Chapter 30. Solid Modeling

Solid modeling is a relatively new method of modeling that has been around for only a few years and is now becoming very popular. Solid modeling consists of creating primitives and combining and manipulating those primitives into more complex objects. It is called solid modeling because you can attach material information to the model so that you can find information such as an object’s center of gravity, how much it weighs, and so on.

This chapter focuses on how the ACIS solid modeler in AutoCAD 2002 works as an integrated modeling tool. Specifically, this chapter explores the following concepts:

• The ACIS solid modeler

• Creating primitives

• Working with EXTRUDE and REVOLVE

• Working with 3D Boolean commands

• Using FILLET and CHAMFER

• Controlling surface resolution

• Advanced solid modeling commands

• Editing solids