Construct Surface by Edges

Use it!

(3D only) Used to construct a B-spline surface that has elements (lines, line strings, shapes, arcs, curves, B-spline curves, complex chains, and complex shapes) as edges. Where the number of edges is three to six inclusive, they must meet at their endpoints.

• If there are two edges, a ruled surface, connecting either the closest or the farthest ends, is constructed between the boundaries.

• If there are three edges, the tool settings let you choose between a Coons patch, or an n-sided patch.

• If there are four edges, a bi-cubically blended Coons patch is created.

• If there are five or six edges, then three five or six surfaces, respectively, are joined to form one patch.

Construct Surface by Edges Tool Settings

Tool Setting	Effect
Method For 3 Edges	Lets you choose how the surface is constructed from 3 edges: Degenerate Coons Patch N-sided Patch

To construct a surface by edges

1. Use the Element Selection tool to select the edges.


2. Select the Construct Surface by Edges tool.


3. Accept the surface.

Alternative Method — To construct a surface by edges

1. Select the Construct Surface by Edges tool.


2. Identify the first edge.


3. Identify the other edge(s).


4. Enter a data point to display the surface.


5. Accept the surface.

   Left: Select the edges (1–4). Accept to view the surface (5). Accept again to construct the surface (6). Right: The completed surface.

Key-in: CONSTRUCT SURFACE EDGE

If there are two edges, Resetting during the final step causes an alternative surface to be displayed. This surface then can be accepted or rejected.