn.png|thumb|left|360px|Selecting an edge of a polymesh object.]] </td><td> [[Image:polymesh7_tn.png|thumb|left|360px|Inserting a new node at an edge's midpoint.]] </td></tr></table>
==Rail-Sweep Tool==
PYTHON COMMAND: rail_sweep(object_1,object_2)
<table>
<tr>
<td> [[Image:sweep-tool_tn_new.png|thumb|720px|Railing a rectangle strip object along a spiral curve.]] </td>
</tr>
</table>
[[File:sweep-tool_tn_new.png|PIPE TOOL]]==Random Group Tool==
==Fill Tool==ICON: [[File:random_group_tool_tn.png]]
ICONMENU: [[File:fill_tool_tn.png]] '''Tools → Basic → Random Group'''
MENUKEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Tools → Transform → FillShift+O'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTFUNCTION: '''Shift+F'''Creates random clones of a specified key object with random locations and random orientations but confined into the volume of a container object
FUNCTIONTO CREATE A RONDOM GROUP: Creates a planar surface object from a closed curve object or from a set of [[Curve Objects|curve objects]] that together form a closed region
TO FILL CURVE OBJECT# Activate the '''Random Group Tool'''.# Click on the object you want to clone (Skey object):and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# The Rough Surface Dialog opens up on the lower right corner of the screen. The '''Container''' dropdown list displays a list of all the solid objects. In the project workspace. Select the desired container object from the list.# The default number of the elements is 100. Change it to any desired number. # Click the OK button of the dialog to close it and complete the group creation.
# Activate the '''Fill Tool'''.
# Click on the curve object(s) you want to fill one by one to select them and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.
# A new planar surface object is created in the project workspace which replaces the previously selected [[Curve Objects|curve objects]].
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: Only a solid object can act as a container for a random group.
When you fill the area among several curves or lines that together form a closed regionPYTHON COMMAND: random_group(label, the operation will trim any excess curve lengths. key_object,container_object,element_count)
==Revolve Tool==
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONSICON: When you fill two or more closed curves, of which one completely encloses all the others, the area among the closed curves will be filled. Filling a closed polyline or a NURBS curve results in the creation of a polystrip or a NURBS strip object, respectively[[File:revolve_tool_tn.png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Transform → Revolve'''
PYTHON COMMANDKEYBOARD SHORTCUT: fill_curve(object)'''V'''
FUNCTION: Revolves a surface or curve object about a specified axis of revolution and turns it into a solid or surface object
[[FileTO REVOLVE AN OBJECT:fill1_tn_new.png]] [[File:fill1_tnB_new.png]] [[File:fill2_tn_new.png]]
Three closed curves with two enclosed inside # Activate the other '''Revolve Tool'''.# Click on the surface or curve object you want to revolve to select it.# A trident representing a local coordinate system appears in the project workspace and floats around as you move the mouse. # By default, the axis of revolution is oriented perpendicular to the current work plane and is drawn larger than the other two axes. Using the keyboard's '''Up Arrow''' or '''Down Arrow''' keys, you can cycle through all the three principal directions. # Once you get the desired axis of revolution at the right location, left-click to create the object of revolution.# A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can fine-tune the coordinates of the pivot point or the direction of the axis of revolution. # Make sure to click the OK button of the planar revolution object resulting from filling 's property dialog to finalize the curvesconstruction.
==Merge Tool==
ICON: [[File:merge_tool_tnYou can use the edges of other objects to serve as the axis of revolution.png]] Once you select the object to be revolved, hover your mouse on the middle snap point of any straight edge of any object including the original object to be revolved, and the axis of revolution is aligned along the selected edge.
MENU: '''Tools → Basic → Merge'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTSPECIAL CASE(S): '''Shift+M'''
FUNCTION: Combines nodal curves (polylines or NURBS curves) into a new curve or combines polymesh objects aligned along cell edges into a new polymesh object
TO MERGE AN OBJECT SELECTIONPYTHON COMMAND:revolve(label,object,x0,y0,z0,uX,uY,uZ,rot_angle)
# Activate the '''Merge Tool'''.
# Click on the objects of the same type you want to merge one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.
# The original object selection is replaced with a larger object of the same type.
[[File:cad_manual-56_tn.png|600px|revolve process]]
If there is a gap between the objects to be mergedIn this example, it is eliminated as a result of merging rectangular plane has been revolved by using a pre-drawn line as the last and first nodes of the two separate curves become part of a single node listaxial reference.
Example 1: Revolving Polygon Planes
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: In order to merge one or more polymesh objects, they have to have one or more cells strictly and exactly lined up along common edgesThis example illustrates revolving the face of a triangular plane about a pre-drawn line as the axial reference.
[[File:cad_manual-57_tn.png|600px|revolve sample 1]]
PYTHON COMMANDExample 2: merge_curve(object_1,object_2)Complex Planar Revolutions
This example illustrates an extremely complex face revolved about the axis of a line.
[[File:merge1_tncad_manual-58_tn.png|Filling Outlines600px|revolve sample 2]]
Two NURBS curve to be merged into one.Example 3: Unusual Revolutions
[[File:merge2_tnThis example illustrates the face of a cylinder revolved about the axis of a pyramid"s edge.png|Filling Outlines]]
The resulting merged NURBS curve with the combine nodes[[File:cad_manual-59_tn.png|600px|revolve sample 3]]
==Fillet Tool==Example 4: Partial Revolutions
ICON: [[File:fillet_tool_tnThis example illustrates the results of specifying a partial Rotation Angle.png]]
MENU[[File: '''Tools → Basic → Fillet'''cad_manual-60_tn.png|600px|revolve sample 4]]
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Shift+L'''==Rotate Tool==
FUNCTIONICON: Adds rounded bevels to hard-angled corners of one or more surface or [[Curve Objects|curve objectsFile:rotate_tool_tn.png]]
TO FILLET AN OBJECTMENU:'''Tools → Basic → Rotate'''
# Activate the KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Fillet ToolR'''.# Click on the object(s) you want to fillet one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done. # A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can change the type of fillet or fine-tune the fillet radius. # The default option is a circular arc fillet with a radius of 10 project units. You may choose another fillet type: Linear (Chamfer), G1, G2 or G3 Blend.# Make sure to click the OK button of the Fillet Dialog to finalize the operation.
FUNCTION: Rotates one or more objects about a specified axis of rotation by a specified angle
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONSTO ROTATE AN OBJECT SELECTION:
# Activate the '''Rotate Tool'''.
# Click on the object(s) you want to translate one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.
# Next, you have to establish the rotation axis. Left-click on a point in the project workspace to specify the pivot of the axis. By default, the rotation axis is oriented along the Z-axis.
# Use the keyboard's '''Up Arrow''' or '''Down Arrow''' keys to change the direction of the rotation axis or cycle through all the three X, Y, Z directions.
# Drag the mouse to establish the rotation angle. If you hold down the '''Shift Key''' while dragging the mouse, the rotation angle will increment in step of 15 degrees.
# When you reach the desired rotation angle, left-click to drop the object selection.
# A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can fine-tune or modify the rotation angle, the pivot coordinates or the direction of the normal vector along the rotation axis before finalizing the rotate operation.
PYTHON COMMAND: fillet(You can align the rotation axis using the snap points of other objects in the project workspace. By default, if you click at a blank point, you establish a rotation axis normal to the current work plane. Instead, you can click at the edge snap point of another objectto set the rotation axis along that edge. Or you can click on the face snap point of another object to set the rotation axis along the normal to that face. Once the rotation axis has been established, a local rotation coordinate system is created,radius)and you can cycle through the three possible axes using the keyboard's '''Up Arrow''' or '''Down Arrow''' keys.
[[FilePYTHON COMMAND:fillet_tn.jpg|fillet]]rotate(object,rot_angle_degree,rot_axis_x,rot_axis_y,rot_axis_z)
==Polygonize Tool==<table><tr><td> [[Image:rotate1_tn_new.png|thumb|540px|Rotating an object selection at the same time.]] </td></tr></table>
ICON: [[File:polygonize_tool_tn.png]] <b>Rotating Objects Locally Using Snap Points</b>
MENU: The simplest and quickest way to rotate an object locally is to hover your mouse over a snap point of an object to highlight it. Then type the keyboard shortcut '''Tools → Transform → PolygonizeR'''to enable the Rotate Tool. A trident depicting a local coordinate system appears at the selected snap point. You can now rotate the selected object by the desired angle. Bear in mind that each snap point has a default axis of rotation. You can cycle through the three rotational axes using the '''Up Arrow''' or '''Down Arrow''' keys. You can also constrain the angle of rotation to 15° increments by holding down the '''Shift Key'''. Left click to complete the rotation.
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT<table><tr><td> [[Image: '''Shift+P'''rotate2_tn_new.png|thumb|540px|Rotating an object selection about an edge of another object.]] </td></tr></table>
FUNCTION: Discretizes the boundary of a curve object or a curved planar surface object into linear segments. ==Roughen Tool==
TO POLYGONIZE OBJECT(S)ICON:[[File:roughen_tool_tn.png]]
# Activate the MENU: '''Polygonize ToolTools → Transform → Roughen'''.# Click on the object(s) you want to polygonize one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done. # The discretized versions of the selected objects appears in the project workspace.# A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can modify the side length of the resulting polygonal objects.# Make sure to click the OK button of the dialog to finalize the operation.
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Shift+H'''
The Polygonize Tool converts a FUNCTION: Converts the surface of an object into a polystrip and converts a curve object into a polyline.random rough surface
TO ROUGHEN AN OBJECT SELECTION:
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You cannot polygonize [[Solid Objects|solid objects]]# Activate the '''Roughen Tool'''.# Click on the object(s) you want to roughen one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# The Rough Surface Dialog opens up on the lower right corner of the screen. Enter values for the RMS height and correlation length of the rough surface. # Click the OK button of the dialog to close it and complete the transformation.
PYTHON COMMANDSPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: polygonize(object,side_length)The Roughen Tool doesn't work with curve objects.
PYTHON COMMAND: roughen(label,object,rms_height,corel_Length)
[[File:polygonize1_tn_new.png]]==Scale Tool==
A circle strip to be polygonizedICON: [[File:scale_tool_tn.png]]
[[FileMENU:polygonize3_tn_new.png]]'''Tools → Basic → Scale'''
The polygonized version of the circle strip with a side length of 30 units.KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''S'''
==Polymesh Tool==FUNCTION: Scales the size (and generally coordinates) of one or more objects by specified scaling vectors
ICONTO SCALE AN OBJECT SELECTION: [[File:polymesh_tool_tn.png]]
MENU: # Activate the '''Tools → Transform → PolymeshScale Tool'''.# Click on the object(s) you want to scale one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# Next, you have to establish the baseline scale vector. Left-click on a point in the project workspace to specify the start of the baseline scale vector. Then, drag the mouse to draw the vector and left-click to finish the baseline scale vector. # Now you have to specify the final scale vector. The final scale vector has the same start point as the baseline scale vector but a different end point which determines the scale factor. As you drag the mouse, you will see the second vector drawn on top of or next to the baseline vector. Left-click one more time when you get the desired transformation. # The scale operation performs a mapping transformation on the object selection from the baseline scale vector onto the final scale vector. As you drag the mouse to establish the end point of the final scale vector, the object selection changes both size and location as a result of the scale transformation.# A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can fine-tune or modify the scale factors along the three principal axes as well the coordinates of the scale origin.
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''P'''
FUNCTION: Discretizes one or more surface or [[Solid Objects|solid By default, objects]] into a set are scaled uniformly, i.e. the scaling factors along the three principal axes are equal. From the Scale Dialog, you can change the three scaling factors arbitrarily to achieve any desired shape. Non-uniform scaling of triangular cellscertain objects like cylinder, cone, sphere, torus, etc., does not take effect because it would destroy the object's symmetry. On the other hand, you can enforce non-uniform scaling of objects like box, ellipsoid, ellipse strip or super-quadratic curve.
TO POLYMESH AN OBJECT SELECTION:
# Activate the '''Polymesh Tool'''.# Click on the objectPYTHON COMMAND: scale(s) you want to polymesh one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done. # Discretized versions of the selected objects appear in the project workspace. # A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen whichobject, allows you to change the edge length of the triangular cells. # Make sure to click the OK button of Polymesh Dialog to finalize the operation. scale_factor)
<table>
<tr>
<td> [[Image:scale1_tn_new.png|thumb|540px|Scaling a box object in all three directions.]] </td>
</tr>
</table>
Naturally, a solid object is turned into a closed polymesh (or a solid polymesh), while a surface object is converted to an open polymesh (or a surface polymesh). Each polymesh object is made up of a number of nodes, edges and faces.<b>Scaling Objects Locally Using Snap Points</b>
Snap points provide an easier way of scaling objects without changing their location. Hover your mouse over a snap point of an object to highlight it and type the keyboard shortcut '''S'''. This establishes the scale origin at the selected snap point. Then, select the end point of the baseline scale vector, which can be another snap point of the same object. It is convenient to select a vertex of an object as the scale origin and select an adjacent vertex as the end point of the baseline scale vector. Next, you need to determine the final scale vector. If you drag the mouse out of the object, you will expand it. If you drag the mouse inside the object and towards the scale origin, you will shrink it.
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You cannot use the Polymesh Tool with <table><tr><td> [[Curve ObjectsImage:scale2_tn_new.png|curve objectsthumb|540px|Scaling a box object in all three directions.]]. </td></tr> </table>
PYTHON COMMAND: polymesh(label,object,edge_length)<b>Constrained Scaling</b>
While dragging the mouse to scale an object select, if you hold the '''Shift Key''' down, you can constrain the scaling to the direction along the baseline scale vector only. Alternatively, if you hold the '''Alt Key''' down, you can constrain the scaling to the direction normal to the baseline scale vector only. If the baseline vector is parallel to one of the principal axes, the "Shift Contstraint" varies only one scaling factor, while the "Alt Constraint" varies two scaling factor simultaneously.
<table><tr><td> [[FileImage:polymesh1_newscale3_tn_new.png|800pxthumb|720px|Constrained scaling of a box along an edge.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:scale4_tn_new.png|thumb|720px|Constrained scaling of a box normal to an edge.]]</td></tr></table>
Converting a pyramid to a polymesh object.==Skin Tool==
ICON: [[File:skin_tool_tn.png]]
<b>Modifying a Polymesh Object</b>MENU: '''Tools → Transform → Skin'''
After you convert an object to a polymesh, you can edit its properties through the polymeshKEYBOARD SHORTCUT: 's property dialog. You can change the mesh type from ''Shift+K'Regular''' to '''Structured''' and vice versa from the dropdown list labeled '''Mesh Type'''. You can also change the '''Edge Length''' to increase or decrease the mesh resolution. All the nodes, faces and edges of a polymesh can be accessed for further editing.
Each polymesh object is made up of FUNCTION: Creates a number of nodes, edges and faces. You can access the individual nodes, edges transition (skin) among two or faces. The '''Mode''' section of the property dialog has three radio buttons labeled '''Node''', '''Face''' and '''Edge'''. When the Node Mode is selected, a small red ball at the location of the selected node. You can cycle through all the nodes from the '''Active Node''' box or using the keyboard's '''Up Arrow''' or '''Down Arrow''' keys. The world coordinates of the active node are displayed in the property dialog. You can change these values and fine tune the position of any node. You can also delete the selected node by clicking the '''Delete''' button next to the node index.more planar surface objects
When the Face Mode is selected, the perimeter of the active face is highlighted as a red triangle. You can cycle through all the faces from the '''Active Face''' box or using its spin buttons. The world coordinates of the centroid of the active face are displayed in the property dialog, but they are greyed out and cannot be edited. However, you can insert a new node at the location of the centroid of the active face and split it into three new smaller faces. To do so, click the '''Insert''' button of the dialog. At this time, a temporary local coordinate system is established at the centroid of the selected face with the local X-axis parallel to the first edge of the selected face and the local Z-axis normal to the plane of the selected face. The three active node coordinate boxes in this case represent the offset coordinates of the new node. You have an opportunity to type in new offset values to modify the location of the new node.TO SKIN PLANAR SURFACE OBJECTS:
When the Edge Mode is selected, the active edge is highlighted as a red line segment. You can cycle through all the edges from # Activate the '''Active EdgeSkin Tool''' box or using its spin buttons. The world coordinates of # Click on the midpoint of the active edge are displayed in the property dialog, but they are greyed out and cannot be edited. However, planar surface object(s) you can insert a new node at the location of the midpoint of the active edge want to skin one by one and split it into two new smaller edges. To do so, click press the '''InsertEnter Key''' button of the dialogwhen done. As a result of this operation, the two triangular faces sharing the selected edge are split into four # A new smaller faces. At this time, a temporary local coordinate system solid object is established at the midpoint of the selected edge with the local X-axis parallel to the selected edge and the local Z-axis normal is aligned along the average of the normal vectors of the two triangular faces sharing that edge. The three active node coordinate boxes created in this case represent the offset coordinates of the new nodeproject workspace. You have an opportunity to type in new offset values to modify Note that the location original surface objects are not deleted as a result of the new nodethis operation.
{{Note|Inserting new nodes on faces allows you to increase the mesh resolution locally at certain selected cells. Inserting new nodes on edges allows you to expand a polymesh object outward from its boundaries.}}
On occasion, the resulting solid object created from the skin operation may be twisted at the center. You can use the '''Left Arrow Key''' or '''Right Arrow Key''' to untwist (or twist) the transition by cycle the surface objectsâ node order clockwise or counter-clockwise. You can also use the '''Up Arrow Key''' or '''Down Arrow Key''' to reverse the selected objectâs node order.
[[File:polymesh2_tn.png|400px]] [[File:polymesh3_tn.png|400px]]
Selecting a node of a polymesh object and editing its coordinates.SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS:
[[File:polymesh4_tn.png|400px]] [[File:polymesh5_tn.png|400px]]
Selecting a face of a polymesh object and inserting a new node at the face centroid.PYTHON COMMAND: None
[[File:polymesh6_tn.png|400px]] [[File:polymesh7_tn.png|400px]]
Selecting an edge of a polymesh object and inserting a new node at the edge midpoint[[File:cad_manual-65_tn.png|720px|skinning process]]
==Consolidate Tool==NOTE how X and Y LCS coordinates of the above two planes are at right angles to each other. If the LCS orientation of each profile are not properly aligned, twisting of the skinned surface will occur. You can enable on-screen LCS (local coordinates) feedback for each object via the View menu.
ICONExample 1: [[File:consolidate_tool_tn.png]] Skinning Multiple Profiles
MENU: '''Tools → Transform → Consolidate'''# Make sure all profiles are de-selected then select the Skin Tool from the CAD toolbar (A and B).# Left click the first profile (C).# Left click the next profile (D).# Continue to left click on each successive profile you want to skin between.# After clicking on the final profile, press ENTER to complete the skinning operation (E).
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT[[File: '''Shift+C'''cad_manual-66_tn.png|720px|skin profiles 1]]
FUNCTION: Converts open polymesh objects to generic [[Surface ObjectsFile:cad_manual-67_tn.png|surface objects]] and converts closed polymesh objects to generic [[Solid Objects720px|solid objectsskin profiles 2]]
TO CONSOLIDATE AN OBJECT SELECTION:==Slice Tool==
# Activate the '''Consolidate Tool'''.# Click on the polymesh object(s) you want to consolidate one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done. # Generic surface of solid versions of the selected polymesh objects appear in the project workspaceICON: [[File:slice_tool_tn. png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Transform → Slice'''
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONSKEYBOARD SHORTCUT: You can also use '''Shift+S''' FUNCTION: Splits one or more selected objects into two parts along a specified slice plane  TO SLICE AN OBJECT SELECTION: # Activate the Consolidate '''Slice Tool '''.# Click on the object(s) you want to convert Boolean objects slice one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done. # Next, you have to generic surface or [[Solid Objects|solid objects]]establish the slice plane. Left-click on a point in the project workspace to specify the first anchor of the slice plane. In that caseBy default, the slice plane is perpendicular to the current work plane. # As you drag the mouse around, a ghost of the slice plane will lose access appear rotating about the anchor point. Left-click a second point in the project workspace to fix the properties slice plane. # The original selected objects are not replaced with sliced objects.   As a result of the individual constituents slice operation, solids are sliced into smaller generic solid objects, surfaces are sliced into smaller generic surface objects and curves are sliced into smaller generic curve objects.   SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You can define the slice plane alternatively using three snap points of the original Boolean objectto be sliced. Once the Slice Tool is enabled, click on three snap points of the selected object one by one to form the three-point slice plane.
PYTHON COMMAND: consolidateslice(object,x0,y0,z0,uX,uY,uZ)  <b>Trimming Objects</b>  You have the option to keep only one of the two split parts resulting from a slice operation if you wish so. While dragging the slice plane, if you hold the keyboard's '''Ctrl Key''' down at the time of the left mouse click, the part on the positive side of the slice plane is preserved and the other part is discarded. If you hold the keyboard's '''Alt Key''' down at the time of the left mouse click, the part on the negative side of the slice plane is preserved and the other part is discarded. Trimming a Cube <table><tr><td> [[Image:slice4_tn_new.png|thumb|300px|Selecting the first point of the slice plane on the edges of a box object.]] </td><td></td><td> [[Image:slice5_tn_new.png|thumb|300px|Selecting the second point of the slice plane on the edges of a box object.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:Slice5_tnB_new.png|thumb|300px|Selecting the third point of the slice plane on the edges of a box object.]] </td><td></td><td> [[Image:slice6_tn_new.png|thumb|300px|Seleting the sliced portion.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:Slice6_tn_new_end.png|thumb|300px|Deleting the sliced portion.]] </td><td></td><td></td></tr></table> Trimming a Circle Strip <table><tr><td> [[Image:slice7_tn_new.png|thumb|300px|Selecting the first point of the slice line on the edges of a circle strip object.]] </td><td></td><td> [[Image:Slice7_tnB_New.png|thumb|300px|Selecting the second point of the slice line on the edges of a circle strip object.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:slice8_tn_new.png|thumb|300px|Selecting the sliced portion.]] </td><td></td><td> [[Image:Slice8_tn_new_end.png|thumb|300px|Deleting the sliced portion.]] </td></tr></table> Trimming a Spiral Object <table><tr><td> [[Image:slice9_tn_new.png|thumb|300px|Selecting the first point of the slice plane.]] </td><td></td><td> [[Image:Slice9_tnB_new.png|thumb|300px|Selecting the second point of the slice plane.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:Slice9_tnB_new_highlight.png|thumb|300px|Selecting the sliced portion.]] </td><td></td><td> [[Image:Slice9_tnB_new_end.png|thumb|300px|Deleting the sliced portion.]] </td></tr></table>
==Spline Tool==
A surface polymesh object (left) and its spline-fitted version (right).
==Roughen Strip-Sweep Tool==
ICON: [[File:roughen_tool_tnstrip_tool_tn.png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Transform → RoughenStrip-Sweep'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Shift+HT'''
FUNCTION: Converts the Creates a flat surface of an object into of a random rough surface specified width from a curve object
TO ROUGHEN AN STRIP-SWEEP CURVE OBJECT SELECTION(S):
# Activate the '''Roughen Strip-Sweep Tool'''.# Click on the curve object(s) you want to roughen one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when donestrip-sweep.# The Rough Surface Dialog opens A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen. Enter values for the RMS height and correlation length of the rough surface. # Click the OK button of the dialog to close it and complete where you can modify the transformationstrip width.
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: The Roughen Tool doesn't work with [[Curve Objects|You cannot strip-sweep a polyline object because of its sharp corners. However, you can first turn the polyline into a smoother curve objects]]object using the Fillet Tool and then strip-sweep it.
PYTHON COMMAND: roughen(label,object,rms_height,corel_Length)
==Random Group Tool==PYTHON COMMAND: strip_sweep(object,width)
ICON: <table><tr><td> [[FileImage:random_group_tool_tnstrip-tool_tn_new.png|thumb|720px|Using strip-sweep tool to turn a spiral curve into a surface object.]] </td></tr></table>
MENU: '''Tools → Basic → Random Group'''==Subtract Tool==
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTICON: '''Shift+O'''[[File:subtract_tool_tn.png]]
FUNCTIONMENU: Creates random clones of a specified key object with random locations and random orientations but confined into the volume of a container object '''Tools → Basic → Subtract'''
TO CREATE A RONDOM GROUPKEYBOARD SHORTCUT:'''D'''
# Activate the '''Random Group Tool'''.# Click on the object you want to clone (key object) and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# The Rough Surface Dialog opens up on the lower right corner of the screen. The '''Container''' dropdown list displays a list of all the [[Solid Objects|solid FUNCTION: Subtracts one or more objects]] In the project workspace. Select the desired container from another object from the list.# The default number of the elements is 100. Change it to any desired number. # Click the OK button of the dialog to close it and complete in the group creation.Boolean sense
TO SUBTRACT FROM AN OBJECT:
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: Only # Activate the '''Subtract Tool'''.# Click on the object you want to subtract from and press the '''Enter Key'''.# Click on the object(s) you want to subtract from the previously selected object one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# All the original selected objects are replaced with a solid new Boolean object can act as with a container for a random groupnew default name.
PYTHON COMMAND: random_group(label,key_object,container_object,element_count)
==Distance Tool==PYTHON COMMAND: subtract(label,object_1,object_2)
ICON: <table><tr><td> [[FileImage:Measure tool tnCad_manual-49_tn_new.png|thumb|540px|(Left) Two overlapping boxes and (Right) the result of their Boolean subtraction after subtracting the gray box from the blue one.]] </td></tr></table>
MENU: '''Tools → Measure → Distance'''==Translate Tool==
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTICON: '''Shift+D'''[[File:move_tool_tn.png]]
FUNCTIONMENU: Measures the distance between any two point in project units '''Tools → Basic → Translate'''
TO MEASURE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO POINTSKEYBOARD SHORTCUT:'''T'''
# Activate the '''Distance Tool'''.# Click on the first point either somewhere in the project workspace FUNCTION: Moves one or more objects to a snap point of an existing object.# Click on the second point. # A dialog pops up at the lower right corner of the screen showing the distance between the two points as well as the three X, Y, Z components of the different location by a specified translation vector extending from the start point to the end point.
TO TRANSLATE AN OBJECT SELECTION:
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You # Activate the '''Translate Tool'''.# Click on the object(s) you want to translate one by one and press the '''Enter Key''' when done.# Next, you have to establish the translation vector. Left-click on a point in the project workspace to specify the start of the vector. # Drag the mouse to draw a ghost of the translation vector in the desired direction. Left-click a second point to specify the end of the vector. # The object selection is translated by the specified vector. # A dialog pops up on the lower right corner of the screen where you can measure fine-tune or modify the distances among several points successivelytranslation vector before finalizing the translate operation. # Using the Translate Dialog, you can also simply type in the final destination coordinates for the object selection.
 PYTHON COMMAND(S): None translate_by(object,dx,dy,dz) translate_to(object,x0,y0,z0)
<table>
<tr>
<td>[[Image:Distance1_newtranslate1_tn_new.png|thumb|500px540px|Measuring Translating an object seletion at the distance between two snap pointssame time.]]</td>
</tr>
</table>
==Angle Tool==<b>Moving Objects Around Using Snap Points</b>
ICON: [[File:angle_tool_tnThe simplest and quickest way to move an object is to hover your mouse over a snap point of the object to highlight it. Then type the keyboard shortcut '''T'''. The cursor latches to the selected snap point and the Translate Dialog pops up at the lower right corner of the screen. Without clicking the mouse, begin to drag the object in the project workspace. A ghost of the object starts to move around. Click the left mouse button at the desired location to drop the object. You can fine-tune the final destination using the Translate Dialog.png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Measure → Distance'''<b>Constrained Translation</b>
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: When you use a snap point to translate an object, you can use the keyboard's '''Alt''' and '''Shift+A'''keys to constrain the object move in certain directions. The type of constraint depends on which snap point you pick to translate the object. The following rules apply:
FUNCTION: Measures * With a face snap point selected, you can constrain translate to the angle between any two edges belonging direction normal to that face only by holding the same object or '''Alt Key''' down during dragging. You can also constrain translate to different objects in degrees TO MEASURE THE ANGLE BETWEEN TWO EDGES: # Activate the plane of that face only by holding the '''Angle ToolShift Key'''down during dragging.# Click on the first * With an edge snap point selected, you can constrain translate to establish the first leg.# Click on the second line along that edge of only by holding the same object or another object '''Shift Key''' down during dragging. You can also constrain translate to establish the second legline normal to that edge only by holding the '''Alt Key''' down during dragging. # A dialog pops up at the lower right corner of the screen showing the angle between the two legs in degrees as well as the X* With a vertex snap point selected, Y, Z components of you can constrain translate to the unit vectors lines along the two selected edgespassing through that vertex only by holding the '''shift Key''' or '''Alt Key''' down during dragging.   PYTHON COMMAND: None
<table>
<tr>
<td> [[Image:consttranslate1_tn_new.png|thumb|400px|Translating a box from a face snap point while holding the Alt Key down.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:consttranslate2_tn_new.png|thumb|400px|Translating a box from an edge snap point while holding the shift Key down.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:Angle1_newconsttranslate3_tn_new.png|thumb|500px400px|Measuring Translating a box from a vertex snap point while holding the angle between two object edgesshift Key down.]]</td>
</tr>
</table>
==Extents Union Tool==
ICON: [[File:info_tool_tnunion_tool_tn.png]]
MENU: '''Tools → Measure Basic → ExtentsUnion'''
KEYBOARD SHORTCUT: '''Shift+EU'''
FUNCTION: Measures the length, surface area or volume of Forms a geometric union of an object selection in the Boolean sense
TO MEASURE THE EXTENTS OF UNION AN OBJECTSELECTION:
# Activate the '''Extents Union Tool'''.# Hover Click on the mouse over any object in objects you want to union one by one and press the project workspace'''Enter Key''' when done.# A dialog pops up at the lower right corner of the screen. If the highlighted The original object selection is replaced with a curve, the dialog shows its arc length. If the highlighted new Boolean object is with a surface, the dialog shows its area. If the highlighted object is a solid, the dialog shows both its volume and total surface areanew default name.
SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You can compute the extents of several objects successively. Â PYTHON COMMAND:Â get_length(object)Â get_area(object)Â get_volumeunion(objectlabel,object_1,object_2)
<table>
<tr>
<td> [[Image:Extents1_newcad_manual-50_tn_new.png|thumb|400px600px|Measuring the surface area (Left) Two overlapping boxes and volume of a solid object.]] </td></tr><tr><td> [[Image:Extents2_new.png|thumb|400px|Measuring (Right) the length result of a curve objecttheir Boolean union.]] </td>
</tr>
</table>
<br />
Â
<hr>
Â
[[Image:Top_icon.png|30px]] '''[[#Operational Modes of CubeCAD Tools| Back to the Top of the Page]]'''
<p> </p>[[Image:Top_iconBack_icon.png|48px30px]] '''[[#Operational Modes of CubeCAD ToolsBuilding_Geometrical_Constructions_in_CubeCAD | Back to the Top of the CubeCAD Page]]'''
[[Image:Back_icon.png|40px30px]] '''[[CubeCAD EM.Cube | Back to CubeCAD EM.Cube Main Page]]'''