Loft

Use the Loft tool to create a NURBS surface from multiple cross sections.

Basic	Standard	Professional
-	-	O

Usage

1. Select two or more curves to use as cross sections for lofting.
   
2. In CAD Mode, select Loft from the Toolbox's CAD creation tools.
   
3. A single surface is created connecting the cross sections.
   

Smoothing the Curvature of a Lofted Surface

When adding a loft to surfaces with a mix of straight angles and curves, the resulting curved NURBS surface can be smoothed to lessen wrinkles. The following example shows a loft of three curves.

1. Select the curves to loft.
   
2. The figure below shows the resulting lofted surface.
   
3. Viewing the model in Shading mode (top) and Shading + Wireframe mode (bottom) reveals some wrinkles in the surface.
   
   
4. In the Tool Parameters, select the Smooth option. The wrinkles are now much better.
   
   
   
   

Tool Parameters

Ruled

Uses straight lines to join the cross sections of the loft, resulting in sharp angles at each cross section.

When unselected, cross sections are joined by curved lines (when there are three or more cross sections).

Smooth

Smooths the lofted curved NURBS surface, reducing wrinkles.

When unselected, the standard smoothing is used.

Apply

Confirms the loft creation.

Cancel

Cancels creating the loft.

Note Available in Shade3D Professional.