MicroStation CONNECT Edition Help

Surface by Extrusion Along Path

Used to create:

a surface by extruding a profile element (line, line string, arc, ellipse, complex chain, complex shape, or B-spline curve) along a path.
a tubular surface extrusion along a path.

You can access this tool from the following:

Ribbon: Modeling > Surfaces > Create Surfaces > Extrude/Sweep > Extrude Along

Setting	Description
Custom Profile	Creates a surface by extrusion along a curve.
Circular Profile	Creates a tubular surface by extrusion along a curve. For details, refer to the topic Surface By Extrusion Along Path - Circular Profile
Alignment	Determines the orientation of the profile element as it is extruded. Normal — As the profile is extruded it maintains a fixed relationship with the normal plane of the path. Parallel — As the profile element is extruded, it remains aligned parallel to its original position.
Lock Profile Rotation	If on, lets you define the direction for the orientation of the profile as it is extruded along a non-planar path. If off, the orientation of the profile is controlled by the geometry of the non-planar path, possibly causing unwanted twisting.
Start distance	Lets you define the distance at which the extrusion will start, along the path element. You can change this graphically by clicking and dragging the starting distance control point.
Variable Link	Let's you use an existing variable to set the input value, defined in the Variables dialog. Note: If no variables exist, you will be alerted to create one first.
End distance	Lets you define the distance at which the extrusion will end, along the path element. You can change this graphically by clicking and dragging the ending distance control point.
Thickness	Sets the wall thickness when a hollow solid, or a surface with thickness is required. None — Disables the Thickness setting. Inside — The thickness is protruded on the inside face of the extrusion. Outside — The thickness is protruded on the outside face of the extrusion. Center — The thickness is equally protruded on both faces of the extrusion, respecting the total thickness value entered.
Scale	Lets you apply a scale factor to the extrusion. The profile is scaled about the selected scale point as it is extruded. Prior to accepting the extrusion, you can adjust the scale point by dragging the scale point graphic (sphere) to a new location.
Spin	If on, the profile is rotated by the angle specified in the angle field as it is extruded along the path.
Path	Sets the behavior of the path after the feature is created. Hide - The path is associated with the feature to allow for later modification, but is not visible. To use or modify the path again, you will need to use Show Input Element command from the reset pop-up menu from the "extrude along" feature icon. Show - The path is associated with the feature to allow for later modification and is visible. This allows you to quickly reuse the same path in another 3D operation. Modifying the path will affect both operations. Copy and Hide - Similar to `Hide`; except that a copy of the path is made first, leaving the original path unassociated. This allows you to quickly reuse the same path in another 3D operation that you do not wish to be associated with the previous feature.
Profile	Sets the behavior of the profile after the feature is created. Hide - The profile is associated with the feature to allow for later modification, but is not visible. To use or modify the profile again, you will need to use Show Input Element command from the reset pop-up menu or the Show Input Element tool. Show - The profile is associated with the feature to allow for later modification and is visible. This allows you to quickly reuse the same profile in another 3D operation. Modifying the profile will affect both operations. Copy and Hide - Similar to `Hide`; except that a copy of the profile is made first, leaving the original profile unassociated. This allows you to quickly reuse the same profile in another 3D operation that you do not wish to be associated with the previous feature.
Allow Self-Intersection	Allows self intersecting geometry. If on the operation will take longer if the geometry intersects. If off and geometry intersects then the operation will fail.

Key-in: CONSTRUCT SURFACE ALONG