How to Revolve AutoCAD? | TutoCAD

Understanding the Revolve Command in AutoCAD

Revolving in AutoCAD allows users to create three-dimensional objects by rotating a two-dimensional shape around an axis. The workflow is straightforward, yet understanding the tools and commands involved is essential for effective modeling.

Accessing the Revolve Command

1. Command Line Activation: Open AutoCAD and type REV or REvolve into the command line. Press Enter to initiate the command.
2. Understanding Command Modes: To modify the mode of the revolve operation, you may type M or mode and choose the desired option.

Preparing Your Object for Revolution

1. Create or Select a Closed Shape: Ensure that the 2D profile you wish to revolve is a closed object, such as a circle, arc, or polyline. If your shape isn’t closed, convert it using the BPoly command to define a boundary.
2. Verify the Shape: Use the LIST command to check if your shape is closed, crucial for a successful revolution.

Executing the Revolution Process

1. Selecting the Object: Once the revolve command is active, select the closed object you want to revolve in the drawing area.
2. Setting the Axis of Revolution: Specify the axis around which the object will rotate:
   • Click two points in the drawing area to define the axis.
   • Ensure that the axis is straight; otherwise, the revolve command may not function as expected.
3. Defining the Angle of Revolution: By default, the angle of revolution is set to 360 degrees, creating a full 3D object.
   • If you need to adjust this angle, enter your desired value followed by Enter.

Creating 3D Objects with the Revolve Tool

1. Solid Creation Mode: If you prefer to create a solid rather than a surface, ensure you’ve selected the Solid option in the command dashboard.
2. Fine-Tuning Your Design: After the initial revolution, you can use additional tools like THICKEN or FLIP DIRECTION to modify the object’s properties further. Adjust the angle if you want to create non-full revolutions (e.g., 180 degrees).

Working with Different Object Types

Can You Revolve a Spline?

When considering various shapes, note that while you can revolve circles or arcs, splines may pose limitations. If you are using a spline as the path:

• Ensure that the axis around which you revolve is straight.
• If the revolution results in a non-manifold or self-intersecting mesh, reduce the diameter of the profile being revolved.

Understanding the Behavior of the Revolve Tool

The Revolve command in AutoCAD takes the profile of a closed shape and ignores any width, instead revolving around the centerline of the selected path. The right-hand rule dictates the direction of revolution.

FAQ

1. Can I rotate objects other than closed shapes using the revolve command?
No, the revolve command requires a closed shape to proceed. If your shape isn’t closed, make sure to rectify that before using the command.

2. What should I do if my revolve does not function as expected?
Check that the selected axis is a straight line, and confirm the profile you are attempting to revolve is indeed closed. If issues persist, review the command settings to ensure they align with your design goals.

3. Are there alternative methods to create revolved shapes in AutoCAD?
Yes, besides the revolve command, you can also use the Presspull command on enclosed shapes to generate 3D solids based on your 2D profiles.