Build from Plan

Constructs an object from a set of plans or elevations.

As an example, build a telephone handset from the set of plans in the Plan1.MFX file.

Execute the command File->Open and choose the file Plan1.MFX. Note that the model consists of three outlines of a telephone handset. The only difference between this and a regular set of plans is that each drawing is positioned in three dimensional space.

In order to build a model from a set of plans, the following conditions must be met:

The Plan outline should also be a closed curve without an overhang. In this case that means that a line going from left to right should intersect the outline twice. The model that we loaded satisfies the overhang tests. It only remains to deselect the vertices of the Side elevation.

Deselect the vertices of the Side elevation, and execute the Build > Build from Plan menu item. If all the criteria have been met, the Unplan Ready dialog is presented. If the dialog does not appear, the contents of the Working-Volume are not suitable for the command. Make sure the above conditions are met.

Click the Yes button to construct the object from the plans. Upon completion, the three plan outlines will be retained and all vertices will be deselected.

The resulting model should look like this.

If the Shift, Ctrl or Alt keys are held down as Yes is clicked the level of detail in the model will be greater. Alt gives the greatest level of detail. Essentially, a vertical section is created at every point in the Top and Side outlines unless two sections will be very close together. Holding the Alt key creates sections at every point unless a point is at exactly the same coordinate as another point. The default state (no modifier keys in use) combines sections if there will be no visible separation in the current size of the Working-Volume.