Surface of Revolution

A surface of revolution is created by rotating a curve about a specified axis. The revolution is any amount from -360 to 360. These are similar to a swept surface, and can be used to create other primitive shapes not provided such as a torus or a cone. These surfaces are exact.

While you can use a 3D curve as the curve to spin around an axis, there is a higher chance of creating a self-intersecting surface. Where possible, it's best to use a 2D curve for input to this surface.

Note: To create a surface of revolution, you need a curve and either the X or Y axis for rotation, or a custom line for the axis.

To create a Surface of Revolution:

1. Select Construct tab > Surfaces panel > From Curves > Revolve to display the Surface of Revolution dialog.
2. Optionally enter a name in the Surface name field.
3. Select the curve you want to use from the Curve menu, or click the Pick Curve button and select it in the graphics window.
4. Enter the Start angle in degrees.
5. Enter the End angle in degrees.
6. In the Construction method section, select which axis the curve is rotated about. Select from Custom line, X-Axis, Y-Axis or Z-Axis.
7. If Custom line is selected, select the curve you want to use from the Axis list, or click the Pick Curve button and select it in the graphics window.
8. Click Apply.
9. Click Preview to display a preview of the surface in the graphics window.
10. Click OK to create the surface.

Note: Revolved surfaces may have no cap on the ends depending on the source curve. Depending on the milling technique you select, such as Z-level roughing, you may need a cap surface.