Element

Extrusion Element

Transform 2D profiles into 3D objects

Overview

The extrusion feature allows you to create 3D objects by extruding 2D shapes along a specified direction. This is a powerful way to create complex 3D geometries from simple 2D profiles.

Key Features

Define custom 2D shapes using point coordinates
Extrude along any direction vector
Support for sheared extrusions
Create complex cross-section profiles

Parameters

Configure your extrusion with these parameters.

baseplane 2D shape points in XY plane (0,0);(100,0);(200,100);(0,100)

extrusionvector Direction and length of extrusion (0,0,300)

material Material/color of the extruded shape #445566

x, y, z Position of the extrusion base 0, 0, 0

rx, ry, rz Rotation angles in degrees 0, 0, 0

Baseplane Format

Points are defined using the format (x,y);(x,y);... where each point represents a vertex of the 2D profile:

(0,0);(100,0);(100,100);(0,100)  - Square profile
(0,0);(100,0);(50,100)           - Triangle profile
(0,0);(100,0);(150,50);(100,100);(0,100);(-50,50)  - Hexagon profile

Extrusion Vector Format

The extrusion vector defines direction and length: (x,y,z)

(0,0,300)    - Extrude 300 units along Z-axis
(0,0,-200)   - Extrude 200 units in negative Z
(50,50,300)  - Sheared extrusion with X and Y offset

Usage Examples

Learn how to create extrusions with these examples.

Basic Extrusion

A simple 4-sided shape extruded along Z:

extrusion (0,0);(100,0);(200,100);(0,100) (0,0,300) #445566

This creates a 3D object by drawing a polygon with four points in the XY plane and extruding it 300 units in the Z direction.

L-Shaped Profile

An L-shaped cross-section:

extrusion (0,0);(100,0);(100,20);(20,20);(20,100);(0,100) (0,0,500) #445566

This creates an L-shaped beam 500 units long.

Advanced Features

Advanced extrusion techniques.

Sheared Extrusions

You can create sheared extrusions by specifying X and Y components in the extrusion vector:

extrusion (0,0);(100,0);(100,100);(0,100) (50,50,300) #445566

This creates an extrusion that's sheared in both X and Y directions while extending in Z.

Negative Extrusions

You can extrude in the negative Z direction by using a negative Z value:

Extrusion Vector: (0,0,-200)

This extrudes 200 units in the negative Z direction.

Best Practices

Tips for working with extrusions effectively.

Recommendations

Always define baseplane points in clockwise or counter-clockwise order for proper face orientation
The Z component of the extrusion vector must be non-zero
Keep the shape simple and well-defined to avoid geometry issues
Use appropriate units for your project (typically millimeters)

Technical Details

The extrusion process involves:

Creating a 2D shape from the provided points
Extruding the shape along the specified vector
Applying any shear transformations if the vector has X or Y components
Handling negative Z directions by flipping the geometry
Applying material properties and enabling shadows

Common Applications

Creating custom beam profiles
Building architectural elements
Designing machine parts with specific cross-sections
Creating structural components

Common Issues and Solutions

Solutions to frequently encountered problems.

Incorrect Face Orientation

Ensure points are defined in the correct order (clockwise or counter-clockwise). If faces appear inside-out, reverse the order of your points.

Zero Height Extrusion

Make sure the Z component of the extrusion vector is non-zero. An extrusion with (0,0,0) will not produce visible geometry.

Self-Intersecting Shapes

Ensure the base shape doesn't intersect itself. Lines between consecutive points should not cross each other.

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