Mastering AutoCAD® for Mac®

Chapter 23

Exploring 3D Mesh and Surface Modeling

AutoCAD has always offered tools that allowed users to construct fairly complex 3D models. With the solid-modeling tools, you can even model some very organic forms. But there are some types of forms that require a type of modeling known as mesh modeling. Mesh modeling enables you to create smooth, curved volumes by manipulating faces that make up an object’s surface.

With mesh modeling, you can quickly create curved shapes that are difficult or even impossible to create by other means. AutoCAD also offers the ability to convert a mesh model into a 3D solid so that you can perform Boolean operations.

AutoCAD for Mac introduces a set of 3D surface modeling tools that extend its ability to produce ...