Creating a revolution surface

Modeling > Creating Surfaces > Creating a revolution surface

Creating a revolution surface

Revolution spins a curve around an axis to create a 3D surface.

By default, the curve revolves around a vertical axis that passes through the origin of the World (position 0,0,0). The distance between the curve and the origin determines the thickness of the revolution. For example, if you draw the outline of a wine glass 5 units away from the World origin, you end up with a large vat, with a wine glass outline.

To create a surface by revolution:

Draw a curve close to the World origin. See Drawing a freeform curve .

Adjust the curve keeping the following in mind:

AXEL does not use the curve's steps parameter in the creation of the surface, so a smooth curve does not create a smooth revolution.

You can refine the curve after you create the revolution since the curve remains linked to the revolution.

You can add points to the original curve to make the revolution surface smoother.

With the curve selected, choose Modeling > Create Surface > Revolution from Curve.

A revolution surface appears.

Select the revolution and translate, scale, or rotate it as needed.

To change its shape, modify its original contour curve. See Modifying Curves .

In the Parameter Editor, adjust the revolution parameters.

Revolution Parameters

Origin

Position of the center of the revolution. By default the origin of the revolution is the origin of the World origin (0, 0, 0).

Revolution axis

Axis around which the surface revolves. The default revolution axis depends on where you draw the curve. If you draw the curve in front or right view, it revolves around the Y axis (0 1 0); in top view, it revolves around the Z axis (0 0 1).

Subdivisions

Number of facets of the revolved shape. Increasing subdivisions increases the smoothness of the surface as well as its weight.

Angle

The number of degrees of revolution.

Top capping

Closes the top of the surface.

End capping

Closes the bottom of the surface.

Surface
closing

If the angle is less than 360, turning on Surface closing connects the edges of the revolution.

See also:
Surface parameters

Modifying surfaces

Origin	Position of the center of the revolution. By default the origin of the revolution is the origin of the World origin (0, 0, 0).
Revolution axis	Axis around which the surface revolves. The default revolution axis depends on where you draw the curve. If you draw the curve in front or right view, it revolves around the Y axis (0 1 0); in top view, it revolves around the Z axis (0 0 1).
Subdivisions	Number of facets of the revolved shape. Increasing subdivisions increases the smoothness of the surface as well as its weight.
Angle	The number of degrees of revolution.
Top capping	Closes the top of the surface.
End capping	Closes the bottom of the surface.
Surface closing	If the angle is less than 360, turning on Surface closing connects the edges of the revolution.