Either SCALE a solid on a single axis or UNION a 3D block with a solid.

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to SCALE a solid on the Z-axis only and UNION it with another solid.

The problem is that SCALE only works on XYZ and if I convert the solid to a block using the BLOCK command and scale it by altering the "scale Z" parameter, it will no longer EXPLODE or BURST back into a solid.

You also can't UNION a block with a solid even if the block was made from a 3D solid.

Is there anything I can do? Are there any add-ons that will scale on a single axis?

[j.palmeL29YX]

Is it absolutely necessary to use the scale command? Or can you get the expected result also by dragging a face (or any faces) along the Z-axis or by stretching the solid along the Z-axis or similar actions? Can you show us an example of your model (dwg) which you want to modify, please.

cadder

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately, yes. I'm trying to exaggerate the details of a solid logo without changing it's size.  It's pretty complex with some NURBS lofting otherwise I'd just push/pull faces. Extruding the underside of the logo to pad its thickness doesn't exaggerate any detail.

[j.palmeL29YX]

A completely other idea / proposal:

Do you know the program ZSurf4? It converts a bitmap to 3D (nurbs) surfaces. If you have an appropriate pic of the Logo (a plan view), you can create a 3D-Surface. You can decide the scale factor in Z-direction and several other parameters.

Give it a try (it's free).

cadder

[j.palmeL29YX]

Or another way:
Slice the model in several "discs" (horizontally). Extract the boundary conture of each cutting face. Move this curves along the z-axis proportional to a higher value and connect this curves into a new solid (loft command).
It's hard to explain with words. If you don't understand what I mean post an example dwg of your current model (a significant part) and I will try to show you.

cadder

[Anonymous]

I think I have my solution. I can export the 3D model as an STL and import it into blender (also free). Modify it as desired in Blender and do the boolean UNION in blender as well.

[Anonymous]

I understand what you're getting at but DANG that would be a lot of work. I think I'm going to go the Blender route though. I could always reimport the resulting solid back into AutoCAD.