Create void body from a 3D model

[Ray.bongalon]

Hi. I have this mechanical model that I need to get the rough volume. Is it possible to create a void body from the model's external face? I tried 'Body Fill' but I can't make it work. My last option is to create cross-section sketches (ignoring the cleats, bolts, etc) of the shaft and extrude them. Thank you all.

[BrianEkins · Accepted solution]

There's not an easy way that I know of. You can use commands in the SURFACE tab so that you can delete faces, and then you can patch the openings and stitch it back together as a solid that won't have any of the internal cavities. For example, look at a simple pipe. If you delete the two faces on the ends of the pipe, you'll end up with two cylindrical faces. Now, if you patch the openings only using the larger cylindrical faces and stitch the three surfaces together, you'll have a solid cylinder using the larger of the two cylindrical faces. It's the same idea for a more complex model. 

[Ray.bongalon]

Hi Brian,

Thank you for getting back to me. I'll look into this process. 

Regards