CAD tip # 6339:

Question CAD
% platform category

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

* CAD

5.10.2008 35229×

Comments Tell a friend

Prices - CAD eShop:

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 erase duplicate lines in a DWG drawing?

Back All CAD Tips

My KeyboardShortcuts.txt file is in a wrong language. « | » How to draw hatches always to back (below other objects)?

Have we helped you? If you want to support the CAD Forum web service, consider buying one of our CAD applications, or our custom software development offerings, or donating via PayPal (see above). You may also add a link to your web - like this "fan" link:

CAD: OS: Categ:
Text:	FAQ glossary

Featuring:
DwgTextTranslator translates a series of drawings from one language to another using MS Access.
Download a fully functional trial version.

Please use these tips at your own risk.
Arkance Systems is not responsible for possible problems that may occur as a result of using any of these tips.

	CAD Forum - tips, tricks, utilities, help, how-tos and FAQ for AutoCAD, LT, Inventor, Revit, Map, Civil 3D, Fusion 360, Forma, 3ds Max and other Autodesk software (support by Arkance Systems) - see About	Arkance Systems CZ s.r.o. (CAD Studio) - Autodesk Platinum Partner & Training Center & Consulting Services Partner	CONTACT: webmaster.cz@arkance-systems.com tel. +420 910 970 111
	Copyright © 2023 \| Advertise with us \| Online privacy

CZ \| EN \| DE
Login or
registration
	Visitors: 3319