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.