3D Boolean Functions

In this Task

• Boolean functions will be used to combine and subtract volumes.

Associated Tasks

• 3D Boolean Add.
• 3D Boolean Subtract.

Before you Start

• The Workplane is displayed.
• The view is set to any Isometric view.

Take Note

• When performing boolean add or subtract functions, the primary unit is selected first.

3D BOOLEAN FUNCTIONS

Ribbon : Modify | 3D Modifications | 3D Boolean Operations

Default Menu : Modify | Modify 3D Objects | 3D Boolean Operations

Boolean is the name given to the method of combining, separating or slicing objects.Boolean operations can only take place when working with 2 like objects – for example 2 surface objects.The first object selected is referred to as the Primary Object ; the second object selected is referred to as the Secondary Object or the Subtracting Unit.

In the first task, the volume of the larger cylinder will be combined with the base of the object. The 3D Boolean Add tool will be used to do this.

3D Boolean Add

Ribbon : Modify | 3D Modifications | 3D Boolean Operations | 3D Add

Default Menu : Modify | Modify 3D Objects | 3D Boolean Operations | 3D Add

This 3D boolean function combines the volume of 2 intersecting or adjoining surface objects.During the selection process, the primary solid is selected first, then the subtracting unit.

Turn the view to Isometric South West then select the 3D Boolean Add tool from the menu options above.

Select the primary part (the base), then the larger cylindrical extrusion, shown below.

Selecting the base, then the cylinder to add volumes

The result is shown below.

Cylinder and base combined.

View shown in Draft Render Mode

Form Building Edges removed using Options > Display > Form Building Edges (off)

3D Boolean Subtract

Ribbon : Modify | 3D Modifications | 3D Boolean Operations | 3D Add

Default Menu : Modify | Modify 3D Objects | 3D Boolean Operations | 3D Add

This 3D Boolean function creates a new object by subtracting the volume of a secondary object from an intersecting primary unit.

In the next task, the volumes of the smaller cylindrical extrusions will be used as subtracting units so they create holes on the base.

Turn the view to Isometric South East, select 3D Subtract from the menu options above, then select the base of the primary unit.

The result is shown below.

Repeat this for the remaining circles so that the result is the same as the illustration below.

Cylinders subtracted from base of the unit

take Note :

The display of edges in 3D objects is controlled using Options | Display | Show Form Building Edges.