topic Re: Lofting a rectangle into a complex solid shape. in AutoCAD Forum

Lofting a rectangle into a complex solid shape.

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 19:53:36 GMT

I've extracted out into polylines the troubled area. I would like to loft the green rectangle up the z axis with the three blue polylines as a guide into a solid model. The idea I have is to fill the empty corner area with a solid model. Essentially I have extracted the edges of the solid model into the blue, yellow and green wireframe.

I have tried using the loft command however I keep recieveing the "at least two profiles must be selected" error message from the command. Is it possible to do this?

Thank You!

Re: Lofting a rectangle into a complex solid shape.

Patchy — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 20:40:10 GMT

If this is a miter corner, do a slice 3 points or other options in SLICE maybe easier.

Re: Lofting a rectangle into a complex solid shape.

JDMather — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 20:53:52 GMT

I haven't figured out how to edit image files in AutoCAD, but I am pretty good at editing *.dwg files. Can you attach actual *.dwg file here?

Re: Lofting a rectangle into a complex solid shape.

Anonymous — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 03:16:49 GMT

Yes of course thank you for inquiring. A link to the actual drawing file:

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=DB0189AA1CD22777!461701&authkey=!ANnYzAwDBJ8zY3c&ithint=file%2cdwg

I think the slice looks like a really good option.

Thank You!

Re: Lofting a rectangle into a complex solid shape.

JDMather — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 12:16:54 GMT

I requested that you attach the file here. I do not go to 3rd party drop boxes. I keep my machine clean and never experience the problems that are commonly reported here.

Re: Lofting a rectangle into a complex solid shape.

Patchy — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 15:28:49 GMT

I have enough flu shots, so I got this for you.

Re: Lofting a rectangle into a complex solid shape.

JDMather — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 17:56:46 GMT

Maybe I missed the design intent - but this looked like 4 simple presspull or extrusion and subtract to me?

Click on the Play button below to see my "solution".

Re: Lofting a rectangle into a complex solid shape.

doben — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 18:33:19 GMT

I've got an alternate solution for you - please see attached:

Draw 2 rectangles as desired. Using the Loft command, select them and hit enter. You'll see a blue trangular grip.Click on it and pick "normal to end section". and voila. You can then use Presspull to extend the bottom.

Re: Lofting a rectangle into a complex solid shape.

nestly2 — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 18:46:47 GMT

I think Patchy and JD provided an easier method to reach the intended result, but to answer the original question about Lofting to a Point with Guides, you select the profile (green rectangle) then use the [P]oint option, followed by the [G]uide option.

Re: Lofting a rectangle into a complex solid shape.

Anonymous — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 19:00:19 GMT

Another option, provided those are simple radii, would be to union the two square bodies, then do a chain fillet. Of course you would need both bodies to extend beyond the fillet dia. then Press Pull the extended parts.

Re: Lofting a rectangle into a complex solid shape.

Anonymous — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 19:22:36 GMT

After trying a mocked up version you don't need the smaller bodies to extend past a full fillet radius, just to be equal. Also it seemed the chain option only got through 2 edges whereas the loop option got them all.

Re: Lofting a rectangle into a complex solid shape.

Anonymous — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 14:51:01 GMT

cool tricks, there are so many ways to do this in ACA, but i always say when trying to create a solid shape its best to create a solid and then subtract the desired curvature. then there's no converting later or complex manipulation you have to use. just created the same shape last night for a flare on a shingle style house. good luck!