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.
Using the Revolve tool
To create a Revolve, you will need a profile and an axis of revolution. The profile can be a closed sketch or a face. The axis can be an axis of the grid, a construction axis, a sketch line, or a linear edge. The Revolve tool rotates the profile about the axis to generate the solid geometry. By default, the profile is revolved 360°, but you can modify the angle value as necessary. To generate a helical shape, you can specify a height for the revolve.
To use the Revolve tool:
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Ensure you have the elements necessary for the Revolve, including:
- Profile - A sketch region or face representing half of the finished body's cross-section.
- Axis - An axis, line, or linear edge element at the center of rotation for the body.
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Go to Tools > Revolve.
For other methods of accessing this tool Accessing tools.
- Select the profile.
- Select the axis.
- Optional: Use the gizmo to adjust the angle for the revolve action.
- If necessary, adjust the height for the revolve to create a helical shape (see Creating helical bodies).
- Select Done.
Note: When using Revolve from the adaptive menu, select an empty area of the grid to complete the tool.
Creating helical bodies
Helical bodies are created by defining a height value within the Revolve tool.
To create a helical body:
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Ensure you have the elements necessary for the Revolve, including:
- Profile - A sketch region or face representing half of the finished body's cross-section.
- Axis - An axis, line, or linear edge element at the center of rotation for the body.
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Go to Tools > Revolve.
For other methods of accessing this tool Accessing tools. - Select the profile.
- Select the axis.
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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. - Use the gizmo to adjust the height for the revolve.
- Select Done.
Note: When using Revolve from the adaptive menu, select an empty area of the grid to complete the tool.
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.
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Elevation – Enter your preferred elevation distance.
Learn more by watching the video below: