Creating pyramids

You can create a tetrahedron (three-sided pyramid) or a four-sided pyramid. The sides of the resulting pyramid can meet at a point (the apex) or can form a three- or four-edged top. The sides of a four-sided pyramid can also meet along a ridge defined by two points. The base of the pyramid is always parallel to the xy plane of the current UCS. You position the pyramid by specifying a corner of the base. You determine the size of the pyramid by specifying the base points and either the apex, the corners of the top surface, or the endpoints of the ridge.

NOTE The tetrahedron and pyramid are created as three-dimensional ACIS solids.

To create a tetrahedron

1. Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > 3D Entities > Pyramid.
• On the Solids toolbar, click the Pyramid tool ().
• Type pyramid and then press Enter.
2. Specify the first point for the base of the pyramid.
3. Specify the second and third points.
4. In the prompt box, choose Tetrahedron.
5. Specify the apex of the tetrahedron.

The first point (A), second point (B), and third point (C) of the base, and the apex (D).

To create a pyramid with a planar top

1. Do one of the following:
• Choose Insert > 3D Entities > Pyramid.
• On the Solids toolbar, click the Pyramid tool ().
• Type pyramid and then press Enter.
2. Specify the first point for the base of the pyramid.
3. Specify the second, third, and fourth points.
4. In the prompt box, choose Top Surface.
5. Specify the first point on the top surface of the pyramid.
6. Specify the second, third, and fourth points.

The first point (A), second point (B), third point (C), and fourth point (D) of the base, and the first point (E), second point (F), third point (G), and fourth point (H) of the top surface.

To create a pyramid as a three-dimensional surface

To create a pyramid as a surface instead of as a solid, the procedure is similar.

1. Do one of the following:
• On the Draw 3D toolbar, click the Pyramid tool ().
• Type ai_pyramid and then press Enter.
2. Specify the points as described previously.

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