The Cut tool supports three sub-modes:
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The Cut tool does not work on NURBS objects, so it automatically transforms a NURBS object into a polygonal object when you apply the tool to the object. NOTE: Once a NURBS object is transformed into a polygonal object, it cannot be transformed back into a NURBS object. Do not use this tool if you want to keep the NURBS information.
q Cutting along a cutting plane
The goal here is to cut the current object along a plane perpendicular to the current viewpoint.
Usage:
1. Selecting the element or part of the element to work on.
Clicks using the Wand on the element you want to work on. It becomes the current object.
Use the Lasso or the Bullseye to restrict the action to part of the object. (clicking right mouse button on PC, pressing the Option key and simultaneously clicking the mouse button on Mac)
You may need to change the viewpoint or working plane depending on the cutting plane you want to define. (See chapter User Manual/Tools/Control Panel/Views …or/Working Plane.)
2. Selecting the Cut tool.
Click on the icon depicting the Cut tool in the Tools Palette.
3. Applying the tool.
Click on the object to cut.
4. Orientation of the cut plane.
The cut plane is always perpendicular to the viewpoint. To define its orientation you must designate two points:
1st point:
Þ Click to set its position.
Or
Þ Press the Tab key to enter precise numerical coordinates. Press Return to validate the entry.
2nd point:
Þ Click to set its position.
Or
Þ Press the Tab key to enter precise numerical coordinates. Press Return to validate the entry.
The object is cut.
5. Ending the tool action.
Put the tool aside to end the action (depending on the interface). See chapter User Manual/Tools/Generic use of a tool/How do you end a tool action?
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Practical exercises:
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1. Creating the reference curves. Use the Drawing tools to create a closed or open 2D curve. This curve will be projected onto the object to be punched. If the reference curve is a closed curve, it will create a hole in the object. If the reference curve is an open curve it will cut the object following the profile of the curve and divide it into two parts. |
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2. Positioning the reference curve. The reference curve must, in the current view, be superimposed onto the object to be cut. The distance between the reference curve and the object is of no importance. The projection will be made perpendicular to the plane of the reference curve.
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3. Selecting the object to punch. Click on the object you wish to punch using the Wand.
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4. Selecting the Punch tool. Click on the icon depicting the Punch tool in the Tools Palette. | ||
5. Designating the reference curve and punching the object. Click on the reference curve.
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The pattern is punched within the current object and internal facets are created within the punched object.
When punching a hole in an object, Amapi 3D adds additional vertices around the hole so as to create facets.
6. Ending the tool action.
Put the tool aside to end the action (depending on the interface). See chapter User Manual/Tools/Generic use of a tool/How do you end a tool action?
The result of the punch tool is two different objects: the punched object (with a hole) and the cut that you may edit or save separately.
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Practical exercises:
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q Boolean
A Boolean operation is the computation of the intersection of two objects. Those objects can be 2D curves, surfaces, or volumes.
Amapi 3D will display the different possible results. You will select the results that you want.
If you need to generate two different types of intersection, save the objects you are intersecting before starting the Boolean operation. You can validate only one result of a Boolean operation at a time. You can used the saved objects to do the second Boolean operation.
Usage:
1. Selecting one of the objects.
Click on one of the object you want to intersect using the Wand. It becomes the current object.
If you want to keep the original objects, save them before performing to the Boolean operation.
2. Selecting the Boolean tool.
Click on the icon depicting the Boolean tool in the Tools Palette.
3. Selecting the second object.
Click on the second object you want to intersect with the current object using the Wand.
The intersection is computed. It may take some time depending on the complexity of the operation. A first result is then displayed.
4. Displaying the different possible results.
To have Amapi 3D display successively all the elementary intersections:
Þ Use the “+” or “-” keys of the numeric keypad.
Þ Use the “+” or “–” buttons in the Assistant Palette.
The two intersected objects are a sphere and a cylinder.
Amapi 3D generates six possible results.
5. Selecting and validating one result.
Once the intersection you are looking for is displayed, press the Return key to select it.
You may choose only one result.
6. Ending the tool actions
Put the tool aside to end the action (depending on the interface). See chapter User Manual/Tools/Generic use of a tool/How do you end a tool action?
If you drop the tool before validating a result, the Boolean operation will be canceled.
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Practical exercises:
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