topic subtract from two separate adjacent solids, without them unioning in AutoCAD Forum

subtract from two separate adjacent solids, without them unioning

AutoMarcus — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 00:31:40 GMT

hi, is there a system variable that enables me to subtract an item from two separate solids, and leave them separated?

at the moment it unions them.

from memory it was a solid history setting, perhaps i'm mistaken

i am putting bolt holes in a beam and a plate, subtracting a cylinder from both to make the holes.

Re: subtract from two separate adjacent solids, without them unioning

AVCPlugins — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 06:30:29 GMT

It is impossible to do this with standard AutoCAD tools. You will have to use plugins or scripts. It is for the convenience of subtracting solids that I developed the Drill and GAP commands. I think you will like them.

Re: subtract from two separate adjacent solids, without them unioning

imadHabash — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 09:19:24 GMT

Not applicable !!

Re: subtract from two separate adjacent solids, without them unioning

travisgoffZ2B3C — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 11:47:46 GMT

Here is what I do: select the object (ie RED CYLINDER) that you will be subtracting from the others, COPY, 0,0,0 ENTER base point, 0,0,0 ENTER second (insertion) point, {0,0,0 ENTER an additional time if you also want to have the subtracted part there when done}. With selection cycling ON, SUBTRACT any of the 2 {or 3, depending} identical cylinders from either block. Repeat for the other block. If you only copied out 1 additional cylinder, then, when done, you will have the two, separate blocks and the void left by the missing cylinder. If you copied out 2 additional cylinders, then, when done, you will also have the third, remaining cylinder still represented in that void.

If this is something I was doing at multiple instances, it would be ideal if the green block, blue block, and the cylinder were each on different layers. I would also use SELECTSIMILAR as needed.

Re: subtract from two separate adjacent solids, without them unioning

AutoMarcus — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:00:58 GMT

Hi Travis, yes that's what i currently do, however was looking for another way.

thanks for your suggestion