CAD tip # 6339:

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How to convert a solid body to a surface (3D faces)?

If you need to convert a SOLID to its surface representation consisting of 3DFACEs, you can use the conversion to Mass Element in AEC versions of AutoCAD.

AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD MEP and AutoCAD Civil 3D contain the command MassElementConvert (or its quite different version -MassElementConvert), which converts a solid body to a mass element. This mass element can be then exploded to a block reference then to the individual 3D faces. Smoothness of the resulting surface is controlled by the FACETDEV variable.

So, to convert a 3D solid to 3D faces, us the sequence of commands MassElementConvert, EXPLODE, EXPLODE.

ADTABSCivil2009Civil2008

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5.10.2008 37876×

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applies to: AutoCAD Architecture · AutoCAD/Revit MEP · Civil 3D 2009 · Civil 3D 2008 ·

See also:
Tip 13472:	How to convert the structure of a volumetric lattice to a real mesh body?
Tip 13013:	Converting a 3D mesh to a 3D solid in Fusion 360.
Tip 13006:	Calculated property descriptions (tobogan slide from floor to floor)
Tip 12749:	Generate parametric mathematical 3D surfaces (meshes) in Fusion 360.
Tip 12464:	How much water is boiling in the Utah teapot?

Selected tip: How to subtract two 3D solids.

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