Use this procedure to create a Free Form mass element from an AutoCAD ACIS solid that has the properties of the mass element tool you select. You can edit these properties after creating the mass element.
The resulting Free Form mass element is a faceted approximation of the 3D solid. The smoothness of curved edges is controlled by the FACETDEV variable. This variable specifies the number of facets to display on curved AEC objects.
- Open the tool palette that you want to use.
If necessary, scroll to display the tool that you want to use.
- Right-click a mass element tool, and click Apply Tool Properties to
3D Solid. - Select the 3D solids to convert.
- When prompted to erase the original geometry, press Enter to keep the 3D solid, or enter y (Yes) to erase it.
- Enter n (Name) to give a description to the mass element, and press Enter.
- Enter a name, and press Enter twice.
- Edit the properties of the mass element in the Properties palette, if needed. Note: Due to the topological structure of the free form mass element, its facet deviation cannot be changed. The FACETDEV command will have no effect on an existing free form mass element.