cut Cut

Introduction

The Cut function allows you to cut holes from existing geometry. This function works by superimposing a cylindrical or cube cut onto parametric geometry; within this three-dimensional enclosed volume, all the surfaces are removed. The cut is only applied to the child geometry to which it is attached. A single cut can trim multiple surfaces of the associated child geometry.

The Cut flyout offers two options: Circle Cut or Cube Cut. The Circle Cut is a cylindrical cutting geometry defined by the cut cylinder length and diameter. The Cube Cut is a cuboid cutting geometry defined by the three side lengths. Each option brings up a unique property grid. In both cases, the cutting shape should overlap the portion of the geometry targeted for removal.

The cut can operate in either a Difference or Intersection mode. In Difference mode, the function removes the volume of the cut from the geometry, retaining only the portion of the geometry that does not overlap with the cut. In Intersection mode, the function retains the overlapping region between the cut and the geometry, removing everything else.

Note

The Cut functionality does not work on STL or OBJ geometry file types.

Access

When you select Cut on a moving or static body child geometry context-specific toolbar, a flyout will open and the property grid below will launch.

../../../_images/cut-form.gif

Cut Flyout

Two options are provided:

  • Circle Cut

    Launches Hole Modifier property grid.

  • Cube Cut

    Launches Cuboid Hole Modifier property grid.

Property Grid

Circle Cut (Hole Modifier)

General

Location

m | This parameter defines the position of the cut geometry. For cylinders, this position is the center point of the base. The axis of the cylinder intersects this point.

Bool Operation

This specifies the cut as either a Difference or Intersection operation.

Difference

A Difference operation removes the volume of the cut from the geometry, retaining only the portion of the geometry that does not overlap with the cut.

Intersection

An Intersection operation retains the overlapping region between the cut and the geometry, removing everything else.

Diameter

m | This parameter defines the diameter of the cut cylinder.

Length

m | This parameter defines the length of the cut cylinder.

Cube Cut (Cuboid Hole Modifier)

General

Location

m | This parameter defines the position of the cut geometry.

Bool Operation

This specifies the cut as either a Difference or Intersection operation.

Cut

A Difference operation removes the volume of the cut from the geometry, retaining only the portion of the geometry that does not overlap with the cut.

Intersection

An Intersection operation retains the overlapping region between the cut and the geometry, removing everything else.

Lx

m | This parameter defines the length of the x-plane of the geometry.

Ly

m | This parameter defines the length of the y-plane of the geometry.

Lz

m | This parameter defines the length of the z-plane of the geometry.

Display Attributes

Visible

The ability to show or hide the object.

Shown

The object is shown in the 3D view.

Hidden

The object is hidden in the 3D view.

Mode

This offers two options to view the object.

Wire

The object is shown as a wire frame.

Width

The width of the line used to render the object in the 3D view.

Shaded

The object is shown as a shaded surface.

Material

This allows the user to change the material of the object with the following options:

Aluminum

Steel

Chrome

Plastic

Glass

This selection also offers opacity.

Opacity

This scale allows the user to change the opacity of the object.

Color

This offers to change the color of the object.

Location

The Cut form is found on the following context-specific toolbars (accessed through the Create menu):

wall Static Body/child geometry

moving Moving Body/child geometry