3D Boolean Functions

In this Task

• The volumes of the cylinders will be combined with the volume of the base unit.
• The circles will be extruded and their volumes will be subtracted from the primary unit.

Associated Tasks

• Simple Extrude.
• Using the Orbit tool to examine the designs.

Before you Start

• Use the sample drawing for this Session or the drawing saved from the previous session.
• The view is set to Isometric South East.
• The Workplane is displayed.
• The model is displayed in Wireframe mode.

Take Note

• Certain images in this Task contain rendered features for illustrative clarity only.
• When saving your design, use another name to the sample drawing.

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 this task, the 2 upright parts will be added to the base using 3D Add. The 3 circles, 2 within the base part and one within the upright extrusion will be extruded through the primary unit and their volumes subtracted using 3D Subtract.

3D Add

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

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

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

Select the 3D Add tool from the menu options above, then select the base and the upright shown by the circle, circled in the illustration below. These objects can be selected in any order.

This will combine their volumes, shown below. Second upright faded out for illustrative clarity only.

Combining the first upright with the base, other upright shown faded out for clarity

Repeat this, by selecting the combined base and first upright, then the second upright so that all units are combined, shown below.

All 3 units combined using 3D Add

Simple Extrude

Ribbon : Draw | Draw 3D | Simple Extrude

Default Menu : Draw | 3D Object | 3D Profile Based | Simple Extrude

Palette : 3D Model | 3D Object | Simple Extrude

This extrusion tool sweeps a 2D profile in a plane perpendicular to the workplane to create a 3D object.

 

When parts such as extruded circles are to be used as subtracting units, their extrusion height or depth value must exceed that of the primary unit, making it unnecessary to input an actual value.

In the example below it can be seen how the extrusion of the circle exceeds the height of the base, allowing the cylindrical unit to be easily subtracted from the base.

Extruding the circle above the height of the base

Select the Simple Extrude tool from the Draw menu, then select the circle profile shown above. Extrude this to a height which exceeds that of the base, then left click.

Repeat this with the associated circle on the base so that the result is similar to the illustration below.

Both circles on base extruded to a non-specific height above the base

Repeat this with the circle on the upright so that the result is similar to the illustration below.

Extruding the circle on the upright extrusion

 

3D 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 3D object by subtracting the volume of a secondary object from an intersecting primary unit.

Select Modify | 3D Boolean | Substract, then select the base first, then any of the cylindrical extrusions, similar to the illustration below. In this example, the base is selected and the cylinder shown next to the cursor, circled is selected.

Selecting the base first, then the indicated extrusion

The result of the first 3D Subtract is shown below.

Subtracting the lower left cylinder from the primary unit

Repeat this by first selecting the base, then the other, then the remaining cylindrical extrusion so that the result is similar to the illustration below.

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Take Note

Examining the Model using Orbit

In the illustration below, the rotation of the view was created using View > Examine > Orbit and moving the cursor around the model to obtain a favorable view. To return to a standard or isometric view, right click and select the required view from the local menu.

Additionally, the wheel of the mouse can also be held down during the movement of the mouse/cursor to create a dynamic, rolling view. To return to a standard or isometric view, right click and select the required view from the local menu.

All cylinders subtracted from the primary unit

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Save Drawing

This drawing is continued in the next Session.