Create a curve network

Create a surface from a network of intersecting curves.

• You can use any kind of curve (free curves, isoparametric curves, curves on surface, trim edges), of any parameterization and degree, rational or non-rational.
• Make sure the curves intersect.

  See Make curves intersect.

• The enclosed area of the network should have only three, four, or five sides.
• Remember the restrictions on the topology of regions. (See Understand curve networksfor more information.)
• Make sure the curves have smooth curvature.

  See Find curve problems using the curve curvature plot.

  Tip:

  Remember that you do not need to describe the entire model with a single curve network. Try using several curve networks for different parts of the model.

To show the curve network toolbox, choose Surfaces > Curve Networks.

Create a new curve network surface

1. Choose CrvNet Tools > New Network.
2. Pick all the curves you want to define the new surface. It doesn’t matter in what order you pick the curves.
3. Click Go.
   Tip:

   The New network tool will let you create a curve network from invalid curves (for example, curves that do not intersect), but the actual surfaces will not build until you edit the curves to create a valid network.

   Note:

   Use CrvNet Tools > Analyze Network to look for the problem that prevented the surfaces from building.