Using the Extrude Tool

ToolsExtrudeScreenCapture.jpg (19829 bytes)

The Extrude Tool takes a source plane that you provide and sweeps it through space along a path you define. The volume swept through becomes a solid object.

The Extrude Tool is made up of three panes. The first pane is the object preview, which displays the object created. The second pane is the source grid where you define the plane that will be swept through space. The third pane is the path grid which is used to define the path through space of the source plane.

The source and path are defined using control points. A series of control points are connected to create the source and path. Control points are added by clicking on the grid. The first control point is colored green. Each additional point added is colored white. The points are connected using a Bezier curve. This form of curve has a start control point and end control point that are guaranteed to be on the curve, but any other control points act as magnets attracting the curve in their direction.

Shift-Clicking on a control point creates a new control point along the curve. Ctrl-Clicking on a control point deletes the control point.

The source plane may also have fixed control points that are guaranteed to be on the curve. Clicking a second time on a control point results in it becoming a fixed control point which is colored blue. This only applies to the source plane because fixed points within paths result in unacceptable amounts of deformation, with the resulting object folding over on itself.

In order to produce a closed object, the source must form a closed curve.

A slider is provided to adjust the detail level of the created object.

The source can be scaled as it is moved along the path by setting a Scale factor. It also can be twisted as it moves along the path by setting a Rotate factor.

As an alternative, you may choose to use N-Spline curves instead of Bezier curves. Bezier is a smoother curve, but N-Spline control points are guaranteed to be on the curve produced. Remember to press Tab after selecting N-Spline to have it take effect.

Click Button-NewSmall.gif (138 bytes) to create a new Extrude object.

Click Button-OpenSmall.gif (177 bytes) to open an existing 3D Canvas Object Builder Extrude (CBE) file.

Click Button-SaveSmall.gif (149 bytes) to save the object to a 3D Canvas Object Builder Extrude (CBE) file.

Click Button-UndoSmall.gif (134 bytes) to undo the previous operation. Only modelling operations can be undone.

Click Button-RedoSmall.gif (134 bytes) to redo the last action undone.

Click Button-WireframeSmall.gif (139 bytes) to display the object in wireframe mode.

When you click the OK button the object becomes available for dragging and dropping.