These tools are all kept in the Model Menu.
Extrude Along Path Tool:
The ‘Advanced’ Extrude that you will probably use the most frequently is Model >Extrude Along path.
As the name suggests this requires at least two parts to complete the extrusion. It is made up solely of 2D shapes one of which acts as the path object and the other/others as the profile.
- Paths can be either simple primitives (circles, rectangles, arcs) or Polylines/Polygons. When drawing paths it is often useful to construct one from a series of separate lines/polylines, this ensures a level of accuracy to the path. Make sure that the lines are connected at their end points and connect using Modify> Compose. This will result in a new single polyline.
- The ‘Profile’ can be formed of single or multiple 2D shapes. Each shape can have its own colour- but not its own texture!. Note that the profile is positioned with its center along the path.
Extrusions along paths are always positioned flat on the ground plane despite which view you create them in. You will have to rotate them afterwards to position them vertically etc.
Also note that the center of the extrusion is placed at height=0. The Extrude Along Path will require moving up and re-positioning in an elevation view.
Both the Path and the Profile can be edited/added to by double-clicking on the extrusion and selecting the desired part to alter from the command box. Click on the 'Done' button to see the updated extrusion.
