Revolve

You can use the Revolve tool to create solid bodies that are symmetrical about an axis. Some shapes that are commonly created using Revolve include cylinders, cones, spheres, or any axial symmetry, round shapes. The Revolve tool also includes a height parameter that allows you to generate shapes such as coils, springs, and threads.

The type of revolve created is automated based on geometric conditions but can be modified if necessary. Using the Revolve tool can result in geometry that is:

• A new body.
• Added to an existing body.
• Removed from an existing body, creating a hole or void.
• The intersection of the revolved profile with an existing body.

How to use the Revolve tool

Create a basic revolve

Use the Revolve tool to rotate a profile around an axis and generate a solid body.

To create a basic revolve:

1. Go to Tools > Revolve.
   For other methods of accessing this tool Accessing tools.
2. Select the profile and then select the axis.
3. Optional: Use the gizmo to adjust the angle for the revolve action.
4. Optional: Use the Boolean badge to manually select a boolean action.
5. Optional: To create a helical shape, specify a height for the revolve.
6. To finish, Select Done.
   Note:  When using Revolve from the adaptive menu, select an empty area of the grid to complete the tool.

Create helical bodies

Add a height value to your revolve to generate coils, springs, or threaded shapes.

To create a helical body: 

1. Go to Tools > Revolve.
   For other methods of accessing this tool Accessing tools.
2. Select the profile and then select the axis.
3. Optional: Use the gizmo to adjust the angle for the revolve action.
   Note: Every 360° equals a complete revolution of the helix. You can use the calculator functionality to multiply 360 by the number of revolutions.
4. Optional: Use the Boolean badge to manually select a boolean action.
5. Optional: Use the gizmo to define the height of the helical body.
6. To finish, select Done.
   Note:  When using Revolve from the adaptive menu, select an empty area of the grid to complete the tool.

Revolve profiles and axes

Creating a revolve requires a profile and an axis. The profile is the shape being rotated, and the axis is the line it rotates around. If a height is defined, the profile spirals upward as it rotates, which is how shapes like coils, springs, and threads are created. These settings are also available in the History settings after completing the operation.

• Profile – A closed sketch or a face to revolve around the axis.
• Axis of revolution – An axis of the grid, a construction axis, a sketch line, or a linear edge.
• Angle – By default, the profile is revolved by 360°, but you can modify the angle as needed.
• Height – To generate a helical shape, you can specify a height for the revolve action.

Automatic Boolean actions

The type of Boolean operation created is automated based on geometric conditions. Here is a summary of the automatic Boolean actions and when they are triggered:

Boolean type	Result	Automatic trigger
New Body	Creates a new, stand-alone solid body.	Automatically triggers when new geometry does not intersect or make contact with any existing body.
Union	Executes a Union boolean operation, adding the new geometry directly to an existing body and sharing intersecting edges.	Triggers with any of the following conditions: • A face on an existing body is selected to generate the geometry path. • A sketch profile connected to an existing body is pulled or extended away from it.
Subtract	Executes a Subtract boolean operation, removing the new geometry from an existing body to produce a cut, hole, or void.	Triggers when a sketch profile or face is selected and pushed or extended directly into an existing solid body.
Intersect	Restricts the output to an Intersect boolean type, retaining only the shared volume where the new geometry overlaps an existing body.	An intersection is not applied automatically and must be selected manually from the Boolean badge menu.

History settings

To manage history settings for the Revolve action, find the step for your specific revolution and then view or modify the following:

• Profile – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different sketch profile for the Revolve action and then select Done to finish.
• Axis –  Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different reference axis for the Revolve action and then select Done to finish.  
• Angle – Enter your preferred angle.
• Elevation – Enter your preferred elevation distance.
  
  

Video walkthrough