Revolve
Creates a revolved subdivision surface by sweeping profile curves around an axis. This tool generates subdivision-based results that are similar to the Revolve tool for NURBS surfaces.
Use the tool to quickly create cylindrical and rotational shapes, such as rims and tires.
Access the tool from the Subdivision Palette:
Subdiv Revolve settings
Sweep Start/ Sweep End
The starting and end angles of revolution in degrees.
Radial Segments
Specifies the number of individual faces that form the revolution. The default value is 8, which is the minimum number to create a smooth curves around 360 degrees.
Profile Segments
Specifies the number of faces that are created along the length of the profile curve. The larger the number, the closer the geometry matches the shape of the profile curve.
Mode
Uniform - Distributes the CVs evenly along the length of the profile curve. When you select this mode, you can use Curvature Bias to adjust the how curvature affects the distribution. For example, you can add Curvature Bias to distribute more of the CVs to areas with greater curvature.
Parametric - Uses the parametric space to distribute the CVs. For example, CVs are positioned based on the U parameter value along the source curve.
Curvature Bias
(Available only for Uniform Mode) When set to 0, the CVs are evenly distributed. As you increase this value, the profile curve curvature has a greater effect on how the CVs get distributed in subdivision surface.
Axis Options
Use these options to define the axis of revolution:
Local + X, Y or Z - Axis position is defined by the pivot point of the curve or group. Axis direction is defined by an X, Y or Z direction. Only one curve or group of curves can be selected when using Local mode.
Global + X, Y or Z - Axis position is defined by scene origin. Axis direction is defined by an X, Y or Z direction.
Manip is automatically selected when you manually modify a manipulator in the view. Use the top and bottom manipulators to tilt in the axis and the middle manipulator to move it in the X (LMB), Y (MMB), or Z (RMB) directions.
Revolve tool workflow
Creating a revolved surface
The Subdiv Revolve tool is best used with the tool control window open, so that values can be modified interactively. You can preselect the profile curve and use the setting to place and orient the revolve after it has been created. Or, if you already know how you want to position and orient the revolved geometry, you can adjust these settings first before selecting the profile curve.
Double-click the tool icon to open the Subdiv Revolve settings window.
Select the curve you want to use as the revolve profile. You can choose any degree curve. You cannot use the edge of a subdivision object.
The tool creates a revolved subdivision object.
Set the position and axis orientation of the revolved surface. By default, the axis position is set to the local pivot point of the curve and its direction is set to the Z axis.
In addition to setting X, Y, or Z as the revolve direction, you can also use the manipulators. Click a handle, then drag the mouse to change its orientation: X (LMB), Y (MMB), or Z (RMB).
Setting the Sweep Start and and Sweep End sets the total angle of revolution. By default, the sweep starts at 0 degrees and ends at 360, which defines a full revolution. The number of Radial Segments remains constant between the start and end sweep. The smaller the sweep, the narrower the segments become.
Use Radial Segments and Profile Segments to define the number of faces you want in the rotated surface and along the profile.
Use Mode to determine how you want the CVs distributed. When choosing Uniform, you can additionally use Curvature Bias to move more CVs to areas of greatest curvature.